) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) MAY 22, 2006
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
Monday,
May 22, 2006 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:
Clerk
to the Board/Interim County Manager Darlene Bullins
County
Attorney Jonathan Jordan
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
Jail
Captain Craig Carico
Health
Director Don Moore
Budget
Director Dennis Thompson
Chairman Leon Inman called the meeting to
order.
Chairman Inman delivered the invocation.
Chairman Inman opened the
meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance to
join
the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING – FISCAL YEAR 2006-07 RURAL OPERATING ASSISTANCE
PROGRAMS FUNDS
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT- PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSED COUNTY FISCAL YEAR 2006-07 BUDGET
Interim
County Manager Darlene Bullins stated the following information regarding
the presentation of the proposed County Fiscal Year
2006-07:
Budget Director Thompson spoke
briefly on the following items in the Fiscal Year
2006-07 Budget Message
Ø
In concept, the County budget
process is simple.
First, the County Commissioners determine how much
revenue will be available to meet the public service needs of the citizens of
the County.
Second, the Commissioners appropriate these funds for the following uses:
Before discussing the Stokes County budget for FY
2006-07, it is appropriate to report briefly on the accomplishments of the
budget that the County is just completing. The County Commissioners can be
justly proud of the results of the budget developed for FY 2005-06. Here are
some of the major accomplishments of the budget.
Ø Budget Principles:
·
Essential Services
·
Tax Restraint
·
Conservative Revenue Projections
·
Careful Investment
·
Efficient Operation
·
Financial Strength
·
Limited Revenues
·
General Fund Balance
Ø
Budgeted Revenues for F/Y 2006-07
·
General Property Tax
·
Current year’s property Tax
o
Recommended Fiscal Year’s Property Tax to remain the same - $0.6000 per
$100 valuation
·
Prior Years’ Property Tax
·
Sales Tax
·
Hold Harmless Reimbursement
·
Social Services Revenue
·
Health Dept Revenue
·
Ambulance Fees
·
Other Revenues
Ø
Programs Supported by County
Lines
·
Public Education
·
Public Health
·
Social Services
·
Other Human Services
·
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
·
Economic And Community Plan and Development
·
Public Records and Administrative Services
·
Public Works
Ø
Summary Information on
Expenditures FY 2006-07
Ø
Debt Service
Ø
Personnel
·
The
County Departments have filed requests for new personnel, position upgrades,
and salary upgrades totaling $372,114. The personnel requests are itemized in
the Appendix of the Budget Message. During the budget approval process, the
County Commissioners will have the opportunity to review these requests to
determine which ones need to be funded immediately, and which ones can wait
until first quarter revenues have been received and evaluated.
Ø
Capital Expenditures
·
As a
budget control measure, all capital equipment and improvements have been
removed from the County Departments' budget requests. These items are listed in
the Appendix of the Budget Message. The Commissioners may wish to review this
list during their budget process to determine if some requests must be funded
immediately, or if consideration of requests can be deferred until first
quarter revenues, or even second quarter revenues, have been received and evaluated.
Ø
Education
·
Schools Current Expense
·
Schools Capital Outlay
·
Forsyth Technical Community College
Ø
Social Services Department
·
Medicaid
Ø
Health Department
Ø
Other Human Services
Ø
Sheriff’s Department
Ø
Emergency Services Department
Ø
Other Public Safety program
Ø
Public Works
Ø
Economic & Community Development
Programs
Ø
County Support Services
Ø
Public Records and Services
Ø
Policy and Administration
Ø
Special Appropriations
Ø
Contingency Account
o
Economic Development Contingency
o
Capital Expenditure Contingency
o
Fuel Cost Contingency
o
Personnel Cost Contingency
o
Building Plans Contingency
o
Leave Cost Contingency
o
Emergencies Contingency
Ø
Transfers to Other Funds
Ø
Conclusion
With strong, positive leadership from the County
Commissioners, and hard work by
the County’s employees, we believe that the following
objectives can be
accomplished in FY 2006-07:
Budget
Director Thompson concluded that he would be willing to meet with each
Commissioner individually or any citizen wishing to
discuss the proposed budget.
The
Board expressed their appreciation to the Budget Team for the hard work and
dedication given during the recent budget process.
Commissioner
McHugh noted that she had requested a copy of the proposed budget
on an excel spreadsheet (available for anyone) which
makes it easier to comprehend and
study.
Chairman Inman entertained a motion
to approve or amend the minutes of the
May 8th meeting.
Commissioner
McHugh requested that the following wording be changed from
“Board “ to “Board of Commissioners” in the
following passage on page #7:
o
Two reasons for making the request – (1) County has a lot of people
requesting public information which the Board of Commissioners has been
extremely forthcoming with the information as quickly as possible and provided
the Public with as much information as possible (2) Board of Commissioners
are held accountable and the Board of Commissioners owe it to the Taxpayers to
hold the Board of Education accountable
Commissioner
John Turpin moved to approve the minutes of the May 8th meeting as
amended.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
The following spoke during public comments:
Sam Hill
1274 Hill Road
King, NC 27021
RE: Family Personnel Policy
Mr. Hill commended Budget Director Thompson for the funding in the
recommended budget for Economic Development.
Mr. Hill expressed concerns regarding the recent decision approved by
the Board to allow hiring of relatives in the same department. Mr. Hill noted problems that could occur
with having relatives working in the same department. Mr. Hill requested that the Board
reverse the decision adopted at the May 8th meeting of
hiring relatives within the same
department.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – MOTION TO
AMEND THE AGENDA
Commissioner McHugh
requested to be allowed to inquire about an update regarding
issues relating to Moratock Park from Captain
Al Tuttle who was in attendance.
Chairman Inman noted that there would need to
be a motion to amend the agenda to
discuss old business at this particular time.
Chairman
Inman entertained a motion to amend the May 22nd agenda to discuss
old
business at this particular time.
Commissioner McHugh moved
to amend the May 22nd agenda to discuss old
business at this particular time. Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded the
motion.
Commissioner Walker stated that he would
prefer to wait until old business to discuss the
item.
The motion carried (4-1) with Commissioner Walker voting against the
motion.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – SECURITY AT
MORATOCK PARK
Commissioner
McHugh requested an update from the Interim County Manager
regarding the use of deputies for security
reasons at Moratock Park.
Interim
Manager Darlene Bullins noted that the Board had directed on 04-24-06 the
use of Deputies for security at Moratock
Park. At the present time, Captain
Tuttle was
trying to secure part time deputies and the
use of SRO Officers after school was dismissed to
provide security at the Park on weekends.
There have been some problems due to a limited
number of part time deputies and only offering
part time deputies five hours of work.
Commissioner
McHugh requested an update from Captain Tuttle regarding the
issue of providing security at Moratock Park.
Captain
Tuttle noted that it was very difficult to schedule part time deputies to work
due to only offering five hours of work
equally approximately $50. It may
become
necessary to require part time deputies to
cover hours at the Park. Captain Tuttle
noted that
deputies are not lifeguard certified.
Commissioner
McHugh requested if the Board could assist (possibly hiring a full
time deputy) in order to make the situation
work in providing security at the Park.
Captain
Tuttle noted that Sheriff Mike Joyce had stated that he did not request to hire
a full time deputy for the Park.
Commissioner
Walker requested that Interim County Manager keep the Board
updated regarding the security at the Park.
Commissioner John Turpin recommended transferring
the Park to another local
government entity.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING
BODY – PROPOSED DOCUMENTARY REGARDING THE LAWSON FAMILY TRAGEDY- LOCATION
PERMISSION
Creative Director Matt Hodges and Business Director
Eric Calhoun – Break of
Dawn Productions (local independent film production company) requested
the Board
approve the Location Release Form associated with the filming of a
documentary about
the Lawson Family Tragedy of Christmas Day 1929. Mr. Hodges and Mr. Calhoun are
requesting to be able to shoot footage on county property pertaining to
the documentary.
Mr. Hodges discussed
the proposed project “Little Ones Still Cry” which will be
an hour long television special with a local release in theaters. Mr. Hodges also noted that a
portion of the profits of the film will be donated to Stokes Family
Violence Services and
hopes to partner with a men’s anger management program within the
community as well.
Mr. Hodges also noted that both sides of the story will be portrayed in
the documentary.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin moved to approve the
motion to grant the Location
Permission for Break of Dawn Productions. Commissioner McHugh seconded the motion.
Commissioner McHugh
questioned County Attorney Jonathan Jordan if there would
be any County liability if the location permission was granted. County Attorney Jordan
stated that with a signed waiver from Break of Dawn Productions, there
would be no County
liability.
Commissioner Walker
noted the need for the production company to keep the
Interim County Manager and County Attorney updated regarding the
filming on county
property.
Interim County Manager
Darlene Bullins requested if the production company could
provide the Board with a listing of all county property used in the
documentary for their
approval before the release of the film.
Mr. Hodges confirmed
that a complete list of county property used for filming will
be provided to the Board before the film is released to the public.
County Attorney
Jonathan Jordan noted no issues with the submitted location
release.
Commissioner McHugh
moved to amend the motion to include Break of Dawn
Production to sign a waiver (no county liability) and that Break of
Dawn Production will
provide the Interim County Manager (before release of the film) with a
listing of all county
property used for filming for the Board’s approval. Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded the
amendment. The amendment
carried unanimously.
The amended motion
carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – FORSYTH
COMMUNITY TECHNICAL COLLEGE-WALNUT COVE CENTER
Small Business Center
Outreach Coordinator/Instruction Bill Cobb – FTCC –
informed the Board that FTCC has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the
North Carolina
Community College System as a pilot project Skill –Up site, funded by Tobacco Trust
Fund to be used at the College’s Small Business Center at the Walnut
Cove Center. A major
portion of the grant will be used in Stokes County from June to
December of 2006.
Mr. Cobb noted the
following activities of the Project Skill-Up:
1. Outreach and recruitment
activities to individuals, communities,
businesses, and/or
agencies who have been impacted by the decline of
tobacco-related employment
2. Skills assessment and short
tem occupational skills training
3. Student financial
assistance
Mr. Cobb concluded
that a principal objective will be to quickly match unemployed
individuals with immediate training in areas that will fulfill the
needs of current employment
opportunities in their communities and help them to gain employment.
Mr. Cobb introduced
Ms. Ann Watts who is the new Director of Operations for the
FTCC Stokes Campus.
Mr. Cobb commended the
Board for their continued cooperation to help provide
further educational opportunities to the citizens of Stokes County.
Mr. Cobb noted that
the Walnut Cove Center had been the recipient of
approximately $132,000 of funding.
Commissioner Walker
requested that Mr. Cobb provide the Board with a detail of
funding that has been received in conjunction with the Walnut Cove
Center.
The Board commended
the efforts of FTCC in providing services for the citizens
of Stokes County.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – FIRE
COMMISSION – PROPOSED FIRE SERVICE DISTRICT BUDGET – FISCAL YEAR 2006-07
Chairman Harold
Dillman- Stokes County Fire Commission presented the proposed
Service District Budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07 which does not include
a tax increase for
the Board’s consideration.
Chairman Dillman
presented the following information:
·
F/Y 06-07
Fire Departments’ actual request - $1,562,691
·
F/Y 06-07
Fire Commission Recommended Budget - $1,349,687
·
F/Y 06-07
Final Amount of tax money being recommended by the Fire Commission for each
department after appeals - $1,363,287
The following is the Service District recommended funding by Department
|
2006 - 2007 Fire Tax Requests |
FIRE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION |
|||
|
Agency Name |
06-07 Request |
06-07 Recommend |
06-07 After Appeal |
06-07 Final |
|
31- Pinnacle |
$158,281.00 |
$136,993.00 |
|
$136,993.00 |
|
32- Lawsonville |
$96,933.27 |
$97,483.00 |
|
$97,483.00 |
|
34- Francisco |
$190,064.00 |
$166,685.00 |
$168,985.00 |
$168,985.00 |
|
36- Northeast Stokes |
$183,980.00 |
$172,213.00 |
|
$172,213.00 |
|
37-Stokes Rockingham |
$160,212.00 |
$142,582.00 |
|
$142,582.00 |
|
38-Sauratown |
$214,023.00 |
$185,080.00 |
|
$185,080.00 |
|
39-Danbury |
$175,184.00 |
$136,890.00 |
|
$136,890.00 |
|
40-South Stokes |
$177,423.00 |
$110,961.00 |
$122,261.00 |
$122,261.00 |
|
41-Double Creek |
$122,607.00 |
$116,816.00 |
|
$116,816.00 |
|
73-Westfield |
$48,650.00 |
$48,650.00 |
|
$48,650.00 |
|
76-Pilot Knob |
$17,696.00 |
$17,696.00 |
|
$17,696.00 |
|
86-Pilot Rescue |
$17,638.00 |
$17,638.00 |
|
$17,638.00 |
|
YEAR TOTALS |
$1,562,691.27 |
$1,349,687.00 |
$291,246.00 |
$1,363,287.00 |
Chairman Dillman noted
that the Fire Commission is also requesting a 1-cent fire
tax increase to provide a reasonable fund balance for the Service
District. Chairman
Dillman stated the following reasons for the requested 1-cent fire tax
increase:
·
Heavy
debt load in the next fiscal year
·
Several
departments will be up for new rescue and brush trucks next year
·
New
substation being built in the County (South Stokes)
·
Major Concern
- Low fund balance
·
Increased
fuel cost
The Board discussed the proposed recommended Fiscal Year 2006-07
Service
District Budget, new substation (South Stokes), requested 1-cent fire
tax increase, increased
call volume, and the valuable service provided by volunteers to the
citizens of Stokes
County.
Commissioner John
Turpin requested if a more detail budget was available for
review. Chairman Dillman noted
that the complete budget submitted by each department
was available for review in the Fire Marshal’s office.
Commissioner John
Turpin moved to accept the proposed Fiscal Year 2006-07
Service District Budget - $1,363,287.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – JAIL –
STOKES COUNTY JAIL ASSESSMENT
Jail Captain Craig
Carico (as requested by the Board) presented the following
Stokes County Jail assessment overview:
Stokes County Jail
Report to Commissioners
May 2006
·
Over the past five years the Stokes
County Jail has experienced a balloon affect in inmate
population. There have been days, weeks, and months where the inmate population
of the jail facility has reached
over-capacity levels.
·
On February
10, 2003, Sheriff Joyce signed a letter
requesting the assistance of the National Institute of Corrections- (NIC), to provide
a local-system assessment for Stokes County.
·
On
March 24, 2003, a
report was presented to the Stokes County Board of County Commissioners that provided a "Brief
History" and "Department Overview and Update" of the Stokes County Jail, including but
not limited to average daily population
information from the year of
1995 through the year 2002. Additional inmate capacity demographic information
was also provided within this March
2003 report, along with jail revenue source
information.
·
In July
2003, the National Institute
of Corrections honored the request made by Sheriff Joyce by sending an assessment team to Stokes County to offer
consultation assistance.
One primary recommendation by
the N.I.C. was for Stokes County to create and form a local
criminal justice council to assist in identifying potential problems leading to jail crowding, and to locally provide
solutions that would offer
assistance to the jail
operation, as well as other local justice system departments.
·
On
January 23,
2004 the Stokes County Criminal Justice Council (SCCJC) was officially created and organized.
From the conception of the SCCJC several subcommittees have formed and set out to address a
variety of justice system issues. Several monitoring
concepts have been put into place in the jail operation such as, but not limited to an inmate
incarceration aging report, a jail inmate record log, a attorney
visitation log, weekender
population reports, the creation of the Jail Population/Construction
Management sub-committee. Additional assistance has also been provided
through the Stokes County Pre-trial Release program for those who qualify.
·
On January 19, 2005
representatives from three separate jail architectural companies offered presentations to the Jail Population/Construction
Management sub-committee and some attending board of
commissioner officials. Appropriate feasibility studies were highly recommended along with information pertaining to each companies operation philosophy. On August 04,
2005, County Manager Rick Morris presented an up-date to the SCCJC concerning the information provided by the three architectural companies, along with
additional inmate population reports. The Executive Committee for the Stokes County Criminal Justice Council is in the process of arranging it's next meeting to plan the next SCCJC agenda
·
One of
the many considerations in dealing
with the balloon
affect of inmate crowding
at the Stokes County Jail brings
some attention to the revenue
source provided
through the housing of federal
inmates. Since 1991
the Stokes County Jail has housed federal inmates. This program has now produced over two
million dollars for Stokes
County.
·
In
fiscal year 2005/2006 and
fiscal year 2006/2007 budget request submissions to county administration, the
jail has requested Feasibility
Studies in
consideration of jail
expansion needs assessment.
Jail Captain also
presented the following attachments, which will be retained by
the Clerk to the Board:
·
Copy of
request letter from Sheriff
Joyce to the
N.I.C.
·
N.I.C.
"Report Highlights" from
the actual assessment
report
·
Inmate
Average Daily
Population Report
·
Stokes
County Jail Federal
Inmate Reimbursements by Calendar
Year
Jail Captain Carico
noted that the funding for a possible feasibility study had
been submitted in the proposed fiscal year 04/05 and 05/06 budgets, but
had not been
funded.
The Board discussed
the possibility of funding a feasibility study for additional
space at the jail for housing federal inmates, current overcrowding at
the jail,
NIC Report Highlights, inmate daily population, Sheriff Mike Joyce’s
recommendation,
and current federal inmate reimbursement.
Jail Captain Carico
stated that Sheriff Mike Joyce is committed to maintaining the
State Standards and does not necessarily know if jail expansion is the
answer and that a
feasibility study would hopefully provide that information. Jail Captain Carico stated that
according to the law, the ultimate decision to expand the jail would
fall on the Board of
County Commissioners. Jail
Captain Carcio stated that Sheriff Joyce had previously stated
that he is not requesting an expansion to the jail at this time.
Vice Chairman Joe
Turpin moved to approve to do a feasibility study for the Stokes
County Jail. Commissioner
McHugh seconded the motion.
The Board discussed
funding for a feasibility study for the Stokes County Jail in
the current fiscal year 2005-06.
Chairman Inman moved
to table the motion for further discussion.
The motion died
for lack of a second.
Commissioner John
Turpin requested bids for at least three feasibility studies at the
next meeting for further discussion.
Commissioner McHugh
withdrew her second to the motion to approve a feasibility
Study for the Stokes County Jail with Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
withdrawing his motion.
Commissioner Walker
requested additional information from Sheriff Mike Joyce
regarding the Federal Inmate Program, which was started by Sheriff
Joyce. Jail Captain
Carico also stated that the Board of Commissioners does not have
control over the Federal
Inmate Program, it is solely under the discretion of the existing
Sheriff.
Vice Chairman Joe
Turpin moved to approve that Jail Captain Carico present bid
information regarding a jail feasibility study at the June 12th
meeting and provide any
available information pertaining to the feasibility study (previously
obtained) for the Board’s
consideration. Commissioner
McHugh seconded the motion. The Board
continued the
discussion regarding the jail expansion, proposed feasibility study,
Sheriff Mike Joyce’s
recommendations/opinions, and funding for the feasibility study.
Commissioner McHugh
directed the following question to County Attorney
Jonathan Jordan: “Who is
ultimately responsible if the jail has too many inmates,
if the jail is overcrowded, and the County has not fulfilled its
obligations to address these
problems?” County Attorney
Jordan responded: “Board of Commissioners”.
The motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Inman moved
to approve the motion that the complete study by the Stokes
County Criminal Justice Council be brought back to the Board for
consideration and that
Sheriff Mike Joyce be present at the June 12th meeting for
further discussion regarding an
expansion to the jail. Vice
Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GIS/MAPPING
E911 RESPONSE ATLASES
GIS/Mapping Administrator
Jake Oakley presented the following information
regarding the E-911 Response Atlases:
·
EMS,
Communications, Sheriff’s Department and Fire Departments have requested an
updated version of the E-911 Emergency Response Book with all road and address
ranges
·
Current
books were printed in 1995 by GIS/Mapping Department
·
E-911
Funding paid for the printing in 1995
·
Options
for outside printing ranging from $36.76 to $110.06 per copy
·
Cost for
outside printing is not cost effective and atlases will be hard to resale
·
Option
for in-house printing
·
Purchase
of HP Printer for in-house printing = $13,000
·
Purchase
of supplies/ink for in-house printing = $2,000
·
Selling
of printed in-house atlases = $12.50
·
Outside
sales to the public could recuperate the cost of the equipment and supplies
within approximately two years
Administrator Oakley presented copies of each type of atlases for the
Board’s
consideration. Administrator
Oakley stated that E911 funding is no longer available
for this type of expenditure and that the funding for this project was
not included in this
year’s recommended budget.
The Board discussed
the E911 Response Atlases proposals, along with the
advantages and disadvantages of in-house printing.
The Board directed
Administrator Oakley to obtain all the pricing information
and return the information to Budget Director Dennis Thompson for
discussion during the
Board’s 06/07 budget work session.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – SHERIFF’S
DEPARTMENT – PROPOSED FIREARM RECEIVED BY RETIRING EMPLOYEES
Interim County Manager
Darlene Bullins presented the following proposed
Policy for Firearm Received by Retiring Employee submitted by Sheriff
Mike Joyce for the
Board’s consideration:
POLICY
FOR FIREARM RECEIVED BY RETIRING EMPLOYEE
THE FOLLOWING
REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO RECEIVE DEPARTMENTAL FIREARM:
1. MUST BE
FULLTIME SWORN GUN CARRYING OFFICER
FOR 12 YEARS WITH THE STOKES COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT. TIME DOES NOT HAVE TO BE CONSECUTIVE.
2. SERVICE WITH OTHER AGENCIES DOES NOT CARRY OVER.
3. ELIGIBILITY WOULD INCLUDE MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF 1 & 2
PRIOR TO ANY TYPE OF RETIREMENT EITHER LENGTH OF
SERVICE OR DISABILITY.
Jail Captain Carico who was to present the proposed policy had to leave
the meeting.
Vice Chairman Joe
Turpin moved to accept the Policy for Firearm Received
By Retiring Employee.
Commissioner McHugh seconded the motion.
Interim Manager
Bullins noted that the policy did not have an effective date and
Sheriff Joyce would be at the next meeting for further discussion of
the proposed policy.
Interim Manager
Bullins also noted that the distribution of the firearm would follow
the County’s current statutory requirement as normal. This policy only determines who is
eligible for receiving their firearm.
Commissioner McHugh
withdrew her second until the next meeting.
Vice Chairman
Joe Turpin withdrew his motion.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH –SALARY AND OVERTIME ISSUES
Health Director Don Moore requested the Board’s
approval to offer an annual salary
of $39,797 to a qualified Environmental Health Specialist who will be
fully qualified to
work in Stokes County within a month after employment. Director Moore noted that by
hiring a trainee, it takes two full years before the employee is
qualified to work
independently. The State
estimates the cost of training an Environmental Health Intern at
approximately $30,000.
Health Director Moore
indicated that with this approval, there will be no further need
for overtime by the Environmental Health Supervisor and will eliminate
the training cost
while giving us immediate productivity in reducing our current 8-week
backlog for on-site