STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA     )                OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS

                                        )                STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT

COUNTY OF STOKES               )                DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA

                                        )                DECEMBER 27, 2005

 

 

The Board of Commissioners of the County of Stokes, State of North Carolina, met for regular session in the Commissioners’ Chambers of the Ronald Wilson Reagan Memorial Building (Administrative Building) located in Danbury, North Carolina on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at 7:00 pm with the following members present:

 

                                Chairman Leon Inman

                                      Vice-Chairman Joe Turpin

Commissioner Sandy McHugh

Commissioner John Turpin

                                      Commissioner Jimmy Walker

 

                                      County Personnel in Attendance:

County Manager Richard Morris

                                      Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins

                                      County Attorney Jonathan Jordan

                                      Finance Director Julia Edwards

Tax Administrator Wren Carmichael

Information Systems Director Dianna Fulp

DSS Director Jan Spencer

Health Director Don Moore

Fire Marshal Brad Cheek

GIS/Mapping Administrator Jake Oakley

 

Chairman Leon Inman called the meeting to order.

         

Commissioner Walker delivered the invocation.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT-GOVERNING BODY-PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

Chairman Inman opened the meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance to join the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PLAN (CTP) FISCAL YEAR 2006-07

 

Chairman Inman called the Public Hearing for the Proposed Community Transportation Plan (CTP) Fiscal Year 2006-07 to order. 

 

There were no public comments. 

 

Chairman Inman closed the Public Hearing.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT –GOVERNING BODY-APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve or amend the minutes of the December 6th and December 12th meetings.

 

Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve the minutes of the December 6th and December 12th meetings. 

 

Commissioner John Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

The following spoke during public comments:

 

Sam Hill

1274 Hill Road

King, NC  27021

RE:  Fiscal Year Budget

 

Mr. Hill reminded Board members of the unfinished job to keep taxes lower and to keep a careful eye on spending.  Mr. Hill also expressed concerns regarding the recent revaluation and the upcoming fiscal year budget.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – NCACC SERVICES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

 

Mr. Ed Wooters, NCACC-Director of Member Services, spoke to the Board regarding the assistance that the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners could provide in the search for an interim county manager and a new county manager.

 

Mr. Wooters concluded that the Association would assist the County in anyway possible in recruiting a new manager. 

 

The Board discussed the timeframe of recruiting a new manager, using an interim manager, the upcoming fiscal year budget process, and utilizing services of the Association.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – PROPOSED COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PLAN (CTP) – FISCAL YEAR 2006-07

 

Mr. Charlie Walker, YVEDDI, reported the following regarding the Proposed Fiscal Year 2006-07 Community Transportation Plan:

 

·         Plan calls for $362,410 – Administration Funding

·         Increase in administration funding due to vehicle insurance being allowed this year to be included in the administrative budget

·         Plan calls for $198,930 in Capital Funding

·         Proposed Capital Plan includes the following for Stokes:

o        New computer system

o        New Lift van

o        New Center isle van

o        New Mini van

·         Tentatively matching county funding of $11,000 for fiscal year 06/07

·         Technology funding (NCDOT and federal funding) includes new furniture for proposed garage

·         Operating budget includes funding for a new part time mechanic for Stokes County for the proposed garage

 

Mr. Walker presented Board members with the proposed Fiscal Year 2006 –07 Transportation Memorandum of Understanding that is required by NCDOT for participation in the Fiscal Year 2006-07 Community Transportation Plan (CTP).

 

The Board discussed the proposed Fiscal Year 2006-07 Community Transportation Plan (CTP) and allocation to Stokes County.

 

Chairman Inman entertained a motion to accept the Fiscal Year 2006-07 Community Transportation Plan for application to NCDOT.

 

Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2006-07 Community Transportation Plan to NC DOT, Memorandum of Understanding, and the tentatively matching County administration funding of $11,000 for fiscal year 2006-07.  

Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried (4-1) with Commissioner John

Turpin voting against the motion.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – TAX ADMINISTRATION REPORT

 

Tax Administrator Wren Carmichael presented the 2006 Marshall Swift Mobile Home Pricing Guide for the Board’s approval.  Administrator Carmichael noted that the Tax Administration would be using the “lowest category” regarding the condition of the mobile Home for 2006.

 

The Board discussed any other options available for evaluating mobile homes and the 2006 Marshall Swift Pricing Guide.

 

Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve the 2006 Marshall Swift Pricing Guide using the “lowest category”.

 

Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve the 2006 Marshall Swift Pricing Guide using the “lowest category”. 

 

Commissioner John Turpin seconded the motion.

 

The Board discussed whether using the “lowest category”, it  would be consistent for all citizens of

Stokes County. 

 

The motion carried (4-1) with Commissioner Walker voting against the motion.

 

Tax Administrator Wren Carmichael presented the following Real and Personal Property Tax Release in the amount of $3,900.79:

 

·         Richard E. Newsome

         

Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve or deny the Real and Personal Property Tax Release Request in the amount of $3,900.79 for Richard E. Newsome.

 

Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve the Real and Personal Property Tax Release Request in the amount of $3,900.79 for Richard E. Newsome. 

 

Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

 

Tax Administrator Carmichael briefed the Board regarding recent bankruptcy filed by Novalis, the current tax software vendor used by Stokes County Tax Administration. 

 

Administrator Carmichael noted that the County had not paid Novalis for the upcoming fiscal year 06-07 maintenance contract due to the County has been reviewing other software companies.  The current server had to be replaced during the upcoming fiscal year 06-07; therefore, $150,000 has already been budgeted for software and hardware replacement.

 

Information Systems Director Dianna Fulp noted that the hardware is estimated at $110,000 and the software is estimated at $165,000. 

 

A new software vendor must be in place by July 2006 due the bankruptcy situation and the preparation for the next revaluation.

 

Finance Director Julia Edwards noted that the remaining funding could be financed.

 

Tax Administrator Carmichael presented a cost projection from Keystone for the implementation of (PAAS) Property Assessment Administration System.

 

Tax Administrator Carmichael reiterated that the funding had been budgeted for new software and hardware and the filing of bankruptcy has complicated the issue for this fiscal year.  Administrator Carmichael noted that more information regarding the current status with Novalis would be available after January 16, 2006.  Currently, the County is in the process of sending out RFP’s.

 

Chairman Inman requested Tax Administrator Carmichael to keep the Board informed of any new events regarding the bankruptcy of Novalis and the County’s current situation.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – FINANCE – UTILITY AND TELEPHONE AUDIT

 

Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the Board’s guidance in allowing Cost Analysts, Inc. to perform a Utility and Telephone Audit for Stokes County.

 

Finance Director Edwards noted the following:

 

·         Exempt the sales tax audit from the proposal due to the County just completing this process

·         Audit would review the accuracy of billing, cost efficiency and validation of invoices

·         Cost Analysts would receive 50% of any refunds/credits received by the County

·         Cost Analysts would submit recommendations to be adopted at the County’s discretion. If implemented, Cost Analysts would receive 50% for the first 24 months of actual savings

·         The County is under no obligation to implement any of the audit recommendations

·         Favorable comments received from other counties who have used

Cost Analysts, Inc.

·         Cost Analysts, Inc. recently performed these services for the Stokes County School System

·         Stokes County Schools spoke highly of the services performed by Cost Analysts, Inc.

 

Mr. Brian Barrett, Cost Analysts, Inc. noted the following services that would be performed:

 

·         Auditor will review the way the client purchases Utilities and Telephone Services

·         Auditor will compare client’s rates with the established and published rates for each service

·         Auditor will advise client of any cost saving actions that may be implemented or any overcharges that may have been paid by the client

·         Auditor will endeavor to collect on behalf of the client the amount of any overcharge

·         Auditor will summarize, in writing, all available cost savings actions with the method of measuring and/or calculating the saving clearly stated

·         Auditor will audit utility - 2003, 2004, and 2005 and current utility invoices (36 months) billed to Stokes County by each electric utility, gas utility, and water/sewer municipality.

·         Audit will be perform offsite as to not disturb the daily operation of the County

·         Auditor will audit telephone – review client’s prior 12 month invoices and customer service records to include current contract

 

The Board discussed the pros and cons of allowing Cost Analysts, Inc. to perform a utility and telephone audit for Stokes County.

 

Commissioner McHugh moved to approve Costs Analysts, Inc. to perform an audit of the County’s utilities and telephone services. 

 

Commissioner John Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – FINANCE – USE OF CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS

 

Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the Board’s approval to allow Stokes County to accept credit and debit card payments. 

 

Director Edwards noted the following:

 

·         Considered Lexington State Bank for participation

·         Must set up merchant account

·         Following departments have requested the service- Tax, Health, EMS, Environmental Health, King Clinic and Planning

·         Estimated County start up cost of $1,626

·         Machine for swiping cards supplied by LSB at no charge

·         Charges incurred by County when accepting a credit or debit card

·         Can only use VISA and MasterCard credit cards

·         Transactions posted within 48 business hours guaranteed

·         24 hour/7 days help desk

·         Monthly statements for reconciliation

·         County would have to apply directly to Discover and American Express

for participation

 

Director Edwards concluded that other counties and cities have experienced a higher collection rate for fees and taxes with this being available to the citizens. 

 

The Board discussed other software options (Vital-via internet) available that performs the same similar service which eliminates the swiping machine and battery backups. 

 

The Board also discussed fees that the County would incurred by accepting credit and debit card payments, set up fees, bidding this type of service to other banks, and this type of service being available to County citizens.

 

Chairman Inman directed Finance Director Edwards to bid out this service to other banking institutions and investigate other software options.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – DSS AND HEALTH  DEPARTMENTS – SALARY GRADE RANGE REVISIONS

 

DSS Director Jan Spencer and Health Director Don Moore presented information from Patrick McCoy, -Office of State Personnel regarding the salary grade range revisions approved October 13, 2005 by State Personnel Commission.  Salary grade range revisions are effective December 1, 2005 with mandatory implementation to be completed by July 1, 2006.  The approved salary grade range revisions were recommended based on recent labor market studies and related considerations.

 

The following job classifications affected the County’s current pay grade scale:

 

§         DSS - Social Work Supervisor II (grade 69 to 70)(one position)

§         DSS - Social Work Supervisor III (grade72 to 73)(two positions)

§         DSS - Social Worker II (grade 66 to 67)(five positions)

§         DSS – Social Worker III (grade 68 to 69)(four positions)

§         Health – Social Worker II (grade 66 to 67)(two positions)

 

Directors Spencer and Moore requested implementation of the salary grade range revisions to be effective with the next pay period using lapsed salaries for funding for the remainder of fiscal year 05/06.  Both directors noted the immediate need for implementation for recruiting vacant positions, especially for DSS – Social Workers for Foster Care.

 

The Board discussed implementing the salary grade ranges with the upcoming fiscal year 2006/07 and loss of state funding if new salary ranges are not implemented by July 1, 2006.

 

Chairman Inman entertained a motion regarding the implementation of the revised salary grade range by the State Personnel Commission.

 

Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve the motion to maintain the current salary ranges until mandated July 1, 2006 with the budgetary process. 

 

The motion died for lack of a second.

 

Commissioner Walker moved to approve the salary grade range revisions effective Friday, January 13, 2006 – 5:01pm.  

 

Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – FIRE MARSHAL – FIRE DISTRICTS REVISIONS

 

Fire Marshal Brad Cheek requested the Board’s approval to change the following three parcels from the Sauratown Fire District to the South Stokes Fire District:

 

·         Thelma T. Bowman

·         Thelma T. Bowman

·         Wayne Wallace Alley

 

(GIS/Mapping Administrator presented Board members with a map of the current fire districts and the requested fire district changes- copies will be retained by the Clerk to the Board and the Fire Marshal)

 

The three mentioned parcels were not in an insurance district but are located within five miles from South Stokes Fire Department.  In order to be eligible for an insurance district, (which reduces homeowner’s insurance premium) the parcel must be located within 5 miles of a fire department.  The change has occurred to allow the three parcels to be included in an insurance district (South Stokes Fire Department).

 

Each fire department has consented to allow the fire district change for the three mentioned parcels.  Fire Marshal Cheek recommended the fire district change for the three mentioned parcels.  It is preferred for each parcel to have the same insurance and fire district.

 

Commissioner McHugh moved to approve to change the following three parcels from the Sauratown Fire District to the South Stokes Fire District which changes the actual written fire departments’ boundaries that is recorded in the Register of Deeds for their response districts and changes the EOC boundaries for dispatch purposes.

 

·         Thelma T. Bowman

·         Thelma T. Bowman

·         Wayne Wallace Alley

 

Commissioner John Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GIS/MAPPING – LYNCHBURG ROAD

 

GIS/Mapping Administrator Jake Oakley informed the Board that the State of North Carolina has changed the name of Lynchburg Road to NC HWY 268.  Administrator Oakley noted the following regarding changing Lynchburg Road to NC HWY 268:

 

·         County currently has 32 individuals addressed as Lynchburg Road that is now HWY 268

·         If these addresses are changed, then everyone from HWY 89 to the Surry County line would have to be changed which would require changing 191 addresses

 

Administrator Oakley recommended to leave the name as Lynchburg Road, this will not effect dispatching emergency service vehicles to this area.

 

The Board discussed the associated problems of changing all the addresses.

 

Commissioner McHugh moved to leave Lynchburg Road as it is. 

 

Commissioner John Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – HEALTH DEPARTMENT – PROPOSAL – UTILIZATION OF KING CLINIC

 

Health Director Don Moore reported to the Board as requested that there was no available space at JR Jones to use for a King Clinic, the use of a used ambulance does not provide adequate space for primary use, and the use of a portable mobile clinic is very expensive to purchase and operate. 

 

Director Moore recommended the best option to provide primary care outside of Danbury is the building recently used as the King Clinic.  Director Moore noted the start-up funding for the King Clinic would be approximately $26,000. 

 

Director Moore reiterated the need for primary care, family care coordination services, and WIC services in the area.

 

The Board discussed the need for services in the area, concerns that all areas in the County are provided medical services, cost savings for health department, time savings for health department personnel, population density of King, and services previously offered at the clinic.

 

Commissioner Walker moved to approve the motion to accept Health Director Moore’s recommendation to reopen the King Clinic. 

 

Chairman Inman seconded and the motion failed (2-3) with Commissioner McHugh, Vice Chairman Joe Turpin, and Commissioner John Turpin voting against the motion.

 

GENERAL GOVERNMENT – FINANCE - BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #47

 

Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #47, which is necessary to amend the General Fund, Revaluation Fund, and Walnut Cove Senior Center Fund for middle year review.  The appropriations are  to be changed as follows: 

 

Account Number

 

EXPENDITURES

 

Decrease

 

Increase

 

 

See Attachment below:

 

$266,784.00

 

$544,045.00

 

 

 

 

$266,784.00

 

$544,045.00

 

This will result in a net increase of $277,261.00 in the appropriations of the General Fund.

To provide the additional revenue for the above, the following revenues will be increased.

 

 

Account

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 Decrease

 

 Increase

 

 

 

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

100.3831.450

Interest on Investment

 

 

 $ 150,000.00

 

 

100.3344.411

Revenue Stamps

 

 

 $     3,005.00

 

 

100.3301.257

Carolina Access II

      $     68,250.00

 

 

 

 

100.3301.214

State Foster Care

$     20,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.3301.215

EA Foster Care

 

 

 $    60,000.00

 

 

100.3301.213

IV-E Foster Care

 

 

 $    63,405.00

 

 

100.3301.410

Federal Inmate Reimbursement

 

 

 $      4,000.00

 

 

100.3301.412

State Inmate Reimbursement

 

 

 $    22,000.00

 

 

100.3586.450

Senior Services Program Income

 

 

 $      1,000.00

 

 

100.3839.004

Senior Services Miscellaneous

 

 

 $      1,226.00

 

 

100.3301.364

NCDOT-Workfirst

 $      6,125.00

 

 

 

 

100.3540.420

DSS Medicaid CAP/DA

 

 

 $    67,000.00

 

 

 

 

 $    94,375.00

 

 $  371,636.00

 

 

 

General  Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

Account

EXPENDITURES

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 Decrease

 

 Increase

 

 

 

Governing Body

 

 

 

 

 

100.4110.101

401K

 $    150.00

 

 

 

 

100.4110.130

Unemployment Insurance

 

 

 $   1,210.00

 

 

100.4110.311

Training

 $ 1,060.00

 

 

 

 

100.4110.450

Insurance

 

 

 $ 50,425.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unemployment Insurance invoice was $1,210 more than budget.

 

 

The Property/Liability insurance was higher than estimated and

 

 

an adjustment to Workmen's Comp of $29.131.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

 

 

 

100.4130.510

Equipment

 

 

      5,400.00

 

 

100.4130.511

Equipment Non Capitalized

    5,400.00

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Administration

 

 

 

 

 

100.4140.000

Salaries

 

 

      5,385.00

 

 

100.4140.090

Social Security

       575.00

 

 

 

 

100.4140.091

Medicare Tax

       125.00

 

 

 

 

100.4140.101

401K

       900.00

 

 

 

 

100.4140.110

Group Insurance

       590.00

 

 

 

 

100.4140.340

Printing

    2,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4140.390

Tax Settlement

    1,120.00

 

 

 

 

100.4140.450

Insurance and Bond

         75.00

 

 

 

 

 

GIS/Mapping

 

 

 

 

 

100.4141.000

Salaries

 

 

      3,840.00

 

 

100.4141.020

Salaries-Part Time

       500.00

 

 

 

 

100.4141.090

Social Security

       400.00

 

 

 

 

100.4141.100

Retirement

 

 

           50.00

 

 

100.4141.101

401K

       150.00

 

 

 

 

100.4141.310

Travel

       359.00

 

 

 

 

100.4141.311

Training

       500.00

 

 

 

 

100.4141.340

Printing

       100.00

 

 

 

 

100.4141.440

Misc. Contractual Services

       400.00

 

 

 

 

 

Elections

 

 

 

 

 

100.4170.000

Salaries

 

 

      7,010.00

 

 

100.4170.090

Social Security

 

 

         350.00

 

 

100.4170.091

Medicare Tax

 

 

           80.00

 

 

100.4170.100

Retirement

 

 

         300.00

 

 

100.4170.101

401K

 

 

           60.00

 

 

100.4170.511

Equipment Non Capitalized

 

 

      4,243.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Correct on budget for salaries and appropriate HAVA grant funds

 

 

that was collected in fiscal year 2004-05.  Therefore, the funds

 

 

need to be re-appropriated in fiscal year 2005-06.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Register of Deeds

 

 

 

 

 

100.4180.000

Salaries

 

 

      3,325.00

 

 

100.4180.020

Salaries Part Time

    1,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4180.090

Social Security

       100.00

 

 

 

 

100.4180.101

401K

       370.00

 

 

 

 

100.4180.170

Other Fringe Pension

 

 

      1,150.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue from revenue stamps for these expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Buildings

 

 

 

 

 

100.4190.000

Salaries

 

 

      1,850.00

 

 

100.4190.090

Social Security

    1,150.00

 

 

 

 

100.4190.091

Medicare Tax

       150.00

 

 

 

 

100.4190.110

Group Insurance

       450.00

 

 

 

 

100.4190.311

Training

       100.00

 

 

 

 

 

Information Systems

 

 

 

 

 

100.4210.000

Salaries

 

 

      5,500.00

 

 

100.4210.090

Social Security

    1,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4210.091

Medicare Tax

         25.00

 

 

 

 

100.4210.100

Retirement

       300.00

 

 

 

 

100.4210.490

Dues & Subscription

       350.00

 

 

 

 

 

Vehicle Maintenance

 

 

 

 

 

100.4250.000

Salaries

    1,300.00

 

 

 

 

100.4250.090

Social Security

       200.00

 

 

 

 

100.4250.101

401K

       400.00

 

 

 

 

100.4250.110

Group Insurance

       135.00

 

 

 

 

 

Sheriff's Department

 

 

 

 

 

100.4310.000

Salaries

    7,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4310.101

401K

       270.00

 

 

 

 

 

Jail

 

 

 

 

 

100.4320.000

Salaries

    2,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4320.101

401K

    2,465.00

 

 

 

 

100.4320.330

Utilities

 

 

    26,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emerg. Communications

 

 

 

 

 

100.4325.000

Salaries

  10,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4325.010

Salaries Overtime

    8,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4325.250

Auto Supplies

       200.00

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency Management

 

 

 

 

 

100.4330.090

Social Security

       350.00

 

 

 

 

 

Fire & Rescue

 

 

 

 

 

100.4340.510

Equipment

    2,000.00

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Examine

 

 

 

 

 

100.4360.000

Professional Services

 

 

    10,000.00

 

 

 

Emerg. Medical Services

 

 

 

 

 

100.4370.000

Salaries

  60,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4370.010

Salaries Overtime

 

 

    50,000.00

 

 

100.4370.020

Salaries Part Time

 

 

    50,000.00

 

 

100.4370.090

Social Security

 

 

      1,000.00

 

 

100.4370.091

Medicare Tax

 

 

         200.00

 

 

100.4370.101

401K

    2,000.00

 

 

 

 

100.4370.110

Group Insurance

 

 

      2,100.00