HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 19 2011 Regular MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
APRIL 19, 2011
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at 7:00
P.M., in the Iredell County Government Center (Commissioners' Meeting Room), 200 South
Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman Steve Johnson
Vice Chairman Marvin Norman
Renee Griffith
Frank Mitchell
Ken Robertson
Staff present: County Manager Joel Mashburn, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy
County Manager Tracy Jackson, Assistant County Manager Ron Smith, Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein, Transportation Director Ben Garrison, Health Department Nursing Director
Susan Johnson, Captain Mike Phillips with the Sheriff's Department, and Clerk to the Board
Jean Moore.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson
INVOCATION by Commissioner Renee Griffith
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to
approve the agenda with the following adjustment:
Deletion: Personnel Closed Session Pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (6)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
Presentation of a Proclamation Proclaiming Children's Mental Health Awareness
Week for May 1-7, 2011: Chairman Johnson presented the following proclamation to
representatives of Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare.
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week 2011
WHEREAS, all our children, without regard to challenges they face, are valuable and a significant part of the rich
and diverse resources of our present and our future; and
WHEREAS, support for our youth as they grow and develop from cradle to career is essential to the success of
children, families, and the community; and
WHEREAS, mental health is essential to overall health and well being; and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, one in five children has a
mental health disorder, and one in ten adolescents aged 9-17 have a serious mental illness; and
WHEREAS, with proper treatment and support, children with mental health disorders can succeed in all life
domains and reach their full potential, moving from cradle to career; and
WHEREAS, as parents, doctors and nurses, teachers, guidance counselors, neighbors, friends, concerned citizens
and faith based communities are among the many who can reach out to children, youth and their families in our
community who are in need of support, education, information, encouragement, and mental health resources; and
WHEREAS, community members can help establish safe and supportive communities that encourage and engage
all young people, regardless of their challenges, to reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, strong youth and young adults will strive to positively change the misconceptions about youth with
mental illness diagnoses to a vision of strong and capable young people who can overcome challenges; and
WHEREAS, the Iredell County Board of County Commissioners joins with our mental health and community
organizations in recognizing the need to raise awareness about our children and mental health, commending those who
work to support our youth, and celebrating those children with mental health disorders who reach for their full potential.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Iredell County Board of County Commissioners hereby proclaims May 1-7, 2011, as
"CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK" in Iredell County, North Carolina and commends its
observance to our citizens.
Pat Stewart, the United Way Education Grant Manager, Spoke about the "Teachers
Matter! Initiative:" Mrs. Stewart said the local United Way organization was one of 14 in the
country selected as a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant recipient. She said the grant's
mission was to work in a "grassroots effort to further the characteristics of teacher effectiveness."
Stewart said the following strategies would be implemented by the Iredell-Statesville Schools
during the upcoming school year to help achieve more effective teachers:
1. Develop a new teacher mentoring program;
2. Gather additional student opinions;
3. Develop community classrooms & recruit community partners;
4. Create district wide classroom needs/community assets database & mentoring programs;
5. Enhance professional development for teachers and principals;
6. Create community education & advocacy plans;
7. Celebrate National Teachers Day on May 3.
John Perrien, a Troutman resident, Spoke about Solid Waste Fees and Mobile
Home Parks: Mr. Perrien discussed solid waste fees, especially those on vacant mobile home
lots. He said an annual fee of $20.50 per lot was charged for the mobile home lots even though
some were vacant. Perrien said this was unfair due to the following reasons:
1. No services were being rendered;
2. Mobile home sales were down and repossessions were up;
3. Financing was difficult at this time;
4. Rental lots were not like camp sites or house/apartment rentals;
5. Mobile homes typically stayed vacant for years.
Perrien said there were several ways the tax department could monitor occupied mobile
home lots such as the following: (1) a form could annually be completed by the owner listing the
number of people residing in the mobile homes (2) during the year if someone moved in, the
zoning office could charge a pro -rated fee and (3) GIS maps could be used with the tax office
checking for any incongruities.
Mr. Perrien requested for the board to revise the current fee procedure.
Chairman Johnson thanked Mr. Perrien for the presentation.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing.
Consideration of a Resolution to Allow the Transportation Director to Submit a
Section 5310 Elderly and Disabled Grant Application to the North Carolina Department of
Transportation: Transportation Director Ben Garrison said this $155,824 two-year grant was
50% federal and 50% local. He said the local match was being provided by Rural Operating
Assistance Program (ROAP) money, and there were concerns that these funds might be cut by
39%. He said that if a cut of this size occurred, services would have to be reduced.
Commissioner Griffith asked if the county would be required to fund the local match if
the ROAP funds were cut.
Garrison said no.
No one desired to speak and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing.
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grant.
MOTTO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the resolution for the Section 5310
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM RESOLUTION
W W N,IiFAS, Articl. 2B of Ghurytor 136 of Ilii Not III Carolina (9ene3 Ili Slat tis and 1110 Govc1'aor of Nmsh CatOlina have d0siguttfell
file N01111 Carahaa Ueparbnenl uF'fransp.rblton (N(:1]O'I") as 4he agency ensponsiblc fur administerblg tedergl :cad surto publie
Iransporoation funds; and
WHI�)WAS, file North Camtina Dep.rtarem of"I'rnnspraudion will apply lot a &rani from the US I]apallmenl of Tronspor'lalion.
Federal Transit Adminislretton and rcca ... Ihnds from the Novih Carolilra (ieneral Assembly to provide, assistance for public
ta11....admt ii -.leek; and
WI WKLAS, aha pta,.s,, ofthc Section 5310 pro@rma is to Provide rn ane ial ...isfanco flat IransparlaHon s an
la pined, designed,
atilt carried out la Meet lb0 sPc0H+1 Iransportatian needs ofelde, ly individuals and fallMdoals with dPsabililics in all meas-urbmri,ed,
small urban, and rural; and
WHF,REAS, til. Purpose off t, Steliun 5316 Pmgrgm is III imp,.s to fmrsPol'tation all lens to aupl Oymont amt empiaymcm
.,,Wed aelivilics Por welfare [ccipients and eligible I ,w-ial ale Individuals and to t,la sport rosideras orurbanired mens Imd
n.olrrbanwed d[egs to Sab¢rban dnpldynetnl opVa1'1t111 CICS: and
WIIFKFAS,filo iaa'pose ofthe Section 5317 program is to reduce harriers to ItansPortah.n services and .,,pi l nd the Oansporfati a
mobility options available to people will+ disgbililios beyond Ilia r.gniremcnts eflhc AOA or 1990 by providing fundingasslslauce
Thal supports now Public trans Po,fidian sI, ioe, rind/or now Pabiie n'anspaiedimr alternatives beyond those a'cquir'ed by ih0 AOA; and
WHFR RA S. NCI]O'1' has bean designated as the Stale ageley 1,,101 prbreii> I aulleak, mad rraponsibHi(y let edministm'ing Iha Section
5910 ,,.gram for ah arras--,nban!Fcd. snmll urban, mrd gmAl; and
W (IIiIZEA(, NC'L)OT has been designated as the state .Sure, with ,, d'6',d call hority and ..'Idinsibility for administering the Section
5316 lard 5317 11.11.1111 for small urban dad nlml areas; and
WHEREAS, (Lssal Nnoraef A,,Ekant) Irad OI1 Co ntx hereby assures and certifies that it will o tepty with the ICdcml and state shades,
ragulatians, exacmive oMers, and all fl(bahlistl'At140 regairum alas relafcd to the &ppliemlUrt, mad. to and Brants suet„.d IYmn Ill.
I-cdcrni 1 ria sit Adntit115t'.1 on, as well irs the pravmions of secl'ran 1001 of'1'id. 18. U. 5. C.
NOW, THHREFORR, he it rea ,11.11 that tilt (Audmri..od Oli'onal's'I'ino)'” T' F 'I I' l Dir VCtOr ol'(nan,e.rmpptic„m'c GmVUlraq had,)
lredell QoAai,ly is 1a'cby authorised to suhnl[t. g=rem appliemion I... federal and stmo funding, ProvIala the Icgabod I.cal nad h,
cake the Bary a5aurmic0.5 and cel4lflcafi eri and be empowr ed 1. caner Info an nlaaeutma with flea NCI)O'f Io plrovid. public
Irnnspartatlwr services.
Consideration of a Resolution Allowing the Transportation Director to Submit a
Federal Transit Administration Job Access and Reverse Commute Grant Application to
the North Carolina Department of Transportation: Transportation Director Garrison said
this grant targeted employment transportation for persons with low incomes and 19,672 trips
were provided during the past eight months. He said the grant would be for $200,000 with 50%
being federal and 50% local (supplied by ROAP money or trip fares).
Commissioner Griffith asked the current fee for the trips.
Garrison said S2 per trip, but in "extreme" parts of the county, the fee was $4. He said
most trips, however, were within the $2 range.
No one else desired to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the resolution for the Job Access and
Reverse Commute Grant.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM RESOLUTION
W Fi HRE,AS, Article 2B .f Chnpte, 136 of Iha North Carolina 4ermvi Stam,,, And 111, (3ovel Pier 9f N.M1 C.1.1iaa Imvc doslgneled
the Neill cAro Rna Ocparunant Ofrenspol t tion (NC D)'r) s the agency n'.slra rSibie Thr adnrhdstcrinE. fed<1al and state public
uaursp.P udiotr f cads; and
WHBRRAS, the North Cellona O.pellnrent ofTlan.p.dmimr will apply for n g..n, from m us ocpnrttnonf .f Tislsporivdon,
Fedtrva 'Pearl d Adnrinistretlon end i"t,i vas fonds from the North Ci rolino (ieneral Assembly to prnvida nsayslarce ter public
transportation pe jcels, And
WI fire purpose efthe SE.don 5310 el,.— is 1. provide financial assishlaec for bmnspoltiltnon sal ll,es planned, dosilal <d.
and carni od at 1..sed the special transportation needs of.Adetly individuals Aad al<tiviaanls veldt dtsabilbii s in all areas--urbaaised,
Snplll AIUA., An<I rufa P, null
WI IFRGAS, Ill, purpose of the semi.. 5316 pr.granr is tO hl""t ve.cess to traasl)ortatlon xr:rviovw to mnployalam and mapioymcm
calmed .161iries fur weifm'e recipients- and cliseblc kow-ancon+0 iivlivi<laals and to uansporl rosidenls or ea bmived .rens and
n1nu.11.11 red areas m snbprbam m11playmwa It".ram hies; and
WI IRRRA%, the purpose odthe Seeiion 5319 program is to reduce barriors in ('asportation servlCCS and expand the trmispormrion
nobility options Available W 1,0oplo with disabilities beyond fho r.gaircmmas . I'iho AUA of 1940 by avidin, funding nsslslaoce
,ha,.....pans maw public I..nsp.rhnimr services an[I/or new public n'aletportalian nilcnudives b¢yoad 1h OFe,egeii <d by am AOA; and
WHEREAS, NCDO has bean dcsignmcd as fila Stela aganry with principal anlbaril,11,111 ,-cp.nSibaay ibr allodalstcring dlc Section
53 10 111 o,eael for All Aaoas—rnrbaniacd, mualt urhlln, and 10111; and
Wf ❑JIFAS, NQL]O"r h,ts b0ee design,wd as Tho stmt sgmmY with principal aulllority and responsibility for ndmf lislel Ing the Section
5316 .,,it 5317 pi.gr.m1 nor satull ... I Ir mrd lural areas; and
WH IAWAs, (I =gal Nn,nc.l Agate-') Nide❑ C.maty han+by.ssums surd eerti4as If..( A will caa,pty w,(h the federal and sl ate slmil4)s,
ragulmi.ns, a eeative orders, and all adarinistrativo rcg11irements TAaktl w file msplicAp.Y15 leadc l0 and grants reCervcd from Ilio
PCd.li l -1ransh Adnxintsfratioa, as wntl as the pr.v3lm", or section 1001 of'1'itle 18, U. S. C.
NOW,'I'HHRSFORP., be illesoi,tal that eh.(Awharzed Oat.sal's'I'ai.)'TisPirv}�uslaliin—�3iYectpr Ot(id a, .�rnpplm ono rna nwy)
1•✓Slell_6esrnrty is hereby aelii.ri"d m submh a grn111 applioali.n for isdend mrd slate funding, er.vida if,, reanhod fond mrd h,
eke de, n..sa,, ry nssurgnc..a anal cernilnaions anal ba amp.wcrt'ai to ,,We, info ao Amitaa.cet with III, NCOO-1to PI'ovide pliblic
nansp.lao!", services.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Request from the Fire Operations Planning Committee for a Discussion and/or
Action Regarding the Development of a Policy and/or Ordinance to Protect the Fire
Insurance Rating Investments: Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson said the Fire
Operations Planning Committee was concerned about the investments being made to improve the
VFD ratings. He said the improvements had helped to achieve better ratings which in turn
helped to lower insurance premiums. Jackson said that in an effort to protect the investments,
the committee was proposing for the following statement to be included in a county ordinance,
such as the Land Development Plan:
"The developer of any major subdivision (as defined by the current Iredell County Land
Development Ordinance) which after review causes a negative impact on the ISO rating of the
service district shall be required to mitigate any negative impact by implementing measures to
maintain the current ISO rating of the service district. "
Jackson said protection of the ratings was a goal of the VFDs.
Commissioner Robertson said the county had invested a significant amount of money to
obtain the improved insurance ratings, and the proposed statement would help to retain them. He
thanked the county's firemen, and Union Grove VFD Chief Nolan Shumaker who served as the
Chairman of the Fire Operations Planning Committee.
Commissioner Griffith asked who would determine if a subdivision was going to have a
negative impact on the county.
Jackson said the zoning department, the fire marshal's office, and the water companies,
would have to work together.
Commissioner Griffith asked how a subdivision could create a negative impact.
Jackson said it would depend on the number of homes, the density of the subdivision, the
accessibility of hydrants, and the type of water supplier. He said there were many items that
could impact ISO (Insurance Services Office) ratings, but water was a major component.
Commissioner Griffith asked if approval of the statement would cause the need to hire
additional staff for the monitoring, or the creation of a new department.
Jackson said this would be dependent upon the county's future growth. He said at the
present, however, he didn't foresee the creation of a new department. Jackson said at the onset, it
wasn't envisioned that new employees would be needed for the monitoring.
Chairman Johnson said the statement was primarily directed towards major subdivisions.
Johnson said one subdivision could ruin an insurance rating after tens of thousands of dollars had
been spent to obtain it.
Commissioner Griffith asked the definition of a major subdivision as defined by the Land
Development Plan.
Deputy County Manager Smith said 10 lots or more. He said the subdivision could be
smaller if a road were involved.
Griffith asked if the developers would be given an opportunity to revise their plans.
Chairman Johnson said yes.
Commissioner Griffith said the need for the statement was understood, but she didn't want
to hinder growth.
Commissioner Robertson said the proposal was for the protection of the community and the
county's citizens.
4
Chairman Johnson said the citizens' insurance premiums had been lowered because of the
tax money spent on the front end for the VFD vehicles and equipment. He said the proposal would
help deter any developers from destroying the ratings.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to include the statement in the Land Development
Plan as it related to subdivisions.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
(Union Grove VFD Chief Nolan Shumaker was in attendance at the meeting but did not
speak.)
Request for Approval of a Fox Mountain Voice Interoperability Plan Emergency
Responder (VIPER) Sublease for a Communications Tower Site: Deputy County Manager
Jackson provided information on a sublease for a statewide communications system tower. He
said the system would allow local responders to connect into the state system and then
communicate together which would be beneficial in times of disasters. Jackson said the state had
been working on the system for many years, and Homeland Security funds had been used for the
purchase. He said the state partnered with local governments and would allow additional
equipment to be placed on the Fox Mountain tower.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve the ten year sublease agreement.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #38 in the Amount of $16,093 for the
Allocation of Title X Bonus Funds: Nursing Director Susan Johnson said $16,093 in
additional Title X bonus funds had been awarded to the health department. She said the money
would be used to perform five tubal ligations, and there were 26 women on a waiting list for the
procedure. Ms. Johnson said that as instructed by the state, contracts already existed for the
service.
Commissioner Griffith asked the longest time that any woman had been waiting for the
procedure.
Ms. Johnson said less than a year. She said some funds were received in December of
2010 and three or four procedures were done.
MOTTO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #38.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Cty BA# 38 Purpose: To allocate Women's Preventive Health grant revenue and expenditures
ICHD BA# 11-0414
REVENUELINE(S)
DESCRIPTION
Existing
Budget
CHANGE,
Amended
Budget
10491151 440006 592B
Women's Prevention Health Grant
$ (8,000)
$ (16,093)
EXPENSE LINE(S)
DESCRIPTION
Existing
Budget
CHANGE
Amended
Budget
100591 520004 41101
Professional Services
S 94,490
$ 16,093
$ 110,583
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #39 to Appropriate Additional Fund
Balance in the Workers Compensation Internal Service Fund: Finance Director Susan
Blumenstein said additional funds were needed for the workers comp internal service fund. She
said $125,000 had been budgeted, and this amount was used earlier this year for a negotiated
settlement. Blumenstein said additional funds of $70,000 were needed for April, May and June.
She said that over $900,000 would then remain in the fund balance.
5
Commissioner Robertson asked if the remaining $900,000 was a healthy amount for this
type of fund.
Blumenstein said this was a suitable amount.
OTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve Budget Amendment #39.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #40 for the Allocation of $100,000 from
Contingency -Fuel to Individual Departments due to Increased Fuel Costs: Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein requested permission to appropriate funds set aside earlier in the year for fuel
costs. She said there had been unprecedented fuel costs since January, and diesel had increased by
55% per gallon and regular unleaded had risen by 51%. She said over 220,000 gallons of fuel had
been used since the first of July 2010 with the majority being used by the sheriff's department.
Blumenstein said, however, the sheriff's department had reduced its daily use by approximately
6% since this time last year. She said EMS had used the majority of the diesel; however, no
additional funds were needed for this department. Blumenstein said the Debt Setoff Program had
been successful in recouping old EMS debts, and this money could be used to offset the additional
fuel costs.
Commissioner Robertson said the county had budgeted for fuel, as well as there had been
funds set aside in contingency. He asked the staff's plans for FY 12.
Blumenstein said earlier this year the departments had been instructed to budget for a 32%
increase for fuel. In addition, she said another $100,000 would be set aside in the proposed FY 12
budget.
Commissioner Griffith said the sheriff's department was trying to reduce fuel consumption.
She asked if the other departments were also trying to conserve.
Blumenstein said unnecessary trips were being avoided by the departments. She said the
sheriffs patrol cars were parked in strategic locations rather than driving or patrolling the roads
"all night long."
Mashburn acknowledged this cut down on the visibility of patrol cars in the communities,
but there had to be a trade off.
costs.
Commissioner Griffith asked if it were true that seized funds could not be used for fuel
Chairman Johnson said this was correct.
Blumenstein said the usage of seized funds for fuel costs would be considered as
supplanting what the county provided for operations.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #40.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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To appropriate fund badance in the Workers Conpensation Internal Service Fund to ca dams
B #39
papEnts in excess of the arrount budgeted for FY11.
4I1WMI1
Account #
Ctnent
Change
Amended
Workers Conp Internal Service
Fund
684880 499500
Appropriated Fund BaJanoe (472,325)
(70,000)
(542,325)
Workers Carpersation
685415 546200
Gairrs 206,721
70,000
276,721
Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #40 for the Allocation of $100,000 from
Contingency -Fuel to Individual Departments due to Increased Fuel Costs: Finance Director
Susan Blumenstein requested permission to appropriate funds set aside earlier in the year for fuel
costs. She said there had been unprecedented fuel costs since January, and diesel had increased by
55% per gallon and regular unleaded had risen by 51%. She said over 220,000 gallons of fuel had
been used since the first of July 2010 with the majority being used by the sheriff's department.
Blumenstein said, however, the sheriff's department had reduced its daily use by approximately
6% since this time last year. She said EMS had used the majority of the diesel; however, no
additional funds were needed for this department. Blumenstein said the Debt Setoff Program had
been successful in recouping old EMS debts, and this money could be used to offset the additional
fuel costs.
Commissioner Robertson said the county had budgeted for fuel, as well as there had been
funds set aside in contingency. He asked the staff's plans for FY 12.
Blumenstein said earlier this year the departments had been instructed to budget for a 32%
increase for fuel. In addition, she said another $100,000 would be set aside in the proposed FY 12
budget.
Commissioner Griffith said the sheriff's department was trying to reduce fuel consumption.
She asked if the other departments were also trying to conserve.
Blumenstein said unnecessary trips were being avoided by the departments. She said the
sheriffs patrol cars were parked in strategic locations rather than driving or patrolling the roads
"all night long."
Mashburn acknowledged this cut down on the visibility of patrol cars in the communities,
but there had to be a trade off.
costs.
Commissioner Griffith asked if it were true that seized funds could not be used for fuel
Chairman Johnson said this was correct.
Blumenstein said the usage of seized funds for fuel costs would be considered as
supplanting what the county provided for operations.
OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #40.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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4119/2011
Account #
To appropriate Contingency-Fuel funds to inaease amounts budgeted in individud departma is for
inxa'e<ased fuel costs. Inacosed fuel costs in QVS to be funded by increased revenue from NC
(Debt Set off ocllectiais of ENS bills. An amendment for I-CATS will cane at a later date.
Cunent Change Anvinded
Ccr t agency -
105480 5303M
Fuel
100,000
(100,000)
105455 535004
FacilitySerAoes -Fud
26,000
3,520
29,520
Sheriffs Office-
105510 535004
Fuel
345,000
87,230
432,230
Nirrnl Control -
105532 535004
Fuel
36,000
6,400
42,400
Fre Nbrshal -
105544 535004
Fuel
8,580
2,000
10,580
105563 535004
Ranning -Fuel
2,700
500
3,200
105630 535004
DSS -Fuel
8,500
350
8,850
105542 535004
ENS-Fuel
90,000
20,000
110,000
Request from the Sheriff's Office for Approval to Apply for a North Carolina
Governor's Highway Safety Patrol Grant: Captain Mike Phillips asked for permission to apply
for a continuation traffic grant. He said this would be the third and final year of funding. Phillips
said the total amount would be $101,523 with the 50% local match coming from seized funds.
Commissioner Robertson asked if new employees would be hired.
Phillips said two employees had already been hired with the grant funds.
Robertson asked if the county was obligated to pay the two people when the grant ended.
Phillips said yes, and the sheriff planned on inserting the two positions into the budget.
Commissioner Griffith asked when the county's obligation ended in retaining the two
employees on the payroll.
Grant.
Phillips said 12 months.
MOTTO by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the Governor's Highway Safety Patrol
VOTING: Ayes — 4; Nays — 1 (Griffith)
Commissioner Robertson said the board had previously stated that when the grant funding
ceased for the positions, and when the county's employment commitment ended, a determination
would have to be made on whether or not the employees were needed.
soon.
Chairman Johnson said there was no evidence the economy was going to improve any time
Captain Philips said he understood.
Request for Approval of the March 2011 Tax Refunds and Releases: County Manager
Mashburn said March refunds totaling $30,088.80 and releases of $3,462.94 had been submitted
for approval.
OTIO by Commissioner Robertson to approve the March refunds and releases as
presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
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Request for Approval of a Resolution Opposing any Attempt by the State to Reduce
County Revenues for School Capital Needs or to Shift Additional Costs to Counties to
Balance the State Budget: Commissioner Griffith, the sponsor for this resolution, said it was
important for the community to understand how much the county supported the local schools and
the financial amount that was being contributed to them. She said it was also important for the
community to know what the Governor was proposing and the negative impact the state actions
would have on the county budget. Griffith then read the following resolution and requested that
it be approved and sent to every legislator representing the county as well as the Governor.
RESOLUTION
OPPOSING ANY ATTEMPT TO REDUCE COUNTY REVENUES FOR
SCHOOL CAPITAL NEEDS
OR TO SHIFT ADDITIONAL COSTS TO COUNTIES TO BALANCE THE STATE BUDGET
WHEREAS, counties are statutorily responsible for providing public school facilities in North
Carolina and contribute significant county funds for classroom expenses; and
WHEREAS, counties spend more than $1.5 billion annually for public school capital needs and
$2.5 billion for public school operating expenses, and Iredell County, alone, spends more than $37.3
million annually for public school capital needs, plus $36.6 million annually for public school
operating expenses and $3.9 million annually for community college capital needs and operating
expenses; and
WHEREAS, counties rely on local sales taxes, property taxes, the county share of lottery funds
and the county share of the corporate income tax to help fund public school capital needs and have
issued public debt based on the these revenue streams; and
WHEREAS, counties have lost more than a quarter billion dollars in lottery and corporate income
tax school construction funds over the current biennium and Iredell County, alone, has lost more than
two million dollars in lottery and corporate income tax school construction funds; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's budget proposal permanently eliminates the county share of the
corporate income tax and reduces the county lottery share by 75 percent, costing Iredell County almost
$2.8 million per year more than the $27.7 million per year in revenues dedicated to public school
construction needs; and
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WHEREAS, the budget proposal shifts responsibility to pay for replacement school buses ($56.9
million per year) to counties which would cost approximately $640,000 for Iredell County; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposal also takes the unprecedented step of forcing counties to
assume the workers' compensation costs for state paid public school employees ($34.6 million per year)
which would annually cost Iredell County $562,000 and community college employees ($1.7 million
per year) creating a cost to Iredell County of $45,770 and to fund school tort claims ($4.6 million per
year) costing Iredell County $170,000; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposal reflects an overall cost shift to counties of $345 million in 2011-
12 alone, requiring counties to raise property taxes to manage a loss of this magnitude.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners,
adamantly opposes the unfunded mandates and the loss of county revenues included in the Governor's
budget proposal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to members of the
General Assembly to let them know of the opposition to these unprecedented changes in county
responsibility and the use of county revenues to balance the state budget.
OTION by Commissioner Griffith to approve the resolution.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Request for a Discussion Regarding an Initiative from the North Carolina Association
of County Commissioners (NCACC) that Encourages Meetings with Legislators for the
Discussion of Legislative Issues of Importance: County Manager Mashburn said the NCACC
was encouraging meetings with legislators prior to County Assembly Day in Raleigh on May 25.
He said the NCACC had recently approved seven legislative goals as follows:
1. To oppose the shifting of state transportation responsibilities to counties;
2. To seek the reinstatement of ADM and Lottery funds for School Construction;
3. To ensure adequate mental health funding;
4. To preserve the existing local revenue base;
5. To protect the county jail system (oppose legislation to shift misdemeanants to county jails);
6. To support conservation of working lands and farmland preservation;
7. To enhance river basin monitoring and streamline rule-making.
Commissioner Griffith said she would be willing to serve as a facilitator for a meeting with the
county's legislative delegation to discuss the seven goals. Griffith said the legislators were elected to
balance the state budget and to control spending. She said county citizens were tired of taxes, and they
wanted spending to be under control.
Commissioner Norman noted that any meetings would have to occur either on a Monday or
Friday due to the legislators being in session.
Commissioner Mitchell, a former state legislator, said it would be difficult to schedule a
meeting since this was a busy time for the General Assembly members.
Commissioner Griffith said she would be agreeable to discussing the board's concerns with the
legislators by telephone.
Commissioner Robertson said he felt the commissioners were in agreement with the seven
NCACC items. Robertson said that for several years he had vocalized a desire for the state to leave
the county's revenues alone. He said that if the state officials desired to reduce taxes, then they should
accomplish this by cutting state taxes. Robertson said the federal government could shift costs to the
states, then these could shifted to the counties, but there was no place at that point to transfer the costs
other than to the taxpayers. Robertson said the county might be able to cut the budget if the state
changed the rules on the way money could be spent. He said it was difficult to reduce education
budgets when the state dictated that certain services be provided. Robertson said that if the schools,
DSS, and the health department had the freedom or latitude to make decisions on what would or
wouldn't be spent, then they could probably exist with some reductions.
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Commissioner Mitchell said the local legislative representatives were working on behalf of the
county. He mentioned that in a telephone conversation today, with one of the legislators, it was
learned the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office in Mooresville would not be
closed.
Chairman Johnson mentioned a concern with the NCACC goal relating to enhanced river basin
monitoring and streamlined rule-making. He said this could be expensive, and this was contradictory
to the board telling the state to cut spending.
Commissioner Griffith said the goals were voted on by the NCACC. She said the NCACC had
given local boards latitude in what they chose to discuss with the legislators.
Chairman Johnson suggested that Griffith get a consensus from the board members on what
goals they desired to be included in a letter that could be sent to the legislators. He said Griffith could
draft the letter, with assistance from the clerk to the board, and then it could be signed and sent to the
General Assembly members.
Request for Approval of the April 5, 2011 Minutes: OTION by Vice Chairman Norman
to approve the minutes as presented.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (1 announcement)
Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority (2 announcements)
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee (2 appointments): MOTION by
Commissioner Robertson to table the appointments.
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: An opportunity was offered to the public to speak;
however, no one accepted.
COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Mashburn mentioned the
following:
• County offices will be closed April 22 for Good Friday.
• Due to material delays, as well as the weather, the animal services building will not be
substantially completed until the middle of June.
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to adjourn the meeting at
8:30 P.M. (Next meeting: Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 7:00 P.M., in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.)
VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0.
Approval:
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Clerk to the Board