1993-05-11 Budget Work Session
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
PAGE 470
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Budget
Work Session on Tuesday, May 11, 1993, at 7:00 P.M. in the Assembly
Room located in the New Hanover County Administration Building, 320
Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
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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; and Clerk
to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell.
Chairman Greer called the Work Session to order.
DISCUSSION ON CHANGES IN FY 1993-94 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
County Manager O'Neal presented the following recommended
changes in the FY 1993-94 Budget as requested by the Board in the
April 29, 1993, Budget Work Session:
1) Decrease of 2.5 cents in the recommended tax rate.
2) Increase of $750,000 in appropriated fund balance. These
additional funds are a result of the current budget not being
spent at the level budgeted. This occurs every year since it
is impossible to know exact expenditures until June 30, 1993.
The Budget Director and the department heads are to be
commended for carefully monitoring the budget during the
fiscal year. This budget review process has resulted in the
concept that all budgeted funds do not have to be expended,
and many department heads have returned unused funds to the
general fund at the end of each fiscal year.
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3) Elimination of 3% pay plan market adjustment which will
result in a savings of $750,000 or 2 cents on the tax rate.
4) Elimination of $10,000 for the Total Quality Management
Program in the Finance Department.
5) Decrease of $193,376 in funds set aside for capital
projects. The amount budgeted will fund the first two
quarterly installment debt payments on the proposed animal
control facility and the radio tower.
6) Elimination of $50,000 from the $100,000 requested by Cape
Fear Community College.
7) Elimination of Computer-Assisted Dispatcher position in
Sheriff's Department in the amount of $28,224.
County Manager O'Neal reported $38,284 has been included for
a disability policy. All employees will participate in the program
with the County paying the premium.
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Discussion was held on the proposed disability insurance
policy. Finance Director, Andrew J. Atkinson, reported the County
does not have a disability insurance policy, and the proposed
policy would serve as an interim policy to cover an employee for
the period of time from the beginning of a disability until the
employee is accepted under the State Retirement Disability policy.
The cost is very minimal because it is a short-term disability
policy.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to include the
Disability Policy in the recommended FY 1993-94 Budget.
County Manager O'Neal reported persons representing the Food
Bank and Veterans Council have strongly objected to the recommended
funding for these agencies and requested that no funding be
appropriated in FY 1993-94 unless the amount of funding is
increased.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
PAGE 471
Budget Request for Veterans Services Office
Commissioner Barone reported the state District Veterans
Services Office is being closed and moved to Burgaw, N. C.;
therefore, no office will be in operation locally for the
administration of services to New Hanover County Veterans.
County Manager O'Neal reported the cost for New Hanover County
to operate a Veterans Services Office with two full-time positions,
a Veterans Service Officer and one full-time Clerical Assistant, is
estimated to be $51,995 annually. Brunswick County employs a full
time Veterans Services Officer and an Administrative Assistant at
a cost of $60,582 annually. Pender County has a position for one
full-time Veterans Services Officer and one Clerical Assistant at
a cost of $30,699 annually.
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commissioner Barone inquired as to whether a full-time
Clerical Assistant would be needed in a New Hanover County Veterans
Services Office?
County Manager O'Neal responded that a full-time Clerical
Assistant would be needed with the number of veterans living in New
Hanover County.
Discussion was held on alternatives to providing an office for
the veterans. Commissioner Sisson reported on a conversation held
with the local Director of the American Red Cross and reported this
agency is the only agency mandated by the U. S. Congress to deal
with veterans and their families; therefore, the possibility does
exists for the County to work through the Red Cross to provide
services to the local veterans with the County supplementing the
salary of a staff person.
County Manager O'Neal reported Deputy County Manager, Mary
Gornto, has scheduled a meeting with the local Director of the Red
Cross on Friday, May 14, 1993, at which time this idea will be
discussed.
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commissioner Barone reported on the possibility of operating
a joint office with Pender County and stated after discussion with
Chairman Jack Swann, he is interested in the idea and will present
this item to the Pender County Board of Commissioners. One area of
concern expressed by Chairman Swann was that Pender County often
views New Hanover County with skepticism; therefore, the joint idea
may not be viable. Also, as a matter of information, the Pender
County Veterans Services Officer was accidently killed while
walking along the road and at the present time this position is
vacant.
Chairman Greer reported on the regional concept and
recommended pursuing a joint operation with Pender County.
County Manager O'Neal commented on the proposed alternatives
and recommended appropriating a sum of money in the FY 1993-94
Budget for the Veterans Council in order to allow time to see if an
arrangement can be negotiated.
commissioner Sisson recommended further study of the figures
as to the demand for veteran services. It cannot be assumed that
the 12,000 to 15,000 veterans living in New Hanover County will
demand services. Many veterans are not interested in receiving
services; however, there is a group of veterans in desperate need
of services.
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Consensus: After discussion of the funds that can be saved if a
joint operation is negotiated, it was the consensus of the Board to
leave a $20,000 funding appropriation in the FY 1993-94 Budget for
the Veterans Council and authorize the County Manager to pursue
working with Pender County and the American Red Cross to provide
services to the veterans.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
PAGE 472
Discussion of Food Bank Funding Request
County Manager O'Neal reported the current allocation to the
Food Bank is $36,000 with a funding recommendation of $15,000 by
the Human Services Allocation Advisory Committee.
A lengthy discussion was held on the procedure used by the
Human Services Allocation Advisory Committee to review non-county
agencies. County Manager O'Neal reported funding was recommended
at 70% of the overall figure budgeted for FY 1992-93; therefore,
funds were allocated among the agencies based upon the need for the
service with some agencies receiving more than 70% and others less.
Discussion was held on the funding problems that have been
experienced with the Food Bank. Budget Director, Cam McAbee,
reported when deciding to allow the Food Bank to handle the USDA
commodities distribution, the Board of County Commissioners at that
time, decided that the reimbursement of $4,000 received by the
County for the commodities distribution should go to the Food Bank
instead of being returned to the County.
Discussion was held on Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. Budget
Director, Cam McAbee, reported the original purpose of this agency
was to establish one place in the County to feed hungry people on
an emergency basis. Presently, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard is open
three afternoons a week for two hours with a reduction in the
number of clients being served. This agency is not meeting the
needs of the clients, and the churches have begun to stock their
own pantries because Mother Hubbard's Cupboard is not opened on a
daily basis.
commissioner Sisson inquired as to what will happen if the
Food Bank closes?
Budget Director McAbee reported a large percentage of the food
distributed by the Food Bank is snacks. Manufacturers receive a
tax deduction for donating items; therefore, items that move slowly
are donated, such as creme rinse, shampoos, drain openers, etc. The
Soup Kitchen will miss the Food Bank because food can be purchased
cheaper. Hopefully, another agency can be found to distribute the
USDA commodities program with the $15,000 funding allocation. It
was concluded that the Department of Social Services cannot assume
this responsibility.
Chairman Greer reported on the Food Bank passing out slips to
all persons receiving food last week informing them that due to a
lack of funding from New Hanover County, the Food Bank would be
closed. Each person was urged to call the Commissioners and
register a complaint. Chairman Greer expressed concern for this
non-factual information being disbursed to the general public since
the Food Bank is not a County, State, or Federal program. This is
a local group who became affiliated with the Food Bank of North
Carolina and assumed the responsibilities of this food program.
The County contracted with the Food Bank to perform distribution of
USDA commodities, which was formerly performed by the Department of
Social Services. It is most unfair for the County Commissioners to
receive criticism for the funding shortage of this program.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to include $15,000 in the FY 1993-94 Budget to negotiate with
an agency to distribute USDA commodities.
commissioner Sisson suggested increasing the tax rate to 3
cents or 2.75 cents to satisfy the needs of the human services
programs. This would avoid having to pick and select which
agencies to fund or cut.
After discussion, it was agreed that the tax rate should not
be increased more than 2.5 cents.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
PAGE 473
Discussion on Services Rendered by the Council of Governments
Commissioner sisson expressed concern for the quality of
services being rendered by the Council of Governments (COG).
Problems were experienced with submittal of the County's Human
Services Transportation Development Plan because of a delay in
surveys, which were three months late. Fortunately, the Department
of Transportation did allow the plan to be submitted without
penalty or a loss of funding. The Commissioners were urged to
inform the Council of Governments about the quality of services
being rendered and very clearly send the message that in order to
continue to receive funding, these services must improve.
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Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, reported that COG is the
lead agency for the Department of Aging with all funds received for
the aging being required to go through this agency. There are two
counties working with the state to allow aging funds to be
forwarded directly to counties instead of having to go through the
Council of Governments. No decision has been rendered as of this
date.
County Manager O'Neal reported he will be glad to discuss this
matter with the Director of the Council of Governments.
After further discussion of the Council of Governments being
more beneficial to small and rural counties than to urban counties,
the County Manager was requested to prepare a report on the duties
and functions of the Cape Fear Council of Governments.
Discussion of New Pay and classification Plan
Discussion was held on the 5% merit increment for County
employees. County Manager 0' Neal commented on the new pay plan and
reported the plan is based upon performance. There will be no
future cost-of-living increases. Future market adjustments to the
pay plan will require a standard level of performance by the
employee before receiving an increase. Once the plan is
implemented and department heads become accustom to the new rating
system, the plan will provide a great deal more flexibility, award
for performance only, and save money in the future.
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Discussion was held on the ability of an employee to receive
a 0% to 10% merit increase. Chairman Greer expressed concern for
any employees being eligible to receive a 10% merit increase and
stated in, his opinion, industry is not providing increments of
this size. He reported on being in favor of a merit increase for
employees, but emphasized the fact that the County's payroll is
$2.5 million more than two years ago; therefore, a 10% increase is
not acceptable.
commissioner Barone inquired as to whether the Board should
place a cap on the percentage of increase?
Director Mallette reported a
above standard; therefore, very
requested, and if so, they will
Department of Human Resources.
majority of employees are not
few 10% increases will be
be closely monitored by the
Deputy County Manager Gornto reported only 5% will be budgeted
for the total salaries of each department; therefore, if one
employee in a department receives 10%, another employee will not
receive an increase. It will be up to each department head to
evaluate and award employees according to their performance, which
will result in more accurate and fair evaluations.
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Consensus: After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to include the 5% merit increase as proposed and very closely
monitor 10% increases with a report being forwarded to the
commissioners on the actual cost to the County for the 5% merit
increase during FY 1993-94.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
PAGE 474
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Discussion of Rent Being Received for the Rankin Terrace Health
Clinic
Chairman Greer reported on funds being received by the Health
Department for payment of rent for the Rankin Terrace Health
Clinic, which now serves as an interim building for the Community
Health Center. Concern was expressed for the County being asked at
a later date to purchase a site for construction of this facility
with the funds that have been received for rent. At the present
time, the Health Department is not earmarking these funds for that
purpose.
Budget Director McAbee reported when the Community Health
Center is operational, a decision will have to be made by the Board
of County Commissioners as to whether the County will continue to
fund the Health Department's current expenses?
commissioner sisson suggested that any action taken on the
purchase of a site should be a joint venture between the City and
County since a large number of the medically underserved persons
live within the city Limits. Also, he reported N. C. Senator Tom
Wright serves on the Board of Directors of the Community Health
Center and is committed to seeing that this facility receives state
funding.
Discussion was held on land acquisition. Vice-Chairman
Mathews reported the Community Health Center Board of Directors is
in the process of locating a site and since the new Executive
Director has been hired, this process should move more quickly.
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Discussion of Funding for Southeastern Center
Commissioner sisson reported on the difficult budgetary
constraints for Pender County and the lack of funds that may be
received by the Southeastern Center.
After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
authorize the Chairman to write a letter to the Southeastern Center
explaining the need for all counties to pay the same per capita
amount of the Southeastern Center's budget.
Acceptance of Reducing Cape Fear Community College Funding Request
Commissioner Sisson inquired as to why additional funds in the
amount of $100,000 are needed for Cape Fear Community College?
Budget Director McAbee reported $85,000 of the $100,000 has
been requested to install a fire alarm system.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to budget an increase of only $50,000 to Cape Fear Community
College instead of the $100,000 requested.
Approval of New Positions
Chairman Greer expressed concern for an additional Zoning
Enforcement Officer position being requested by the Inspections
Department and recommended elimination of this position.
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commissioner Sisson commented on the citizens of the County
being in favor of the Billboard and Sign Ordinance and urged the
Board to approve the Zoning Enforcement Officer position in order
to deal with non-conforming billboards and monitor signs.
County Manager O'Neal reported on the need for an additional
Zoning Enforcement Officer, not only for enforcement of the
Billboard and Sign Ordinance but for enforcement of the Zoning
Ordinance throughout the entire County.
Vote: After further discussion, the following Commissioners were
opposed to adding a new Zoning Enforcement Officer position:
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MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
PAGE 475
commissioner Barone
Commissioner Caster
Chairman Greer
commissioner Barone commented on the Tax Mapper I position and
inquired as to whether this position is necessary at this time?
County Manager O'Neal reported on the large investment by the
County for this program and stated in order to continue
implementation of the MAPS Program, the position is needed.
Finance Director Atkinson reported on a long-term basis, the
County will be glad the MAPS program was implemented; however, on
a short-term basis, it is difficult to fund the program without
seeing the benefits that will be realized, particularly for the Tax
Department.
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Commissioner Barone inquired as to whether the Board is going
to include an Assistant County Attorney position in the FY 1993-94
Budget as requested by the County Attorney. After discussion, it
was agreed that an additional Assistant County Attorney position is
needed due to the increased workload in the Legal Department.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to approve the following new positions in the FY 1993-94
Budget:
Assistant County Attorney position.
Tax Mapper I position for implementation of Mapping Program.
Half-time Public Health Nurse I position in the Child Health
Services Coordination Program. position to be funded by grant
funds.
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Public Health Educator I position for Project ASSIST.
position to be funded by grant funds.
Two positions for the Support Enforcement Program at the
Department of Social Services to assist with the collection of
child support.
Accounting Technician III position to assist with processing
payments to the private sector day care providers for DSS
clients.
Groundskeeper position at the Parks Department
Tradesworker I position at the Parks Department.
Discussion of capital Projects
County Manager O'Neal reported two quarterly payments for the
Animal Control Facility and purchase of a radio tower have been
included in the proposed FY 1993-94 Budget as follows:
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Animal Control Tower
Radio Tower
$80,000
$28,000
Consensus: After a lengthy discussion on the need to purchase a
radio tower during FY 1993-94, it was the consensus of the Board to
eliminate the purchase of a radio tower during the next budget
year.
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Discussion of Funding Requests for Human Services and cultural ,
Recreational outside Agencies
Discussion was held on the funding recommendations by the
Human Services Allocation Advisory Committee for human services and
cultural and recreational outside agencies.
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M~NUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
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Chairman Greer expressed appreciation for the time and effort
given by the Human Services Allocation Advisory Committee in the
review and preparation of funding recommendations for outside
agencies; however, too often the Commissioners do not follow the
recommendations of this committee. It is unfair to ask volunteers
to spend hours of time reviewing and preparing budget
recommendations that are not accepted; therefore, should this
Committee be continued?
County Manager O'Neal reported the Human Services Allocation
Advisory Committee and members of staff spend months reviewing
outside agency budget requests. Dissolving this Committee would
save a tremendous amount of time for staff; however, the Committee
has performed an outstanding job in recommending funding requests.
After further discussion, it was generally agreed that this
matter should be discussed in the Work Sessions to be held in late
August or September for the purpose of establishing priorities and
direction for preparation of the FY 1994-95 Budget.
commissioner Sisson, again, recommended increasing the tax
rate to 2.75 cents in order to fully fund the human services
outside agencies.
Vote: After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to accept the 90% funding recommendations presented by the
Human Services Allocation Advisory Board for the Human Services
outside agencies with the exception of funding for the following
agencies:
Agency
Recommended Funding Request
Elderhaus, Inc.
Community Penalties
Food Bank - Commodities Distribution
Veterans Council
$58,000
$12,347
$15,000
$20,000
Discussion was held on funding for the Cultural & Recreational
outside agencies.
Chairman Greer recommended decreasing the current year funding
request by 10% and eliminating the $10,000 line item marked
"others".
Consensus: After discussion,
decrease the current year
Recreational outside agencies
item.
it was the consensus of the Board to
funding request for Cultural &
by 10% and eliminate the $10,000 line
Discussion of Economic & Physical Development Outside Agency
Funding Requests
Commissioner Barone commented on the importance of DARE's
contribution to the County's tax base by encouraging rehabilitation
of buildings, houses, and new businesses to the downtown area and
suggested this agency be funded at least $20,000.
Vice-Chairman Mathews inquired as to whether the City funds
DARE?
Budget Director McAbee reported the City of Wilmington
approved a funding allocation of $39,000 for FY 1992-93.
Commissioner Caster agreed with the $20,000 funding
appropriation for DARE, but inquired as to whether this type of
funding will be forever or should these outside agencies be told
they are going to be reduced on a gradual basis? A lengthy
discussion was held on the former Board deciding to reduce these
agencies by 20% each year until funding is phased out; however, the
proposed action was never actually adopted or implemented.
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,MINUTES OF BUDGET WORK SESSION, MAY 11, 1993
PAGE 477
Chairman Greer commented on funding to the beach communities
for lifeguards and recommended that funding to the beaches remain
at the same level of funding as last year.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to accept the
recommended funding requests for the Economic & Physical
Development outside agencies with the following exceptions: (1)
funding for the beach communities is to remain at the same level
funded last year; and (2) a $20,000 funding appropriation for DARE
is to be included in the budget for FY 1993-94.
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SCHEDULING OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR RECOMMENDED FY 1993-94 BUDGET
County Manager 0' Neal reported the changes recommended tonight
will be incorporated into the recommended budget, and he requested
the Board to select a date to hold a Public Hearing on the proposed
budget.
Consensus: After discussion of the need to hold a Public Hearing
separately from a regular meeting, it was the consensus of the
Board to schedule a Public Hearing on May 24, 1993, at 8:00 P.M.
with a Budget Work Session preceding the Public Hearing at 7:00
P.M. to hear budget presentations from the Department of Social
Services; New Hanover County Board of Health; Sheriff's Department;
Southeastern Center; Cape Fear Community College; and New Hanover
County Schools. The meeting will be held in the Assembly Room of
the New Hanover County Courthouse and presentations for the budget
requests are to be limited to ten minutes and remarks received
during the Public Hearing are to be limited to three minutes.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Greer adjourned the meeting at 11:30 P.M.
Sincerely, .~
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'---I:~'i; F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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