County commissioners approved voluntary guidelines that offer advice on how to develop land in a more efficient and environmentally-friendly manner at their monthly meeting March 3.

Kasey Cook, with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, informed commissioners about the Green Growth Toolbox.

"I don't mean to suggest development is bad," she said. "Everyone needs a place to live and work."

She said more efficient development was requisite, as 3 million people— the current population of South Carolina— are expected to move to North Carolina in the next 20 years.

She said land developed in the right manner sells faster and for a higher price. It could also save counties and municipalities money by concentrating public services.

She emphasized the benefits conservation could provide, for example, by improving pollination and timber productivity.

She also said tourism and Internet technology industries were attracted to areas that had an eye toward conservation. The measure passed unanimously.

Other Business

• A flex time program that has been available to some county employees since July was ended. The county manager, Vance Gulledge, recommended the program end March 28. The measure passed unanimously.

• Debra Moore was appointed to the Anson County Planning/Adjustment Board.

• Commissioners approved the hire of a new paramedic.

• After months of discussion, a motion to have two commissioner meetings per month was defeated.

Chairwoman Anna Baucom said she felt the commissioners were good at listening to the public, but felt the latter part of meetings was sometimes rushed.

Commissioner Jim Sims said he was willing to meet as many times as necessary, but did not think there was a need to guarantee two meetings.

"What we should look at is being more efficient," he said.

Commissioner Jarvis Woodburn made the motion and Commissioner Ross Streater seconded it. They, along with Baucom, voted to support the measure.