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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay_15_2012_Regular_MinutesIREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MINUTES MAY 15, 2012 The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 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 Ron Smith, County Attorney Bill Pope, Deputy County Manager Tracy Jackson, Finance Director Susan Blumenstein, Parks/Recreation & Facility Services Director Robert Woody, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Michele Hepler, Solid Waste Director David Lambert, and Clerk to the Board Jean Moore. CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Johnson INVOCATION by Vice Chairman Norman PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Boy Scouts Richie Bandy with Troop 360 and Charlie O'Toole, with Troop 171 lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Western Avenue Baptist Church in Statesville, NC, sponsors Troop 360 and Williamson Chapel Methodist Church in Mooresville, NC, sponsors Troop 171. ADJUSTMENTS OF THE AGENDA: MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the following agenda adjustment. Deletion: Public Hearing for the Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive Ranging Between $203,879 to $227,712 for an Undisclosed Company Based on an Investment of $12.5 Million up to $14 Million VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THE BOARD Presentation from Council on Aging Executive Director Anna Rice on the FY 13 Home and Community Care Block Grant Funding Plan: Mrs. Rice said the Home and Community Care Block Grant Committee met in March 2012 and prioritized aging services for the coming year. She said the committee also developed a funding plan. Rice said Iredell County's 60+ population was over 29,000 and continued to show significant growth with individuals over the age of 80 becoming the fastest growing group. Rice said it was a challenge to provide services for such a diverse age group. She then provided examples of some of the services being provided in the county, and the following provides information on the recommended funding plan for the upcoming year. Hff.9f, 5ua0e1 DOA -I31 pxev. 3142) Home entl Communlly Caea Block Gcant lob Glde� Ativita County iumm�o Plan Jury I, zmz 0roU9b June 30. sola county servleae summery - Yro)edea PeojeCed P1I.B d PToU tlH OrantfuMln II,:DA Tnlel H'Al. eAm6u IICCBG Total Hmesa ImHomo O!bUs To1ei —,M. kia Laval McicM1 Scrvlw,14. Subxltl i21,4i Unite I. I. Cllan2 U. T,1`.. 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She said Older American Act dollars, or HCCBG funds, required a minimum 10% local match, and the county had provided this for many years. Rice said nine dollars in federal funds was received for every dollar contributed by the county. OTION by Commissioner Griffith to approve the funding plan as presented. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Presentation from Wesley "Wes" Davidson Representing the Tarheel Trailblazers with a Request for Permission to Construct a Multi -Use Trail on County -Owned Property and for the Same to Eventually Become a Park: Mr. Davidson presented a proposal to develop a multi -use trail. Davidson, a member of a mountain bikers club known as the Tarheel Trailblazers, said the group had built over 100 miles of trail within a 45 -minute radius of downtown Charlotte, NC. He said the club would provide (1) the trail layout, (2) volunteer labor for the construction and (3) trail maintenance. He said the Tarheel Trailblazers were a 501(c) 3 non-profit with 350 members. Davidson continued by providing the following information on the site locally referred to as the Fanjoy Trail. Support Needed From Iredell County *Parking lot (gravel lot for 20 cars) *Willingness to partner for grants as owner of the property *Low cost construction materials such as weed control products, dirt, lumber, and crusher run as the county sees fit. Proiected Beainnina Budeet Estimated Project Cost Tarheel Trailblazers Iredell County Total Volunteer trail labor 5 miles, hand grooming/finishing of trail ($3 per linear foot) $79,200.00 $79,200.00 Gravel parking lot (20 cars) materials, fuel and equipment $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00 Driveway Permit Charge $ 50.00 $ 50.00 Crusher Run (3 tandem loads) $20-$25 per ton) $400-$1200 $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 5 light-duty bridges ($15 per linear foot x 5 fifteen foot bridges) $ 1,125.00 $ 1,125.00 Weed Control (2 gallons) $ 40.00 $ 40.00 Total Project Expenses $79,200.00 $ 8,415.00 $87,615.00 What Tarheel Trailblazers Will Build *Multi -use trail consisting of 4-6 miles (valued at $15,000 per mile) Who Will Use the Trail *Non -motorized off-road cyclists • Hikers *Trail runners *Dog walkers *School cross country teams Timeline *Signing of MOA between Tarheel Trailblazers and Iredell County *Layout of approved MOA trail (6+ months) •Approval of trail layout by Iredell County *Building of trail (4 months per mile) *Approval of built trail by Iredell County *Trail Grand Opening (2-3 years after signing of MOA) 2 Why? *Giving back to the community by providing a community service •New county park in eastern Iredell County as called for in the County Master Plan *Provides amenities to local families for improved health/wellness •implementation of park with Carolina Thread Trail Recreation & Parks Director Robert Woody submitted the following information about the proposal and recommended for the county to allow the construction of the Fanjoy Bike Trail. Do- Cost of asbestos survey for an existing house on the site $230 ► Cost to remove the building - TBD Do- Estimate of tons of debris headed to the landfill from the removal of structures - TBD Do- Cost to seed areas disturbed by building(s) removal and parking lot construction - $700 10-Fencing/shrubbery to delineate between neighbors and entry area - $2,250 Do- Possible street light - $16 per month Do- Cost of fencing/gates to secure old landfill - $1,500 IN- Chain link cages to protect monitoring wells - TBD IN- Long term mowing expense - TBD (mowing average $50 per acre & bush hog $75 per acre) Mr. Woody also provided a Memorandum of Agreement between the county and the Tarheel Trailblazers that identified the duties of both parties, along with insurance requirements, and a termination clause. Commissioner Griffith asked about the costs regarding the house. She asked if the costs were for debris tipping fees or for the actual house removal. County Manager Smith said this was the tipping fees. Mr. Davidson said that due to the house's condition, the county would have to remove the structure in the future regardless of whether or not the trail proposal was approved. He said trespassers were going inside the barn, and this was evident by the litter. Commissioner Mitchell asked about the county's liability. Davidson said the club was covered under International Mountain Bike Association insurance for the trail's construction. Mitchell said this was the actual construction. He asked who would be liable if the bikers were involved in a crash and were injured. Davidson said as long as the trail was properly built and maintained that liability shouldn't be an issue. He said the club would recommend that all bike users proceed in one way to lower the chance of crashes. Commissioner Robertson asked Solid Waste Director David Lambert when the site might be needed for landfill use. Lambert said the site was proposed as a site to obtain soil. He said it was unknown when the site might be needed, for example, ten years or twenty years. Mr. Lambert said, however, there should be a guarantee the county would be able to re -obtain the property when needed. Commissioner Robertson asked Mr. Davidson if he was aware of the county's possible future need of the property. Davidson said yes, and he was aware the county owned the property. Robertson asked if the costs to remove the building would be derived from the solid waste budget or parks and recreation. Parks & Recreation Director Robert Woody and Solid Waste Director David Lambert said this would be worked out or discussed. Robertson asked if the costs were included in the FY 13 budget. 3 Smith said no, due to the staff not knowing the board's decision about the proposal. He said regardless of whether the board approved the trail, the house and barn would have to be removed. Smith said liability concerns were discussed with the county's insurance carrier in regards to the Memorandum of Agreement, the volunteer labor, and the stipulations about trail inspections and maintenance. Griffith asked if the club had enough members to perform the maintenance. Davidson said yes. Chairman Johnson clarified the request by saying the staff was asking for permission to proceed, and at some point, a decision would be made on how much of the proposal would be paid by recreation (operations or the park fund) and solid waste. Smith said this was correct. He said there would be a six-month period where only the layout would occur. Johnson asked the construction time period. Davidson said layout would take six months to a year with trail construction around four months per mile. Johnson said this would be a year and a half. Davidson said yes. Johnson said the project could be funded over three budget cycles. Smith said it would take a while. Commissioner Griffith said it was understood the Tarheel Trailblazers were being given permission to move forward at this time; however, no money was being spent. Johnson said correct; however, there would be an implication that some level of support was being given for the club to spend its money on the project. He said that internally, the county would determine which department would assist in the costs. Smith suggested approval of the submitted memorandum of agreement. He said that if the agreement were approved, the county would be protected. Attorney Pope said it would be important to include in the motion that the county would reserve the right to use the property for the originally intended purpose at some point. Chairman Johnson said there should be some minimum time of commitment by the county due to the club spending $70,000 in sweat equity. Davidson said volunteer labor for five miles would be $79,000. Johnson said some minimum commitment should be provided in order for the club to determine if the arrangement was beneficial. He said the county's protection would be that the commitment would not be too long in case solid waste needed the soil. Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Lambert if the county could do without the site for the next ten years. Lambert said a definite answer was difficult, but the county could probably do without the site for ten years. Smith said that if the site was needed before ten years a notice to the club could be given. Commissioner Robertson asked Mr. Lambert if there were concerns about trespassers due to the proposed trail's close proximity to the landfill. Lambert said the memorandum of agreement had a stipulation about gates and fences. 4 Davidson said the property had a natural barrier in the form of creek, plus there would be gates to secure the old landfill site. OTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the proposal or Memorandum of Agreement with an understanding that if the property was needed before ten years, the rights to the site would be returned to the county. Chairman Johnson said there was an exit or termination clause in the contract. Smith said 90 days was stipulated for both parties. Chairman Johnson asked Mr. Davidson if an estimate of ten years of use was agreeable. Davidson said yes. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request from Bill Sherrill, Iredell County Rescue Squad, to Draw $25,000 from the Squad's Capital Funds to Match a 50/50 NC Rescue and EMS Grant: County Manager Ron Smith said the Iredell County Rescue Squad was requesting permission to use $25,000 in capital funds for the purpose of matching a grant. He said the funds would purchase turnout gear, radios, pagers and thermal imaging equipment for vehicle accidents or crashes. Smith said that with the $25,000 deduction, $75,129 would remain in the capital funds. MOTION by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the request as presented. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. PUBLIC HEARINGS Chairman Johnson declared the meeting to be in a public hearing. Consideration of an Economic Development Incentive of $339,226 for an Undisclosed Company Based on an Investment of $23 Million: Statesville Regional Development Business Retention and Marketing Director John Marek requested approval of an incentive for a company desiring to remain anonymous at this point due to competitive reasons. Mr. Marek said the company, based in Statesville, manufactured components for the automotive industry and planned to add new equipment and a general upfit to an existing building. He said obsolete equipment, having minimum tax value, would be replaced, and there would be no jobs created. Marek said the company would retain its current labor force. He said the equipment would be replaced in mid 2012 with completion by the fourth quarter of 2013. Marek said the request was based on a $23 million investment, over an 18 month period, with $12.7 million in 2012 and $10.3 million during 2013. He said the purpose of the investment would be to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the Statesville facility as well as to maintain the current work force. Marek said the requested tax grant was $339,226 over five years. No one else requested to speak, and Chairman Johnson adjourned the hearing. OTIO by Commissioner Mitchell to approve the $339,226 incentive based on the company's investment of $23 million, and a contract being executed within 180 days. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Request from the Sheriff's Office for Approval of Budget Amendment #48 to Transfer $62,000 from Commissary Funds to Jail Uniforms for the Purchase of Uniforms for the Jail Staff: Chief Deputy Rick Dowdle requested permission to transfer commissary funds of $62,000 to jail uniforms for the purchase of the clothing. He said the office had leased the uniforms for the past four years, but due to dissatisfaction, the staff was recommending for the clothing to be purchased. k, used. Chairman Johnson asked if the county would provide the cleaning or would a service be Dowdle said, "We will handle that ourselves." OTION by Commissioner Robertson to approve Budget Amendment #48. BA#48 5/15/2012 To appropriate commissary funds in the Jail department for uniforms. balance that can be spent for any safety expenditure prior to June 30, 2012. Also appropriate funds in BA#49 Account # Current Change Amended 104880 499402 105520 536600 Appr. Fund Balance - Commissary Uniforms (35,000) 62,631 (62,000) 62,000 (97,000) 124,631 Request from the Sheriff's Office for Consent to Apply for 2012 Justice Assistance Grant Funds for the Training Academy & the Youth Athletic Program: Chief Deputy Rick Dowdle requested permission to apply for $16,910 in grant funds with no matching grant needed. He said the 2012 Justice Assistance funds would be used for the training academy and the youth athletic program. OTION by Commissioner Griffith to allow the Sheriff's Office to Apply for the 2012 Justice Assistance Grant Funds. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request for Approval of Budget Amendment #49 for the Appropriation of 911 Fund Balance for Safety Related Purchases: Communications Director David Martin said that in an effort to reduce 911 fund balances, the state 911 board decided to allow expenditures for any safety need up to 50% of the fund balance currently being held. He said the EMS department had a budgeted expenditure in this year's budget for heart monitors, and this was an eligible expense. Martin recommended that funds be transferred to the General Fund, and for the heart monitors to be claimed on the 911 expenditure report for FY June 30, 2012. He said in addition, since this was already a budgeted expenditure that it was recommended to appropriate a budget in the ECOM department in the same amount to fund the future purchase of consoles. Martin said that due to timing, the purchase of the consoles would not be able to be completed by June 30, 2012. He said the state would not allow the department to carry over 20% of the allotment which amounted to approximately $68,000. MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve Budget Amendment #49. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request for Approval of Collaborative Event/Program Criteria and Guidelines Between Potential Non -Profit Organizations and Iredell County Parks and Recreation: 6 To appropriate funds in the 911 fund to pay for heart monitors in the EMS department with 911 fund balance that can be spent for any safety expenditure prior to June 30, 2012. Also appropriate funds in BA#49 the ECOM department to purchase consoles. 5/15/2012 Account # Current I Chane Amended 384880 499500 Appropriated Fund Balance (728,705) (249,898) (978,603) 385534 576010 Transfer to General Fund 56,535 249,898 306,433 104880 495038 Transfer from 911 Fund (56,535) (249,898) (306,433) 105536 610000 Depreciable Assets 7,389 249,898 257,287 Request for Approval of Collaborative Event/Program Criteria and Guidelines Between Potential Non -Profit Organizations and Iredell County Parks and Recreation: 6 Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Michele Hepler said that in an effort to ensure that collaborative efforts and events between the Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department and approved non-profit organizations/agencies were fair and did not create any undue burdens, excessive spending, or employee compensation, a list of guidelines were developed. She said any collaborative events between Iredell County Parks & Recreation and selected non-profit organizations/agencies had to meet certain criteria before Department Head review and approval could occur. Ms. Hepler presented the following guidelines. Agency/Non-Profit Organization Collaboration Guidelines Effective: May 15, 2012 In an effort to offer the best and most effective community programs and events within the mission and vision of the Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department, there are often times when inter agency collaboration is helpful. Based on the collaborative efforts put forth by both agencies, It can be helpful to offset costs and pool resources to offer programs and events that are of superior quality. So that all potentially collaborative efforts and events are fair and do not cause any undue burden, excess spending, or employee compensation, a list of guidelines have been created. Any event to be collaborated between Iredell County Parks and Recreation and selected Non -Profit Agencies or Organizations must meet the following criteria prior to Department Head consideration and approval. Any potential Non-profit Organization shall submit copies of the following to the Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department, to be maintained on file: 1. Mission and Vision Statement 2. Verification of organizations' 501 (c) (3) or (6) status 3. Organizational Chart including Board of Directors, Officers, hierarchy, and contact information 4. Constitution and/or By -Laws 5. Certificate of Insurance as approved by Iredell County Insurance Specialist *if, in the opinion of the Department Head, any of these aforementioned requirements are not necessary based on the request, they may be omitted. In addition to the above considerations, Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department will consider and verify before agreeing to collaboration; 1. Formally written letter of agreement drafted by the organization, identifying specific requests and conditions including benefits to Iredell County, between the organization and Iredell County Parks and Recreation. 2. Identify current resources, equipment, and benefits between each organization. This is to be documented and maintained on file. 3. No additional expenses or unapproved resources will be committed outside of currently approved operating budget items. 4. Any employee compensatory time should be limited, with approval by the department head. Overtime pay should not be considered when determining allocating staff for such events and / or programs. Flexible scheduling will continue to be preferred to offset any hours earned for such special events. 5. At any time, the department head has the authority to approve or deny request for such collaborative efforts if resources including employee time, departmental equipment, or funding are not available. r r r r r denied. Commissioner Griffith asked if an appeals process would be used if an agency was Hepler said nothing was created now, but the process could be considered. Griffith asked, assuming an agency was denied, if the group could reapply. Hepler said yes. Chairman Johnson said that by reviewing the guidelines, all applicants would know where their application might be deficient and what changes needed to occur. MOTION by Vice Chairman Norman to approve the Collaborative Event/Program Criteria and Guidelines. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. VA Call for a Public Hearing on June 5, 2012, at 7:00 P.M., Regarding the Iredell County Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget: County Manager Smith said the staff was recommending that a public hearing occur on June 5 regarding the FY 13 budget. OTION by Commissioner Robertson to call for the public hearing on June 5, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., regarding the Iredell County Fiscal Year 2012-2013 Budget. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Request for Approval of the April 2012 Refunds & Releases: County Manager Smith said the tax office had submitted the April 2012 refunds and releases for approval. MOTION y Commissioner Griffith to approve the April 2012 refunds and releases. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Releases for the Month of April 2012 Mooresville Downtown $ - Mooresville School $ 1,897.53 Love Valley $ - Harmony $ - Troutman $ 28.57 Davidson $ - Refunds for the Month of April 2012 Breakdown of Releases: County $ 15,134.86 Solid Waste Fees $ 173.50 E. Alex. Co. Fire #1 $ 0.32 Shepherd's Fire #2 $ 47.63 Mt. Mourne Fire #3 $ 13.01 All County Fire #4 $ 576.07 B&F Fire #5 $ 205.65 Statesville City $ 834.62 Statesville Downtown $ - Mooresville Town $ 8,741.61 Mooresville Downtown $ - Mooresville School $ 1,897.53 Love Valley $ - Harmony $ - Troutman $ 28.57 Davidson $ - Refunds for the Month of April 2012 Monthly Total $27,653.37 Monthly Total $741.27 Request for Approval of the May 1, 2012 Minutes: OTION by Commissioner Griffith to approve the minutes as presented. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Centralina Workforce Development Board (two announcements) 8 Breakdown of Refunds: County $ - Solid Waste Fees $ - E. Alex. Co. Fire #1 $ - Shepherd's Fire #2 $ - Mt. Mourne Fire #3 $ - All County Fire #4 $ - B&F Fire #5 $ - Statesville City $ 180.16 Statesville Downtown $ - Mooresville Town $ 461.55 Mooresville Downtown $ - Mooresville School $ 99.56 Love Valley $ - Harmony $ - Troutman $ - Davidson $ - Monthly Total $27,653.37 Monthly Total $741.27 Request for Approval of the May 1, 2012 Minutes: OTION by Commissioner Griffith to approve the minutes as presented. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS Centralina Workforce Development Board (two announcements) 8 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS AND Troutman Board of Adjustment (ETJ — 1 appointment): Chairman Johnson nominated Vicki Troutman. No other nominations were submitted, and Chairman Johnson made a motion to appoint Ms. Troutman by acclamation. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Cooperative Extension Service Advisory Council (1 commissioner appointment needed): Chairman Johnson nominated Commissioner Ken Robertson. Commissioner Griffith volunteered to serve as a back up. OTIO by Chairman Johnson to appoint Commissioner Robertson and Commissioner Griffith as the substitute appointee. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Heidi Desmarais (advocated on behalf of the schools): Mrs. Desmarais said the Iredell- Statesville Schools was requesting parents to show support for educational funding. She said there were concerns about proposed school budget cuts due to the economy, and many teachers were already using their personal money to purchase needed classroom materials. (Mrs. Desmarais was accompanied to the meeting by her husband, Lance.) COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT: County Manager Ron Smith said the FY 13 budget books would be distributed to the board members following the meeting. He then read his budget message as follows: Iredell County FY 2013 Budget Message May 15, 2012 Introduction "Protecting the bottom line" was the theme used in the development of the FY2013 County Budget. Although revenues are projected to increase in the upcoming year, they are primarily due to relatively unstable sales taxes. We have seen a modest increase in ad valorem taxes primarily based on the increase in the tax rate last year, but the County continues to see slow growth in new development and investment. We forecast that sales tax revenues will continue to grow in FY 2013, although at a moderate rate and we are not anticipating a high rate of growth in real and personal property in the next fiscal year. Because of the fairly unstable nature of our revenue stream the focus in the coming year is on items that should not have a significant impact on future budgets. These expenditures largely include one-time and delayed purchases, adherence to vehicle and equipment replacement schedules, and our reliance on technology and web - based applications. I have shied away from recommending new positions that are a result of new services or programs, but instead have focused on positions that are necessary for public safety purposes or that will allow our County departments to perform their jobs appropriately. Revenues It is anticipated that the County will see a modest 1.26% increase in its total taxable value in FY2013. Although we have seen an increase in the overall base there has been a decrease in the real property valuation and it is also unclear when development and significant investment will return, and then to what extent. In the past growth in the taxable value has generally allowed the County to maintain a low tax rate while still allowing for growth within the County budget, however this year's growth is roughly 1/3 that of past years. It is probably safe to assume that this will be the norm for the next several years. Although in FYI we are projecting a 3% increase in sales tax revenues, it is unwise to consider this a consistent source of income. Therefore, we have taken a conservative view in these projections and are reluctant to put too much emphasis on this revenue stream. Generally speaking, bottom line increases have been attributed to the growth in the ad valorem revenues and not the sales tax. Expenditures This budget focuses on three major themes when it comes to spending: First, support our public safety departments; Second, provide for inter -departmental needs and infrastructure; and third, increase appropriations to the schools. The proposed budget includes a shift change from 24 hours to 12 hours in EMS and the addition of two Telecommunicators in ECOM. Both of these recommendations are attributed to higher call volumes and the safety of both our residents and our staff. County departmental needs include funding some delayed purchases, maintaining planned computer, vehicle and equipment replacement schedules, and performing facility maintenance. In this age of web based technology, streaming media, and mobile computing it is also necessary for us to deal with technology needs of the 9 public and those required by other agencies. Technology has become part of our infrastructure, and a necessity. Because of this, we are also looking at ways through virtualization and other means to decrease our computer related costs in the future and protect the integrity of our network. This recommended budget includes an increase in funding for the two local schools systems and Mitchell Community College. If approved, the per pupil allocation would increase by 3% from $1,338 to $1,378. Based on this, and the recommended increase to the College, there is an overall increase of 4.95% over last year and school funding will continue to comprise over 52% of the County budget. Personnel Iredell County employees are the backbone of the organization and the services we provide. Although they have not received pay adjustments in the last three years, it is understandable and justified. However, at this point we are faced with the possibility of losing valued personnel to other employers; while realizing the costs of replacing those individuals, often at a higher salary and with additional equipment and education costs. Funds are included in the proposed budget for salary increases that will partially address our growing compression issue by fully funding the last two pay study cycles, as well as up to 2% in performance pay that would be determined and applied on the employee's anniversary. I have attempted to limit the number of recommended new personnel. However, the shift change in EMS alone will require 7 new positions and I have recommended 2 telecommunicator positions in ECOM to satisfy the increase in calls. These public safety positions account for 70% of the total requested. In addition to these two departments I am recommending another 4 full time equivalents in other departments. These proposed staff additions are either planned to pay for themselves or bring staffing up to the level of their facility or department requirements. Existing Facilities and New Buildings Recently, the Board approved over $1.6mm in appropriated fund balance to address delayed maintenance issues at County facilities. However, we are also faced with future needs for new or upgraded facilities. Soon there will be a need for a new jail, an expanded or new ECOM Center, two to three EMS Stations, and potentially more. This budget recommends just over $270,000 to be set aside in a building fund to assist in future planning for facilities. This is a small percentage of the overall costs; however it is a step in that direction. Recommendation Based on the information presented in the preceding message and to complete my obligation under G.S. 195-11 I recommend that the Board of Commissioners approve the proposed FY2013 budget of $160.566,560. This will keep the current tax rate at 48.5¢ per $100 in valuation and is based on a tax base of $20,463,500,000 with a collection rate of 96.95%. The fund balance on June 30, 2012 is estimated to be $34,265,730, which is 21.34% of the recommended budget. CLOSED SESSION: MOTION by Chairman Johnson at 8:05 P.M., to enter into closed session pursuant to G.S. 143.318.11 (a) (4) — Economic Development. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. (RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 8:35 P.M.) State Certified Site Designation: MOTIO by Chairman Johnson to authorize the chairman to sign a letter to be sent to the North Carolina Department of Commerce offering support for official state park certification of a 310+ acre site, known as Longview, which is located off of Bell Farm Road outside of Statesville, NC. VOTING: Ayes — 5; Nays — 0. Call for a Public Hearing for an Undisclosed Company: OTIO by Vice Chairman Norman to call for a public hearing on June 19, 2012 at 7:00 P.M., regarding an economic development incentive of $56,400.00, over a five-year period, for an undisclosed company based on a $3 million investment in Iredell County, VOTING: Ayes —5; Nays — 0. Call for a Public Hearing for an Undisclosed Company: OTON by Commissioner Mitchell to call for a public hearing on June 5, 2012, at 7:00 P.M., regarding an economic development incentive of $2,169,696.00, over a six-year period, for an undisclosed company based on a $93.2 million investment in Iredell County. VOTING: Ayes —5; Nays — 0. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Johnson adjourned the meeting at 8:40 P.M. (NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at 5:30 P.M., for an FY 2012-13 budget review session in the South Wing Conference Room of the Iredell County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.) Approval: 10 Clerk to the Board