2021-02-15 Regular MeetingNEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021
ASSEMBLY
BOOK 34
PAGE 781
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on February 15, 2021, at 9:00
a.m. in the Assembly Room of the New Hanover County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington, North
Carolina. Chair Olson-Boseman stated that the meeting is being conducted as a permissible remote meeting
pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 166A-19.24.
Members present: Chair Julia Olson-Boseman; Vice -Chair Deb Hays; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.
(remote); Commissioner Bill Rivenbark; and Commissioner Rob Zapple (remote).
Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; County Attorney Wanda M. Copley; and Clerk to the Board
Kymberleigh G. Crowell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Reverend Richard G. Elliott, St. Andrews on the Sound Episcopal Church, provided the invocation and
Commissioner Rivenbark led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Olson-Boseman requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Commissioner Zapple requested that Consent Agenda Item #6: Approval of Order for Advertisement of
2020 Unpaid Tax Liens on Real Property and Consent Agenda Item #7: Adoption of Budget Amendments be removed
from the Consent Agenda for further discussion and consideration.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for a motion to approve the remaining items on
the Consent Agenda.
Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to approve the remaining items on
the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes — Governing Body
The Commissioners approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 19, 2021, the
Reconvened Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2021, Agenda Review held on January 28, 2021, and the Regular
Meeting held on February 1, 2021.
Approval to Accept a 2021 Large Sediment Sampling Grant — Engineering
The Commissioners approved the acceptance of a $35,000 grant for recipient beach baseline assessments
from the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM). The County will use the grant funds to update
geotechnical assessments, per Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Projects at Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and
Kure Beach as well as inlet management in Carolina Beach Inlet and Mason Inlet. The room occupancy tax will cover
the assessment cost with NCDCM reimbursement following the geotechnical efforts and reporting.
Approval of Eight Donations for Accession into the Museum's Permanent Collection — Museum
The Commissioners approved a list of eight items to be accessioned into the Cape Fear Museum's
permanent collection. The objects were approved by the Museum Advisory Board at the meeting on January 20,
2021 and a list of the items is available for review at the Cape Fear Museum.
Adoption of a Resolution Approving Submission of an Application for Funding through the Federal Surface
Transportation Block Grant Program -Direct Attributable (STBGP-DA) Fund for Construction of Bicycle and
Pedestrian Trails along Middle Sound Loop Road from Red Cedar to Publix, and along Market Street from
Mendenhall to Porters Neck Walmart — Parks and Gardens
The Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the Parks and Gardens Department to apply for the
STBGP-DA fund in the amount of $553,472 and the County will provide the required local cash match of $138,368
for a total project cost of $691,841. This will be for a portion of the multi -use trail in Ogden, along Middle Sound
Loop Road and a portion of Market Street. The required grant match is currently budgeted in the Capital
Improvement Projects account for fiscal year 2021-2022.
A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII,
Page 25.1.
Approval of December 2020 Tax Collection Reports — Tax Department
The Commissioners accepted the tax collection reports of New Hanover County, New Hanover County Fire
District, and New Hanover County Debt Service as of July, August, and September 2020.
Copies of the tax collection reports are hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in
Exhibit Book XLII, Page 25.2.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 PAGE 782
Discussion and Approval of Order for Advertisement of 2020 Unpaid Tax Liens on Real Property — Tax
In response to Commissioner Zapple's questions, Tax Administrator Allison Snell stated that the
advertisement of the 2020 unpaid tax liens on real property is placed in the local newspaper, but not on the County
website. The statute dictates how the advertisement is done and it has not been updated to reflect online
advertising.
Additional Information: The Commissioners approved the Order for Advertisement of 2020 Unpaid Tax
Liens on Real Property for New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, Town of Kure Beach, Town of Wrightsville
Beach, Town of Carolina Beach, and the New Hanover County Fire District.
Discussion and Adoption of Budget Amendments — Budget
In response to Commissioner Zapple's questions regarding budget amendment 21-048, Chief Financial
Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher stated that there are restrictions as there were last time and the funds have already been
allocated for items such as PPE and salaries related to the Covid-19 response.
Additional information: The Commissioners adopted the following budget amendments which amend the
annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021:
• Social Services 21-030, 21-036, 21-045, 21-046
• Elections 21-042
• Engineering 21-044
• Public School Fund 21-047
• CARES Act Funds Interest 21-048
• Health 21-049
• Sheriff's Office 21-050, 21-051, 21-052
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Vice -Chair Hays, to approve Consent Agenda Item #6:
Approval of Order for Advertisement of 2020 Unpaid Tax Liens on Real Property and Consent Agenda Item #7:
Adoption of Budget Amendments as presented. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the order of advertisement of 2020 unpaid tax liens on real property is hereby incorporated as
part of the minutes and is contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 25.3. Copies of the budget amendments are hereby
incorporated as part of the minutes and are contained in Exhibit Book XLII, Page 25.4.
REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS
DIVERSITY AND EQUITY ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGIC PLAN PRESENTATION
Chief Diversity and Equity Officer Linda Thompson stated that the Office of Diversity and Equity has
completed a 120 Day Assessment and a strategic plan for the County. The assessment examined diversity and equity
training and educational efforts offered by the County for both employees and residents, internal operations, and
their effectiveness when working with marginalized communities, the organization's distribution of services, and the
communities impacted by those services as well as overall community engagement. The strategic plan identified key
strategies, timelines, and measurements to ensure the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion moves forward
throughout the County. Ms. Thompson stated that the County has begun implementation of the plan and provided
an overview of the following information:
• Office of Diversity and Equity (D&E):
• 120 Day Assessment:
• Task: Achieve diversity and equity in three primary focus areas:
• Training and education, internal operations and community outreach
• Assessed effectiveness in those areas to help determine the direction to go
• Review was done of best practices on assessment processes from several recognized
sources to begin the work and used a blended approach from those resources to define
the methodology for this 120 -day assessment
• This 120 -day snapshot involved interviewing 24 key department managers, conducting 16
hours of employee diversity dialogues, meeting with key community leaders and
reviewing policies, protocols, and a plethora of demographic and program data
• Peer cities:
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NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021
BOOK 34
PAGE 783
• County personnel: measured the County's diversity among its employees, recruiting
efforts, diversity, equity, and inclusion training, and equity and inclusion throughout the
workplace
• Internal operations: reviewed organization's internal operations included reviewing key
policies, and practices that help to ensure equitable service delivery
• Service distribution: looked at a three-year comparison of critical services offered to
residents by race and gender in the County, including North Carolina Families Accessing
Services through Technology (NC FAST) benefits, Veterans Services, jail population, and
the number of minority and women owned businesses the County works with each year
• Community engagement: examined the County's relationship with community partners
especially those initiatives created to work with overlooked communities
• Goals:
• Demonstrate commitment and accountability through leadership
• Recruit and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce
• Advance a climate that fosters respect and inclusion among employees
• Promote diversity and inclusion in public service and in neighboring communities
• Ensure accountability to equity and inclusion in marginalized communities through data -
driven recommendations
• County personnel:
AMERICAN INDIAN/
GROUP WHITE BLACK HISPANIC ASIAN ALASKA NATIVE
NHC Employees 78.86% 18.23% 3.05% 0.51% 0.62%
NHC Residents 82.2% 13.4% 5.8% 1% 0.6%
• While there is diverse representation throughout the enterprise there are some
departments within the organization with limited diversity. During the assessment, there
was discussion with department managers about the need for working with Human
Resources and the office of D&E to develop a diversity recruitment plan for future
openings. Discussion was also held about strategies to ensure that diverse and equitable
thinking is employed when making key decisions. Recommendations from the discussions
are as follows:
• Prepare a County -wide diversity recruitment plan
• Include employees in the recruitment process for a more diverse applicant pool
• Write job descriptions to be more inclusive
• Expand job advertisement venues
• Conduct in-person or virtual recruitment events for specialized positions i.e.
deputies, firefighters, engineers
• Partner with organizations or groups who can help to supply a diverse applicant pool
i.e. Volunteer Fire Departments, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Last year Human Resources completed a workforce wage gap analysis that looked for
wage gaps among specific demographics including race, ethnicity and gender among
County employees. The study showed no pay disparities based on race, ethnicity or
gender, however the study highlighted that minorities have higher representation in
lower wage job groups such as labor, trade and other specialized positions i.e.
administrative support and detention officers. Hispanics and other race groups have little
to no representation among manager and executive job groups with higher pay grades.
Recommendations from the study are as follows:
• Evaluate the diversity of yearly applicant pool and overall recruitment efforts
• Explore an in-house mentoring program to help develop leaders for future
promotional opportunities
• In October staff measured perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
through small group dialogue sessions. The circles included 40 employee volunteers from
across the enterprise who shared more than 16 hours of meaningful dialogue. Employees
spoke candidly about themselves and their perception of New Hanover County as an
employer. Participants were asked a series of questions from a self-assessment on
diversity and inclusion. Recommendation from the dialogue sessions:
• Create an employee diversity group across the enterprise to identify issues involving
diversity, equity, and inclusion and task the group with developing strategies to
address these issues.
• Internal operations:
• While the organization has made great strides in providing equitable service there are
recommendations to enhance those services:
• Explore barriers for individuals with disabilities
• Annual review and strategy development of ADA compliance
• Develop a Language Access plan (i.e. American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish)
• Develop a strategic plan for minority and women owned business development
• Provide funding to support enhancements for diversity and equity initiatives
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021
BOOK 34
PAGE 784
• Complete a comprehensive review of all County policies to ensure they include a
diversity, equity and inclusion focus where needed
• Develop strategies to address gender inclusive language
• Allow employees to include pronouns in email signatures
• Service distribution:
• New Hanover County's Health and Human Services (HHS) offers a number of family
resources for county residents in need. Essential services like food stamps, childcare
vouchers, and healthcare are tracked through NC FAST.
• In examination of the total number of County residents who received these services by
race and ethnicity in 2019 alone, it was found that more than 55% of the African
American/Black population in the County received one or more NC FAST benefit(s), 33%
of the Hispanic population and 13% of Whites received one or more of these benefits.
Food and nutrition program yields the highest number of participants of any of these
programs.
• While HHS provides additional family programs throughout the County, these programs
have the most noticeable results and give a clear picture of the community's poverty level
especially among people of color. Recommendations from this review are:
• Develop a plan of action with community leaders and organizations to address food
and nutritional needs throughout the County.
• Create a Poverty Reduction Task Force to research and explore causes, impacts and
solutions to long and short-term poverty among people of color throughout the
County.
• The County jail has reduced the number of days served by inmates by 33.988 days for a
total savings $3.7 million
• Veterans Services serves an average of 2,000 veterans and their families annually, which
is 13% of the County's total veteran population
• The Minority- and Women- Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program has increased
spending by 146% (more than $15 million). This significant increase came on the heels of
an initiative launched by the County Manager's Office to increase MWBE business
registrations through community outreach.
• Community engagement:
• Met with more than 20 leaders throughout the County and engaged them in a discussion
about race, diversity, and inclusion. Their discussion summary is included in the full
assessment document. Some suggestions were:
• Affordable housing continues to be a concern throughout the County, especially for
those individuals wanting to break the poverty cycle and become homeowners
• More housing communities for the disabled
• New initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship
• Free Wi-Fi in low-income neighborhoods would provide a more equitable learning
experience for youth
• Accessible healthcare services (free medical clinics) for the uninsured throughout the
County
• Collaborations to address food deserts throughout the County
• More vocational training and job placement for individuals 18 to 24 year olds
• Promote prison re-entry efforts County -wide
• More initiatives to promote inclusion for the LGBTQ community
• A unified effort to educate the community on race and social justice
• An action plan to decide how we care for the mentally ill in this County
• More law enforcement community relations partnerships to ensure appropriate
training, hiring and policy development
• Action plan:
• Staff is developing a strategic plan that will give direction on how and when to begin
working on the recommendations outlined in the assessment. Many are already being
implemented. The strategic plan will cover the next three to five years.
• Conclusion:
• Throughout the County there are communities draped in poverty and the residents who
live in those areas are experiencing inequities in food accessibility, employment,
healthcare, and affordable housing, which impact the quality -of -life for every individual.
• Examining the causes and effects of localized poverty are a part of the work of diversity,
equity, and inclusion as well as finding viable solutions.
• The County is responsible for addressing quality -of -life issues for its residents. Addressing
these social inequities ensures the inclusion of all residents. Equity and inclusion create
more livable communities where people from all walks of life have the right to, and can
participate fully in, social, economic, political, and cultural life.
Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Thompson for the presentation and opened the floor to Board
discussion.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BOOK 34
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 PAGE 785
In response to Board questions, Ms. Thompson stated to become a certified MWBE with the County, a
business owner applies either through the County Finance Department or the state. Her staff has been helping local
entrepreneurs navigate the process. She will report back to the Board on the percentage of outside vendors with
the County that are minorities. Vendors that are considered an MWBE retain the designation as long as their
credentials are valid. The County does not necessarily help with money. Rather, they are allowed to do business as
an MWBE vendor with the County and the County tries to use those MWBE businesses whenever possible. Vice -
Chair Hays commented that Genesis Block, LLC has been working with people to help them navigate obtaining the
MWBE designation and are working in cooperation with the County on the matter. She commended Ms. Thompson
and her team on their efforts to help business owners work through the process.
Regarding the accuracy of the Hispanic or Latino population in the County, Ms. Thompson stated that the
5.8% figure was taken from a 2018 census estimation of the County. However, it is felt that number is somewhat
larger and her team will continue to evaluate it. She further confirmed that 19.3% of females living in the County are
living in poverty as well as 33.26% of African-Americans according to the 2018 census estimate. She does not know
the national average to be considered living at poverty level, but a minimum wage of $7/hour is what keeps people
in poverty. She will report back to the Board on the federal number. A household reporting an annual income of
$35,000 may not mean that is an income for one person. It may be for a household of two or more, but is still not a
lot of money.
Discussion was held about the start of the Office of Diversity and Equity and how it shows that the County
is being intentional about bringing forth the gaps that the County has, the great things it is already doing to address
these issues, and also making sure that everyone has access and a seat at the table. Commissioner Barfield noted
that it is important that the County has a representation of all voices and is intentional about its hiring efforts, how
employees treat each other with dignity and respect, and how the organization communicates to the community at
large. He also commented on the importance of educating individuals, including County employees, on cultural
competency and implicit bias. He thanked Ms. Thompson and her team for their work to date and looks forward to
future reports, and thanked County Manager Coudriet and his team for listening and understanding the importance
of having this department.
In response to Board questions, County Manager Coudriet stated that there are no employees making less
than $15 per hour, which equals a minimum annual salary at the annualized rate of 2,080 hours. Ms. Thompson
stated that she has not found any disparity in pay of the same position between color, sexual orientation, etc. The
Human Resources department has done a phenomenal job ensuring that and with the County's performance
evaluation system, it really does help to make sure that people are being paid based on the work that they do.
A brief discussion was held about the recommendation to address food and nutritional needs throughout
the County. County Manager Coudriet stated his recollection is that the County made a multi-year commitment of
approximately $50,000 to $75,000 to help The Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC at Wilmington Nourishing New
Hanover County construct a larger facility that will include a community kitchen.
Chair Olson-Boseman asked County Manager Coudriet to make the connection between the hospital and
its program to work with schools to have students prepared to go into a healthcare profession. Ms. Thompson stated
that her department and the Office of Strategy have been working together to discuss similar programs with a variety
of corporations. They hope to be able to make an announcement in the near future. Additional discussion was held
about it being realized that not everyone is prepared for college or do not want to go, and the need to encourage
them to move into a vocation, which seems to be a path suitable for many people. Commissioner Rivenbark
commented that at least 25% of all kids in the school system are not going to go to college. It is important to identify
those students early and encourage them to possibly go to community college to learn a vocation or even get them
involved in the SeaTech program so when they graduate high school they have the training needed to obtain a good
job.
The Board discussed that although the County is paying $15 per hour minimum wage, which is about
$30,000 annually, the rising housing costs in this community still make it difficult to buy or rent a place. One of the
biggest challenges right now is not necessarily the affordability of purchasing, because interest rates are so low and
that does help span the issue, but it is the rental rates that are so high for so little. That keeps people in the loop of
not being able to save money for a down payment in order to purchase. Commissioner Barfield stated he thinks the
livable wage is about $19 per hour to be out of the poverty range in this community. Discussion continued about the
importance of working to bring in the right jobs to the community to continue to raise the wages to help people
afford housing, addressing the food desert issues in the community, and training through summer job programs to
expose students to job opportunities. The Board expressed its commitment to working on these issues.
County Manager Coudriet stated that staff was able to pull the requested data during this discussion. The
poverty level as defined by the U.S. government for a family of four is $26,200. The Board approved a minimum $15
an hour wage for County employees, which is an annual salary of $31,200 and then a firefighter in their first year
will not make less than $33,325. Also, the Workforce Housing Committee has received its first data report from its
recent survey, which was directed by the Board and City Council about a year ago. It will be presented to both elected
bodies in April.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Thompson for the presentation.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 PAGE 786
PRESENTATION ON PROVIDING CUSTOMER DELIGHT IN HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: AN OVERVIEW OF
IMPROVEMENTS TO PROCESSES THAT ENHANCE OUR CUSTOMER'S EXPERIENCE AND CREATE INNOVATIVE
SOLUTIONS
Senior Strategy and Continuous Improvement Analyst JD Limberger stated the County HHS building was
dedicated on October 17, 2019. At that time the Office of Strategy and HHS formed a partnership committed to
integrating existing business processes with the County's shared values of professionalism, integrity, innovation,
stewardship, and accountability to serve as a Model of Good Governance. Over the last 15 months, staff has
reimagined how business is done with the sole focus of the customer being at the center of everything. Through
these efforts the focus has remained to provide better, faster, leaner customer -driven practices; align services and
programs with strategic priorities; communicate what the County does and why; and develop and nurture
partnerships to deliver strategic objectives. Mr. Limberger presented the following information which shows some
of the improvements enacted to delight customers and showcase the County's commitment to being easy to do
business with:
• HHS Process Improvement Update:
• Office of Strategy: process improvement framework
• Improve operational efficiency
• Integrate service delivery
• Customer delight: the difference between customer satisfaction and customer delight
• First process improvement: mailroom objectives and improvements:
• Mail touched one time - eliminating unnecessary processing
• Streamline of delivery of mail: delivered within 1 % hours to all program areas
• Mail security improved
• Customer delight:
• Exterior drive -up drop box: 444 customers used the drive -up drop box over the last 20
business days (about 22 people a day)
• Drop box documents processed every 2 — 2 % hours
• Return mail: forwarded to customers along with a note (same day)
• Second process improvement: real-time case scanning:
• The IT and Strategy Departments were asked to work with Health and Human Services to
develop a real-time case scanning solution for:
• Voicemails, emails, photographs, faxes, videos
• Program structured in a way that no longer required customers to see a specific social or
case worker for assistance
• Third process improvement: external communications:
• Customer Experience Team (CET) requested assistance with processing external
communications:
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• Fourth process improvement: Crisis Intervention Program (CIP):
• CIP is an energy assistance program
• Exploration done on if CIP payment vouchers can be moved out of current payment system:
• Determination made to move from paper system to procurement card (p -card) system to
speed up process of energy assistance payments to utility companies
• Customer delight:
• Payments to Duke Energy will go from 21+ days to three days or less
• Annual savings: $94,390 - $10,200 = $84,190
• Reduce paper consumption and storage by 61,200 pages annually
• State of North Carolina DHHS and NC counties are excited to see how we implement
• Savings realized:
• Printing: $1,156
• Postage: $3,400
• Staff: $52,944
• P -card rebate: $36,890
HHS Administrative Supervisor Bonita Wright, Economic Services Lead Worker Haley Kiser, and Medicaid
Program Manager Lori Harvey commented on how these improvements have not only helped the HHS employees,
but also the customers who are provided with better efficiency, better experience, and better service.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021
BOOK 34
PAGE 787
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Mr. Limberger for the presentation.
2021 REAPPRAISAL UPDATE PRESENTATION
Tax Administrator Allison Snell presented the 2021 reappraisal results as follows:
• 2021 Reappraisal Results:
• What is a reappraisal: the process of updating New Hanover County's real property values to
reflect fair market value as of January 1, 2021. It is also referred to as a revaluation of real property.
• Why perform a reappraisal:
• Required by NC General Statutes (NCGS): NCGS 105-286 requires all counties to reappraise
real property at least once every eight years
• Equity and fairness: Reappraisal of property establishes the fairness of the tax burden
between properties which typically change in value at different rates by location and property
type.
• 2021 Reappraisal results — overall:
Residential 26%
Commercial 42%
Total
30%
• Reappraisal history:
Total Parcels`
85,662
97,237
100,421
104,459
110,198
Avg. Single Family
-
$314,100
$247,142
$272,786
$358,685
%Change from Reappraisal �
-
56%
-17%
14%
30%
Taxable Value Post Reappraisal
$12.6 B
$29 B
$24.9 B
$28.9 B
$43.3 B*
Taxable Value After Growth
$15.8 B
$30.4 B
$26.3 B
$30.5 B
-
(New Construction)
• Jurisdictional percent change:
Kure Beach
27%
35%
28%
Carolina Beach
33%
42%
34%
Wrightsville Beach
30%
27%
29%
Wilmington
26%
41%
31%
Fire District
27%
36%
28%
New Hanover
26%
42%
30%
• NC property tax relief programs:
• Elderly or Disabled: age 65 and/or totally and permanently disabled. Income below $31,500
or $47,250 depending on program.
• Disabled Veteran: total service connected disability and discharged under honorable
conditions (or unmarried surviving spouse).
• 2021 Applications due by June 1: Call (910) 798-7300 or go online at: tax.nhcgov.com/forms/
• Project schedule 2021:
• January: New values set. Start informal appeals (7% expected or 7,713).
• February: Mail value notices. Appoint Board of Equalization and Review members.
• April: Begin Board of Equalization and Review hearings.
• May: Board of Equalization and Review adjourns from receiving additional appeals.
• June: Adopt Fiscal Year 2022 budget, set Fiscal Year 2022 tax rate
• New Hanover County Tax Administration contact information:
• 910-798-7300; reappraisal@nhcgov.com; and tax.nhcgov.com
Ms. Snell noted that the adjournment date of the Board of Equalization and Review is set for May 11, 2021
and as such, that is the last day appeals can be filed and accepted. After that date, appeals will not be accepted
because they will be deemed untimely. The public is encouraged that upon receipt of the notices, to go online and
review their property record card. It is extremely important to verify if the data the department has in its records is
accurate. If it is not, it is important to file an appeal and to let staff know. If for some reason the assigned value
seems astronomical or incorrect in whatever way, it is important to file an appeal and to submit the supporting
documentation for review. A press release will be sent out soon, and an informative short video will be shared across
many platforms for the public to view that helps explain the reappraisal process, what it is, and why it is done. Also,
there will be an informational pamphlet that will go out with the notice of value.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Snell stated that the advertisement to receive applications for the
Board of Equalization and Review is currently being done and the plan is to appoint members at the Board's March
15th meeting.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Snell for the presentation.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021
BOOK 34
PAGE 788
PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2021 SECOND QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher presented the Fiscal Year 2021 second quarter financial results
which includes financial activity through December 31, 2020:
• Second Quarter Financial Summary:
• General Fund - Revenues:
• Total revenues collected 56.1% of budget
• $140.4 million in property tax received
• 24.8% of budgeted sales tax collected
• Second quarter comparisons:
• 2019: Ad Valorem was $126.7 million; Other was $32.2 million
• 2020: Ad Valorem was $129.9 million; Other was $37.2 million
• 2021: Ad Valorem was $140.4 million; Other was $42.3 million
• Debt Service Revenues:
• Revenues collected 56.1% of budget
• $18.5 million in property tax received
• 25.2% of budgeted sales tax collected
• Second quarter comparisons:
• 2019: Ad Valorem was $16.6 million; Other was $6 million
• 2020: Ad Valorem was $17.1 million; Other was $6.4 million
• 2021: Ad Valorem was $18.5 million; Other was $7.2 million
• General and Debt Service Expenditures:
• Expenditures through the second quarter represent 46.6% of budget
• Most functions trending similar to prior year
• Fire Services:
• Total revenues collected represent 57.4% of budget
• Property tax revenues collected 80.4% of budget
• Expenditures are slightly lower than prior year
• Second quarter comparisons:
• 2019: Revenues were $8.9 million; Expenses were $7.8 million
• 2020: Revenues were $9.3 million; Expenses were $8.8 million
• 2021: Revenues were $9.7 million; Expenses were $8.3 million
Environmental Management:
• Charges for services are 40% of budget
• Expenses are higher than prior year:
• Additional expenses for Hurricane Isaias
Second quarter comparisons:
• 2019: Revenues were $7.5 million; Expenses (excluding transfers) were $19.8 million
• 2020: Revenues were $11.1 million; Expenses (excluding transfers) were $4.8 million
• 2021: Revenues were $7.9 million; Expenses (excluding transfers) were $7.7 million
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher for the presentation.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF NON -COUNTY AGENCY FUNDING POLICY REVISIONS
Chief Financial Officer Lisa Wurtzbacher stated in 2018, the Board adopted the Non -County Agency Funding
Policy. As a part of that same meeting, there was discussion around the selection and program eligibility and, in
particular, it was discussed that after three years of funding a program, the program would either be eligible for
vendor status, which means they would become a vendor of the County and would be funded for a certain level of
service that they were providing, or they would be ineligible for funding for that particular program for three years.
This is really the fourth budget cycle since that policy was adopted and there are now programs that will be in Fiscal
Year 2022 in their fourth year of funding, which would mean they would need to be selected for vendor status or
they would be ineligible for funding, based on those discussions and processes as discussed at that meeting. The
request is if the Board does wish to continue with that process as discussed in 2018, staff is requesting an update to
the policy as shown in the agenda packet, which is the addition of Sections 3.9 and 3.10. The sections are essentially
state that after three years the programs will either move to vendor status or deemed ineligible for funding and in
their first year of vendor status, they would receive the same level of funding as they had their last year of non -
county agency funding.
Chair Olson-Boseman thanked Ms. Wurtzbacher for the overview of the request and opened the floor to
Board discussion.
Commissioner Barfield stated the section showing that if a program has not moved to vendor status, they
will not be eligible for funding for three years is something he cannot support. Programs such as DREAMS, while not
directly tied to what the County does as a mission, provide outstanding services to this community and have been
long standing partners with the County. To say they are not a vendor and fund another program which may not have
the same track record or efficacy within the community, he thinks would be the wrong decision to make.
Commissioner Zapple stated that he agrees with some of Commissioner Barfield's comments.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 PAGE 789
In response to Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated that it is ultimately the Board's decision if programs
such as Good Shepherd, Kids Making It, One Love Tennis, Nourish NC, and WRAAP either no longer receive funding
or move into vendor status this year. Staff has not had in-depth discussions yet about these programs. Meetings
have been held with departments to find out where they fall in terms of what they are providing and what would be
the most appropriate department to determine a service level that is needed. Also, she cannot state right now which
would be recommended for vendor status and which would not. A brief discussion was held about how there are
programs important to the community and make it better and that many agencies administering the programs are
considered partners with the County. Concerns were expressed about the three-year limit creating a loss of
important partners, particularly in the non-profit world.
In response to Board questions, Ms. Wurtzbacher stated a matrix has not been established yet that would
provide the criteria for moving a program into vendor status. However, as she envisions it, the conversations with
departments would start with 1) does the program either enhance something that the County is already doing, does
it fill a gap that the County needs, and is it in line with the strategic priorities; and 2) a review of the three years of
funding to see what sort of progress have the programs made and have they been successful. That information
would be used in developing recommendations for Board consideration. She then reviewed the following chart
which shows what fiscal year a program would become eligible for vendor status:
FY21-22 Requests
Eligible for Vendor Status FY22. App led for FY22 NCA funding, but would be ineligible to receive NCA fund Ing for FY22.
Agency
Prog..
tF OF CONSECUTIVE YEARS
FUNDED INC: FY22
REQUEST
VENDORSTATUS
CONSIDERATION
ACCESS of Wilmington
ACCESS Fit
1
F"_5
Blue R -boon Comirlssion
VOYAGE Coirmun ty out -each Advocates
Fl -_3
Bread for Life Senior Pantry
3read for Life Senior Pantry
2
Fv24
B r gade Boys -c! Girl, Club
P roject Learn
I
Fv'_ 3
B rooklyn Arts M usic Acad em
Music is Life l
1
Fv25
Cameron Ah Museum
W i lir ingto n U nited States Co l ore d Troo ps Pu bli c Scu l ptu re Project
2
Fv24
cape Fear Community Land Trust
cape Fear community Land Tru st
Fv23
Crape Fear Council of Governments
Homeless Continuum of CareiCoordinated Entry
2
F"4
::ape Fear Fealth Net
Enrollment and Eligibility Services
1
F"_5
Coastal Hon—,open
House -ra nsition al Living Program
2
F-4
'ori "es in Schools of Cape Fear
Resillercy Task Force
F123
C.omirunit'es in Schools of Cape Fear
Wrap.Around Strategies for Student Success
1
Fv25
Comirunity En-ichment hitiatives, Inc.
Wilirinl GFIen Project
1
Fv'_5
omi unity 3oys&Girls Cluc3w
ding Great Fut.ires
1
Fv'_5
Domestic Viola— Shelter
Victim Advocate
3
Fv23
DREAMS ofNI mington
Centerfor Arts Education
2
F-4
Fairily Promise ofthe Lomer Cape Fea•
Fami es Forward Housing
3
F-3
Feast Co., East
Local Motive Mable Farirers Market
2
F`24
First Fruit M"nistr'es
Medical Out -each Program
2
Fv24
First Tee of Greater W"Imington
outreach anc Program Specia ist
1
Fv25
Five 14 Revolution
Restoration of Woirer. 2021
1
FY25
Fooc Sank of Central & Eastern NC at LNi mington
Nourishing Families in NHC
1
FY25
GLOW Inc
GLOW Extended Day Lear -Mg Progra irs
FY23
Good Shepherd Center
Emergency Food Services for Uu ngry NHC Residents
4
Good Shepherd Center
Emergency Shelter& Permanent Housing Placement for Homeless NHC Residents
4
Kids Making It
Keeping Kids Out o#Trouble and instilling Hands On Connection of Workto Income
4
Lenny Simpson Tennis & Education Fund, Inc.
One Love Tennis
4
Lover Cape Fear Hospice dba Lo- Cape =ear
Path'd✓ays to are
1
Fv25
Nourish NC
Backpack Program
4
�rng as Eagles Outr=each Min'stry
Acadenr c Support) Saturday Academic, Pre -K Jumpsta tj
1
Fv25
he Carouse, Center
Chid Pa-ent Psychotherapy
2
Fv24
-he Carousel Center
Chi d Abuse Pre—Ition/A.warei—s Education & outreach
1
Fv25
The Carousel Center
Support Services for Healthier Families
1
F" 5
WARM, hc.
Sustaining Storm Resilience & Neigrborhood Public Safety Througr Home Rebldg
1
Fv25
W"I mington . hild-en's Miseum, Inc.
Reforest the Toddle, T•eehouse
1
Fv25
WRAAPAfter
School Enrichment Academy Program
4
YMCA of Soul he aster r. Ni.
After -School at G'LOW Aga de my
1
Fv25
VW, A of th e LOWS r Cape Fear
Grandparent Support Net'mork
3
Fv23
She noted that the discussions she referenced would occur every year for all of the programs that are moving into
the timeframe where they would need to be considered as a vendor or ineligible for funding. In response to further
Board questions, she agreed that part of the reason why a program should be considered for vendor status is so
there is no need to keep returning annually to make a funding request as they meet the criteria and to provide a sort
of guarantee they will be funded each year by the County. For example, the County has been funding Good Shepherd
many years and if the County has been funding them for 10 years, obviously they are providing something that the
County feels is very valuable. As such, rather than having them go through this process, they become a vendor.
There is an outside agency committee that determines what programs get funded and at what level, and make that
recommendation to the county manager who then shares the recommendation with the Board.
Discussion was held about the long-term non -county agencies having to reapply each year for funding and
if they are given vendor status, they are guaranteed the funding. County Manager Coudriet stated that when the
policy was proposed, and it was Board initiated in 2017, he thinks that the discourse amongst the Board was that it
did not want to have outside agencies that were perpetually funded, but understanding there were some that had
been core to the County and they were moved into vendor status. While not saying it was right or wrong, the vision
of the Board was that it would invite applicants, that it would appoint an independent group who would make
funding recommendations to the Board, not County staff, and then those agencies funded would only be funded for
three years. If during that time the agencies prove their efficacy of meeting a need of the County, they would become
a vendor or if they are not eligible for funding then there would be an exit strategy so that the County would not be
asked to fund the same program for multiple years. That was the vision and the County is just now at the point that
the groups that were funded as part of the first outside agency recommendation are coming up for determination.
The Board would need to determine if the ones that are coming off are to be moved into vendor status or do they
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 PAGE 790
continue to be funded as an outside agency. The Board is being asked to provide clarity in a statement of policy if it
desire to continue this process.
A brief discussion was held about how the Board made the determinations prior to the committee being
established and how the initial committee members did not have full knowledge of what many of the outside
agencies do and recommended defunding several the first year. The Board made adjustments to those
recommendations as it recognized the importance of the various outside agencies to the County. Commissioner
Barfield noted that the final decision ultimately rests with this Board based on recommendations from the
committee. It is also staff's responsibility to know the efficacy of a program and what it has done within this
community in order to rebut false, bad, or inaccurate information to make sure that the County is doing the right
thing. He would suggest doing away with Section 3.9 and continue to evaluate the agencies on a year by year basis.
Vice -Chair Hays commented that she sees the positive in moving some of the agencies to vendor status. She
understands that would be done through an evaluation process and the Board would still have the final say on who
does and does not move to vendor status. County Manager Coudriet confirmed that the Board always reserves that
right. He further stated it would be helpful for the Board to provide what particular criteria, because none have been
established yet, it would want staff to evaluate to ensure an entity continues on as a vendor. Historically, up until a
few years ago, the decisions were made by the Board, and still are, but the way the rules were set up in 2017 is that
staff does not weigh in with an opinion whether or not a group of agencies should be funded. The Board theoretically
bound itself to following the outside agency committee recommendations. As appropriately pointed out, the Board
did not always abide by the recommendations of the outside agency committee.
A brief discussion was held about continuing the matter in order to allow time for more work to be done
on the language. County Manager Coudriet stated his understanding of Commissioner Barfield's suggestion is that it
takes out the question whether or not an agency that is expiring can go through the outside agency pool again. If
the Board strikes the language it creates more optionality, in his opinion, for the agencies who know they are eligible
to apply and be considered, even if they were not moved into a vendor status, for recommendation for potential
funding by the outside agency committee. He confirmed that the removal of Section 3.9 does not take away the
opportunity for the Board to move agencies into vendor status. Again, it gives more options for the outside agency
committee and the entities that have been funded to be a part the next year's budget. Commissioner Barfield
confirmed that the removal of Section 3.9 would meet his satisfaction.
Further Board discussion was held about how the revisions would lead to a strong review and discussion
about the relevancy of those that have been funded by the County, as a part of whether an agency is moved to
vendor status or not. Commissioner Zapple stated that in the absence of at least a written statement of the criteria
for what moves an agency into vendor status, he thinks there is value in having the review process of those that
have been funded for the past three years. He has concerns of not knowing exactly what it takes to get to vendor
status and there may be some valuable partners that fall off the funding list. He is not supportive of a three year
waiting period for those agencies to be allowed to be considered again for funding. Ms. Wurtzbacher stated she
thinks the policy can be updated to reflect that after three consecutive years of funding, there will be an evaluation
process to determine if the program will transition to vendor status, leave out the second sentence that states that
if they are not converted to vendor status that they would be ineligible for three years, and they could then move
into the normal non -county agency process. Commissioner Zapple stated that those changes raise his comfort level
with the verbiage. Commissioner Barfield commented that historically, prior to the establishment of the committee,
staff did a thorough vetting of each agency that applied for funding. He feels that whatever committee is in place, it
need to have ample knowledge of what happens in their own community. Ms. Wurtzbacher confirmed that her staff
still reviews financial statements and outcome measures as a part of the contract process.
Further discussion was held about the verbiage for Section 3.9. Ms. Wurtzbacher and Mr. Coudriet
recommended, "Upon receiving funding for at least three (3) consecutive years, a program may be considered for
vendor status through an evaluation process by staff. If it is determined that the program will not be recommended
for vendor status, the program remains eligible to apply for funding through the non -county agency process."
Commissioners Barfield and Zapple confirmed that this language would be acceptable to them for Section 3.9.
Hearing no further discussion, Chair Olson-Boseman asked for direction from the Board.
Motion: Commissioner Zapple MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield to approve the revision of the Non -
County Agency Funding Policy to reflect that Section 3.9 will now read as, "Upon receiving funding for at least three
(3) consecutive years, a program may be considered for vendor status through an evaluation process by staff. If it is
determined that the program will not be recommended for vendor status, the program remains eligible to apply for
funding through the non -county agency process" and to approve Section 3.10 as presented. Upon roll call vote, the
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A copy of the updated Non -County Agency Funding Policy is on file in the Finance Department.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Appointments to the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that four vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical
Examiners with four applications available for consideration.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 34
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 PAGE 791
Commissioner Zapple nominated Michael A. Callari, Thomas L. Crittenden, Jr., and Ray McClory for
reappointment and Steven Everhart for appointment. Vice -Chair Hays seconded the nominations.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nominations on the floor.
Roll Call Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Michael A. Callari in the Class I Journeyman
Mechanic category, Thomas L. Crittenden, Jr. in the Class III Journeyman Mechanic category, and Ray McClory in the
Class 11 Journeyman Mechanic category and appoint Steven Everhart in the NC Registered Mechanical Engineer
category to the New Hanover County Board of Mechanical Examiners to serve two year terms with the terms to
expire August 31, 2022.
Appointments to the New Hanover County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that two vacancies exist on the New Hanover County Industrial Facilities
and Pollution Control Financing Authority with three applications available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Maverick Pate and Nivine Richie for appointment. Chair Olson-Boseman
seconded the nominations.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nominations on the floor.
Roll Call Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to appoint Maverick Pate and Nivine Richie to the New
Hanover Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority to serve six year terms with the terms to expire
February 22, 2027.
Appointment to the New Hanover County Plumbing Board of Examiners
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the New Hanover County Plumbing Board of
Examiners with one application available for consideration.
Commissioner Zapple nominated David K. Woodbury for reappointment. Chair Olson-Boseman seconded
the nomination.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nomination on the floor.
Roll Call Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint David K. Woodbury in the Master Plumber
category to the New Hanover County Plumbing Advisory Board to serve a three-year term with the term to expire
December 1, 2023.
Appointment to the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway and Beach Commission
Chair Olson-Boseman reported that one vacancy exists on the Wilmington/New Hanover Port, Waterway
and Beach Commission with one applicant eligible for reappointment.
Commissioner Zapple nominated Robert Peter Divoky for reappointment. Vice -Chair Hays seconded the
nomination.
Hearing no further nominations, Chair Olson-Boseman called for a vote for the nomination on the floor.
Roll Call Vote Results: The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to reappoint Robert Peter Divoky in the Shipping category
to serve a three-year term with the term to expire February 28, 2024.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
Chair Olson-Boseman stated that no one signed up to speak for public comments on non -agenda items.
ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Chair Olson-Boseman expressed appreciation for the news that Michael Jordan has given $10 million to
Novant Health to open two new medical clinics in the County.
CLOSED SESSION
Chair Olson-Boseman stated the Board would enter into a Closed Session pursuant to North Carolina
General Statute (NCGS) 143-318.11(a)(6) to consider personnel matters and asked for direction from the Board.
Motion: Vice -Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Barfield, to enter into a Closed Session pursuant to
NCGS 143-318.11(a)(6) to consider personnel matters. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chair Olson-Boseman convened to Closed Session at 11:15 a.m. and stated that all persons not Board
members or specifically designated staff are asked to leave at this time.
CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
Chair Olson-Boseman called the meeting back to order at 11:43 a.m. and reported that the Board has
concluded consideration of personnel matters and she asked for direction from the Board on the matters.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR REMOTE MEETING, FEBRUARY 15, 2021
BOOK 34
PAGE 792
Motion: Vice -Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Olson-Boseman to set the salary of the Register of Deeds to
$110,000, effective February 15, 2021. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Motion: Vice -Chair Hays MOVED, SECONDED by Chair Olson-Boseman to give a salary increase of seven percent (7%)
to the County Manager, County Attorney, and Clerk to the Board, who report to the Board, effective February 15,
2021. Upon roll call vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Olson-Boseman adjourned the meeting at 11:46 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kymberleigh G. Crowell
Clerk to the Board
Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
meeting. The entire proceedings are available online at www.nhcgov.com.