March 31 Retreat
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PERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 31, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT OTHERS PRESENT
Johnny Myrl Lunsford Heidi York, County Manager
Jimmy B. Clayton Kyle W. Puryear Brenda B. Reaves, Clerk to the Board
B. Ray Jeffers
Samuel R. Kennington Amy Wehrenberg, Finance Director
The Board of Commissioners for the County of Person, North Carolina, met for a Board Retreat session on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the Mayo Park Environmental Educational and Community Center located at 1013 Neals Store Road,
Roxboro for the purpose of discussing Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget.
Chairman Lunsford called the meeting to order and welcomed the group. County Manager, Heidi York outlined the Retreat Goals:
1) gain better understanding of Person County’s financial situation and future, and
2) create priorities and strategies for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget
Tax Administrator, Russell Jones and Finance Director, Amy Wehrenberg gave the
Board and update on the financial state of Person County.
Mr. Jones provided the following presentation:
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Mr. Jones presented to the Board a sample Resolution Delaying the Effective
Date of a Reappraisal of Property in Person County that will be before the Board for
consideration at the April 19, 2010 regular scheduled Board meeting. The Resolution
would revoke and rescind the scheduled reappraisal for January 1, 2011 and set the effective date for the next scheduled reappraisal for Person County January 2, 2012 with plans to return to a four-year revaluation cycle thereafter.
A RESOLUTION DELAYING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF A REAPPRAISAL OF PROPERTY IN PERSON COUNTY Whereas GS 105-286 mandates a reappraisal of property at least every eight years, and
Whereas GS 105-286(a)(2) Authorizes a Board of County Commissioners to advance the period
so that a reappraisal occurs more often than every 8 years, and
Whereas once an advanced reappraisal occurs, it has the effect of resetting the next required
reappraisal for eight years after the advanced reappraisal, and
Whereas Person County has advanced its reappraisal period so that the last reappraisal occurred
on January 01, 2005, and
Whereas Person County’s next mandated eight year reappraisal is required for January 01, 2013,
and Whereas Person County had planned to have an advanced reappraisal effective for January 1,
2011, and
Whereas the Person County Board of Commissioners feel that a revaluation for January 1, 2011
should be delayed due to the unstable real estate market and that the 2005 tax assessments are fair and equitable, and
Whereas to implement the planned reappraisal scheduled for January 1, 2011 would add substantially to the financial stress and uncertainty of the citizens of Person County.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PERSON COUNTY THAT:
1- The scheduled reappraisal for an effective date of January 1, 2011 is hereby revoked and
rescinded.
2- Pursuant to the authority granted in GS 105-286(a)(2), the next scheduled reappraisal for
Person County is set for an effective date of January 1, 2012, and Person County will
return to a four year revaluation cycle thereafter.
3- A copy of this resolution shall be provided to the Property Tax Division of the North
Carolina Department of Revenue and to the City of Roxboro.
Commissioner Clayton inquired how the occupancy tax rate is set and by whom. Ms.
Wehrenberg stated she would have to research and report back to the Board.
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Ms. Wehrenberg provided the following presentation:
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Ms. York and Ms. Wehrenberg gave an overview of the budget snapshot:
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Ms. York presented an overview of Departmental Needs:
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CONNECTING DEPARTMENTAL NEEDS WITH COMMISSIONER
PRIORITIES:
Public Safety was represented by EMS Director, Michael Day and EMS Manager, Penny Payne, Sheriff Dewey Jones, Fire Marshal, Johnny Gentry, and Animal Control
Director, Ron Shaw.
EMS Director, Michael Day and EMS Manager, Penny Payne told the Board EMS is requesting a fourth ambulance with a crew of eight paramedics and related equipment due to the increased call volumes. Mr. Day stated benchmarks across the state
would dictate five ambulances/crews to match the level of increasing call volumes. Mr.
Day explained to the Board that the Ambulance Franchise extended to Wilson
Ambulance Services by Person County is for Basic Life Support (BLS) –non 911 / non emergency transports only. Mr. Day noted the Medical Director has the power to expand the services of Wilson Ambulance Services after the evaluation of the initial first year.
Sheriff Jones described call volumes that have doubled in four years due to
economy and drug use requiring his staff to work 168 hours per month. Sheriff Jones is requesting additional funding for the GREAT Program, two patrol deputies, maintenance and repair for vehicles along with five vehicles. Sheriff Jones stated the Board advocacy
to legislators for heavier penalties for crimes would be a help. Chairman Lunsford
suggested the Board to assist by being more visible and supporting gang preventive
programs i.e., GREAT and JCPC. Fire Marshal and 911 Director, Johnny Gentry stated an increase in call volumes
as well, nearing 88,000 per year. Mr. Gentry requested two 911 positions. Mr. Gentry
noted three fire departments had submitted contracts for Board consideration of funding
for fire protection services. The group discussed the possibility of initiating the two-year notice to terminate contracts with the City of Roxboro for fire protection services as well
as 911 services.
Animal Control Director, Ron Shaw stated his case for a Compliance Officer position
suggesting the funding to be shared 50/50 between the City and the County. This position would place citations upon citizens non compliant with animals and junk cars
(unregistered motor vehicle screened from public view) within the City and County.
The group took a lunch break at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened at 1:45 p.m.
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Broadened Human Services was represented by Health Director, Janet Clayton,
Social Services Director, Beverly Warren, Person Industries’ Director, Wanda Rogers,
and Arts, Parks & Recreation Director, Mitch Pergerson.
Health Director, Janet Clayton informed the Board of two programs that would affected by a reduction in force of two staff. Ms. Clayton stated she was not requesting
any additional funding and the two riffed staff duties would be reassigned.
Director of the Department of Social Services, Beverly Warren told the Board of caseload increases across the programs offered to the community. Ms. Warren requested additional funding to purchase a new software program (Northwoods System) that would
eliminate much of the paper, cutting 30 percent from the worker’s time. Ms. York stated
the Northwoods System is in the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
however Ms. Warren included with the DSS requested budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Ms. Warren also stated a need to purchase 25 computers with peripherals.
Person Industries’ Director, Wanda Rogers informed the Board that Person County
Recycling Center received a 2009 Outstanding County Award. Ms. Rogers requested
consideration for an additional recycling maintenance worker as she summarized 633 tons recyclables sold so far this fiscal year over the 529 tons sold in 2009. Ms. Rogers and Ms. York noted some improvements needed at the recycling facility that have been
discussed and requested with Tommy Wagstaff, the owner of the building. These items
include an exhaust fan, a radiant heater, paving the graveled portion of the driveway, and
bunker walls. The rent at the facility is also increasing by $22,000 per year. Ms. Rogers is also requesting additional funding for wages to transition staff to an assistant director position for succession planning.
Recreation, Arts & Parks Director, Mitch Pergerson gave an overview of the 10 full
time and over 125 part time (seasonal) staffed programs stating increasing fees while reducing expenditures noting the change in the minimum wage raised his part-time
salaries by 41%. Mr. Pergerson requested Board consideration to restore lights at the
walking tracks. The Board questioned Mr. Pergerson about the county’s fees being
comparable to private league fees as well as the out of county registration fees.
Ms. Wehrenberg led the Capital Improvement Plan discussion noting a correction to
the document that listed the PCC new roof for Building G was duplicated. Ms.
Wehrenberg recommended for Board consideration to add the PCC Building F and a
portion of the Earl Bradsher roof to the list of critical roofing needs to be included in the
financing along with the Courthouse renovation. Ms. Wehrenberg stated a revised Project Ordinance and Capital Improvement Plan would be forthcoming should the Board
agree to make the revisions as recommended by the Finance Director. Ms. Wehrenberg
and Ms. York requested Board consideration to have a Roofing Study included in the
Public Works Department budget for technical assistance to project the priority of needed
roofing at all county buildings including those of Person County Schools and Piedmont Community College.
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County Engineer, Paul Bailey led a discussion with the Board regarding the County
Fleet Program. It was the consensus of the Board to explore options regarding vehicle
rotation.
The group discussed budget priorities and possible impacts of the information presented to the Board.
Ms. York provided the Board with the following Summary of the Annual Budget
Retreat: Priorities for the FY10-11 Budget:
• Economic Development- jobs, tax revenue
• No use of Fund Balance for recurring expenditures
• Continue performance evaluation and merit pay processes
• Public Safety
• Restore Furloughs
• Maintain same level of services
Cost Savings Ideas for FY 10-11:
• Quarter cent sales tax referendum?
• Cut non-mandated services realizing that staff may be cut
• Delay capital projects
• Implement an across the board cut to all non-mandated services
• Continue 401k cut; cut it out entirely and offer a dollar-for-dollar match
• Increase recreational fees for non-county Mayo Lake users
• Department Heads to provide cost cutting guidance
• Continue furlough days
• Increase recreational fees to be in-line with private, for-profit recreation programs Items of Agreement:
• EMS new crew & ambulance- wait and allow for an analysis of the Wilson
Ambulance Service
• Fund the GREAT Program ($5,000)
• 911 Telecommunicators Positions- hold off
• Implement Roof Study
Items for Follow-up:
• Talk with the City of Roxboro regarding the Compliance Officer Position
• Pursue the possibility of a joint grant writer position with other partners
• Research information related to Tier Rankings
• Talk with Representatives regarding an increase to Occupancy Tax Rate (for
potential Welcome Center)
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Schedule Budget Work sessions for the following:
• EMS- to include a breakdown of calls and the possibility of contracted
service, laws governing responding
• Economic Development- capital fund
• Recreation, Arts, and Parks- to include restoring the walking lights, out of
county rates
• Employee Compensation- to include furloughs, 401k, longevity, performance evaluation system
• Vehicle Rotation Program
• DSS- to include new computers and the Northwoods Software
• Sheriff’s Office- to include information on the number of deputies, new positions, and other duties of SROs.
• Person Industries
• Adopt Resolution to Delay Revaluation at April 19th BOCC Meeting
• Adopt a Resolution Opposing the Loss of the Beer and Wine Tax Revenues
• Adopt a Resolution Opposing the Privatization of the ABC System
Ms. York proposed a Board work session prior to the County Manager presenting the
proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. Commissioner Puryear asked for public comment from Mr. George Naylor of
Timberlake.
Ms. York requested Board members to complete the evaluation form provided to rate how the retreat met the needs of the Board as well as the goals outlined for the day.
Chairman Lunsford thanked the County Manager and County Staff for organizing,
facilitating and presenting to the Board Person County’s financial situation as they
prepare to set priorities and strategies for the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget. The Annual Board Retreat focusing on Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Budget was adjourned
at 4:08 p.m.
_____________________________ ______________________________
Brenda B. Reaves Johnny Myrl Lunsford Clerk to the Board Chairman