Draft

June 11, 2002

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 11, 2002 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Chairman Watts announced that the Peoples’ Agenda would not be held since there were several public hearings scheduled to be held during the meeting.

Chairman Watts called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Lenny Rogers, Cooperative Extension Director, gave the invocation and Ben Hines, Register of Deeds, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Lenny Rogers, Cooperative Extension Director, presented a framed certificate to the Board from the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources - Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance for a 2001 Solid Waste Reduction Assistance Grant in the amount of $4,500. Mr. Rogers stated that the grant was awarded for the establishment of a program to reduce the amount of waste disposed in North Carolina landfills. Mr. Rogers discussed the implementation of the composting bin program as an alternative to disposal of kitchen and yard waste.

David Icenhour, Human Resources/Public Information Director, presented community grant checks to the Bethlehem Ruritan Club, Rocky Springs Community Projects Inc., and the Gwaltney Ruritans Club. Commissioners Watts and Robertson joined in the presentation due to serving as the grant committee members.

Chairman Watts stated that Item #3, Public Hearing of Rezoning Case 02-5, needed to be tabled because the Planning & Zoning Commission needed more information before a recommendation could be made to the Board of Commissioners. Chairman Watts also requested discussion of a request from the local Board of Education for release of the Public School Building Fund during Other Business. Chairman Watts explained that the Board needed to approve utilization of these funds before the State took them.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to adopt the agenda as amended. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Chairman Watts explained that the purpose of this public hearing was to receive the public’s input on the 2002-2003 budget. Chairman Watts explained the State budget problems and noted that since the State couldn’t balance their budget, they were taking funding from counties and municipalities. Alexander County’s share of the reimbursements withheld for 2001-2002 total $350,000. The State currently plans to withhold at least $850,000 during the 2002-2003 budget for a total loss of $1.2 million. Chairman Watts also noted that Medicaid costs were increasing which would raise the county’s share by $250,000. North Carolina is one of the few states that require its counties to pay a portion of the Medicaid funding.

Chairman Watts stated that the Board would make a final decision on the budget at the Special Called Meeting to be held on June 27, 2002.

Rick French, County Manager, explained that this was the second straight year that Governor Easley has held reimbursements to balance the State budget. He is withholding $334 million from counties and municipalities across the state. Mr. French stated that the State deficit was currently $1.2 billion and was projected at $2 billion by July 1, 2002. Mr. French also noted that the Governor had proposed in his budget to eliminate the Day Reporting Programs with the expectation that counties would take over funding of the program. Mr. French stated that this was not possible because it would cost approximately $60,000 to take over funding of the program. The Governor has also proposed an 11% cut in library funding suggesting again that the counties take over the State’s share for these services.

Mr. French stated that the Governor might take funding from other areas such as grants and E911 funds. Mr. French explained that Alexander County’s 911 surcharge monies were, fortunately, already obligated to capital projects. Mr. French also explained the possibility of counties enacting a half-cent sales tax if approved by the State.

2002-2002 Budget Factors

Mr. French stated that the proposed budget for 2002-2003 included the following:

• Total proposed budget for General Fund and all county departments totals $26,719,259 which is 4% less than the 2001-2002 budget.

• The General Fund totals $21,823,000.
• Capital Improvements for schools totals $1.6 million.
• The Solid Waste budget totals $1.2 million.
• Mr. French explained that the water districts, including Highway 16 South, Sugar Loaf, and the Interconnect, would be combined into one district for a total budget of $494,000.
• The Bethlehem water and sewer district budget totals $709,000.
• Fire departments will get a 10% increase for a total budget of $695,197.
• The 911 Communications budget totals $181,000.
• Budget increases include 5.97% for DSS due to increases in Medicaid funding, 3.3% increase for the Board of Education, and less than 0.85% increase for Health Department.
• The tax rate is proposed at 46.5 cents.
• Reimbursements are budgeted as normal.
• There are 15 less employees than the prior year.

Mr. French stated that Solid Waste fees would be increased as well as a 2.5 cent residential fee on water bills. Mr. French explained that he had worked on 4 different budget plans, all with different tax rates, due to the uncertainty of the actions being taken by the State. Plans were developed with 45 cents and 49 cents as tax rates.

Mr. French also noted that with this proposed budget a Plan B would be needed in case the Governor did not release the reimbursements and/or the General Assembly did not approve the additional non-restricted half-cent sales tax for counties and municipalities.

Mr. French stated that there was no new debt budgeted for 2002-2003. Old debt includes $687,000 from restricted half-cent sales tax monies for school construction and $285,000 for county debt for a total of $972,000. Mr. French stated that the schools would have an additional $4.8 million in new school construction during the 2002-2003 budget year but noted that all construction costs would be covered by the current restricted half-cent sales tax monies and emphasized that no property taxes would be involved.

                Public Comment

Chairman Watts asked each speaker to limit his or her comments to 3 minutes. Chairman Watts also noted that all comments would be taken into consideration.

Phyllis Douglas spoke on behalf of the Alexander County Senior Center and stated that 30% of the adult population were senior citizens. Ms. Douglas explained that many senior citizens visited the Senior Center frequently for small trips, activities, and fellowship and also noted that the Senior Center’s attendance averaged 8,689 per year with an attendance of 2,300 from January to March 2002 (546 unduplicated visitors). Ms. Douglas also asked the Board to reconsider the proposed 48% budget decrease and stated that she felt it would be difficult for one person to operate the Senior Center.

Ashley Starnes spoke on behalf of Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Starnes stated that without volunteers, there would be no one to answer emergency calls or provide fire protection. Mr. Starnes stated that volunteer fire departments needed updated equipment to serve the public to the best of their ability. Mr. Starnes also noted that the Bethlehem Fire Department needed increased funding in order to build their new station to better serve the public.

Phyllis Little spoke on behalf of the Alexander County Library. Ms. Little stated that the State had already cut the library funding by 11% and noted that the county had proposed a 20% cut in the 2002-2003 budget which included decreased hours of operation and funding for salaries, book purchases, and audio visual repair. Ms. Little stated that this decrease would be devastating to the library and urged the Board to help them keep their State aid.

Craig Gwaltney spoke on behalf of Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Gwaltney volunteer fire departments saved the county money because they were "volunteers" and were not paid a salary. Mr. Gwaltney also noted that volunteer fire departments saved property owners on insurance premiums and explained the in 1999, the Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department went from a Class 9 to a Class 7, saving property owners approximately $50 on fire insurance premiums. Mr. Gwaltney stated that equipment costs were increasing but noted that fire departments needed this equipment to continue operation.

Danny Little spoke on behalf of the Senior Center and discussed the proposed 48% budget decrease for 2002-2003. Mr. Little stated that he had contacted the NC Department of Health and Human Services who informed him that approximately $8.9 billion had been spent on aging services in 2000-2001. Mr. Little explained that the Alexander County Senior Center received less than 1% of this funding which equaled the cost of care of only 2 nursing home residents. Mr. Little stated that the Board of Commissioners was their last bastion of hope and noted that 30% of the population was depending on them.

Board Comment

Commissioner Hammer thanked everyone for attending the meeting and/or speaking and briefly discussed the budget cuts and lay-offs. Commissioner Hammer conveyed his disappointed in the leadership in Raleigh. Commissioner Hammer noted that he would like to see the budget cuts spread more evenly throughout departments and stated that the Board would do all it could to keep low taxes.

Commissioner Odom explained that the Federal and State governments could operate with a deficit but counties and municipalities were not allowed to do so and had to have a balanced budget. Commissioner Odom stated that the Board was faced with a dilemma and had to decide how to best serve the citizens of the county. Commissioner Odom mentioned that he had many times heard "we want lower taxes and more services" but explained that it was impossible to have more services without raising taxes. Commissioner Odom also discussed some of the budget increases and stated that the Board could not justify cutting funding for schools when children were our future. Commissioner Odom also noted that the fire departments would be getting a 10% increase which he felt was much needed because the volunteers saved lives and money. Commissioner Odom quoted a line from a book entitled Stories for a Man’s Heart which discussed making the best out of a bad situation.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that this was the first time in Alexander County’s history that 3 factors had come into play directly impacting the budget, including:

1. State mandated revaluation.
2. A national and local recession.
3. The State taking funds earmarked for counties and municipalities to balance the State budget, such as reimbursements.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that this was the toughest budget year ever and that 2002-2003 would be the first time that the Alexander County budget would decrease from the prior year. Commissioner Harbinson noted that the Board was doing the best it could to balance services and taxes and "deal with the hand that had been dealt." Commissioner Harbinson discussed actions taken by other counties including Caldwell County who’s budget is 4% less than 2001-2002 and has increased the tax rate by 2.5 cents. Caldwell County has also eliminated 17 positions and will have no salary increases or funding for outside agencies for 2002-2003. Catawba County’s budget was proposed at 3.7% less and will have to eliminate 50 more positions if reimbursements are not received from the State. Commissioner Harbinson noted that all counties were doing similar things in regard to the budget. Commissioner Harbinson mentioned that if the 46.5 cent tax rate was approved for 2002-2003, Alexander County would currently be the 98^th in the State, out of 100 counties. Commissioner Harbinson stated that he appreciated the volunteers and felt that they deserved respect and support. Commissioner Harbinson thanked Rick French, Jennifer Herman, John Watts, and Darrell Robertson for their work on the budget and urged the citizens of the county to keep an open mind and to be more understanding during this difficult budget year.

Commissioner Robertson stated that he appreciated those who spoke and also appreciated the services provided by the fire departments, Library, and the Senior Center. Commissioner Robertson commented that the Board had no control over what was happening with the State budget and noted that the State was holding the counties’ monies and making the counties place the State’s deficit on the backs of local property owners. Commissioner Robertson explained that the current as well as previous boards had asked the State for an additional sales tax to take the burden off the property owners but had never received it. Commissioner Robertson stated that it was never intended to replace funds taken away by the State. Commissioner Robertson also discussed cuts to Mental Health and urged the public to contact the Governor’s office and legislators in regard to these budget cuts.

Chairman Watts discussed the increases to the fire departments, schools, and other departments and stated that the Board knew that they would not make everyone happy. Chairman Watts also urged citizens to contact the Governor and State Legislators and noted that all comments heard during the public hearing would be taken into consideration at the next budget work session scheduled for June 18, 2002.

There being no further public comment, Commissioner Odom made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, presented Rezoning Case 02-5 submitted by Doris Martin. Ms. Martin requested rezoning of property located on the corner of Smith Farm Road and US Highway 64 from L-I (Light Industrial) to RA-20 (Residential-Agricultural). The size of the property is 89 acres and the current land use is agricultural. Ms. Turnmire stated that zoning within 100 feet of the property was RA-20 (Residential-Agricultural) to the north, south, east, and west. There is a manufactured home to the north and single-family site-built homes to the west. There is also agriculture and single-family site-built homes to the south and west of the property.

Ms. Turnmire stated that the property was initially zoned L-I (Light-Industrial) in September 1997 when the US Highway 64/90 Corridor was adopted. The owners requested that the property be rezoned to RA-20 (Residential-Agricultural) because the property is currently used as agricultural land and will continue to be used as such.

Ms. Turnmire informed the Board that the Planning & Zoning Commission met on June 6, 2002 to review this request and unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning request. Ms. Turnmire noted that staff had received 3 calls in regard to the rezoning case. All calls were information requests only with no oppositions.

Chairman Watts asked for any public comment. There being no public comment, Commissioner Robertson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve Rezoning Case 02-5. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

The Board agreed to table this item during the Adoption of Agenda.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, presented Rezoning Case 02-7 submitted by Phillip Lackey. Mr. Lackey requested rezoning of property located off NC Highway 16 South between Isenhour Park Drive and Jay Stafford Lane from R-20 (Residential) to RA-20 (Residential-Agricultural). The size of the property is 10.47 acres and the current land use is manufactured housing and vacant property. Ms. Turnmire noted that zoning within 100 feet of the property was R-20 (Residential) to the north and west and RA-20 (Residential-Agricultural) to the south and east. There are single-family site-built homes to the north, single-family site-built homes and a non-conforming manufactured home park to the south, agricultural as well as single-family site-built homes and a manufactured home to the east, and single-family site-built homes and vacant property to the west.

Ms. Turnmire stated that Mr. Lackey had requested rezoning of the property in order to place manufactured homes on the property. The first 2 manufactured homes were placed on the property prior to adoption of countywide zoning. Ms. Turnmire stated that if approved, the owner would submit subdivision plans for a total of approximately 5 lots.

Ms. Turnmire informed the Board that the Planning & Zoning Commission met on June 6, 2002 to review the request and unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning request. Ms. Turnmire also noted that staff received 2 calls in regard to the rezoning case. All calls were information requests only with no oppositions.

Chairman Watts asked for any public comment. There being no public comment, Commissioner Hammer made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve Rezoning Case 02-7. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Ben Hines, Register of Deeds, notified the Board that Seth Chapman, Clerk of Court, would be unable to attend the meeting.

Mr. Hines presented plans for the 4^th of July Celebration to be held on July 4, 2002 at Salem Lutheran Church Recreation Park. The agenda was presented as follows:

Mr. Hines stated that the cost for the 4^th of July Celebration totaled $1,405 which included $325 for insurance, $30 for the permit, $50 for labor costs, $500 for supplies, and $500 for the Brass Company of Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Hines noted that staff and the Alexander County Chamber of Commerce were working to collect donations locally so that no county funds would be involved due to the budget situation.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that he appreciated the job that Mr. Hines and Mr. Chapman had done and felt that this would be a great celebration. Commissioner Harbinson also noted that the new county seal would be unveiled during the celebration as well.

Commissioner Odom also asked if the flag holder monuments for the veterans could be presented during the celebration. Mr. Hines stated that he would add the monument presentation to the agenda.

Ben Hines, Register of Deeds, discussed the Veteran’s Memorial Bell Tower. Mr. Hines asked the Board if they would have a problem with staff raising funds for the tower so that there would be no county funds involved. Mr. Hines stated that a plaque could be placed on the tower listing the names of those who gave donations.

Mr. Hines stated that he would like to have the tower completed this year because this year was the 100^th anniversary of the courthouse. Mr. Hines stated that the tower would cost approximately $16,000.

There was a unanimous consensus among the Board to allow Mr. Hines to proceed with collecting private donations for the Veteran’s Memorial Bell Tower.

Catherine Burgess, Chair for the Alexander County Council on Aging, explained that the Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) was granted to the county for the provision of services to persons over the age of 60 and noted that the Board had earlier appointed the Council on Aging as the planning committee and the WPCOG as lead agency for planning to bring recommendations to the Board concerning the use of the funds.

Ms. Burgess stated that although they had not received written directives, verbal instructions were to prepare the 2002-2003 funding plan based on the recent reduction in the current year’s budget which means that the county annual block grant allocation is now set at $218,129. Ms. Burgess also noted that no Senior Center Outreach funds were to be included in the 2003 budget and that they had been advised that Legal Services allocations were to be based upon the current year’s budget.

The NC Division of Aging has indicated that all allocations are subject to the availability of funds. The Alexander County HCCBG and related funding are:

Ms. Burgess stated that the Council on Aging had recommended the following services and provider designations for 2003:

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the Home and Community Care Block Grant services and provider designations for 2003. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sheila Weeks, Area Agency on Aging Director, explained that NC Division of Aging had instructed Area Agencies to work with local HCCBG Planning Committees to reduce HCCBG allocations for SFY 2001-2002 to accommodate the shortfall in NC State Government through June 30, 2002. Alexander County’s reduction amounts to $4,542. With the reduction, the allocation for the county is $218,129 as discussed earlier.

The Alexander Council on Aging which serves as the HCCBG Advisory Committee met on April 12, 2002 to plan for the reduction. Since the Adult Day Care Service funds were identified as projecting under expenditures for the year, council members voted to recommend that the 2.04% reduction of $4,542 be taken from this service.

Ms. Weeks stated that the DSS had completed a budget revision reflecting this reduction and submitted it to the Area Agency on Aging. Ms Weeks also noted that the Council on Aging had met on April 22, 2002 to plan for the HCCBG services for SFY 2002-2003. They were instructed to plan for services using the current allocation of $218,129 which was based upon the reduction.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the allocation of $218,129 for 2002-2003. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Rick French, County Manager, informed the Board that staff had been notified that they would receive a $50,000 grant from the NC Parks & Recreation Trust Fund for Dusty Ridge Park. Mr. French stated that Jesse Riddle, Parks & Recreation Director, was interested in moving ahead with the project as soon as possible. Mr. French stated that the agreement also outlined the county’s match required for the grant.

Commissioner Robertson asked if Mr. French had any information regarding which areas of the state received these grants since most of them usually were awarded to the western part of the state. Mr. French stated that he did not have that information available.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to proceed with the agreement for a $50,000 grant for the NC Parks & Recreation Trust Fund for Dusty Ridge Park. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Rick French, County Manager, informed the Board that on June 4, 2002, 4 companies bid for a 2003 Front Loader Refuse Collection Truck. Mr. French stated that Carolina Environmental Systems, Inc. had the lowest bid.

The primary bid was for a Heil Half Pack Classic 40 cubic yard front end loading refuse body mounted on a 2003 Volvo model WX64 cab/chassis at a price of $149,589. The alternate bid was for the same body mounted on a 2002 Mack 690S at a price of $151,981.

Mr. French stated that the bids were very competitive and that they were for a 3-year lease purchase. Mr. French also noted Jennifer Herman, Budget Officer, had contacted several banks in regard to interest rates. BB&T was the lowest with an interest rate of 3.87%.

Mr. French explained that there were numerous mechanical problems with the current garbage trucks which resulted in very high repair bills. Mr. French stated that this lease-purchase would actually save the county money by eliminating the high repair bills. Mr. French stated that he would also like to that the City of Lenoir for letting the county’s staff use one of their trucks for $100 per week.

Commissioner Hammer asked what the plans were for the 2 old trucks. Mr. French replied that one truck would be kept as a back up and the other would be labeled as surplus.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to authorize Mr. French to proceed with the bid of the 2003 Front Loader Refuse Collection Truck and finance terms. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Chairman Watts presented the following board appointments and reappointments:

1. SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD

Appoint Gladys Hill 3 years

2. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WPCOG)

Appoint Dane Whitworth 2 years

Reappoint Nan Campbell 2 years

Reappoint Tom Jones 2 years

3. REGION E EMS (WPCOG)

Reappoint Nolan Jarvis 2 years

Reappoint Matt Jordan 1 year

4. HUMAN RELATIONS COUNCIL

Appoint Mai Yang 2 years

Appoint Vicki Vinson 2 years

Appoint Fresia Risso 2 years

Reappoint Laura de la Riva 2 years

Commissioner Odom made a motion to approve the appointments and reappointments as presented. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

The following items were discussed during Other Business:

1. Chairman Watts discussed the Public School Building Fund monies which totaled $195,463. Chairman Watts asked Board to approve the request by the Board of Education for release and utilization of these funds before the State took them. These monies will be used for additional classrooms in the following schools:

            West Alexander Middle School - $66,610

             East Alexander Middle School - $66,610

             Stony Point Elementary School - $29,388

             Sugar Loaf Elementary School - $33,305

Commissioner Odom made a motion to release the Public School Building Fund monies as outlined. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

1. Rick French, County Manager, stated that the Water Committee would be meeting on June 17, 2002 at 6:00 PM in the DSS Conference Room. Mr. French also noted that a budget work session would be held on June 18, 2002 at 6:15 PM in the Agriculture Extension Learning Center and a Special Called Meeting would be held on June 27, 2002 in the Commissioners’ Room.
2. Mr. French informed the Board that the animal shelter was almost complete. Mr. French also noted that the Recreation Department had moved to the Old Wittenburg School. The Information Technology Department moved into the old Recreation Department office space. Greg Cronk’s old office will be converted into an office for the commissioners and will include a desk, chairs, phone, and mailboxes for the Board.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Tax Refund Requests for May $379.30 and Tax Release Requests for May $2,053.78.
2. Minutes from May 7, 2002 Regular Meeting.
3. Budget Amendments #33 - #47.
4. Alexander County Prison Pump Station and Force Main Bid.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CLOSED SESSION – N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5 & 6) CONTRACTUAL / PERSONNEL

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 8:47 PM to discuss contractual matters and personnel issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5 & 6). Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

There being no further business, Commissioner Robertson made a motion to adjourn at 9:50 PM. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

  John F. Watts, Chairman           Jamie C. Millsaps, Clerk to the Board