Reconvening Monday, Duplin County’s commissioners will address a host of topics concerning the health of Duplin.

The meeting, to begin at 9 a.m. in the county office, is anticipated to touch on education, the 2009-10 budget and public safety.

The financial audit of the school system will again be addressed by commissioners. Previously the board was told by the school system that the audit findings were incorrect. Since then commissioners have requested information from the auditing company Evergreen Solutions for clarification. The company’s response will be presented and discussed Monday at 1 p.m.

At the last board meeting, commissioner David Fussell raised concerns over the response from the school board. “Either (the schools) figures are incorrect or Evergreen’s figures are incorrect. There can’t be that much difference; either they are wrong or Evergreen is wrong. I would like to move that our manager send Evergreen their (the schools) rebuttal and ask Evergreen what they think.”

That response from Evergreen is expected to be presented to commissioners for discussion.

With just over a third of the local taxes levied last year going to education, $7.3 million, commissioners made the investment to assist the school system in reviewing their operation. As economic times in Duplin have worsened, commissioners have been looking for ways to get greater returns on the taxpayers’ dollars.

It was hoped that the audit would help make things more efficient in the county schools. According to the Employment Security Commission, Duplin County’s unemployment rate has doubled over the past year, to a now 10.9 percent. With 2,731 Duplin residents out of work, commissioners have been attempting to tighten their budget to little avail.

The county will also address Duplin’s overall financial situation, county manager Mike Aldridge commented. He and his staff will be looking for direction from the board as the 2009-10 budget year approaches. Collection numbers, tax numbers and sales numbers are anticipated to be given to the board with a request for feedback to administration. Capital needs have to be prioritized by commissioners so plans can be made accordingly. The “big picture” needs to be painted, said Aldridge.

Also on the agenda is a request that would bring in at least one additional officer to the Sheriffs Office through a gang officer grant request. An update on jail health will be presented by Dr. Corazon Ngo.

Michael Connolly can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 120 or can be e-mailed at sicity@myclintonnc.com.