The Board of Elections found out that the signs in favor of the sales tax increase were bought by the Cleveland County Firefighters Association and they would soon be in to file the proper paperwork, which they did. The BOE sent me a copy as I had requested.
The paperwork is shown below. Note that the paperwork shows the Cleveland County Firefighters Association paid $4,667.11 for the signs. Also note that the organization is checked as “Other” on the form and the Association address is 117 S. Depot Street in downtown Cherryville-Gaston County. An address search shows that address is a residential condo.
The person filling out the BOE form is a well known advocate for volunteer fire departments in Cleveland County and the sales tax referendum failed, so my research into this issue stops here. However, I would recommend that anyone coming to the commissioners and taxpayers in the future for funds be prepared to describe in detail what is needed, how much it will cost and have significant justification in hand prior to being embarrassed by a resounding defeat at the polls when such information is not provided.
I have one more suggestion along these lines. When such groups as the LeGrand Center, the Earl Scruggs Center, the Shooting Range, etc. come to the commissioners for funds because they claim to be associated with economic development, the commissioners should take those funds out of the economic development tax revenue we already charge on motel bills. And not out of the general fund.
Thank you Cleveland County for turning out to vote in the 2016 Elections. Remember the filing for the 2017 Elections are right around the corner. If we can turn out to vote in 2017 like we did in 2016, we can elect a new crowd who will begin to Make Cleveland County Great Again!!!
[gview file=”http://citizensforgoodgovernment.org/online/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Fire-Fighter-Association.pdf”]
