The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 19, 2006, at 10:00am in the Conference Room of the County Office Building, 90 South Main Street, Sparta, North Carolina.

Present: Chair Eldon Edwards, Vice-Chair Warren Taylor, Commissioner Graylen Blevins, Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon, Commissioner Ken Richardson, County Attorney Donna Shumate, County Manager Don Adams and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans.

Chair Eldon Edwards called the meeting to order.

Commissioner Warren Taylor opened the meeting with a prayer.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the agenda for this June 19, 2006, meeting. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

AGENDA

Monday, June 19, 2006

10:00 AM

10:00 Meeting Called To Order

Motion on Agenda for June 19, 2006, meeting

Motion on Minutes for June 5, 2006, meeting

10:05 Mary Walker

RE: Tax Releases and Refunds

10:10 Mike Caudill

RE: Dispatch Operations

10:30 Public Hearing

RE: FY 2006/2007 Budget

11:00 Roger Brady

RE: Recycling Contract

11:15 Amy Pardue

RE: Subdivision Plats

County Business

1. Year-End Budget Amendments

2. Other Business

3. Public Comments—30 minutes

4. Closed Session—NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal

NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (6)—personnel

5. Adjourn

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes for the June 5, 2006, meeting. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker, Tax Administrator, presented the May 2006 real property requests in the amount of $498.41 for refunds and $2,405.47 for releases.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins made a motion to approve the May 2006 real property requests in the amount of $498.41 for refunds and $2,405.47 for releases. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker presented the May 2006 automobile requests in the amount of $126.26 for refunds and $1,782.48 for releases.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the May 2006 automobile requests in the amount of $126.26 for refunds and $1,782.48 for releases. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker presented a motor-vehicle appeal. She explained that the NADA value is $14,100, the vehicle was purchased for $14,000, and she recommends the value to be $14,100.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve Mary Walker’s recommendation of $14,100. Commissioner Ken Richardson seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that Sheriff Caudill is on his way to the meeting. He asked Amy Pardue to present the subdivision plats.

Amy Pardue, Planner, presented a preliminary plat for the Board’s consideration. She explained that this is a 66.2-acre tract being divided into 55 lots. She further explained the proposed subdivision and roads for the subdivision.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the preliminary plat for Jose Leon. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Amy Pardue presented a preliminary plat for Elk Ridge. She explained that this is a 176-acre tract bring divided into 44 lots. She further explained the proposed subdivision and roads for the subdivision.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Jay Adams discussed the lot size and entrance area. Mr. Adams displayed a drawing of the entrance area.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the preliminary plat for Elk Ridge. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Jay Adams discussed the importance of preserving land.

County Manager Don Adams and Amy Pardue discussed cul-de-sac requirements regarding the subdivision ordinance.

Amy Pardue informed the Board that she has a variance request for the Property Rights Protection Ordinance. She asked the Board for dates to hold the meeting. She stated that the Planning Board had decided to have subdivision variances on the second Tuesday at 6:30pm.

The Board of Commissioners agreed to meet as the Planning Board on July 11 at 6:30pm.

County Manager Don Adams informed the Board that Clerk to the Board Karen Evans will not be in attendance at that meeting.

Chair Eldon Edwards mentioned that the Planning Board needs to look at changing the make-up of that Board and the issue could be discussed at the July 11 meeting.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated that a couple of the committee members stated that they will serve on the Planning Board.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that each Commissioner should bring one name to the Planning Board meeting.

County Manager Don Adams presented year-end budget amendments. He explained the following amendments; Transfer Facility #1 in the amount of $37,300, Transportation Fund #2 in the amount of $18,121, General Fund #28 in the amount of $2,500, General Fund #29 in the amount of $4,500, General Fund #30 in the amount of $37,682, General Fund #31 in the amount of $11,753, General Fund #32 in the amount of $37,264, General Fund #33 in the amount of $53,800, General Fund #34 in the amount of $2,714, General Fund #35 in the amount of $25,000.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins made a motion to approve the budget amendments presented by the County Manager. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mike Caudill, Sheriff, stated that now that everyone has had an opportunity to look over the information, does anyone have any questions.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for an explanation on the project.

Sheriff Caudill talked about this is in regards to moving dispatch from the reception area to the old magistrates’ office. He reviewed the information that was provided to the Commissioners; wall coverings and console quotes. He talked about communication equipment. He further talked about the possibility of leasing the equipment. He explained that with leasing the equipment, they will maintain and update the equipment for the duration of the lease.

County Manager Don Adams and Sheriff Caudill talked about the quotes, design from Watson and warranties on the items.

County Manager Don Adams reiterated the quotes of $9,400 for sheetrock, $4,500 for wiring and $15,924 for consoles.

Sheriff Caudill stated that floor coverings aren’t included in these numbers. He talked about wanting to create a room that will provide for dispatch during the next 25 years.

County Manager Don Adams and Sheriff Caudill talked about having enough equipment for two dispatchers.

Sheriff Caudill explained construction problems regarding a bathroom in the dispatch area.

County Manager Don Adams talked about the quotes total is $29,824.

Sheriff Caudill reminded everyone that doesn’t include floor covering or console radio equipment.

County Manager Don Adams explained that the $15,924 can come from the 911 Fund. He further explained that the remaining amount will have to come from the General Fund.

County Manager Don Adams and Sheriff Caudill discussed the Watson quote can range from $15,000 to $19,000.

County Manager Don Adams reiterated that the console monies can come from the 911 Fund and the remainder of the monies must come from the General Fund. He discussed how the 911 funds can be spent.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins talked about the need to have the dispatchers working in the best environment possible.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and County Manager Don Adams discussed the amount of money in the 911 Fund. She asked what action is needed to proceed with this project.

County Manager Don Adams and Sheriff Caudill talked about the pricing for carpet, radio equipment and leasing versus purchasing the equipment.

Chair Eldon Edwards and Sheriff Caudill talked about not having a price for the lease today.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that he recommends making motions to get the items ordered. He talked about the accessories should be considered on the Watson quote.

County Manager Don Adams talked about if everything is approved today, then dispatch could be moved. He further talked about the impact to the budget and asked that the action be effective July 1.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion effective July 1, 2006, to take monies from the 911 Fund, based on the Sheriff’s recommendation, for the Watson quote. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve $13,900 for dispatch and to consider the carpet pricing later. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards opened the public hearing at 11:00am regarding the FY 06/07 budget.

County Manager Don Adams explained the highlights of the FY 06/07 budget ordinance. He started with the General Fund in the amount of $14,107,496. He explained the revenues by source chart, expenditures by function chart and property tax, sales tax and undesignated revenues expended by function chart. He reviewed personnel changes in the budget; Veteran Service Officer from 1 day a week to 2.5 days per week, DSS interpreter, library position from 20 hours per week to 40 hours per week and providing an additional $40,000 in current expense for the Board of Education to hire an alternative teacher. He reviewed operational and capital needs. He talked about the additional $60,000 in school capital outlay and the capital needs for the schools have been met this year. He continued explaining the budget ordinance concerning each of the other funds, the tax rate, budget officer’s authorizations and restrictions, capital projects and utilization of the budget ordinance and the budget.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments.

Dr. Jack Cahn talked about Alleghany Memorial Hospital’s funding request. He briefly described why the Hospital renovated the facility. He explained that the financial situation started deteriorating several years ago with insurance reimbursements. He talked about they are starting to recover strongly. He further talked about this is a one-time request for the money.

John Miller thanked the Commissioners for listening to the Hospital. He talked about the Hospital is a huge economic item in the county. He further talked about the importance of having a strong hospital. He thanked the Commissioners again for the consideration of the Hospital’s request.

Linda Smith stated that she is a 40-year employee of the Hospital. She talked about how difficult it is to make these decisions. She thanked each and everyone for what has been done.

Dorothy Lord talked about changing technology. She encouraged the Board to look at leasing the dispatch equipment instead of purchasing it.

George White stated on behalf of the Hospital and as the finance committee chairman, he is encouraging the Board to vote for the funding for the Hospital.

Debbie Smith stated that on behalf of the employees, she wanted to thank the Commissioners.

Dr. Jeff Cox thanked the Board for their commitment to the schools. He stated that they appreciate the funding provided. He talked about he understands that this is the first time they have received full funding for their capital request. He further talked about the pie chart showing the percentage spent on schools, and that he has seen larger percentages in other places. He stated that he applauds the Commissioners for the work done during this tough budget year.

Ralph Castillo thanked the Board for what they have done for the Hospital, and thanked every citizen in the County for the support.

Martha McKnight thanked the Board for their consideration of the Wellness Center’s request.

Duane Davis stated that he supports the 2006/2007 budget ordinance as presented. He talked about Alleghany Group Homes and the services they provide. He explained their financial problems. He reiterated that he supports the budget ordinance and Alleghany Group Homes.

John Hedrick thanked the Board for the staffing increase at the Alleghany County Library.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for further public comments. None were received.

Chair Eldon Edwards closed the public hearing at 11:47am.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that there are issues in the budget that he supports in principal but cannot support providing funding for the Wellness Center. He further stated that he can go along with the $25,000 like the current year’s budget but can’t support the $35,000 increase. He talked about being the Veterans Service Officer and when it comes time to vote on the budget, he is going to abstain from voting on that part since he is the Veterans Service Officer.

County Manager Don Adams explained Chair Eldon Edwards’ comments; they will be entered into the minutes and noted on the budget ordinance.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about according to the rules of the procedures abstaining from voting is an affirmation of the vote.

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that up until this point Chair Eldon Edwards hasn’t discussed the Veterans Service budget request.

County Attorney Donna Shumate stated that she has talked to the County Manager about this situation and agrees that it is fine to note the one item.

Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about raising taxes to this level and a lot of things compounding at one time. He further talked about the impact of putting these decisions off until later. He gave an example of safety capital projects at the schools. He talked about he would have liked to have had a lower tax rate. He asked the County Manager to work with the Tax Office about a payment schedule for people who can’t afford to pay their taxes.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated that she would have loved to have been able to meet the budget’s needs without the tax increase. She further talked about the Commissioners’ responsibility regarding the citizens. She reiterated Commissioner Taylor’s comments about a payment schedule.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins agreed that no one likes a tax increase. He talked about supporting each other in the community like a community. He further talked about the citizens’ reactions, and he tries to spend County money like it is his money.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that he wanted to congratulate the County Manager and his staff for the work on this budget. He explained that he agreed that the Manager’s recommendation of 7¢ was necessary as well as the Commissioners 3¢. He stated that the County’s debt service is almost 9¢. He talked about the Administration Building and Courthouse renovation loans. He stated that he is comfortable with the 10¢ increase.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated his appreciation to Don Adams and staff for the budget work. He further stated that this was the hardest, most difficult budget year in his 12 years as a Commissioner. He explained that the items he voted against are in regards to the impact to the citizens. He thanked everyone for coming.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the FY 2006/2007 budget ordinance. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards declared a brief recess at 12:04pm.

County Manager Don Adams explained that the proposed recycling contract is extending the contract for two years with Roger Brady. He stated that the Town had extended Roger Brady’s contract two years, and this goes along with their actions.

Roger Brady stated that he doesn’t have any problems with the contract, and he would like to leave it as it is.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about Section 3. He further talked about citizens’ complaints regarding the facility.

Roger Brady talked about reasons the recycling piled up. He further talked about now he has to bale the loose paper. He explained that he has been working on cleaning out the building and will continue working on cleaning up the facility.

Commissioner Ken Richardson asked about the usage of the word promptly in the contract.

Roger Brady talked about working with trucking companies to get service for picking up the recyclables.

Commissioner Ken Richardson asked if everyone could verbally agree about what the word promptly means.

Roger Brady stated that the shipping schedule depends upon how everything can be worked out. He explained how often recyclables are picked-up.

Commissioner Ken Richardson asked if Mr. Brady has done any type of promoting recycling in the community.

Roger Brady stated that he hasn’t been to the schools. He further stated that he doesn’t really know what he is supposed to do.

County Manager Don Adams read the portion of the contract regarding promoting recycling.

Chair Eldon Edwards, Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Roger Brady discussed that it is Mr. Brady’s responsibility to coordinate attending meetings for the promotion of recycling.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the agreement for a period of two more years. Chair Eldon Edwards seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments. None were received.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to enter into closed session at 12:25pm under NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal and (a) (6)—personnel. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards called a recess at 12:50pm.

Chair Eldon Edwards reconvened the meeting at 1:12pm.

Tom Terrell joined the Board during closed session.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to adjourn the closed session at 2:15pm and reconvene the regular meeting. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that no action was taken during closed session.

Being no further business, Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:16pm. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Eldon Edwards

Chairman

SEE BUDGET WEB PAGE FOR BUDGET ORDINANCE