MOORESVILLE – Mooresville’s Town Board on Monday voted 4-2 in favor of revising the way Mooresville and Davidson share ownership and expenses from MI-Connection Communications System, the local high-speed communications network they jointly own. Davidson’s Town Board is expected to vote on the proposed revisions Tuesday night. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson commissioners are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a proposal to overhaul – and streamline – the town’s development approval process in a move designed to make it easier for developers. The board also will hold public hearings on the proposed 2012-13 budget, ordinance changes governing outdoor wall murals, changes in the conditional planning area approval process, and an ordinance spelling out how golf carts and utility vehicles can operate on local streets.

Also on the agenda is a presentation by Carolinas HealthCare System on its plan to build a $36 million, 66-bed mental health hospital on the former Davidson East site, off N.C. 73. Commissioners also will hear a presentation about results of the town’s recent citizen survey and will hear from Mary Anne Hammond, chair of the Committee on Aging. And they’ll vote on a budget amendment that will help fund a shortfall at the MI-Connection Communications System. Read the full story

Chart compares the past five quarters of financial results for MI-Connection. The third-quarter of fiscal 2012 (right column) showed improvement in all major areas. (SOURCE: MI-Connection quarterly reports, 2011-12)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

The MI-Connection Communications System continued its gradual improvement over the past three months, reporting its highest-ever revenues and lower expenses, leading to a record operating income. Meanwhile, the state’s Local Government Commission remains has sent its annual letter expressing concern about MI-Connection’s long-term financial health, but this year’s was shorter, with fewer specific concerns than past years. Read the full story

Davidson commissioners got their first glimpse at a proposed 2012-13 budget Tuesday night that envisions little or no increase in spending and projects slightly higher revenues from taxes and fees, amid an improving economy. Read the full story

Former mayoral candidate Vince Winegardner recently emailed Town Board members and other town officials to propose a new way of paying for the annual subsidy to MI-Connection Communications System – the local communications network the town owns with Mooresville. There are many questions about how it might work and whether it’s even legal. Here’s his proposal.

To the editor:

MI Connection is no longer a funny joke about questionable decision making by a few. The debt is a serious threat to Davidson’s ability to fund its legitimate needs. In FY 2011 it was a $1.9 million subsidy, in FY 2012 it is a $2.4 million subsidy, and in FY 2013 it is expected to be approximately $2.4 million. These numbers represent about 24% of the budget and overshadow every town decision. The citizens continue to patiently wait for the situation to resolve itself but this non-governmental expense is unlikely to be addressed by the current leadership. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Chief executive David Auger says there’s a paradox in all the numbers coming out this week about the MI-Connection Communications System. The company owned by Davidson and Mooresville is in a growth spurt – adding customers and expanding revenues. But it’s restating this year’s budget and revenues downward and now needs another $1.1 million from the towns by June 30 to meet a shortfall.

“We’re seeing unprecedented growth, more than anything we’ve seen since MI-Connection came about,” Mr. Auger said Thursday. But, with the company now asking for more money, he said, “there’s a paradox.”

He offered several major reasons for the shortfall: Read the full story

Davidson’s Town Board on Tuesday approved a series of planning ordinance changes that include allowing larger accessory structures in rural areas. The board also agreed to designate the former Davidson IB School on South Street as a historic landmark. Read the full story

Chart shows MI-Connection budget trends. The 2012 budget is to be restated lower at Thursday's board meeting, resulting in an increase in the towns' subsidies. Click to download a copy of the proposed 2013 budget. (SOURCE: MI-Connection financial statements, interviews with company officials)

MI-Connection Communications System plans to re-state its budget for the fiscal year ending June 30 to account for lower-than-expected income that company officials are blaming on delays in the takeover of key business functions from an outside operator. The system’s chief executive said Tuesday the shortfall means MI-Connection will have to ask its owners, the towns of Davidson and Mooresville, for an additional $1.1 million to balance its budget this fiscal year. Read the full story