The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, March 19, 2007, at 3:30pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room of the County Administration Building, 348 South Main Street, Sparta, North Caroli= na

The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met= in regular session on Monday, March 19, 2007, at 3:30pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room of the County Administration Building, 348 South Main Street, Sparta, North Carolina.

Present: Chair Ken Richardson, Vice-Chair Warren Taylor, Commissioner Randy Miller, Commissioner Doug Murphy, Commissioner Milly Richardson, County Man= ager Don Adams and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans. County Attorney Donna Shumate was absent.

Chair Ken Richardson called the meeting to orde= r.

Commissioner Milly Richardson led the Pledge of Allegiance and opened the meeting with a prayer.

Chair Ken Richardson stated that the water auth= ority agreement needs to be removed from the agenda.

Commissioner Randy Miller made a motion to appr= ove the amended agenda for this March 19, 2007, meeting. Commissioner Doug Murphy seconded = the motion. Vote 5:0.<= /o:p>

AGENDA

Monday, March 19, 2007

3:30 PM

3:30 = Meeting Called To Order, Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer

= M= otion on Agenda for March 19, 2007, meeting

Motion on Minutes for February 28, 2007, March 5, 2007 and March 12, 2007, meeting= s

3:35 A. = Public Comments—30 minutes

B. Mary Walker

= R= E: Tax Release and Refunds

C. Public Hearing

RE: 2007 Scattered Site Grant=

D. Craig Hughes

RE: Rural Transportation Advisory Committee

E. Derrick Murphy

RE: Speed Limit on Piney Creek School Road=

F. = Sandy Walker

RE: 07/08 CJPP Grant

G. LEPC Annual Report

H. Sparta-Alleghany Volunteer Fire Department Annual Report

I. &= nbsp; Health Advisory Council Annual Report

J. = Sheriff David Edwards

RE: Budget Amendment and Surplus Property<= /o:p>

K. County Business

1. &n= bsp; Board of Elections Budget Amendment

2. &n= bsp; Work First Program Budget Amendment

3. &n= bsp; NCACC Dist= rict Meetings

4. &n= bsp; Land Trans= fer Tax Resolution

5. &n= bsp; Water Auth= ority Agreement &nbs= p; (dele= ted)

6. &n= bsp; Other Busi= ness

7. = A= djourn

Commissioner Randy Miller made a motion to approve the minutes for the February 28, 2007= , March 5, 2007 and March 12, 2007, meetings. Commissioner Milly Richardson seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Ken Richardson asked for public comments.=

Darlene Wyatt stated that she is speaking about= the land transfer tax. She further stated that the realtor’s association group is strongly opposed to th= is action. She handed out and re= viewed a summary explaining the reasons why they are opposed to this action.

Chair Ken Richardson asked for further public comments. None were received.=

Mary Walker, Tax Administrator, presented the F= ebruary 2007 real property requests in the amount of $1,579.15 for refunds and $2,6= 79.95 for releases.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to app= rove the February 2007 real property requests in the amount of $1,579.15 for ref= unds and $2,679.95 for releases. C= ommissioner Randy Miller seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

M &= nbsp; Mary Walker presented the February 2007 vehicle requests in the amount of $472.49 for refunds and $1,994.67 for releases.

C &= nbsp; Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the February 2007 vehicle requests in the amount of $472.49 for refunds and $1,994.67 for releases. Commissioner Milly Richardson seco= nded the motion. Vote 5:0.

M &= nbsp; Mary Walker presented a motor-vehicle appeal form for a 2005 Chevrolet pickup. She stated that this vehicle had t= he wrong VIN from DMV. She expla= ined that her recommendation is $14,575, which is from the NADA book.=

C &= nbsp; Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve the Tax Administrator’s recommendation of $14,575. Co= mmissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker presented a motor-vehicle appeal fo= rm for a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. She explained that her recommendation is $17,885.

C &= nbsp; Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve the Tax Administrator’s recommendation of $17,885. Co= mmissioner Doug Murphy seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker presented a motor-vehicle appeal fo= rm for a 2001 Chevrolet. She stated = that the assessed value is $15,350. She explained that her recommendation is $14,245, which is from the Kelly Blue = Book.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to app= rove the Tax Administrator’s recommendation of $14,245. Commissioner Milly Richardson seco= nded the motion. Vote 5:0.

= Mary Walker talked about Board of Equalization and Review dates. She stated that the first meeting = is on April 3, and appeals are still coming in plus a few taxpayers have requested a day meeting for the Board of Equalization and Review. She asked the Board to schedule da= tes for at least three more meetings. She reminded the Commissioners that the meetings have to start in April but can go on until whenever but she would = like to get done as quickly as possible.

= Chair Ken Richardson and Mary Walker talked about dates and times for the meeting= s.

= County Manager Don Adams talked about the sooner the better for the budget.

The Board talked about meeting dates and times.= They decided on April 17 and 24 at 6:30pm. Chair Ken Richardson = talked about three Commissioners are required to be at the meeting. The Board continued to discuss mee= ting dates and times. They further decided on April 16 at 2:00pm for the day meeting.

Michelle Ball talked about the State applicatio= n for the 2007 Scattered Site grant. She stated that they received 27 applications with 24 eligible to receive assistance. She informed the = Board that each home was examined, the housing committee met last week and the co= mmittee selected four homes for assistance. She stated that these will be replacement homes. She gave the locations of the homes. She further stated that there is good representation in the county. She said that the State applicatio= n needs to be submitted by March 30 and the funds should be released in October or = November.

Chair Ken Richardson declared the public hearin= g open at 3:48pm regarding the scattered site program.

Chair Ken Richardson asked for public comments.= None were received.

Chair Ken Richardson closed public hearing at 3= :49pm and reconvened the regular meeting.

Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to = approve submitting the application for the scattered site grant. Commissioner Doug Murphy seconded t= he motion. Vote 5:0.

Craig Hughes with High Country Council of Gover= nments came before the Board to publicly present an award to Warren Taylor for his leadership and guidance. He presented Commissioner Taylor with the 2005-2006 Outstanding Rural Transportation Advisory Committee Member Award.

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that it is a = pleasure to serve on the board. He thanked Craig Hughes for coming to present this a= ward.

Derrick Murphy came before the Board to discuss speeding on the road where he lives; Piney Creek School Road. He stated that his yard is the beg= inning of the school zone for Piney Creek Elementary School. He further stated that no speed li= mit sign is posted except the school zone sign. He asked what the process is to ge= t a speed limit sign and a sharp curve sign.&n= bsp; He stated that people are going 40-45 mph in the 25 mph school zone.

Commissioner Doug Murphy stated that this isn&#= 8217;t just the volume of traffic but the task is to slow down the traffic in case= a child darts out in the road.

Commissioner Warren Taylor asked about an earli= er request on the same road.

County Manager Don Adams stated that was furthe= r down the same road, and he asked DOT to survey the road. He further stated that DOT has stu= died the road and is posting a recommended speed limit sign but will not reduce the speed limit. He recommended w= riting a letter to NCDOT and the State highway patrol regarding Mr. Murphy’s situation. =

Derrick Murphy stated that the signs are posted= near the subdivision and the recommended signs for 25 mph are up. He further stated that his neighbo= rs have talked to him regarding this issue.

County Manager Don Adams stated that it might be helpful if a letter is sent from Piney Creek Elementary School and the Coun= ty.

Chair Ken Richardson instructed the County Mana= ger to write those two letters and get one from Jeff Cox for the school system.

Sandy Walker came to ask for continued support = for the Criminal Justice Partnership Program in the amount of $44,159, which are pass-through monies. She revi= ewed how the program is beneficial to Alleghany County. She talked about how many people t= hey have served this year and their average success rate is 48%, where the national population success rate is 42%. She stated that this is the same funding as last year. She further stated that the local = board has approved this.

Chair Ken Richardson stated that he serves on t= his board, and the State looks at Alleghany County as a model to see how things= are handled here.

Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to approve the application. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Gerald Leftwich, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented the annual Alleghany County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) report. He reviewed the highlights of the = LEPC report.

Terry McGrady presented the annual report for t= he Sparta-Alleghany Volunteer Fire Department. He reviewed the number of members = and their levels of certifications, number of training hours, number of fire ca= lls and types, response time, list of expenses and revenues including donations= and fundraisers and types of fire trucks they have.

Commissioner Warren Taylor asked about the repa= irs on the ladder truck.

Terry McGrady stated that it is still in South = Boston and should be ready this week. He further stated that the truck should be in good shape for the next inspection.

<= o:p>

Lidjea Andrews presented the annual report for = the Health Advisory Council. She reviewed the highlights and activities of the Health Advisory Council for t= he past year.

Sheriff David Edwards stated that Jim Hudson re= tired a couple of months ago and wants to buy his service weapon. He said that he understands the Commissioners can declare the gun surplus and let Mr. Hudson buy it for a s= mall fee.

Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to declare the weapon surplus. C= ommissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams talked about selling t= he weapon for the nominal fee of a $1.

Commissioner Milly Richardson amended her motio= n to include allowing Mr. Hudson to purchase the weapon for $1. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded= the amendment. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amend= ment General Fund #25 in the amount of $348,830 for the Law Enforcement Center.<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> He stated that federal inmates wer= en’t anticipated during budget time. He further stated that the revenues are projected to be $348,830 for boarding federal inmates, which will decrease the appropriated fund balance by $92,3= 94. He reviewed each line item and the reason for the request in this budget amendment; part-time salary, over-tim= e, FICA, retirement and utilities in Dispatch; part-time salary, over-time, FI= CA, retirement, travel in the Sheriff’s Department; full-time salary, part-time salary, over time, longevity, FICA, retirement, utilities and food & provisions in the Jail.

Belva Miller explained the auto expense line and uniform line item requests.

<= o:p>

Commissioner Milly Richardson and Sheriff David Edwards talked about using local businesses for tires purchases.=

Chair Ken Richardson and County Manager Don Ada= ms talked about these are projected numbers.

Belva Miller stated that the revenues are avera= ging $38,000 per month with $197,000 already received.

County Manager Don Adams reminded everyone that= the fund balance will be reduced by $92,394.

Commissioner Doug Murphy asked about the program continuing for housing federal inmates.

Sheriff David Edwards agreed and stated that he= is trying to get the reimbursement rate higher to bring in more revenues.=

Belva Miller explained that if the County recei= ved an additional $20 per day, it will be an additional $18,000 per month. She stated that they have maintain= ed 30 inmates since December.

Sheriff David Edwards stated that these inmates= are awaiting trial.

Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to = approve budget amendment General Fund #25 in the amount of $348,830 for the Law Enforcement Center. Commissio= ner Doug Murphy seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amend= ment General Fund #23 in the amount of $2,432.&= nbsp; He explained that this is a grant to purchase bells to be placed at = each voting precinct for handicap people to use.

Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to = approve budget amendment General Fund #23 in the amount of $2,432. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconde= d the motion. Vote 5:0. =

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amend= ment General Fund #24 in the amount of $1,444 for the Work First program. He stated that this is 100% state funded.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to app= rove budget amendment General Fund #24 in the amount of $1,444. Commissioner Randy Miller seconded= the motion. Vote 5:0. =

County Manager Don Adams presented information regarding the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) District Meetings. He stated that the closest meeting is on April 20 in Caldwell County. He further s= tated that he is planning to attend, and if anyone is interested in going to let = him know. He asked that Commissio= ners let Karen Evans know they will be attending and she will complete the registration form.

County Manager Don Adams presented the land-tra= nsfer tax resolution. He stated tha= t this is from the NCACC’s web site. He reviewed the resolution.<= /span>

Chair Ken Richardson asked for any wording chan= ges.

Commissioner Milly Richardson made a motion to = pass the resolution as presented. = Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion.

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that this mea= ns the County will have the option for the tax but is not mandated that the Board = has to do it.

County Manager Don Adams talked about a number = of local bills regarding revenue options and House Bill153 is the best shot. He explained that it is the only statewide bill.

Commissioner Doug Murphy talked about this is o= ne of the options that are out there to help counties and the menu of local optio= ns.

County Manager Don Adams stated that House Bill= 153 has to be done by referendum and is supported by the NCACC.

Chair Ken Richardson talked about sending the resolution to our representatives.

The Board voted on the motion on the floor. Vote 5:0.

Being no further business, Commissioner Randy M= iller made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:36pm.= Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Ken Richardson

Chairman

Alleghany County

North Carolina

RES= OLUTION

SUP= PORTING LOCAL-OPTION REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX

WHERE= AS, the property tax is the only source of revenue that counties have control over;= and

WHERE= AS, the State of North Carolina requires counties to pay 15 percent of the state sh= are of Medicaid – a program for which counties are not allowed to set pol= icy, eligibility criteria, service options or provider rates; and

WHEREAS, the total c= ounty share of Medicaid is now projected to eclipse $517 million during the 2007-= 08 fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that in the 2006-07 fiscal year Allegh= any County will spend $876,376 or approximately 6.6% of its expenditures for services to Medicaid eligible citizens; and

&= nbsp; WHEREAS, other unfun= ded mandates from the state such as reduced school class sizes are forcing coun= ty property tax rates higher; and

WHERE= AS, the Department of Public Instruction’s School Planning section 2006 Long Range Facility Plans recently identified $9.7 billion of school facility needs over the next five years, and $9,119,739 in needs in Alleghany County; and

&nb= sp;

WHERE= AS, seven counties in North Carolina ̵= 1; Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Pasquotank, Perquimans and Washington R= 11; are all authorized by the General Assembly to levy a 1 percent real estate transfer tax; and

&nb= sp;

WHERE= AS, any revenue source that is made availab= le to one county should be made available to all 100 counties; and

WHERE= AS, a priority goal of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners is to seek legislation to allow all counties to enact any or all of several revenue options from among those th= at have already been authorized for any other county, including local option s= ales taxes, impact taxes and real estate transfer taxes; and

WHERE= AS, the tax is tied closely to the real est= ate market and generates money to pay for growth at the time it is needed; and

WHERE= AS, a 1 percent local-option real estate tr= ansfer tax could generate $1,115,000 for Alleghany County to help meet the demands= for new classroom space and classroom improvements and fund other critic= al infrastructure needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE= SOLVED that the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners urges the North Carolina General Assembly to authorize Alleghany County to enact a local-option, 1 percent real estate transfer tax to be used for any lawful purpose capital expenditures.

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the members of the General Assembly representing Alleghany County and to all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Adopted= this the 19^th day of March, 2007.