1992-05-22 Budget Work Session
~
MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 22, 1992
PAGE 9
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Budget
Work Session on Friday, May 22, 1992, at 9:00 A.M. in the Assembly
Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
.\
Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Fred Retchin; William H. Sutton; Vice-Chairman Robert G. Greer;
Chairman E. L. Mathews, Jr.; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; and
Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell.
Chairman Mathews welcomed all persons present and called the
meeting to order.
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS FY 1992-93 BUDGET
REQUEST
The requested funding by the New Hanover County Schools for FY
1992-93 was $20,219,100 of general fund dollars with recommended
funding of $19,270,386 for a difference of $948,714.
Chairman of the Board of Education, Ann King, expressed
appreciation for the opportunity to appear before the Board of
County Commissioners to comment on the FY 1992-93 Budget Request.
Appreciation was expressed for continued support of the schools and
the cooperative working relationship between the Board of Education
and County Commissioners.
.
Superintendent of Schools, Tom McNeel, expressed appreciation
to the County staff, particularly, County Manager, Allen O'Neal;
Budget Director, Cam McAbee; and Finance Director, Andrew J.
Atkinson, for their assistance and cooperation throughout the year
and during the FY 1992-93 budget process. He stated the
recommended budget for FY 1992-93 is acceptable.
The following reports were presented:
-1992-93 Current Expense Operating Budget
-1992-93 Capital Outlay Budget
-Comparative 1990-91 Financial/Educational Data
Numerous reorganizations have occurred to reduce the FY 1992-
93 School Budget. The number of top administrators has been
reduced from 6-4 in the past two years and two (2) Assistant
Superintendents positions have been cut as well as the Staff
Developer position. Emphasis was placed on fulfilling the New
Hanover County School Mission Statement, which is to be among the
best school systems in the southeastern United States.
.
Discussion was held on the importance of providing fire alarm
and safety equipment to all schools. Also, discussion was held on
the program needs versus space needs and the proposed State billion
dollar bond issue. Dr. McNeel stated passage of the bond issue
will be most beneficial to all schools throughout North Carolina;
however, this funding will not resolve all needs. Emphasis was
placed on the importance of providing a proper learning environment
with enough space to maintain a lower number of students per class
as well as providing properly heated and cooled classrooms. New
materials, technology, and programs are certainly essential, but
facilities must be conducive to the learning environment.
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to Superintendent
McNeel for an excellent presentation.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE LT. GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL TO
ELIMINATE THE STATE PUBLIC SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUND AND THE
CRITICAL NEEDS SCHOOL FUND
County Manager O'Neal presented a memorandum from the North
Carolina Association of County Commissioners expressing concern for
j
(
MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 22,1992
PAGE 10
a proposal from the Lt. Governor that would eliminate the state
Public School Construction Fund, the critical Needs School Fund,
and place before the voters a State school bond referendum for an
unspecified sum in November. The Board was requested to adopt a
resolution opposing this proposal since elimination of these funds
will result in a local property tax increase.
Motion: After discussion, Commissioner Retchin MOVED, SECONDED by
Commissioner Sutton to prepare a resolution strongly opposing this
action and forward copies to the local legislative delegation and
N. C. Association of County Commissioners.
()
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as a part of
the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XX, Page 1.
PRESENTATION OF DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES FY 1992-93 BUDGET
REQUEST
The requested funding by the Department of Social Services for
FY 1992-93 was $8,360,641 of general fund dollars with recommended
funding of $8,350,876 representing a difference of $9,765.
Mr. Francis Foy, Chairman of the Board of Social services,
expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for funding support,
and stated the recommended budget is acceptable. Concern was
expressed for not including the Merit Program in the FY 1992-93
Budget, particularly with the additional work created by the
increase in the number of clients receiving public assistance. The
Commissioners were requested to reconsider inclusion of merit
increments since many employees did not receive an increase with
implementation of the new Pay and Classification Plan.
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to the DSS Board and
staff for the budget presentation.
o
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FY 1992-93
BUDGET REQUEST
The requested funding by the Health Department was $3,321,522
for FY 1992-93 with recommended funding of $3,349,954 representing
a difference of $28,432.
Dr. Michael Goins, Chairman of the Board of Health, commented
on the importance of preventative health programs and expressed
concern for the reduction of these programs. Due to a lack of
funds, the Cancer screening Clinic has been eliminated, the foreign
travel immunization program has been eliminated, one Animal Control
position has been eliminated, fees have been raised in the Animal
Control and Environmental Health Division, and the Health
Department is not serving out-of-county patients. The Health
Department has reduced the FY 1992-93 Budget Request by $11,000.
Concern was expressed for the reduction of staff and the lack of
merit increments for employees during FY 1992-93. Emphasis was
placed on the fact that many long-term employees, who are valued
workers that carry out the health programs, did not receive an
increase with implementation of the new pay plan and feel there
will be no future pay increases. .
Health Director, Bob Parker, commented on the Communicable
Disease Programs, particularly sexually transmitted diseases, and
stated these diseases are rampant. Emphasis was placed on providing
preventative programs and staff to combat these diseases.
()
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to Dr. Goins and
Health Director Parker for the budget presentation.
PRESENTATION OF THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FY 1992-93 BUDGET REQUEST
The requested funding by the Sheriff's Department was
$8,993,412 with recommended funding of $8,935,353 representing a
difference of $58,059.
l
"-
'~I
~
$1':...
,MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 22, 1992
PAGE 11
Sheriff Joe McQueen stated the department can operate on the
County Manager's recommended budget; however, the following new
positions are needed to operate the newly expanded jail and 911
Center:
.
10 additional deputies
1 full-time cook
1 utility position
3 dispatcher positions
Captain L. P. Hayes stated currently the new 911 Center is
operating with 6 dispatch positions and 3 call-taker positions. At
this level of staffing, it is impossible to operate the new
facility without 3 additional dispatcher positions. 911 dispatch
personnel work 24 hour shifts. At the present time, there are 18
total dispatchers and 3 administrative personnel. At this level of
staffing, no breaks are allowed, meals are taken at consoles, and
one console is not manned. with the new equipment and increase in
the workflow, it is imperative that additional dispatchers be
hired.
Commissioner Retchin commented on the fifty-cent telephone
surcharge and inquired as to whether these funds have been
appropriated and if not, could they be used for hiring additional
personnel?
Budget Officer McAbee stated no funds from the surcharge have
been appropriated; therefore, these funds could be utilized for new
positions.
.
In summary, Sheriff McQueen expressed concern for the many
employees who did not receive a pay increase with implementation of
the new Pay and Classification Plan and requested that merit
increments be included in the FY 1992-93 Budget.
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to Sheriff McQueen and
Captain Hayes for the budget presentation.
A.M.
BREAK
Chairman Mathews called a break from 10:03 A.M. until 10:15
PRESENTATION OF NEW HANOVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport Director, Bob Kemp, stated the Airport Authority is
satisfied with the recommended FY 1992-93 Budget and complimented
the County Manager and Budget Staff for their assistance and
cooperation during the budget process.
Vice-Chairman Greer expressed appreciation to the Airport
Director for submitting a reduced budget. Director Kemp stated the
implementation of the passenger facility fee is one of the primary
reasons for the reduced budget.
.
Commissioner Retchin commented on other airports not electing
to impose the passenger facility fee and inquired as to the
percentage of airports imposing this fee? Airport Director Kemp
stated 25% of airports will charge the fee.
Chairman Mathews inquired as to the most serious problem being
experienced at the Airport.
Director Kemp stated new sources of revenue must be generated
in order to become independent.
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation to Director Kemp for
an excellent report and budget presentation.
PRESENTATION OF CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE FY 1992-93 BUDGET
REQUEST
Mr. Franklin Williams, Chairman of the Cape Fear Community
J
MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 22, 1992
PAGE 12
College Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation to the County
Commissioners for past and continued funding support and stated the
College is pleased with the recommended FY 1992-93 funding request.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of Cape Fear Community
College to the community, particularly with the many courses
offered in the vocational field. Many students, who opt not to
obtain a 4-year college degree, are given an opportunity to learn
a skill that will qualify them for good paying jobs and at the same
time provide well trained employees for local industry.
o
Dr. Richard Conrath, President of Cape Fear Community College,
expressed appreciation for support of the Community College and
presented an update on the current and future activities of the
college. Emphasis was placed on the critical need for additional
space with the growing enrollment.
County Manager O'Neal expressed appreciation to Dr. Conrath
and the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees for their
cooperative working relationship.
Chairman Mathews expressed appreciation for the status report
and budget presentation.
DISCUSSION OF PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIREMENT FOR CONTRACTORS
Deputy County Manager Gornto stated after discussion with the
Executive Secretary of the New Hanover/Wilmington Insurance
Advisory Board, the following conclusions were drawn:
-An insurance agent cannot write a letter certifying that a
Performance Bond will be is~ued for a contractor until the
time of bonding, when financial records are examined.
-The bid bond or 5% cash of the work to be performed could be
considered in lieu of a financial statement. For example, if
a contractor is awarded the bid and they are unable to enter
into the contract, the bid amount would be forfeited plus the
bid costs incurred in awarding the bid to the next lowest
bidder.
()
After review, Staff would recommend requiring an audit,
compilation, or review as preformed by a Certified Public
Accounting firm since the contractor will have to provide financial
information in order to obtain a performance bond. The County does
not require the performance bond until the bid is awarded.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to approve the plan as submitted by the Deputy County
Manager.
DISCUSSION OF NEW PAY AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN
Commissioner Sutton commented on the number of employees who
did not receive an increase with implementation of the new Pay and
Classification Plan and stated this is a matter of concern to many
employees. Emphasis was placed on the need to pay employees
performing above the expected level, and staff was requested to
check into the following items: (1) prepare figures on the cost of
providing a 2-3% merit increase in the FY 1992-93 Budget, if funds
become available, and (2) notify County employees that the Merit
Program will not be discontinued.
()
County Manager O'Neal stated the cost of a 1% merit increment
would be approximately $800,000; however, the Commissioners may
wish to include some form of a merit increment for the last six
months of the 1992-93 fiscal year. Staff will be glad to prepare
figures with monitoring of revenues and expenditures. The Board
will be informed on the availability of funds.
commissioner Barfield and Commissioner Sutton expressed
concern for the morale of long-term employees and stated if any
\
~
-:>it. ,
~
.f ~ ...~l.
MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 22, 1992
PAGE 13
merit increments can be implemented during FY 1992-93, they would
be most supportive of this proposal.
STATUS REPORT ON THE U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Assistant County Manager, Dave Weaver, reported after review
of the proposed U. S. Geological Survey study of the County aquifer
system, it is felt that the study is too costly and encompasses
more than needed.
.
Staff recommends that a Groundwater Study for New Hanover
County be developed in cooperation with State officials
knowledgeable in this area. A Request for Proposals (RFP) can be
developed determining the scope of the study. Once completed, the
RFP will be mailed to vendors for a cost estimate which will allow
the County to determine the cost involved.
C9mmissioner Retchin commented on the information already
compiled and recommended preparing a report based on this
information.
Discussion was held on the possibility of the County
developing a water system and the importance of protecting the
County's groundwater from contamination.
Commissioner Sutton emphasized the importance of beginning
with a planning mode and recommended researching the most feasible
way to obtain information for a groundwater study.
Motion: After further discussion, Commissioner Sutton MOVED,
SECONDED by Commissioner Retchin to authorize Staff to proceed with
development of a Request for Proposals for protection of the
groundwater supply. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
.
REPORT ON CAPE FEAR COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
PERFORMANCE OF A CASTLE HAYNE AQUIFER STUDY
Commissioner Retchin stated the Cape
Governments has re-entered a grant request for
the Castle Hayne Aquifer.
GRANT REQUEST FOR
Fear Council of
a study to protect
Vice-Chairman Greer recommended ]olning with the Council of
Governments in performance of a study on the Castle Hayne Aquifer
Study along with our proposed groundwater study, if the grant is
awarded.
INVITATION BY N. C. FOREST SERVICE
Chairman Mathews stated The N. C. Forest Service has requested
the Commissioners to attend a tour at Takeda Chemical on June 18,
1992.
Consensus: After review of this date, it was the consensus of the
Board to request the Forest Service to schedule the tour on another
date.
.
Chairman Mathews encouraged the Commissioners to attend events
of this type, particularly when companies have spent a considerable
amount of time organizing the tour. He expressed disappointment
for only two Commissioners attending the tour of the Brunswick
Nuclear Plant.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Mathews adjourned the meeting at 11:25 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
~;C~
Clerk to the Board
j