1991-06-05 Budget Hearings
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held Budget
Hearings on June 5, 1991, at 9:00 o'clock A.M. in the Assembly
Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third street,
wilmington, North Carolina.
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Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Robert G. Greer; William H. Sutton, Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews,
Jr.; Chairman Fred Retchin; County Manager, Allen 0' Neal; and
Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell.
Chairman Retchin called the meeting to order and informed
the agencies scheduled for budget hearings that the Commissioners
will listen to each budget request with a decision being made at
a later date.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Chairman Retchin led the audience in the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
BUDGET HEARING FOR NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Ms. Ann King, Chairman of the New Hanover County Board of
Education, expressed appreciation to the Commissioners for their
support of public education in New Hanover County and
complimented the County Manager and staff for their cooperation
in preparing the FY 1991-92 Budget Request. Concern was
expressed for the projected state cuts and the Board was
requested to consider the original budget request in the amount
of $18,772,241 instead of the County Manager's recommended
request in the amount of $17,161,016.
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Commissioner Sutton commented on the County's cost for
mandated programs and inquired as to the amount of funds that the
County is providing to the schools over the mandated programs.
Ms. King stated at the present.time, the schools have not
been informed of mandates, and recommended that the Commissioners
contact the legislators to request the release of the mandated
programs for FY 1991~92.
Dr. McNeel, Superintendent of Schools, presented a list of
projected State budget cuts and other important needs with
emphasis being placed on the following items for FY 1991-92:
(1) 3 Additional Teachers for Exceptional Children: A
federally mandated program beginning FY 1991-92. The
more children identified to receive services, the more
costly the program. The program is mandated as to the
number of children per class based on the disability
and service being rendered from as few as 8 pupils per
teacher to 15 pupils per teacher. In order to comply
to federal guidelines, additional teachers will have
to be hired.
(2) Pre-School Handicapped Services: A federal mandate
effective FY 1991-92 for the provision of pre-school
services to handicapped children from ages 3-5.
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(3) 5 Additional Teachers to Comply with Mandates for
pupil/Teacher Ratio: The school system must comply
to federal and state mandates with enough teachers
to meet the guidelines, particularly in the Elementary
Schools. Funds will have to be provided to comply to
the mandates.
(4) Hiqh School Remedial Instruction Computer Labs: A
program designed to assist high school students to
obtain basic reading and mathematical skills.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, expressed
appreciation to Dr. McNeel for the budget presentation.
BUDGET HEARING FOR DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Mr. Harold Cloud, Chairman of the Board of Social Services,
expressed appreciation for allowing the Board to participate in
the budget presentation and complimented the Department of Social
Services for the outstanding services provided persons in need.
Emphasis was placed on the projected funding shortfalls and the
importance of receiving funding to continue services rendered by
the Department of Social Services.
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Director of Social Services, Wayne Morris, presented the FY-
1991-92 Budget Request and stressed the importance of providing
services to the needy, particularly children in poverty. He
commented on the nine (9) additional positions recommended by the
County Manager and stated the five trainee positions for the
Income Maintenance Program will allow the department to deal with
recruitment problems and more effectively process the paper work
with fewer employees. The four (4) Child Support Enforcement
positions will generate more revenue than the additional
positions will cost. The areas of increase in the proposed
budget request are in the following Public Assistance Programs
mandated by the State:
1. The AFDC and Family Medicaid programs have increased
25% within the past 12 months which represents an
additional 850 cases with the need for 8-10 additional
case workers according to the Maximus Report.
2. The Medicaid Program for adults has increased 12 1/2%
in the past 12 months representing 305 new cases with a
need for two additional workers according to the Maximus
Report.
3. The Food Stamp Program has increased 10% in the past 12
months representing 500 new cases with an increased cost
of 9-10%.
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Director Morris commented on the Alexander versus Flaherty
ruling which monitors the DSS programs and stated the County has
not been monitored; therefore, no penalties will be assessed
during FY 1991-92. The County Commissioners Association has
hired a consulting firm to review the application process to see
if changes can be made to decrease the paper work and intake
procedures.
Director Morris also commented on the Children's Protective
Services program and stated due to the increase in child abuse
and child neglect, the House Appropriations Committee has
approved $4.5 million in HB 1260 with that bill in the Finance
Committee and SB 950, which has been passed by the Senate
Appropriations Committee; therefore, it is hopeful that
additional state funds will be received for this program.
Director Morris expressed appreciation to the Commissioners
for support of the DSS Department and stated it is time for the
State to contribute its share. He requested the Commissioners to
consider the original budget request in the amount of $7,590,585
instead of the County Manager's recommended budget request of
$7,378,817 in order to effectively provide services for the
upcoming fiscal year.
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Discussion was held on the $363,000 computer program for
implementation of an automated case management system to more
efficiently process in-take applications. DSS is required to
communicate with the following systems which are not integrated:
(1) the Food Stamp Information System; (2) the Eligibility
Information system for Medicaid and AFDC; (3) the Services
Information System for various service programs; (4) the Child
Support System; and (5) the New Jobs System. The proposed
computer program will integrate these systems and save hours of
staff time.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
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commissioner Greer expressed concern for the increased costs
of mandated programs, such as Medicaid, and stated the costs must
be controlled or the entire system is going to burst.
After discussion of increases in services rendered and
mandated programs, Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to
Director Morris for the budget presentation.
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BREAK
Chairman Retchin recessed the meeting for a break from 10:37
o'clock A.M. to 10:46 o'clock A.M.
BUDGET HEARING FOR THE SHERIFF' S DEPARTMENT
Sheriff Joe McQueen requested the Commissioners to consider
the original budget request submitted to the County Manager in
the amount of $8,486,892 instead of his recommended budget of
$8,103,481. He expressed concern for the County Manager cutting
the positions requested and stated in order to effectively
operate the jail and provide law enforcement for the protection
of our citizens these positions are needed as well as the van
requested.
Discussion was held on the proposed Pay and Classification
Plan. Sheriff McQueen complimented the Commissioners for hiring
a consultant to perform a Pay and Classification study which will
increase the entry level for deputies and allow the department to
compete with other local governments when hiring new employees.
He urged the Commissioners to adopt the pay plan and approve the
4% cost of living increase to show their support of county
personnel.
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commissioner Sutton expressed concern for adopting the Pay
and Classification Plan and approving a 4% cost of living
increase and stated the County could absorb the additional cost
for the increase of medical insurance instead of approving a cost
of living increase.
County Manager 0' Neal stated the proposed budget does not
include any merit increases; therefore, with only 1/3 of the
employees receiving a positive impact from the new plan, the
remaining 2/3 of employees will not receive an increase for the
coming year. He also reminded the Commissioners of the fact that
a cost of living raise has not been approved for the past 2 1/2
years.
commissioner Sutton asked Sheriff McQueen his opinion of the
County adopting the new pay plan and absorbing the cost of
increased medical premiums versus approval of a 4% cost of living
increase.
Sheriff McQueen stated the 4% cost of living increase should
be approved along with the Pay and Classification Plan in order
to increase the pay of the employees not recei ving a upward
movement by the Pay and Classification Plan. He, again,
reiterated the low salaries being paid to deputies and
recommended approval of the 4% cost of living increase as well as
adoption of the Pay and Classification Plan.
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After discussion.of the requested positions and the need for
an additional van, Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to
Sheriff McQueen for the budget presentation.
BUDGET HEARING FOR SOUTHEASTERN CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH,
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Director of the Southeastern Center, Doug Sudduth, expressed
appreciation to the Commissioners for past support of the
Southeastern Center and commented on the formation of "Coalition
91", a group composed of 58 different advocacy and professional
agencies who appeared before the General Assembly as advocates of
the unmet needs of the mentally ill, developmentally disabled,
and persons suffering from substance abuse. As a result, the
House approved an allocation of $6 million to meet these needs;
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
however, due to funds not being distributed on a per capita
basis, which would allocate $192,000 to the Southeastern Center,
the funds will be much less since New Hanover County is ranked 37
out of 41 area programs in the State. The Commissioners were
urged to contact the legislative delegation to request that they
support the per capita distribution.
Further discussion was held on the original budget request
and the need for support of this request in the amount of
$793,255 instead of the County Manager's recommended budget of
$725,604. Director Sudduth commented on the present fiscal year
and the difficulty in operating the facility with the shortfall
of State funds. Since January, 1991, the Southeastern Center
Board of Trustees has cut back on positions and expenses in order
to make up for the shortfall; therefore, the original budget
request in the amount of $793,255 is urgently needed for the
Center to operate and continue its present level of service.
Through the efforts of the Southeastern Center's staff, the
shortfall has been overcome; however, when funds were received
from the State, the money was restricted to pay for beds at the
Oaks and no monies could be utilized to provide increases to the
members of staff who have gone far beyond the call of duty to
keep the facility operational.
Discussion was held on developing a working relationship
with New Hanover Regional Medical Center and utilizing volunteers
in the Southeastern Center. Director Sudduth stated negotiations
are being held and volunteers are being recruited.
commissioner Barfield, a member of the Southeastern Center
Board of Trustees, stated the original budget request submitted
in the amount of $793,255 is a "bare bones" budget, and he urged
the Commissioners to approve the additional request in the amount
of $67,651.
commissioner Sutton commented on negotiations with New
Hanover Regional Medical Center and stated the $500,000 loan was
a savings to the hospital; therefore, this should be a
negotiating point in discussion with the hospital. He also
commented on the increase of clients and inquired as to the
funding support from Pender and Brunswick counties.
Director Sudduth stated budget requests to Pender and
Brunswick counties are based on a per capita share. Last year no
additional money was received from Pender with a contribution of
$119,000, and Brunswick County allocated $229,088 which was half
of the requested contribution.
Further discussion was held on the per capita funding and
the neighboring counties receiving a much larger share of state
funding, but not contributing their fair share to the
Southeastern Center. Commissioner Sutton expressed concern for
Pender and Brunswick counties not contributing their fair share,
and requested staff to let this be known.
After further discussion, Chairman
appreciation to Director Sudduth for an
presentation.
Retchin expressed
excellent budget
BUDGET HEARING FOR NEW HANOVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport Director, Bob Kemp, expressed appreciation to the
Commissioners for support of the.new Airport Terminal and stated
the Airport Authority and staff are pleased with the County
Manager's recommended budget request in the amount of $694,000.
Commissioner Sutton commented on the two proposed corridors
for the Wilmington Bypass and inquired as to the impact upon the
Airport. After further discussion, it was agreed that Director
Kemp should discuss the proposed corridors with the Planning
Director to be sure they pose no negative impact to the Airport.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
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commissioner sutton also commented on the generous offer by
a property owner along smith Creek for establishment of a park
and recommended pursuing this issue.
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BUDGET HEARING FOR CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
President Richard Conrath expressed appreciation to the
Board for continued support of Cape Fear Community College and
stated the Board of Trustees is satisfied with the County
Manager's FY 1991-92 Budget Request. A progress report was
presented on the success of the Nursing Program and other
programs to be offered in the medical and health care fields.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to President Conrath
for the budget presentation.
LUNCH
Chairman Retchin recessed the meeting for lunch from 12:10
o'clock P.M. to 1:10 o'clock P.M.
BUDGET HEARING FOR THE NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Mr. Donald Blake, a member of the New Hanover County Board
of Health, commented on the proposed Pay and Classification Plan
and urged the Commissioners to approve the plan as well as the 4%
cost of living increase. Entry levels for environmental
specialists and sanitarians are below the range for other
counties throughout the state. He expressed concern for the
retirement of the Health Department's veteran environmental
specialists and stressed the importance of providing a pay level
that will be competitive. He introduced Mr. John Coble, a member
of the Board of Health, to further explain the importance of
these positions.
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Mr. John Coble, a member of the N. C. Restaurant
Association, stated the state Association lobbied for adoption of
the $25 fee being charged to restaurants with the condition that
2/3 of the monies collected would be returned to counties to
assist in paying the salaries for sanitarians for inspection of
restaurants. Although, this represents only $16.50 per
establishment, these funds will not be received by the County
without 100% of county restaurants being inspected quarterly. He
stated out of the last 10 sanitarians who left employment of the
County, 8 left for monetary reasons. He stressed the importance
of being competitive with salaries and requested the
Commissioners to adopt the new pay plan.
Mr. Blake presented the FY 1991-92 budget request and
respectfully requested the Commissioners to replace the following
funds that were not recommended in the County Manager's proposed
budget:
1. Due to implementation of the "Management Entity Pro-
gram", which is mandated by federal law, the county is
required to oversee new techniques for installation
of septic tanks to become effective July 1, 1992. The
of Board of Health respectfully requests that adequate
funds be budgeted as of March 1, 1992, to hire the fol-
lowing personnel in order to implement the program:
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1 Program Specialist
1 Clerk Typist III
$10,104
$ 6,207
2. One full time Administrative Assistant position in
Animal Control is needed to handle the backlog of
citations, particularly with the recently enacted
state law pertaining to dangerous dogs. Revenue
generated from citations issued will more than pay
for the $20,420 salary.
3. The Director of Vector Control desperately needs a
tractor loader in the amount of $5,000. Since the
the Director has secured an additional $18,000 of grant
funding for the County, the Board of Health requests
that $5,000 be budgeted to purchase the loader.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
4. Replacement of the $13,000 deduction from the Home
Health Care Program for travel and training since no
county dollars fund this program.
5. Replacement of $2,062 for miscellaneous items as pre-
sented in the budget request.
County Manager O'Neal stated the part-time position referred
to by Mr. Blake under the Animal Control section is not a
temporary position included in the budget; however funds have
been budgeted under contracted services which will allow Animal
Control to contract with a temporary service to provide the
assistance needed. The $13,000 deduction in Home Health Care is
a cut in travel and training funds which has been applied to all
budget requests.
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Mr. Blake commented on the necessity for Home Health Nurses
to receive training and respectfully requested the Commissioners
to consider the items discussed when approving the FY 1991-92
budget request.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Blake for the
budget presentation.
BUDGET HEARINGS FOR OUTSIDE AGENCIES
Budget Hearing for Wilmington Industrial Development, Inc.
Mr. Bill Cameron, representing Wilmington Industrial
Development, Inc., commented on the purpose of the agency and the
benefits derived from recruitment of new industry. He requested
approval of the budget request in the amount of $60,000 instead
of the $40,000 recommended by the County Manager.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Cameron for
the budget presentation.
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Budget Hearing for the YWCA for Development of a Child Care
Center at Houston Moore Terrace
Mr. Barbara Jo Lineberger, representing the YWCA, requested
a funding request in the amount of $30,000 for establishment of a
Child Care Center at Houston Moore Terrace. She stated after
participating in an intensive application process, the YWCA was
selected to be the child care provider. She requested approval
of funding to work with the Housing Authority for the provision
of child care to parents attending schools and presently
employed.
County Manager O'Neal stated the budget request is
included in the backup material since the request did not
until late last week.
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Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Lineberger
for the budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for the Cape Fear Council of Governments
Ms. Rose Ann Mack, Acting Director of the Cape Fear Council
of Governments (COG), expressed appreciation to the County
Manager for his recommended budget request and stated the agency
is pleased with the request. A brief overview of the programs
being administered by COG was presented and appreciation was
expressed to the Commissioners for past and continued support of
the Council of Governments.
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Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Mack for an
excellent budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for Wilmington/New Hanover Community Development
Commission
Mr. Harold Gore, presented a reduced budget request in the
amount of $100,000 for establishment of a small business
incubator in the City of Wilmington to serve both the City and
County. The Employment Security commission estimates 3,300
persons are currently unemployed in New Hanover County and
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
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approximately 10,000 people living within the City Limits are at
the poverty level and need opportunities to earn higher wages. A
small business incubator would assist persons in starting new
businesses and guide them through many of the problems that cause
small businesses to fail. At the present time, there are 10
incubators in North Carolina which have started 89 businesses,
produced 594 jobs for an average of 6.4 jobs per business in the
incubator. Over a 5-year period, an incubator will incubate
approximately 26 companies and produce approximately 270 jobs.
Eighty percent of small business start-ups fail due to management
problems; however, 80% of incubator businesses have succeeded.
Mr. Gore stated the City voted to approve $100,000 and
respectfully requested that the Commissioners approve $100,000 to
enable the incubator to obtain a federal grant in the amount of
$500,000. No funding was recommended by the County Manager.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Gore for the
budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for the Town of Wrightsville Beach
The Mayor of Wrightsville Beach, Carlton Hall, respectfully
requested the Commissioners to approve the FY 1991-92 budget
request in the amount of $74,575 in order to support the
lifeguard program and offer the additional services resulting
from the influx of day visitors to Wrightsville Beach.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mayor Hall for
the budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for the Food Bank of Coastal Carolina
Ms. Vera Hayes, a member of the Food Bank of Coastal
Carolina, presented the FY 1991-92 budget request in the amount
of $55,000 and requested approval of this allocation instead of
the County Manager's recommended request in the amount of
$40,000. She emphasized the need to feed people in poverty who
are hungry and stated the number of persons in need is continuing
to grow. statistics were presented on the number of meals
provided to the hungry, and the Commissioners were requested to
approve the original budget request.
commissioner Barfield stated until the crack/cocaine problem
is resolved, the number of persons in poverty will continue to
grow.
commissioner Sutton expressed concern for a food purchase
line item in the amount of $56,800 and requested an explanation
of this item when the food is given free. Mr. Don Hanning, the
business manager of Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, stated the $56,800
represents the retail valuation of the food donated through the
four annual drives which requires placement of a monetary value
in order to keep tax records.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Reverend Hayes
for the budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for the New Hanover County Extension Service
Arboretum
Ms. Mary Lou McEacher, a member of the Arboretum Foundation,
presented a $9,000 budget request to retain the full time
services of Ernest Williams to maintain the Arboretum. A
progress report and pictures were presented on the growth of the
Arboretum and emphasis was placed on the need for a full time
employee to properly maintain the grounds. She commented on the
hours of volunteer work and solicited contributions to the
Arboretum and respectfully requested approval of the budget
request.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. McEacher for
the budget presentatioq~
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
Budget Hearing for the Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc.
Ms. Mary Ann Lama, Director of the New Hanover County
Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc., expressed appreciation to the
Commissioners for continued support of the shelter, and stated
the agency is satisfied with the County Manager's recommended FY
1991-92 budget request of $30,000. She presented facts and
figures of the number of persons provided shelter in the past
year. Concern was expressed for the increase of domestic
violence and the importance of the community meeting these needs.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Lama for an
overview of the services provided by the Domestic Violence
Shelter.
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Budget Hearing for Community Penalties Program
Ms. Debbie Hobbs, Executive Director of the Community
Penalties Program, commented on the importance of reducing prison
overcrowding through providing alternatives to incarceration.
Millions of dollars are save through community service work
versus jail sentences. Emphasis was placed in providing this
service to the community and appreciation was expressed to the
County Manager for approving the budget request of $12,880, the
amount submitted and the same amount requested last year.
commissioner Barfield inquired as to whether the program
provides service to Pender County, and if so do they participate
in funding the program?
Mr. H. G. Grohman, Chairman of the community Penalties
Board, stated the program does provide service to Pender County,
and a budget request was submitted 'last year; however, no funds
were received. After further discussion of the need for
surrounding counties to pay for their proportionate share, Mr.
Grohman stated the Board will be glad to submit a funding request
for this year.
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Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Hobbs for the
budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for DARE, Inc.
Mr. Bill Rose, President of the DARE Board, expressed
appreciation to the Commissioners for past support of DARE and
requested consideration of the original budget request in the
amount of $28,000 instead of the County Manager's recommended
budget of $20,000. He commented on the past year being a poor
year as far as new development; however, 26 new businesses have
opened in the downtown area since last year with only 9 closings.
According to a recent survey, the citizens are very interested in
developing the downtown area and private contributions are at the
same level as last year. He introduced Dr. Richard Engdahl the
incoming President for the DARE Board.
Dr. Engdahl stated since 1967, development of the downtown
area has brought in a tax base of $60 million; however, since
1977 DARE has suffered a 157% inflation rate without an increase
in the budget request. In order to continue to develop DARE, the
additional budget request of $8,000 is needed. Dr. Engdahl
assured the Commissioners that the budget request for FY 1992-93
will not increase.
commissioner Barfield, serving as a member of the DARE
Board, commented on the development of the downtown area and
stated money invested in this program is an asset to the
community. He encouraged the Board to consider funding one-half
of the amount not recommended by the County Manager.
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Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Rose and Dr.
Engdahl for the budget presentation.
BREAK
Chairman Retchin recessed the meeting for a break from 3:00
o'clock P.M. to 3:05 o'clock P.M.
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
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Budget Hearing for Keep America Beautiful
Ms. Nancy Pritchett, Executive Director of the Keep America
Beautiful Program, requested consideration of the full budget
request in the amount of $30,630 instead of the $29,900 as
recommended by the County Manager. Concern was expressed for the
increase in Workman's compensation insurance due to the
supervisor who works on Saturdays with the community service
workers in picking up litter and metal for recycling. She
presented background information on the expansion of the Keep
America Beautiful Program and stated the committee will assist
the County in implementation of the blue bag recycling program.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Pritchett for
the budget presentation.
Budget Request for the Pleasure Island Senior Center
Ms. Jean 0' Dell, representing the Pleasure Island Senior
Center, expressed appreciation to the Board for support of the
center and stated they are pleased with the County Manager's
recommended budget request of $4,000. She presented an overview
of the services provided to the elderly and respectfully
requested the Commissioners to approve this request.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. 0' Dell for
the budget presentation and services being rendered to the
elderly.
Budget Hearing for st. John's Art Gallery
Ms. Jayroe Bednarzeyk, a volunteer of the st. John's Art
Gallery, expressed appreciation for past support of the museum
and presented an overview of the services rendered. She
commented on the art education program as well as the number of
tours, art classes, concerts, and other programs offered to
school children and the general public. Ms. Bednarzeyk
respectfully requested approval of the County Manager's budget
recommendation in the amount of $16,500.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Bednarzeyk
for the budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for KEYS
Mr. Robert Aranow, representing KEYS (formerly the New
Hanover County Work Shelter) commented on the services performed
by this agency and requested funding of the organization as
recommended by the County Manager in the amount of $32,200. The
funding for FY 1991-92 is part of the expansion of the recycling
project which picks up computer and white paper for the school
system, General Electric, Cape Fear Community College, New
Hanover County, CP&L, the State Ports, Cape Fear Memorial
Hospi tal, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Federal Paper,
UNC-W, and various banks. Since January 1, 1991, KEYS has
captured over 136,000 lbs. of paper which has been packaged and
resold.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Aranow for
the budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for Marine Crescent
Mr. Jack Manoch, President of the Marine Crescent Board,
commented on the importance of promoting the maritime enterprise
in New Hanover County and presented background information on the
program and the fact that Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, and Carteret
counties do contribute to the funding of the Marine Crescent. He
requested the Commissioners to consider the full funding request
in the amount of $17,350 instead of the County Manager's
recommended budget of $5,000.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Manoch for
the budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for Wi1mington Railroad Museum
Ms. Melissa Ellis expressed appreciation for past support of
the Wilmington Railroad and requested consideration of the full
budget request in the amount of $8,000 or at least $5,000 as
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, JUNE 5, 1991
funded last year instead of the County Manager's recommended
budget of $2,500. Background information was presented on the
growth of the museum and the number of children from throughout
the state and country who visit the museum.
Chairman Retchin inquired as to whether the City has been
approached for funds. Ms. Ellis stated since no funds have been
received from the City in the past, the museum did not submit a
budget request for FY 1991-92.
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Commissioner Sutton recommended submitting a budget request
to the City, since this facility is beneficial to the downtown
area.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Ellis for the
budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for Elderhaus
Chairman Retchin stated the Executive Director of Elderhaus,
Linda Pearce, had to leave due to another meeting, but requested
that he express her appreciation to the Commissioners for past
and continued support of Elderhaus. The agency is satisfied with
the County Manager's recommended budget of $40,000.
Budget Hearing for Human Relations Commission
Ms. Shirley Berry, Chairman of the Human Relations
commission, expressed concern for the recommendation by the
County Manager for deletion of one position due to the retirement
of that person. Ms. Berry stated if this position is not
reinstated, the Youth Council program could be cut as well as
other activities administered by the Human Relations Department.
She stressed the importance of meeting the needs of our young
adults and urged the Commissioners to replace this position.
Mr. William R. Jessup presented facts and figures on the EOS
hearings and commented on the number of hours involved with
preparation of a case plus the hours involved with the actual
hearing. The Human Relations Department processed 87 cases
through EOS hearings with another 100 cases processed through the
in-take stage.
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County Manager O'Neal stated funds have been placed in the
budget for three (3) equal opportunity investigators. Chairman
Retchin expressed concern for three (3) full time investigators
and inquired as to this need. Director Jessup stated during the
past ten years, experience has shown that two positions are
necessary for investigation work with one of the positions
utilized for in-take and fair housing clients. He respectfully
requested replacement of the position and stated he would be glad
to provide the exact facts and figures on the work performed by
the investigator positions.
commissioner Sutton expressed appreciation to Director
Jessup for the employment opportunity hearings and the
outstanding job being performed in rendering services to
businesses and industries throughout the community.
Budget Hearing for Judicial Offices
Ms. Teresa Mathis, representing the Judicial offices,
respectfully requested approval of the $5,500 as recommended in
the County Manager's budget for the purchase of a computer to
assist with the case load in the Trial Court Administrator's
office.
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Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Mathis for
the budget presentation.
Budget Hearing for Cape Fear Literacy Council
Mr. Tom Townsend, Chairman of the Cape Fear Literacy Council
Board, presented background information on the services being
rendered to the schools, prisons, and community by the Literacy
Council. He stressed the importance of teaching students and
adults to read in order to gain self-esteem and become productive
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citizens of society and respectfully requested approval of the
recommended budget request in the amount of $12,000.
commissioner Barfield complimented Mr. Townsend for
providing a program that does succeed in helping citizens to
become productive members of the work force instead of being
dependent on government subsidies.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Townsend for
an excellent budget hearing and the outstanding service being
provided to the community.
Budget Hearing for the Child Advocacy Committee
Ms. Julie Jackson, Executive Director of the Child Advocacy
Commission, commented on the difficult job of the County
Commissioners in determining the funds to be distributed to the
various agencies and recommended that these hearings should be
televised in order to better inform the citizens of the
community's needs.
Ms. Jackson expressed appreciation for the additional
Community Based Alternative state funding and stated, however,
these funds do not fulfill the needs of the agency. She
requested the Commissioners to consider the budget request
submitted in the amount of $27,000 instead of the County
Manager's recommended budget of $20,000. She stressed the
importance of meeting the needs of our children who cannot help
themselves.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to the Ms. Jackson
for the budget presentation.
DISCUSSION OF PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED IN APPROVING BUDGET
REQUESTS
Chairman Retchin recommended providing direction to the
County Manager and staff as to the manner in which the funding
will be allocated to the county departments and outside agencies.
Discussion was held on the outstanding job performed by the
Human Services Allocation Advisory Committee in preparing budget
recommendations, and the Commissioners expressed appreciation to
the members of the committee for their hours of volunteer
service.
Consensus: After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
direct the County Manager to prepare a list of agencies with
their original budget requests, the County Manager's recommended
budget requests, and' a blank space for additions or deletions of
funds as determined by the Board of Commissioners.
DISCUSSION OF JUVENILE SERVICES CENTER
Deputy County Manager, Mary Gornto, stated legislation has
been introduced in previous sessions of the General Assembly to
increase the State's subsidy for detention centers, both for
in-county clients as well as for out-of-county clients.
Mecklenburg County is one of the three counties that operates a
detention center and is actively supporting the legislation to
improve the subsidy to more equitably fund services rendered by
detention centers. Another factor being initiated by staff is
notification to the seven counties, currently under contractual
agreements with New Hanover County, that effective July 1, 1991,
no clients will be accepted in the Juvenile Detention Center
unless the county forwarding the client is willing to pay the
cost difference for the care of each client per day above the
state and county subsidies.
The following subsidies are currently being received from
the state for clients in the Juvenile Detention Center: (1)
out-of-county client subsidy; and (2) a subsidy based upon the
educational and professional level of staff. Currently the
Center's budget is $600,000 to provide services for approximately
5,000 client days. The amount of revenue received from the State
and other counties utilizing the service is approximately
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$110,000 - $120,000. If other counties utilizing the facility
paid the cost difference per client per day, an additional
$125,000 of revenue would be generated.
Deputy County Manager Gornto' stated when discussing the
possibility of closing the Juvenile Detention Center and placing
this burden on the state, the following factors should be
considered: (1) the cost of transporting clients out of the
county; and (2) benefits derived from being near the courts,
social workers, the Southeastern Mental Health Center, and the
clients parents.
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Chairman Retchin inquired as to the savings to the County if
the Juvenile Center is closed? Deputy County Manager Gornto
stated the net savings would be $400,000 not including out of
county transportation costs and the cost per client per day for
services to be rendered by a state detention center.
After further discussion, Deputy County Manager Gornto
recommended waiting to see if the proposed bill for increasing
the state subsidy is adopted by the General Assembly and what
type of response will be received from the other counties
regarding full payment of services rendered for each client
served.
Chairman Retchin inquired as to the percentage of
out-of-county clients? Deputy County Manager Gornto stated
during the past year, the Juvenile Detention Center served 2,600
clients living in New Hanover County and 1,500 out-of-county
clients.
Discussion was held on the possibility of suing the State
for full reimbursement of services rendered. Deputy County
Manager Gornto stated when discussing the inequity of funding
received from the state for the services rendered by the
Detention Center, the Legal Advisor to the North Carolina
Department of Human Resources Division of Juvenile Services,
recommended suing the state in order to receive reimbursement as
provided in the general statutes. The statutes provide for 100%
reimbursement for out-of-county clients and 50% reimbursement for
in-county clients being held in the Juvenile Detention Center.
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Motion: Commissioner Sutton expressed concern for waiting to see
if the General Assembly passes the proposed bill and MOVED to
notify the state and other counties invol ved that New Hanover
County intends to return the Juvenile Detention Center operation
to the State of North Carolina on August 1, 1991, due to the
inequities in funding by the state and other counties. The floor
was opened for discussion.
Vice-Chairman Mathews cautioned acting too quickly before
researching the facts and figures of the present operation.
Commissioner sutton stated this is a "wrong" that should be
corrected and in order to do so, the County must inform the state
that we will not continue to operate the facility under the
present financial terms.
After further
RECEIVING A SECOND.
discussion, the MOTION
No action was taken.
FAILED
DUE
TO NOT
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COMMISSIONER BARFIELD EXCUSED FROM THE MEETING
Commissioner Barfield requested to be excused from the
meeting due to a prior engagement.
Consensus: It was the consensus of the Board to excuse
commissioner Barfield as requested.
commissioner Barfield left the meeting at 4:20 o'clock P.M.
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DISCUSSION OF FUND BALANCE
Budget - Director, Cam McAbee, presented a list of fund
balance transactions during the past year and stated an
additional $1,111,000 has been expended from the fund balance.
County Manager 0' Neal stated he and staff felt this list
would be useful in notifying the Commissioners on the depletion
of the fund balance.
A lengthy discussion was held on the rollover of funds from
the previous year's budget. Commissioner Greer stated since the
funds were carried over from the previous fiscal year, the
$1,111,000 figure actually represents a $400,000 decrease in the
fund balance. He expressed concern for the $1,111,000 figure
being misleading.
It was generally agreed that staff should present these
figures more clearly to show the rollover of funds into the fund
balance at the beginning of the fiscal year in order to
accurately reflect funds expended from the fund balance.
DISCUSSION OF PAY AND CLASSIFICATION STUDY
Commissioner Greer requested the Director of Human Resources
to prepare more than one scenario on decreasing the Pay and
Classification Plan.
County Manager O'Neal stated he and Commissioner Greer had
discussed reviewing and decreasing the new ranges proposed in the
Pay and Classification Plan, After reviewing the matter, he
requested the Director of Human Resources to prepare a scenario
reducing the ranges by 10%.
commissioner Greer requested scenarios on reducing the new
salary ranges by 10%, 15%, and 20%.
commissioner sutton inquired as the funds necessary to
implement the Pay and Classification Plan in two or three steps,
delete the 4% cost of living increase, and pay for the increased
cost of medical insurance premiums. Director of Human Resources,
Andre' Mallette, stated since the Department of Social Services
and Health Department employees have been included in the study
with the goal being to achieve substantial equivalency from the
State, the plan would have to be implemented in one phase.
County Manager 0' Neal stated the study was performed to
survey the job market and pay employees an equitable salary for
the duties and responsibilities of their positions.
commissioner Greer expressed concern for the financial
impact of the Pay and Classification Plan on the upcoming fiscal
year and recommended implementation of the plan on steps. He
strongly opposed adding 2-3 cents to the tax rate in order to
implement the pay plan.
County Manager O'Neal stateq the plan can be implemented in
April instead of January; however, the purpose of the plan is to
upgrade each position to market value for the job being
performed. He also commented on no cost of living increase being
approved for the past two years and stated this impacted greatly
on employees at the end of their salary range.
Chairman Retchin stated the purpose of the study is to
improve equity in pay. The study reflects that approximately 60%
of county employees need to receive increases in pay with 40% of
county employees at the market level or higher; therefore, why
should that 40% of employees receive a cost of living increase.
A lengthy discussion was held on implementation of the new
Pay and Classification Plan and the fact that inflation has not
increased wi thin the last two years. Chairman Retchin stated
implementation of the Pay Plan without the cost of living
increase will raise the persons below entry level and thereby
equalize the plan.
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County Manager O'Neal stated within the ranges are employees
who have been in the same salary level for two or more years
without any form of compensation. Chairman Retchin stated this
factor does not make any difference if these employees are
receiving equitable pay for the job being performed according to
the job market.
commissioner Greer requested preparation of the figures
requested in order to better decide on the newly proposed Pay and
Classification Plan.
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After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board
to continue the discussion of the Pay Plan until the meeting of
June 6, 1991.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Commissioner Greer MOVED, SECONDED by Vice-Chairman
Mathews to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS:
Voting Aye: Commissioner Greer
Commissioner Sutton
Vice-Chairman Mathews
Chairman Retchin
Excused: Commissioner Barfield
Chairman Retchin adjourned the meeting at 5:45 o'clock P.M.
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~~F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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