STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS
STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 27, 2008
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 27, 2008 at 6:00 pm with the following members present:
Chairman J. Leon
Inman
Vice-Chairman
Jimmy Walker
Commissioner Ron
Carroll
Commissioner
Ernest Lankford
Commissioner
Stanley Smith
County
Personnel in Attendance:
County
Manager K. Bryan Steen
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
Chairman J. Leon Inman called the meeting to
order and 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 –
NC Division of Community Assistance –CDBG Funding
Chairman Inman called the Public Hearing for
the NC Division of Community
Assistance – CDBG Funding to order. (Mr. Gary Wilson, Benchmark, was in
attendance for the
Public Hearing
County Manager Bryan
Steen noted that the Public Hearing would allow the County
to apply for any CDGB grant for housing,
infrastructure, etc.
There were no public comments.
Chairman Inman closed
the Public Hearing.
Presentation
of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2008-09 County Budget
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2008-09 County
Budget, which included the following Budget Message:
BUDGET MESSAGE
FISCAL 2008-2009
TO: The
Honorable Chairman and Commissioners
Stokes
County Board of Commissioners
FROM: Kenneth B. “Bryan “ Steen, County Manager
DATE: May 27, 2008
SUBJECT: FY 2008-2009 Recommended Budget
In accordance with the North Carolina Local Government and Fiscal Control Act
(G.S. 159-8, I hereby present and submit for your review and adoption a balanced proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008-2009. I respectfully remind you that a mandatory Public Hearing for the Proposed FY 2008-2009 Budget is needed and it could be scheduled for 6:30 PM in Court Room A of the Government Center on Monday, June 9, 2008.
Budget Theme
The theme of the proposed FY 2008-2009 Budget is defined by the following five major objectives:
- Provide current service levels without a tax increase during these financially trying times.
- Maintain current County Fund Balance for financial strength and stability to enable us to move forward with future school construction projects.
- Conduct continuous review of service delivery to improve efficiency, effectiveness and expenditure reduction.
- Provide responsible and timely maintenance of critical infrastructure and equipment.
- Provide a conservative adjustment to the county pay scale.
The proposed FY 2008-2009 Budget enables Stokes County to maintain its current fund balance with the potential for a small increase during the year depending on various economic factors. Thus continuing with a board goal of a strong Fund Balance for financial strength, flexibility and capacity for the county (through a strong bond rating to obtain future funding to finance new construction or renovation of schools at the best possible interest rate.
Budget Process
Our initial process had each county government department, the county school system and other non-county agencies provide the county manager with a requested budget. For 2008-2009, the Requested Budget totaled $44,457,862 and would have required a tax rate of 78 cents.
Over the past several weeks, I have worked with county staff and developed a proposed budget, which totals $41,545,359 and results in a tax rate of 60 cents for services funded by the General Fund. The budget increase over FY 2007-08 results mainly from continual increases in cost for insurance, fuel, utilities (partially due to office relocations and contracted services.
Revenues
In light of current economic trends, the proposed budget reduces anticipated Sales Tax Revenues from authorized sales taxes by 15% from the figures used during FY 2007-08: $5,775,000 during FY 2007-08 to anticipated funds of $4,870,000. Additionally, starting in FY 2008-09, all revenues from Article 44 will be permanently surrendered to the state as part of the enacted Medicaid Relief Plan. As a result of these factors, total Sales Tax Revenues were reduced by $905,000 from last year. The reductions in Sales Tax Revenues also reduced funds available for Fire Service Funds by approximately $71,500.
On the other hand, the NC Dept. of Revenue has indicated to us that we should receive “Hold Harmless Reimbursement” revenues in the amount of $1,828,680 for FY 2008-09.
Additionally, Property Tax estimated values increased by
$65,878,790, or $381,399 in new revenues that may lawfully be budgeted over FY
2007-2008 values and revenues.
Expenditures
As previously mentioned, the driving forces behind increases in expenditures stem primarily from increased costs for insurance, fuel, utilities (partially due from office relocations and contracted services. However, these factors are worsened by State Mandated Cost Increases and Cost Shifting to become effective during FY 2008-09:
2007 Solid Waste Act requirement of an additional $2.00 per ton tipping fee, additional Well Permitting Tests and county payment and provision of the Courthouse Phone System.
I am proposing a small expenditure increase related to a conservative 2% adjustment to the current Salary Schedule effective with the pay period beginning 07-25-2008 and a $150 bonus to be paid December 19, 2008 for all permanent full-time / part-time employees and temporary employees that work a fixed schedule according to the guidelines adopted for the December 2007 bonus. Additionally, $150,000 has been set-aside in Contingency for unexpected expenditures as well as $45,000 to cover unpredictable fuel cost increases that may arise during the upcoming budget year.
Expenditure Containment
We will continue with quarterly reviews to identify expenditure savings in all county departments during the budget year as we have in past years. Additionally, I have budgeted for and I’m recommending that all county departments reduce their budget request for Dept. Supplies, Travel and Training by 4% and I will continue with our current restriction on Travel and Training to mandatory events and events of exceptional importance. We will also continue to look for beneficial ways to reduce cost through the use of technology and restructuring. A current example is the imminent use of Video Probable Cause Hearings to reduce fuel consumption, unnecessary mileage and quicker completion of arrest. This will expedite a Deputy’s availability to answer new calls.
Capital Outlay
Departments requested a total of $1,987,247.00 for capital expenditures. Of those request, I recommend approval of request totaling $860,485. Of this total, $2,000 will come from the Register of Deed’s Technology Fund, $200 from interest received by the Clerk of Court, $801,000 will be financed with no payment due until FY2009-10 and $57,685 from the General Fund, see Capital Outlay Schedule for item specific information.
School-Current Expense
The Stokes County School System submitted a Current Expense Budget request totaling $10,981,314. After reviewing the request, I recommend appropriation of $10,200,000, for FY 2008-2009.
This recommendation represents an increase of 3.81% or $374,041 over funding appropriated for FY 2007-08 despite a roughly 2% increase in new property tax revenue available in FY 2008-09. You may also remember that an increase of 3.61%, or $340,790 was approved for FY 2007-08 and this will be the second consecutive increase that I have recommended for the schools system.
It should also be noted that I’m not recommending the school system make a 4% cut in requested Dept. Supplies, Travel or Training budgets as I have recommended for county departments.
Please note the following information from FY 2007-2008 regarding our appropriation to current expense as compared to that of surrounding counties of greater financial means and a few other similar sized counties:
Fire Service Request
Upon review of the Service District, King, Rural Hall and Walnut Cove Budgets, it is my recommendation that no fire tax rates increase for FY 2008-09. However, a tax increase of 2 cents has been requested by the City of King and 1.5 cents has been requested by the Town of Rural Hall to cover increased costs and desired improvements.
FY 2007-2008 Budget Highlights
- By the close of the Fiscal Year, retired County General Fund debt in the amount of $3,029,732 (principal and interest.
- King Clinic reopened during the fall of 2007.
- The County attained a fund balance in excess of 14% as part of efforts to prepare for funding of county school construction or rehabilitation.
- The Commissioners initiated steps that led to creation of a Mental Health Services Coordinator without expenditure of any county funds.
- The Commissioners continued with a 60-cent tax rate for fiscal year 2007-08.
- The County continued efforts to collect delinquent revenues.
- Hired a Financial Consultant to assist in preliminary steps to fund construction and rehabilitation of county schools.
- Initiated necessary Environmental Studies related to the future establishment of a free standing Community College facility in Stokes County.
- Obtained $800,000 in CDBG Grants.
- Approved
Economic Development Incentive Grants related to 100 Million Dollars worth
of new investment/tax base in Stokes County.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve
or amend the May 27, 2008
agenda.
County Manager Bryan
Steen requested to remove Item IV–b (Information Agenda
“American Red Cross – Automatic External Defibrillator-Grant” due to
Ms. Scherer being
unable to attend today’s meeting.
Commissioner Lankford moved to approve the May
27th agenda as amended.
Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve
or amend the following items
on the consent agenda:
Minutes
- Minutes of
May 8, 2008
- Minutes of
May 12, 2008
- Minutes of
February 2, 2008
Tax
Administration Report - April 2008- Real/Property Release over $100
Tax Administrator Jake Oakley presented the
following Real and Personal Property
Releases (April 2008, which are more than $100 at the May 12th
meeting, with a request
for action by the Board of Commissioners at the
May 27th meeting:
|
Real
and Personal Property Release |
|
||
|
More
than $100 - April 2008 |
|
||
|
|
Account |
Amount |
Reason |
|
Name |
Number |
|
|
|
Tika
Gilham |
155906041 |
$ 109.15 |
Not
owner of single wide home |
|
James
Lauck |
155929068 |
$ 102.68 |
Double
Listing |
Total $ 211.83
Sheriff’s
Department – Budget Amendment #108
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #108.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
Account |
Account |
Current Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease |
Amended |
|
|
Sheriff’s Department |
|
|
|
|
100.4310.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$1,356,482.00 |
$(8,000.00 |
$1,348,482.00 |
|
100.4310.020 |
Salaries and Wages-P/T |
$94,123.00 |
$8,000.00 |
$102,123.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$1,450,605.00 |
$00.00 |
$1,450,605.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To replenish part time salaries and wages to ensure
coverage of part time help through this fiscal year. Part time salaries and
wages were used during the absence of full time employee out of work due to
injury.
This will result in a net increase of $00.00 in the
expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget.
Social
Services – Budget Amendment #109
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #109.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
Account |
Account |
Current Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease |
Amended |
|
|
Social Services
Department |
|
|
|
|
100.5310.440 |
Misc. Contractual Services |
$3,000.00 |
$1,000.00 |
$4,000.00 |
|
100.5310.395 |
Other Verification Fees |
$2,500.00 |
$(1,000.00 |
$1,500.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$5,500.00 |
$00.00 |
$5,500.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To decrease verification fees $1,000 to cover
additional spending in Misc. Contractual Services.
This will result in a net increase of $00.00 in the
expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget
Emergency Medical
Services – Budget Amendment #110
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #110.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease |
Amended |
|
|
Emergency Medical Services |
|
|
|
|
100.4370.351 |
M& R - Auto |
$63,860.00 |
$1,563.00 |
$65,423.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$63,860.00 |
$1,563.00 |
$65,423.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate funds from
insurance claim on ambulance.
This will result in a net increase of $1,563.00 in
the expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget. To provide the additional revenue for the
above, the following revenues will increase.
These revenues have already been received or are verified they will be
received in this fiscal year.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease |
Amended |
|
100.3839.850 |
Insurance Claims |
$42,266.00 |
$1,563.00 |
$43,829.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$42,266.00 |
$1,563.00 |
$43,829.00 |
Proposed Financial
And Budgetary Policies
County Manager Bryan Steen presented the
following proposed Financial and
Budgetary Policies at the May 12th meeting, with a request
for action by the Board of
Commissioners at the May 27th meeting:
Stokes County
Financial and Budgetary Policies
Objective: Stokes County government exists to meet the needs of residents through
the services the County is mandated to provide or has elected to provide. In
order to meet these needs, the County must maintain its financial integrity. In
addition, the County is constantly confronted with requests for new and
enhanced services from a growing and diverse population. The County’s Financial
and Budgetary Policies are intended to maintain and improve the County’s
financial condition thereby preserving our ability to meet future needs while
giving County leaders a framework for balancing increased service demands and
financial position.
Budget
Policies
Objective: The County will manage its annual budget to meet its legal and debt
obligations, ensure adequate funding of current service levels, meet the
priorities of the Board of Commissioners, maintain the County’s financial
condition, and keep property tax increases to a minimum.
New or
increased services: The County should ensure its current service levels
are adequately funded before funding new or enhanced services.
Mid-year
appropriations: All agencies supported by the county must function
within the resources made available to them through the annual budget. The
county will consider requests for new or expanded programs during the course of
the regular budget process. Only in extreme circumstances will such requests be
considered outside of the budget process.
Use of
one-time revenues: One-time revenues should not support ongoing
personnel and operating costs. Use of one-time revenues is appropriate for
capital outlay, debt retirement, contribution to capital reserve, and other
non-recurring expenses. Proceeds from the sale of surplus capital items will go
into the County’s general capital reserve, unless proceeds are otherwise
restricted.
Grants: The County will pursue federal, state, and private grants to enhance
services to County residents. However, the County will strictly limit its
financial support of grant-funded programs to avoid commitments that continue
beyond funding availability. The County will not continue programs after grants
have expired except as expressly approved by the Board of Commissioners as part
of the annual budget process.
New positions: New positions should be added as a last resort. Other alternatives, such
as contracting, technology, and reassignment of duties should be fully explored
and documented before new positions are funded.
Level of
budgeting: In order to tie costs to specific services,
departments shall submit budgets for each of their divisions or program areas.
Department heads are required to obtain authorization to transfer operating
funds between their divisions through a Budget Amendment or Budget Memorandum
as appropriate. Transfers for personnel and capital outlay must be approved by
the County Manager / Budget Officer and Board of County Commissioners.
Excluding appropriations to the Stokes County School System and Special
Appropriations, the County shall adopt budgets at the department level.
Justification
for funding: Departments and agencies requesting funding from
the county should justify their requests in terms of maintaining or increasing
service levels. Departments should measure their performance in key service
areas and periodically compare their performance to other jurisdictions to
discover efficiencies and develop best management practices.
Contingency
funds: Departments shall not include contingency funds in
their respective budgets. The county shall include a general contingency fund
in its annual budget as deemed appropriate.
Budget
Officer: The County Manager serves as the Budget Officer and
He / She is authorized to perform the following
functions or delegate them:
·
Transfer funds, other than Salary or Capital Outlay
Funds, within a department with a limitation of $5,000 upon completion of a
Budget Memorandum and a report of such transfers will be made to the Board of
County Commissioners during their next regularly scheduled meeting.
·
Employ temporary help from time to time to meet
circumstances.
·
Execute contracts provided that funds for such
contracts have been approved as part of the annual budget, the contract does not exceed the funds
appropriated and all applicable state laws and county policies are followed.
·
Execute change orders provided that the change order
is for a project approved as part of the annual budget or by a project
ordinance approved by the Board of Commissioners, the change order does not
exceed the funds appropriated, and the change order does not exceed $20,000.
Debt policies
Objective: The County will manage its debt obligations to meet demands for capital
facilities while striving to maintain and / or improve the County’s A1/A bond
rating.
Types of debt: All types of debt available to North Carolina county governments include
general obligation bonds, certificates of participation (COPs, bank loans,
other leases instruments, revenue bonds, and proceeds from the refunding of
general obligation bonds. In general, the county will select the appropriate
type of debt given financial circumstances and feasibility.
When debt is
appropriate: Debt is an important tool for financing capital
facilities. Over-reliance on debt, however, is negatively perceived by bond rating
agencies. The county should exhaust all possible resources, such as grants and
pay-as-you-go funding, before borrowing funds. Debt should only be used for the
construction of capital facilities and the purchase of capital assets. In
general, the assets should not be recurring capital replacements, such as
vehicles. If terms are favorable, however, the county may elect to use debt in
this manner. Debt should never be issued to meet recurring operating expenses.
Terms: The term of the debt service payments shall not exceed the useful life
of the asset purchased through debt.
Debt
limitation: Debt issuance guidelines and formulas established
by the Local Government and rating agencies will be closely monitored and
appropriately applied.
Relationship
to operating and capital budgets: Debt for
items meeting the requirements of a capital project shall be requested through
the capital improvements program (CIP process. Other debt requests shall be
made through the annual budget process. The annual budget will include
sufficient funding to meet the County’s debt service obligations.
Fees and user
charges policies
Objective: The County will set its fees and user charges to recover the costs of
services at a predetermined recovery threshold and thereby reduce reliance on
property taxes.
Enterprise
funds: The operating budgets of enterprise funds shall not
be subsidized by the general fund and shall be supported wholly by fees
generated by the enterprise. To the extent possible, the capital costs of
enterprise funds should not be subsidized by the general fund, unless
Commissioners identify a compelling need to provide a subsidy.
Other fees and
charges: The County should charge other fees when it is
allowable, when a limited and specific group of beneficiaries can be
identified, when it is feasible to charge beneficiaries for the services
rendered, and when there is no reason to subsidize the service wholly or in
part. To the extent possible, fees levels should be set to recover the full
costs of the services provided, unless it is deemed necessary or desirable to
subsidize the service.
Subsidy: Factors to consider in deciding whether a subsidy is appropriate include
the burden on property tax payers, the degree to which the service benefits a
particular segment of the population, whether beneficiaries can pay the fee,
and whether the service provides a broader benefit to the community.
New and
increased services: Part of the decision-making process in establishing
new services or increasing service levels should include an analysis of fees
and user charges and a desired cost-recovery threshold.
Review and
approval of fees and charges: As part of
the budget process, the County shall annually review the fees and user charges.
The Board of Commissioners must approve all changes to the schedule of fees and
charges.
Capital
Improvements Program (CIP policies
Objective: The County will plan for its capital needs at least five years into the
future in order to address needs and to earmark revenues.
Process: A five-year capital improvements plan shall be prepared and updated each
year. Departments and agencies shall request items meeting the definition of a
capital asset through the County’s annual CIP process. Only in extreme
circumstances will the County consider items outside the CIP process.
Generally, agencies should plan five years ahead for capital improvements and
project additions to the CIP should occur in Year 5 of the CIP.
Relationship
to annual budget: The operating impact of each project shall be identified
and incorporated into the annual operating budget.
Capital
project ordinances: A separate capital project ordinance shall be
submitted to the Board of Commissioners for approval for all capital
improvements, which span more than one fiscal year and cost $50,000 or more.
Fund balance
Objective: The County should maintain an undesignated fund balance in its general
fund of 20 percent of the previous annual operating budget in order to meet
emergency obligations, avoid interruptions in cash flow, generate interest
income, and maintain an investment grade bond rating.
Allowable
uses: Fund balance may be used as appropriate under sound
management practices.
Capital
Reserves
Objective: The County will strive to fund capital improvements on a pay-as-you-go
basis in order to enhance its financial condition and bond rating.
Annual
contribution: The County sets as a goal the annual contribution
of one percent of its operating budget to a capital reserve.
Cash
Management:
Objective: The County shall effectively manage its cash resources in order to
maximize interest earnings and minimize loss of revenue.
Cash
Receipts: Departments shall deposit receipts daily as required by
law. Departments are responsible for ensuring the security of cash receipts. The
Finance Officer is responsible for ensuring funds are deposited into interest
bearing accounts.
Cash
Disbursements: The County’s objective is to retain moneys for
investments for the longest period of time possible. Disbursements will be made
on the contractually agreed date unless earlier payments provide a greater
economic benefit to the County. For County checks, two signatures will be
required. Facsimile signatures will be safely stored and used when
appropriated.
Investment
Policy: County funds will be invested in a prudent and
diligent manner with emphasis on safety, liquidity, and yield, in that order.
The County will conform to all state and local statutes governing the
investment of public funds.
Accounting and
Financial Reporting
Objective: The County will establish and maintain its accounting system in
accordance with the NC Local Budget and Fiscal Control Act. All records and
reporting will be in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
The County will maintain an accounting system, which provides internal
budgetary and accounting controls, designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding both the safeguarding of assets against loss from unauthorized use or
disposition and the reliability of financial information used in the
preparation of financial statements and reports.
Commissioner Lankford
moved to approve the consent agenda as submitted.
Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – INFORMATION AGENDA
Habitat for
Humanity of Stokes County -Update
Chairperson Glad
Douse, Board of Directors and Executive Director Ron Davis, Habitat
for Humanity of Stokes County, presented an
update regarding Habitat for Humanity of Stokes
County. (Board Member Donna Craig was also in
attendance for the meeting
Executive Director
Davis presented a power point presentation regarding Habitat for
Humanity of Stokes County (a copy of the presentation will be
retained by the Clerk to the
Board.
Executive Director Davis
requested the Board join Habitat for Humanity of Stokes
County in a partnership to construct a “Habitat
Community”. Director Davis invited Board
members to attend the dedication ceremony in Walnut
Cove on Sunday, June 1st for the fifth
house constructed by Habitat for Humanity of Stokes
County.
Chairman Inman
expressed the Board’s appreciation to Chairperson Douse and
Executive Director Davis for their presentation.
Comments –
Manager and Board of Commissioners
County Manager Bryan
Steen introduced Frankie Burcham who started today as
the County’s new Fire Marshal. Chairman Inman administered the Oath for the
Fire Marshal’s
position to Mr. Burcham.
The Board welcomed Mr.
Burcham to Stokes County.
Commissioner Carroll
requested the Board pursue the Golden Leaf Foundation for
a possible source of funding for the County’s
community college as soon as possible.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – DISCUSSION AGENDA
Proposed
Worker’s Compensation and Property/Liability Insurance Bids – Fiscal Year
2008-09
Support Services
Supervisor Danny Stovall presented the following information
regarding the Workers’ Compensation, General Liability,
and Automotive insurance:
§ Current coverage
for all three groups with the North Carolina Association of
County
Commissioners Joint Risk Management Agency
§ Total premiums for
2007-08 = $553,414
§ Total premiums
proposed for 2008-09 = $576,734
§ Total premiums
proposed increase = $23,320
§ Inquiries were
made from two other carriers, one response produced a bid of $300,000 which was approximately $19,000 more
that the quote from NCACC
§ Same deductions
for upcoming Fiscal Year 2008-09
§ Proposed 2%
Prepayment Discount = $12,073
§ Multi-Pools
Discounts = $14,840
§ Received 1.5%
discount due to the County’s safety program
§ 177 vehicles on
the policy
§ County building
property value = approximately $41 million
§ Assets inside the
property = approximately $8 million
§ Full replacement
coverage for EMS ambulances
Mr. Stovall presented the following table for
comparison:
|
|
Fiscal
Year |
Fiscal
Year |
Difference |
|
|
2008-09 |
2007-08 |
|
|
Worker's
Compensation |
$281,740.00 |
$248,042.00 |
$33,698.00 |
|
Liability,
Property, Auto |
$321,907.00 |
$330,136.00 |
$ (8,229.00 |
|
2%
Prepayment Discount |
$(12,073.00 |
$(11,564.00 |
$
(509.00 |
|
Multi
Pool Discounts |
$(14,840.00 |
$(13,200.00 |
$ (1,640.00 |
|
|
$576,734.00 |
$553,414.00 |
$23,320.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deductible
Amounts |
Amounts |
|
|
|
Property
Loss Claims |
$
1,000.00 |
|
|
|
Auto
Liability |
$
- |
|
|
|
Crime
Law Enforcement |
$
1,000.00 |
|
|
|
Law
Enforcement |
$
5,000.00 |
|
|
|
General
Liability |
$
- |
|
|
|
Auto
Physical Damage |
$
1,000.00 |
|
|
|
Public
Officials |
$
5,000.00 |
|
|
|
Employment
Practices |
$
5,000.00 |
|
|
The Board discussed the proposed quote with
Mr. Stovall.
Commissioner Lankford noted that the
Association will be offering incentives such as
driving training that can help lower the premium
cost.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed Mr. Stovall to proceed with
the quote received from the NCACC.
Proposed
Animal Control Advisory Council Policy
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented the following comments received from
concerned citizens regarding the proposed Animal
Control Advisory Council Policy
§ Main point of
concern relates to the level of involvement of the Chief Animal Control Officer
with the proposed council and the officer having the ability to vote
§ This concern can
be remedied by making the Chief Animal Control Officer an Ex-Officio non-voting
member who can provide the council with pertinent information
§ If the Chief
Animal Control Officer becomes an Ex-Officio with no voting rights, there will
be a need to change the number of voting members to an uneven number in order
to avoid a tie vote
§ A possibility
would be to make the Sheriff’s representative an Ex-Officio non-voting member
or add another voting position such as an At-Large position possibly for a
person without a pet
§ One additional
comment received from the public was to have an individual on the Council who
could represent those citizens who have hunting dogs
Vice Chairman Walker noted the following:
§ Wants an effective
Advisory Council
§ Would like some
time to review the suggestions presented by the manager
§ Need to have clear
guidelines for the Advisory Council to follow
Commissioner Smith had no issues with Manager
Steen’s recommendation.
Commissioner Carroll agreed that the Chief
Animal Control Officer should be an Ex-
Officio non-voting member and suggested adding one additional member
from a Rescue
Organization in order to avoid a tie vote. Commissioner Carroll also noted the need for
the
Council to have a Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Commissioner Lankford noted there was no need
to change the submitted version to
include two members to be an Ex-Officio.
Chairman Inman noted
the need to get the Advisory Council moving.
Chairman Inman
reiterated that the proposed Council would be an Advisory Council
to the Board of Commissioners and all final
decisions would be made by the Board of
Commissioners.
The Board discussed
the role of the Advisory Council, Ex-Officio positions, an
individual to represent those who do not have pets on
the council, and membership
requirements.
Chairman Inman, with full consent of the
Board, directed Manager Steen to present
options to the Board regarding the proposed Animal
Control Advisory Council and place the
item on the action agenda for the June 9th
meeting.
Transfer of
Secondary Road Program – Senate Bill 1513 – Discussion
Chairman Inman
presented the information regarding Senate Bill 1513 (Transfer of
Secondary Road Program which was adopted by the General Assembly. The
Bill states the
following:
§ An act to allow
counties to participate in financing improvements to public streets, highways,
and bridges; and to allow municipalities that receive an allocation of funds
from the Highway Fund and the Highway Trust Fund with monies for repair,
maintenance, construction, reconstruction, widening, or improving streets of
the municipality an option to elect to continue to receive allocations or have
the allocation reprogrammed to fund any project on the Department of
Transportation’s Transportation improvement list.
Chairman Inman noted several counties,
Cherokee, Craven, Edgecombe, Greene,
Jackson, Northampton, Randolph, Wilson have already adopted a
Resolution opposing
Senate Bill 1513.
The Board discussed
Senate Bill 1513, resolutions submitted from other counties,
and issues involving the County being responsible
for the road improvements.
County Manager Bryan
Steen noted that the diversion and alteration of road funding
does not appear to be in the County’s best
interest.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, moved the item to the action agenda.
Expanding The Scope of Architectural Services/County Office Space
Renovations
County Manager Bryan
Steen noted that upon review of the layout of office space for
the District Attorney’s offices, staff has found
it necessary to have the official design be
completed by an architect per NC Code. Planning Director David Sudderth has verified
this
requirement with the NC Department of Insurance.
County Manager Bryan
Steen requested the Board authorize the County Manager to
expand the scope of the current contract with the
architect completing the layout of the third
floor of the Administration Building at a price of
$5,600. Manager Steen noted that funding
was available in the amount set aside for
renovations to the Administrative Building.
The Board discussed
the requirement presented by Manager Steen.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, moved the item to the action agenda.
Booth
Mountain – VIPER/Radio Tower Project – Update
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented a letter from Captain J. A. Melvin, Division of
Highway Patrol, which states that the State would like to affirm that
VIPER prefers a long term
lease agreement for the site at Booth
Mountain. Captain Melvin noted that it
is understood if
the property is leased, a conditional use permit
must be obtained from the Stokes County
Planning Department. Manager Steen noted that all terms and
benefits of this project remain
the same.
Manager Steen
requested the Board rescind the previous action of authorizing the sale
of county property for the purpose of establishing
a VIPER Radio Tower Site and direct the
the manager to work with the county attorney and
other county staff to proceed as needed to
develop and execute a long-term lease of the desired
property with NCSHP for the same
purpose.
Manager Steen noted that a lease renewal clause would be included.
The Board discussed
the pros and cons of leasing the property instead of selling
the property to the Division of State Highway
Patrol.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, moved the item to the action agenda.
Appointments
Chairman Inman
presented the following vacancies:
CenterPoint
Human Services – Board of Directors
§ Member be an
openly-declared consumer along with residency in Stokes County
§ Term will be the
remainder of the appointment –ends 02-28-09; additionally eligible for two
three-year terms
§ Has been
advertised in the local paper and is on the County’s website
Northwest Piedmont Job Training Consortium-Workforce Development Board
§ Barbara Stevens is
up for re-appointment and wished to be considered for re-appointment
§ Has been
advertised in the local paper and is on the County’s website
Walnut Cove Senior Center Advisory Council (5 vacancies
§ Representation needed from Pinnacle,
Francisco, Sandy Ridge
§ Desires
individuals with a general interest in Senior Center programs
§ Has been
advertised in the local paper and is on the County’s website
The Board discussed the vacancies.
Commissioner Lankford nominated Barbara
Stevens for re-appointment to the
Northwest Piedmont Job Training
Consortium-Workforce Development Board.
Commissioner Lankford nominated Steve Mabe for
appointment to the Walnut Cove
Senior Center Advisory Council.
Nominations can be
considered at the June 9th meeting.
Discussion -2008-09 County Budget Work Session Schedule
Chairman Inman
requested possible dates for the upcoming public hearing and
wok sessions for the proposed fiscal year 2008-09
county budget.
The Board discussed
possible dates.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the
following dates on the Commissioners’ calendar:
§ Public Hearing,
Monday, June 9th – 7:00 pm – Courtroom “A”
§ Joint Meeting with
Board of Education, Wednesday, June 11th – 12:00 noon
–Commissioners’ Chambers
§ Work Session,
Monday, June 16th – 9:00 am – Commissioners’ Chambers
§ Work Session,
Tuesday, June 17th – 9:00 am – Commissioners’ Chambers.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – ACTION AGENDA
Danbury Water
System Transfer –Proposed Contract – Town of Danbury
Manager Bryan Steen presented the
proposed contract terminating the lease between
Stokes County and the Town of Danbury which will return the operation
of the water system
back to Stokes County. Manager Steen noted the desired changes of
the Board were
incorporated into the contract (approved by County
Attorney Ed Powell and have been
approved by the Town of Danbury.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to approve the presented contract.
Commissioner Smith moved to approve the presented contract. Commissioner Carroll
seconded and the motion carried unanimously. (A copy of the executed contract will be
retained by the Clerk to the Board
Transfer of
Secondary Road Program – Senate Bill 1513 – Discussion
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to use the Resolution from Craven County
to oppose Senate Bill 1513.
Commissioner Lankford
moved to use the Resolution from Craven County
to oppose Senate Bill 1513. Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion
carried
unanimously.
Booth
Mountain – VIPER/Radio Tower Project
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to rescind the motion authorizing the sale of
County property for the purpose of establishing a VIPER Radio Tower
Site and direct the
County Manager work with the County Attorney and other county staff to proceed
as needed to
develop and execute a long-term lease of the desired
property with NCSHP for the same
purpose.
Commissioner Smith
moved to rescind the motion authorizing the sale of
County property for the purpose of establishing a VIPER Radio Tower
Site and direct the
County Manager to work with the County Attorney and other county staff
to proceed as needed
to develop and execute a long-term lease of the
desired property with NCSHP for the same
purpose. Vice
Chairman Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Expanding The Scope of Architectural Services/County Office Space
Renovations
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to authorize the County Manager to expand the
scope of the current contract with the architect
completing the layout of the third floor of
the Administration Building for architectural
services for the District Attorney’s Offices at a
price of $5,600.
Commissioner Carroll
moved to authorize the County Manager to expand the
scope of the current contract with the architect
completing the layout of the third floor of
the Administration Building for architectural
services for the District Attorney’s Offices at a
price of $5,600.
Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Closed Session
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to enter into closed session for the following:
§
To
consider the initial employment or
appointment of an individual to any office or position, other than a vacancy in
the Board of County Commissioners or any other public body, or to consider the
qualifications, competence, performance, character, and fitness of any public
officer or employee, other than a member of the Board of Commissioners or of
some other public body pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(6.
Commissioner Lankford moved to enter into
closed session for the following:
§
To
consider the initial employment or
appointment of an individual to any office or position, other than a vacancy in
the Board of County Commissioners or any other public body, or to consider the
qualifications, competence, performance, character, and fitness of any public
officer or employee, other than a member of the Board of Commissioners or of
some other public body pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(6.
Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
The
Board returned to open session of the May 27th meeting.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before
the Board, Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Lankford moved to adjourn the
meeting. Commissioner Smith
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_________________________
_____________________________
Darlene M.
Bullins
J. Leon Inman
Clerk to the
Board Chairman