12111997
( 836
'"
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of Retreat
December 11, 1997
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met on December 11, 1997 at 647 .
Castleberry Court, Vass, North Carolina to conduct the Board's 1997 retreat. The Board
members gathered at the County Administration Building and then proceeded to the site
of the retreat.
Members Present: Dan B. Andrews, Chairman
Beatrice Bailey Hill, Vice Chairman
Joseph T. Bowden
Teddy J. Byrd
Walt Titchener
Staff Present: Neil Emory, County Manager
Chairman Andrews called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
Chairman Andrews then called upon the County Manager to present the items for
discussion, It was noted by the Chairman that no action would be taken by the Board
during the retreat.
The first topic discussed by the Board was Board relations. During the discussion
related to this topic the Board reviewed the compensation received by commissioners in .
other counties. Following this item the Board discussed the make-up of the boards and
committees they appoint. Each member expressed their support for structuring boards in
a manner which would provide for representation from each elective district. The County
Manager then asked that he be allowed to develop a Board Travel and Compensation
Plan. The Chairman suggested that the Manager develop such a document and submit it
to each Board member for review.
The County Manager then reviewed with the Board a memo which outlined County
Government's accomplishments during the preceding year. (Attachment 1)
The next topic for discussion was public relations, It was noted by all present the need to
recognize the volunteers that give so much time to County boards and committees. It was
suggested by the County Manager that the Board host a banquet to honor those that serve
in these capacities. Each Board member agreed with this suggestion and recommended
that the necessary funds be incorporated into the proposed budget so that the Board might
consider action on this matter.
The County Manager then asked for comments regarding the operation of his office.
Commissioner Byrd stated his belief that the County Manager was called upon to deal
with many items which could be handled by other personnel. This matter was then .
discussed by the group. The discussion concluded with the County Manager noting that
he would discuss this matter further with his staff in an attempt to address the concerns
noted.
In relation to Social Services it was noted by the County Manager that the Welfare
Reform Plan required by the State would be considered for adoption some time during
January.
Several topics related to planning were discussed by the Board. The first was economic
development. During the discussion related to this topic the Board members discussed
the development of an overall economic development plan for the County. It was agreed
upon by all members that such a"plan should provide for the following:
._~--~--
- Development of an Incentive Program to assist in the recruitment and 837
and retention of business and industry
- Development of an industrial site data base
- Creation of a county-wide Committee of 100
- Investment in a fund which would be utilized in develvpment efforts
In regards to the Planning Department the County Manager updated the Board on the
. current status of the inspections program. Other items related to Planning policy which
were noted during Board discussion included the ongoing land-use plan as well as
county-wide zoning, Finally, the Board discussed the need to bring more attention to the
transportation needs of the County. Following discussion the Chairman directed the
County Manager to develop the guidelines for a transportation committee which would
be appointed by the Board and whose purpose would be to promote the needs of the
County in relation to roads and highways.
The County Manager then presented the Board with an overview of Public Utilities,
which had been prepared by staff.(Attachment 2) The Board reviewed the document and
discussed several of the topics noted, Also, the Board discussed investigating the
privatization of operations at public utilities.
The County Manager then noted several facility needs facing the County. It was noted
that bids for HPE would be opened shortly, and that the appropriation of funds to address
needs such as General Services would be required within the next six months. It was the
consensus of the members that there was no need to discuss the Courthouse until all
appeals have been exhausted.
In regards to EMS the County Manager submitted recommendations to the Board which
outlined possible changes to the delivery of emergency medical services.(Attachment 3)
. The Board discussed the recommendations and following the comments received, the
Chairman directed the County Manager to meet with the Rescue Squads and EMS staff
to develop specific recommendations which the Board might consider at a regular
meeting.
The Board then discussed several topics related to education. All members agreed that
the County should commit to continued increases in funding for the public schools, It
was also noted that the County must begin planning for additional funding for building
needs facing the Board of Education. Other topics noted were Smart Start, Low Wealth
Funding, and the disposition ofHamett Primary, No action was taken by the Board
regarding any of the items noted.
The County Manager then informed the Board that the Health Department is completing
plans to begin a prenatal clinic. Also, the Board was updated on the backlog of septic
tank permits.
The County Manager also updated the Board on the Tax Department report being
prepared by representatives of the Department of Revenue as well as tax officials from
other counties. It was noted that this report will address needed improvements in the
department and will suggest changes in policy and operations.
. In regards to budget matters the Board was informed that drafts of the audit would
suggest that the County remains in a strong financial position. All Board members
agreed that the upcoming budget should be developed in a conservative manner and that
tax rates should not be increased if at all possible.
Finally, the Board members noted the need to meet with our legislative delegation to
discuss pending legislative issues.
Having concluded all discussion related to retreat topics, Commissioner Bowden moved
for adjournment. Commissioner Byrd seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners retreat, December 11, 1997 duly adjourned
at 3:30 PM. ~a..- A~~
Dan B. Andrews, Chairman