2009-06-11 Budget Work SessionNEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31
BUDGET WORK SESSION, JUNE 11, 2009 PAGE 630
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Budget Work Session on Thursday, June 11,
2009, at 5:12 p.m. in the Lucie F. Harrell Conference Room of the New Hanover County Government Center, 230
Government Center Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were Chairman Ted Davis, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Jason R. Thompson; Commissioner
Robert G. Greer; Commissioner William A. Caster; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; County Manager Bruce T.
Shell; Budget Director Cam Griffin; and Deputy Clerk to the Board Teresa P. Elmore.
Chairman Davis called the meeting to order and requested County Manager Bruce Shell to begin the
discussion by giving an update on current changes to the recommended budget.
County Manager Bruce Shell reported that two major changes occurred effecting the recommended budget:
(1) loss of $179,583 in reimbursement from the City of Wilmington for the general election in November due to the
Commissioners decision to move forward with the advisory referendum on the additional ¼ cent sales tax in
November, and (2) the loss of $165,348 in rent payments from the City of Wilmington as City offices will be
moving from 320 Chestnut Street. Reductions were made in the miscellaneous and contingency accounts to offset
the reduction in revenue.
In discussion, Vice-Chairman Thompson stated that he has been in informal discussions with the Mayor
and council members and they have agreed to pay one-half of the $179,583 for the November election. County
Manager Shell was directed to follow up with the City Manager in getting a letter of understanding from the City.
Discussion of Funding for Outside Agencies
The Commissioners discussed funding for the following non-profit organizations:
Elderhaus
Commissioner Barfield requested funding at last years level of $55,079 instead of the proposed 10% cut.
Commissioner Caster requested that staff check to see whether other agencies provide similar services through the
Department of Social Services before the Commissioners decide on the funding level for Elderhaus. Currently the
recommended funding is $44,613.
Blue Ribbon Commission/District Attorneys Office
Consensus
: The Commissioners agreed to remove $5,000 from the budget of the District Attorneys Office to fund
the Blue Ribbon Commission.
Soil and Water Conservation District
Consensus
: A majority of the Commissioners agreed to increase funding from $40,500 to $45,500. Chairman
Davis and Commissioner Greer opposed the additional funding.
Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness
Consensus
: A majority of the Commissioners agreed to fund $25,000. Chairman Davis and Commissioner Greer
opposed the funding.
Childrens Museum
Consensus
: A majority of the Commissioners agreed to fund $5,000. Chairman Davis and Commissioner Greer
opposed the funding.
Port, Waterway, and Beach Commission
Consensus
: A majority of the Commissioners agreed to increase funding from $4,050 to $4,500. Chairman Davis
and Commissioner Greer opposed the additional funding.
NC Beach, Inlet, and Waterway Association
Consensus
: A majority of the Commissioners agreed to increase funding from $1,800 to $2,000. Chairman Davis
and Commissioner Greer opposed the additional funding.
Vice-Chairman Thompson requested Staff to prepare a report of all agencies who request funding from the
County and the municipalities to determine whether these agencies perform duplicate services and if they could be
combined to reduce overhead costs.
Discussion of Tax Rates
General Fund Tax Rate
In discussion of the General Fund Tax Rate, Commissioner Barfield and Vice-Chairman Thompson
supported a one-cent tax increase above the tax rate of $.4525. Chairman Davis, Commissioner Caster, and
Commissioner Greer opposed any tax increase.
Fire Services District Tax Rate
In discussion of the Fire Services District Tax Rate, the Commissioners agreed to an increase of one cent to
the current Fire Services District Tax Rate to bring the rate to six cents.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 31
BUDGET WORK SESSION, JUNE 11, 2009 PAGE 631
In response to Board questions and concerns, County Manager Shell said that he would prepare a
contingency plan in case the State eliminates any funding for the County. He also warned of anticipated shortfalls in
the FY10-11 budget.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further discussion, Chairman Davis adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa P. Elmore
Deputy Clerk to the Board