To the Editor,

In January of this year the Robeson County Board of Commissioners held a retreat at the Emergency Operations Center in Lumberton. With all present, including the press, the county attorney, the interim county manager, and clerk to the board, the group discussed many things and heard from many departments and groups that are funded by the county.

As a citizen of Robeson County and North Carolina, I was hoping to made more aware of what our commissioners are doing with our taxpayers’ money, but apparently, there was some business on employee benefits not made known to the public.

Upon seeing the minutes of this retreat, two items had me asking myself questions.

Item No. 35 found in the minutes that were made public concerned the methane gas sales/deferred compensation plan that was approved. It was made into motion by Commissioner Raymond Cummings and seconded by Commissioner Roger Oxendine.

According to the minutes, the profits of the first three months of the methane gas sales goes to the deferred compensation plan and to extend the plan from 12 years to 14 years. Six commissioners voted to approve the plan while two voted against the plan. What does this mean?

These two items were found in the employee benefits package. This stated that after four years of continuous service for the commissioners, the taxpaying citizens of Robeson County are paying 50 percent and after eight years of service, the county is paying 100 percent of their health insurance? This plan was apparently adopted in 2000.

How can I find a job that pays 50 percent of retirement after four years of service after leaving the board? I’m sure the commissioners can answer this question.

How can I find a job where I can get 50 percent of my salary paid and then after 12 years or more, be paid 80 percent? The commissioners apparently can. No one can get these benefits, but your county commissioners can.

Isn’t it time for a change Robeson County citizens?

Connie Branch

Red Springs

The Robesonian contacted the County Manager’s Office. The commissioners ended up approving just one month of the methane gas sales for the deferred compensation plan — editor.