STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
JUNE 17, 2008
The Board of
Commissioners of the County of Stokes, State of North Carolina, met
for a Budget Work Session in the Commissioners’ Chambers of the Ronald
Wilson Reagan
Memorial Building (Administrative Building located in Danbury, North Carolina on Tuesday,
June 17, 2008 at 9:00 am 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
Emergency
Services Director Monty Stevens
Sheriff Mike Joyce
Captain
Mike Marshal- Sheriff’s Department
Chairman J. Leon Inman called the Budget Work
Session to order.
Vice Chairman Walker delivered the invocation.
Chairman Inman opened
the meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance to
join the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – BUDGET WORK SESSION
Emergency
Medical Services
EMS Director Monty
Stevens noted the following information from Mr. Ricky Hamby,
Northwestern Emergency Vehicles:
§ Mr. Hamby quoted
another option for the Board’s consideration, two demos at $110,000 each with
less than 4,000 miles/factory warranty remains and one remount with deferred
payment until July 2009
§ If the Board
decided to go with remounts, the first unit would be ready in approximately 6
weeks after receipt of the unit, it will then take 60 days for each remount
§ Total estimated
cost for 3 remounts = $240,000
§ Demos are similar
to current units with a 6.3 liter engine, Type I Truck chassis, Horton boxes
§ Surrounding
counties have purchased this type of ambulances and have had no problems so far
§ If two new units
were purchased, two units could be sold
The Board discussed the available options with
Director Stevens.
Chairman Inman
requested preference from the Board and Director Stevens regarding
the purchase of ambulances.
Commissioner
Lankford responded: 2 demos or 3
remounts
Commissioner Carroll responded:
$240,000 has been budgeted for EMS vehicles at the discretion of the
director
Commissioner Smith
responded: 2 new demos and start of a
rotation program
Vice Chairman
Walker responded: leaning toward the
3 remounts
Chairman Inman responded:
2 demos would provide new ambulances (dependable units on the road immediately, the immediate need to
start a rotation plan this year in order to not be in this shape again
Director Stevens responded:
the 2 demos would put 2 new ambulances on the road immediately
Director Stevens
discussed surrounding counties’ rotation plan:
§ Forsyth for the
most part, replaces a unit after 100,000 miles
§ Yadkin normally
gets one new truck a year
§ Davie also
normally gets one new truck a year
Director Stevens noted
the following maintenance cost for the current fiscal year on the
current fleet which also includes regular maintenance:
§ Unit 1 = $18,999
§ Unit 2 = $3,973
§ Unit 3 = $14,138
§ Unit 4 = $7,299
§ Unit 5 = $6,418
§ Unit 6 = $1,132
§ Unit 7 = $1,580
§ Unit 8 = $12,085
The Board discussed the maintenance cost with
Director Stevens.
Manager Bryan Steen noted the following call
volume and revenue estimates:
§ Fiscal Year
2004/05 = approximately 6,000+ calls
§ Fiscal Year
2005/06 = approximately 7,000+ calls
§ Fiscal Year
2006/07 = approximately 7,500 calls
§ Fiscal Year
2007/08 as of June 1, 2008 = approximately 7,000 calls
§ Delinquent
accounts are decreasing due to the billing of private insurance
§ Revenue constantly
increasing due to the increase of calls
§ As of June 16th, $1.4 million in revenue has been collected
Vice Chairman Walker questioned transporting
of non emergency transfers, not
advocating this option, just wants what is best for the citizens of Stokes
County.
Director Stevens noted that by contracting
non-emergency calls, there would be a loss
of revenue and sometimes routine transfers often become emergency
transfers. With the
right organization, it could work, but the public would need to be
educated regarding the
services provided by EMS.
Director Stevens stated that it would need to be carefully studied
before implementing such a change.
Chairman Inman echoed Director Stevens’
comments, reiterating it would need a very
careful assessment to ensure that no one is ever without service.
The Board discussed a
rotation plan for purchase of ambulances with Director
Stevens. Director Stevens noted
that a rotation plan would decrease maintenance costs
tremendously, enable the department to plan for the future, and prevent
personnel from having
to continuously swap units due to breakdowns.
Vice Chairman Walker
suggested Director Stevens work with the County Manager
to develop a rotation plan and also have the County Manager look at
other departments who
need to be on a rotation plan.
King Clinic
The Board discussed
the following regarding the proposed King Clinic Budget:
§ Manager Steen
noted it would take some time to build up the clientele due to the clinic being
closed so long
§ Possibly looking
at providing medical services for newborns in the near future
§ Need for prenatal
care in Stokes County
§ New service
providers should increase revenue
§ Need marketing to
inform the public that the clinic is open, place information on the County’s
website
§ Need for clinic to
be self sustaining
Commissioner Carroll noted that the King
Clinic should never have been pulled out
separately from the Health Department’s budget, half of the WIC program
is operated from the
King Clinic with none of the revenue reflected in this budget.
Legal
Manager Steen noted that County Attorney
Powell is very good to work with and ready
to assist the county at anytime.
Library
Manager Steen noted
that the proposed Library Budget included funding for the second
year salary study implementation.
Chairman Inman noted
that Director John Hedrick had expressed his appreciation to
the Board for their continuous support for the local libraries in
Stokes County.
Medical
Examiner
Finance Director Julia
Edwards noted the proposed budget remained the same, very
hard to predict.
Sheriff’s
Department
Sheriff Mike Joyce and
Captain Mike Marshall presented the following information
regarding the proposed Sheriff’s Department Budget:
§ Mileage for the
Dodge Charger = 17.96
§ Mileage for the
Crown Vic = 20.20
§ Mileage for the
Ford Taurus = 23.12
§ Fuel Conservation
Plan recently implemented where officers must turn their vehicles off when out
of the car unless emergency lights are being used; combining trips when
transporting inmates; CID using Ford Taurus which gets better gas mileage
§ Changed to white
patrol vehicles which are cheaper
§ Does not like
front wheel drive for patrol vehicles
§ Crown Vics will
change to a smaller body size in 2010
§ Brush guards (deer
guards have saved the county a
tremendous amount
§ Used drug seizure
funding to purchase monitors for Magistrate first appearance, and to replace 15
year old weapons – saving county dollars
§ Negotiated pricing
with a new vendor on uniforms saving county funding
§ Request for an
additional Detective position – presented the following information regarding
the request
o
Crime has increased 14% during the past year
(domestic violence,
break- ins, etc (recent crime spree in the King area
o
No detective positions have been added in the last
9 years
o
Would use drug seizure funding for the first year
for salary and benefits
o
Investigation takes a lot of time
o
Need to do the people justice and serve the public
o
Drug seizure funding can only be used for one year
and would be left up to the County to fund after that first year
o
Sheriff Mike Joyce stated that he did not ask,
unless he needed it
o
Has sufficient funding to cover the position
§ Have had several
comments made in Community Watch meetings why additional officers have not been
hired to help control the break-ins
§ Even if the
position was not funded after the first year, the citizens of Stokes County
would benefit from the first year
The Board discussed
the requested Detective position with Sheriff Joyce.
Mental Health
Chairman Inman noted
there was no increase in the proposed Mental Health Budget and
the cooperation received from CenterPoint with the new Mental Health
Coordinator position.
Chairman Inman noted
possibly additional funding from the State for mental health
services.
Natural
Resources
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Natural Resources Budget:
§ Three year grant
position – District Watershed Coordinator -100% Federal reimbursement
Parks
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Parks Budget:
§ Finance Director
Julia Edwards presented a corrected proposed budget – deleting the zero turn
lawnmower
Planning
The Board discussed
the following regarding the proposed Planning Budget:
§ Increases in auto
supplies – fuel
Public
Buildings
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Public Works Building
Budget:
§ Renovations for
Courtroom “C” funded in Capital Reserve
§ Funding included
for replacement roofs for Government Center, E911 Building, Danbury Library,
and paving for Government Center and Danbury Library Parking Lot – funding will
be financed
§ Increase in
utilities
§ Miscellaneous
contractual services for HVAC systems
§ Commitments for
park facilities – possibly trying to acquire PARTF Grants and need to have
further discussion after the budget is adopted regarding possible community
grants
The Board discussed financing options for
capital improvements.
Finance Director Julia Edwards noted the
following rates for borrowing $1 million for
capital needs:
§ BB&T = 3.69%
for 5 years and 3.79% for 10 years
§ RBC = 3.55% for 5
years and 3.94% for 10 years
Manager Steen noted that the Financial Advisor
will be presenting their findings in
either July or August. Manager
Steen stated that he had requested a timeline from
Superintendent Hobbs regarding land purchase, planning documents, and
capital needs.
Purchasing
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Purchasing Budget:
§ Manager Steen
noted no significant changes in the proposed budget.
Recreation
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Recreation Budget:
§ Manager Steen
noted no significant changes in the proposed budget.
Vice Chairman Walker noted the need to
continue to look at the entire County’s
recreational needs, what the County is really getting from the
recreational funding, and to
investigate the possibility of creating a county recreation department.
Chairman Inman
suggested that possibly Vice Chairman Walker chair a committee to
assess the recreational programs in the County.
Commissioner Lankford
stated that creating a new recreation department would be
more expensive than the current contract with YMCA.
Register of
Deeds
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Register of Deeds
Budget:
§ Slight increase in
proposed budget
§ Misc. contractual
services for first payment of the Index Conversion paid from Register of Deeds’
fees
§ Equipment Rental –
indexing of documents
§ Revenues –decrease
in recordings and copying (documents available on line
Schools-
Current Expense
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Schools-Current Expense
Budget:
§ Implementation of
Teacher Assistant Salaries based on years of experience
§ Tremendous
increase in utilities and fuel cost
Commissioner Carroll noted that the
implementation of the Teacher Assistant Salaries
based on years of experience does not have anything to do with what
this Board does or does
not appropriate – totally separate issues. Commissioner Lankford stated that is a School
Board call.
Commissioner Carroll
stated that he had looked at the numbers several times and
concluded that if he were Superintendent, he would really need
$192,000, but if push comes to
shove, $88,000 could make it work.
The $88,000 will cover the difference in the fuel and
utilities cost and allow adjustments in salary schedule, but will cut
out all new requests and
require some cutting in other areas.
Commissioner Carroll
also stated the need to talk to DSS Director Spencer before
finalizing a definite number for the schools.
Manager Steen noted
the following amounts that could be allocated to the
proposed budget:
§ $55,498 – Hold
Harmless
§ $30,000 –
Appropriating only $20,000 in Capital Reserve for EMS facility
§ $1,700 – Sheriff’s
Department radios being purchased in the current budget from Fines and
Forfeitures
§ $6,000 – Public
Buildings – Purchasing zero turn lawn mower from current year
§ $6,084 –
Reclassification of a position in the Health Department–reducing expenditures
§ $99,782 – total
funding available for allocation to the proposed budget
Finance Director Edwards noted the steps for
salary increases for longevity were
already added in each department’s proposed budget along with $200,000
in Contingency for
some type of salary adjustment for employees.
Chairman Inman
recessed the meeting until 12:45 pm.
The Board returned to
the Budget Work Session.
The Board discussed
the 2% adjustment to the County’s Salary Scale as proposed
by County Manager.
Commissioner Lankford noted the need to give a
two-step increase to all employees.
Commissioner Carroll suggested adjusting the
salary scale by 1% and increasing
the bonus to $375 for part/full time permanent employees.
The Board discussed
the options regarding salary adjustments for county employees.
Senior
Services
Finance Director Julia Edwards presented the
Board corrected copies reflecting the
ROAP Funding (Elderly and Disabled Transportation and additional funding ($500 for fans.
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Senior Services Budget:
§ Decreasing van
service to Nutrition Sites from 5 days to 4 days per week
§ Closing Nutrition
Sites 5 days between Christmas and New Years and also on Easter Monday
§ Need to make sure
services are provided with the suggested changes
§ Increase mileage
reimbursement for volunteers who deliver meals from 45 cents to 47 cents
Sheriff’s
Department
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Sheriff Department
Budget:
§ Increase in auto
supplies – fuel
§ Patrol vehicles to
be financed
§ Bullet proof vests
Vice Chairman Walker and Commissioner Carroll
stated that they were in favor
of adding the requested Detective position.
Commissioner Lankford
noted that he has concerns with adding a position that could
be taken away after the first year.
Commissioner Smith
noted that he had mixed feelings at the present time.
Chairman Inman stated
that he is uncertain at this time, but one thing to remember is
that Sheriff Joyce usually does not ask for something unless he really
needs it.
Social
Services
Finance Director Julia Edwards presented
corrected copies of the proposed budget
reflecting the ROAP funding (Work First Program .
Commissioner Carroll
reiterated the need to speak to DSS Director Spencer regarding
the requested new positions.
County Manager Steen discussed the possibility
of adding a Social Worker CAP/DA
position to lessen the workload of an existing employee.
The Board deferred further discussion until
after meeting with Director Spencer.
Finance Director Edwards requested the Board
change the total number of employees
to 54 instead of 55 (reducing one Social Worker III position - typo.
Solid Waste
Manager Steen noted
that the proposed budget included a $2 per ton tipping fee increase
per State’s requirement.
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Solid Waste Budget:
§ Federal minimum
wage increase
§ Auto supplies –
fuel
§ $2 per ton tipping
fee increase
Special
Appropriations
Finance Director Julia Edwards presented
corrected copies of the proposed budget
reflecting the ROAP funding.
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Special Appropriations
Budget:
§ Walnut Cove Senior
Center – request for additional funding
§ King Senior Center
– no allocation requested
§ YVEDDI allocation
Vice Chairman Walker brought to the attention
of the Board, the request from
YVEDDI for funding for the Weatherization Program. Vice Chairman Walker noted
the program provided funding to Stokes County citizens for weatherization
needs.
Manager Steen noted
that YVEDDI currently receives an allocation from the State for
Stokes County and there are other grants funds available for
weatherization programs that
could be acquired by YVEDDI.
Superior
Court
Commissioner Carroll
suggested transferring the $18,200 allocated for the court system
telephone expenses to Contingency until the State decides who will be
responsible for funding
the court system telephone expenses.
Tax
Administration
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Tax Administration Budget:
§ GIS Administrator
position merged with Tax Administrator position
§ Reallocation of
positions between Tax Administration and Revaluation
Vehicle
Maintenance
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Vehicle Maintenance
Budget:
§ Diagnostic Scan
Tools needed for newer model vehicles
Veterans
Chairman Inman noted
there were no significant changes.
Capital
Reserve
The Board discussed the following regarding
the proposed Capital Reserve Budget:
§ Need for a new EMS
Facility at Pinnacle
§ Courtroom C
Renovations
§ Walnut Cove
Library Renovation Project Funding
Enhanced 911
Fund
Chairman Inman noted there were no significant
changes.
Revaluation
Chairman Inman noted there were no significant
changes except for reallocation of
positions between Tax Administration and Revaluation.
Schools –
Capital
Commissioner Carroll
requested to allow the Board of Education (if so desired to be
able to transfer $250,000 from Current Expense Fund Balance to Capital
Outlay.
Regional
Sewer Fund
Finance Director Julia Edwards noted the
Regional Sewer, Danbury Water Fund, and
Stokes Water and Sewer Authority are being charged for services
provided by the Public
Works (reading meters .
Stokes Reynolds
Memorial Bond Fund
The Board discussed
the following regarding the Stokes Reynolds Memorial Bond
Fund:
§ Hospital
operations = $300,000
Danbury Water
Fund
Finance Director Julia
Edwards noted the Regional Sewer, Danbury Water Fund, and
Stokes Water and Sewer Authority are being charged for services
provided by the Public
Works (reading meters . Finance
Director Edwards noted that the $18,000 in Salaries and
Wages-Contract needs to be transferred to Professional Fees before
adoption of the Budget.
King Fire
District Fund
Finance Director Julia Edwards presented
corrected copies of the proposed budget
reflecting county appropriation.
The Board discussed
the following regarding the King Fire District Fund:
§ Allocation of
funding
§ Reduction in
revenues – (sales tax
§ Sharing the cost
of Truck #310 personnel
§ Grant positions
Commissioner Carroll noted the cost for Truck
#310 personnel should be funded from
General Fund through the Fire Marshal’s office, if not, it doesn’t need
to be divided equally
among 15 departments. It should
be divided either by population or property valuations.
The Board further
discussed sharing the cost of Truck #310 personnel.
Rural Hall
Fire District Fund
The Board discussed the following regarding
the Rural Hall Fire District Fund:
§ Reduction in
revenues – (sales tax
§ Sharing the cost
of Truck #310 personnel
Walnut Cove
Fire District Fund
The Board discussed the following regarding
the Walnut Cove Fire District Fund:
§ Sharing the cost
of Truck #310 personnel
§ Reduction in
revenues – (sales tax
Service
District Fund
The Board had no
issues with the proposed budget, but discussed the sharing cost of
Truck #310 personnel.
Senior
Service Center Fund
The Board had no
issues with the proposed budget,
Other
Comments
Commissioner Lankford suggested the following
items regarding the $1 million
financing:
§ Two ambulances =
$240,000
§ EMS station =
$219,000
§ 8 Vehicles =
$176,000
§ Paving of Parking
Lots = $385,000
The Board discussed Commissioner Lankford’s
proposal regarding financing
capital projects/improvements.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before
the Board, Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to recess the Budget Work Session until Wednesday,
June 18th at 11:00
am.
Commissioner Smith moved to recess the Budget
Work Session until Wednesday,
June 18th at 11:00 am.
Commissioner Lankford seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
________________________
_____________________________
Darlene M.
Bullins
J. Leon Inman
Clerk to the
Board Chairman