BOC Minutes April 29 2013
April 29, 2013
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APRIL 29, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Jimmy B. Clayton Heidi York, County Manager
Kyle W. Puryear
B. Ray Jeffers Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
Frances P. Blalock
David Newell, Sr.
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met in regular
session on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 6:30 pm at the Bushy Fork Grange Hall located at 7854
Burlington Road Hurdle Mills for the purpose of holding an informal “Community Conversations”
meeting to receive feedback from the community about services, suggestions for improving County
Government, and the opportunity to shed some light on the budget process in general.
Chairman Clayton called the meeting to order, led invocation and the Pledge of
Allegiance. Vice Chairman Jeffers was absent until 7:35 pm.
DISCUSSION/ADJUSTMENT/APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
A motion was made by Commissioner Newell, and carried 4-0 to approve the agenda.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS MEETING:
Attendees were given the opportunity to sign up with the Clerk to the Board to address
the Board or the option to write down questions or comments to be read.
A total of 45 people were in attendance which included Board members, county staff and
citizens.
County Manager, Heidi York told the group the Community Conversations meetings
were developed to show more transparency in county government as well as give the public a
chance to speak to the commissioners about community priorities prior to the proposed budget.
Ms. York highlighted the Person County Government Citizens’ Guide to the Budget presented to
all attendees upon arrival. The handout included basic budget information including an overview
of the budget process, county accomplishments, neighboring counties’ tax rates, revenue neutral
tax rate, the county’s support of education, an update on economic development, the Capital
Improvement Plan FY2014-2018 as well as explained where revenue is gained and to which
county services or function areas it is spent.
Clerk to the Board, Brenda Reaves, called the names of those individuals who had signed
up to speak in the following order:
Mr. Barry Matherly of 891 Hawkins Loop Road, Roxboro and the current Bushy Fork
Booster Club President expressed a desire for a gym that could be used for sports other than
basketball, such as volleyball and tennis as the County is planning to spend money on the roof of
the current Bushy Fork gym. Ms. York noted county staffs are looking at the idea of constructing
a new gym in lieu of the replacing the current roof from shingle to metal and if the idea has merit
and is feasible to stay within the same $134,000 budget. Mr. Matherly stated the lighting on the
main field at the Bushy Fork park is too dim and thereby causing a safety issue. Commissioner
Puryear asked Mr. Matherly about the relationship the Booster Club experiences with the county
recreation department. Mr. Matherly stated their relationship with John Hill, Director at the
Recreation, Arts and Parks Department is outstanding.
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Mr. Chris Chandler of 5754 Burlington Road, Roxboro addressed his concerns to the
Board related to improvements needed at the Kirby Auditorium based upon his experiences
assisting backstage with his sister’s dance company’s annual recital for numerous years. Mr.
Chandler commented there have been glitches with the sound equipment, air conditioning, and
space issues due to storage of props. Mr. Chandler questioned the funds from rentals not being
used for upgrades at the Kirby. Mr. Hill agreed the Kirby facility could use many upgrades
noting the department was always looking into maintenance issues with a priority given to safety.
Mr. Hill explained the rental funds were deposited in the general fund. Mr. Hill added that staffs
are exploring reconfiguring space and if relocating and cleaning out props would be agreeable
with the Arts Council and Piedmont Community College (PCC). General Services Director, Ray
Foushee confirmed two new air conditioning units were installed last year. Mr. Chandler
suggested a community fundraiser to raise funds for specific upgrades and noted an equipment
lease may be an option to keep equipment current. Ms. York stated she would pass along his
comments to Erin Ganey, the Arts Council and PCC noting a new roof is slated to be installed
next fiscal year in the amount of $342,273.
Mr. Jay Jennings of 155 High Rock Road, Hurdle Mills spoke on the following two
topics: Farm Tour and Water Quality. Mr. Jennings stated three Person County farms were
recently featured in the Piedmont Farm Tour. Ms. York noted Person County had its first annual
Farm Tour last fall and was sponsored by the Person County Museum of History and the
Cooperative Extension Program. Mr. Jennings stated a new nutrient control criteria development
plan through which the state would begin looking at other nutrients beyond nitrogen and
phosphorous and other river basins (i.e., Tar River and Roanoke River) in addition to the criteria
and regulations for the Falls Lake. Mr. Jennings stated public comments are being accepted until
May 24, 2013 related to the proposed plan. Chairman Clayton stated he was aware noting there is
legislation proposed as well. Mr. Jennings advocated for legislation to delay implementation of
any rules until monitoring data can prove the water quality is altered or not. Commissioner
Puryear asked the County Manager, Heidi York to research if Person County can request an
injunction and outline the process for such at the Board’s next meeting. Commissioner Puryear
asked Mr. Jennings his opinion related to the county’s paying the stormwater fees from the
county fund balance as done in the current budget year or if the fees should be imposed upon the
citizens. Mr. Jennings responded that he would be in favor of a fee being assessed upon citizens
so that they would be educated and aware of the stormwater rules to which they have to comply.
Mr. Clyde Whitfield of 6738 Burlington Road, Hurdle Mills spoke on the following two
topics: Taxes and Horses. Mr. Whitfield expressed dissatisfaction with the recent property
revaluation and highlighted a recent Courier-Times online poll revealing 85% of the respondents
were as well noting the household net worth had decreased from $126,000 in 2007 to $77,000 in
2010. Mr. Whitfield stated the property values were too high and the property owners needed
relief reiterating 2012 realtor data that 70-75% of 550 houses sold for less than the 2012 tax
value. Commissioner Puryear agreed with Mr. Whitfield noting he wanted the revaluation
reconsidered however the Board voted 3-2 to forward all revaluation appeals to the Board of
Equalization and Review. Commissioner Puryear noted the revaluation resulted in $800,000-
$900,000 in additional revenue for the county and was essentially a tax increase for the residents.
Commissioner Puryear stated support of a revenue neutral tax rate for the upcoming budget. Tax
Administrator, Russell Jones stated that the revenue neutral rate would equal less than a penny
decrease at this point noting some properties in the county had their values decreased as a result
of the revaluation. Mr. Whitfield advocated for local law related to the care of horses and the size
of pasture required for a horse noting there are two residents in his community keeping a horse on
a quarter of an acre that has no grass nor a proper place for the horse to roam and run.
Commissioner Blalock asked the Animal Services Director, Ron Shaw if there were any rules in
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place. Mr. Shaw stated there were not any rules currently in place noting his agreement with Mr.
Whitfield that horses needed an adequate space to run. Ms. York told the group the Board will
have on its May 6, 2013 agenda for consideration a revised Animal Services Ordinance to which
the Board could further discuss inclusion of horse related law.
Ms. Kelly Foti of 24 Coney Pine Avenue, Roxboro requested Board input relative the
proposed Senior Center Strategic Plan covering the next four years. The Person County Senior
Center consists of six employees, over one hundred volunteers and operates with a budget of over
$500,000. The Person County Senior Center provides Home and Community Care Block Grant
services through the Older Americans Act in conjunction with support from the NC Division of
Aging and Adult Services, Kerr-Tar Regional Area on Aging and Person County. Ms. Foti noted
the Person County Community Health Survey shows the population age 70-74 is expected to
grow by 71% by 2030 and the age group 74-84 to grow by 55%. To serve a growing older adult
population, the Strategic Plan addresses the need for increased facility space, increased
preventative services, expanded low cost services and expanded programs. Commissioner
Newell asked Ms. Foti about the transportation services. Ms. Foti stated the Older Americans Act
(federal guidelines) mandates access for transportation to older adults and provides limited
funding for such. Commissioner Blalock requested a copy of the Older Americans Act.
Ms. York thanked everyone for attending the Community Conversations meeting and
encouraged use of the anonymous suggestion box online. Ms. York noted the recommended
budget would be presented to the Board on May 20, 2013 and the budget public hearing is
scheduled for June 3, 2013 at 7:00 in the County Auditorium.
Commissioner Newell encouraged the public to voice their opinion prior to the adopted
budget as the commissioners are now making priorities.
Commissioner Puryear suggested the attendees to stay for the business part of the
meeting related to the Capital Improvement Plan.
Mr. Matherly asked the Tax Administrator a case specific question related to the process
of the revaluation. Mr. Jones reviewed the appeal process which is currently with the Board of
Equalization and Review. Mr. Jones recommended Mr. Matherly and any other citizens to call
the revaluation hotline at 322-6111 to ask questions and to schedule an appointment by noon on
May 31, 2013 with the Board of Equalization and Review. Mr. Jones confirmed citizens must
appeal with the Board of Equalization and Review to be eligible to appeal to the state level. Mr.
Jones added that following the appeal level a letter will be mailed to the citizen with the appeal
outcome and the next step process in the appeal. Commissioner Newell stated taxpayers may
walk into a Board of Equalization and Review meeting and for an appeal by the noted deadline.
ADOPTION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FY 2014-2018
County Manager, Heidi York reminded the Board the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
for FY2014-2018 was presented to the Board at its April 1, 2013 meeting noting the budget
appropriations for funding would only apply to the projects planned in the FY2014 with the
remaining years serving for planning purposes only. Ms. York added any projects projected to be
included in a financing would again come before the Board for approval.
Vice Chairman Jeffers requested the Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg to provide an
overview of the debt services.
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Ms. Wehrenberg stated Person County debt service ratio is at 7% comparable to 10% of
the population group and 12% statewide. Ms. Wehrenberg noted Person County will have a
substantial amount of debt dropping off in FY2016 and coupled with the availability of low
interest rates, the opportunity presents itself for Person County to take on additional debt.
Commissioner Puryear stated opposition to the recommended CIP and did not agree with
taking on additional debt.
A motion was made by Vice Chairman Jeffers, and carried 3-2 to approve the Capital
Improvement Plan FY2014-2018 as presented. Chairman Clayton, Vice Chairman Jeffers and
Commissioner Blalock voted in favor of the motion. Commissioners Puryear and Newell voted
in opposition to the motion.
RECESS:
A motion was made by Commissioner Puryear, and carried to recess the meeting at 8:12
pm until May 6, 2013 at 6:00 pm for the purpose of closed session discussion jointly with the
City of Roxboro of matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses
in the county per General Statutes 143-318.11(a)(4).
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Jimmy B. Clayton
Clerk to the Board Chairman