Transylvania County Commissioner

As Commissioner, David, has a proven record of getting things done. Through his leadership and work with fellow commissioners the following accomplishments have occurred during his seven years on the board:

2006 Transylvania Board of Commissioners when David was Chairman

Economic Development

• Created the Economic Development Advisory Board which consists of business and community leaders
• Developed and implemented a long range, comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan
• Developed a Business Incentive Plan
• Developed an award winning innovative Senior Resource Network
• Attracted thousands of dollars of grant money received to assist Transylvania County
• Revitalized Transylvania County's economic development efforts
• Created the Community Appearance Initiative
• 450 million dollars in new construction investment in the last five years
• Worked with City of Rosman to help secure grant funding for repair and expansion of water treatment facilities
• Facilitated Natural Gas pipeline extension to Rosman

Education

• Supported improvements to the Brevard campus of Blue Ridge Community College
• Increased funding to School System to raise Teacher Supplements
• Increased local funding to School System to offset funding lost from state Budget cuts
• Funded School Resource Officer Positions when grant funding ended
• Funded construction of new Field House at Rosman High School

Taxes

• Transylvania County's current tax rate is $0.54
• Transylvania County is ranked as having the 29th lowest effective tax rate in the state of North Carolina

Capital Improvements

• New Library
• New Public Safety Facility
• Gas Line to Rosman Community
• Renovation of County Buildings
• Courthouse security issues have been addressed
• Health Department expansion 3rd floor DSS Building
• Renovation of Silvermont for a senior center
• Small Business Incubator at BRCC Brevard Campus
• New animal shelter

Employee Benefits

• Implemented Retiree Health Insurance
• Classification and Compensation study completed and funded
• Funded cost of living increases/pay for performance pay and longevity pay for the last seven fiscal years

Studies Completed During Tenure

• Adopted award winning Comprehensive Plan in 2005
• Facilities Space Needs Assessment in May 2005
• Classification and compensation study in 2007-2008
• Comprehensive recreation study in 2007-2008

Efficiencies in County Government

• Public-private partnership between County, Library Foundation and Friends of the Library to fund construction of new library requiring only 45% of funding from County revenue 55% was raised from private donations and grant sources
• Consolidation of all public safety offices at one location
• Consolidation of Tax Collector and Tax Assessor into Tax Administrator to reduce overall costs by $250,000 resulting in improved services
• Reduced county spending by $2,000,000 in response to closing of Agfa and Ecusta

Law Enforcement

• A New Public Safety Facility is currently under construction. This facility will house the Sheriffs Department Staff, County Communication, Emergency Management, Magistrate’s Office and a jail facility with an initial capacity of 114 inmates with a build-out capacity of 300 inmates. The facility is approximately 60,000 sq. ft. and is located on 24 acres on Morris Road in Pisgah Forest. The total cost of the project is $21,000,000. This facility is scheduled to be completed in July 2009. The new jail facility will require additional detention staff.
• Increased funding at Sheriffs Department for more Patrol Officers
• Provided funding for School Resource Officers when grant funding ended
• Provided funding for additional staff to enhance security at the Transylvania County Courthouse

Paid for by W.David Guice for NC House, Robert M. McKown, Treasurer