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Home My WebLink About2024-12-12 Agenda Review NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 DECEMBER 12, 2024 AGENDA REVIEW MEETING PAGE 378 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met on December 12, 2024, at 4:02 p.m. for Agenda Review in Conference Rooms 138-139 at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Bill Rivenbark; Vice-Chair LeAnn Pierce; Commissioner Dane Scalise; Commissioner Stephanie A.C. Walker; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell; and County Attorney K. Jordan Smith. Chair Rivenbark called the Agenda Review meeting to order, explaining that the purpose was to review and discuss agenda items for the December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting. However, the Board would first hear a staff update. STAFF UPDATE Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle and Budget Officer Amanda Kostusiak provided the following update regarding the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget planning overview:  FY 2026 budget planning:  Budget timeline:  Enhanced budget process:  Community engagement and participatory budgeting:  Key dates and topics:  Budget work sessions: th  January 30: Overview of Current fiscal year standing and future year economic outlook th  March 6: Revaluation, revenues, capital planning th  March 20: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder funding, Non-County Agency funding th  April 17: New Hanover County Schools budget request and priorities th  Recommended budget: May 17 ndth  Budget adoption: June 2 or June 16  Budget priorities:  Public Education  Preservation of capital and debt capacity  Investments towards preserving and/or creating more green space  Refining and perfecting county services The Board briefly discussed the recent New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) finance committee meeting. Commissioner Zapple urged regular attendance at these meetings, explaining that differences between County and NHCS financial figures arise from including different factors. He also asked County finance staff to participate in future meetings. The Board discussed two potential bonds: a school bond referendum and a quarter-cent sales tax transportation bond referendum. Commissioner Zapple highlighted the County's ongoing transportation challenges, which remain unresolved since voters rejected the quarter-cent sales tax referendum two years ago. County Manager Coudriet clarified that the proposed transportation bond would focus on WAVE bus services, rapid transit, and bike and pedestrian paths instead of traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges. The Board also reviewed the timing and responsibilities for the two bonds, along with public demands for increased school funding. Vice- Chair Pierce stressed the importance of exploring all funding options before pursuing a bond referendum, noting potential public concerns about whether the County had considered working with the New Hanover Community Endowment. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 DECEMBER 12, 2024 AGENDA REVIEW MEETING PAGE 379 The property tax revaluation process was briefly discussed. The current estimate for revenue neutral is $0.30 per $100 value. The first best estimates will be available in March. Consent Agenda Item #2: Adoption of Budget Amendments. Staff provided the following information in response to questions regarding budget amendments (B/A) 25-024, 25-025, 25-026, 25-028, and 25-029:  25-024: County Manager Coudriet explained that the state sets the surcharge tax funds, and the statute has undergone several revisions. The state sends the surcharge to the local level for 911 call-taking. He clarified that the funds are designated for capital use and cannot support the mental health program.  25-025: County Manager Coudriet explained that the McKinsey opioid funds are separate from the original settlement. He clarified that these funds would follow the original settlement terms rather than the memorandum of understanding (MOU). Once another settlement is finalized, an additional tranche of funds will follow the same methodology.  25-026: Mr. Credle explained that the fund functions like an escrow account, with the County holding the funds, earning interest, and managing spending or returns as needed. He stated that the fund contains approximately $10–12 million, earmarked for specific purposes. For instance, developers deposit funds with the County to guarantee the completion of required improvements. After completing those improvements, the County returns the money to the developers.  25-028: Major Eric Edwards stated in response to questions that nothing unusual is happening than what is typical for the Sheriff’s Office regarding replacing vehicles.  25-029: Major Edwards explained that the sheriff and staff identify the supplies needed for daily operations, such as paper, pens, and other equipment. Addressing concerns about limited details in the Sheriff’s Office budget amendments, County Manager Coudriet clarified that the County’s role is to accept revenue from federal asset forfeiture and controlled substance tax funds. By law, the sheriff has discretion over how to use these funds, typically for supplies, though the specific needs vary daily. He emphasized that these revenues are "found money," or unbudgeted income, and not additional County allocations. This funding reduces reliance on the general fund by covering expenses that would otherwise require County resources. He also noted that the sheriff is not obligated to provide detailed spending plans for these funds, as the County’s role is limited to accepting the revenue and enabling the sheriff to allocate it as needed. Regular Agenda Item #8: Presentation of New Hanover County Water Quality Monitoring Program, 2023 - 2024 Final Report. The Board briefly discussed the enterococci results for each creek, focusing on the differing standards applied to Prince George Creek and Pages Creek. Brad Rosov, M.Sc., Senior Marine Biologist and Project Manager with Coastal Protection Engineering of North Carolina, explained that the state established these standards using a tiered program. For instance, Tier 1 applies to areas like Wrightsville Beach, where human contact with water is frequent, while Tier 3 applies to waters with minimal human contact. Mr. Rosov outlined the identified bacteria types and described the testing conducted over the years to pinpoint contamination sources. In response to questions, he confirmed that 12 months of testing were completed this year. CLOSED SESSION Chair Rivenbark stated that a Closed Session is needed pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-318.11(3) to consult with the attorney employed and retained by the public body to preserve the attorney-client privilege to discuss New Hanover County versus Sue Patrick and others, file number 22 CVS 0744. Motion: Vice-Chair Pierce MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Scalise to enter into a Closed Session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute (NCGS) 143-318.11(3) to consult with the attorney employed and retained by the public body to preserve the attorney-client privilege to discuss New Hanover County versus Sue Patrick and others, file number 22 CVS 0744. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair Rivenbark convened the Closed Session at 4:58 p.m. and ordered all persons, not Board members or specifically designated staff, to leave the meeting room. CONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION Chair Rivenbark called the meeting back to order at 5:56 p.m. and reported that the Board has concluded its closed session. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chair Rivenbark adjourned the meeting at 5:57 p.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.