MINUTES

 

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA                                                  BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY OF HENDERSON                                                                                                    MAY 25, 2006 

 

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners met for a special called meeting at 5:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Conference Room of the Henderson County Office Building.

 

Those present were:  Chairman Bill Moyer, Vice-Chairman Charlie Messer, Commissioner Larry Young, Commissioner Shannon Baldwin, Commissioner Chuck McGrady, County Manager Steve Wyatt, Assistant County Manager Justin Hembree, County Attorney Russell Burrell, Deputy Clerk to the Board Amy Brantley, Finance Director J. Carey McLelland and Assistant County Manager Selena Coffey.

 

CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME

Chairman Moyer called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance.  The purpose of this meeting was a workshop on the FY 2006-2007 Budget.

 

PRESENTATION OF FY 2006-2007 BUDGET

Steve Wyatt informed the Board that Department Heads were present, at the Board’s disposal, to answer any questions the Board might have. He explained that this is Henderson County’s first budget in excess of $103,000,000.

 

Overview of Proposed Revenues

Selena Coffey referenced the Budget Message and Executive Summary. She then reviewed with the Board the proposed revenues:

 

            Ad Valorem Taxes                    (56.5 cents per $100 valuation property tax)

            Local Option Sales Tax             (four articles of sales taxes) Article 39, 40, 42, 44

            Other taxes and licenses                        includes excise tax revenues

            Unrestricted intergovernmental includes payment in lieu of taxes

            Restricted intergovernmental    includes grants and federal and state aid

            Permits & fees                          (one of the largest is inspection fees)

            Sales & Services                       (one of the largest is EMS fees)

            Investment earnings

            Miscellaneous                           (mostly donations)

            Transfers in                             

            Fund balance                            (proposed this year at $515,563)

           

Steve Wyatt informed the Board that the latest estimate we have of lottery funds we will receive is $950,000.  He stated that we’re taking a conservative approach and we’re budgeting $900,000.  The formula that the state is using is not kind to Henderson County.  There is some talk of having the money follow the pupils.  If that were to happen it would about double what Henderson County would receive and would substantially affect our budget.

 

Selena Coffey then reviewed the individual departments with the Board, especially concentrating on significant issues for each department. She stressed that we have a significant increase in health insurance expenses this year.  She also stressed that the Board realize due to some reorganization that there will be reallocation of some positions. She informed the Board that in previous years we have allocated technology equipment (software, hardware, etc.) within the I.T. budget.  You will see some operational expenses that will increase and a lot of it will be reflective of technology being allocated within the individual departmental budgets rather than the I.T. budget.

 

New positions requested/recommended:

Internal Auditor position

Grant’s coordinator position

Purchasing agent  (1/2 year)

3 new Sheriff Deputies (2 for Sheriff’s Dept. and one for Human Services Bldg.)

2 Sedimentation & Erosion Control Enforcement Officers (1/2 year)

2 Sanitarian or Environmental Inspector positions

2 Adult Protective Services Social workers

2 Foster Care Social workers

 

School Budget

There was mention of the School budget.  The Board wanted to give the School Board (elected officials) a chance to make their case for their budget as presented. It was the consensus of the Board of Commissioners to schedule a joint meeting with the School Board to hear their budget request.

 

Following discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to continue this meeting to next Thursday, June 1 at 5:00 to meet with the School Board regarding their budget.

 

Ms. Coffey continued with review of the county departments. She explained that two fire departments have a rate increase recommended: Edneyville and Dana.

 

Discussion followed.

 

The Commissioners plan to hear from the School Board next week, hear from the general public at the Public Hearing on June 5, then the Commissioners will discuss and take action on the budget. By then the Board will know if there is additional information they want or need and what the process will be from then forward.

 

Continuation of the meeting

Chairman Moyer made the motion to continue the meeting to Thursday, June 1 @ 5:00 to continue the budget workshop. All voted in favor and the motion carried.

 

Attest:

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

Elizabeth W. Corn, Clerk to the Board                            William L. Moyer, Chairman