HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember_21_2010_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21 2010
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday,
September 21, 2010, 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 Steve Johnson
Scott Keadle
Frank Mitchell
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Joel Mashburn, Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson,
Assistant County Manager Ron Smith, Tax Collector Bill Furches, Assistant Tax Assessor (Real
Property) Steve Ervin, Property Sales Analyst and Data Coordinator Chip Parks, Property Tax
Appraiser Kathy Hoover, Solid Waste Director David Lambert, and Clerk to the Board Jean
Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Norman
INVOCATION by Commissioner Johnson
(Note: The McClamrock family was remembered in the prayer. Comfort was asked for the
relatives of PFC James Fleet McClamrock, who died in Iraq on September 7, 2010, while
serving in the U.S. Army. McClamrock, 22 years old, graduated from South Iredell High School.
Commissioner Johnson said McClamrock died a noble death in service to others and the
preservation of liberty.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was adjusted by the following
addition:
• Request from the Elections Department for Approval of Budget Amendment #9 to
recognize a Help America Vote Act grant and to appropriate $23,675 for part-time Salaries/FICA
associated with the November 2010 Election One Stop Voting Sites.
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
Request from Mr. Darrell Pegram for a Letter of Support Pertaining to the
Proposed Stallion Track Club, a new Indoor and Outdoor Arena and Learning Center, to
be located off of the Oxford School Road in Catawba County, NC: Mr. Pegram said the
non-profit Stallion Track Club was established in 1984. He said that due to the club, over 300
youth had attended college, and some of the students were from Iredell County. Pegram said the
new facility would include a multi -cultural learning center, a 10,000 seat indoor track arena, and
a 30,000 seat outdoor track stadium. Pegram said (1) the indoor facility would be the largest in
the US, (2) 1,000 to 1,500 employees would be hired, (3) a groundbreaking would occur in
October of this year, and (4) a completion date had been set for 2012. He said the Rural
Development agency had awarded a grant for the new facility, and a letter of support from
Iredell County was requested.
Commissioner Mitchell asked if funds were in place for the facility.
Pegram said yes. He said no money was being requested due to the USDA -Rural
Development grant, plus other grants that would be forthcoming, for example, the Jobs Act from
the Governor's Office. Pegram said the club would pay well, insurance would be provided for
the employees, and the facility would operate seven days a week.
Commissioner Mitchell asked the location on Oxford School Road.
Pegram said there were 321 acres about three miles off Interstate 40 between Shurtape
and Highway 70.
OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to go on record in support of the project and to
send the letter as requested.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Norman declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of the Market and Present Use Schedules of Values Relating to the
2011 Tax Reappraisal: Assistant Tax Assessor (Real Property) Steve Ervin presented a
presentation about the proposed 2011 revaluation, and some of the information is as follows:
• G.S. 105-286 requires general revaluation of real property at least every eight years
• G.S 105-286(a)(3) allows a local Board of County Commissioners to conduct
revaluations more frequently
— Iredell County has conducted revaluations effective in 1984, 1992, 1995, 1999,
2003, 2007 and now, 2011
— More frequent revaluations greatly reduce shifts within the tax base and inequity
of like properties
• The primary purpose of a revaluation is to equalize the tax base
— Between real, personal and public service property
— Within classes of real property
— Real property is reappraised every 4 years
— Personal property, motor vehicles and public service properties are reappraised annually
— Over time, shifts in value between real estate classes occurs
— North Carolina requires the use of the same tax rate for all types of property
— With real property values "frozen" the tax burden typically shifts toward personal
property between revaluations
— Iredell County Tax Assessors will reappraise approximately 93,000 parcels
— Appraisal records are stratified into 586 appraisal neighborhoods
— Each appraisal neighborhood has it's own unique market characteristics
— Normally most neighborhoods appreciate in value over time; however, in today's
market some are increasing, some are not changing, and some neighborhoods are
decreasing in value
Schedule of Values, Standards & Rules
• Required by G.S. 105-317
• The schedules must be reviewed and approved by the BOC before the Tax Assessor may
complete the 2011 revaluation
• It must be sufficiently detailed to enable those making appraisals to adhere to the
schedules in appraising real property
• Numerous valuation tables and ranges are essentially driven by CAMA system
• Valuation standards to insure uniformity and equity
• Rules to insure uniformity and equity
Notable Items:
• Many tables are set in ranges to allow flexibility
• One size does not necessarily fit all
• Present Use Schedule follows the recommendations of the Use -Value Advisory
Committee
How are the Schedules of Values used?
• The Schedules of Values are adopted for each revaluation and do not change until the
next revaluation
• The Tax Office will use the adopted schedules to value all properties from 2011 through
2014 even if the market conditions change
What is Market Value?
Market Value is defined under G.S. 105.283 as "the price estimated in terms of money at
which the property would change hands between a willing and financially able buyer and a
willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable
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knowledge of all the uses to which the property is adapted and for which it is capable of
being used."
How is Market Value Determined?
• Market value is determined by analyzing sales in the market place
• These sales are verified by deeds, sales questionnaires, multiple listing services and
contracts with the seller/buyer
• The Schedules of Values are applied and adjustments are made for each individual
neighborhood
Who Will Conduct the 2011 Revaluation?
• Employees of the Iredell County Tax Department, who are North Carolina Department of
Revenue Certified Real Property Appraisers, will conduct the reappraisal
• Seven staff appraisers are NC Appraisal Board certified
• A consultant has been contracted with to assist with the appraising of the Commercial
and Industrial Properties
What happens after taxpayers receive their notice?
• If the taxpayer feels his property is in line with other comparable properties then no
further action is necessary
• If the new assessed value is above or below market value, the taxpayer has the right to
appeal
Reasons for Appeal
VALID INVALID
• Value exceeds or is below Market Value Taxes are too high
• Inequitable Assessment with comparable properties Inability to pay
• Errors on the Tax Card Services too low
• Amount or percent of
change in value
What if a taxpayer disagrees with the revaluation value?
• The taxpayer must fill out the appeal form located at the bottom of the notice and return it
to the Tax Office
• A staff appraiser will review the tax record and the information provided by the taxpayer
• A new notice will be mailed to the taxpayer
Timetable
• September 7, 2010: Submitted schedules to Board
• September 8: Advertised public hearing
• September 21: Public hearing held
• October 5: Adoption of the final Schedules
• October 6: Publish 1 st Notice of adoption
• October 13: Publish 2nd Notice of adoption
• October 20: Publish 3rd notice of adoption
• October 27: Publish 4th notice of adoption
Timetable
• Anticipate mailing of notices in mid February 2011
• Informal appeal work begins
• Board of Equalization and Review will begin hearing appeals in April 2011
Commissioner Johnson said he understood the cap rate value used now on present use
value was unchanged in the new schedule.
Ervin said it was the same rate.
No one else chose to speak, and Chairman Norman adjourned the hearing.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Tax Department for Approval of the August Refunds and
Releases: County Manager Mashburn said everything was in order for approval of the refunds
and releases as presented.
OTION by Commissioner Johnson to approve the August tax refunds and releases.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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Releases for the Month of August 2010
Breakdown of Releases
County
$34,502.00
Solid Waste Fees
$465.75
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$232.24
Shepherd's Fire #2
$344.75
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$194.48
All County Fire #4
$1,554.00
B&F Fire #5
$154.50
Statesville City
$7,015.99
Statesville Downtown
$86.95
Mooresville Town
$17,587.37
Mooresville Downtown
$3.36
Mooresville School
$1,135.70
Love Valley
$0.00
Harmony
$0.00
Troutman
$43.89
Davidson
$0.00
Refunds for the month of August 2010
Breakdown of Refunds
County
$2,932.14
Solid Waste Fees
$40.50
E. Alex. Co. Fire #1
$0.00
Shepherd's Fire #2
$0.00
Mt. Mourne Fire #3
$3.34
All County Fire #4
$152.57
B&F Fire #5
$2.40
Statesville City
$90.18
Statesville Downtown
$0.00
Mooresville Town
$3,168.93
Mooresville Downtown
$0.00
Mooresville School
$320.27
Love Valley
$0.00
Harmony
$0.00
Troutman
$0.00
Davidson
$0.00
Monthly
Total
$63,320.98
Monthly
Total
$6,710.33
Request from the Solid Waste Department for Permission to Apply for a $150,000
GRADE Grant to be Used for the Lease/Purchasing of a New Compactor: Solid Waste
Director David Lambert requested permission to apply for a grant that would be administered by
Mecklenburg County's Air Quality Department and funded through the federal government. He
said the grant totaling up to $150,000 would be used to purchase a new compactor.
MOTIO by Commissioner Keadle to approve the request.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Planning Department for Approval of a Lake Norman Regional
Bicycle Plan Task Force Memorandum of Understanding & the Designation of a County
Representative to Participate on the Task Force: Assistant County Manager Ron Smith said
the board adopted the Lake Norman Bike Route Plan in April of this year. He said the NC
Department of Transportation subsequently adopted the plan which included implementation
strategies. Smith said a person would need to be designated to serve on a task force that would
meet twice a year to guide and develop the bike route. He said a memorandum of understanding
formalizing the plan's implementation also needed approval. Smith said no money was needed
at this time.
Commissioner Keadle noted that #7 under Obligations read as follows: "This MOU does
not obligate the Parties to future financial commitment to implement the plan or participate in
the Task Force. " He said, however, #2 under Inducements to Other Parties read as follows:
"Each Party understands that its commitment to its respective component of the Plan has
induced other parties to make like commitments for its respective segments of the Plan insofar as
that Party has jurisdiction over land use and transportation planning within its Plan segment.
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Based on this understanding, each Party commits its best efforts to implement its respective
segment of the Plan, within the limits of its authority. " Keadle said the board previously had a
discussion on whether or not to fund the plan, and he did not want mixed signals to be given.
He said the last part (#7) made it clear that no funding was being committed by the county.
Smith said there were no commitments at this time. He said money would be
appropriated through the NCDOT for the construction of any road improvements. Smith said the
funding for this type of construction would be derived from a separate fund -- not the traditional
funding source for typical road improvements.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve the memorandum of understanding
and the designation of a county staff person to serve on the task force. (Smith will be allowed to
use his discretion in the designation of the staff person.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of an Office Space Lease for the United States Department of
Agriculture/Rural Development at the Agricultural Resource Center: County Manager
Mashburn said previously a Rural Development staff person occupied an office at the
Agricultural Resource Center, but the individual had to leave when the agency reorganized. He
said a new area director had now been appointed, and this person once again desired to have a
staff person based in Iredell County. Mashburn said that due to the lengthy process in obtaining
a new lease (funds would have to come out of the federal government's next fiscal year budget
which begins in October) that a temporary arrangement had been suggested. Mashburn then
requested approval of a 90 day temporary lease which would allow the Rural Development staff
person to occupy the vacant office. He said a formal lease agreement would be presented to the
board at a future date for approval.
MOTTO by Commissioner Johnson to approve the temporary lease arrangement.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of a Resolution Recognizing October 2010 as National
Disability Employment Awareness Month: MOTION by Commissioner Keadle to adopt the
following resolution.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING
OCTOBER 2010 AS
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Congress in 1945 designated the first week in October as National Disability
Employment Awareness Week; and
WHEREAS, Congress in 1988 amended its earlier designation and declared the entire month of
October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS, United States Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis has announced that this year's
theme will be "Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity INCLUDES Workers with Disabilities';
and
WHEREAS, Americans with disabilities provide many needed talents and abilities to our
nation's labor pool; and
WHEREAS, Americans with disabilities are an integral and vital component of our nation's
workforce: and
WHEREAS, Americans with disabilities should be recognized for their job readiness and the
many contributions they provide to our community and country.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners
calls upon all people in Iredell County to observe October as National Disability Employment Awareness
Month.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners extends
appreciation to all Americans with disabilities for their invaluable services and skills that are being
provided to the workplaces in Iredell County and across the nation.
Request for Approval of the September 7, 2010 Minutes: MOTION by
Commissioner Keadle to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request from the Elections Department for Approval of Budget Amendment #9 to
recognize a Help America Vote Act Grant and to Appropriate $23,675 for part-time
Salaries/FICA (One Stop Voting Sites for the November 2010 Election): Assistant County
Manager Tracy Jackson said Elections Director Becky Galliher was requesting permission to
accept a grant from the North Carolina Board of Elections totaling $23,675. He said the money
would be used for the staffing costs associated with three one stop voting locations.
Commissioner Mitchell asked who selected the voting sites.
Jackson said they were usually predetermined and spread throughout the county. He said
the board of elections selected them.
MOTION by Commissioner Keadle to approve Budget Amendment 49 to receive the
$23,675.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Nursin¢ Home Advisory Committee G announcement)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Iredell Advocacy Academy for Substance Abuse Awareness & Recovery (I appointment
Commissoner Robertson nominated Angela Carter.
MOTION by Chairman Norman to appoint Angela Carter.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Personnel Advisory Committee (3 appointments) Commissioner Keadle nominated Tina
Robertson and Jeff Stutts.
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MOTIO by Chairman Norman to appoint Robertson and Stutts.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Recreation Advisory Committee (1 appointment): Commissioner Keadle nominated Bill
Freshwater.
OTION by Chairman Norman to appoint Freshwater.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: Chairman Norman offered the public a chance to
speak, but no one accepted.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Mashburn said the slab for the
new animal services building had been poured, and progress was being made.
CLOSED SESSION: OTION by Chairman Norman to enter into closed session
pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6) - Personnel.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:05 P.M.)
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to adjourn the meeting at
8:05 P.M. (Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 5, 2010, at 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC 28687.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
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Clerk to the Board