1990-05-29&30 Budget Hearings
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 29 & 30, 1990
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held Budget
Hearings on Tuesday, May 29, 1990, at 1:15 o'clock P.M. in the
Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North
Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioners Robert G. Greer; E. L.
Mathews, Jr.; Nolan O'Neal; Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Chairman, Fred Retchin; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
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Chairman Retchin called the meeting to order.
BUDGET HEARING FOR NEW HANOVER FOOD BANK, INC. AND MOTHER
HUBBARD'S CUPBOARD
Mr. Jack Morgan, representing New Hanover Food Bank, Inc.
and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, presented a j oint proposal of
these agencies for operation of the three feeding programs,
including the USDA commodities program, under one management at
one location with a 1990-91 Budget Request of $30,000. He stated
the Human Allocations Advisory Committee recommended funding of
$40,000 the Food Distribution Center with no funding recommended
for the Food Bank or Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. He stressed the
importance of operating a more cost-effective food program, and
respectfully requested the Commissioners to approve the proposal
submitted.
BUDGET HEARING FOR SENCLAND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Mr. Danny Harrell, representing SENCland Alumni Association,
Stepping Stone Manor, and Path~ay House, commented on the budget
request of $135,992 submitted-by these organizations stating no
funding was recommended in the County Manager's proposed budget. .
He requested the Commissioners to approve the budget request as
submitted and stated in order to continue to operate these
facilities additional professional personnel must be hired.
BUDGET HEARING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/SHELTER AND SERVICES
Ms. Mary Ann Lama, representing the Domestic
Violence/Shelter and Services, presented background information
on the increased number of abused women and children stating the
majority of clients come from New Hanover County. She commented
on increased costs and respectfully requested the Commissioners
to consider approving the original budget request in the amount
of $40,000 instead of the $30,000 recommended by the Human
Services Allocation Advisory Committee.
BUDGET HEARING FOR WILMINGTON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Mr. Bill Cameron, representing the Wilmington Industrial
Development Committee, expressed appreciation to the
Commissioners for past funding support and encouraged the Board
to approve the funding request of $40,000.
BUDGET HEARING FOR YAHWEH CENTER, INC.
Mr. Carla Roberts, representing the YAHWEH Center, Inc.,
commented on the success of the center in providing shelter to
abused children and requested the Commissioners to consider the
budget request of $35,000 as submitted instead of the $10,000 as .
submi tted by the Human Services Allocation Advisory Committee. .
She commented on the urgent need to develop a prevention program
and requested funding in the amount of $35,000 for FY 1991 in
order to apply for grants.
Mr. Tom Morgan, a Board Member of the YAHWEH Center,
presented a handout on donations received by the center, and
stated the County does bear the responsibility of providing care
to abused children under state and federal mandates. He stated
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BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 29 & 30, 1990 (CONTINUED)
79
the care being provided by the YAHWEH Center is much less costly
than through other organizations and requested the Commissioners
to approve the total budget request.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR KATIE B. HINES SENIOR CENTER - PLEASURE ISLAND
Ms. Jean 0' Dell, representing the Katie B. Hines Senior
Center, commented on the continued growth of services provided by
the Katie B. Hines Senior Center and requested the Commissioners
to approve the budget request in the amount of $4,000. She
stated the Senior Center has requested funding in the amount of
$4,000 from the Town of Carolina Beach and hopefully this request
will be approved.
BUDGET HEARING FOR THE CAPE FEAR GOSPEL RESCUE MISSION
Mr. Eugene Floyd, representing the Cape Fear Gospel Rescue
Mission, stated this organization is a non....profit agency and
provides shelter and food to the homeless who are in need of
immediate care. He urged the Commissioners to approve the budget
request submitted in the amount of $10,000.
BUDGET REQUEST FOR WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM
Mr. Jay Hockenbury, representing the Wilmington Railroad
Museum Foundation, commented on the number of persons visiting
the museum and stressed the importance of preserving the heritage
and history of the railroad in New Hanover County. He requested
the Commissioners to approve the Budget Request in the amount of
$12,000 instead of $2,500 as recommended in the County Manager's
proposed budget.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR THE CAPE FEAR COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Ms. Rose Ann Mack, representing the Cape Fear Council of
Governments, stated the Council of Governments has not increased
their budget request for the past four years; however, due to
continuing cuts in state and federal funds, it is necessary to
request an additional $1,864. She respectfully requested the
Commissioners to approve the budget request as submitted in the
amount of $20,300 instead of $18,436 as recommended in the County
Manager's proposed budget.
BUDGET HEARING FOR THE MARINE CRESCENT CENTER
Mr. Michael Brady, representing the Marine Crescent Center,
commented on new marine technology and marine related commercial
activities stating the Marine Crescent Center is concentrating on
bringing jobs into the area through development of marine
agricul ture, vessel renovations, marine training and teaching.
He stated funds are being requested from the state on a match of
2 to 1 based on a total of $35,000 from five counties. The
amount of each budget request is based upon the population of the
county; therefore, $10,410 has been requested from New Hanover
County. He requested the Commissioners to approve the $10,410 as
requested instead of $5,000 as recommended in the County
Manager's proposed budget.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR DARE, INC.
Mr. Bob Murphrey, representing DARE, Inc., commented on the
downtown revitalization program and requested the Commissioners
to consider approval of the budget request in the amount of
$22,000 as submitted instead of $20,000 as recommended in the
County Manager's proposed budget. He emphasized the importance
of continuing to develop the downtown area and requested support
of the funding request.
BUDGET REQUEST BY THE CAPE FEAR LITERACY COUNCIL
Mr. Tom Townsend, representing the Cape Fear Literacy
Council, commented on the importance of teaching children and
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~~:GET
HEARINGS, MAY 29 & 30, 1990 (CONTINUED)
adul ts to read. He requested the Commissioners to approve the
budget request of $15,000 as submitted instead of the $7,350 as
recommended by the Human Services Allocation Advisory Committee.
BUDGET HEARING FOR ST. JOHN'S MUSEUM OF ART
Mr. Ren Brown, representing St. John's Museum of Art,
commented on last year's County funding allowing the Museum to
develop outreach programs for school children and remain open on
Sunday. He requested the Commissioners to approve the budget
request in the amount of $20,000 instead of $16,500 as
recommended in the County Manager's proposed budget. He
emphasized the importance of expanding programs and increasing
the operating hours of the museum.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Ms. Cheryl Brown, representing the Food Distribution Center,
expressed appreciation to the Human Services Allocation Advisory
Committee for recommending funding to the Center in the amount of
$40,000. She stated without the funding support of the County
and cooperation of the various Human Services Agencies, this
program could not be so successful. The Food Distribution Center
is considered to be a model program throughout the state.
Vice-Chairman Barfield inquired as to the split among the
Food Distribution Center and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard and
requested an explanation of this situation.
Ms. Brown stated last year the County requested the Food
Distribution Center. and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard to merge and
that merger did occur. At that time, the Food Distribution
Center began to administer the emergency food pantry, known as
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. In March 1990, the volunteers of
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard left the Food Distribution Center and
as a result the Food Distribution Center continued to run an
emergency food pantry.
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Commissioner Barfield emphasized the importance of feeding
the needy in a cost-efficient manner and requested that a joint
meeting be scheduled with each food agency in order to determine
how funds should be allocated.
County Manager O'Neal recommended scheduling a joint meeting
among the food agencies after the Budget Hearings on May 30,
1990, at 11:30 o'clock A.M.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board
to schedule a j oint meeting with the Food Distribution Center,
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, and New Hanover Food Bank, Inc. on
Wednesday, May 30, 1990, at 11:30 o'clock A.M.
BUDGET HEARING FOR ELDERHAUS, INC.
Ms. Linda Pearce, representing Elderhaus, Inc., commented on
services rendered by Elderhaus, Inc. and requested the
Commissioners to approve funding in the amount of $35,100 as
recommended in the County Manager's proposed budget.
BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY SOIL & WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Mr. Durwood Baggett, representing the New Hanover County
Soil & Water Conservation District, presented background
information on the services of the District and requested the
Board to consider approving the budget request in the amount of
$10,789 instead of $8,100 as recommended in the County Manager's
proposed Budget.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR THE COMMUNITY PENALTIES PROGRAM
Ms. Cathy Johnson, representing the Community Penalties
Program, presented background information on the success of the
program. She requested the Commissioners to approve funding in
the amount of $12,038 as recommended by the Human Services
Allocations Advisory Committee.
BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 29 & 30, 1990 (CONTINUED)
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BUDGET HEARING FOR THE LOWER CAPE FEAR HOSPICE
Ms. Eloise Thomas, representing the Lower Cape Fear
Hospice, commented on the urgent need to provide care for
terminally ill patients regardless of whether they can or cannot
pay for services rendered. She expressed concern for reduction
in the funding request and requested the Commissioners to approve
the budget request in the amount of $10,800 as submitted instead
of $800 as recommended by the Human Services Allocations Advisory
Committee.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR THE CAPE FEAR SUBSTANCE ABUSE CENTER- RAPE
CRISIS AND CRISIS LINE
Ms. Margaret Weller, representing the Cape Fear Substance
Abuse Center, presented background information on the services
rendered and requested the Commissioners to approve the budget
request recommended by the Human Services Allocations Advisory
Committee.
BUDGET HEARING FOR THE KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL SYSTEM IN NEW
HANOVER COUNTY
Ms. Nancy Pritchett, representing the Keep America Beautiful
System in New Hanover County, commented on the growth of this
program and requested the Board to approve the budget request
submitted in the amount of $32,615 instead of the recommendation
Qf $29',90-0 as submitted iIl. the 'Co~untyManager's proposed budget..
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MEETING RECESSED
The Chairman recessed the meeting until Wednesday, May 30,
1990, at 9:00 o'clock A.M.
CONTINUED BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 30, 1990
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ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners continued
Budget Hearings on May 30, 1990, at 9: 00 0' clock A.M., in the
Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North
Third Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: Commissioner Robert G. Greer; E. L.
Mathews, Jr.; Nolan O'Neal; Vice-Chairman Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Chairman, Fred Retchin; County Manager, Allen O'Neal; Assistant
County Manager, Mary Gornto; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
Harrell.
DISCUSSION OF NEGOTIATIONS FOR PURCHASE OF UTILITY SYSTEMS
Chairman Retchin stated Attorney Kenneth A. Shanklin,
representing Cape Fear Utili ties and Masonboro Utili ties, has
requested the County to re-open negotiations for the possible
purchase of these sewer systems.
Consensus: After further discussion, it was the consensus of the
Board to authorize the County Attorney to re-open negotiations
with the Dobos for the possible purchase of the sewer systems.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Mr. Ray Funderburk, Chairman of the New Hanover County Board
of Education, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for
past funding support. He commented on the mission of the Board
of Education stating New Hanover County Schools will be among the
best in the United States by the year 2000. He requested the
Commissioners to approve the full funding request for FY 1990-91.
Dr. Tom McNeel, Superintendent of Schools, presented the
needs of the schools and requested the Commissioners to approve
funding in the amount of $15,443,969 as submitted by the Board of
Education instead of $15,112,515 as recommended in the County
Manager's proposed budget. He stressed the immediate need to
purchase state-of-the-art personal computers and other
technological equipment that is essential to the educational
process.
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( 82BUDGET HEl\RINGS, MAY 29 & 30, '1990 (CONTINUED)
Commissioner Mathews commented on deletion of funding for
the School Crossing Guards and requested Dr. McNeel to
investigate the possibility of using students as Traffic Guards.
Dr. McNeel stated he would be glad to do so; however, the amount
of traffic and speed limit would determine if Traffic Guards
could be used in the State of North Carolina.
BUDGET HEARING FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Mr. Wayne Morris, Director of the Department of Social
Services, presented documents reflecting the increased workload
of the various programs administered by the Department of Social
Services and funding needed to carry out this level of service.
He stated ,the Department of Social Services would like to receive
full funding of the budget request submitted in the amount of
$7,533,667; however, the department can operate on the County
Manager's recommended budget request of $7,002,214.
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Commissioner Barfield inquired as to whether an automated
case management system has been developed for DSS by the MIS
Department. Director Morris stated the Director of MIS has
developed a program which is to be reviewed by the County
Manager.
BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Mr. Don Blake, Vice-Chairman of the New Hanover County Board
of Health and Chairman of the Budget Committee, expressed concern
for the County Manager's recommended budget containing no
cost-of-living increase. He requested the Commissioners to
provide a 2 1/2% cost-of-living increase and limit the merit
increase to 2 1/2% in order to be competitive in recruiting new
positions. He commented on the shortage of nurses throughout the
nation and expressed concern for the recent increase in the entry
level of nurses at New Hanover Memorial Hospital from $11.85 per
hour to $12.75 per hour. Mr. Blake requested the Commissioners
to upgrade the following positions:
--Fund 20% of a Public Health Nurse I position in Maternal
Care
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--Fund 60% of a Health Educator I in Health Promotions and
Injury Preventions
--Upgrade of the following positions as presented in the
Budget Request:
Public Health Nurse I Position in Epidemiology
Public Health Nurse I Position in CTS
Public Health Nurse I Position in Adult Health
Animal Control Director's Position
HOP Health Services Coordinator Position
Administrative Assistant I Position
--Approval of funding in the amount of $2,600 for printing
of HOP Newsletter in-house.
Health Director, Robert Parker, commented on the importance
of recruiting nurses for Public Health and requested the Board to
upgrade the entry level of Public Health Nurses in order to
compete with local hospitals.
Discussion was held on the possibility of increasing the
entry level for Public Health Nurses. County Manager 0' Neal
stated $100,000 has been budgeted in FY 1990-91 for performance
of a pay and classification study which will include a review of
all positions. He recommended performance of the study, to be
completed by January, 1991, before upgrading any salary
positions.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Sheriff Joe McQueen commented on the County Manager's
recommended budget for the Sheriff's Department stating the jail
can operate on the proposed budget; however, he is concerned
about reductions in the food, uniform, and auto supply accounts.
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BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 29 & 30, 1990 (CONTINUED)
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He requested the Commissioners to provide additional funding for
these items, if necessary, during FY 1990-91.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Director of the Southeastern Mental Health Center, Doug
Sudduth, presented background information on the number of
persons being served by the Detox Center and respectfully
requested approval of the budget request in the amount of
$657,953 instead of $600,000 as recommended by the County
Manager. He stated appropriation of the additional funding will
allow an increase in the number of beds at the Detox Center from
8-20 and allow the Center to recruit medical staff for treatment
of chronically ill patients.
Vice-Chairman Barfield commented on the shortfall in the
Center's budget last year and recommended that consideration be
given to funding the entire budget request.
Discussion was held on funding participation by surrounding
counties. Director Sudduth stated Pender County appropriated
their fair share last year; however, Brunswick County did not
meet their share.
BUDGET HEARING FOR NEW HANOVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport Manager, Robert Kemp, requested the Commissioners to
approve the budget request submitted by the County Manager. He
expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for past funding
support and stated the dedication of the new terminal complex is
scheduled for September 15-16, 1990.
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AUTHORIZATION TO CHANGE DENTAL INSURANCE PLAN AND CARRIER
Director of Personnel, Andre' Mallette, stated after review
of dental insurance premiums, the Personnel Department would
recommend a change in the dental insurance carrier stating
Prudential Insurance Company offers a better plan at a lower
cost. He requested authorization to change from Sunlife of
Canada to the Prudential Insurance Company.
Motion: Commissioner Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
O'Neal to authorize the Personnel Director to change the dental
insurance plan as requested with a change in the carrier from
Sunlife of Canada to the Prudential Insurance Company contingent
upon reference checks. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
BUDGET HEARING FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Mr. Roger Simmons, representing the District Attorney,
requested the Board to approve the budget request in the amount
of $5,000 as submitted by the County Manager. He stated the
funds will be utilized for purchase of furniture for one
secretary, provide a maintenance agreement for an in-house
computer purchased from New Hanover County, and upgrade computer
equipment to better handle the workflow. He expressed
appreciation to the Board for past funding support.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dr. Tommy Satterfield, President of Cape Fear Community
College, commented on the success of the Nursing Program and
expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for support of this
program. He stated Cape Fear Community College requested less
funding for FY 1990-91 than in FY 1989-90; however, the College
can operate on the County Manager's proposed budget
recommendation.
Dr. Satterfield announced his retirement date as of June 30,
1990, and requested the Commissioners to continue to support the
College and its new president.
APPROVAL OF FUNDING FOR OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Motion: Vice-Chairman Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Chairman
Retchin to approve budget requests as recommended in the County
Manager's proposed budget with increases in the following budget
requests:
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( .184 BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 29 & 30, 1990 (CONTINUED)
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Total
Budget Request
$ 5,000
$ 4,000
$ 20,000
$ 15,000
$ 20,300
$ 8,000
$ 5,000
$657,953
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Cape Fear Gospel Rescue Mission
Katie Hines Senior Center - Pleasure Island
YAHWEH Center
Cape Fear Literacy Council
Cape Fear Council of Governments
Marine Crescent
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Southeastern Mental Health Center
Upon vote the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER, NEW HANOVER FOOD
BANK, INC. AND MOTHER HUBBARD'S CUPBOARD
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Jack Morgan,
Julia McCormick, and Michael Ligon for attending the joint
meeting. He stated the County Commissioners are concerned that
the food agencies are not working cooperatively as a combined
uni t; therefore, he would like to discuss the problems being
experienced among the food programs.
Mr. Jack Morgan, President of New Hanover Food Bank, Inc.,
stated each agency is providing a beneficial program to citizens
of the county. He stated a proposal was submitted to the Human
Services Allocation Committee whereby all food programs would be
combined at one location with an operational cost of $30,000 per
year. Reverend Mary Benjamin would be employed to operate the
commodities and on-site feeding program and four (4) members of
the Food Distribution Center would serve as members of the Board
of Directors of the New Hanover Food Bank. Mr. Morgan invited
the Commissioners to visit both feeding locations before making a
decision and to consider this proposal which will operate all
programs for $10,000 less.
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A lengthy discussion was held on the change in the original
Food Bank of the Lower Cape Fear. Chairman Retchin expressed
concern for the original Food Bank becoming the Food Distribution
Center, Inc. with the opening of a new facility named the New
Hanover Food Bank, Inc. He stressed the importance of all three
agencies working together stating the major responsibility of the
food programs is to feed hungry people as economically as
possible.
Vice-Chairman Barfield inquired as to what initiated the
separation of Mother Hubbard's Cupboard from the Food
Distribution Center. Mr. Michael Ligon, President of the Food
Distribution Center stated the separation was caused by
disagreements on management and control of monies. Mother
Hubbard's Cupboard chose to manage their monies separately and
withdrew from the organization when by-laws were adopted by the
Food Distribution Center Board of Directors granting authority to
the Food Distribution Center for operation of the food
commodities program and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard.
Ms. Julia McCormick, President of Mother Hubbard's Cupboard,
commented on numerous requests for detailed, itemized receipts of
expenditures for the non-perishable foods that were placed on the
shelves for Mother Hubbard's Cupboard clientele stating this
information was never furnished. She emphasized the importance .G
of verifying how monies are being spent, and if hungry people ~ /
are being fed stating, for this reason, the Board of Directors of
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard decided to separate from the Food
Distribution Center.
Motion: After a lengthy discussion on how the various groups
separated and need for the food programs to be combined,
commissioner Mathews MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman Barfield to
place the funding appropriation of $40,000 in the 1990-91
Contingency Fund and request the food agencies to meet and
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BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 29 & 30, 1990 (CONTINUED)
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prepare a written proposal that will combine the agencies. At
that time, the Commissioners will decide on the distribution of
funds. The floor was opened for discussion.
Commissioner O'Neal expressed concern for penalizing the
Food Distribution Center stating he feels this is most unfair.
Chairman Retchin called for a vote on the motion.
vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Upon
Voting Aye: Commissioner Greer
Commissioner Mathews
Vice-Chairman Barfield
Chairman Retchin
Voting Nay: Commissioner O'Neal
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairman
Mathews to adjourn.
Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Retchin adjourned the meeting at 12:15 o'clock P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
~if7l~
Lucie F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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