Updated Wed., May 23, 2012, 7:24 a.m.
Davidson commissioners voted 4-0 Tuesday to revise an agreement with the Town of Mooresville governing ownership of the MI-Connection Communications System. The deal will save Davidson about $1 million this year, and help ease the financial burden the town has felt as it helped cover losses at the jointly-owned high-speed communications network. Read the full story

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

The town boards of Mooresville and Davidson this week will take up critical revisions to the agreement that governs their jointly owned communications network, MI-Connection. Mooresville’s board on Monday and Davidson’s board on Tuesday will vote on changes that would adjust the towns’ ownership shares and limit Davidson’s financial pain while the system keeps losing money. The new agreement also would limit Davidson’s gains later, if the system turns profitable, and give Mooresville a chance at bigger payoffs. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson’s Town Board voted 4-1 Tuesday night to revise the town’s development approval process in a move some town officials said would make it “more predictable” for developers. The vote came after a lengthy debate and discussion with citizens, some concerned that it would reduce public involvement in planning decisions.

The 4 hour and 47 minute meeting included a presentation and public hearing about the $9.3 million town budget for 2012-13 and a presentation by Carolinas HealthCare System officials about a planned mental health hospital off N.C. 73. The board also adopted a new ordinance limiting and regulating the use of golf carts and utility vehicles in town. 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

Town officials on Friday confirmed rumors that the town’s public information officer is gone from her Town Hall job. Megan Pillow Davis, who had held the job since August 2010, was at work Friday morning but gone by the end of the day. No further information was immediately available. Read the full story

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