HomeMy WebLinkAboutBudget Work Sessions
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – Budget Work Sessions
May 9, 13 & 14, 2019
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday, May 9 and Monday, May
13, and Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in the South Wing Conference Room, Government Center, 200
South Center Street Statesville
Thursday, May 19, 2019, 11:00 AM
Board Members Present
Chairman James B. Mallory III
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Jeff McNeely
Marvin Norman
Commissioner Gene Houpe was available through conference call.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce, Finance Director Deb Cheek, Assistant Finance Director
Susan Cornell, Budget Analysist Caroline Taylor, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order.
Budget Schedules: Finance Director Deb Cheek, Deputy County Manager Susan
Robertson, and County Manager Beth Jones explained each of the schedules and graphs of the
General Fund.
Cheek said the unassigned fund balance on June 30, 2019 was $38,840.438. Appropriations
during FY19 = $38,840,438; Estimated revenue for June 30, 2018 = $203,925,225; Estimated
expenditures for June 30, 2019 = 192,792,181; Increase in year-end encumbrances = $1,500,000;
Assignments of fund balance = $5,379,181; Estimated unassigned fund balance for June 30, 2019
= $43,094,301; the recommended budget for FY19 = $222,655,992 which is a fund balance of
19.35%. (Schedule A)
Vice Chairman Bowles asked what would it take for the fund balance to reach 20%.
Cheek said $1.5 – 2 million.
Chairman Mallory said the bottom line goal is 18%.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked how much is put back in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Jones said these numbers are what staff anticipate beginning next year’s budget with. This
fund balance is the estimated fund balance at the end of June 30, 2019. For the last several years
money has been taken out of fund balance and put into the budget because it was needed to balance.
Staff does not project to spend any fund balance in the next FY.
Schedule of Personnel Positions (Schedule B): Jones said a Recruiter and Risk Manager
position was transferred mid-year from Finance. Positions recommended are: 3 – Facility Services
(one is taking a PT carpenter to a full-time position, the PT position will be eliminated); 11 -
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Sheriff’s Office (7 School Resource Officers (4 are in the school safety security budget, the other
3 are in the Sheriff’s Office budget) 2 deputies, 1 ACE position, 1 COPS lake position; 1 – Animal
Services; 1 – Inspections; 7 – Social Services (positions are 40% funded back from the State); 1 –
Solid Waste (Site Operator from Enterprise Fund).
Chairman Mallory said the additional positions in DSS were needed years ago but could
not be added because of space constraints.
Jones said the DSS positions will be added mid-year when space is available in
Government Center South (GCS). A bid opening was held yesterday for the renovation work and
no bids were submitted. Staff will re-bid the project.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the vacant nursing building beside Government Center South
could be an option.
Jones said new probation officers are coming on board in December and there needs to be
space freed up in the Sheriff’s Office so they can occupy it and then in turn find somewhere for
the Sheriff’s Office to go. Jones has asked the Facility Services team to find a plan B. The
timeframe is very short on the renovation.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the old nursing building is in court square. The County could
wait for an economic downturn to renovate the GCS because that renovation is no a sought after
job.
Jones said there is not enough space in the Statesville DSS office to house the new positions
and the positions will not be filled until space is available.
Jones said Ben Stikeleather’s former position is being eliminated. Some of the funds will
be put in part-time salaries and it is recommended to create a part-time Project Manager position
in Administration. Excess funds will be allocated for Strategic Planning to couple with another
position. There is also money set aside for formal training in strategic planning.
Chairman Mallory said it is important that the function be accomplished.
Jones agreed, but there will not be a specific position for that.
Chairman Mallory thanked Jones for leading by example.
Vice Chairman Bowles said that move helps everyone.
Jones said staff has shifted duties and responsibilities to put things together that make
sense.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if task force and strategic goals should be reviewed annually.
Chairman Mallory said strategic planning is tied to the budget. The department’s priorities
and objectives are going to drive the problematic choices that staff make. Training and education
would be very beneficial.
Commissioner McNeely asked if it would be beneficial to lump the Project Manager and
Facility Services Director into one position.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Jones would like to retain David Saleeby because of his great skill level and knowledge of
county procedures.
Commissioner Houpe asked how the funding worked for School Resource Officers (SRO).
Jones said the only amount of the four SROs from the school safety and security are the 10
months, like the schools funded in the past.
Vice Chairman asked how many SROs the County currently has.
Jones said 10, the new positions would bring the total to 17.
Chairman Mallory asked the ratio of SRO’s to elementary schools.
Jones said 1 to 2 including the proposed seven.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the cost of the SROs’ cars.
Jones said the total expense a new vehicle is not coming out of the school safety and
security budget, just a portion.
Commissioner McNeely asked if one additional deputy could be added instead of two since
the SROs will be available for patrol for two months out of a year.
Jones said the Sheriff is very concerned of the ratio of officers to citizens. The Sheriff is
working to get those numbers up and does not want to eliminate positions, so he offered additional
cuts in other line items as opposed to new positions.
Chairman Mallory suggested looking into the metric so that it is appropriate.
Jones explained that ECOM requested additional telecommunicators but they are not being
recommended for this year’s budget because they are just now fully staffed. Until they can get
fully trained it is difficult to assess the work load. Jones directed ECOM to fully train staff and
assess the workload and come back mid-year if the positions are still needed.
Commissioner Houpe asked the turnover rate is in ECOM.
Jones will provide this information to the Board.
Pierce explained it will be hard to get a true number because of the training agreement in
place with the new hiring batch. The agreement may stabilize the rate because staff has an incentive
to stay for a certain amount of time. Next year at this time, an accurate turnover rate can be
obtained.
Chairman Mallory would like to see an analysis of the reasons for turnover.
Commissioner Houpe asked if ECOM staff receives shift differential pay.
Jones said yes. All Public Safety departments receive shift differential pay. Regarding
turnover, staff tracks the reasons employees leave through an exit interview, but if the employee
does not participate the statistics are not available.
Commissioner Houpe asked if a lot of overtime is being paid in ECOM.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Jones said not necessarily, the department is utilizing the part-time pool to cover shifts
when necessary.
Commissioner McNeely asked if ECOM has moved into the Public Safety Center.
Jones said no. AT&T is responsible for the 911 lines and they have not done their piece of
work. It may be July before ECOM is up and running in PSC. There is a primary line and a
secondary line coming from Georgia and AT&T is only provider, because they have the State
contract for 911 lines.
Commissioner Houpe asked for an update on grants used for positions.
Jones said the County received a $2.9 million grant from the 911 Board for the construction
of the building and that was the premise in which the County received. At this point, there is
nothing additional for the County to go after.
Robertson said the grant received cannot be used for salaries and benefits.
Chairman Mallory asked if AT&T has confirmed that the work will be done in July.
Jones said yes, but staff is working to expedite the process.
Chairman Mallory suggested sending a letter to the Vice President of AT&T.
Capital Outlay Request (Schedule C): Jones went through the Capital Outlay Requests by
department.
Commissioner Houpe asked if there is adequate funding for Elections to cover the 2020
Election.
Jones said there is money in Election’s part time for the precinct workers. As decisions are
made at the State level, depending on what happens with precincts, a budget amendment will be
needed once the final decision is made.
Chairman Mallory asked if the lack of early voting places in the northern end of the County
was addressed in the budget.
Pierce said that was not a request from Elections. The biggest question was precincts and
what affect it will have on the County.
Commissioner Houpe said depending on the State’s decision, staff may need to request a
budget amendment.
Jones explained that Facility Services requested three mowers, but was cut to one.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked what the thermal imaging camera will be used for.
Pierce said the camera is to spot moisture along walls.
Commissioner McNeely asked if the County goes through the Sheriff’s Association to
purchase vehicles.
Jones said yes.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the trucks are four-wheel drive.
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Jones said yes.
Jones explained that Animal Services requested a high-temperature dishwasher to clean all
food and water bowls for the animals.
Jones does not recommend new lifts and bulk oil system for Vehicle Services because staff
is currently looking to relocate that department. According to current numbers, the facility may
have to be saved up for instead of replacing it next year. Staff is working on making the move
more financially feasible. The lifts need replacing but concrete structural work is needed first.
Commissioner McNeely asked a ballpark price of a new facility for Vehicle Services.
Jones said staff has looked at a location and the turn-key price is $2.6 million.
Pierce said the proposed location has plenty of land. Vehicle Services Director Michael
Heindl understands that his wants is not necessarily what the County needs at this time. He also
understands surplus would need to be kept low and the need to figure out a way for the vehicles to
not sit in the parking lot for so long. Pierce feels the cost of $2.6 million may come down.
Chairman Mallory said based on the numbers and customer satisfaction it makes sense to
keep vehicle services in house but those numbers change with capital costs.
Jones said there is approximately $500,000 set aside in CIP for Vehicle Services. Someone
has expressed interest in purchasing the current building. Staff will look into how interested the
party is.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested that the new location be centrally located between the
Sheriff’s Office and ICATS.
Jones said staff looked at existing buildings but nothing has been conducive to the County’s
needs.
Commissioner McNeely asked if ICATS and Vehicle Services should be located within
one facility.
Jones said staff has had that discussion.
Commissioner Houpe asked if ICATS pays for a full-time mechanic.
Robertson said ICATS covers their actual repairs.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the drain work has also been put on hold.
Jones said yes.
Jones said the Sheriff cut approximately $385,000 out of his budget. The Sheriff eliminated
some requests from the General Fund and is going to use funds generated from commissary sales
to pay for items.
Chairman Mallory said the Board deals with a holistic approach to the budget. The Board
does not have visibility on revenue streams. It is hard to make choices when there are unknown
factors. It would be nice to know all the numbers. It is important for the Sheriff to understand the
piece parts of his revenue streams and understanding that some are policy based and may not be
here next year. Funds should be allocated if they are recognized.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Vice Chairman Bowles asked about the $15,000 lawn mower for the Sheriff’s Office.
Jones said Bert Connolly feels the mower is necessary for the properties they mow.
Chairman Mallory asked about Facility Services.
Jones said the Sheriff’s Office mows around the facilities and Facility Services mows the
remainder.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if inmates do the mowing.
Commissioner Norman said yes.
Commissioner McNeely questioned Animal Services’ four-wheel drive truck.
Jones said the dog boxes are heavy but the trucks also need to be able to haul trailers.
Jones said the Register of Deeds is requesting new cameras and security because the
monitoring was maintained by ECOM.
Chairman Mallory asked about the Morpho Ident for the Jail.
Jones said that is a fingerprint system that is kept in the Magistrate’s Office.
Commissioner McNeely questioned the cost of the two unmarked patrol cars.
Taylor explained that the Sheriff originally requested two marked cars and then changed
to unmarked, which increased the value. Unmarked are more expensive than the marked.
Jones said the new requests from the Fire Marshall were dependent on the new position so
the cut is based upon the position not being funded.
Jones said through the employment engagement survey at DSS, staff shared that they were
using their personal vehicles to visit homes and are concerned about safety and identification. It is
recommended to decrease the mileage reimbursement for the department and buy six crossover
vehicles.
Vice Chairman Bowles question the Planning Department needing a ¾ ton truck.
Taylor said that is a typo based on the price.
Commissioner McNeely questioned the slushie machine for the Recreation Center.
Jones said concessions will be served at the Recreation Center. The machine should fund
itself.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the contracted services is handling concessions.
Jones said the County will provide concessions because of the revenue.
Chairman Mallory suggested staff contact the local bike shops to see if either would donate
a bicycle to EMS.
The board took a ten minute break.
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Cheek explained the General Fund Expenditure by Service Type (Schedule D). The
adopted FY19 budget was $205,122,119 and ended with a manager recommended $222,655,992,
this is an increase of 8.55%. Education is up by about 12%. Cultural and Recreation shows a large
percentage increase but it is on a relatively smaller amount of money, so the increase looks larger.
This is due to the new Recreation Center and expenses related to it. Transfers of other funds was
reduced by about $500,000. Other things are running close to the year before. Cheek said it was
talked about that the County was not appropriating unassigned fund balance in this budget,
however, $900,000 of the school’s reserve is being used for technology. Almost $1.2 for the jail
set aside money is being used in the Jail Operation next year and $75,000 was used for tax
administration and land records. These are fund balances that had been restricted in previous years
that will be showing as revenue in next year’s budget.
Cheek said Schedule E shows General Fund Departments by Revenue Source for the net
county funds amount.
Cheek continued to explain that pie Chart 1 shows the funding of expenditures for 1¢ ad
valorem tax. Chart 2 is a visual of net county funds by functions. Schedule F is a visual of
percentages of changes in different areas of expenditures.
Chairman Mallory asked if Medicaid flows through the County.
Jones said not anymore.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked where the restrictive sales tax shows.
Cheek said it is for school capital.
Commissioner Houpe asked which tax had an expiration.
Robertson said the 1986 sales ax was supposed to for a five-year period but legislation took
the sunset back.
Commissioner Houpe said it would be helpful if the local legislators would work to remove
the restriction on the 1986 sales tax.
Commissioner McNeely said it would need to be flexible.
Commissioner Houpe said it would be for year to year. Commissioner Houpe suggested
that the Board look at the percentages next year.
Cheek said the sales tax is statutory and the ad valorem is board designated.
Commissioner Norman asked about Charter Schools.
Cheek said Charter Schools receive their money through current expense through the
number of students they have.
The Board briefly discussed funding for Charter Schools.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the schools will ever not need capital.
Commissioner McNeely said if the Board does not change its funding structure the capital
may double again.
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Chairman Mallory said the Board has a choice to make as dollars are freed up.
Commissioner Houpe said as projects are paid off, the board has a fiduciary responsibility
to the taxpayers to put the money in a capital fund that can be used for county and school needs.
Cheek said currently, the schools provide a list of maintenance and repairs that they are
going to do with their capital allocation. The County would still need some money so that they can
do their capital needs. Some of the money can be held back for larger capital needs.
Jones said when the debt rolls off in 2021 instead of all of that going to the School Capital,
the Board can designate that the tax revenue that is generated off that go into a capital fund that
can be used for county or school capital.
Cheek continued to explain that pie Chart 1 shows the funding of expenditures for 1¢ ad
valorem tax. Chart 2 is a visual of net county funds by functions. Schedule F is a visual of
percentages of changes in different areas of expenditures.
Chairman Mallory suggested using simplicity with the charts. The ad valorem chart can be
available for anyone to review, but only include the total general fund with the budget packet.
Cheek explained the increase in salaries and benefits.
Commissioner McNeely said the pay scale adjustment averages out to approximately
$1,340 per employee.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked how many years will a pay scale adjustment be put into place.
Jones said the idea is to have a plan in a place as to when that will be done over a four-year
cycle. Every four years, a pay/classification study will be done in the reappraisal. Staff is
anticipating a salary scale adjustment every two years. The percentages can be changed. Staff
focused so hard on the severe compression issue with merit increases and made great strides, but
now the County needs to make sure it is still competitive. Competitions are adjusting pay scales
every year, but the County has not.
Chairman Mallory said the State created a compression issue with teacher salaries and now
have to go back and fix it.
Commissioner Houpe asked how staff is monitoring the steps.
Jones said HR sends a yearly survey to surrounding municipalities and counties, along with
counties similar in size.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if it is fair to concentrate on salary scale adjustment during
a good economy and concentrate on merit increases during downturns in the economy.
Jones said there is some flexibility but there needs to be a schedule as far as planning ahead
and giving the Board solid information to base their decision on.
Commissioner Houpe asked how many tax appraisal appeals there are.
Robertson said there is still around 300. So far only one will go to the Property Tax
Commission.
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Cheek said Schedule H is the Schedule of Tax Rates and Evaluations showing the 1¢
collected on the tax rate of 52.75 with the estimated levy collected of $133 million. It is proposed
to take all the voted fire tax districts to a zero tax rate and move the county-wide to 8¢. That
information is shown here as the New All-County Fire.
Cheek explained the 2019-20 Revenue Projections. The original projection for FY18-19
was $205,122,119; $222,655,992 is projected for FY19-20. This is overall increase of 8.5%. The
major sources of funding are ad valorem taxes and sales taxes. The ad valorem reappraisal netted
8.46%. Natural growth was attributable 3.25%. Sales taxes is projected to be up by 5.16%,
contributing $1.9 million.
Chairman Mallory said sales taxes have been distributed by mostly point of sales and per
capita. Legislation has been introduced to go half and half. Senator Sawyer requested to run an
analysis to see which counties benefit and which would take a hit. This has generally been used to
transfer funds to counties that are struggling more. It is favorable to the County by 4% and
favorable to most larger counties.
Commissioner McNeely thought the legislation would be beneficial to smaller counties.
Chairman Mallory said based on the analysis the County came out ahead but feared where
taxes from internet sales would go.
Commissioner Houpe asked about having a lobbyist.
Jones said Mooresville has a lobbyist. There is a lobbyist through the Council of
Government (COG) and the NCACC.
Commissioner Houpe said the County needs someone that will be focused on Iredell
County and maybe the funds from Economic Development could help support a lobbyist. There
are issues coming up without a heads up.
Jones said Mooresville is not interested in participating with the County for a lobbyist
because they already have one. Troutman would consider partnering depending on what the
partnership looked like financially. The Economic Development group is interested.
Chairman Mallory said it would be beneficial to be paired up with a like county.
Commissioner McNeely said it could be tricky for one lobbyist to cover two counties.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the COG provides so many hours.
Commissioner Houpe said COG is supposed to provide so many hours, but there are so
many members of COG, what could be good for one could be bad for another.
Jones said if the County goes to the COG for specific needs there is a separate bill attached
to the specific service.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked why the County is continuing to contribute.
Commissioner Houpe said it does give the County a reasonable voice.
Vice Chairman Bowles said if hiring a lobbyist nets a profit, it would be good for the people
of the County.
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Commissioner McNeely said the cost would be approximately $2,000 per month.
Jones said the NCACC does a great job of sending notification of any legislation that
effects counties. Jones also has a bill tracking software.
The Board took a ten-minute break.
Cheek explained School Expenditures.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked for how the County funds schools and the increase from last
year.
Commissioner Houpe and Commissioner McNeely attended a recent Board of Education
meeting and there is a misconception. Some think the schools are getting a cut but in February the
per penny ad valorem was higher than what it actually came in at. It is not a cut, the schools are
getting an increase in funding. There have not been any cuts.
Cheek said in February, staff made an estimation and when the actual reval numbers came
in, staff adjusted the amounts on what was going to be collected on ad valorem.
Jones said school safety and security is new funding stream for the schools. Before, the
County funded current expense, capital outlay, and debt. The revenue stream for School safety and
security is a 50/50 split. It is funded by one half cent is taken from school capital and one half cent
from the County’s general fund ad valorem, which is about $3.3 million. From that, there are
certain expenditures that are public safety related that are coming out of the fund. Jones said the
other perceived cut is in capital and that was an adjustment to what was recommended but not a
cut to what was requested. Each educational entity is still recommended more capital funding than
they requested.
Commissioner Houpe said since the one-quarter cent sales tax failed, the Board is still
receiving request for funding as if there was a new revenue stream created, but there was not. The
Board made a point last year to say a lot of the requests do not need to be ma de if the revenue
stream does not pass however, with the changes, the Board must be pro-active with school safety
and security. It must be known that those requests are there without a revenue stream. The Board
is stepping up and allocating a high percentage of the reval to the education entities.
Jones said the reappraisal generated a little over $11 million. The three educational entities
are getting an increase $11.5 million.
Cheek explained that schools current expense is based on the per pupil amount and that
amount was raised 3%. Last year, pupils were funded at $1,125, this year it is recommended to be
$1,675. Cheek went over the final enrollment numbers that are budgeted. Iredell-Statesville is
getting a 3.9% increase in current expense. Mooresville Graded is receiving 4.65% increase.
Mitchell is funded by taking an average of the other increases. Cheek said based on the ad valorem
tax rate the County gives 15¢ to the schools for capital. In this budget, a half-cent was added to
match the safety and security.
Chairman Mallory said it is important to remember that the half-cent was never a part of
anyone’s budget. The Board is trying to meet a need equitably.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the schools were originally paying for some school resource
officers.
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Jones said yes, Troutman, Mooresville, and Statesville for school resource officers. They
are now being paid out of the safety and security line item because it is a contracted public safety
service. The schools will no longer be reimbursing the County for SRO’s.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the Schools Safety and Security Task Force explained that the
schools can keep monies from last year to fund mental health professionals.
Commissioner Houpe said the goal was for the schools to keep current expense revenue to
be used for discretionary health and well being.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested taking off “well-being” off the School Safety, Security,
and Well Being line item. There are 150 kids in ISS that need insulin given to the them and 300
kids in ISS are considered homeless. The is a need there. When it is time to try another referendum,
the well-being aspect can be added and the needs are explained. The County is fortunate to not
have had a catastrophic event but students have been lost to suicide.
The Board agreed to name the line item School Safety and Security.
Commissioner McNeely said the line items includes a lot of door locks and cameras. Next
year’s budget may include more mental health professionals.
Jones said the County is in the public safety business. The schools are not. Full -time staff
members with the schools should come from the school’s budget.
Vice Chairman Bowles said students will tell nurses things they won’t tell mental health
providers.
Commissioner McNeely had the idea of using student nurses in the school systems but
because of DPI, schools are required to hire a registered nurse with a four-year degree.
Commissioner Houpe said some parents will not allow children to visit with counselors
because of the stigma. There are legitimate concerns. There have been six student suicides in
Iredell County in the last two years. Some parents feel that they have been let down.
Cheek explained the schools capital outlay. Capital numbers are going to change anytime
the valuation changes. The schools did not receive a cut. The capital automatically changed
because of the valuation. Starting this year, one-half cent will go towards School Safety & Security.
ISS has a designation of $11,516,290.
Commissioner Norman asked if that was more than ISS requested.
Cheek said yes.
Jones sent a status report to each superintendent and Dr. Brewer to give them a heads up
and explained that the numbers are subject to change. This past Monday, Jones sent them the actual
recommended numbers and explained why they were different. Current expenses changed because
final ad valorem numbers were in. Current expense went up for ISS because the numbers were a
little higher. Capital was adjusted but it was still more than requested. School safety, and security
changed because staff estimated too high.
Commissioner Norman questioned why the schools were complaining that they did not
receive enough funding.
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Vice Chairman Bowles said the schools must be satisfied because they are not in attendance
today.
Commissioner Houpe said schools want to take another look at their priorities for the
school safety, and security budget. Commissioner Houpe asked staff to work with the schools to
receive a new list of priorities.
Cheek agreed. Staff will get a revised list from all three systems.
Chairman Mallory said the guiding principle is to knock out the capital requirements
because all three entities need surveillance and secure campuses. Chairman Mallory does not
expect numbers to change, that is just a requirement, leaving only SROs. The ratio may need to be
1 to 3.
Commissioner Norman does not want to change the number of SROs. Citizens are
concerned with having SROs in the schools.
Commissioner McNeely said the schools are still receiving more than they requested. There
is money there to make up the difference without putting themselves in a crunch.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the schools decide what to purchase.
Cheek said each entity will submit a list and must come by to the Board if they choose to
deviate from it.
Commissioner Houpe said some members of the School Board feel that there are more
SROs than they approved. Commissioner Houpe does not want to see the schools cut the camera
systems, door locks, and etc.
Vice Chairman Bowles agreed.
Commissioner McNeely does not think the schools will have to cut any security items.
Commissioner Houpe said it must be a priority of the school board.
Jones will request a new updated budget from the schools.
Chairman Mallory said this is a consequence for the people not voting for the o ne-quarter
cent sales tax.
Commissioner McNeely said there was a lack of advocating for the one-quarter cent sales
tax.
Chairman Mallory said most of the expenses are capital at the beginning of the year, which
translates to availability of dollars for SROs the second and third years. SROs are recurring
expenses. Until it is explained that the ratio of SROs to schools should be 1 to 1, the public has no
reason to vote for one-quarter cent sales tax.
Commissioner Houpe said the Board is being proactive but need to preface these
investments with the fact that the County cannot continue to do it permanently without a revenue
stream.
At this time, the Register of Deeds Ron Wyatt presented his budget.
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Wyatt thanked the Board for their time. The Register of Deeds is expected to have 3% more
growth revenue. The Register of Deeds is an office that creates money for the tax payers and not
a burden of the tax payer through their property taxes. Property sales are continuing their same
trend. Businesses and houses are growing in Iredell County. Wyatt said the budget for his office
remains the same with the exception of an addition of $2,500 for legal fees should it be needed.
Wyatt initially requested a new position because business has increased, but after meeting with the
budget team, that position was scratched.
Wyatt explained there is a dissatisfaction in the County in obtaining a passport. The logical
location to obtain a passport is the Register of Deeds. Rowan County just finished the first year of
issuing passports and based upon their county population it is time for the County to move forward.
However, it does create some controversy within the Register of Deeds office. The person doing
passports cannot issue vital records. Register of Deeds staff feel this may be beneficial as the
person can work in recording when not issuing passports. A real estate/recording staff member is
moving to the eastern part of the State. Wyatt is not losing a vital person so he will not need to
gain a vital. Wyatt said if the new staff member comes in and passports do numbers that they are
doing elsewhere and, if and when the new position is needed, there will be revenues coming in to
pay for the position.
Chairman Mallory asked the processing fee for a passport.
Wyatt said the County would keep $30 per application and $15 per picture taken. Some
bring their own photos.
Commissioner McNeely asked if the Post Office is going to stop doing passports.
Wyatt said no, but talking with constituents, people almost have to know someone in order
to get a passport. The Post Office has limited hours and only accepts reservations. The Register of
Deeds office will initially offer passports by appointment only but will work towards a more open
schedule.
Chairman Mallory asked if passports will be offered in the Mooresville location.
Wyatt said only Statesville for right now. Depending on the need, passports may be offered
one day a week in Mooresville.
Chairman Mallory said that is a great service to offer.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if passport renewals will be offered.
Wyatt said yes. Issuing passports may not make the County rich but it should recover the
cost of the employee.
ADJOURNMENT: The Board recessed at 3:00 PM until Monday, May 13 at 8:00 AM.
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Monday, May 13, 2019, 8:00 AM
Board Members Present
Chairman James B. Mallory III
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Jeff McNeely
Marvin Norman
Gene Houpe was available through a conference call.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce, Finance Director Deb Cheek, Assistant Finance Director
Susan Cornell, Budget Analysist Caroline Taylor, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
Chairman Mallory called the meeting to order.
General Governmental Expenditures
Budgets by Department (General Governmental)
County Commissioners
There is a net decrease of $19,000. The amount for training was modified depending on
previous years. Staff was also able to purchase a webinar for Ethics Training for the newly
elected board instead each member attending individually.
Administration
Net decrease of over $47,611 due to eliminating the full-time strategic planner position.
Some of the funds for that position was set aside for a part-time Project Manager.
Human Resources
Net increase of $153,000 because of the addition of employees. One position was
transferred to HR from Finance and added a mid-year position for Substantial Equivalency.
There was a reduction in travel allowance and training and development.
Elections
Pierce said the department stayed relatively flat. There was some money necessary to
purchase voting equipment. There is a net decrease due to insurance and bonds.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the $50,000 for the voting machines is included in the
department’s budget.
Jones said that is money that is set aside each year so when the equipment is purchased it
is not such a big hit.
Finance
Robertson said the Finance department has made some great reductions. One position
was transferred to HR. The department was able to save over $7,000 in audit fees by bidding out
the audit contract. There are a few increases for additional Kronos licenses. Kronos is the cloud-
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based time and attendance software. Even with the changes, the County maintains the AAA Fitch
bond rating and the highest AA.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if Kronos is being used county-wide.
Robertson said yes.
Tax Assessor
Robertson said there is a decrease due to completion of the reappraisal. Staff asked for
$70,000 to pay for the annual Pictometry contract. Staff was able to reduce the costs to $50,000
and meet the guidelines of the contract. The contract includes two flights in two-years.
Commissioner Houpe asked if there is money set aside for the salaries and benefits for
succession planning.
Tax Assessor and Tax Collector positions.
Robertson said nothing extra has been budgeted. When a position retires, the funding is
not cut to the bone. This allows a little wiggle room. The Tax Office is on a succession plan.
Staff is waiting and planning for the next position.
Tax Collector
Robertson said there is a slight increase year to year. Most is in salaries and benefits for
increases that have been awarded this fiscal year. The County budget is based on a 98.91
collection rate. It is very critical to keep well trained and confident emplo yees in those positions
because a one percent change is almost $1.4 million. By statute, the County cannot budget any
more than collected in the prior year.
Mapping
Robertson said there is an increase. The department requested two new positions but they
are being delayed. Robertson asked Mapping for a plan by December 2019. There have been
some changes made to the GIS to allow the public to do more with the program. This is a big
step forward. Tax mapping is most important to the collector and appraiser. GIS is a public
service.
Commissioner McNeely asked if Mapping is busy enough for the addition of two
employees.
Robertson feels that changes within the department that would eliminate the need of
having two new position.
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to the staff for bird dogging the process.
ITS
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Pierce said there was a significant reduction due to retirement and some turnover. There
are newer employees with lower salary costs. The department is also carrying over some training
funds. Computer replacements and software updates are staying on schedule.
Chairman Mallory the last couple of years included major IT updates and asked if there
are anymore on the horizon.
Jones said IT is constantly updating software. Currently, staff is focused on security
training for employees. There are no big ticket items expected. One IT position that was housed
at ECOM has been transferred to ECOM’s budget. That employee was serving two Department
Heads and it became confusing.
Facility Services
Pierce said a few additional positions are being recommended. The day porter has been
moved from a contracted service to an in-house service. The department’s budget also includes
three HVAC units.
Vice Chairman Bowles said Facility Service is becoming a vital department and will
continue to be.
Jones agreed. Facilities and parks grounds have been added but no additional staff has
been added to help maintain those facilities. Cost benefit analysis are done on an annual basis.
Chairman Mallory asked if David Saleeby’s salary is included in this department’s
budget.
Jones said yes.
Chairman Mallory asked about the new director’s salary.
Jones said part of David Saleeby’s salary is in the project fund.
Buildings
Tent rental for the fairground is included in the budget.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked about stormwater fees.
Jones said the City of Statesville is proposing a new stormwater fee that will go in effect
July 1. Any county owned property in the City of Statesville will pay stormwater fees. The fee is
based on the percentage of impervious surface.
Commissioner Norman asked about the tent rental.
Jones said the bid came in less than the estimate of $50,000. Large wedding tents will be
used for the fair because there is not enough time to construct a new building. The rental company
will be responsible for putting the tents up and taking them down. Their liability insurance will
cover if there is any defects or issues.
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Chairman Mallory asked if the tents have side panels.
Robertson said yes.
Jones said the tents are not a permanent solution. A new building will be constructed after
the fair.
Chairman Mallory said a plan needs to be in place before a building is built. The General
Governmental Task Force needs to work with the Town of Troutman.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the tents will be up for the Amish Horse Sales.
Jones said yes.
Jones said there have been some concern whether tents can be used. The tents are perfectly
allowed. Staff has checked with inspections and the State. Using tents for a fair is not unusual.
Vehicle Services
Pierce said the department has a net decrease because of the cost of concrete pads and vehicle lifts
being put in CIP. The department is moving to an oil system as opposed to individual bottles. The
director has been frugal with purchases.
Courts
Jones said Courts have a net increase of about $94,000. Requests include furniture for
Juvenile Probations and Superior Court Judge’s office. The District Attorney’s office requested
new furniture but staff was able to find furniture in surplus and use current funds to purchase other
requests.
Chairman Mallory asked if the budget includes the additional Assistant District Attorney.
Jones said yes.
Chairman Mallory said the additional ADA focuses on reducing long-standing backlog
cases.
Legal
Jones said no changes were made to this line item.
Economic Development
Robertson said the number is an estimate of what the County will pay in economic
incentives. There are several incentives that have been approved but agreements have not been
executed. Chris Younger is working to get these caught up. The numbers are based on what has
been done in the period of improvement. Robertson said the budget includes the fifth and final
year that the County committed to the Airport Manager. The County also budgets $8,335 as a
matching grant. This does not mean that the City will not come back and ask for more. The reuse
grant for Mack Molding is also included in the budget.
Commissioner McNeely asked if all incentives are included whether it has been taken
advantage of or not.
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Robertson said some are included because staff knows they are coming, but some of the
smaller ones with no clear answer is not budgeted.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if Chris Younger is tying up loose ends.
Jones has asked Younger to do that.
Jones said the pay scale adjustment and merit increase are included in this budget as
opposed to the individual departments. The increase in retiree health insurance costs are also
included. There is about $40,000 for capital in the budget as well for any unforeseen cost. There
is a reduction in insurance and bonds.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if it would behoove the County more to back the pay scale
adjustment to 2% instead of the proposed schedule of the following years.
Jones said the pay scale adjustment adjusts the pay scale with what the market bears and
that number could fluctuate. Staff is proposing to break it up into two pieces. The pay scale
adjustment helps with recruitment and helps the County stay competitive in the market. The merit
helps with the internal compression issue. Staff is trying a systematic approach as far as how to
address those in an incremental basis. Staff was proposing a pay scale every other year and some
type of percentage (depending on the market) in the other years. There may be some years that a
pay scale adjustment is not needed.
Chairman Mallory asked if the pay scale adjustment is for all employees.
Jones said yes. Merit increases are based on the employee’s performance over the last year.
Vice Chairman Bowles thinks it would be more palatable to the employees to have a glide
slope as opposed to run flat one year and then a step up and run flat.
Commissioner McNeely asked when was the last pay scale adjustment.
Robertson said it was effective July 2017.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if there was a merit increase last year.
Jones said it was a 0-5% merit increase dependent upon the employee’s performance.
Chairman Mallory asked how staff is handling some positions that are increasing
significantly in terms of cost.
Jones feels that staff has addressed that through the pay classification study and a
certification increases.
Chairman Mallory asked to even it out, would it be beneficial to do a biennium. This year
turned out to be more challenging and this is a big budget item.
Vice Chairman Bowles is trying to get away from everyone examining their paychecks.
Robertson suggested a 1 1/2% increase each year.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested a glide slope.
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Commissioner McNeely said an economic downturn would cause a reduction in the pay
scale adjustment. Commissioner McNeely suggested the 2% this year and 1% increase the next.
Jones said the percentages will change depending on the market. The reason a 3% is
recommended this year is because two years the County was already 4% behind competition. Staff
is trying to catch the pay scale up.
Commissioner McNeely asked how much the adjustment was in 2017.
Jones said 2017 was a part of the pay and classification study and it equated to 3%.
Chairman Mallory suggested 2% this year and 1% next year.
Jones recapped there will be a 2% pay scale adjustment for this fiscal year and a 0 -3%
merit increase and an anticipated 1% pay scale adjustment for next year, but staff will study the
market.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the merit increase process.
Jones said staff is working to revamp the annual review process to simplify it. Supervisors
who conduct performance reviews will receive training.
Chairman Mallory said the County has great employees, but t he upper level should be
limited to a smaller percentage.
Jones has explained to Department Directors that there is going to be a complete overhaul
of the evaluation process and that the process will serve its’ intended purpose.
Chairman Mallory said there needs to be an enforcing mechanism.
Commissioner Houpe said adjusting the pay scale adjustment to 2% shows that everyone
is taking a little of the burden during this tight budget.
Chairman Mallory said it is really about people understand that this is not an arbitrary
process and that performance is linked to pay.
Commissioner Norman wanted the overall picture and do right by the employees.
Commissioner McNeely wants to advance on a sustaining rate.
Jones said last year, the Board asked staff to implement mid-year reviews. One of the
reasons is let the employee know what areas they need to grow so they can achieve the maximum
incentive and in exchange more employees are reaching the higher percentage.
Vice Chairman Bowles said it is extremely difficult to talk about changing the proposed
pay scale adjustment. If the 3% was approved and the economy falls the 3% is still there. Vice
Chairman Bowles said the Board wants to be fair to each employees.
Jones said this budget was much more difficult than anticipated especially in a reval year.
Commissioner Houpe asked if this matter going to be tabled.
Commissioner Norman wants to be headed in the right direction for the employees.
Chairman Mallory said the Board gave a general direction.
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Jones explained the Special Appropriations. These are outside agency request. Staff tries
to keep each one at the prior year funding level. There were requests for increases. ICATS Dialysis
had a large requests. Staff worked with ICATS to twiddle that request down and continue to fund
dialysis transportation because it so vital.
Jones said there was a full time position in the Health Department that provided support to
DACI. It is recommended to eliminate that position and give the funding to Drug and Alcohol
Coalition of Iredell (DACI). DACI needs to be acknowledged as a separate entity. It was creating
issues having a full time county employee working with the group.
Commissioner McNeely asked how much DACI will receive.
Robertson said $40,000.
Vice Chairman Bowles said non-profits can do so much more with grants. The employee
will retain her desk and laptop.
Chairman Mallory asked about United Way matching an ICATS grant for medical
transportation.
Robertson said that is shown in ICATS budget. ICATS budget is very optimistic. The
request for general fund money was cut in half with an optimistic attitude. The grant was very
timely.
Jones said some Special Appropriations are based on population. There may be some
modifications to budgets. Most have been kept constant with prior year funding.
Vice Chairman Bowles questioned the appropriation to COG. Each time the County uses
COG there is an additional charge.
Jones said there is an additional charge for administering a grant. The COG also conducted
the employee engagement study and that was an additional cost.
Commissioner Houpe asked if those services would cost more if the County was not a
member of COG.
Jones said the County was recently awarded a grant that required grant administration. Staff
contacted COG to see if they would administer the grant. The grant included the administration
cost but the COG was going to charge more than what the grant included, so the County would
have to pay additional and it was not turn-key. Staff contacted other agencies and another COG
offered to administer the grant for what was included in the grant and it was turn-key.
Commissioner McNeely asked if all surrounding counties are members of COG.
Jones said all counties are contributing but some municipalities that are not. COG has a
new Executive Director that has reached out to see what type of services the County needs. Jones
explained to the new director that COG does a lot of planning but most of it is not applicable to
the County. The County would like to see services that are being provided that would benefit the
County. A lot of the focus going towards Charlotte and Mecklenburg.
Chairman Mallory said having a seat at the table makes a difference. The CRTPO recently
had a joint meeting with Gaston County’s MPO. Gaston was focused on the additional bridge
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crossing the Catawba that would suck the oxygen out of any discretionary budget the CRTPO has.
At that meeting, the Chairman used that as an opportunity to share the County’s concern over that
project’s impact on the budget. An alternate source of funding needs to be looked into. The County
receives a fair benefit from the generic approach to the Charlotte region as far as workforce
development, but it is a fair question whether the County receives a return on the investment for
opportunities. There needs to be more specialized and focused return that the County can look to.
Jones thinks that is the intent of the new director.
Chairman Mallory said the County has difficulty with any coordination with the
transportation organizations that cover Cabarrus and Rowan Counties. The County needs a much
closer working relationship if a north/south corridor is going to be addressed. The COG has another
organization in that area that can be used.
Commissioner Houpe said some local elected officials are now in strategic positions on
COG’s executive board to help. Commissioner Houpe would like to give it one more year to see
what the new director does differently and how it benefits the County to have local elected officials
on the board.
Chairman Mallory said membership fees are based on population. If there is no movement
in the next year the appropriation can be cut in half.
Vice Chairman Bowles explained this has nothing to do with the former county manager
becoming the previous executive director.
Commissioner Houpe agreed. If the County does not benefit then the funding can be
adjusted.
Vice Chairman Bowles said there is no need in convening a study to where the results of
the study are going to come back that the County is not going to do.
Chairman Mallory said COG spent a lot of money on a massive study that involved internet
based responses from people (quality of life, etc.). The study was not based on the stakeholders to
get their prospective. Busy people making things happen do not have time to filling out surveys
and monitoring the internet.
Commissioner Houpe asked staff to contact COG and get a list of what is included with
the membership fee and what other services the County has paid extra for.
Commissioner McNeely questioned the appropriation to NC Forestry Service.
Robertson said they have a local office and it is a 60/40 contract.
Chairman Mallory asked about the Beaver Management Assistance Program.
Robertson said the State contracts with certain entities to remove beaver dams because they
can be a hindrance to the agricultural community. The property owners pay half the cost if they
have someone come in and trap or remove the beavers.
Commissioner Houpe asked if any tracks the unfunded mandates.
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Robertson said it can be done but there is a cost involved. There are two services that Iredell
County provides that are not required by General Statute, the Public Library and Parks and
Recreation. Everything else, the County must provide all the other services.
Chairman Mallory said it would be interesting to know what percentage of the budget is
related to unfunded mandates.
Taylor will gather the numbers.
The Board took a ten-minute break.
Development Services Expenditures
Building Standards
Robertson said the budget includes a new building inspector, new vehicle, and replacement
vehicles. Overtime has been reduced because of the new position. Revenues collected from
Building Standards will exceed the budget substantially.
Chairman Mallory said it would be helpful to specify which departments have an enterprise
fund.
Commissioner Houpe asked if Inspections is doing succession planning.
Robertson said yes.
Planning
Robertson said most of the increase is the new vehicle.
Central Permitting
Robertson said the department has an overall decrease however there is a slight increase in
training and development. There was an in-office promotion after the Central Permitting Manager
left.
Cooperative Extension
Robertson said Cooperative Extension is a contract the County has with NC State
University. The County pays a percentage of most of the agents salaries and the State pays a
percentage. There is a recommendation to increase the County’s share of the Family and Consumer
Sciences position. The position works with families and organizations and provide the Safe Serve
training.
Health Department
Robertson said there is request for four reclassifications based on job duties and state
approval. The budget also includes two cisco switches, two replacement vehicles, and a vaccine
refrigerator. Robertson explained that Medicaid Maximization funds are used to pay for certain
items at the Health Department. The County provides approximately 47% of the costs to operate
and maintain Health Department services.
Chairman Mallory asked about the Medmax Fund balance and the status of the
ingress/egress work.
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Robertson said that Facility Services was able to have a right in and a right out constructed.
The new pattern took a while for staff and clients to get used to but it proved beneficial.
Chairman Mallory said the widening of Highway 21 may impact the entrance.
Robertson said some additional work had to be done because of water intrusion that started
with the last widening when the State covered up storm crates. Facility Services has done a
fantastic job in taking care of the issue.
Contracted Mental Health
Robertson said this is the County’s share of the annual contribution to Partners Behavioral
Health and the amount remains flat since 2013. Partners uses the funds to as match to maximize
what they can do with reimbursements.
Social Services
Robertson said the department’s budget is $23.1 million and it is important to point out that
$12.5 will come back to the County in state and federal grants. The County covers 46% of the DSS
budget. There is an increase of 6.7% this year. The positions have been needed for a long time but
there was no where to house the employees. The State mandates for Medicaid transformation and
the MOU has made almost impossible to meet the percentage requirements. A lot of the deadlines
are hard to meet because of outside influences, but it is the DSS staff that is held accountable. The
staff is doing everything they can to meet all of the mandates. This is the year to request additional
employees partway through the year.
Chairman Mallory said the problem is there is no exception to the rule, but hopefully the
legislature can address some of the issues in the future. Space constraints have been a major
problem, so it helpful that a space in the GVS is opening.
Commissioner Houpe asked for an update on the regionalization of DSS.
Robertson said the State is developing Region Support Offices but the issue is the offices
will be supporting up to 14 counties.
Chairman Mallory said it would be different if the offices would be providing support to
offices. The numbers used to do that is inadequate.
Commissioner Houpe said it would behoove the County to relocate the Health Department
near DSS, when the time comes.
Chairman Mallory agrees.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if combining Health and DSS would waive off the
regionalization.
Chairman Mallory does not think that will help.
Commissioner McNeely said the State is trying to control the most costly adventure so they
can mandate.
Vice Chairman Bowles said that is another reason for a lobbyist.
Veterans
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Pierce said the department has a slight increase in supplies and salaries.
The Board came to a general consensus on all departments.
Public Safety
Sheriff Darren Campbell explained the Sheriff’s Office and the Jail’s budget together. Law
enforcement is serious business and was recently reminded when Mooresville Officer Jordan
Sheldon was killed on May 4. Sheriff Campbell said officer and citizen safety is his top priority.
The budget is kept conservative, but every opportunity is taken to use drug revenue money to offset
tax-payer dollars. The department is planning to use over $1.3 million to help offset the budget,
over $290,000 of that is seized drug revenues. Additional services that the office provides without
an increase includes, school checks, church shield faith watch, citizen’s academy, athletic league,
and active shooter training.
Sheriff Campbell explained that index crimes are almost at a decade low, which is a direct
result of drug roundups. There are messages indicating that dealers will not do business in the
County because it is too hard and they are worried about roundups. Methamphetamine is one of
the biggest problems and it costs $40-60 more in the County because of supply and demand, and
the pressure that users go through. The department is four times higher than the national average
in the solving of crimes. In 2017, homicides were 100% involved. There were no homicides in
2018 and none thus far in 2019. Sheriff Campbell said the office has a service area of over 100,000.
The office still provides writs, executions, and evictions to the entire county.
Chairman Mallory asked the sheer growth in unincorporated areas.
Sheriff Campbell said last year it was around 111,000.
Sheriff Campbell expressed sincere appreciation for the Jail Operation Fund and there will
be about $1 million pulled out. The cost of two unmarked patrol cars and equipment will be offset
by commissary money.
Sheriff Campbell said there is an increase of 4.04% in the department’s budget. Sheriff
Campbell shared the importance of school safety. There is a threat assessment position and a K-9
Officer that visits three elementary schools per day. SROs are very unique. By getting SROs in
schools the department is planning for the next 20 years by building relationships. The department
provides a mobile classroom. So far, over 10,000 students have gone through the mobile
classroom. Sheriff Campbell said on the average night shift there is one deputy per every 89 square
miles. The office has 32 vehicles with over 150,000 miles and 17 with over 200,000 miles.
Chairman Mallory asked why unmarked cars cost more than marked.
Sheriff Campbell said the two vehicles being requested are SUVs.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked the total number of vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Campbell said around 175.
Sheriff Campbell said the School Safety and Security line item greatly helped with his
department’s budget.
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Chairman Mallory said there are assumptions, most not warranted, about the use of the
bearcat, which raised the question of policies and procedures.
Sheriff Campbell said the bearcat is nothing more than a way to deliver life saving
measures for law enforcement, EMS, or anyone needing evacuation from a hostile situation.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked on a scale from 1 to 10 how ready is the County for a large
incident.
Sheriff Campbell said the County is well prepared. Advanced intelligence and building
relationships with students is extremely important.
Chairman Mallory said the failure of the one-quarter cent sales tax was a lack of
communication and knowledge of what the funds was going to be used for.
Sheriff Campbell said requested to maintain the Jail Operation Fund or a contingency fund.
This is a fund that is compiled of turn back money. The department has proven to be good stewards
of money and that fund has been extremely useful.
Chairman Mallory said that is a good point. Neither the County’s general budget nor the
school’s budget never imagined the expense of school safety. There is no independent revenue
stream to support the safety.
Sheriff Campbell said the Jail Operation Fund should not have a use it or lose it policy.
Chairman Mallory said all parties should be behind the one-quarter cent sales tax.
Jones explained that David Saleeby, and representatives of Hickory Construction and
Mozely Architects were present to give an update on construction of the jail. The contract date is
June 5 and that will not be met. There have been some delays in the project. The biggest delay has
been weather days and that is allowed by contract. With the weather and the tight site there are no
dry out days. When the rain stops the weather days stop, but the site is still a muddy mess and
heavy equipment cannot operate in those conditions. There were some delays with the steel cell
issue and precass panels. Staff has met on a regular basis to come up with some creative ideas on
getting the project complete. The number one goal is to get the cells complete and m ove the
inmates in. Currently, the date is August 30, 2019 but it is contingent on the State’s inspection.
The jail cannot be occupied until the State says so.
Chairman Mallory asked if there is a pre-inspection program.
A representative from Hickory Construction said the State has been reluctant on doing a
pre-inspection but the local inspector has agreed to come through the facility along with more
construction company staff. The State always have questions on the building or operational
questions. The schedule is tight but there is some wiggle room. The company has notified the State
that the inspection is coming up.
Commissioner Norman asked if the cells have been installed.
Saleeby said yes.
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Jones said the plan is to move inmates in on August 30. All of the focus is getting in the
jail. The renovation of the old jail has been put on hold until the inmates have moved into the new
one. There have been a lot of unforeseen throughout the jail project.
Chairman Mallory asked if there is a third party holding up anything, similar to AT&T and
the PSC.
Saleeby said the only third properties are the City’s TRC, state and local inspections. The
City’s Planning Department check off boxes when the sidewalk and street lights are added.
However, for the technology it is all one system. There is no additional systems. The IT department
has worked very closely and are well ahead schedule. The biggest enemy of the project was rain.
The jail is very technical.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked should the Board consider the contingency as the Sheriff
requested.
Jones said the jail will come online this year and funds have been carried over to make sure
the unforeseen is taken care of. The Board has the option to do as the S heriff requested. It is
recommended to use the Jail Operation Funds going forward this year as the jail is coming online.
There is still some contingency left over for the jail to be used for the renovation project.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the big unknown are the inspections.
Bert Connolly is in contact with the State on a weekly basis. He has worked diligently in
training staff so that they are ready once the inspectors give the okay things will go like clock
work.
Chairman Mallory said if there were any concerns relative to anyone putting their best
efforts and doing the very best job then the Board would have “rang the bell.” Everyone has had
to adapt and overcome but things are beyond anyone’s control.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if any contingency has been used.
Jones said some has been used. Contingency was used for unsuitable soils, cisterine, the
old school, and backup HVAC for the IT room.
Commissioner Norman thanked the Sheriff for continuing to save money.
Jones said staff has talked with all department directors about saving money.
Commissioner Houpe asked about change orders.
Saleeby said there have been a few change orders and all have been handled with
allowances. There are general conditions that cost Hickory Construction to operate m onthly, they
are waiving their general conditions.
Jones said all parties have a little on the table to get the jail done. The total project costs
has not been exceeded.
Chairman Mallory said the jail does not dominate the horizon and does not look like a jail.
Fire Funding
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Jones said the original proposal was to increase the county-wide fire tax by 1¢.. The plan
was to create a new funding proposal to fund the volunteer fire departments. That would take into
consideration a standard of operations, an apparatus replacement plan, and equipment and
maintenance. Through the course of meeting with the chiefs there was some misunderstanding that
truck money was going to be separate. There was also concern if 8¢ was enough. Kent Greene
went back and reworked another proposal looking at it from two standpoints. If you fund each
department based on their request and that came back at around 8 ½ ¢. Secondly, what would it
look like if it was funded at 9¢. Several different options and scenarios have been considered. The
operational piece of the funding is based on a formula. The additional .9 would put additional
funding into equipment, apparatus, radios, and etc., but the operation part is formula driven. Staff
looked at the budget and Jones recommended a one penny increase. That process requires certain
statutory requirements and notification, and there is grave concern that those requirements cannot
be met in time. The original proposal was creating a new service district and includes all fire
departments with the exception of Statesville and Mooresville. It would leave the voted in tax
districts but take the rates to zero. The new service district would be 8¢ instead of 7¢. There is a
requirement to notify all residents. Staff is not sure that can be done before J uly 1. Staff then
decided to look at other options. Robertson created an alternate plan. There have been lots of
conversations and feedback from chiefs regarding the funding proposal. An email from Brian
Weatherman was passed around to the Board. The fire departments have a lot of needs. The County
needs to come up with a sustainable plan going forward. Jones said there is no perfect funding
formula. The age of volunteerism is dwindling and the departments are struggling as far as staff
and meeting demand. The plan has to manageable, sustainable, and addresses the majority of the
needs. There is an option for the 9¢ cent that provides additional funding for apparatus and
equipment. It is still based on formula for operations. But, there are concerns over meeting the
requirements for those two options. Jones asked board for some direction.
Chairman Mallory asked what important events should occur.
Greene said statutorily, a new service district must take effect on the first day of the fiscal
year, which is July 1. It also requires a public hearing and residents must be notified of the public
hearing four weeks in advance.
Chairman Mallory asked about conducting a special meeting for the required public
hearing.
Robertson said it also requires written notification to every tax payer in the voted in tax
districts and the new service district. The final tax rate has to be in to NC Department of Revenue
by June 10.
Commissioner Houpe said if the Board goes less than 9¢, there will not be any extra money
to set aside for future apparatus replacement. The Board told the chiefs that this would be done
right. Commissioner Houpe understands the time constraints however, this needs to be done right.
There are some concern over the departments’ expenditures.
Jones said the numbers that were gone over with the departments was predicated on the 8¢.
The 9¢ option did not come out until after the meeting.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Chairman Mallory said the revenue stream changed so to maintain the same level of
appropriation the rate needs to increase. Chairman Mallory shared concern over the timeline and
asked what the options are.
Commissioner McNeely asked if there is any type of grace period.
Jones said no.
Jones said the plan would zeroing out both districts and creating a service on top that is .8.
Vice Chairman Bowles said that plan cannot happen right now.
Chairman Mallory asked if it could go in effect for ad valorem.
Jones said no. There must be one rate on all.
Robertson explained the alternative plan. Robertson said concerns had been shared because
Mooresville and Statesville are providing back up to the EMS and the y receive no reimburse.
Instead of adding one penny to an all-county tax rate, add it to a county rate raising it from 52.75
to 53.75 and be able to reimburse the municipalities and first responder EMS. The citizens in the
voted fire tax districts voted for those first tax districts. Robertson started with the maximum
number and backed out what was budgeted in the all-county districts so what was needed to cover
the non-voted fire tax districts plus what Greene’s report showed for apparatus, debt, equipment,
and radios to get a net number. Option two is no consolidation. It took the tax base for county-
wide to all county.
Chairman Mallory said the reason for consolidation was to provide a sustainable way
forward regardless of what happened to individual fire districts.
Commissioner Houpe said this plan would not adequately fund the departments or moving
forward.
Robertson said the plan does cover annual apparatus and equipment.
Commissioner McNeely said this plan includes the entire county.
Jones said Greene’s original proposal of funding the fire departments at the 8¢ level as
opposed to .7 level, this allows for it. It does not fund the departments at the 9¢ level.
Chairman Mallory said a penny on the tax rate for the County fire district which would
exclude the municipalities. That is a large share of the dollars. Going up one penny in entire county
means going up two pennies on the excluded areas.
Jones said Statesville and Mooresville would receive a share because their tax payers are
paying that penny.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested creating a county-wide tax district at zero and continue
to operate so in the future the County can utilize the option of the County-wide tax rate.
The Board agreed, but the timeline would not be met.
Vice Chairman Bowles said staff can get started on creating that tax rate after July 1 and
have it ready for next fiscal year.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Jones said the departments included in the one cent increase in ad valorem is fire and
additional funding for rescue and fund the municipalities because they will be taxed.
Chairman Mallory said it would be better take a look at that the County can meet the
commitments that were made while understanding things are headed in a consolidated piece but
that cannot be achieved this year.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 12:00PM
Board Members Present
Chairman James B. Mallory III
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Jeff McNeely
Marvin Norman
Gene Houpe was available through a conference call.
Staff present: County Manager Beth Jones, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce, Finance Director Deb Alford, Assistant Finance Director
Susan Cornell, Budget Analysist Caroline Taylor, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
Chairman Mallory called the meeting to order.
Commissioner Houpe asked to do a non-reoccuring additional $5,000 to Fort Dobbs.
The board reached a consensus on the addition.
Jones said increases for Special Appropriations are formula driven.
Chairman Mallory said Fort Dobbs brings in significant dollars to the County.
Jones said the Board will continue through departmental expenditures.
Library
Robertson said county funds cover 94% of the costs of the Library. The main Library has
a small increase. The Library has expanded its collaboration with public schools and community
organizations for both youth and adult. The Harmony Library has a small decrease because of a
retirement. The Troutman Library has an increase because of a part-time Library Assistant. The
funding for Mooresville is based on square feet so there is a slight increase.
Chairman Mallory said Library staff does a great job with acquiring grants.
Robertson said the Library staff has a great ability to adapt and change.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked about the Library renovation.
Jones said the retro-coat is going in next week then the rebuilding will begin.
Parks and Recreation
Pierce said the department has a fairly prudent budget. The request for a Turf Management
Specialist was cut because Cooperative Extension can be used a consultant. The requested ball
field conditioner has been reduced to a smaller machine. There is a proposed change to the golf
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
tournament. The family of Kim Gallyon is ready to move on from the tournament. The
recommendation is to have two tournaments per year and have the proceeds go into the general
park fund.
Commissioner Houpe asked what golf tournaments net.
Cheek said around $5,000-6,000.
Chairman Mallory said with the new ropes course and expansion of Jennings Park the
bottom line has not expanded.
Jones said the department now has a new line for the Recreation Center. Some staff
members are now in the Recreation Center budget.
Chairman Mallory noted the numbers do not reflect the revenue stream and again urged
staff to dictate revenue streams.
Robertson said there is an expected net revenue of $780,000 for both line items.
Recreation Center
Pierce said the request includes two exercise machines for limited mobility and a slushie
machine for pool concessions.
Commissioner McNeely asked what is the expected net from the slushie machine.
Pierce said there is no trend to go by as it is the first year of the Recreation Center.
The board reached a consensus for the above department budgets but no formal action was
taken.
Debt and Capital
Taylor said debt budget increase about $100,000. The debt budget includes all debt except
the schools. Next year will be the last payment for the DSS building and the Iredell Rescue Squad
debt. There is no new debt for next year.
Vice Chairman Bowles noted the debt for Iredell Rescue is just the note that the County
borrowed for the squad.
Jones said the County forgave the payment the last two years at $50,000 each. This year
the payment is less than $5,100.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested when loans are forgiven the money should roll into CIP
for future projects.
Commissioner Houpe said are there any funds in CIP for unforeseen projects.
Jones said yes, there are some undesignated funds.
Taylor went over the CIP. The CIP includes the technology upgrade to the Commissioners’
Meeting Room, second phase of the Government Center, wrapping up the voice over IP, $350,000
towards the new Vehicle Services location, two ambulance replacements (one may be covered by
insurance), and the ECOM space renovation.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Commissioner Houpe asked for the total project and operating costs of the PSC and the
Jail.
Jones said staff will gather the numbers and get them to the Board.
Vice Chairman Bowles said there are a lot of components to the Public Safety Complex.
Facility Improvement Plan
The $130,000 plan includes Probation, minor renovations at the Recreation Center, East
Iredell Recreation Center, and the Sheriff’s Office (removal of SVU building).
Chairman Mallory asked if the fund includes the drainage issue for the SVU building.
Taylor said yes.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked that the renovations to the East Iredell Recreation Cent er
happen first because that park has taken a back seat to the Recreation Center.
Pierce said East Iredell has placed priority on the East Iredell Recreation Center.
Commissioner Norman said the Recreation Advisory Committee also agreed.
Transportation
Robertson said this year’s request in lower than last because it does not include funds for
construction of a new facility. However, the County did not receive the build grant. The County
ranked 27 out of over 500 that applied. Brad Johnson is currently compiling a new application for
the upcoming year. Build grants cover the majority of the cost of a new building, but there should
be an investment from the County (land, 10 %cash match, etc.). Robertson explained that it
wouldn’t be budgeted for until the County is awarded the grant. Since 2015, there has a been a
74% increase in the number of trips. There has been a huge increase in the daily out-of-county
trips with the connection to CATS. There are two trips a week to the VA hospital in S alisbury.
One trip a week to Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. There are four fixed routes in the County.
There have been 11,000 different individual passengers in the last year. There is a call for more
transportation provision in the County. Brad requested increases from Statesville and Mooresville
because they help fund fixed rates.
Chairman Mallory asked how much land the facility needs.
Robertson said about 20 acres because of parking. The director would like all vehicles
located in the same place, a wash facility, and a maintenance facility. ICATS would also like to
serve as a Greyhound Bus Terminal.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked how much acreage is left beside DSS.
Robertson said there is enough room for the Health Department.
Chairman Mallory asked staff to look into Bristol Road.
Commissioner McNeely said there is 27 acres for sale on Bristol.
Commissioner Norman asked how much per acre.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Commissioner McNeely said around $30,000 per acre.
Commissioner McNeely said ICATS and Vehicle Services should be together.
Robertson said it is perfect idea to located those two together.
Robertson explained that 64% of ICATS is salaries. Drivers start as early as 4:30PM and
some end at 9:30PM. Recently, Commissioner Houpe and Robertson met with community lead er
to talk about the potential to expand public transportation services. Brad is doing the very best he
can with the amount of money that is available. There are people who have low-paying jobs that
cannot afford a car so ICATS tries to help but at the same time ICATS is not a taxi service. People
have to be willing to get to a stop to be picked up.
Commissioner Houpe said most people do not realize the red tape and beuarcracy of just
putting up a bus stop post. A part of the problem is getting the workforce to the job because they
don’t have their own transportation. Brad explained the logistics in identifying a bus stop.
Robertson said people can look at the routes on the ICATS website. The County does not
have the app technology yet.
Vice Chairman Bowles said there is a big misconception in the community about ICATS
being a taxi service.
JCPC
Cheek said the Board approved the funding plan at the May 7, 2019 meeting. The funding
has not changed in several years. There was some re-allocation but all programs remained.
Solid Waste
Robertson encouraged the Board to visit the landfill once a year. Bids are now out for phase
6 development. There was $7,150,000 budgeted in the current fiscal year.
Robertson said a new site for Harmony at the amount of $1.8 million is included in the
upcoming budget. There have been two additional potential drawings. Staff thinks the site will
cost around $1.2. The current site in Harmony is overloaded. The department’s budget also
includes the redesign of a new entrance for the Twin Oaks Road site. Traffic backs up both sides
and is becoming a safety hazard. The new design will probably redirect residential further east.
David Lambert is moving forward with the project. Solid Waste is also adding one site attendant.
In addition, there is also fee increases. Robertson reminded the Board there was a multi-year study
presented to the Board that had incremental increases beginning this year to do a $1 per year for
several years. Staff decided to go ahead and increase the cost by $3 per ton for commercial and $4
a year annual increase in household. Even with the increases, the County remains very comparable
and less than surrounding counties. Residents in Rowan County pay $1.75 per bag of trash. There
is one remaining debt for Solid Waste and that is the purchase of the Twin Oaks Golf Club.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked what the enterprise fund typically covers.
Robertson said Solid Waste is 100% funded by revenues they collect. Solid Waste does
contribute to the General Fund.
Chairman Mallory asked about the new Harmony site.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Robertson said the site will have room for expansion. Initially, only what is needed will be
added.
The Board discussed the Mooresville convenience site.
Insurance
Taylor explained there was a 2.1% increase in health insurance fund, which includes
$175,000 for wellness clinic move and increased hours for the Nurse Practitioner and Medical
Office Assistant (MOA), and an additional MOA. Health insurance claims had decreased since
2014, however last year there was a slight increase. Health insurance contribution has not changed
since FY18.
Jones said everyone should be proud of the Wellness Clinic.
Commissioner Norman asked if the new location will help.
Jones think so. The location will help flow and get people in and out quicker so more people
can be seen. The clinic will also offer rehabilitation at the new location.
Property and Liability Insurance
Taylor said there has been a gradual increase in claims since 2017.
Jones said there have been a lot of vehicle accidents. Staff is committed to revamping the
Vehicle Use policy.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked how the blame is assigned.
Jones said staff looks at it the accidents preventable or not preventable.
Chairman Mallory asked if a lot are related to cell phone use.
Robertson said there are a lot of backing accidents and employees are not being held
financially accountable.
Chairman Mallory asked how accountability is being brought.
Jones said staff has several ideas. If an employee has two or more preventable accidents
over a course of time there is disciplinary action then hold them responsible for the repair. Staff is
getting ideas from other counties and the NCACC.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested tying it to merit.
Robertson said the deductible is $25,000 on vehicles.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked which departments are having the most accidents.
Jones said the accidents are wide spread.
Taylor said there is a 5% increase in program costs (NCACC).
The Board took a five minute break.
Animal Services
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Pierce said the request includes an additional vet tech position and two replacement vehicles. The
additional vet tech will help reduce overtime hours.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the floors have been done.
Pierce said yes.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the camera system.
Jones said the camera system does record. There was one incident where an individual was
in a staff only area.
ECOM
Pierce said the request for additional positions was denied, as discussed at the beginning
of the budget meetings. The request for a part-time radio technician was recommended.
Chairman Mallory asked if the person will work with all the departments to make sure all
pagers are on the right frequencies.
Pierce said that would be an auxiliary service.
Jones said this position will not program everyone’s radio for other things in other counties.
The position will assess that radios in the County are programmed with ECOM.
Chairman Mallory asked Kent Greene to get the word out to the Fire Departments on t he
position and what they are limited to do.
EMS
Pierce said the request for a community paramedic was cut because they would not provide
ample service. Staff asked the director to look for other funding sources. The increase is vehicle
maintenance, fuel, and medical supplies.
Vice Chairman asked about InMotion.
Pierce said it is a specific program tied to the CAD.
Chairman Mallory asked the cost of a community paramedic.
Taylor said $58,632 for salaries and additional cost.
Chairman Mallory said a community paramedic is cost avoidance. One community
paramedic is better than one.
Jones said there are two grant opportunities coming up this year that EMS is going to apply
for. The grant would cover the cost for the first year.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if that position would be a new hire.
Jones said it would probably be a new hire, but the position would be advertised.
Chairman Mallory said if the grant does not work out then one community paramedic
would be better than one. Chairman Mallory asked staff to come back after the grant is awarded
to reassess.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Commissioner McNeely suggested two part-time community paramedics.
EMS Specialty Services
Pierce said the budget includes a scheduler position transferred from ECOM and 2 AED’s
for the bike team. The request for a replacement bicycle is not being recommended.
Fire Marshal
Pierce said a request for an additional Assistant Fire Marshall was not recommended. The
director was encouraged to evaluate the work and more evenly distribute the work load.
Greene said the department implemented the Emergency Recording software for
inspections a little over a year ago and that has helped.
Emergency Management
Pierce said a request for an Emergency Planner was denied. The request includes mobile
radio replacement.
Fire Funding
Vice Chairman Bowles said Iredell Rescue has an increase of $35,943 and North Iredell
Rescue has an increase of $47,825. Percentage wise it looks like North Iredell is getting three times
the percentage. Vice Chairman Bowles asked how staff came up with those numbers.
Robertson said those are formula based.
Vice Chairman Bowles said for Iredell Rescue to have a sustainable path the Board will
fund them enough so they can pay salaries.
Chairman Mallory said Iredell Rescue has a strong volunteer base but compensation is the
problem.
Greene said they have a good roster. The availability of the people to show up is slim.
Commissioner McNeely asked about a possible merger with EMS.
Jones said staff has proposed a couple of different options but the rescue squad wants to
stay exactly how they are and want additional funding assistance. They are concerned about any
kind of partnership with EMS. Some of their paid staff is also full-time employees of EMS. If the
two merge the employee can only work for the County. Jones said the consolidation was initially
a good idea but there are identity concerns and some heavy lifters with rescue are EMS employees.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked what will happen if Iredell Rescue goes away.
Greene said it will not have a substantial impact on vehicular extrications. There are other
departments deemed heavy rescue. Swift water, trench, confine space, and high angle take a ton
of personnel.
Chairman Mallory said the reason for the possible merger is that rescue is the backup to
EMS and covers all of the stand by.
Commissioner Houpe said Iredell Rescue fills in for EMS a lot.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Chairman Mallory said the Board has asked for distributive basing model particular with
Cool Spring.
Commissioner Houpe said if rescue goes away, the municipalities will start charging the
County for services. It will be more cost effective to keep rescue than to replace them.
Vice Chairman Bowles said an extra bay was built at Cool Spring and Trinity. Rescue
needs to be further up highway 115 in order to cover the Central area. At some point, the people
must be funded in order to run the trucks.
Chairman Mallory said the formula was based on one location, so the cost of the additional
stations need to be factored in.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the Board must make a decision to fund or not.
Jones said all of rescue comes out the General Fund.
Commissioner McNeely said at some point a revenue stream needs to be attached to rescue.
Vice Chairman Bowles said Iredell Rescue needs to at least get into Cool Spring.
Chairman Mallory asked staff to figure out the cost of putting a rescue truck in Cool Spring.
Staff will bring a figure back to the Board.
Jones said more space was planned at Trinity than Cool Spring.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked the cost of four employees.
Greene said between $120,000 – 140,000.
The board discussed creating a service district for the FY21. The focus for the upcoming
fiscal year is getting rescue trucks in Cool Spring.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested staff member help with the rescue’s finance books.
Chairman Mallory said there is a spending problem.
The Board continued to discuss fire funding.
Jones explained that fire tax funds cannot be spent on rescue squad however, service district
funds can.
Greene presented two options for a funding plan for the fire departments. Option one does
not include a county-wide apparatus replacement plan in this bridge year.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if any department is in desperate need to replace a piece of
apparatus.
Greene said the only department that mentioned replacing apparatus is Mount Mourne.
Lake Norman has already signed a contract on a $1.3 million ladder truck.
Commissioner McNeely asked about Shepherd’s.
Greene said Shepherd replaced two tanker trucks last year and there is nobody to drive
them.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Commissioner McNeely said that is great example of why there should be a plan in place.
Greene said there are a couple concerns about option two. The bright side is it keeps the
tax rate below 8.5 cent. It continues to fund the department’s apparatus replacement plan internally
as it is today. Department’s range from $53,000 to $94,000 a year in apparatus funds. If the
apparatus plan is included then the lowest increase would 9¢ and that includes trimming numbers
on radios. It also primarily reduces the out-of-county departments down from what was originally
proposed for one person staffing versus the two that was used to calculate.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if those departments are depending on that funding.
Greene said Wilkes-Iredell not so much. Lone Hickory is receiving one staff member from
Yadkin County. County Line does not have an issue with volunteerism. They do not have the call
volume to support a paid staff.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if an oversight board is required for the new district.
Greene said the Board of Commissioners will serve as the oversight committee. Some
counties create a Fire Rescue Commission to serve as a filter between the Board and the fire
departments.
Commissioner McNeely said all the equipment needs to be on a replacement plan.
Greene said it will take some juggling because all the different makes and models, but the
departments who use the same can be grouped together. Some departments who buy a replacement
truck will sell the old truck to a neighboring department.
Chairman Mallory said the out-of-county departments are on a more traditional funding
and manning model.
Greene recommended the following tax rates: 7¢ for Mount Mourne, Shepherd, and Stony
Point; 7 1/2 ¢ for Troutman. This does not necessarily meet all the budgetary requests. The funding
model provides additional funds for almost every department in the County with the exception of
Lake Norman. Lake Norman will see a net decrease because of the truck fund money. The funding
for Lake Norman includes the additional $250,000 that was previously for the grace contract.
Commissioner Norman asked if this funding solved the Cool Spring issue.
Greene said it covers the $431,000 that Cool Spring requested in order to not dip in their
operation reserve.
Chairman Mallory said two departments have made decisions on apparatus that the Board
knew nothing about. Chairman Mallory said the departments are receiving more personnel and the
County is gaining control over the apparatus.
Greene said it will take five or six years to get caught up on apparatus. The plan was built
only on the required type.
Jones asked Greene to recap the formula for calculating the operational funding.
Greene said the area of population, heated square feet, number of residential parcels,
numbers of business parcels were all considered.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Commissioner Houpe asked if the same formula was used when calculations were given
out at the Chief’s meeting.
Greene said yes. Because there is such wide variably between Lake Norman and Central,
applying any factor would have caused Lake Norman to receive $1.9 million and Central would
have received $60,000. Greene attempted to find a middle ground and figure out what it costs to
operate a station and added the two staff members per day (Monday – Friday at $15 per hours). A
piece was added for a sub-station.
Commissioner Houpe said the plan is asking the departments to hold on for a year for
apparatus.
Chairman Mallory suggested to lock in apparatus and then rate will not have to be increased
again.
Greene said the plan takes things down to the bare bones.
Jones said there were two exceptions to the formula: Lake Norman, because of the
$250,000 and Cool Spring. The other departments are formula driven.
Commissioner Houpe asked if any department took a cut in this one year temporary fix.
Kent said no.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked how Lake Norman and the Cool Spring funding was
calculated.
Greene said Lake Norman was based on the fact that they generate nearly 2/3 of the county-
wide tax district and they already have full time staff. Greene met individually with Cool Spring
and laid out their costs to explain they would be out of reserve in four years at the previous level.
Greene had a candid discussion with the department about the paid chief position. That is causing
some angst with other departments.
Vice Chairman Bowles said several departments have paid chiefs.
Jones said part of the issue with Cool Spring is they were using truck money to help
supplement operation funding. Cool Spring is receiving what is outside the model and some chiefs
have picked up on it. Some chiefs are thinking they will use truck money for operational funds
because next year the County is going to begin the apparatus plan. Jones said to be careful of not
setting a precedence.
Chairman Mallory said if the departments go to an equitable staffing model then things
should be covered.
Greene said in the past Cool Spring has used their entire allocation of truck money to help
offset salaries. That comes to an end July 1 with the implementation of the proposed plan, but with
the increased money they will not need the additional. However, there are departments with
$300,000 in truck money. There are departments that feel Cool Spring should not have used the
truck money.
Commissioner Houpe said until there is a permanent fix the departments are going to spend
as they please. The County cannot police it.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Greene said it is going to take about four years to get to the point where apparatus is being
replaced without having to make payments on existing apparatus.
The Board took a five minute break.
Green explained that Cool Spring estimated their budget high.
Commissioner Houpe said at the joint meeting the Board told everyone they did not want
Lake Norman to pull out of the funding plan. Everyone understands Lake Norman brings in a lion
share.
Commissioner McNeely asked if the 9¢ includes the apparatus.
Greene said yes.
Commissioner McNeely said that should be plan this year in order to get to the next.
Commissioner McNeely asked if rescue can be included.
Jones said not this fiscal year. A new service district needs to be created in order to add
rescue. Rescue will come out of ad valorem this year.
Jones said staff will contact Iredell Rescue to see how much it cost to staff a truck a Cool
Spring.
Commissioner Houpe asked for a timeline, in writing, of the proposed structure for the fire
funding by department for the county-wide district.
Jones said staff will work on that after working through the current budget. Once this year
is approved, conversations for the overlay service district can start.
Commissioner Houpe asked how the departments will be notified of the current funding.
Jones said Greene is the liaison and will provide information to the chiefs and inform them
that the County will move forward with the apparatus replacement plan.
Commissioner Houpe asked that be done as soon as possible.
Jones asked to circle back to the fairground exhibit hall. There is $167,000 in the current
year for the new building. An additional $250,000 in 2021. The estimate to rebuild the exhibit hall
is $1.17 million. The hall would be conditioned to it could be repurposed at a later date.
Chairman Mallory said a Master Plan Study needs to be done before anything is decided.
The County must figure out exactly what to do with the property in conjunction with Troutman
and other stake-holders.
Jones asked for some direction on if that is the property to move forward. If that is the
location to move forward, the master plan will explain how much additional acreage is needed and
how to develop.
Chairman Mallory suggested that the General Government Task Force meet with all
stakeholders (Barium, Troutman, Agricultural and farming communities, Kiwanis, and interested
parties) to decide where the fair needs to be and how to take it beyond just the fair.
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May 9, 13, & 14, 2019
Jones recommended having a consultant attend the meetings so they can hear and
understand what the stakeholders are looking for.
The Board agreed to move with the master plan.
Jones recapped the following items from the meetings:
Removing 1% from the pay scale adjustment
Additional $5,000 one time payment for Fort Dobbs in Special Appropriations
Fire Funding: Increase service district to 9¢ and two voted-in tax districts to 7¢, and 7 ½ ¢
for Troutman. Troutman is also a voted in tax district.
Addition of approximately $125,000 to Iredell Rescue in order to man Cool Spring.
Chairman Mallory asked for clarification on the school safety, and security relative to the
declarant $300,000 and what that is going to look like.
Commissioner Houpe asked when the public hearing is for the budget.
Jones said June 4, 2019.
Adjournment: Chairman Mallory thanked staff for all the hard work and adjourned the
meeting at 4:00PM. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 5:00 PM, in the
South Wing Conference Room, Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk