1991-02-08&9 Budget Retreat
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MINUTES OF RETREAT, FEBRUARY 8 & 9, 1991
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a retreat
on March 8 & 9, 1991, at the Blockade Runner Hotel, Suite 210,
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.
Members present were:
Robert G. Greer; William H.
Jr.; Chairman, Fred Retchin;
. Attorney, Robert W. Pope;
Harrell.
Chairman Retchin called the Work Session
o'clock P.M. on Friday, February 8, 1991.
Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Sutton; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews,
County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
to order at 5: 00
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
County Manager 0' Neal stated preparation of the 1991-92
Budget will be difficult with the shortfalls being experienced by
the state and federal governments. He respectfully requested the
Board to develop policy directives during the retreat in order
for Staff to proceed with preparing the budget.
The following topics were explained and discussed:
EXPLANATION OF VARIOUS FUNDS
The General Fund
Fire Service District
The Resource Recovery Fund
Schools
The Room Occupancy Tax
The Water & Sewer District
Sales Tax
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RESTORATION OF FUND BALANCE
Revenue Trends
Current Shortfalls
Intergovernmental Projections
State Reimbursements
Schools
Southeastern Center
Assumption of Programs and Positions
- Alternatives
MEETING CONTINUED UNTIL SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1991
Chairman Retchin recessed the meeting at 9:30 o'clock P.M.
on Friday, March 8, 1991, to be continued at 9:00 o'clock A.M. on
Saturday, February 9, 1991.
The following topics were explained and discussed:
EXPENDITURE PATTERNS
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- Human Resources Management
- Debt Management
- Water and Sewer
- Recycling
- Airport
PROPOSED LOCAL LEGISLATION
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
After a lengthy discussion on alternative sources of
generating additional revenues and the predicted decreases in
state and federal funding, it was the consensus of the Board to
issue the following policy directives to Staff for preparation of
the proposed FY 1991-92 Budget:
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( 3 !:!ferrns OF RETREAT (CONTINUED)
POLICY DIRECTIVES
No more than a 4 cent tax increase designated for restor-
ation of the fund balance.
A thorough review of non-mandated programs administered by
outside agencies and county departments including a review
of match levels. Staff is to provide detailed information
on these programs during the budget process in order for
the Board to better evaluate the effectiveness of these
programs to see if they should be reduced or curtailed.
Review of fees being charged by County Departments:
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(a) Inspection Fees: Compare fees being charged
in other counties versus New Hanover County.
(b) Investigate fees being charged by the Library.
(c) Investigate the market rate for rental space
and compare fees being charged by the County
to outside agencies.
(d) Comparison of impact and park fees being
charged by other counties.
(e) Investigate fees being charged for usage of
meeting rooms.
- Legislative Action
(a) Seek enabling legislation to impose a land
transfer fee, if so desired.
(b) More equity in appraisal process for adjusting
inflationary exemption and/or indexing for
elderly and handicapped property owners.
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(c) Allow for more flexibility in SB 111.
(d) Change DMV vehicle taxing process.
(e) Seek a local act to increase the maximum fine
for violation of County Ordinances from $50 to
$500.
- Solid Waste
(a) Proceed with "Dirty MRF" Program and other
activities as discussed.
(b) Prepare recommendations for permanent recycling
sites and pursue the use of community service
workers to man the sites.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
After discussion of various items, the following
recommendations were presented by members of the Board:
1. More emphasis should be placed on the maintenance
of schools by the school administration and school
board.
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2. Request the Finance Director to review with Bond
Counsel the possibility of advance refunding on
bond issues to see if interest rates can be reduced.
3. Development of a policy statement outlining the ef-
fectiveness and expectations of non-mandated programs
administered by non-county and county agencies. This
policy would serve as a guideline to determine if the
program is needed and and if so, its effectiveness
in services rendered versus costs involved.
4. Develop a community coordinated program, perhaps
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MINUTES OF RETREAT (CONTINUED)
35 7 "'lIIl
through the United Way, to involve civic clubs in
sponsoring human services projects.
5. Re-examine the proposed increase in the employee's
contribution for Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical
insurance to equalize the percentage of increase
among all types of coverage.
DISCUSSION OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
County Manager O'Neal commented on the importance of
strategic planning to enable the County to balance between what
is desired versus what is possible. Chairman Retchin stated in
the process of developing a strategic plan, he would recommend
that each department develop a plan of action that will serve as
a guideline to better judge and evaluate programs and
expenditures of each County department. He stressed the
importance of developing a plan that will ensure a cost-effective
operation of County government. County Manager O'Neal stated he
would be glad to prepare a presentation on strategic planning
that will define the items to be included in this process.
Assistant County Manager, Dave Weaver, commented on the lack
of coordination between the Land Use Plan and the Sewer System
Plan. He recommended that a review of these plans should be
included in developing a strategic plan in order to promote
orderly growth and development.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, expressed
appreciation to the Administrative Staff for excellent
presentations and reports presented at the retreat. He adjourned
the meeting at 3:00 o'clock P.M. on Saturday, March 9, 1991.
~es ectfully s bmitted,
-'\/
Lu 'e F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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