HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober_7_2008_Briefing_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BRIEFING MINUTES
OCTOBER 7, 2008
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Briefing Session on Tuesday,
October 7, 2008 at 5:00 p.m., in the Iredell County Government Center (South Wing Conference
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, Deputy County Manager Susan
Blumenstein, Assistant County Manager Tracy Jackson, Planning & Development Director Ron
Smith, Planner Matthew Todd, Fire Marshal Lloyd Ramsey, Communications/Emergency
Management Director David Martin, Purchasing Agent Dean Lail, Animal Services Manager
Chris Royal, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Norman.
REQUEST FROM THE TROUTMAN FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC., FOR
APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION
OF STATION 3 AT THE BELLS CROSSING DEVELOPMENT, OFF PERTH ROAD,
ALONG WITH THE PURCHASE OF FIRE APPARATUS IN AN AMOUNT UP TO
$2,000,000: Representatives from the VFD who presented information about this request were
Keith Troutman (President of the VFD's Board of Directors) and Terry Bibleheimer (Vice
President). Troutman said the fire department was working with BB&T's institutional loan
program to obtain approximately $1,850,000 for the construction of a new station and to
purchase equipment. He said the station would be near Honeysuckle Road on approximately two
acres. Troutman said money had already been set aside for the land, and this would not be
included in the financing.
Commissioner Robertson asked the projected revenue stream for the debt payments.
Bibleheimer said (1) revenue would be received from leasing a portion of the building to
the county for EMS purposes, (2) the fire department had some cash set aside, and (3) it was
anticipated the tax base in the area would increase. Bibleheimer said it was predicted the
department would break even next year.
Robertson said caution should be used in estimating any tax base or revaluation increases.
He asked about manpower at the new station.
Troutman said personnel costs were already included in the budget.
Bibleheimer mentioned that growth estimates were decreased from five percent to two
percent.
Troutman said there were a couple of new hotels and some restaurants being built in the
district, and this would help the tax base.
Commissioner Johnson asked if additional operating costs had been considered. He also
asked if the department would be able to continue at a five cent tax rate. Mr. Johnson
emphasized that he would not be in favor of increasing the tax rate to pay the new debt.
Commissioner Robertson again mentioned the manpower costs. He said new people
might move into the area, but they probably wouldn't volunteer as firemen. Robertson said the
department needed to be careful on the debt and watch how close the final figures came to $2
million. He said no one was questioning the need for the station, but caution on the debt amount
was needed, especially in the purchase of capital items.
Chairman Norman asked the project's timeline.
Troutman said construction was projected for next spring (2009) with completion in the
fall.
Bibleheimer said the new station and equipment would help to improve the insurance
ratings.
Troutman said discussions had occurred with the Mooresville Fire Department and the
Shepherds VFD about the best site location. He said there was one area at the tip of Morrison's
Farm Road that still would not be within a six -mile area. Troutman said that if the housing
market increased in the area, Crescent Resources might donate land for a new substation.
Commissioner Williams asked about water points.
Troutman said 25 to 26 had been identified.
Williams asked what insurance rate could be obtained if adequate water were available.
Troutman said district -wide, there would be a six, but near a hydrant, a five rating could
be obtained.
All other agenda requests were reviewed, and a summary about these items may be found
in the regular minutes.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Norman adjourned the briefing at 5:45 p.m.
Approval:
2
Clerk to the Board