1995-01-26 Budget Retreat
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'M~NUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY 26, 1995
PAGE '495
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a retreat
on Thursday, January 26, 1995, at 8:30 A.M. in the Conference Room
of the Carolina Power & Light (CP&L) Building located at 437
Military Cut-Off Road, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Sandra Barone; William A.
Caster; William E. Sisson, Jr.; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.;
Chairman Robert G. Greer; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
Attorney, Wanda Copley; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F~ Harrell.
Chairman Greer called the meeting to order and stated the
purpose of the retreat was to discuss major issues that have to be
addressed during the upcoming budget process. He announced that
Mr. Greg pittillo, Manager of Carolina Power & Light Company, would
like to make a, brief presentation.
Mr. pittillo presented'a brief overview of the transition that
is occurring with utility companies and reported that partnerships
will be the way of the future. CP&L has a partnership with New
Hanover County 'through the employment of 1,300 employees living in
the County with a $44 million plus payroll; 3,500 stockholders;
$1.5 million paid in County taxes; $320,000 in contributions to
various organizations; and employee involvement in community
relations activities throughout the county. CP&L is in the process
of~restructuring' its organization through managed attrition with a
de~rease in the number of employees from 9,500 to 7,900 since 1987,
"and by the end<pf 1,~95', an'other 150 positions will pe deleted. In
:,the near future';, customers'''will have the ability to shop around for
. ele.ctricity with a variety of choices. In order to remain
. competitive, CP&L must establish partnerships among the local
,;organizations and provide services focusing on the "customer" being
, the: most valued asset. New Hanover County is a valued customer and
"CP:&L desire;; for, this partnership to continue to grow.
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Chairman Greer, on behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation
to Mr. pittillo for use of ' the facility and the brief status report
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on:the activ1t1es of CP&L.
DI~CUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FUND
Curbside Recyc~ing and Drop-Off sites
Discussion was held on the recent article published in the
Wall Street Jourhal 'about recycling not being cost-effective.
Co~issioner Cast~r commented on being disappointed when reading
th~ article and expressed concern for the County moving toward a
:'curbside recycling collection if the program will not pay for
itself. :
Further discussion was. held on the County's drop-Off recycling
sites. Assistant,Coun~y Manager, Dave Weaver, reported the drop-
off sites have a high~volume of , use, but the program is not cost-
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effective because'the:recyclables do not produce enough revenue to
cbver the operaticih '(of the ,program. As to curbside recycling, this
",process wouldalfow .i1:", rJduction in the waste stream, but the
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pf-ogram would".not.~~e C:.c>,st;-effective.
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Discussion.w~s ~~id.pn Senate Bill 111 and the unrealistic
pe~centage goals estabris~ed for reduction of the waste stream. It
was concluded ,that,.this:: matter should be discussed with the local
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Dis~ussion of a Mandatory,Trash Collection system in New Hanover
county'Z. '
<, j! Chairman Greer repor~ed the Board must decide if mandatory
"trash collection shoui'd be implemented in New Hanover County. He
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Comm1ss10ner ,~S1s~on asked why the Board was so opposed to
mandatory trash,collection?
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY 26, 1995:
PAGE 496
Chairman Greer reported trash can be collected with an
increase on the tax rate, and in his opinion, if mandatory trash
collection is implemented, this is the same as increasing the tax
rate. Since New Hanover County is a resort area and many people
have vacation homes that are not used on a year-around basis, it
would not be fair to charge these people a monthly fee.
commissioner sisson suggested billing by the container, which
would bill customers only when the service is being used. Under
the current system, people dump trash behind businesses, burn or
bury trash in their backyards, and dump trash along the roadways.
These types of problems will continue until some mechanism is
implemented that will require people to dispose of solid waste in
a responsible manner.
Chairman Greer reported many of these problems could be
eliminated with hiring more deputies to work in the enforcement of
the Litter Ordinance. At the present time, there is only one,
deputy assigned to this division.
County Manager O'Neal reported when working with the haulers
to create a collection system through establishment of certain
zones, they were in favor of a mandatory collection system because
the system would be more cost-effective. Also, a mandatory system
would create the volume needed at WASTEC. He reported Staff feels
that a voluntary residential collection system would not meet the
County's needs.
After further discussion, it was concluded by a majority of
the Board Members that a mandatorv residential collection system
should not be considered as an option.
DISCUSSION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FACILITIES
Reports and charts were presented reflecting the figures for
operation of the Landfill with WASTEC remaining open and with
WASTEC being closed under the following scenarios:
SCENARIO A: with a long-term commitment to a $30 tip fee, the
haulers would bring the trash back to WASTEC, which would provide
160,000 tons annually. Funds in the amount of $6.3 million would
have to be transferred from the General Fund.
If the County actively sought trash to fully utilize the
boilers at the 85% capacity, electric sales would increase from
$815,000 to $2.4 million and funds in the amount o~ $4.5 million
would have to be transferred from the General Fund. There is no
guarantee that the volume of trash needed to reach the 85% capacity
would come into the County within one year; however, with a $30 tip
fee, it is felt that within three years, the volume of trash needed
would be received and the plant would become much more cost-
effective.
SCENARIO B: If the WASTEC Facility is closed, the usage of the
Landfill would greatly increase and the County would still have to
pay the debt service. Funds in the amount of $4.5 million would
have to be transferred from the General Fund.
Discussion was held on the number of years before the debt
service is paid. Deputy County Manager, Andrew J. Atkinson,
reported the bonds were just refinanced for a period of 20 years.
The $4.5 million annual debt service will decrease to $2.8 million
by the year 2005.
Assistant county Manager Weaver reported staff feels that
operating both WASTEC and the Landfill would be more cost-effective
since the haulers have indicated that trash will be carried back to
WASTEC if the County establishes a long-term tip fee of $30.
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY 26, 1995
PAGE 497
Chairman Greer inquired as to why the haulers have not carried
more trash to WASTEC since the County reduced the tip fee to $30
effective July 1, 1994?
Assistant County Manager Weaver responded the haulers felt the
$30 tip fee was established for one year, not on a long-term basis.
Discussion was held on the number of years left in the
permitted area of landfill space. Assistant County Manager Weaver
reported if WASTEC closed, the landfill would have a life of 17-20
years. If WASTEC remains open, the landfill would have a life of
40-45 years. The County owns additional land, which has not been
permitted by the state; however, there should be no problem with
obtaining a permit, and if WASTEC remains open, the land should
last for 100 years. Also, focus is being placed on recovering 58%
of burnable materials from the 3,500 tons of mixed waste being
landfilled. Through the separation of burnable materials being
carried back to WASTEC for incineration, electric sales could
increase by approximately $62,000 per month.
Chairman Greer asked why the Landfill should not be closed if
WASTEC is closed?
Assistant County Manager Weaver informed the Board that WASTEC
and the Landfill could be closed; however, this would be more
costly to County residents. If administration, recycling, and debt
service costs were removed, the Landfill could be operated for
under $20 per ton. If solid,waste is carried to Sampson County
with a tip fee of' $25 plus transportation, this would cost more
that the $20 per ton tip fee at Landfill. Also, the debt service
would have to be paid.
Chairman Greer expressed concern for the taxpayers having to
pay $6.3 million for incineration under Scenario A, and under the
best of circumstances still having to pay $4.5 million. In his
opinion, this is a costly procedure.
A~ter further discussion, the County Manager was requested to
furnish the following information before the Solid Waste Work
Session to be held on February 2, 1995.
1. Figures reflecting revenues and expenditures from July 1, 1994
through December, 1994.
2. Actual funds 'transferred from the General Fund.
3.' Exact length of debt service and the annual payment.
4. Figures on instal}ment debt service for equipment.
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5. Breakdown of debt service for the Landfill and WASTEC.
6. Figures showing actual subsidies to WASTEC from the General
Fund with Waste Management carrying its trash out of the
county. - ,
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List of the. projected life expectancies of major WASTEC
components. . !ii,
How much money has been committed to the 3-year Maintenance
Plan?, ,~'
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9. What are the costs of operating, the Landfill by itself?
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What
is the eiact~cost of recycling?
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PROPOSED~'ANNEXATION BY THE CITY OF WILMINGTON
Greer "~nJ;ioU:nced the City Council has requested the
to sc~ed~~e-;a'joint meeting to discuss the delivery
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DISCUSSION OF
Chairman
Commissioners
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY 26, 19?5,
PAGE 498
and financing of urban services. He requested direction from the
Board.
Vice-Chairman Mathews commented on the recent bus tour of the
County provided by Staff and recommended offering the same tour to
the members of the Wilmington City Council before holding the joint
Work Session. He reported, in his opinion, this tour would be of
great benefit to the Council Members in better understanding the
actual growth that has occurred in New Hanover County.
County Manager O'Neal presented the following overview of
facts and figures pertaining to the proposed annexation as
presented by the City on January 10, 1995:
1. Annexation will increase the tax bills for both City and
County residents. County residents will not realize any
significant savings from service cuts due to the annexation,
and property taxes will need to be raised to offset the
decrease in sales tax revenues. The city would be required to
provide additional services to the annexed areas. These new
costs would probably keep a reduction of ad valorem taxes from
being feasible, and could require a tax rate .and/or user fee
increase as a result of the City's plans to expand water and
sewer.
2.
The issue of tax equity is discussed in section 302-C, Local
Government Finance in North Carolina, by David Lawrence of the
Institute of Government: "If property is in more than one
jurisdiction, it may be taxed by each jurisdiction, as long as
the rate of each is uniform as to all property within that
jurisdiction. Thus, it is perfectly proper for both a county
and a city to tax the same piece of property, if the property
is within both units......The property tax is imposed wherever
property is found; its proceeds are spent wherever needs
arise. Thus, a county may properly spend county-wide property
taxes to install or support a water and sewer system in only
one part of the county; or a city may spend city-wide property
taxes to administer a historic district ordinance that applies
to only one portion of the city."
3. In general the current framework for both the City and County
is working. The City is providing the services that it has
historically provided. It is appropriate to seriously
question the wisdom of major changes, whether through
redistribution of revenues, annexation, or consolidation.
Clearly the city has targeted those areas for annexation to
which the county has already provided sewer services. The
cost to the City to build this sewer system in the proposed
annexation areas would be approximately one hundred million
dollars. Discussion on consolidation of specific departments
may be more effective and cost efficient, including the
Sheriff and Police Departments (currently under study); Parks
and Recreation; Water and Sewer; Vehicle Management; Planning;
Purchasing; and Management Information Systems. This would
leave the City and County with their own unique activities
while achieving a maximization of resources to provide
"overlapping" services.
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4.
The issue of sales tax distribution has been raised. There
are pros and cons for both methods of distribution available
in North Carolina. The counties utilizing the per capita
method often have done so for many years and primarily because
of, the financial advantage to the county. The same is true
for most of the counties using the ad valorem method of
distribution. It has been argued that a significant portion
of the sales tax revenue is generated from sales to persons
who reside either in the unincorporated portion of the county
or completely outside the cities and counties involved (as is
the case in New Hanover County), making it more equitable for
the county to receive the greater portion of sales tax
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY 26, 1995
PAGE 499
revenues.
levied only
but have no
It is important to note that the sales tax is
by counties. cities and towns share in revenues
legal role in the decision to levy the tax.
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A change in sales tax distribution would not be a vacuum. The
beach communities, schools, and fire district would join with
the County in receiving decreased funding. The following
schedule was presented with use of the per capita method for
distribution of sales tax revenues:
city of Wilmington
Wrightsville Beach
Caro'lina Beach
Kure Beach
New Hanover County
$
$
$
$ (85,000)
$(2,035,000)
2,410,000
(200,000)
( 90,000)
increase
loss
loss
loss
loss
Finally, changing the distribution of sales tax revenues would
simply shift the burden to increase revenues from the City to
the County, in order to maintain current levels of service.
The City would succeed in transferring the responsibility of
raising the ad 'valorem tax rate or decreasing expenditures
and/or services to the County.
5. The issues raised concerning double taxation need to be
addressed. The County does provide some services exclusively
in the unincorporated area of the county, just as the City
provides some services only to the exclusive segments of its
service area. Specifically, the city noted the following
items:
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County Sewer
Sheriff's Patrol
County Planning
..... .. .
County Eng~neer~ng
Admin./Overhead
'J:' Total
$4,100,000
4,000,000
526,000
423,000
801.000
$9.850.000
The County has used sales tax revenues to pay debt service for
the Sewer System.in Areas A and B already annexed by the city.
without ,.the Co'unty Sewer System, annexation would not have
been considered by the city.
The Sheriff's entire budget for the current year is
$10,631,815, including $2,893,625 for the Sheriff's Patrol
Division.' This amount is over $1.1 million less than
estimated by the city. Al though there may be more emphasis on
patrol activities in the unincorporated portion of the County,
patrol services are provided county-wide.
6.
County Planning and Engineering indeed serve all ,citizens of
the county" especially~through general guidance and direction,
the mapping sYs,te~, and growth management.
The County Ma,nager' s budget for the current year totals
$394,698 and inclliCles six staff members. The Governing Body's
budget for the curr~nt year totals $314,746 and includes five
commissioners 'and two members of staff. These two total
$709,444, 'or 0:7i:'percent of the County's general fund budget,
and represent administrative services provided for all County
activities' al)d ,departments. The nature of the $801,000
presente9 by 'the City is not clear.
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The city 'discussed infrastructure projects that are planned
for the annexed' areas. Staff understands that funding for
these project;; W:6uld be through frontage assessments, not
property or sales'tax dollars. Frontage assessments are an
aaditional burden .to the taxpayer. It is reasonable to assume
that improyeinentlilt,woUld be slow to materialize, especially
sInce "are'a'S' ai1neX~d in recent years by the City continue to
wait for promIsed improvements, including sidewalks and drainage.
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY 2~, 1995.
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PAGE 500
7.
street construction and maintenance were discussed. The city
receives significant state and Federal funding for road
maintenance with over $1.6 million budgeted in Powell Bill
monies for FY 1994-95. Powell Bill monies are state funds
that can be used only by active municipalities for
"maintaining, repairing, constructing, reconstructing, or
widening of any street ?r public thoroughfare including
bridges, drainage, curb and gutter, and other necessary
appurtenances within the corporate limits of the municipality,
or for meeting the municipality's proportionate share of
assessments levied for such purposes." streets and drainage
projects budgeted by the City for 1994-95 total $1,265,000,
which was $345,000 less than estimated Power Bill revenues for
the year. The city also receives over $500,000 in various
highway and transportation grants over and above Powell Bill
monies.
The main thoroughfares of the city are state roads which are
maintained through state funding. Everyone living in or
visiting wilmington and/or New ~anover County uses the street
and highway structure. without a street system, there would
be few funding sources available to the city and almost no
sales tax revenue. The Powell Bill funding would be useless.
Property values and related property tax income would be
extremely low. Tourism and other business activities would be
limited.
8.
The city expressed concern for services provided through the
City that benefit residents of the unincorporated portion of
the County. There was no mention of services provided
entirely by the County which serve City residents
disproportionately; including Emergency Medical Services, the
Library System, 911, Cape Fear Museum, Aging programs, Social
Services, and services provided by the Health Department.
Approximately 68% of EMS calls are answered from the downtown
EMS facility, which serves only the incorporated area. The
vast majority of persons served by Social Services and the
Health Department are City residents. The County funding of
$12.4 million permits the provision of $22.9 million and $8.7
million of services in 'Social Services and the Health
Department. The combined total of $31. 6 million represents 32%
of the County's general fund budget, and is over 98% of the
City's entire general fund budget for 1994-95. This excludes
over $75 million in direct benefit payments to residents made
available through social Services. Inclusion of .direct
payments provides social Services benefits of over $98 million
to the entire County.
In conclusion, the city and County should no longer dwell on
past issues but work together in providing the best management and
use of city/County resources and services.
commissioner Caster reported on the many calls that he had
received from persons who do not feel any benefits will be received
from annexation, and stated, in his opinion, the citizens should
have the right to vote on annexation.
Vice-Chairman Mathews agreed and stated the overwhelming
majority of the citizens feel they should be able to vote on
annexation.
After further discussion of the need to schedule a joint
meeting with the city, Vice-Chairman Mathews requested providing a
round table seating arrangement; preparation of an agenda in
advance of the meeting; and attendance by a majority of the members
on the City Council and Board of county Commissioners.
commissioner Barone commented on inaccurate figures that were
presented by the City and suggested that accurate figures be
prepared as part of the agenda packet.
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY..26, 1995
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PAGE 5 if1
Discussion was held on the consolidation of certain services.
commissioner Barone commented on combining the Parks & Recreation
Departments and expressed concern for the County becoming involved
with recreation and suggested pro-rating the recreation portion of
this service to the City if the departments are combined.
Further discussion was held on the fact that citizens from the
county do not desire additional services and do not want to be
annexed. However, according to the City, additional services 'are
needed in the County. Chairman Greer requested the Assistant City
Manager, William Wisnhant, to explain the intent of the Mayor's
letter relative to services.
Assistant City Manager, William Wisnhant, reported the intent
of the letter was to recognize New Hanover County as an urbanized
county and hold a joint meeting to discuss concerns about the
increasing demand for services and how these services will be
funded. The Mayor would like to review government strategies to
provide these services.
County Manager O'Neal asked if this means the City would
consider an alternate delivery of services instead of annexation?
Assistant City Manager Wisnhant responded the City would like
to review the services and try to devise an appropriate strategy.
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County Manager O'Neal inquired as to whether this means the
creation of another structure or consolidation of departments to
ptbvide services?
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Assistant city Manager Wisnhant reported the organization
structure should be set aside, and the city and County should try
to~determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide
,se~vices to the residents of the City and County.
Commissioner sisson inquired as to whether the purpose of the
Work session is.an alternative to annexation?
, H A;;sistant City Manager Wisnhant reported there may be an
alternative to annexation, an alternative to consolidation, or an
a}ternative to special districts. Again, the issue is the most
~f!ective and fai~ way for services to be delivered to the city and
co~nty residents.
commissioner Barone expressed concern for the City of
wi~mington 'having to give up its charter after 255 years.
Chairman Greer requested the star-News to run a pro and con
section on whether,th~_residents of the unincorporated County want
to 'be annexed .to 're,cerve additional services. . .
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commissioner sis~on recommended holding the Work Session to
discuss money, ,which is the primary issue.
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Consensus: Aft~i'further'discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to sche4,ule,~a ':jqint >meeting on February 28, 1995, at 9:00
~.M~ until ,12~00 noon ~nthe Madeline suite at UNC-W. The County
Mari~ger, was direct~a.t~' work with the city Manager in preparing an
ag~nda that wf~~be comp-osed of issues related to money with proper
backup' materials) that ,accurately reflect the figures and
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DISCUSSION OF: ADDITIONAL COSTS RELATED TO NEW HANOVER COUNTY
SCHOOLS, CAPE 'FEAR>COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND THE SOUTHEASTERN CENTER
:"l;'h., Budget' Dir.ec.~pr, ';rellIn.~~riffin, reported due to passage of the
bond.rissues for'-sc.hool.~', al}a Cape Fear Community College, the debt
service will'repr~sent~fiye cents on the tax rate; however, the
Coimty:has already;absorbeaH.5 cents on the tax rate without a tax
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANU~Y 2~, 19?~_
PAGE 502
commissioner Caster requested a report showing the amount of
the bonds and how these bonds affect the tax rate. County Manager
O'Neal reported he would be glad to prepare a report.
Discussion was held on the state Bond issue for Community
Colleges. If the Community College System uses the current
priority order, Cape Fear Community College will receive a large
portion of bond funds for capital needs; however, if the money is
distributed to each and every Community College, the funds will be
much less.
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No budget request has been received from the schools. County
Manager O'Neal reported the schools do not have to present a
request until May 15; however, a letter has been written to Dr.
Dale Martin for receipt of the budget request by April 15, 1995.
Discussion was held on additional funding for the Southeastern
Center. County Manager 0' Neal reported the Southeastern Center
does not have enough Staff to provide the services, and the
professional employees, nurses, and regular employees are paid much
less than other State employees.
Chairman Greer expressed grave concern for the Southeastern
Center not billing for its services. He reported before he can
support additional funding, the Center will have to become more
responsible.
After further discussion of the additional funding requests,
Chairman Greer requested the Board to decide if they are willing to
increase the tax rate to cover these needs in order for Staff to
prepare the budget. In his opinion, this will be difficult during
a time when the entire country is focusing on less government and
less taxes. For the record, he is not in favor of a tax increase
except for the 3.5 cents for the school and Community college
bonds. Also, the Commissioners must recognize that as new school
buildings are constructed the cost of maintenance will greatly
increase.
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Chairman Greer asked Budget Director Griffin if any
projections have been estimated on the amount of increased
revenues?
Budget Director Griffin reported revenues should increase by
3.5%.
Discussion was held on projections for the sales tax revenue.
Finance Director, Bruce Shell, reported the first quarterly report
for July, August, and September was 12% higher than last year.
LUNCH
Chairman Greer recessed the meeting for lunch from 12:05 P.M.
until 2:00 P.M.
DISCUSSION OF THE WATER & SEWER DISTRICT AND IMPACT FEES
Finance Director, Bruce Shell, presented an overview of the
fund balance for the Water & Sewer District; the escrow fund for
the Wastewater Treatment Plant; and a report on sewer impact fees.
Deputy County Manager Atkinson reported the District must
construct the Ogden Interceptor and Wastewater Treatment Plant,
which will use all available funds.
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Discussion was held on the need to generate more revenue for
the Water & Sewer District. within a year, the Water & Sewer
District may not have funds available to expand the Sewer system.
The District receives many requests from developers to co-sponsor
sewer extension projects; however, the District does not have funds
to participate in these joint ventures. At some point, the
District will have to install a full size force main to serve new
development.
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY'26", 1995 PAGE 503
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Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether the District has
missed many opportunities to co-sponsor sewer projects?
Assistant County Manager Weaver responded many offers have
been made south of the Monkey Junction area.
Commissioner Barone requested Staff to bring these
opportunities to the District Board on a case-by-case basis.
After further discussion, Staff was directed to prepare a
report on the cost of extending the Sewer line from Monkey Junction
with co-funded projects.
commissioner sisson reported if funds are not available, the
Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant could be deferred and these
funds could be used to extend the sewer extension line from Monkey
Junction south. '
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Assistant County Manager Weaver reported if the City proceeds
with its proposed annexation, the District will experience a loss
of $500,000 annually in sales tax revenue.
Finance Dfrector Shell reported the Water & Sewer District
should consider increasing the sewer rate by 10% and the water rate
,bY'25%. Also, the $375 sewer impact fee should be increased to
~$67.s. Currently, Wrightsville Beach charges an impact fee of
$3,000; Carolina Beach $950; and the City of Wilmington $735.
County Manager O'Neal reported the impact fee will not only
apply to new d~velopment but to developments that will continue to
-expand.
After discussion of increased growth which creates the demand
for schools, water ~nd sewer, fire protection, parks, etc., it was
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',agreed to.c'ons1d'er 1ncreas1ng the 1mpact fee as a revenue source.
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Staff was directed to prepare an analysis on the sewer impact
fee and the potent~al to develop impact fees for schools, parks,
;'etc. with the report to be presented at the February 2, 1995, Staff
meeting. ' .. \.
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DISCUSSION OF SPACE NEEDS FOR THE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
county Manager O'Neal reported on the need to provide more
space for the Emergency Operations Center. The County has an
opportunity to work out a long-term arrangement with the Airport
about ~sage of' the old National Weather Service Building, which
will require some modifications. The Airport has advertised for a
tenant; with no'specific response.
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Commissioner' Barone recommended moving the Emergency
Operations Center to the Airport, if some type of arrangement can
be, negotiated. i.
. v~6e-Chairman Mathews agreed and stated the Airport Authority
should be willing" tb work out an arrangement.
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DISCUSSION OF ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
, . Co~i~sioner",~.S;i~son commented on the need ,to prepare for
cap1tal 1mprove~ent~ 1~~advance and recommended an appropriation of
funds annually "to~ari <i\::count earmarked for this purpose.
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Further discJ~sidh was held on space needs for the downtown
office'buirdings. Depllty County Manager Atkinson reported there is
a 'larg~ amount of;-uhd~~; utilized space in the Library.
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County Manager 0 '!"eal, reported the Administrative space, which
is a small. amount 0,f.)~pa6e on the second floor of the Library,
could be moved to~tlie\third, floor. The second floor could be used
to expand the Libr~ry'cbllection area, and the remaining space on
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY 26, 1995,
PAGE 504
the third floor could be used as a one-stop shopping office for
obtaining permits.
Chairman Greer stated, in his opinion, any use of the Library
space should be with offices that do not generate a large amount of
traffic so that library clients will not be disturbed.
Discussion was held on the use of the lot owned by the city in
front of the Cape Fear Museum. Assistant City Manager Wisnhant
reported this land was being held for a governmental use, and ,if
law enforcement should be merged, the land could be used for a Law
Enforcement Center.
After further discussion, the Board agreed that space needs
should be discussed after the City and County have made a decision
on consolidation/annexation issues.
DISCUSSION ON COUNTY FIRE SERVICE
Commissioner sisson reported the Volunteer Fire Departments
are in favor of the .plan presented for the 421 North Industrial
Corridor and the proposed fire protection for the County. with the
number of responses growing, particularly during day time hours,
the Volunteer Firemen are very supportive of a system composed of
volunteer personnel and paid personnel. This type of system would
provide a better response time and the specialized training needed
to fight hazardous materials and chemical fires.
Chairman Greer agreed, but expressed concern for New Hanover
County going into professional firefighting when the city has an
established Fire Department. He recommended consolidating the fire
service with the City having the leadership.
commissioner sisson reported unless there is a drastic change
in the city, there would be no place for volunteers, and the fire
service would be much more expensive. He expressed concern for the
city and County having two separate Fire Codes, non-compatible
equipment, and a city Fire Department bureaucracy that is
inflexible in the operation of its department. In his opinion,
bringing two groups that have traditionally been at odds with each
other could be a complicated process.
Chairman Greer recommended listing the fire service as another
service that could be consolidated.
commissioner sisson requested the Commissioners to be upfront
with the Volunteer Firemen if the Board is considering the
consolidation of fire service with the City.
commissioner
sensible, and, in
would not allow
resolved.
Caster reported combining the fire service is
his opinion, if personalities are involved that
this consolidation, this problem should be
After further discussion, a majority of
fire service should be a consideration
consolidation of services.
the Board agreed that
when discussing the
DISCUSSION OF MEETING WITH THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
County Manager O'Neal inquired as to whether the,Board would
like to meet with the Legislative Delegation to discuss the
fOllowing issues:
1. Repeal of the Intangibles Tax
2. Annexation Laws
3. Flexibility of Local Sources of Revenue
4. Environmental Issues:
Recycling
Credit for Solid Waste Incineration
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, JANUARY ,26;:- 1995
PAGE 505
After discussion of time constraints for the Commissioners and
Legislators, it was agreed for the Chairman to write a letter
explaining the County's concerns and authorize the County Manager
and Chairman or Vice-Chairman to visit the Legislators in Raleigh
to discuss these matters.
OTHER ISSUES
Budget Work Sessions
County Manager O'Neal reported in mid-March the Commissioners
will need to hold Work Sessions to discuss major trends that are
developing in the FY 1995-96 Budget. He informed the Board once
the budget process' is further along, he will try to establish dates
for the Work Sessions.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greer commented on the retreat being very productive
and adjourned the meeting at 5:00P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
C/ii-;~~
Clerk to the Board
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