HomeMy WebLinkAbout8-3-2021
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August 3, 2021
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
August 3, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, August
3, 2021 at 5:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room located in the Iredell County
Government Center 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman James Mallory
Vice Chairman Melissa Neader
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Marvin Norman
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County
Manager Susan Robertson, Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce, Finance Director Deb Cheek,
and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull said the agenda has
been amended to renumber the Administrative Matters and to remove Economic Development
from Closed Session.
Chairman Mallory asked to move the Board of Elections’ salaries from New Business to
Administrative Matters (Item VIII.9).
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on
August 17, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a request by Howard Bryan to release zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Troutman: There were no questions or comments on
this request. The Board agreed by consent to call for the public hearing on August 17, 2021 at
7pm.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Statesville Regional Airport Manager for approval to expend $2,645
as a local match for a $47,610 grant from the NC Department of Transportation to be used
for an emergency generator for runway lighting at the airport: This item will be presented at
7pm.
Request from the Library for approval of Budget Amendment #5 in the amount of
$10,990 and to accept State Library of North Carolina SLNC Adapts EZ Grant: Library
Director Juli Moore requested approval of budget amendment #5 to accept the State Library of
North Carolina SLNC Adapts EZ Grant. The grant proceeds will be used to purchase seven laptops
to provide biweekly computer classes to address workforce development and provide computer
skills to seniors.
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August 3, 2021
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Library for approval to apply for Emergency Connectivity Funding
in the amount of $2,970: Library Director Juli Moore requested approval to apply for Emergency
Connectivity Funding to cover the cost of 11 existing and 11 new Wi-Fi hotspots. The cost of
service for each hotspot is $10 per month/$120 per year. Total reimbursable service costs of $2,640
for 22 hotspots. Plus, the initial cost of $15 per hotspot is also reimbursable in the amount of $330.
Total amount of funding requested through this opportunity will be $2,970.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Tax Administration to present the Annual Tax Settlement and
approval of Orders for Collection: Tax Administrator Bill Furches presented the Annual Tax
Settlement as outlined below. Furches also requested approval of the Orders for Collection.
2020 Taxes:
Real & Personal Levy $133,608,669.54
MV – VTS 12,802,447.68
Add: Discoveries 716,370.29
Deduct: Releases (380,015.05)
$146,747,472.46
Collections 145,888,326.89
2020 Outstanding Taxes $ 859,145.57
Collection Rates:
All Property 99.41%
Excluding Motor Vehicles 99.36%
Motor Vehicles 100.00%
Delinquent Taxes:
Collections FY21 $1,323,155
Delinquent Taxes FY12-FY20 $1,927,607
Prepaid Taxes:
2021 Taxes Collected $ 313,075
The Numbers
Collected $9,485,260 more in Iredell County taxes than previous year – up 7%
Collected $4,023,998 more than was budgeted – 102.8% of original budget
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August 3, 2021
Seventeen-year cumulative total $29,910,999 million over budgeted revenues
Seventeen-year cumulative delinquent collections $29,339,312
Collected for all jurisdictions: 6-30-21 $230,783,925 ($14,120,385 more than FY20)
Tax Collection Actions
Preforeclosure Letters 1,451
Sent to Foreclosure 77
Tax Statements 4,788
Sheriffs Warrants 420 ($466,706)
Debt Setoff 1,496 ($608,956)
Garnishments 884 ($485,649)
Garnishment fees $ 87,277
Credit Agency 0
Lien Holder Letters 34
Bank Attachments 328 ($756,692)
Tax Collection Problems
Bankruptcies 52 for $231,933 (106 for $158,015 FY2020)
Foreclosures filed 81 (decrease from 222)
Collection Rates Last Nine Fiscal Years
Fiscal Year Original Collection Rate Current Collection Rate
2020 99.20% 99.77%
2019 99.08% 99.83%
2018 98.91% 99.86%
2017 98.85% 99.87%
2016 98.54% 99.80%
2015 98.58% 99.88%
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August 3, 2021
2014 97.74% 99.81%
2013 97.06% 99.74%
2012 96.77% 99.72%
Average 98.30% 99.81%
Debt Setoff
For the fiscal years 2002-2021, Iredell ranked 19TH in the state out of 516 units of government
participating with $3,890,667 collected. Iredell County did not participate in 2002 and 2003. For
all years, Iredell ranked 15TH among counties.
Foreclosures
As of this date, the collector’s office has sent 1,197 properties to foreclosure. 966 (80.7%) of these
cases have settled with 231 open. We have collected $11,566,070 in current and delinquent taxes.
Chairman Mallory said the City of Statesville had questions about how they could approach
the abandoned houses.
Mull said staff had several discussions with the City to ensure the missions and goals were
not compromising the work that the tax office is charged with. Going forward, if the City of
Statesville bids on a property they will pay county taxes when the City sells the property instead
of paying at the initial bid. The goal is to get the bid lower with a guarantee that the taxes will be
paid. The plan allows the City to accomplish their goals as well.
Chairman Mallory said the issue is vacant lots with no clear chain of title, particularly when
the property is left to heirs. No one wants to take responsibility of paying the taxes. Even when the
taxes are paid the property may still not be developed because not all the owners will sign a
mortgage or some owners cannot be located. The tax foreclosure process brings finality to clearing
up the title. This also creates a tax base while improving the neighborhood. Chairman Mallory
thanked staff for working to find a creative way to be able to facilitate the City of Statesville and
trying to achieve their overall objectives while at the same time preserving taxes due.
Chairman Mallory said Furches is a bright star that shines in the firmament of Tax
Collectors. Mallory asked Furches to pass along appreciation to his staff for their due diligence
and the friendly way they work with the tax payers.
These items were placed on consent.
Request from the Finance department for approval to use American Rescue Plan Act
Funding for identified equipment and projects, and approval of Special Revenue Fund
Ordinance Amendment: Finance Director Deb Cheek presented the amended list of identified
equipment and projects for the American Rescue Plan Act funding. Staff recently discussed
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August 3, 2021
County projects since water and storm water projects are allowable. There is a list of items eligible
for ARPA funds. There are no cost estimates at this time.
Chairman Mallory asked Cheek to explain the concept behind the United Way project.
Cheek said similar to how the County partnered with United Way in Cares Act Funding,
the same thing is proposed, to provide rental assistance, child care assistance, and other things to
help citizens get back to the work. Even though childcare centers have reopened they cannot hire
staff. To get the citizens back to work, a lot of them need childcare, but if the childcare centers
cannot get fully staffed. Staff has discussed partnering with United Way to address the childcare
issues. United Way is requesting to the same with ARPA funds over the next several years; to help
citizens to return to work and with daily necessities. Cheek added that Social Services is also on
the list with the same type project with low-income families. These items are well-received on
ARPA and well promoted to help citizens who are struggling to get back on their feet.
This item was placed on consent.
County Construction Projects Update: The update sheet was included in the agenda
packet. There were no comments or questions on the current projects.
Task Force Updates.
Economic Development: Doosan Bobcat recently held the groundbreaking on the
company’s largest facility in North America and the second largest facility in the world.
Public Safety: The amended proposal for the ECOM study has been received to include the
training. A Team has been assembled and will start the study within the next week or so.
Public Health & Well Being: Nothing specific to report.
Education: A task force meeting will be scheduled soon.
General Governmental: The McGuire Station Exercise was conducted today.
Board of Elections Salaries: Mull explained there is a request to approve the Elections
Director salary to $65,000 and to exclude the Deputy Director of Elections from the pay and
position classification study to approve the salary for said position at $55,000. There will be a
review of this classification following the market salary study in the Fall of 2021. If the Board
pleases, the effective date will be July 29, 2021, which is the beginning of the pay period.
Chairman Mallory said the Board is acting on behalf of a written request from the Board
of Elections to fill the new director position and deputy director position, and approve their
salaries. Mallory recognized BoE Chairman Alan Carpenter.
This item was placed on consent.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES OCCURING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – 1 appointment
The Mooresville Graded School District former representative's duties have shifted and Dr. Scott
Smith has volunteered to serve in the capacity. According to JCPC's bi -laws, qualified persons
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August 3, 2021
must fulfill certain positions on the council. Although council prefers the Board's approval it is not
required.
OLD BUSINESS
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull provided an update on the following:
• No applications have been received for the following boards and committees:
Farmland Advisory Board, Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control, Jury
Commission, Schools Facility Task Force, and Nursing Home Advisory
Committee. Anyone interested in applying or gathering more information can go
to the County website or contact the Clerk to the Board.
• The County will be hosting a Public Sector Job Fair on Saturday, September 25,
from 9am – 5pm at the Signal Hill Mall parking lot to highlight the public sector
jobs that are available in the County. Mitchell Community College and the school
systems have been invited to participate.
CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered into Closed Session at 5:55pm.
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
August 3, 2021
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 3,
2021 at 7:00 PM, in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government Center,
200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman James Mallory
Vice Chairman Melissa Neader
Scottie Brown
Gene Houpe
Marvin Norman
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Deputy County
Manager Susan Robertson, Assistant County Manager Joe Pierce, Finance Director Debra Cheek
and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Mallory.
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August 3, 2021
INVOCATION: Chairman Mallory asked everyone to bow their heads for a moment of
silence or reflection.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Mallory.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA
County Manager Beth Mull said the agenda has been amended to renumber the
Administrative Matters and remove Economic Development from Closed Session. The Board of
Elections’ salaries from New Business to Administrative Matters (Item VIII.9).
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the agenda as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Public hearing to consider a request by Sandra Johnson and Gary Bowles to release
zoning and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville: Planning Director Matthew
Todd gave an overview of the request. The property is located on Coddle Creek Highway and is
currently zoned Residential Agricultural and is adjacent to Mooresville’s jurisdiction. The 2030
Horizon Plan calls for the property to be low-density residential.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
Attorney Matthew Benton spoke on behalf of the applicants. The property has been in the
Bowles’ family for approximately 50 years. At that point, the family believed the best and highest
use of the property would be a mobile home park. However, the applicants are seeking to change
the property to Residential Development for a higher use and purpose. The property is in Tier Two
of the Mooresville Plan and has some resources that go a little beyond the normal usage
requirements.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the request for a release of zoning and
subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Mooresville by Sandra Johnson and Gary Bowles.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Public hearing to consider an economic development incentive for Project Return:
Matthew Pierce presented Yan Jan, LLC, an existing industry company also known as Project
Return, for consideration for an incentive from Iredell County. Yan Jan plans to invest $5.2 million
in machinery and equipment as a part of a product line expansion. The company currently employs
102 full-time employees and manufactures non-woven fabric from polymer-based raw materials.
They began operations roughly two years at 159 Walker Road. The company plans to expand the
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August 3, 2021
operation into 151 Walker Road, a property recently vacated by Fishbein, by adding up new two
product lines, and adding up to 50 jobs.
In accordance with Iredell County’s Economic Development Policy, Pierce requested an
economic incentive grant to Yan Jan LLC for up to $85,844 based on a capital investment total
of $5.2 Million. The grant would be payable over 5 years and is performance based. Payment is
tied to the amount of new increment assessed value generated from the private investment by the
company.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
Gene Konczal, CFO for Yan Jan, expressed appreciation to the Board for their
consideration of the grant. Yan Jan is 65% Chinese owned and 35% American owned. Yan Jan
currently manufactures fabric for feminine hygiene pads for a global consumer products company
and recently received an opportunity with another global consumer products company to make
plastic tubes in which cotton tampons are put. The product is currently being made in China, but
the increasing cost of freight is moving the line to the US.
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Vice Chair Neader to approve an economic incentive up to $85,844 over a
five-year period based on the company's investment of up to $5.2 million, creation of up to 50 new
jobs, and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Public hearing to consider an economic development incentive for Project Keel:
Matthew Pierce presented ZND US LLC an existing industry company also known as Project Keel,
for consideration for an incentive from Iredell County. ZND US, LLC plans to invest $3.6 million
in machinery and equipment as well as $1.5 million in on-site improvements for a total investment
of $5.1 million. ZND US, LLC currently employees 22 people. ZND US, LLC is the first US
Manufacturing facility for ZND, an international firm headquartered in the Netherlands. The
company manufactures temporary fencing and opened their Statesville facility i n March. Their
significant success in the community has led the company to consider additional production lines
at their James Farm Road facility.
In accordance with Iredell County’s Economic Development Policy, Pierce requested an
economic incentive grant to ZND US, LLC for up to $89,665 based on a capital investment total
of $5.1 Million. The grant would be payable over 5 years and is performance based. Payment is
tied to the amount of new increment assessed value generated from the private investment by the
company.
On behalf of Iredell County Economic Development Corporation, Pierce expressed
appreciation to the Board for their consideration of the grants.
Chairman Mallory opened the public hearing.
No one wished to speak.
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August 3, 2021
Chairman Mallory closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve an economic incentive up to $89,665 over
a five-year period based on the company's investment of up to $5.1 million and contingent upon a
contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Chairman Mallory said the two projects approved this evening are examples of diversified
industrial and commercial base that the County has of small, medium, and large-sized companies.
All of which are primarily attractive because of transportation, water, and a low tax rate. Chairman
Mallory added the County is looking forward to partnering with these employers.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
County Manager Beth Mull summarized the following Administrative Matters during the
Pre-Agenda meeting held at 5pm:
• Request from Planning & Development to consider calling for a public hearing on
August 17, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in regard to a request by Howard Bryan to release zoning
and subdivision jurisdiction to the Town of Troutman.
• Request from the Library for approval of Budget Amendment #5 in the amount of
$10,990 and to accept State Library of North Carolina SLNC Adapts EZ Grant.
• Request from the Library for approval to apply for Emergency Connectivity Funding in
the amount of $2,970.
• Request from Tax Administration to present the Annual Tax Settlement and approval of
Orders for Collection.
• Request from the Finance department for approval to use American Rescue Plan Act
Funding for identified equipment and projects, and approval of Special Revenue Fund
Ordinance Amendment.
• County Construction Projects Update.
• Task Force Updates. Economic Development: discussion regarding the Doosan Bobcat
groundbreaking; Education: currently gathering information. There will be an Education
Task Force meeting soon; Public Heath & Well Being: nothing to report; Public Safety:
there will be a task force meeting soon regarding the ECOM study; General Governmental:
Report on the McGuire Training Exercise that occurred today.
• Board of Elections Salaries: Elections Director and Deputy Elections Director salaries.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Request from the Statesville Regional Airport Manager for approval to expend $2,645
as a local match for a $47,610 grant from the NC Department of Transportation to be used
for an emergency generator for runway lighting at the airport: Statesville Regional Airport
Manager John Ferguson requested approval of a $2,645 local match for a grant from the NC
Department of Transportation for an emergency generator for the runway lighting.
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August 3, 2021
Ferguson thanked the Board for being a great supporter of the airport.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe, member of the Airport Commission, to approve an
economic incentive up to $89,665 over a five-year period based on the company's investment of
up to $5.1 million and contingent upon a contract being executed within 180 days.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
Ferguson also provided an update on the airport and its economic impacts on the County.
In February 2019, the City purchased the fixed based operation for flying service for $4.6
million. Assuming two large loans on two recently built hangars. Recently, the NC DOT did an
economic impact study of airports in NC. The airport has a $139 million economic impact on the
County, supports 850 jobs, $8.7 million in tax revenue (property and sales tax), 41,000
operations, and 99 airplanes are based out of the airport. Fuel sales is the airport’s largest
income. There is miscellaneous revenue such as forklift fees. Ferguson shared a video montage
of activity from the airport in 2019 that filed a flight plan either from Statesville or to Statesville.
Ferguson said the current runway project to lengthen the safety will solve the problem of
Victory Air and Champion Air from having to stop to refuel while flying out west. Future needs
of the airport include hangar space and a new terminal. Ferguson said the pre-planning phase for
a new terminal has started.
Ferguson ended with his favorite quote in aviation, “A mile of highway will take you just
one mile…but a mile of runway will take you anywhere!”
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation to Ferguson for highlighting the important economic
contribution that the runway makes and the unique contributions that sets the airport apart from
some of the Charlotte regional counties. Mallory asked Ferguson to explain the peculiarities
relative to the air traffic control and what makes the airport a more attractive location for general
aviation.
Ferguson said the airport is just outside Charlotte’s airspace which means pilots do not
have to communicate with Charlotte Air Traffic Control. Flights leaving Concord, Monroe, and
Lincolnton are inside Charlotte airspace and sometimes wait up to 30 minutes to receive
clearance for takeoff. Ferguson believes this is one reason why there are more jets coming to
Statesville Regional Airport.
Commissioner Brown, also a pilot, shared his love for the Statesville airport.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF VACANCIES ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Chairman Mallory asked Mull to summarize the following appointment.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council – 1 Appointment
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August 3, 2021
The former Mooresville Graded School District representative's duties have shifted and Dr.
Scott Smith has volunteered to serve in the capacity. According to JCPC's bi-laws, qualified
persons must fulfill certain positions on the council. Although council prefers the Board's approval
it is not required.
MOTION by Commissioner Norman to appoint Scott Smith to the Juvenile Crime
Prevention Council.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
(None)
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANANGERS REPORT
County Manager Beth Mull provided an update on the following:
• No applications have been received for the following boards and committees:
Farmland Advisory Board, Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control, Jury
Commission, Schools Facility Task Force, and Nursing Home Advisory
Committee. Anyone interested in applying or gathering more information can go
to the County website or contact the Clerk to the Board.
• The County will be hosting a Public Sector Job Fair on Saturday, September 25,
from 9am – 5pm at the Signal Hill Mall parking lot to highlight the public sector
jobs that are available in the County. Mitchell Community College and the school
systems have been invited to participate.
CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Mallory said a Closed Session was held immediately after pre-agenda and
there are no action items to report.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:44. The Board will meet for a regular
meeting Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 5pm in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Government
Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
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August 3, 2021
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Amy B. Anderson, Clerk