)
STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF
STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) DECEMBER 16, 2002
The Board of Commissioners of the County of Stokes, State of
North Carolina, met in regular session in the Council Chambers of the
Administrative Building, located in
Danbury, North Carolina, on Monday, December 16, 2002, at 7:00 pm with
the following
members present:
Chairman
Sandy McHugh
Vice-Chairman
John Turpin
Commissioner
Howard Mabe
Commissioner
Leon Inman
Commissioner
Joe Turpin
Craig
Greer, County Manager
Darlene
Bullins, Clerk to the Board
Chairman McHugh called the meeting to order.
Commissioner Mabe moved to approve the motion to move the
meeting to the
Government Center-Courtroom “A” due to the high attendance
at the meeting.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried (3-2)
with Vice Chairman John Turpin and
Commissioner Joe Turpin voting against the motion.
The Board reconvened in Courtroom “A” – Government Center.
Mr. Ronnie Tilley, Westfield, NC delivered the invocation.
Chairman McHugh opened the meeting by inviting the citizens in
attendance to join the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The following spoke to the Board:
Young Road
Walnut Cove, NC
27052
Ms. Hopkins requested information concerning the number of
immigrants receiving
services from the Department of Social Services. DSS Director Sharon Scott
indicated that there were no reports indicating the exact
numbers, but felt the numbers
were small.
Foster Care – DSS
Madison, NC 27025
Ms. Livesay, Social Worker for DSS, spoke concerning the
impact on County Departments
and services to the clients from the recent cuts. Ms. Livesay concluded concerns over the
recent action taken by the Board concerning the personnel policies.
Foster Parent-DSS
Walnut Cove, NC
27052
Ms. Stewart expressed concerns over the recent cuts to DSS and
the impact the cuts would have on the adults, children, and clients served by
DSS.
Interim Tax Administrator Jake Oakley presented the Tax
Administration Report to the Board.
Mr. Oakley requested the approval to release Motor Vehicle
and Itemized Releases for September, October, and November 2002.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to release Motor
Vehicle and Itemized Releases for September 2002.
Commissioner Inman moved to release Motor Vehicles $2,581.07
and Itemized Releases $3,459.69 for September 2002.
Commissioner Mabe seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Motor Vehicle Releases/Itemized Releases – October 2002
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to release Motor
Vehicle and Itemized Releases for October 2002.
Vice Chairman John Turpin moved to release Motor Vehicles
$2,601.67 and Itemized Releases $4,887.75 for October 2002.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Motor Vehicle Releases/Itemized Releases – November 2002
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to release Motor
Vehicle and Itemized Releases for November 2002.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to release Motor Vehicles $1,175.03
and Itemized Releases $5,089.24 for November 2002.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Oakley requested the approval for the following Refunds:
Rodson and
Carol Tewksbury
$527.68
Kermit and Joan Wall $1,713.36
Delmer
Keaton $29.74
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to refund Rodson and
Carol Tewksbury in the amount of $527.68.
Commissioner Mabe moved to refund Rodson and Carol Tewksbury
in the amount of $527.68.
Vice Chairman John Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to refund Kermit and
Joan Wall in the amount of $1,713.36.
Commissioner Mabe moved to refund Kermit and Joan Wall in
the amount of $1,713.36.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to refund Delmer Keaton in the
amount of $29.74.
Commissioner Inman moved to refund Delmer Keaton in the
amount of $29.74.
Commissioner Mabe seconded and the motion carried
unanimously
Mr. Oakley submitted the information concerning the Request
for Release from Taxation from E. J. Apperson Estate for an exemption for a family
cemetery. This property has been taxed
as taxable property since 1997. The
application for the exemption was filed
December 4, 2002 and approved by the Tax Department on
December 10, 2002. The request for Release for Taxation is $1,123.56.
Mr. Oakley recommended that the Board deny this Release of
Taxation for $1,123.56 due to State laws and regulations of the Machinery Act
that denies the release of taxes,
penalties, and interest because the application was not applied for until
December 4, 2002.
Mr. Oakley recommended this property be exempt from this day
forth for 2003.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to exempt this piece of
property from taxation from today forward and deny the Release for Taxation
request in the amount of $1,123.56.
Vice Chairman John Turpin moved to exempt this piece of
property from taxation from this date forward and deny the Release for Taxation
request in the amount of
$1,123.56.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Oakley requested the approval to deputized the following
tax department employees for the collection of taxes to run through June 30,
2003:
Jackie
Hostetter – Real Property Appraiser Technician
Rhonda
Shelton – Tax Assistant
Joanne
Fallon – Deputy Tax Collector
Cheryl Hill
– Delinquent Tax Collector
Commissioner Inman moved to approve the motion to deputize
Jackie Hostetter, Rhonda Shelton, Joanne Fallon, and Cheryl Hill to run through
June 30, 2003.
Commissioner Mabe seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Oakley requested guidance from the Board concerning the
2005 Revaluation.
Mr. Oakley requested the approval of the 4-year cycle for
Revaluation and in-house Revaluation in
order to get things moving for the 2005 Revaluation.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion for the 2005
Revaluation.
Commissioner Mabe moved to approve the 4-year cycle for
Revaluation and to conduct the in-house Revaluation to save funding.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Mr. Oakley updated the Board concerning the personal listing
forms to be mailed for 2003 and notification of real property value changes due
to new construction.
Mr. Oakley requested the Board’s approval to allow Wren
Carmichael to transfer 60.55 hours of vacation that would be lost due to Mr.
Carmichael being unable to take off due to his involvement with the Tax
Department since December 2, 2002.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to grant or not grant
the request to allow Mr. Carmichael to transfer 60.55 hours of vacation.
Commissioner Mabe moved to grant the request to allow Mr.
Carmichael to transfer 60.55 hours of vacation from being lost.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman McHugh confirmed with Mr. Oakley that an individual
(with knowledgeable computer experience) had offered his expertise (free of
charge) in evaluating the computer software/hardware system in the Tax
Department. There would be no changes,
only inquiring of information, which is public record from
the Information Systems. After an
assessment of the system, a recommendation would be given to the Board.
Chairman McHugh commended Mr. Oakley, Mr. Carmichael, and
the Tax Department Staff for their continued hard work during the recent weeks.
Mr. Oakley informed the Board that the tax bills totaling an
estimate of $148,000 for Business and
Personal Property Audit that was done in 1999 by TMA was recently mailed out
along with other outstanding tax bills.
Mr. Oakley commended Mr. Carmichael and the Tax Department
Staff for their hard work done during the recent weeks.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to approve or amend the
minutesof December 2nd and 3rd.
Commissioner Mabe moved to approve the minutes of the
December 2nd and the December 3rd meetings.
Vice Chairman John Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to appoint Dennie
Charland to serve on the Stokes County Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee whose name was submitted to the Board on November 18, 2002.
Commissioner Mabe moved to appoint Dennie Charland to serve
on the Stokes County Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman McHugh requested volunteers from the Board to serve
on the Board of Health, Northwest Piedmont Council of Government, NWPCOG-Rural
Planning Organization (RPO). These
appointments must be filled by Commissioners from the Board.
Chairman McHugh volunteered to serve on the Board of Health.
Vice Chairman John Turpin volunteered to serve on the
Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments.
Commissioner Joe Turpin volunteered to serve on NWPCOG-Rural
Planning Organization (RPO).
With no further volunteers, the appointments can be
considered at the January 13, 2003 meeting.
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget Amendment
#26, which is necessary to transfer funds from Capital Reserve for budget
shortfall.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to approve Budget
Amendment #26.
Vice-Chairman John Turpin moved to approve Budget Amendment #26.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
|
GENERAL
FUND |
|
ACCOUNT
# |
|
INCREASE |
DECREASE |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer
from Capital Reserve |
|
100.3982.960 |
|
$319,796.00 |
|
|
State Funds-Hold
Harmless |
|
100.3327.100 |
|
|
$(319,796.00) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CAPITAL
RESERVE FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public
Buildings |
|
201.4190.013 |
|
|
$(85,605.00) |
|
Tax Maps |
|
201.4141.015 |
|
|
$(12,996.00) |
|
Emergency
Medical Services |
|
201.4370.010 |
|
|
$(295.00) |
|
Vehicle
Maintenance |
|
201.4250.006 |
|
|
$(30,000.00) |
|
Schools |
|
201.5912.017 |
|
|
$(153,000.00) |
|
Information
Systems |
|
201.4210.009 |
|
|
$(7,900.00) |
|
Animal
Control |
|
201.4380.002 |
|
|
$(13,500.00) |
|
Solid
Waste |
|
201.4720.018 |
|
|
$(6,700.00) |
|
Elections |
|
201.4170.022 |
|
|
$(9,800.00) |
|
Transfer
to General Fund |
|
201.9810.000 |
|
$319,796.00 |
|
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget Amendment
#27, which is necessary to transfer funds for the additional half-cent sales
tax to begin in December.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to approve Budget
Amendment #27.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Amendment
#27.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
|
GENERAL
FUND |
|
ACCOUNT
# |
|
INCREASE |
DECREASE |
|
REVENUES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
½ Cent Sales
Tax (Article 44) |
|
100.3234.000 |
|
$175,000.00 |
|
|
State
Funds-Hold Harmless |
|
100.3327.100 |
|
|
$(175,000.00) |
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget Amendment #28,
which is necessary to for medical examiner cost.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to approve Budget
Amendment #28.
Commissioner Mabe moved to approve Budget Amendment
#28.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
|
GENERAL
FUND |
|
ACCOUNT
# |
|
INCREASE |
DECREASE |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical
Examiner |
|
100.4360.000 |
|
$ 7,000.00 |
|
|
Contingency
|
|
100.9910.000 |
|
|
$ (7,000.00) |
Chairman McHugh requested information concerning the
Governing Body-Miscellaneous Line Item.
County Manager Greer explained employees’ physicals, emergency
items that were not budgeted such as un-repairable fax machines, unemployment
insurance that exceeds budget, and Board’s extra budget sessions/E&R are
funded from this line item.
No action taken at this time on the Governing Body –
Miscellaneous Line Item.
Chairman McHugh
requested information concerning the Governing Body-Travel Line Item.
Finance Director Julia Edwards explained all travel, hotel,
and registration for the Board is taken from this line item.
Chairman McHugh moved to cut the remaining balance of the
Governing Body Travel Line Item and to revert the remaining back into the
General Fund to help balance the budget.
Vice Chairman John Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman McHugh requested information on the increase in
this year’s Solid Waste Collection -Utilities Line Item.
County Manager Greer noted that the increase could be due to
the line item being under budgeted the previous year. Public Buildings Director Jay Kinney commented the possibility of
an increase due to air conditioning/heating of the sites, but was uncertain
without looking at the budget.
Chairman McHugh requested Manager Greer to look into this
line item.
Chairman McHugh informed the Board that in speaking to Mr.
David Sanders-Forsyth County, they
found that even with the program being necessary to have fraud investigation,
there was no mandate to have a special program. Forsyth has the caseworker to initiate the fraud investigation
and turn the findings over to the appropriate authorities. Mr. Sanders concluded that he would get all
the information concerning how Forsyth handles the program and return the
information to the Board.
County Manager Greer informed the Board that he should hear
within the next week concerning the possibility of funding for the remainder of
the budget shortfall. A special session
could be called for the Board’s approval.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to go ahead and eliminate the
Program Integrity (two positions) from the Budget.
Vice Chairman John Turpin seconded the motion.
Commissioner Mabe expressed his opposition to the
elimination of these two positions due to the positions paying for themselves.
DSS Sharon Scott responded to the Board concerning the
number of cases that are presented to the DSS Board each month. Ms. Scott noted that the only cases that go
to the DSS Board are the cases that are recommended for prosecution, which is 1
to 2 a month.
Ms. Sarah Carter, DSS Fraud Investigator, commented that was
the most that could be presented to the DSS Board each month. Ms. Scott noted that she was unaware of this
understanding and would see that this was changed. Ms. Scott noted the collection of $83,368 with the County’s share
being $31,517 last fiscal year, with information obtained from State Reports.
Finance Director Julia Edwards presented fiscal year
2001/2002 year to date figure of $19,964.45 with the current fiscal year to
date figure being $20,308.44 through
November, 2002. Ms. Edward noted
the discrepancy between the fiscal year to date figure
Ms. Scott provided and the Finance Department’s fiscal year
to date. The Finance Department figure
only reveals what is paid directly at DSS and does not include the funds run
through the State.
Ms. Scott noted an example of this could be tax intercept
money from state or federal sources.
Ms. Edwards concluded this additional amount comes through
County Administration, which goes into General Fund.
Chairman McHugh requested Ms. Edwards confirm the fiscal
year final revenue figures and return that information to the
Board.
County Manager Greer said that this amount could be broken
out separately as Fraud revenue to indicate the actual figure recouped during
the fiscal year.
Commissioner Mabe and Inman both reiterated their opposition
concerning the elimination of Program Integrity-(two positions).
The motion to eliminate Program Integrity (two positions)
carried (3-2) with Commissioners Mabe and Inman voting against the motion.
Chairman McHugh moved to make the eliminations-Program
Integrity to be effective December 31, 2002.
Vice Chairman John Turpin seconded and the motion carried (3-2)
with Commissioners Mabe and Inman voting against the motion.
Commissioner Inman requested the amount of budget cuts the
Board had made from County Manager
Greer. Manager Greer estimated in the
range of $350,000 to $400,000.
County Manager Craig Greer presented maps to the Board
pertaining to all property listed in the County’s name.
County Manager Greer informed the Board that the County did
not own the property on Newsome Road or the shell building (McDonald
Building). The Stokes County
Development Corporation, which was set up by the Board several years ago, owns
the Property.
The Development Corporation is able to develop projects
easier than the County.
The County appropriated funds to the Development Corporation
to purchase the property and the Development Corporation actually developed the
property about 4 years ago. The
Development Corporation has its own Board of Directors and is similar to the Stokes
County Water and Sewer Authority.
County Manager Greer said that the $70,000 lease obligation
just started this year.
The County’s lease obligation is over when the building is
leased.
Ron Morgan, Economic Director, has had 4 projects that was
just days away from being signed.
Chairman McHugh requested County Manager Greer to have
Economic Director Ron Morgan bring the details of the Stokes County Development
Corporation/McDonald Building to the Board meeting in January 2003.
County Manager Greer explained the property in King donated
by Bryce Gordon1.5 acres and additional acres to Forsyth Community College was
deeded to the County to be used by EMS/Sheriff’s Department or Satellite
Community College and cannot be sold as
long as the grantor is still alive.
The Rock House is maintained by the Stokes County Historical
Society.
This property is owned by the Stokes County Board of
Education. Mr. Eugene Lyons commented
this property was bought for the North Stokes Carpentry class to build a
project home in the 1980’s. The land
would not perk at that time.
The 9.06 acres recently obtained has been selected by the
Board for the Satellite Community College.
Chairman McHugh requested whether Forsyth Community College
has the right to decline the selection made by the Board.
Commissioner Howard Mabe, Chairman –Stokes County Community
College Task Force, indicated the Board has the right
to choose the location with both Boards working together to
achieve the goal of a Satellite Community College in Stokes County.
Commissioner Inman moved to have the Cherry Park Property
perked prior to selling.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to appoint Jake Oakley
as Interim Tax Collector. Mr. Oakley
was appointed as Interim Tax Administrator December 2, 2002.
Chairman McHugh moved to appoint Jake Oakley as Interim Tax
Collector until the end of the fiscal year.
Vice Chairman John Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins and Staff Attorney John
McGrath reported to the Board that all items were on order at the present
time.
Chairman McHugh requested input from the Board indicating
whether a formal presentation should be done.
There was no action
taken.
Chairman McHugh proposed to the Board that County funding
usually provided for the Christmas dinner be paid by the Board due to the
Budget shortfall.
All members of the Board unanimously agreed.
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins presented the 2003
Commissioners’ meeting schedule, which included meetings in January, March, and
May to be held at locations other than the Administrative Building. (May 12th
meeting requested to be held at King Public Library).
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to accept the 2003
Commissioners’ Schedule as presented with the May 12th meeting being
held at the King Public Library.
Commissioner Inman moved to approve the 2003 Commissioners’
Schedule as presented with the May 12th meeting being held at the
King Public Library.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
County Manager Greer requested the Board to amend action
taken by the Board on December 12th to waive parts of the County’s
Personnel Policy, namely Article 6,
Sections 1-3 and Article 8, Section 3.
Manager Greer explained the importance of
Article 6 in relation to payroll, pay and classification
schedule used by the County, and approval by the Office of State
Personnel.
Manager Greer stressed the importance of Article 8, which
allows for the transfer of sick leave of new employees from other
local and state government employment, which is a major
recruitment incentive.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to waive any or all
Articles identified by the County Manager.
Commissioner Mabe moved to rescind all action to the
Articles identified by the County Manager (Article 6, Sections 1-3 and Article
8, Section 3) that was taken on
December 12th.
Commissioner Inman seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-1) with Vice Chairman
John Turpin voting against the motion.
Chairman McHugh entertained a motion to adjourn.
There being no further business to come before the Board,
Commissioner Inman moved to adjourn meeting.
Vice Chairman John Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
_________________________ _____________________________
Darlene
Bullins Sandy
McHugh
Clerk to
the Board Chairman