HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay_15_2007_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
MAY 15, 2007
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday,
May 15, 2007, at 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners' Meeting
Room), 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman Marvin Norman
Vice Chairman Sara Haire Tice
Steve Johnson
Ken Robertson
Godfrey Williams
Staff present: County Manager Joel Mashburn, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County
Manager Susan Blumenstein, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Norman.
INVOCATION by Commissioner Williams.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Commissioner Tice to approve the
following agenda adjustments:
Deletions: •Discussion/Request from Representatives of the Troutman VFD for a Voted -In -Tax
District for the B & F Fire District
Additions: *Update on 2006 Scattered Site Housing Funds & Call for a Public Hearing
Regarding an Application for the Same
*Closed Sessions for Personnel (G.S. 143-318.11(a) 6) and Property Acquisition
(G.S. 143-318.11(a) 5)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS & AWARDS
Presentation and Adoption of a Proclamation of Congratulations and Praise to
Major General James B. Mallory III: MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to adopt a
proclamation to honor Major General Mallory.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Proclamation of Congratulations and Praise
to
Major General James A Mallory III
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Board of Commissioners desires to recognize citizens who give of
themselves, their talents, and their leadership skills in making our county, state, and nation a better and
stronger place to live and work; and
WHEREAS, James B. Mallory III, an Iredell County resident and local attorney, has recently been
promoted from Brigadier General to Major General in the Army Reserves and in this capacity will command
the 108"' Division with troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Major General James B. Mallory III, through this prestigious promotion, has brought
recognition and honor to himself, his family, and to all citizens of Iredell County, this state, and this great
nation.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners takes
great pride in honoring Major General James B. Mallory III and congratulates him on this coveted and
impressive rank, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners issues this
Proclamation of Congratulations and Praise to Major General James B. Mallory III for his distinguished
accomplishment and highly revered achievement.
Major General Mallory mentioned that today's national defense was dependent upon
employers, and this group was carrying a greater burden than ever before. He said during the Cold
War, the army reserve model was a strategic reserve to be called upon as a last resort. Mallory said
at that time, a couple of summer days a month were sufficient for training and deployment. He said
today, however, a strategic reserve method wasn't used due to the non-existency of competitors.
He said all armed forces were reduced in the 1990s, by almost 40%, and the protracted struggle
occurring now would last for years. Mallory said that with an all volunteer armed forces, there
was not manpower to meet America's needs, missions, and commitments. He said the reserves and
guard of today were no longer strategic forces rather they were operational reserve -- "joined at the
hip" with the army, marine corps and other units. Mallory said today's soldiers had to balance their
military responsibilities with their civilian lives, and employers had to recognize that structure.
Mr. Mallory thanked the board for the proclamation.
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
Update from the Soil & Water Conservation District on the Beaver Management
Assistance Program & Decision Concerning FY 2007-08 Funding: Soil and Water Conservation
District Chairman Jimmy Gray and Soil & Water Conservationist Jim Summers provided the
following data on the progress being made in the beaver management program.
Oct. 2006
Nov. 2006 Dec. 2006
Jan.2007
Feb.2007
Mar. 2007
Total
Properties worked 1
2 3
5
13
5
29
On-site hours 33
17 30
26
55
24
185
Dams Dug 6
0 6
10
5
6
33
Beaver removed 7
5 6
5
26
11
60
Reported losses N/A
$825 N/A
$14,500
$5,600
N/A
$20,925.00
Resources Saved
$2,423.85
$33,449.13
$12,604.00
$48,477.00
Commissioner Robertson mentioned the erosion and forestry problems that could occur
without the program.
There was board consensus to continue the program, and Commissioner Johnson told Mr.
Gray and Mr. Summers that funding would be included in the FY 2007-2008 budget.
-----------------------------------------CONSENT
MOTION by Commissioner Tice to approve the following nine (9) consent agenda items.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(All items were explained during the agenda briefing.)
1. Request for Approval of the April Refunds & Releases: Tax Administrator Bill Doolittle
requested approval of the following refunds and releases:
APRIL 2007 TAX RELEASES & REFUNDS
Releases
Refunds
County
17,218.34
1,728.45
Solid Waste Fees
104.00
0
East Alexander Co. Fire #1
0
0
Shepherd's Fire # 2
56.72
0
Mount Mourne Fire # 3
23.44
114.14
All County Fire # 4
574.28
53.99
Statesville City
1,682.34
0
Statesville Downtown
16.09
0
2
Mooresville Town
9,385.32
24.35
Mooresville Downtown
0
0
Mooresville School
1,508.93
6.71
Love Valley
0
0
Harmony
0
0
Troutman
171.24
0
Total
30,740.70
1,927.64
A complete list, of the individual tax releases and refunds,
incorporated into the minutes by reference.
is hereby
2. Request from the Sheriff's Department for Approval of a Resolution to Authorize the Awarding
of an Employment Badge &c to Allow Retiree Mike Hager to Purchase his Service Sidearm:
(The following resolution was approved.)
RESOLUTION REGARDING THE BADGE AND SIDEARM
OF
LIEUTENANT MICHAEL HAGER
WHEREAS, Lieutenant Michael Hager served honorably in the Iredell County Sheriff's
Office and has successfully met the requirements for retirement, and does, upon the occasion of
retirement, request to retain his badge and to purchase his service sidearm.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Iredell
County, that said badge be awarded to Lieutenant Michael Hager at no charge and that he be
allowed to purchase his sidearm for the sum of One Dollar ($1.00), as provided by G.S. 20-187.2 .
One (1) Glock Model 22 Serial # ALF309US
3. Request for Approval of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council's Recommendation
Regarding FY 2007-08 Funding: The juvenile crime council on April 24, 2007 met and
recommended the following funding proposal, and the board of commissioners approved the same.
ARK/ SCAN
$49,187
DonLin Counseling
$ 9,453
Barium Springs Home for Children 48,474
Mills Home
6,600
Boys & Girls Club
22,500
Piedmont Mediation
25,000
Counseling Center of Iredell
25,000
Project Challenge
60,000
D -A -S -H
6,000
Psychological Services
6,820
JCPC Administration
15,500
Unallocated
14,884
(JCPC voted not to fund Insight)
(To be allocated prior to 12/31/07)
Total to be distributed
through Iredell JCPC
$289,418
4. Request from MAG Land Development, LLC for Approval of a Permanent Utility
Easement and Temporary Construction Easement (Location: North Main Street, Mooresville,
NC, near East Mooresville Intermediate School): County Manager Mashburn said the MAG
Company needed to extend an existing water line from the East Mooresville Intermedidate School site
for fire hydrant installation and to improve water pressure. Mashburn said the county was involved
only because it held title to the school property as was required by a Certificates of Participation
issuance.
5. Request for Approval of a Resolution Regarding the 2007 Clean Water Act: County Manager
Mashburn presented the following summary on how 1998 Clean Water Bond funds were used in
Iredell County. After review of the information, the board approved a resolution in support of the
Clean Water Act of 2007.
1998 CLEAN WATER BOND PROJECTS 1N IREDELL COUNTY
Town of Mooresville, Coddle Creek Basin Studv. $40,000*.
This project will address a critical environmental and economic development need. This project will develop a comprehensive study
and analysis of the Coddle Creek basin to determine the extent and cost of providing public water and sewer to the southeast comer
of Iredell County (Dale Earnhardt Inc.). The health department has documented unsuitable soils for on-site wastewater disposal
systems in this area. Iredell County has lost 1,105 jobs in the last two years. The Town of Mooresv ille's poverty rate is 7.20/,,.
Iredell Countv, West Farm Water Tower, Protect $150,000*.
This project will address a critical economic development need. Energy United Water Corporation provides water service to
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3,846 customers. This project will construct a one million gallon water storage tank, and 2,000 -LF of 12 -inch water line in order
to meet the expansion needs of Polar Cold Storage. This project will assist with the creation of 30jobs. The county has lost 1,592
jobs in the last two years. Iredell County's poverty rate is 8.2%.
Town of Harmony, Preliminary Engineering Report $10.000*.
The Town of Harmony is located in northern Ircdcll County and has a population of 546. Ircdcll County is considered a rural non-
distressed county; however, the Town of Harmony is a "distressed" community located near a growing rural area. Iredell County's
average per capita income is $19,245. The average income per capita in Harmony is $11,176, more than $8,000 lower than the
county average. The Town of Harmony is suffering from failing septic tanks and is in need of a new sewer system. The options for
sewer collection for Harmony must be explored considering not only the needs of the community and the available resources but
also the Town's financial position.
This Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) will be an option analysis for sewer collection for the Town of Harmony. The report
will look at new collection lines, a new treatment system, construction wetlands, and a study of possible receiving streams as well as
other disposal options.
The PER will give the Town of Harmony a clear picture of what will be needed to develop a sewer collection system and will serve
as a new starting point which can lead to the development of a sewer collection system. In illustration, Harmony is presently at Point
A where they have a need but no idea of their options. The PER will move Harmony to Point B where they know their options and
can proceed to complete the sewer system through State Revolving Fund, RECD (Farmers Homc) or The Rural Center.
Town of Harmonv. Wastewater Collection and Treatment Svstem, $1,020,000*.
The proposed project involves the design and construction of a wastewater collection system and a 250,000 gallon per day
constructed wetlands wastewater treatment facility.
City of Statesville, Statesville -Salisbury Water Line. $300,000*.
This project will construct an interconnection between the Statesville water system and the Salisbury water system. The
interconnection will provide up to 2 million gallons per day of treated drinking water to the City of Statesville. Statesville provides
water to 9492 customers. This project will assist in the retention of 1610 jobs. Iredell County has lost 1819 jobs in the past two
years. The city's poverty rate is 16.1 %. The city requested $400,000 toward the project. Rural Center staff recommends an award of
$300,000 based on the presence of a high fund balance in the city's coffers.
Town of Troutman — Improved Capacity for Wastewater Treatment $3,000,000.
No project details available.
Iredell County - Water Lines -. $330 225**. No project details available.
* Information provided by NC Rural Center
" Information provided by NC DENR Water & Sewer Divisions
Resolution of Support for the Clean Water Act of 2007
WHEREAS, North Carolina's continued prosperity depends on protecting the State's water resources
for current use and, fnture generations; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is expected to grow by 3.5 million people to exceed 12 million by the
Year 2030, placing pressures on the State's water resources and local water providers; and,
WHEREAS, North Carolina's businesses, traditional and emerging industries all depend on reliable
supplies of clean water, reasonable utility costs, well maintained water infrastructure and an attractive
natural environment; and
WHEREAS, the 1998 Clean Water Bonds delivered significant benefits to North Carolina
communities and citizens, supporting 1,103 projects in 97 counties, which
• Helped create or retain 42,000jobs
• Corrected major regulatory violations in 97 communities
• Addressed failing septic systems and contaminated wells in 59 counties
• Resulted in 50 communities receiving sewer service for the first time
• Encouraged regional efficiencies, sound planning and conservation practices; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina's public water sewer and storm water utilities will require investments
totaling $16.63 billion to keep pace with necessary improvements and population growth over the next 25
years, including $6.85 billion in investments within the next,five years.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners urges the
North Carolina General Assembly to enact the "Clean Water Act of 2007," which provides for a $500 million
bond issue to be expended over the next five years, and an annual appropriation of $50 million in recurring
,funding to address urgent needs.
6. Request for Approval of an FY 2007-08 Centralina COG Service Agreement in
Conjunction with the Lake Norman Rural Planning Organization (RPO): County Manager
Mashburn said a service memorandum to administer and perform tasks for the RPO had been
received in the amount of $5,019 (plus Centralina member hours).
7. Call for a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 for Citizen Comments Regarding
the FY 2007-08 Iredell County Budget (The county manager's budget message may be found
near the end of the minutes.)
8. Request for Approval of the May 1, 2007 Minutes
9. Update on 2006 Scattered Site Housing Funds & Call for a Public Hearing on June 5,
2007 Regarding an Application for the Same: Deputy County Manager Blumenstein said
officials with the Department of Commerce/Community Assistance had advised that the county
would be eligible to apply for 2006 scattered site housing grant funds. She said $400,000 would
be available, and $252,150 of the funding would be used to finish out the 2003 scattered site
housing projects.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Troutman Planning/Zoning Board (ETJ) (2 announcements)
Farmland Preservation Board (2 announcements)
Carolinas Partnership (I announcement)
Fire Tax District Board (1 announcement)
Statesville Airport Commission (1 announcement)
Jury Commission (1 announcement)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Adult Care Home Communitv Advisory Committee (4 appointments): Commissioner
Williams nominated Janet Hall.
MOTION by Commissioner Tice to (1) close the nominations (2) appoint Hall by
acclamation and (3) postpone the remaining three appointments until the June 5 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Nursing Home Advisory Committee (3 appointments): MOTION by Commissioner Tice
to postpone the three appointments until the June 5 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Centralina Workforce Development Board (I appointment): MOTION by Commissioner
Tice to postpone this appointment until the June 5 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority (3 appointments):
Commissioner Tice nominated J.D. Chamberlain.
Commissioner Williams nominated John Massey.
MOTION by Chairman Norman to appoint Chamberlain and Massey by acclamation and
to postpone the remaining appointment until the June 5 meeting.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Inter -Local Agreement with the City of Statesville on the Canac Kitchens Project:
Commissioner Johnson said that in the "spirit of cooperation" and in keeping with past precedent,
he desired for the board to reconsider the April 3 action regarding the Canac Inter -Local
Agreement with Statesville. Johnson said the county's logic in reducing the match and limiting the
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amount of re -payment, if necessary, was sound; however, city officials felt there was a 50/50
agreement on these types of matters.
MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to commit the originally requested amount of
$342,780 instead of $62,850 (approved on April 3, 2007) as requested by the City of Statesville as
matching funds towards the $250,000 "One NC Fund Grant" and to increase the grant repayment,
if needed, from twenty-five percent (25%) to fifty percent, or one half.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
An excerpt from the April 3 minutes (Book 10 Page 795) when this request was initially acted upon, is as follows:
Deputy County Manager Blumenstein said a $250,000 One NC Fund Grant had been awarded to the City of Statesville
for Canac Kitchens, and an equal amount was needed as a match. She said economic incentives from the city and
county could be used; however, Statesville had approved only S187,150 while the county's incentive was S342,780.
Blumenstein said an inter -local agreement, drafted by the city, included the full $342,780.00; however, she was
recommending that only $62,850 of the county's incentive be used. She said the $62,850 was the difference between
the total match needed of $250,000 and the city's incentive of S187,150. In addition, she recommended for the county
to be responsible for only 25% of the $250,000 should a grant payback be required. (The Inter -Local Agreement was
approved contingent upon the county's share of the match being $62,850 and any grant repayment being limited to
25%.)
Growth Management Menu of Options Discussed at the Winter Planning Session:
Commissioner Robertson said 13 growth management options were chosen at the February 23
planning session, and he asked for a progress report.
County Manager Joel Mashburn said the planning director position vacancy had hindered
the work; however, Planner Rebecca Harper had been assigned to the Perth Road Small Area Plan,
and Matthew Todd would create the West Iredell Small Area Plan. He said "solid" demographics
were needed for many of the options, and Mr. Frank Warren (Warren Associates Real Estate
Market Strategies) was assisting in this endeavor. Mashburn said in addition, Institute of
Government Professor Rich Ducker had agreed to provide a seminar on what counties could and
couldn't do to manage growth. Lastly, Mashburn said a joint meeting with managers/mayors
would occur to discuss water sewer.
Acting Planning Director Steve Warren said Mr. Ron Smith would soon assume the
director's responsibilities. Warren said the planning department started work on the 13 options
the Monday following the weekend retreat by contracting with the Planners Advisory Service, a
nationwide research subscription service. (A division of the American Planning Association.) He
also mentioned the following work plans for the department:
1. Updating/modernizing the zoning code
2. Updating/modernizing the land use plan
3. Sharing demographic materials (Frank Warren Study) with the schools.
Commissioner Johnson asked if the nationwide service was abreast of North Carolina law.
Warren said any growth management concepts would have to align with state law, and
Rich Ducker would assist in this regard.
Commissioner Robertson asked the status of the previous recommendation for
representatives from the schools and the Department of Transportation to be added to the
subdivision review board.
Warren said Dr. Miller with the school system, and Patrick Norman with the DOT had been
contacted, and coordination with these two organizations would occur.
Commissioner Williams asked the number of building permits in the first lottery.
Warren said they were "very scant" -- not to nine (9) yet. He said updates would be
provided to the county manager.
Commissioner Williams said he would like to be provided this information as well as the
permits under vested rights.
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Warren said the information would be given to the manager.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Glen Lindemann Discusses the Brawley School Road Building Permit Ordinance:
"Good Evening ladies and gentlemen. My name is Glen Lindemann and 1 am with the Iredell County
Growth Commission.
7t has been a month since the April l7th meeting when the ineffective Building Permit Ordinance was
passed by the Board. Since then, has anything been done at the County level to improve the health and
safetyfor- the residents of BSR? If the growth can not be slowed down, what can be done? After two hours
of expert testimony concerning the safety issues to the residents along BSR, we believe that the
Commissioners are now extremely vulnerable to a law suit if'you fail to do some meaningful improvements.
If someone dies in a head on crash or if someone dies because an ambulance is stuck along BSR, we can
see the BOC being held as criminally negligent for ignoring all of the warnings. You can bet when, not if
that happens, your friends who supported the amendment will all run, for cover.
"There was a list of about a dozen smaller items that could and should be worked on now. At the top of the
list is to provide traffic of at two or three critical locations for two hours in the morning and two
hours in the evening rush hours during the school year. These of can keep traffic flowing better than
the traffic lights and help emergency vehicles get through traffic gridlock.
"How can this be funded? If we assume three of for four hours a day for the 200 school days per year,
t would cost $60, 000 if the of get $25/hour. Since there is no slow down in building permits along BSR
you could increase the permit fees by $100 and generate $35,000 if 350 permits are issued along BSR or
generate $70,000 if the fees were increased by $200. This was discussed with some of the BSR builders and
they, believe that many of their associates would support this extra fee.
"Next, if either Iredell County or Mooresville funds or both are tapped, a simple right turn lane can be
installed at the intersection of BSR and Oaktree. This will allow evening rush hour traffic to better flush
itself out during the very long red light cycles.
"Some other relatively inexpensive quickfixes that we would like to include are:
1) Look to stagger the school hours for the students attending the schools along BSR (not all of Iredell
County).
2,) Temporarily open the back gate to Woodland Heights Elementary, to allow local Blume Road and
Shavender Bluff residents to drop off and pick up their students without traveling on BSR. The road does
not even have to be paved, just open the gate.
3) Repaint the lanes along BSR. They are impossible to see at night and in the rain.
4) Pressure Crescent to provide more well sites to insure adequate water supply for BSR residents.
5) Require Duke to release an up to date evacuation plan for BSR before their relicensing hearings
are completed.
6) Put someone in charge of the task to set priorities on the list of recommendations from the Planning
Board.
"After more than a year of study, and countless campaign promises, as Commissioners, you have done
nothing to control the growth or improve the infrastructure in South Iredell. Has the BOC charged anyone
with the task to bring any of these items forward as an ordinance for a vote? The residents of BSR are
looking for some action to help with the health and safety problems that were identified so clearly last
month. When can we expect to see some action from our elected of
Ken Jurnev Discusses Volunteer Fire Department Related Matters:
"1 am a member of the business planning committee, and the fire chief's council asked me to
monitor fire -related business at tonight's meeting. I appreciated the, fact -based data questions that were
raised at this afternoon's planning session. The business plan that was presented at the November
planning session includes much of the fact -based data based on pre -valuation figures. We look forward
to Mr. Doolittle updating that information, and I think you will find that the data is verifiable and will
show that the insurance savings that we have represented are much greater than what we've
represented. We look forward to the county putting together the figures. The county fire chiefs
recognize that with Troutman pulling out, or having their own fire district, that it would roughly be the
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equivalent of costing its one fire engine a year, but this performance based business plan that they have
proposed will save, if we get some seed money to fund it, a lot more money than it costs. This can be
verified by a combination of information from the tax office, the state fire marshal's office, and
insurance company representatives. Our plan shows how we amassed the data, and how it was
calculated, so you can plug your own numbers into it. At last week's fire commission meeting,
Troutman submitted a specific plan -- costing $2 million. One thing that wasn't pointed out by the
Troutman FFD at the briefing was that $1.7 of that $2 million is to buy land and to build and equip a
fire station in the Fern Hill Road area. That area is a small corner in the Troutman district, and we
pulled the tax cards and they showed it to be an unrated area, more than five miles from any fire station
that exists. There's no way the fire department can provide the area with insurance benefits unless a
station is provided. That little area pays more fire tax than any four of our smallest fire districts. They
are paying the freight, they are just not getting the benefits. Troutman can do a ratings improvement for
this district's portion within five miles for a whole lot less in costs. They have a specific plan. The
reason we've had a delay in other plans is due to Mr. Johnson's request, at the retreat, jor a specific
plan. The following Monday after that Saturday meeting we went to the tax office, and we said the
foundation for our plan was a district map that showed the plotted fire hydrants, and the natural water
points because water is 35% of this total process. We've got to verify why we need extra water sources,
and how much it will cost. If we can't show this and meet that portion of the rating process there's no
use to buy the other expensive fire engines -- we just can't do it-- we just buy what's needed to provide
the service. With all this data we're asking for it. The fire commission has the manuals and you can
verify anything they ask for and see the associated values. Regarding Troutman, 1'd like to say that
when a volunteer fire department is experiencing 2 to 300 calls a year, it's pretty easyfor a volunteer
department. We are averaging about 5 to 600 calls per department, but Troutman had 1400 calls this
year. They are overwhelmed with response needs, and 1 feel like the department needs the money. They
have a two -road street -- response issues and saving people money on homeowner's insurance. You will
soon see specific rating plans. The fire commission will see them from Ebenezer, Cool Springs and
Trinity. These will probably be ready by the next fire commission meeting. The fire hydrants have been
plotted. We've gotten one fire district map since the retreat. The hydrants have been plotted in West
Iredell and Ebenezer, and we hope to have these maps soon. Harmony is coming next. You folks will
see savings that are two to five times greater than what it will cost, and 1 hope you will keep an open
mind, listen to these plans, and weigh the cost benefits because they have the opportunity to provide the
people oj'this county better response at a tremendous savings. "
Richard Cook Discusses the Need for a Detoxification Center:
"1 think everyone knows someone who has been affected by substance abuse either directly or
indirectly. Iredell County once had a detox. It's not just my opinion that Iredell County is in dire need
of a detoxification center that's both affordable and accessible. This subject is worthy of your
consideration, and I offer any help that I can give. 1 just want you to consider this need. "
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT
John Merrick Introduction: County Manager Mashburn introduced John Merrick, the expanding
industry's coordinator for the Greater Statesville Development Corporation. Mr. Merrick started work
on May 14, 2007.
Prescription Discount Drug Cards: County Manager Mashburn said 28,000 prescription cards
would be available to uninsured county citizens. He said a 20% discount would be offered at
participating pharmacies. Mashburn said the cards would be distributed at strategic areas throughout the
county.
Budget Sessions: County Manager Mashburn said that a previous meeting, May 21 was selected as a
budget work session date. He said that due to the Department of Transportation's I-40/1-77 Interchange
Public Meeting on the same date, a schedule revision was needed.
By consensus, the board agreed to the following budget work session dates:
Thursday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 31, at 5:30 p.m.
(If needed, other tentative budget work session dates are June 7, 12 & 14.)
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Presentation of the FY 2007-08 Iredell County Budget: County Manager Mashburn highlighted
key points out of the following budget message.
BUDGET MESSAGE
FY 2007-2008
Submitted to the Iredell County Board of Commissioners on May 15, 2007
This budget is submitted to you as a balanced budget and is prepared in accordance with the Local
Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act.
REVENUES
Our economy in Iredell County remains strong and revenues are again anticipated to increase in FY 07-08,
however, we have seen some slowing in sales tax collections which is probably the result of a combination of
,factors. Even though we have seen substantial retail growth in the southern end of the county, we have seen
the closing ofseveral businesses in the Statesville area. The mall on Signal Hill has seen the loss ofseveral
major tenants over the past few years, and no new tenants appear- to be too interested in moving into an area
that appears to be in economic decline. In addition to the slowing of this retail area, one can observe that
some of the other newer strip shopping centers in the Statesville area are experiencing vacancies or at least
have seen a negative change in the economic vitality of the center. Added to this are the major new retail
businesses that have been developed just across the county line in Mecklenburg County, as well as the
convenience for Iredell County folk to travel to more updated and upscale shopping opportunities in Hickory
and Winston Salem. With some of the plans on the drawing board, we may see a reverse of this trend when
the new development takes off at exit 45, and also in the Troutman and southern Iredell County area.
We have seen some substantial growth in the property tax base during the past year, but much of this
increase is a result of the 2007 revaluation. The overall growth in the tax base is up 24% over FY 07,
however, new growth accounts for almost 114 of this increase. Combined, this new value will increase the
revenue generated by $348,205 for each cent of the tax rate. The county has experienced a lot of growth in
the residential tax base, but we have lost some substantial base in manufacturing as we have seen more and
more of our manufacturing jobs go to Mexico or to China or other off shore countries. Although we are
maintaining a lower than State average unemployment rate, many of the new jobs we see being brought into
the county are lower paying reduced benefit type service jobs.
Much of the increase we have seen in the increase in the residential tax base has been in higher end
developments that are occurring along the shoreline of the lake, or the more desirable locations in the
southern part of the county. This rapid growth in such a concentrated area of course has exacerbated our
resources to the point that we find that we cannot maintain the level of service expectations without some
rather major expenditures for service delivery. This matter will be addressed when the discussion of
expenditures occurs.
A healthy increase is anticipated in most of the other revenue sources such as the collection of fees,
reimbursements, etc.
EXPENDITURES
General Fund: As was discussed earlier, the county continues to experience record breaking growth
numbers. Based on most projections available, there is not an anticipated slowing down as this area is just
becoming more and more popular as a good place to live, work and do business. There is no question that
our close proximity to the Charlotte area is the major driving force behind our growth, and for this very
reason, there does not appear to be a leveling of this growth anytime in the near future, especially since
some of the other fast growing areas surrounding Charlotte are starting to approach maximum build out.
With this in mind, the citizens of the county have raised the bar as to what it expects in services from the
county government, and the county commissioners have responded in- kind to meet these new demands. One
major way the county has responded is by developing a funding plan to provide adequate school facilities.
Even with this plan, however, we will not be able to meet the demand without going to the market and
raising a substantial amount of investment from outside sources. School expenditures will be discussed in
more detail later in the budget message. For now, the discussion will be limited to some major increases in
some of the other county operations.
Some of the major increases are in the area of public safety. The increase in the demand for these services
can be attributed to population growth as well as growth in the number of travelers passing through the
county over our extensive interstate highways and major thoroughfares. Also, because of the more
concentrated and congested retail and residential development, it is necessary to provide services in more
convenient locations. There is of course a need to add additional law enforcement officers, not only to
provide better patrolling of the communities in the county, but to provide a higher level of support to the
veld officers. In addition to this, the county has already outgrown its available jail space, and by having to
add satellite facilities to meet the demand, additional staffing and other operational cost are warranted. In
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addition to the need. for more law enforcement officers and jail staff,we have seen an increased need for
more EMS personnel to provide faster response to areas difficult to serve from our present locations.
Although public safety is high on the priority list, the commissioners have also established higher
expectations in insuring that we are more expeditious in our response for services we provide to the builders
and homeowners during this period of accelerated growth. By adding additional inspectors, as well as
adding another person to handle the need for faster plans review, we feel we can come closer- to meeting the
expectations of the building public. In response to insuring the protection of our lakes and streams from
abuses of our environment from the actions of a few careless and/or unscrupulous developers, the county is
now enforcing the erosion control laws of the state, and the proposed budget provides for a full year of
enforcement, a responsibility that once was the sole responsibility of the state.
As yon review the budget proposal, you will also note a larger than normal increase in Elections. A couple
of factors weigh heavily into this. One major factor is the talk of having an earlier- primary. If this occurs,
then expenses will be up for next year. Another eff ciency measure that is being proposed is the online voter
books; making it easier to move the lines at the polling places, insuring more voter satisfaction with the
process. It is a shame when we spend three quarters of a million dollars and less than 20% of our
registered voters show up at the polls. Making these changes will take some of the pain out of the process
and hopefully insure a higher turnout.
Of course, as the population increases, and as economic conditions fall off for some, we see increases in the
demand for human services. This has been true in past years and this year is no dfferent. Eleven new
positions are needed in Social Services, and because of some new mandates by the state, new positions are
being requested for the Health Department as well. All in all, there is only a 5% increase in the number of
new positions, and when you consider the fact that it takes 4 people to fill I position in the Sheriff's office,
and it takes 3 people to fill one position in EMS, the real increase is closer to a 4% increase.
The budgetfurther recommends a 2.5% across-the-board increase in salaries, and a set aside for merit
increase up to 4% based on employee evaluations.
As always, the major increase in the proposed budget is for schools. At the rate the county has to build new
schools, and with the increase in cost to build and properly maintain these schools, this is always going to
be a budget area where we are playing catch-up. In the school current expense budget, the
recommendation proposes a 7.42% increase in the per pupil rate, going from $1,266 to $1,360. Because of
growth, the overall increase in current expense is 9.75% for the Iredell-Statesville School System, and on
overall increase of 20.31% for the Mooresville Graded School District. In total, the increase in
appropriations for schools (including Mitchell College) for FY 08 is $8,853,960 or a 15.45% increase.
When you include capital, debt service and current expense, over 50% of the county funds goes for schools.
As you recall, the board directed that 10.5 cents be taken off the top of the tax rate for school capital. This
10.5 cents will feel the full impact of the 24% increase in valuation.
SOLID WASTE
We can no longer process the solid waste in Iredell County for what we have been charging. The cost of
land, the cost of equipment, and the cost of operations have all increased. New environmental rules dictated
by the state or federal government have not only increased the cost of disposing of the current waste stream,
but is making it more costly to prepare for the future as well. For this reason, the budget does propose an
increase in the tipping fees, and some increases in other charges. Until we as a nation start taking recycling
more seriously, and we start seeing a reduction in the waste stream at the source, we can anticipate regular
increases in the fees we have to charge to bury it in the ground, which is basically the only option we have at
this time.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners approve the proposed 2007-2008 budget
as presented. If so approved, this will establish the ad valorem (property, tax) rate at 44.5 cents per $100
valuation base on the Tax Assessor's estimate of $18,694,000,000 and a collection rate of 96.85%. The
proposal also maintains a fund balance of $22, 401,703 which is 14.16% of the General Fund Budget.
Submitted by: Joel Mashburn, County Manager and Budget Officer
Susan Blumenstein, Finance Director and Deputy County Manager
CLOSED SESSION: Pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) 6 — Personnel, and G.S. 143-318.11
(a) (5) — Property Acquisition, Chairman Norman at 8:10 p.m., made a VotA to enter into closed
session.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:35 P.M.)
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 8:35
p.m. (Next Regular Meeting: Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 5 & 7 p.m. Budget work sessions are
scheduled for May 24, 29, and 31 at 5:30 p.m., in the South Wing Conference Room.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approved:
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Clerk to the Board