MINUTES

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY OF HENDERSON MAY 31, 2001

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners met for a special called meeting at 3:00 p.m. in the Commissioners= Conference Room of the Henderson County Office Building at 100 North King Street, Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Those present were: Chairman Bill Moyer, Vice-Chair Marilyn Gordon, Commissioner Grady Hawkins, Commissioner Don Ward, Commissioner Charlie Messer, County Manager David E. Nicholson, Finance Director J. Carey McLelland, and Budget Analyst/Assistant to the County Manager Selena Coffey.

Absent was: Clerk to the Board Elizabeth W. Corn. David Nicholson took notes for preparation of these minutes.

CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME

Chairman Moyer called the meeting to order, stating that the purpose of the meeting was to review the budgets for the Public Health Department and Department of Social Services.

FY 2001-2002 BUDGET WORKSHOP

Mr. Nicholson informed the Board that this was one of the most unusual budgets that he has ever prepared due to the state budget crisis. He reported that according to reports, the deficit at the state level has grown to over one billion dollars. We should not expect that the state will adopt its budget until after July 1 and we may be faced with the possibility of an interim budget.

Health Department

Tom Bridges, Director of Public Health, informed the Board that the revenue picture was improving. They are programmed to use some of their Fund Balance to match their budget. However, based on the latest revenue information from the state, they do not expect as much of a cut in state funding. Mr. Bridges also explained the Health Insurance Portability Act or HIPA to the Board.

They will be faced with some additional costs in securing their medical records. He also covered funding for the Animal Shelter and mosquito control. Commissioner Ward asked about the new regulation concerning landscaping. Mr. Bridges explained that the change in their procedures was based on a strong recommendation from the State. They do not expect any need for additional staffing due to this change.

Department of Social Services (DSS)

DSS Board Chairman Bill Lapsley did an introduction on their budget request. The total budget for DSS is 7.5 million dollars or a 20.37% increase. This increase is due primarily to the additional costs for Legal Services and Medicaid.

Liston Smith, DSS Director, explained that their budget brought in over 80 million dollars in benefits to the community. One of the changes in their budget is the addition of the 10% discretionary funds in the Work First budget. These are funds that will be returned to the County and could be used for additional funding for non-profits and staff.

Mr. Lapsley stated that 24% of all children and 42% of children under school age in Henderson County are in the Medicaid Program. The majority of these children come from homes with working parents. He stated the importance of attracting and retaining good jobs in our community.

Chairman Moyer thanked the participants in today=s workshop and adjourned the meeting at 4:30 p.m.

Attest:

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