HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune_3_2014_Budget_Work_SessionJune 3,2014
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET SESSION MINUTES
June 3, 2014
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at 6:00 PM, in
the Iredell County Government Center (South Wing Conference Room), 200 South Center Street,
Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chairman Steve Johnson
Vice Chairman Marvin Norman
Ken Robertson
Renee Griffith
Gene Houpe
Staff present: County Manager Ron Smith, Deputy County Manager Beth Dirks, Finance
Director Susan Robertson, Assistant Finance Director Deb Alford, and Clerk to the Board Retha
Gaither.
CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Steve Johnson and turned the meeting over to County
Manager Ron Smith.
Schools — County Manager Ron Smith said Iredell-Statesville Schools is requesting
$32,650,000 in current expense funding which is an increase of $1.7 million over FY2014. Dr.
Cash and Brady Johnson have asked to move money from capital outlay to current expense but
that can't be done. Smith's proposal would be a total increase of $1.1 million to I -SS, however
the potential total amount from the Board for all three school systems would be $469,000.00.
This would be taken from the $1.5 million projected to be added to the fund balance.
Smith said the schools have made significant cuts already.
Commissioner Ken Robertson said he would not commit to a half million dollars until the
state's budget is released and there are no surprises from the state.
Vice Chairman Marvin Norman asked about the issues of liability protection against tort
claims on the yellow buses.
Smith said there is liability protection against tort claims
Chairman Johnson suggested $250,000 between the three systems and put $1.25 million
into fund balance.
Commissioner Robertson suggested an additional $250,000 after the state releases their
budget if there are no other surprises from the state.
Chairman Johnson suggested adopting a budget of $250,000 for the school systems.
June 3,2014
Finance Director Susan Robertson said the $250,000 would give $8.00 more per pupil.
Commissioner Renee Griffith said if enrollment decreases this is not sustainable.
Smith said last year Iredell-Statesville Schools' budget was $1,425 per pupil.
Finance Director Robertson said state statutes require per pupil funding for public
schools, but not for colleges.
Commissioner Griffith asked about new schools on the bond.
Finance Director Robertson said there would be a replacement for Statesville Middle and
Cool Springs.
Smith said with Commissioner Robertson's suggestion it would bring the per pupil total
to $1,433.
Finance Director Robertson said the total for ISS & MGSD would be $41,144,296 (ISS -
$32,173,720 and MGSD - $8,975,076) with $135,946 going to Mitchell Community College.
MOTION by Commissioner Robertson to allocate a total increase of $250,000 to public
school systems, split proportionally in addition to the proposed Manager's budget, if the State
does not have a cost shift unbudgeted. After the State passes their budget with no cost shift
another $250,000 would be given.
Commissioner Griffith seconded the motion.
Smith presented a spreadsheet concerning the jail projects. He sent a request to the LGC
for their recommendation to include the jail.
Chairman Johnson asked if it was the intent to borrow all of the money for the jail or to
pay for half and finance half.
Finance Director Robertson said GO bonds for public issue are at a lower interest rate.
Direct placement interest rate is a higher non-taxable deal. She said the County's rating is so
strong it is very unlikely the rating will go down. She said in FY20/21 the County will drop
existing debt by $4 million. She said that bonds can't be sold until the project is bid.
Commissioner Griffith asked about bids coming under the budgeted amount.
Finance Director Robertson said they would give high numbers as estimates. The design
phase would allow more accurate estimates.
Smith said he is meeting with both systems and will let the board know of any changes.
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June 3,2014
Commissioner Griffith asked when a decision must be made.
Smith said it must be made at the next meeting on June 17, 2014.
Finance Director Robertson said after adoption the bond council will be ready for the fast
track. The school board will adopt the resolution on June 9, petition the Board of Commissioners
on June 17 requesting to move forward. A formal request with a resolution authorizing the
application must be submitted to the local government by the first of July. The Board of
Elections also has a deadline in July for it to be place on the November ballot.
Discussion continued on economic projections.
Smith asked if the Board wanted to continue with the jail project.
Commissioner Griffith suggested to continue with the jail.
Smith said if negotiations are put off, they may have to revisit plans.
There being no further discussion, the meeting recessed at 6:46 p.m. to the regular
meeting in the Commissioners' meeting room at 7:00 p.m.
Approval:
Clerk to the Board