HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-23&24-2017 Winter Retreat
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February 23-24, 2017
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
February 23-24, 2017
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Thursday and Friday, February 23-24,
2017, at 12:00 PM, at the Unity Center, 1145 Salisbury Road, Statesville, NC.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Board Members Present
Chairman James B. Mallory III
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Gene Houpe
Jeff McNeely
Marvin Norman
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance
Director Susan G. Robertson, Assistant to the Manager Ben Stikeleather, Assistant Finance
Director Deb Alford, Budget Analysist Susan Cornell, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither.
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman James Mallory called the meeting to order.
County Manager Ron Smith opened the Winter Retreat and stated there is a magnitude of
request for this budget. However, this is very early in the process and the goal is to make priorities.
Chairman Mallory suggested to think in terms of not isolating this year but to look over the
next years and how to get to the desired end.
Economic Forecast: Finance Director Susan Robertson explained statistics and economic
forecast. Some highlights include:
State forecast $552.5 million excess revenue due primarily from wage growth and the
resulting personal income tax and sales tax increases.
NC has added 75,000-95,000 jobs each year since 2009
State forecasts sales tax collections to increase 4.7% in FY 2018.
Estimated Assessed Valuation for 2017 is $22.2 billion.
Unemployment continues to drop … December 31, 2016 – 4.9%
Commissioner McNeely asked where North Carolina ranked in regards to the cost of living.
Robertson said the bottom four.
Commissioner Norman asked if there was any indication of redistribution of the sales tax.
Robertson said there have not been any rumors thus far.
Assistant to the County Manager Ben Stikeleather shared that during a recent meeting of
the City/County Managers it was discussed and is anticipated to be back in legislation, along with
a discussion of the tier system.
Demographics: Stikeleather presented a demographics update.
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Projected growth rate by 2022 is 12.2%, which equals 1.7% per year.
Projection of the elderly population will increase by 39.8% by 2025.
Total building permits have increased with commercial growing faster than residential.
Robertson believes this year will end with an estimated unassigned fund balance of
$38,327,350 or 21%. Projected revenues for the next five years are expected to dip below 20% for
two to three years but then bounce back.
Capital and Facilities: Deputy County Manager Beth Jones said staff has been working
to consolidate the capital improvement plan into four components – New Projects (with a five year
timeframe), Facility Improvements, Technology Plan, and Vehicle Plan. The new projects are
broken into three sections for General Government, Public Safety and Human Services. General
Governmental include renovations and updates to the Government Center, parking lot at
Government Center South, fiber connection for the Public Safety Complex, County-wide VOIP
phone system, SAN refresh, & permitting software. Public Safety includes radios, simulcast
system, EMS/Rescue/Sheriff at Trinity, and ambulance replacements. Human Services include
DSS space at Government Center South and a second entrance from James Farm Road to the
Health Department.
Projects Manager David Saleeby said some funding for the fiber is reimbursable with the
911 Grant. The part going to Newton will be a leased line and will be in the operational budget.
However, some “lease” costs may be an annual reimbursement.
Chairman Mallory asked about the fiber connections.
Jones said everything downtown is connected to fiber but the out-lying agencies such as
Cooperative Extension and Animal Control are not. However, once the Public Safety Complex is
complete all of those departments will be connected as well.
Vice Chairman Bowles said the Highway Patrol office in Newton is still operating on an
old DOS program and is in need of a major upgrade.
Saleeby said ECOM will tie into their VIPER network, which is a state system that resides
at the Highway Patrol site.
Jones said the fiber connection to the safety complex and surrounding area has been
included in the Information Technology budget. It is not included as additional funding in the
project budget. However, the expense will be included in the grant application.
Jones said the County-wide VOIP phone system is a five year project with this being the
second year and the Government Center has just been connected.
IT Director Sheila Cooke said the SAN project is maxed out and is the heart of all storage
for all departments.
Jones said the new permitting software will have more functionality and will add
Environmental Health. Development Services has been banking money towards technology.
ECOM IT Todd Craddock gave a brief explanation of the Simulcast System.
Commissioner Norman asked if the Board members could actually walk through ECOM
and view the system.
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Kent Greene added information concerning pagers. Mooresville, Troutman, Shepherd,
Mount Mourne, South Iredell were all able to move over to the Charlotte system which allows
physical paging, and do away with the dual system model. However, VIPER does not allow paging
over the VIPER system, therefore, the VHF/UHF system must stay in place to support paging for
the foreseeable future.
Jones said the renovations for DSS at Government Center South have gone over the
current budget which means $100,000 is added to the new budget to complete the project. Jones
stated that the potential new entrance to the Health Department will be paid by MedMax Funds.
Chairman Mallory asked if a contract had been signed by DENR to stay at Government
Center South.
Smith said a contract has not been signed but feels they are committed to stay.
EMS Director Blair Richey gave a brief summary of the current EMS bases and potential
new sites that may better serve the county.
Jones continued by highlighting some projects that are already funded and moving forward
which are Jail, Public Safety Complex, and Jennings Park.
Saleeby gave a brief update on the Jail and Public Safety Complex projects. A previous
request for 14’ doors at the Public Safety Complex has been added, t here will be two generators
with two types of fuel (natural gas and diesel), and traffic has been changed to separate public
from emergency vehicles. The Complex is about two months behind the Jail. The GMP is
scheduled for August. The project timeline is 12-14 months.
Commissioner McNeely asked if the fiber connections could be put off until the next
budget year.
Saleeby said it should start now as it requires a lot of leg work.
Candy Strezinski said the plan will need to be in place during construction. However, it
will not be paid until it is installed, tested, and running.
Smith said it will be pushed to the next budget year if possible.
Saleeby explained the timelines, for the approval process, are dependent first on the NC
Department of Corrections whether it is 4 weeks or 6 weeks. Bordeaux Construction has a 20-
month contract and the timeclock does not start until they are issued a notice to proceed. Most of
the Hall of Justice renovations are complete.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked about parking until the project is complete.
Saleeby said a parking plan has been shared that includes the Hall of Justice, Jail, Library
and Board of Elections. Most are parking on the north side of Stockton near Elections.
Jones gave a brief update on Jennings Park.
Facilities Services Director Robert Woody gave a brief update of the project ordinance that
was created in 2012 with 41 projects completed.
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Jones gave a brief summary of vehicles. Currently there are about 400 in the fleet. There
are 184 vehicles that are over ten years old. The request is to replace about 30 in the coming year.
Vehicles Services Director Michael Heindl explained a request to purchase software that
will track the mileage, maintenance and replacement schedule. The optimal goal is to make 40
replacements per year in order to keep the fleet at top performance. After ten years, manufacturers
are not obligated to make replacement parts.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if the increase in replacements could happen over several of
years. For instance, 30 this year and next, 35 for a couple of years and then move up to 40.
Heindl said that could be a sustainable plan.
Jones said that traditionally vehicle replacements are recommended by the departments.
However, once the software is installed, the replacement recommendation will come from Vehicle
Services.
Heindl said job description and type of vehicle will be more closely matched as well.
The Board took a 10 minute break at 2:30 PM
Smith stated the staff has been discussing the many potential needs in this budget. The
County should be proud that the Public Safety Complex and Jail are being paid for out-of-pocket.
However, if the necessary needs are so great it may be beneficial to consider financing some of
the Public Safety Complex.
Robertson updated the estimated building cost at $10.8 million. Funding as of February 21
is $7,414,000. Post Audit and SSD funding for 17/18 will bring the total to $9,254,040 which will
leave $1.5 million short. If the County financed 75% of the building for 10 years at an estimated
3% interest rate it would give $8.1 million in loan proceeds. The County would only need to use
$2.7 million that has been set aside which would leave $4.7 million on hand and with redirect
funding at $1.8 million would make available $6.5 million for other projects. The maximum annual
debt service would be $1,040,850.
Commissioner Houpe asked what the 911 reimbursable grant funds could be used for.
Strezinski said it could be used to cover anything needed for the 911, equipment, etc.
Robertson does not recommend taking the fund balance below 16% which will happen if
the County tries to fund everything that has been presented.
Smith said all of these requests will not be funded immediately. There are still some
unknown costs, until bids are received, with both the jail and safety complex. Financing is just
something to consider.
Health Insurance: County Manager Ron Smith said USI is the County’s new health
insurance brokerage firm after an RFP process.
Matt McQuide said the current health plan is running below budget. The increase trend is
8.3% but it is not expected to increase next year. The current stop loss insurance is with Cigna but
there can be savings with a change that is in negotiations. It is recommended to go from $100,000
to $125,000 insurance for each member after following historical data but there will still be a
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savings. After a detailed analysis, Blue Cross Blue Shield has less managed care which will ease
some required approval steps. Also, a specialist co-pay will be added and a reduction in the
deductible from $2,000 to $1,500 plus a reduction in the out -of-pocket expense. The deductible
with the drug card will go away. Another recommendation is to add a third option which will allow
employees the choice to buy a richer plan which the costs will be borne by the employee. Another
plan recommendation is an “opt-out” option for employees who can prove they have insurance
and then a $2,000 Health Reimbursement Account will be set up for them. Currently there is a
third party drug card which BCBS can take over and may have some savings. In the Wellness area,
the recommendation is to go away from the on-site nurse and Urgent Care to a true on-site
Wellness Clinic open for 30 hours per week, staffed by a Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s
Assistant. The current costs for wellness is $100,000 and the clinic will be $200,000 but in the
long-term it will save money with healthier employees. The current incentives are go od but this
will provide more resources for free for the employee. Currently the #1 expense is musculoskeletal
claims, therefore, it is recommended to have an on-site physical therapy clinic with an athletic
trainer who can triage any percent of the need on an hourly basis for free to employees and spouses
if covered. This ma y help worker’s comp claims. Ultimately all of the recommendations will
produce a savings and a higher benefit for employees.
Chairman Mallory asked about capital needs for the clinic.
Smith said enough space for 3-4 offices near a bathroom. The building now used by the
Project Manager could be used.
McQuide said the capital costs for the clinic are included in the estimates. It will look like
a primary care physician’s office. Cost savings quoted are estimates right now but in 3 years there
could be a net savings of around $400,000.
Smith said this is a recommendation tied into the budget and would like a favorable
comment from the Board to move forward with considering the change to BCBS, wellness clinic
and physical therapy.
Chairman Mallory expressed appreciation for the presentation and all members of the
Board agreed to move forward with these plans.
Employment, Salary Study: HR Director Sandra Gregory gave a brief presentation on the
statistics of employment turnover and the salary pay study. Last year the cost of the salary scale
adjustment and the performance increases totaled $2,244,536. Gregory is proposing to combine
the salary scale adjustment and the performance increase up to 5%, meet the market analysis
adjustment, correct compression issues, increase grades of Sheriff’s Office and detention center
staff, and substantial equivalency which equals $2,544,552 and is $331,907 above last year. The
recommendation is to move away from the current pay scale of 46 grades and 88 steps to a scale
with 45 grades, with minimum, mid, and maximum categories instead of steps. Addressing
compression will benefit long-term employees and increases will be performance based.
Chairman Mallory asked what guidance is given to department heads.
Gregory said performance evaluation is tracked each year. If an employee’s evaluation is
inflated the department head is questioned.
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Smith said the evaluation form/process will be reviewed as well because there is a lot of
room for subjectivity.
Commissioner Houpe expressed concerns that some employees might not get a merit
increase simply because they just received a compression adjustment, internally or not.
Chairman Mallory said the purpose is to tie increases to the market.
Commissioner McNeely agrees with pay being tied to performance.
Chairman Mallory feels that feed-back between department director and employee should
be more often than once a year.
Gregory said the new pay scale philosophy will need to be a personnel ordinance change.
Gregory explained the meaning of substantial equivalency which applies to the relationship
between Local Government and the Department of Social Services and Health Department. The
local government HR department would oversee recruitment/selection and administration of
position classification and compensation in accordance to State requirements. It would reduce the
timeframe to approve applicants from 2-3 weeks to a maximum of 1-3 days, allows more effective
restructuring of positions, reduces the timeframe for reclassifications, etc.
Chairman Mallory asked why this had not been done before now.
Smith said it will require another position for the HR department.
Chairman Mallory stated that there is someone doing this for the state, why can’t one
person be deputized or work as an adjunct employee to work for HR.
Smith said the reporting structure between the Health Department and DSS does not flow
through county government directly, therefore, this Board is not held accountable.
Gregory said the state has a formal written plan that HR would have to comply with in
order to pass substantial equivalency. Part of that formal plan is that the HR Department must
oversee the reclassifications and maintain the job descriptions, etc. The Health Department has the
accreditation piece that requires HR employees to be fully trained.
Commissioner Norman suggested the County Manager get with DSS and Health Directors
to work something out.
Smith said staff will take a closer review.
Smith said currently a 2% salary adjustment is given just to move employees up on a scale
and the 3% performance has been pushed, and is meaningful, but he feels if the merit could be
increased to 5% it would be a good recruitment tool and a retention tool. The Market Analysis to
correct the compression issue is a one-time cost. The 5% performance increase will be a long
standing process and not create another compression issue.
Commissioner Houpe suggested that if the 5% performance increase is adopted then HR
should implement a quarterly evaluation so they will know where they are going toward the merit.
The employee needs a benchmark or a progress report that will give the employee a chance to meet
expectations.
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Smith asked if a mid-year update would be agreeable.
Commissioner Houpe said yes. The employee just needs to know.
Health Director Jane Hinson said they have a tool already in place and will be glad to share.
Chairman Mallory agreed.
The Board took a break at 4:25 PM.
Stikeleather gave a brief presentation of empirical data from surrounding counties
concerning different types of employment positions.
Strezinski requested two full-time telecommunicator positions to be scheduled to work
peak hours, which is 10 AM to 10 PM at an estimated cost of $28,000 for the remainder of this
fiscal year. She continued to explain the current staffing levels and call volume. The purchase of
radio consoles planned for the new building will begin now and was already in the budget. The
price includes the move to the new complex. Part of the cost will be 911 eligible, but the exact
amount is not known but traditionally about 1/3. The consoles will connect direct to the core, UASI
and VIPER.
Commissioner Houpe asked the procedure if a dispatcher is out sick.
Strezinski said that is the reason for part-time.
Commissioner Houpe asked how many set-ups will be at the new complex.
Strezinski said currently there are eight but the new complex will have 14 consoles and
two training consoles with room to expand.
Environmental Health Director Brady Freeman explained the environmental health
program, fees, and staffing needs. One recommendation is a recruitment bonus for an Authorized
Specialist which could be $2,500 when starting, $2,500 after probation with a five year agreement
to work for the County.
Chairman Mallory recommended to research how to grow Iredell County talent, who are
committed to live in Iredell County. There is a certain population that wants to live here which
means engaging with schools to get students on a fast track, such as a dual enrollment with Mitchell
Community College to be able to graduate with an Associate’s Degree. Students can be excited to
work in Iredell County. Ultimately it will take a longer term to solve and it will require a working
relationship with MCC to acquire the necessary degrees. If this is cultivated now, potential
employees will be ready in five to six years when the last of the baby boomers are retiring.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the salary range.
Hinson believes the salary range is very competitive.
Vice Chairman Bowles said one of the issues in hiring is the mandatory overtime when the
back-log builds.
Chairman Mallory suggested to dispose of the agreement, push the probation period to one
year and then give them an incentive at the end. Even if they only work for one year, money has
been saved with a lot more benefit than the current process with interns.
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Vice Chairman Bowles said the five year agreement was an “ask” and then go from that
point.
Hinson said a bachelor’s degree is required along with 30 hours of biological science for
just an intern.
Commissioner McNeely asked if a four year biological science degree is really necessary
for this job.
Freeman said yes with analyzing data, classifying soil, etc. It is a state requirement.
Freeman continued and said the next recommendation is a new OSWP position. The position
would help with the back-log and reduce overtime. The last recommendation is a pit requirement.
Chairman Mallory asked who would dig and/or pay for the pit.
Vice Chairman Bowles said it is the responsibility of the property owner. Most of the time
there is a backhoe on the property digging the footings, septic, and other things.
Smith said it just needs a policy approval.
Chairman Mallory suggested to move forward with implementing the requirement for the
pits.
Smith suggested some public out-reach to inform citizens.
Commissioner McNeely suggested to make this change effective July 1 with the new fiscal
year which would give everyone plenty of time to learn about it.
Smith suggested to create an implementation schedule.
Development Standards Director Lynn Niblock reported on the work load in Building
Standards.
Chairman Mallory asked if Building Standards has computer software that produces more
efficiency.
Niblock said a new system is being requested in the new budget and it will save multiple
man hours per day. Also being requested is two full-time employees. One inspector is retiring the
end of April. Therefore, this is also a request to hire someone to fill his spot.
Chairman Mallory said the Board is in agreement for the replacement and another full-time
position.
Chairman Mallory recessed the meeting at 6:15 PM until 8:00 AM Friday morning.
Friday, February 24, 2017, 8:00 AM
Board Members Present
Chairman James B. Mallory III
Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles
Gene Houpe
Jeff McNeely
Marvin Norman
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Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones, Finance
Director Susan G. Robertson, Assistant to the Manager Ben Stikeleather, Assistant Finance
Director Deb Alford, Budget Analysist Susan Cornell, and Clerk to the Board Retha Gaither.
Chairman Mallory called the meeting to order.
Education: Finance Director Susan Robertson said a capital outlay formula has been used
for years to determine the total amount that’s allocated between Iredell-Statesville and Mooresville
Graded Schools. She continued by explaining the estimated public school capital funding for the
new budget. Ad Valorem taxes are allocated between the two systems based on the estimated
assessed valuation. Estimated sales taxes are allocated based on the number of students in each of
the systems.
Smith said the capital side looks good. Education, overall, is 55% of the budget. As the
budget increases each year the proportional shares are maintained. Last year the budget increased
2.9% and education increased 3.58% in current expense with capital outlay increasing 5.4% and
debt service at 3.98%. Smith asked if the Board desired to keep the same proportions with the new
budget.
Chairman Mallory asked if there is any flexibility based on the 1983 sales tax, if it must be
dedicated to school capital. Is it possible to move it to the operating side of the general fund in
order to address some other pressing issues?
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if such a transfer would open the door for charter schools.
Smith said it is earmarked by the Board of Commissioners for school capital. It was a
statutory requirement until it was released several years ago. Currently there is flexibility.
Robertson said it would be a capital decrease to ISS of $2,199,108 and to Mooresville
Graded it would be a decrease of $549,777.
Chairman Mallory said maybe not transfer all but enough to take care of the capital needs.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked if technology is considered capital.
Commissioner Houpe said it was discussed in the task force meetings to move technology
to capital. A goal of the task force is to try to get the teacher supplements back to 7%.
Smith said a quarter cent would equal $250,000.
Chairman Mallory believes technology should be capital along with the life cycle
replacements. This would give more flexibility to approach the operating budget requests as well
as the other general fund needs.
Commissioner McNeely said there needs to be a sustainable plan.
Chairman Mallory said the Board needs more information about the life cycle replacement
process and what happens to the old laptops.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested they get one more year of life from the computers in
order to repair some roofs.
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Board of Education Chairman Martin Page said there is a plan to move funds yearly from
capital into a savings specifically for computers.
Vice Chairman Bowles suggested to not lock-in those funds for only computers, in the
event there is an emergency repair of other capital.
Chairman Mallory said that is why the sales tax needs to be reviewed on an annual basis.
Having some flexibility will cover the needs.
Smith stated that if the 1983 sales tax was split with half in capital and half to current
expense, it would give ISS a 3.07% increase in current expense. If that’s the desire of the Board,
then maybe start at a percentage and adjust as needed. The increase in their overall capital
allocation gives more flexibility than before.
Vice Chairman Bowles reminded everyone that the coming year and the following year are
going to be tight.
Page thanked the Board and expressed his appreciation for the current budget process. He
feels the increased communication and interaction has been working well. One thing to look out
for in the next few years is another high school in southern Iredell.
Board of Education Member Cindy Haynes stated the importance of raising the
supplements in order to reward and maintain the long standing staff.
Chairman Mallory stated the Board wants to send a message to all teachers, principals, and
administrators that they are appreciated and that they are critical to the success of the County,
especially in economic development particular when placing greater emphasis on equipping
students with the skills and work ethic to support business and industry. Growth is coming and it
will benefit teachers as well as all county employees.
The Board took a five minute break at 8:55 AM.
Fire and Rescue Funding: Fire Services and Emergency Management Director Kent
Greene said there was a meeting of all fire departments and chefs on February 9. During the
meeting the contract was reviewed, item by item, and then the draft master plan was discussed. He
stressed the importance to implement this contract. The VFDs expressed some fears as to what the
future may hold with funding. The contract is the first step and will help make a sustainable funding
future for the entire county. This is not a ploy to take over the fire departments, it is just a better
way to be accountable to the tax payers.
Smith said there was a question at that meeting about who would actually give the approval
for purchases. Smith suggested that approvals should be determined by the Fire Tax Oversite
Committee along with three additional fire chefs – one from the north, central, and southern areas.
Currently the committee is Vice Chairman Tommy Bowles, Deputy County Manager Beth Jones,
Finance Director Susan Robertson, FS/EM Director Kent Greene.
Vice Chairman Bowles agreed.
Commissioner Norman asked if the fire departments were given a deadline to sign the
contract.
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Greene hopes for July 1 but did not actually give them a date. There are some revisions
necessary after discussing it with the County Attorney and then the contract will go back to the
Chefs for another review. At that point a deadline will be given.
Commissioner Houpe asked if Greene has met individually with some of the fire
departments that had questions, specifically Harmony.
Greene said no, but will.
Commissioner Houpe believes the wording “rent” should be changed when speaking about
housing other county units. It isn’t rent, it is just maintenance and upkeep.
Chairman Mallory suggested to add under ‘County Responsibilities’ another statement,
“that where applicable, when EMS or Sheriff’s Department or rescue squad vehicles/activities are
co-located that an agreed upon reimbursement will be established.”
Greene said Sheffield-Calahaln, Countyline, Lone Hickory, Wilkes-Iredell, and Stony
Point are technically not Iredell County departments but do serve areas inside the County.
Therefore, their contracts will look different. It was discussed to potentially pay part of their
insurance costs.
Vice Chairman Bowles said this hasn’t been addressed but feels if their service area is 50%
in Iredell County then the County needs to pay 50% of their insurance.
Chairman Mallory agreed that county line departments need separate contracts. He feels
all changes need to be made as soon as possible and tie the contract in with the budget in order for
them to be signed promptly.
Smith said funding for apparatus will be similar to Vehicle Services in that it will be in one
account and replacement apparatus will be determined by the County.
Commissioner Houpe asked if certain amounts would be allocated to each department
where they could “save up” to buy a truck.
Chairman Mallory said the point is have the replacements process driven not by what they
accumulate in their account but what makes sense for the County in not duplicating specialized
capabilities that come with some of trucks. Also to make sure there is a balance with the type of
equipment. They will get new trucks when the need them.
Greene said it is going to take several months to re-evaluate the types of apparatus across
the County and combine that data. The goal is to give the departments what they need when they
need it but not allow purchases of items that are not needed. A county controlled apparatus
replacement plan will do that.
Commissioner McNeely suggested that in the short term, over the next year or two, the
Fire Tax Oversight Committee should set some perimeters. The committee could list the cost of
an engine and if a department wants to spend more they would have to justify the difference.
Vice Chairman Bowles said you can’t manage what you can’t control. These departments
are independent 501C3 corporations contracting with Iredell County to provide a service. He
suggested to tell each department that the county is willing to pay a certain amount per district.
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Tell them there is an oversight committee that will help to equip the department but if they choose
to go outside of the committee recommendations then they would be on their own.
Greene said currently there is no consistency. This contract will force them to provide an
inventory and also, if the department were to close, the equipment and facilities would still be
available for use in Iredell County. This contract does not implement an apparatus replacement
plan, however, it does mention it for next year. It requires them to submit a budget for
accountability. The duration of this contract is two years.
Chairman Mallory feels this is covering the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities to the tax
payers and to make sure the services mandated by law are provided to standard. This contract is
meeting a legal obligation. The apparatus replacement plan is simply a matter of efficiency and
smart allocation of resources.
Commissioner Norman asked if there is a plan if a department refuses to sign the contract.
Greene said there is a draft contingency plan based on each department in the County if
one ceases to exist or refuses to provide service.
Commissioner McNeely suggested to pay 50% of the worker’s comp according to the
percentage of Iredell County they serve. For instance if they service 15%, then pay 7.5% of the
insurance.
Greene said part of the contingency plan addresses the potential requirement to have paid
staff.
Vice Chairman Bowles stated that if one department ceases to exist then the contingency
plan is implemented. If things continue as is and paid staff is continued to be added it will be a
huge cost. He feels the best way to handle that is to coordinate with the municipalities to have then
put a truck in their station with paid staff already.
Greene said paid staff is gradually moving north. Lake Norman is in the process of hiring
three full-time staff, Troutman has full-time staff and others have part-time staff with volunteers.
Vice Chairman Bowles said Troutman is a good model. They are providing everything
with the County and Town participating.
Chairman Mallory asked about the training if they are providing rescue services but are
technically not considered rescue.
Greene said that relates back to the inventory of equipment. It is a way to know who has it
and if they are trained to use it.
Chairman Mallory said paid staff has time to meet the required amount of hours in training
but it would be impossible for a typical volunteer. This needs to be addressed because there are
some hybrid departments.
Greene said they have a different contract that includes rescue.
Chairman Mallory referred to paragraph #3 concerning the department assuming the
responsibilities of injury while performing extra services. He believes it should state they can do
those things but it cannot interfere with the delivery of fire services and the County will not assume
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any responsibility or liability for those services. He believes a statement should be added that the
department assumes all responsibility for injury or damages from those additional services. It is
not talking about the delivery of fire protection it is talking about the add-ons that is not covered
in this contract.
Commissioner Houpe expressed concerns that firemen have mentioned about the
equipment being titled in their name.
Vice Chairman Bowles said it will have to be titled in their name for insurance purposes.
Chairman Mallory said to start now and get the contracts signed. If a department refuses to
sign then they will be dealt with through the budget process.
Jones said communication is the key. The departments need to know that the burden of
saving enough money or financing a truck is being taken away. The County knows how tough it
is to meet those payments. The County will take that burden by putting those items on a rotation
plan to ensure that every so often they will receive a new vehicle. It will be fair and equitable
across the board. Then the departments will only have to worry about how to pay for personnel.
The capital burden will be passed to the County.
Smith said the Fire Tax Board was abolished with no contract. The bottom line is, a new
board can be established and perimeters can be put into place without a contract. The contract is a
good faith measure.
Greene asked if the Board wished to discuss rescue funding.
Smith said the proposal is to allocate up to ½ cent of the revenue but not add to the tax rate.
Greene said currently what is allocated to the rescue squads is 1/3 cent from the General
Fund. The proposal is increasing it to ½ cent which will increase the funding to all the rescue
providers and allow them some breathing room.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the fire departments that perform rescue will receive that.
Greene said only those with a rescue contract. The calculation of allocations is by a matrix
considering population, area, and particular services. Another item being researched is a primary
medical response district.
Economic Development: County Manager Ron Smith reported that Economic
Development Director Russ Rogerson could not attend the meeting.
Chairman Mallory said it is helpful to understand from Rogerson’s perspective how to best
structure deals and how the Board can be most effective with a structure allocation.
Commissioner Houpe asked if this conversation could take place during a pre-agenda.
Smith said yes. He also said that Rogerson is doing a great job. However, zoning is a huge
issue. There is a lot of industrial property identified in the plan but very little actually zoned.
Commissioner McNeely asked if everything could be done in advance toward rezoning but
let it continue until a piece of property is sold. At that point the rezoning could be completed in a
short amount of time.
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February 23-24, 2017
Chairman Mallory believes the motion could be tabled continuously until the Board
retrieves it. However, there is a period of time that a motion would expire, but it could be brought
back, discussed and tabled again.
Smith would like to talk with Rogerson to see if that is the best option. Zoning is the first
thing a potential buyer reviews.
Stikeleather said it is really a city problem because they would have to provide water/sewer.
The Board took a break at 10:10 AM
General Goals – Task Forces: County Manager Ron Smith gave an update on the Task
Force meetings. Public Safety hasn’t met in a while. Public Health and Well Being has been very
active and most recently held a one-day event focused on opioids and addiction. General
Governmental has a meeting planned for February 28.
Stikeleather said the specific reason for this meeting is to discuss the process of plans
review and inspections within historic areas in the municipalities. The overall goal is to build a
better relationship with all municipalities.
Commissioner McNeely hopes this meeting will result in knowing about annexations in a
more timely matter.
Commissioner Houpe would like to see an internal General Governmental to review things
like the pay study, the clinic, policies, etc.
Smith said the Education task force has been very active meeting with reps from the schools
and college. Economic development hasn’t met but Mr. Rogerson is creating a plan for a
consolidated and focused way for economic development.
Intersection rezonings; Commissioner McNeely reported that in 1990, when county-wide
zoning was done, someone magically drew a radius of 200-300 feet around almost every
intersection within the county and zoned it Neighborhood Business. There are property owners
that half of their land is NB and half is residential. It is a weakness in the zoning strategy. Some
intersections may need it but some are completely rural. He believes the County should identify
these areas and ask the owners if they want it all zoned RA and rezone it for free. The owners have
been paying taxes for commercial zoning.
Commissioner Houpe clarified that if these areas are changed to RA it would give the
County more selective approval of potential commercial properties.
Chairman Mallory asked if the entire 2030 plan needs to be reviewed.
Smith said a yearly review was built into the plan.
Chairman Mallory said that could be discussed in the Economic Development Task Force
and invite reps from the municipalities, developers, etc. This review could also consider the
commercial corridors as well.
Commissioner Norman suggested that Tax Collector Bill Furches should be a part of that
discussion.
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February 23-24, 2017
Commissioner McNeely suggested to ask the tax office to run some numbers to see how
much it would change in tax revenue. If an owner wants to rezone all of their property to NB then
they would pay for it, only rezone for free if they want all of the property to go down to RA.
Smith said this will be given to the Economic Development Task Force.
Education/Travel for the Board of Commissioners: Smith asked if the Board would like
to change anything within their own departmental budget with education and/or travel. It has been
suggested to allocate a certain amount per member to be used when needed throughout the year.
Vice Chairman Bowles feels it should be a total budget to be used by any member that
can/will volunteer their time to attend training.
Commissioner Norman believes the meetings should be streamed so that members can
participate without driving all the way to Raleigh.
Commissioner Houpe feels there should be money placed in the budget to cover snacks
and/or lunches for the task forces. The Board needs to be a member of the local Chambers and
attend their annual events.
Vice Chairman Bowles reported on a recent conversation with some members of the
Highway Patrol. They asked for help in lobbying legislators to up-fit the Highway Patrol center in
Newton. Also, because the County’s new 911 Center will be connecting to Newton, they felt it
was necessary to see the equipment that it would be connecting to. Bowles said it is very old stuff.
Bowles asked other members of Board to help lobby legislators. Bowles stated that once a call is
forwarded to the Highway Patrol then caller ID is lost and there is no way to ping a cell phone
because Highway Patrol does not have the technology. An update to Highway Patrol would be an
advantage to our ECOM. No definitive suggestions were made.
Chairman Mallory suggested one total amount in education for Commissioners’ education
and if necessary a budget transfer could be done at a later date.
Commissioner McNeely suggested $15,000.00.
The Board agreed.
Capital Project, Salaries, Benefits, and New Positions: County Manager Ron Smith said
things need to move forward with construction repairs on the Government Center. However, the
remodeling in the Commissioners’ meeting room could be delayed. The parking lot extension for
Government Center South is a true need especially when DSS is up and running. The fiber optics
connection is a necessity. The county-wide VOIP is a must as the current system is obsolete and
being eliminated by the company. The SANS is critical and a must. The permitting software is not
critical but is a need.
Commissioner Houpe asked to clarify that Niblock said the permitting software would help
the inspectors in the field.
Commissioner McNeely suggested to push back renovations in the Commissioners’
meeting room and continue with the purchase of the permitting software.
Chairman Mallory agreed to delay the Commissioners’ Room renovations.
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February 23-24, 2017
Smith said the simulcast may be delayed until next year.
Jones said it could be delayed but issues will continue until it is in place. There are various
complaints about the sound quality, dropped or dead spots, and areas where the signal just doesn’t
reach.
Vice Chairman Bowles asked the timeframe with end users using VIPER which will
determine how quickly the simulcast needs to be implemented.
Jones said it is not financially possible to put a VIPER radio in the hands of every first
responder. However, the committee is currently working on making a determination on the
minimum number of radios for each fire department.
Chairman Mallory asked if the vender would possibly have a longer payment plan.
Smith said money for the simulcast and the two consoles has already been allocated and
will cure about 80% of the field issues.
EMS: Smith said $600,000 has been requested for EMS, rescue, and Sheriff’s office at the
proposed Trinity base. However, that project has not been approved yet. EMS ambulance
replacements are critical but this needs to be a methodical set amount annually going forward. The
additional space at Government Center South is an estimate but it is important to the space needs
for DSS.
Commissioner Houpe asked about the interest if the Public Safety Complex was financed.
Commissioner McNeely said it is $1.7 million on 75% and $1.5 million for 50% in just
interest.
Robertson said the County must have approval from the Local Government Commission
to borrow money which takes time and could be as long as three months. LGC will look at all of
the County’s financials and a Deed of Trust will be required on the property.
Chairman Mallory suggested a temporary dip in fund balance but no more that 16%.
Smith suggested to hold this and see how far that dip might go and see if there are any
major issues that can’t be funded. This will not be used to balance the budget but if there comes a
time when there are no other options it can be discussed later. All department requests are being
reviewed critically.
Commissioner Houpe asked about early estimates versus current estimates of both projects.
Smith said it has been two years since the initial estimates but the jail costs have risen. The
site prep was twice the amount than originally thought.
Commissioner Norman suggested to wait until there are true numbers for those projects.
Robertson said the GMP will come in June and will be expected to sign the contract. The
911 grant will not be awarded until September.
Chairman Mallory said that even if the contract is signed the money is not doled out all at
once. At any point, when necessary, then the Board can discuss financing.
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February 23-24, 2017
Commissioner McNeely stated that financing is not normally acquired in the middle of a
project. How much does the process cost to start it?
Robertson said the application fee is about $250 plus the RFPs could be about $10,000 in
total.
Commissioner McNeely believes the process should be started even if it is not utilized.
Vice Chairman Bowles clarified that the alternative is to dip into the fund balance and/or
delay other projects.
Robertson said the budget process is still very early. The departmental requests have not
been reviewed.
Commissioner McNeely suggested to reach out and ask questions about trying to do
something in the middle of a project.
Robertson said she would ask questions.
Smith said the bids could be delayed until notice of the grant is received.
Smith asked if the Board agreed on the presentation about salary and benefits.
Commissioner Houpe asked if the mid-year evaluations would be implemented now.
Smith said that is reasonable. Also, Smith asked about the position requests for ECOM,
which is two, for the prime time shift.
Commissioner Houpe asked if more part-time would fill the need without paying benefits.
Jones said ECOM will need the full-time regardless.
Commissioner Norman asked if there was enough space for extra positions.
Jones said yes.
The Board agreed.
Adjournment: Chairman Mallory thanked everyone for a great winter retreat.
MOTION by Commissioner Houpe to adjourn at 12:10 PM.
VOTING: Ayes – 5; Nays – 0
__________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Approved Retha C. Gaither, Clerk