HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-07-2024
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May 7, 2024
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PRE-AGENDA SESSION
May 7, 2024
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in pre-agenda session on Tuesday, May
7, 2024, at 4:00 PM in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room located in the Iredell County
Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Board Members Absent
Gene Houpe
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
Assistant County Manager Rodney Harris, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, Finance Director Deb
Cheek, and Clerk to the Board Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Neader called the meeting to order.
Chair Neader said the Board’s thoughts and prayers were with Commissioner Houpe as he
underwent surgery yesterday.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
Addition: Administrative Matter VIII.7 Consideration of remote participation.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Approval to proclaim May 12-18, 2024 as National Law Enforcement Week. This
item was held for the 6pm meeting.
Request from Animal Services for approval to mentor Pender County Animal
Services with a grant from the Best Friends Animal Society. Animal Services and Control
Director Kristian Hernandez requested approval to send 2-3 Animal Services employees to Pender
County a total of 4 times over the next the 2 years to mentor them on Iredell County programs and
shelter operations. Pender County received a grant from the Best Friends Animal Society that will
be used to compensate Iredell County for this assistance.
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May 7, 2024
Commissioner Stroud asked how many working days Animal Services staff would be
absent while in Pender County. Hernandez responded approx. 2 days each visit.
County Manager Mull assured the Board that travel dates to Pender would be flexible to
ensure there was no negative impact to Iredell County.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from the Finance Department for declaration of surplus and approval of
private sale of 3 K-9 units. This item was held for the 6pm meeting.
Request from the Health Department for approval of the Fee Policy and Proposed
Fee Schedules for FY 2024-2025. Jessica Ridgeway, Public Health Director of Finance and
Administration, requested approval of the FY 2024-2025 Public Health Fee Policy and Fee
Schedule, which was unanimously approved by the Board of Health on April 11. Changes to the
Fee Policy were for clarification purposes only, based on state consultant recommendations and
include no intent changes. All proposed fee changes were determined by direct and acquisition
costs for supplies and medications, Medicaid reimbursements, and impact to private pay patients.
Ridgeway stated that several fees were removed due to discontinuation of specific vaccines and
lab services that are no longer offered. In addition, new codes for daycare and kindergarten
physicals were added.
Chair Neader asked how parents would be made aware of the new daycare and kindergarten
physicals. Ridgeway replied that information would be placed on the Public Health electronic
billboard, posted on social media outlets, and provided directly to schools and day cares.
This item was placed on consent.
County Construction Projects Update. A copy of the update was provided in the agenda
packet. County Manager Mull stated that the recent heavy rains had tested out erosion control
measures at Jennings Park which had worked well.
This item was placed on consent.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meeting on
April 16, 2024. There were no additions or corrections.
This item was placed on consent.
ADDED: Administrative Matter VIII.7 Consideration of remote participation.
County Manager Mull discussed an exception to the Remote Participation Policy that would allow
Commissioner Houpe to participate remotely for more than 2 meetings while he recovers from a
recent surgery.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve remote participation by Commissioner
Houpe in the regular and special meetings of the Board during the month of May for
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May 7, 2024
medical reasons provided all participation be in accordance with Paragraph 28 of the Iredell
County Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
I-CARE Board of Directors - 1 announcement
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - 5 announcements
Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees - 1 announcement
Partner's Behavioral Health Board of Directors - 1 announcement
Troutman Board of Adjustment - 1 announcement
Troutman Planning Board - 1 announcement
Vacancies will be listed on the County website and News Flash.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Blue Light Towers: this is a continuation of discussion regarding Jennings Park from the
March 19, 2024 meeting where the Board discussed the possibility of blue light towers and gave
direction of getting pricing for putting in the conduit. County Manager Mull advised that
installation of the conduit and pull would total $88,023.45. Staff looked into cellular and solar
options and determined there may be one cellular provider that has pretty good strength in the area;
however, it still needs to be tested. Mull asked if the Board wished to continue with installation of
the conduit or to finish the project and then consider the cellular and solar options. She noted that
the poles may need to be moved so they will be in more direct sunlight.
Commissioner Stroud suggested waiting to discuss this matter at 6pm as Commissioner
Houpe may call in for the meeting.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Mull gave an update on the following:
The FY25 Budget Message will be presented during the 6pm regular meeting.
The second primary for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor and
State Auditor will be held on Tuesday, May 14.
CLOSED SESSION
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud at 4:23 PM to move into Closed Session pursuant to:
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May 7, 2024
Attorney Client – GS 143-318.11(a)(3)
Economic Development – GS 143-318.11(a)(4)
Personnel – GS 143-318.11(a)(6)
Property Acquisition – GS 143-318.11(a)(5)
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
IREDELL COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MINUTES
May 7, 2024
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 7,
2024, at 6:00 PM in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room of the Iredell County Government Center,
200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
Board Members Present
Chair Melissa Neader
Vice Chair Bert Connolly
Scottie Brown
Brad Stroud, Sr.
Board Members Absent
Gene Houpe
Staff present: County Manager Beth Mull, Deputy County Manager Susan Robertson,
Assistant County Manager Rodney Harris, County Attorney Lisa Valdez, and Clerk to the Board
Amy Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER: by Chair Neader.
INVOCATION: by Commissioner Brown.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: led by Chair Neader.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE AGENDA: County Manager Beth Mull went over the
following adjustments:
Addition: Administrative Matter VIII.7 Consideration of remote participation.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to approve the agenda as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
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May 7, 2024
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
Miss Iredell County Jaime Logan, who will represent Iredell County in the Miss North
Carolina Pageant, spoke about her community service initiative “Beyond the Game” which focuses
on her love and passion for sports by creating opportunities for youth to participate. Miss Logan
was presented with an Iredell County lapel pin and Certificate of Appreciation.
APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE BOARD
(None)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
(None)
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Approval to proclaim May 12 - 18, 2024 as National Law Enforcement Week . Chair
Neader read the proclamation into the record and Sheriff Darren Campbell, along with several
members of law enforcement from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office in attendance, were asked
to come forward for recognition.
Sheriff Campbell mentioned the statewide Peace Officer Memorial Service held in Iredell
County today that was attended by approx. 350 officers to honor those who died in the line of duty
in 2023.
Vice Chair Connelly requested a moment of silence for those officers.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the proclamation as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0 National Law Enforcement Week
WHEREAS, the Congress and the President of the United States have designation that
there be a National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day and the week in which it fell National Law
Enforcement Week to pay special attention to those law enforcement officers who have lost
their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others; and,
WHEREAS, there are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in
communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the Iredell County
Sheriff’s Office; and,
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May 7, 2024
WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1791, more than 26,000 law enforcement
officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty;
and,
WHEREAS, National Law Enforcement Week will be observed this year from May 12th
through May 18th; and,
WHEREAS, law enforcement officers are charged with pursuing justice for all individuals
and performing their duties with fidelity to the constitutional and civil rights of the individuals
that the law enforcement officers serve; and
WHEREAS, the resolve of law enforcement officers in the service of their communities
is unyielding, despite inherent dangers in the performance of their duties; and
WHEREAS, the vigilance, compassion, and decency of law enforcement officers are the
best defense of society against individuals who seek to do harm; and
WHEREAS, Peace Officers Memorial Day 2024 honors the 137 law enforcement officers
killed in the line of duty during 2018, with three of those being officers in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, thus far in 2024, 55 law enforcement officers across the United States have
made the ultimate sacrifice, including four officers in North Carolina on April 29, 2024, and
should be remembered and honored; and
WHEREAS, all citizens of Iredell County should remember and recognize the men and
women who serve and protect them, and keep in mind that there are law enforcement officers
working in the County every hour of every day to ensure that they remain safe.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Iredell County Board of Commissioners
formally designates May 12 through May 18, 2024, on behalf of Sheriff Darren E. Campbell
and the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, as National Law Enforcement Week in Iredell County,
and publicly salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in
communities across the nation.
Request from the Finance Department for declaration of surplus and approval of
private sale of three K-9 units. Purchasing Officer Antonia Stines presented a resolution to
declare the surplus of K-9 units Lucky, Boscoe, and Rex due to medical reasons and to transfer
ownership to their handlers who have agreed to pay $1 and sign hold harmless agreements to
accept responsibility of these animals. Officers Luke Davis, Codey Moncus, and David
Caskaddon were present and spoke briefly about their K-9 partners.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the resolution as presented.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
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May 7, 2024
Resolution Authorizing the Private Sale of
Certain Surplus Personal Property
WHEREAS, the County of Iredell has possession of the following items of personal property
which is surplus to its needs and desires to dispose of same:
Three (3) Canine Units: Lucky, Bosco and Rex
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Iredell County,
that the Purchasing Officer, Antonia Stines, pursuant to the provisions of NC G.S. 160A-267,
is hereby authorized to dispose of the personal property as listed for cash or good check by
private sale, and the said Purchasing Officer is further authorized and directed to execute the
necessary functions associated with this sale.
Request from Animal Services for approval to mentor Pender County Animal Services with
a grant from the Best Friends Animal Society.
Request from the Health Department for approval of the Fee Policy and Proposed Fee
Schedules for FY 2024-2025.
County Construction Projects Update.
Request from Clerk to the Board for approval of the minutes from the meeting on April 16,
2024.
Request from Administration to amend the Remote Participation Policy to allow
Commissioner Houpe to participate remotely for all regular and special meetings of the
Board during the month of May for medical reasons provided all participation be in
accordance with Paragraph 28 of the Iredell County Board of Commissioners Rules of
Procedure. This will be revisited for the month of June if needed.
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to approve the consent agenda.
VOTING: Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES OCCURRING ON BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
County Manager Mull gave the following vacancy announcements:
I-CARE Board of Directors - 1 announcement
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - 5 announcements
Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees - 1 announcement
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May 7, 2024
Partner's Behavioral Health Board of Directors - 1 announcement
Troutman Board of Adjustment - 1 announcement
Troutman Planning Board - 1 announcement
All vacancies will be listed on the County website and News Flash. Citizens are asked to
list all boards they are interested in serving on instead of only one.
APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(None)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Blue Light Towers: this is a continuation of discussion regarding Jennings Park from the
March 19, 2024 meeting where the Board discussed the possibility of blue light towers and gave
direction of getting pricing for putting in the conduit. County Manager Mull advised that
installation of the conduit and pull would total $88,023.45. Staff looked into cellular and solar
options and determined there may be one cellular provider that has pretty good strength in the area;
however, it still needs to be tested. Mull asked if the Board wished to continue with the installation
of the conduit or to finish the project and then consider the cellular and solar options. She noted
that the poles may need to be moved so they will be in more direct sunlight.
Commissioner Stroud preferred waiting on installing the conduit until the park was
completed next spring and then explore options for both cellular and solar locations. The Board
agreed.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
(None)
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS & UPDATES
Chair Neader stated the following:
o She recently rode along with community paramedics to experience their job and
responsibilities firsthand and thanked Todd Munsey for the care he and his team
provides. She hopes to do the same with Sheriff’s deputies soon.
o May is Teacher Appreciation Month.
o She and County Manager Mull attended an EDC Board planning meeting where
agriculture was discussed. Agriculture is one of the first and strongest businesses
in Iredell County, which was recently showcased at the Wake Up to Ag Day thanks
to Nancy Keith, County Extension Director, and her staff.
o She attended veterans’ treatment court to see how this program operates.
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May 7, 2024
o She has received many emails and phone calls from citizens concerned about rapid
growth and changes to their community. She shares in these concerns but also
understands property rights.
Commissioner Brown was also concerned with the loss of farmland, not just locally but
also globally, and was appreciative to farmers for their hard work and dedication.
Commissioner Stroud attended the groundbreaking for the Viper tower at Cool Springs as
well as today’s Peace Officer Memorial Service. In regard to rapid growth and annexation, he
encouraged citizens to make their voices heard by contacting city leaders.
Vice Chair Connelly mentioned services provided by counties that are not required by cities
and towns such as public health, social services, court services, jails, animal control, 911
communications, veteran services, and agriculture extension. In addition, cities and towns are not
required to provide funding to schools. He felt growth could be positive as long as it done properly
with consideration for all involved.
NEW BUSINESS
(None)
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
County Manager Mull gave an update on the following:
The second primary for the Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor and
State Auditor will be held on Tuesday, May 14.
The Board will conduct Budget Work Sessions on the following days at the Iredell
County Sheriff’s Office Annex:
o 9am – 5pm on Thursday and Friday, May 9-10, 2024
o 9am – 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14-15, 2024
o 9am – 5pm on Friday, May 17, 2024, if needed
She gave the FY25 Budget Message.
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Message
May 7, 2024
To the Iredell County Board of Commissioners and Citizens:
The 2024-2025 fiscal year budget has one common theme, growth. As of April 1, 2024, Iredell
County was the sixth fastest growing County in the State of North Carolina with North Carolina
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May 7, 2024
ranking second in the nation with inward migration. According to the Office of State Budget and
Management, seven counties accounted for 53% of the state’s overall growth between April 1,
2020 and July 1, 2022. Those counties include Wake, Mecklenburg, Johnston, Brunswick,
Cabarrus, Iredell, and Union.
This growth began over a decade ago in the southern portion of our County and culminated in
2023 with the Town of Mooresville being named the fastest growing city in the State of North
Carolina. We’ve experienced the joys of this growth through business and industry expansion and
recruitment, the addition of high paying jobs, and being recognized as a premier place to live, work
and raise a family. However, with every positive there are offsetting challenges to overcome.
These challenges include increased traffic congestion, increased demand for affordable housing,
competition for a qualified work force, overcrowding of schools, and increased demand for
services, just to name a few. We are now experiencing the spread of that growth further north into
Troutman and Statesville. In one year alone, the County experienced a 1.93% increase in
population from 2023 to 2024. To put that into perspective, the State of North Carolina
experienced a 1.29% increase over the same period and was ranked the ninth fastest growing State
in the Nation.
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May 7, 2024
Iredell County has attracted people from all over; however, New York and California top the list
of movers to this region in recent years. We offer quality educational options, a thriving
community, a low crime rate, favorable climate, and proximity to major metropolitan
communities. We are fortunate to have two major interstates intersecting our County with
Interstates 40 and 77, which simplify access to and through our County. Lake Norman, the largest
man-made body of fresh water in the state, has become a well-known tourist destination. Of its
520 miles of shoreline, 279 are in Iredell County, which is the most of any of the four counties
bordering the lake. To cap it off, we have the 21 st lowest tax rate in the State.
187,694
191,180
194,835
198,674
202,512
206,348
210,187
214,025
217,861
221,701
170,000
180,000
190,000
200,000
210,000
220,000
230,000
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025* 2026* 2027* 2028* 2029*
Iredell County Population in July of Each Year
*Estimates
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May 7, 2024
While we are often criticized by our citizens for not having a lower tax rate, it continues to be one
of the primary factors new residents identify in choosing Iredell County as their forever home. We
are an extremely efficient organization and pride ourselves in doing more with less. We are the
14th largest county in the state but still have a small town, welcoming environment. In 2023, our
County ranked the fourth highest in average wage behind Durham, Mecklenburg, and Wake
Counties. We have a lot to be thankful for, yet our challenges are great.
This budget continues the trend of striking a delicate balance between growth and demand for
more services while maintaining our conservative, fiscally responsible approach to local
government.
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May 7, 2024
Challenges
We constantly work to resolve challenges as efficiently and effectively as possible and
accommodating growth is one of our toughest. We are responsible for providing local funding to
the three educational entities as well as paying for new school facilities. There are several services
only the County provides to all citizens, regardless of whether you live in the County or in one of
our five municipalities. These services include EMS, Veterans’ Services, Elections, Public Health,
Social Services, Animal Services, ICATS Transportation, Solid Waste, Register of Deeds, Tax
Administration, and Cooperative Extension (in Partnership with the State of NC). From 2022 –
2023, EMS experienced an 11.81% increase in call volume and ECOM experienced a 25.42%
increase in total incidents, which includes phone calls, calls for service and radio transmissions.
From May of 2023 to May of 2024, Animal Services' intake increased 13.95%. However, Social
Services saw the largest increase in service demand. From January of 2023 to January of 2024,
they experienced a 184% increase in Family and Children Medicaid applications and a 37.5%
increase in Food and Nutrition Service applications. We are struggling to keep up with this sharp
increase in the demand for County provided services, which is why this budget includes
recommendations for additional staffing in several departments.
The County struggles to keep up with the fast pace of residential growth. In 2023, a total of 4,297
new residential permits were issued county-wide. Of those permits, 85.57% were issued by the
municipalities while only 14.43% were issued by the County. To put that into perspective, 90%
of the County’s square miles and 55.45% of the County’s population are in the County’s planning
and zoning jurisdiction yet only 14.43% of the new residential growth is occurring in the County.
For this reason, we must work with our municipalities to keep the lines of communication open as
we struggle to accommodate the growth, most of which we do not regulate or control.
As with anything, we have experienced some unintended consequences to the explosive growth.
Lake Norman has become a tourist destination and the number of short-term rentals on the lake
have increased exponentially. We hear from residents regularly with concerns about this growing
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May 7, 2024
trend and the need to strike a balance where both residents and visitors to our County can thrive
and enjoy all the amenities our community has to offer.
We just completed our 2045 Horizon Plan update and spent a great deal of time ensuring that
farmland preservation was included as a component of the plan. As we grow, we cannot forget
our roots and the need to embrace what has historically carried our County – agriculture. To date,
we are the number one dairy producer in the State, but our farmland is diminishing at lightning
speed. It’s becoming more and more difficult for smaller farms to remain profitable with all the
new regulations being placed on our agricultural community. We believe there is a healthy mix
of urban and rural. We should embrace and support both to the best of our ability and our 2045
Horizon Plan takes steps in that direction.
Finding a way to adequately fund our contracted fire and rescue providers in a sustainable way
continues to be a challenge. This budget keeps the All-County Fire Tax rate at nine cents per $100
valuation and provides a ten percent increase in the departmental funding. In addition, we will
begin a pilot program, in partnership with Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Department and our EMS
service. This program will involve full-time Paramedic/Firefighters who will be County
employees stationed at Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Department, responding to calls alongside
that department. Volunteerism is decreasing yet the demand for this vital public safety service is
increasing so we are creating a program to leverage full-time staffing in our EMS Service to
supplement the lack of volunteerism in the fire service. With roughly 70-75% of the calls for the
volunteer fire service being medical, our goal is to partner together to adequately fulfill the needs
of the community. If this pilot program is a success, we hope to replicate it in other departments,
upon their request. We must work together to put the needs of our citizens first. I’m thankful for
Lake Norman Volunteer Fire Department’s proactive approach to work creatively to address
common problems.
Personnel
The competition for quality employees is a battle we continue to fight. We have taken great strides
to become an employer of choice. It is cheaper to retain staff as opposed to replacing them and
the Board’s investment in personnel is paying off. When comparing turnover through the month
of April, we experienced an 8.49% decrease over the same time last year. We are moving in the
right direction and cannot become complacent. We must take incremental steps to ensure we are
paying a fair and competitive wage to our loyal and dedicated public servants. This budget
includes a 3% pay scale adjustment which will increase all staff pay by 3% as well as adjusting
our starting pay by the same percentage to assist us in filling vacant positions. In addition, we
have contracted with a consultant to perform a pay and classification study mid-year. Funds have
been set aside to implement the results of this study effective January of 2025.
We had a total of 76 full-time and 4 part-time new positions requested for this upcoming fiscal
year. After a great deal of analysis and prioritizing the requests, it is recommended to add 57 new
positions. These new positions include 53 full-time positions, including two current part-time
positions transitioning to full-time, and four new part-time positions. Twenty of the 53 full-time
positions will be added in January, which will save six months of salary and benefits.
The following is a summary of each recommended position:
Quantity Department Position Notes
1 Admin Admin Assistant Part-time to full-time
1 Human Resources HR Generalist Part of the departmental reorganization
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May 7, 2024
1 Tax Assessor Reappraisal Coordinator Begin January of 2025
2 Register of Deeds P/T Passports Full-time position to part-time
4 Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
1 Sheriff Deputy Sheriff (ICE) Begin January of 2025
4 Detention Center Detention Officer Begin January of 2025
4 Detention Center Detention Deputy
2 Animal Services Animal Control Officer
1 ECOM 911 Radio Support Specialist Part-time to full-time
1 ECOM SSD Dispatcher/Admin. Assistant Completes the final Winbourne recommendation
8 EMS Paramedic 1st truck
8 EMS Paramedic Begin January of 2025 (2nd truck)
1 DSS Computer System Administrator I Begin January of 2025
2 DSS P/T IMC IV (IM Division)
3 DSS IMC II (AMA Unit)
3 DSS IMC II (FNS Unit)
1 DSS IMC IV (FCMA UNIT) – QA Begin January of 2025
1 DSS SW Sup III (CPS Unit) – Investigations
2 DSS SW Sup III (CPS Unit) – Investigations Begin January of 2025
1 DSS SW Sup III (CPS) – In-Home/ Case Mgmt.
1 DSS SW Sup III (CPS) – In-Home/ Case Mgmt. Begin January of 2025
2 DSS SW I/A&T (CPS) – In-Home/ Case Mgmt.
1 Library Librarian – Outreach Begin January of 2025
1 Recreation Center Fitness & Pool Specialist
New Initiatives and Budget Modifications
We have some new initiatives and budget modifications in this fiscal year budget. We added a
Safety Officer last year to the Human Resources budget and this year we have created a separate
budget to track our expenditures on safety-related activities. As a service organization, the safety
of our staff and citizens is critical and we want to ensure we have given safety the attention it
deserves.
We experienced an increase in new vehicle requests this year for occasional driving vehicles. After
analyzing our fleet, we have decided to create a Fleet Program comprised of vehicles that are only
used occasionally such as spare vehicles, department administrative vehicles, etc. We will pool
these vehicles to be checked out by our departments as needed. This ensures full utilization of our
vehicles, making them available for employee transportation to trainings and conferences and
reducing the mileage reimbursement currently paid to staff for using their personal vehicle for
work related purposes. This program will function much like a vehicle rental program, aiming to
increase efficiency and decrease expenses.
As our County grows, so does the demand for services. As a service organization that is only as
successful as the people we employ, we have experienced the largest number of new personnel
requests to date. With the addition of staff comes the need for additional space to house these staff
members. As a result, this budget includes funding for a Space and Needs Analysis of our current
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May 7, 2024
County facilities. This will be completed by a consultant who will visit each of our facilities,
determine existing space utilization and project when each facility will reach capacity. The results
of this study will be added to our eight-year capital improvement plan so we can begin to
incrementally address those identified capital needs.
This year’s budget includes a slight decrease in the tax collection rate from 99.25% to 99.1% due
to the current trend. Our property owner demographics are beginning to shift, which is making
collection a little more difficult. We are finding more property owners don’t live in Iredell County
full-time. They live in other counties or even other states, yet own property here. Contacting those
property owners and collecting on the taxes due have become more of a challenge yet our Tax
Office continues to have collection rates over 99%.
Our General Fund Budget has decreased by .56%. This decrease is comprised of several factors
with the two largest being a 2.09% expected decrease in sales tax due to Medicaid Hold Harmless.
This is a decrease that is being seen throughout the state, so we have budgeted a decrease of $2.25
million next fiscal year. The second factor is a 72.68% decrease in Other Financing Sources,
which includes appropriated fund balance. We typically save funds and pay cash for capital
projects outside of school facilities. In fiscal year 2023-2024, we appropriated almost $13 million
in fund balance for a new Health Department Facility and phase one of the Fairgrounds project.
That was a one-time appropriation that is not continued in this fiscal year budget. Our total fiscal
year 2024-2025 General Fund Budget is $321,820,000, which is $1,805,800 less than fiscal year
2023-2024.
Educational Funding
Iredell County funds three different educational entities which are Iredell-Statesville Schools,
Mooresville Graded School District and Mitchell Community College. The total increase in
educational funding is 4.5%, which is broken down into current expense, capital outlay and debt
service.
Current expense or operational funding is derived from a formula that includes the average per
pupil funding of other counties with an average daily membership (ADM) within 20 percent of
our ADM. The average is recalibrated every four years during the reappraisal year and each year
between the reappraisal cycle, we use the December Consumer Price Index (CPI), not to exceed
our ad valorem growth. Each year the current expense funding is adjusted as described above. In
addition, we guarantee that the per-pupil funding will never decrease as part of the funding
agreement. For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the per pupil funding will go from $2,223 to $2,287,
which is a 2.9% increase that directly reflects our percentage of ad valorem growth.
Current Expense
Original FY 23-
24
Recommended FY 24-
25
Increase from adopted
FY24 %
ISS $52,360,542 $54,261,362 $1,900,820 4%
MGSD $14,814,072 $14,947,832 $133,760 1%
MCC $4,845,908 $4,955,745 $109,837 2%
$72,020,522 $74,164,939 $2,144,417 3%
The second funding method is capital outlay funding, which is derived from sales tax. The chart
below depicts the capital outlay funding allocated to each entity.
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May 7, 2024
Capital Outlay
Original FY 23-
24
Recommended FY 24-
25
Increase from adopted
FY24 %
ISS $9,430,950 $9,675,469 $244,519 3%
MGSD $2,670,416 $2,667,629 ($2,787) 0%
MCC $2,889,989 $2,997,721 $107,732 4%
$14,991,355 $15,340,819 $349,464 2%
The third funding method is debt service. Iredell County pays the debt service for new school
facilities. Over the past 10 years, we have paid for these facilities through voter approved bonds,
yet the demand for school facilities is forcing us to explore other funding options. Last fiscal year,
we began the practice of setting aside $10 million each year to create a savings account to pay for
a new elementary school that is needed in the southern end of the County. We will continue that
practice for the foreseeable future until enough funds are available to construct that facility. In
addition, this year’s budget includes the debt service for borrowing an additional $40 million to
help pay for the new Weathers Creek High School. To date, those bids have not been returned and
we do not know the actual cost of constructing the new high school. If the bids come in higher
than the $120 million the County has allocated for this facility, it will be up to the school board to
determine the next steps. The final addition to debt service is factoring in the bond payment for
the Mitchell Community College Public Safety Training Facility. The total debt service budget
for educational facilities is $31,381,032, which is an increase of $2,543,114.
We must look for a sustainable way to pay for new school construction. As we continue to grow
residentially, we must have adequate educational space. Over the next year we will be faced with
some tough decisions regarding how to pay for these facilities. One revenue source we have left
untouched is the additional quarter cent sales tax available to counties if voter approved. This may
be an avenue to generate revenue to help pay for these new capital facilities without placing undue
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
$70,000,000
$80,000,000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Education Funding
Current Expense Capital Outlay
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May 7, 2024
burden on the property owners. Of the nine counties that surround us, only two (Davie and Yadkin)
do not charge the additional quarter cent sales tax. Below is a map that indicates the Counties in
NC that charge the additional sales tax. If our citizens shop in any of the other surrounding
counties, they are already paying 7% sales tax and if they shop in Mecklenburg, they are paying
7.35% sales tax verses Iredell County’s current 6.75%. This tax is paid by renters and county
visitors as well as all those that traverse our County and is considered a more favorable tax when
compared to property tax.
Capital Improvement Plan
The County has an eight-year Capital Improvement Plan that helps us prepare for capital needs on
the horizon. The following projects are included in the 2024-2025 plan.
The Government Center, better known as the historic courthouse, has been a multi-year project. It
began with restoration work on the roof then continued to the foundation, windows, and doors and
has now transitioned to the addition of a new ADA Entry Way Project. Once that project is
complete, we will need to repair interior walls and finishes that were damaged during the
restoration projects as well as address various mechanical issues. We are splitting the cost of this
project over two years by initiating the reservation of half of the funds in this fiscal year.
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May 7, 2024
We also plan to continue the incremental funding for the ADA Accessibility Program and LED
Lighting Replacement Program throughout our various facilities. Our Information Technology
needs include replacement of a core switch, antivirus upgrade, a new backup system for our data,
and a Management Console to ensure we can quickly and efficiently provide computer support to
our end users. Our Elections Department will need to replace their voting equipment in the next
two years, so we are spreading the funding for this expenditure over two years by setting aside half
of the funds needed this year. The County partners with the City of Statesville with grant matches
on capital projects at the airport so there are funds allocated for the five percent grant match on
those approved projects. Our Animal Services Department is out of space and in need of more
kennel, surgical, adoption and intake space, therefore, it is recommended to move forward with
this addition next year. For ECOM, we have the voice dispatch system and replacement backup
system recommended and both projects are likely to receive some 911 funding consideration. We
are recommending the completion of the carpet replacement with LVT tile on the second and third
floors at Building Standards, a generator replacement at the Health Department and roof
replacement at the Library. In Parks and Recreation, we have recommended to continue the
incremental funding of the Fourth Creek Expansion Project as well as allocating additional funds
toward the multi-year Regional Event Center at the current fairgrounds. Finally, we are preparing
for the implementation of the Facility Needs Study by setting aside funds for the results of this
study. The total recommended budget for this fiscal year’s CIP is $22,387,845, which is nearly a
50% decrease from this current fiscal year.
Recommendation
This message fulfills my obligation under North Carolina General Statue 159-11 to present the
recommended Fiscal Year 2024-2025 general fund budget of $321,820,000. This retains the
current county tax rate at 50 cents per $100 valuation based on a tax base of $42,208,681,000 with
a collection rate of 99.10%. The unassigned fund balance on June 30, 2024, is estimated to be
$94,232,653, which is 29.28% of the recommended budget.
Respectfully Submitted,
Beth M. Mull
Iredell County Manager
CLOSED SESSION
The Board held closed session prior to the regular meeting and there were 2 action items
to report.
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 21, 2024
at 6:00 PM to consider economic development incentives for Project Thor in the amount
of $101,749 over a 5-year period based on the company’s $7,860,000 investment.
VOTING Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
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May 7, 2024
MOTION by Commissioner Stroud to amend the resolution authorizing the sale of certain
real estate by negotiated offer and upset bid for County property located on Bluefield Road,
to increase the starting bid amount to $1.5 million, and to increase the termination retainage
of the bid deposit from 1% to 10%.
VOTING Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Commissioner Brown to adjourn at 7:34 PM. The next regular meeting is
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room in the Iredell
County Government Center, 200 South Center Street, Statesville, NC.
VOTING Ayes – 4; Nays – 0
10/15/2024
__________________________________ ______________________________
Date Approved County Manager