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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-05-16 Budget Hearings I I I 507 ., 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: ~ 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. n 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. n 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. \ ~ I I I BUDGET HEARINGS, (CONTINUED) , " ).509 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. j 51 ~ET HEARINGS, (CONTINUED) 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 n 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. o 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. \\ Chairman Retchin called the meeting order. BUDGET HEARINGS, (CONTINUED) '.5~1 " 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: I 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. I 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. ~ 51 ~UDGET HEARINGS, ( CONTINUED) 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, ~ ~:::~ Clerk to the Board I,' ~. n n [