1989-05-16 Budget Hearings
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MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARINGS, MAY 16, 1989
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of corrunissioners held Budget
Hearings on Tuesday, May 16, 1989, in the General Assembly Room
of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street,
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were: corrunissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Nolan
O'Neal; Chairman Fred Retchin; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper;
and Clerk to the Board; Lucie F. Harrell.
Chairman Retchin called the meeting to order.
BUDGET HEARING - NEW HANOVER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Mr. Ray Funderburk, Chairman of the Board of Education,
presented the 1989/90 Budget for New Hanover County Schools. He
gave background information on the budget request in the amount
of $14,639,977 representing an overall increase of 8.9% stating
the Board of Education supports this request. He corrunented on
unanticipated funds for FY 1990 in the amount of $550,000 due to
federal regulations mandating removal of asbestos at a cost of
$130,000; termination of funds for library materials and
technology at a cost of $125,000; and a contribution to County's
pension at a cost of $300,000.
Mr. Funderburk emphasized the importance of continuing to
provide programs that will assist with reducing the drop out
rate, drug and alcohol abuse, low achievement, and illiteracy.
He thanked the Board for their support of education in New
Hanover County and respectfully requested the Corrunissioners to
consider the budget request in the amount of $14,639,977 instead
of the County Manager's recorrunendation of $14,058,154.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Funderburk
for the budget presentation.
BUDGET HEARING - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Director of Social Services, Wayne Morris, presented the
1989/90 Budget Request in the amount of $11,901,442 requesting
funding of the full amount instead of the County's Manager
recorrunendation of $10,862,848 which is approximately $600,000
less. He stated $400,000 is needed to fund the following public
assistance programs: (1) Medicaid, (2) AFDC, (3) Special
Assistance, (4) Adoption Assistance, and (4) Foster Care. He
stated $200,000 is needed to fund twenty-two new positions to
carry out the following programs:
1. Corrununity Alternatives Program - A program established
to keep people at home instead of in nursing homes. The
following positions are requested and will be reimbursed
by Medicaid:
One (1) Social Worker Position
One (1) CHORE Service Supervisor
One Nurse
2. AFDC - The program has experienced a tremendous
amount of growth due to changes in federal and state
regulations. Ten new positions are requested as
follows:
One (1)
Five (5)
Two (2)
Two (2)
Supervisor
Case Workers
Clerk Typists
Data Entry Operators
3.
Adult
adult
1985
being
neglected
reports in
position is
Protective Services - Abused and
reports have increased from 127
to 319 reports in 1988. One new
requested as follows:
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5 [1~ET HEARINGS, ( CONTINUED)
One (1) Social Worker Position
4.
Children's
increased
in 1988.
follows:
Protective Services - Child abuse has
from 505 reports in 1985 to 1,069 reports
Eight new positions are requested as
Four (4)
Three (3)
One ( 1 )
Social Worker Positions
Home Maker Positions
Clerk Typist
Discussion was held on space needs. Director Morris stated
the present space was filled when the DSS staff moved into the
building. He recorrunended planning for a future expansion within
the next two years.
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Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Director Morris
for the budget presentation.
BUDGET HEARING - NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Ms. Catherine P. Vangellow, a member of the New Hanover
County Board of Health and Budget Corrunittee, presented background
information on the request for the following new positions which
were not recorrunended by the County Manager:
One LPN II Position - Family Planning
One Clerk Typist Position - Administration
One Public Health Nurse - Maternal Child Health Program
One Clerk Typist Position - Epidemiology Adult Health Program
Health Director, Bob Parker, corrunented on the irrunediate need
for one LPN II position in Family Planning and one Clerk Typist
position in Administration requesting approval of the requested
positions.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Vangellow and
Director Parker for the budget presentation.
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BUDGET HEARING - SOUTHEASTERN MENTAL HEALTH CENTER
Mr. Mel Martin, Director of the Southeastern Mental Health
Center, stated he was satisfied with the County Manager's
recorrunended budget with the exception of cutting $79,000 in
funding allocated for hiring and training personnel to open the
Detox Center in October. He stressed the urgent need for this
facility and requested the corrunissioners to approve the $79,000
funding request in order to avoid any delay in opening the Detox
Center.
County Manager Cooper corrunented on completion of
construction stating he feels the facility will not be completed
until January 1990; therefore, he did not recorrunend the
additional funding. He stated if the Detox Center is completed
prior to January, the Mental Health Center can request additional
funds at that time.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Director Martin
for the budget presentation.
Announcement of Retirement
Director Martin stated after 13 years of service in New
Hanover County with the Mental Health Center, he is retiring in n
July. He expressed appreciation to the County Manager and the
Board of corrunissioners for support of the Southeastern Mental ,
Health Center.
Chairman Retchin, on behalf of the Board, expressed
appreciation to Director Martin for his service and wished him a
happy retirement.
BREAK
Chairman Retchin recessed the meeting for a break from 11:35
o'clock A.M. to 11:45 o'clock A.M.
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BUDGET HEARINGS, (CONTINUED)
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BUDGET HEARING - SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Sheriff Joe McQueen stated he is satisfied with the County
Manager's recommended budget; however, he is concerned about the
malfunctioning of the recorder on the "911" System. He stated
after discussion with the County Manager, it was agreed if the
system continues to malfunction, new equipment can be purchased
on a lease/purchase agreement.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Sheriff McQueen
for the budget presentation.
BUDGET HEARINGS FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, THE NEW HANOVER
COUNTY MUSEUM, REGISTER OF DEEDS, CLERK TO COURT, BOARD OF
ELECTIONS, AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY
The following persons appeared before the Board stating they
were satisfied with the County Manager's budget recommendations:
Mr. Larry Ray, Director of Emergency Medical Services
Ms. Janet Seapker, Director of the New Hanover County Museum
Ms. Becky Tucker, Registrar of Deeds
Ms. Louise Rehder, Clerk of Court
Ms. Dorothy Harrell, Supervisor of Elections
Mr. John Carriker, Assistant District Attorney
Dr. Tommy Satterfield, Cape Fear Community College
BUDGET HEARING - NEW HANOVER COUNTY LIBRARY
Library Director, David Paynter, stated he was satisfied
with the County Manager's budget recommendation with the
exception of denying a funding request of $40,000 for hiring an
architectural consultant to design the Mid-South Branch Library.
He stated if State funds becomes available for library
construction the basic criteria will be project readiness which
means plans need to be prepared. He requested the Commissioners
to include this funding request in the 1989/90 Library Budget.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Director Paynter
for the budget presentation.
MEETING RECESSED FOR LUNCH
Chairman Retchin recessed the meeting for lunch from 12:00
o'clock noon to 1:00 o'clock P.M.
BUDGET HEARINGS FROM OUTSIDE AGENCIES
The following agencies appeared before the Commissioners
presenting background information on their agencies and budget
requests:
Name
Marine Crescent
Cape Fear Literacy Council
St. John's Museum of Art
Wilmington Industrial Dev.
Elderhaus
YAHWEH Center
Community Penalties
Town of Wrightsville Beach
Keep America Beautiful
Arts Council
DOVIA
Pleasure Island Senior Center
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Child Advocacy Commission
Domestic Violence Shelter
Lower Cape Fear Hospic
Families In Crisis
Marine Expo '89
Budget Request
$10,410
$ 7,350
$20,000
$40,000
$32,705
$25,000
$15,000
$74,575
$29,900
$32,000
$ 5,600
$ 4,000
$10,000
$35,339
$40,000
$10,800
$16,409
$14,300
Recommended Request
$ 5,000
$ 7,350
$11,500
$40,000
$32,705
$10,000
$11,270
$74,575
$23,475
$26,010
$ 5,600
-0-
$ 2,500
$28,411
$20,000
$ 800
-0-
$14,300
SENIOR LINKS (Dept. of Aging) - Mr. John Pennycook, representing
a group of senior citizens, requested approval of an additional
staff position in the Department of Aging's 1989/90 Budget
Request in order to continue the Senior Links program.
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Personnel Director, Andre' Mallette, recommended
establishing a Senior Aide position at a cost of approximately
$500-600 for continuation of the program.
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. Pennycook for
presenting the budget request.
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD REQUEST Mr. Claud
O'Shields, Jr., Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Board, requested approval of seven (7) new positions as presented
and documented in the 1989/90 Budget Request for the Parks & n
Recreation Department. He commented on the increased workload of I, .
this department in non-park activities and projects. ~
Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Mr. O'Shields for
presenting the budget request.
Discussion on Use of County Tennis Courts
Discussion was held on tennis lessons being given on County
tennis courts which deny the general public use of the courts.
Consensus:
It was the consensus of the Board to request the Parks &
Recreation Advisory Board to check into some form of scheduling
which will reserve certain hours for public use. The
recommendation is to be presented to the Commissioners at a later
date.
JUDICIAL COURT OFFICES Ms. Celia Smith, representing the
Superior Court Judges, District Court Judges, Juvenile Court
Counselors, and Trial Court Administrators, requested a separate
budget from the Clerk of Courts in the amount of $5,000 to meet
and address the needs of the judges, counselors and
administrators.
County Manager Cooper stated
recommended in the proposed budget.
this
request
has
been
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Chairman Retchin expressed appreciation to Ms. Smith for
explaining and presenting the budget request.
DISCUSSION OF REQUESTING, HUMAN SERVICES ALLOCATION ADVISORY
COMMITTEE TO STUDY AGENCIES PROVIDING CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Commissioner Barfield expressed concern for the number of
programs dealing with children which have the same goals but are
going in different directions. He recommended a study of these
agencies during the upcoming fiscal year in order to combine, if
possible, and coordinate efforts which will reduce budget
requests.
County Manager Cooper recommended requesting the Human
Services Allocation Advisory Committee to study the various
agencies and prepare a recommendation to be presented to the
Commissioners.
Consensus:
It was the consensus of the Board to request the Human
Services Allocation Advisory Committee to perform a study of
children's program as recommended by the County Manager.
MEETING CONTINUED TO WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1989
Chairman Retchin continued the meeting to Wednesday, May 17,
1989, at 8:30 o'clock A.M.
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CONTINUED MEETING, May 17, 1989
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in a
Continued Session on May 17, 1989, to discuss budget requests.
Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; E. L. Mathews, Jr.; Vice-Chairman Nolan
O'Neal; Chairman Fred Retchin; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper;
and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell.
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Chairman Retchin called the meeting order.
BUDGET HEARINGS, (CONTINUED)
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MOTION:
After discussion of budget requests, Commissioner Barfield
MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews to approve the proposed
1989/90 Budget as presented by the County Manager with the
following amendments:
New Hanover County Health Department
Approve the following positions with removal of the Health
Educator's position at an approximate cost of $22,000:
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One LPN II Position - Family Planning
One Clerk/Typist Position - Administration
Action Deferred on Budget Request by the Department of Social
Services
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to defer
action on this request until the DSS Management Study has been
presented by Maximus, Inc. on May 30, 1989.
Southeastern Mental Health Center
Approval of the County Manager's budget recommendation with
the understanding that if the Detox Center opens before January
1, 1990, the Mental Health Center can request additional funding
at that time.
Senior Links - Department of Aging
Approve a Senior Aide position at an approximate cost of
$600 to continue the Senior Links program.
Domestic Violence Shelter & Services
Approve additional funding in the amount of $5,000 from
$20,000 to $25,000.
Lower Cape Fear Hospice
Approve additional funding in the amount of $10,000 from
I $800 to $10,800.
Sickle Cell, Inc.
Approve additional funding in the amount of $2,000 from
$5,000 to $7,000.
Senior Citizens of Pleasure Island
Approve funding in the amount of $4,000. No funding was
recommended by the County Manager.
Community Penalties
Approve additional funding in the amount of $3,730 from
$11,270 to $15,000 to provide funding for rental space since this
agency was moved from the County Annex Building in order to
provide a designated smoking area.
Keep America Beautiful
Approve additional funding in the amount of $6,424 from
$23,475 to $29,900.
Lower Cape Fear Council of the Arts
Approve additional funding in the amount of $5,990 from
$26,010 to $32,000.
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St. John's Art Gallery
Approve additional funding in the amount of $5,000 from
$11,500 to $16,500.
Riverfest
Approve additional funding in the amount of $500 from $2,000
to $2,500.
City of Wilmington's 250th Anniversary Celebration
Approve funding in the amount of $2,500.
Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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DISCUSSION ON STATUS OF AIRPORT BECOMING AN AIRPORT AUTHORITY
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1989
Commissioner Corbett requested an update on the status of
the Airport becoming an Airport Authority effective July 1, 1989.
County Manager Cooper stated the staff is prepared to make
the transition effective July 1, 1989, with the exception of
determining whether the Airport Authority employees will be on
the County's medical insurance policy.
Chairman Retchin stated the Board of Commissioners are
responsible for appointing members to the Airport Authority. He
stated discussion has been held on appointing the present members
to the Authority, and after discussion with Jack Ashby, the
Commission would like to present a recommendation to the
Commissioners for appointment of the present members and length
of terms to be ,served by each.
Commissioner Corbett stressed the importance of deciding on
the number of members to be appointed and recommended scheduling
a work session to discuss appointments and other matters
pertaining to the transition.
Consensus:
After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board
to request the Airport Commission to come at 4:30 o'clock P.M. on
June 5, 1989, to discuss the transition.
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED INCREASE FOR SEWER RATE
Assistant Finance Director, Alan Mozingo, stated the sewer
meter rate will be increased from $1.60 per gallon to $1.92 per
gallon due to the City's increase in treatment cost. He stated
the flat rate of $20 will remain the same since the minimum
charge for the metered rate will be $11. He stated after the new
rate becomes effective, customers may prefer to select the flat
rate instead of the metered rate.
DISCUSSION OF DRUG FORUMS
Commissioner Corbett asked if the Board would like to
continue to hold Drug Forums.
Consensus:
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to
discontinue holding Drug Forums through the summer and request
commissioner Corbett to contact local television stations with
reference to establishing a "Viewer Call-In Program."
CHANGE OF MEETING DATE FROM JUNE 19, 1989, TO JUNE 26, 1989
Consensus:
After discussion of two Commissioners being out-of-town on
June 19, 1989, it was the consensus of the Board to change the
regular meeting date of June 19, 1989, to June 26, 1989,
beginning at 9:30 A.M. since the Legislative Coordinating Council
will be meeting in the Library at 8:00 A.M. on the same date.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Corbett MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Mathews
to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Retchin adjourned the meeting at 9:45 o'clock A.M.
Sincerely,
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Clerk to the Board
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