060109mHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Regular Meeting
June 1, 2009
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 1, 2009, in
the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front Street,
Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman
Beatrice B. Hill, Vice - Chaiman
Dan B. Andrews
Gary House
Jim Burgin
Scott Sauer, County Manager
Wm. A. (Tony) Wilder, Assistant County Manager
Dwight W. Snow, County Attorney
Sylvia Blinson, Finance Officer
Gina Daniel, Acting Clerk
Chairman Timothy B. McNeill called the meeting to order at 9:00 am and led the pledge of
allegiance and invocation.
Chairman McNeill called for additions and deletions to the published agenda. Commissioner
House requested Item 4 -J be removed from the consent agenda and handled separately. This
item was placed under Appointments as 6a.
Commissioner Burgin moved to approve the agenda as amended. Vice - Chairman Hill seconded
the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Vice Chairman Hill moved to approve consent agenda as published. Commissioner Andrews
seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved the following items on the consent
agenda:
1. Minutes: Regular Meeting, May 18, 2009
2. Budget amendments:
392 Youth Services (Fund 110- General)
Code 110- 7930 - 441.23 -00 Regular Retirement
110- 7930 - 441.21 -00 Group Insurance
110- 7930 - 441.22 -00 FICA Tax Expense
110- 7930 - 441.23 -01 Supplemental Retirement
110- 7930 - 441.32 -38 Restitution Services
110- 7930 - 441.41 -11 Telephone & Postage
110 -7930- 441.43 -16 Maintenance & Repair Equipment
2 increase
320 decrease
500 decrease
245 decrease
231 decrease
450 decrease
46 decrease
110 -7930- 441.52 -54 Insurance & Bonds
110- 7930 - 441.54 -26 Advertisement
110- 7930 - 441.55 -12 Printing & Binding
110 - 7930 - 441.58 -01 Training & Meetings
110- 7930 - 441.58 -14 Travel Admin.
110- 7930 - 441.60 -36 Uniforms
110- 7930 - 441.60 -53 Dues & Subscriptions
110 - 7930 - 441.60 -57 Miscellaneous Expense
110- 0000 - 331.77 -02 CBA/Juvenile Restitution
110- 0000 - 354.12 -00 Restitution Program
396 Transportation (Fund 110- General)
Code 110- 4650- 410.11 -00 Salaries & Wages
110- 4650- 410.60 -31 Gas, Oil & Auto Supplies
398 GIS (Fund 110- General)
Code 110 -4910 - 410.11 -00 Salaries & Wages
110 -4910- 410.43 -16 Maintenance & Repair
110- 4910 - 410.55 -12 Printing & Binding
110- 4910- 410.58 -01 Training & Meetings
110- 4910- 410.60 -33 Materials & Supplies
399 IT (Fund 110- General)
Code 110- 4900 - 410.41 -11
110- 4900 - 410.11 -00
110- 4900 - 410.12 -00
110- 4900 - 410.30 -04
110- 4900 - 410.58 -01
110- 4900 - 410.23 -01
110- 4900 - 410.44 -21
Telecommunication & Postage
Salaries & Wages
Salaries & Wages Part-time
Professional Services
Training & Meetings
Supplemental Retirement
Building & Equipment Rent
7 decrease
50 decrease
9 decrease
500 decrease
134 decrease
14 decrease
16 decrease
25 decrease
2,314 decrease
231 decrease
1,100 increase
1,100 decrease
4,000 increase
500 decrease
700 decrease
2,000 decrease
800 decrease
3,000 increase
6,000 increase
3,000 increase
4,000 decrease
3,000 decrease
2,000 decrease
3,000 decrease
401 Solid Waste (Fund 110- General)
Code 580- 6600 - 461.11 -00 Salaries & Wages 15,000 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.12 -00 Salaries & Wages Part-time 2,400 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.21 -00 Group Insurance 2,132 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.22 -00 FICA Tax Expense 4,000 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.23 -00 Retirement 1,000 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.23 -01 Supplemental Retirement 5,000 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.33 -45 Contracted Services 62,000 increase
580- 6600- 461.41 -11 Telephone & Postage 8,500 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.41 -13 Utilities 1,500 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.43 -15 Maintenance & Repair Building 4,000 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.43 -16 Maintenance & Repair Equipment 100,000 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.54 -26 Advertising 200 decrease
580- 6600- 461.55 -12 Printing & Binding 3,000 decrease
580- 6600 - 461.58 -14 Travel Admin. 1,000 decrease
580 -6600- 461.60 -31
580- 6600 - 461.60 -33
580- 6600- 461.60 -36
580- 6600 - 461.60 -39
580- 6600 - 461.60 -53
580- 6600 - 461.60 -57
580- 6600 - 461.64 -27
580- 6600 - 461.74 -74
580- 6600- 461.74 -75
580- 0000 - 341.12 -00
580- 0000 - 341.10 -00
Gas, Oil & Auto Supplies
Materials & Supplies
Unifoiius
Other Materials
Dues & Subscriptions
Miscellaneous Expense
Property Tax
Capital Outlay Equipment
Lease Payments
User Fees
Landfill Fees - Tipping
405 Social Services - Public Assistance (Fund 110- General)
Code 110 -7710- 441.80 -85 Progress Energy Neighbor
110- 7710 - 441.80 -95 Share the Warmth
110- 7710- 441.80 -65
110 -7710- 441.80 -70
110 -7710- 441.88 -20
110- 7710- 441.88 -15
110- 0000 - 330.77 -01
110- 0000 - 330.77 -03
110- 0000 - 334.77 -02
110- 0000 - 399.00 -00
110- 0000 - 334.77 -04
110- 0000 - 334.77 -03
Title IV -E Foster Care
State Foster Care R & B
Work First Transportation
Special Needs Adoption
Social Services Administration
Foster Care IV -E
Foster Care S.F.H.F.
Fund Balance Appropriated
Work First Transportation
Special Needs Adoption
406 Social Services (Fund 110 - General)
Code 110- 0000 - 354.10 -00
110- 0000 - 354.16 -00
110-0000-354.14-00
110 -0000 - 349.10 -00
110- 0000 - 349.20 -00
110- 0000 - 354.77 -01
110- 0000 - 356.10 -00
110- 0000 - 399.00 -00
Food Stamp Refunds
Foster Care IV -D
Public Assistance Refund
Adoption Preplacement Fee
Adoption Report to Court
Case Record Copy Fee
Reimbursement Hospital (DSS)
Fund Balance Appropriated
407 Social Services - Public Assistance (Fund 110 - General)
Code 110- 7710 - 441.80 -60
110- 7710- 441.80 -50
110- 7710- 441.89 -30
110- 7710- 441.89 -50
110- 0000 - 330.77 -05
110- 0000 - 330 -77 -04
110- 0000 - 353.06 -00
Day Care Smart Start
Day Care Subsidy
Fuel Fund Donations
Elderly Assistance Donation
Day Care Smart Start
Day Care Subsidy
Social Services Donations
28,000 decrease
2,500 decrease
1,000 decrease
8,000 decrease
179 decrease
100 decrease
1,000 decrease
10,382 decrease
13,348 decrease
30,000 increase
180,241 decrease
2,443 decrease
818 decrease
100,000 increase
30,000 decrease
14,376 increase
78,000 increase
3,261 decrease
82,000 increase
30,000 decrease
18,000 increase
14,376 increase
78,000 increase
6,000 increase
12,000 decrease
23,000 decrease
1,300 decrease
1,400 decrease
600 increase
25,000 decrease
56,100 increase
132,288 increase
1,119,371 decrease
246 increase
4,640 increase
132,288 increase
1,119,371 decrease
4,886 increase
416 Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project (Fund 569 — "PU0705)
Code 569- 0000 - 331.90.01 Grant — Fort Bragg/US
Government
569- 0000 - 356.91 -03 Reimbursement — Fort Bragg
/US Government
422 Cooperative Extension — Support
Code 110- 7300 - 465.12 -00
110- 7309 - 465.22 -00
110- 7309 - 465.52 -54
110- 7309 - 465.58 -15
110- 7309 - 465.32 -26
110- 7309 - 465.60 -33
110- 7309 - 465.35 -01
110- 7309 - 465.32 -75
110- 0000 - 353.73 -09
13,821,279 decrease
13,821,279 increase
Our Students (Fund 110 - General)
Salaries & Wages
FICA Tax Expense
Insurance & Bonds
Travel Services
Incentives
Materials & Supplies
Stipends
Recreational Activities
Support Our Students
426 Erwin Wastewater Improvements Project (Fund 564 — "PU0604 ")
Code 564 -9100- 431.45 -30 Engineering
564- 9100- 431.45 -80 Contingency
435 Public Safety Appropriations (Fund 110 — General)
Code 110 -5899- 420.32 -64 Healthy Choice
110- 0000 - 334.41 -08 Healthy Choice
11,909 decrease
911 decrease
179 decrease
1,100 increase
600 increase
7,560 increase
1,500 increase
1,819 increase
420 decrease
27,644 increase
27,644 decrease
3,065 decrease
3,065 decrease
437 Public Safety Appropriations (Fund 110 — General)
Code 110 -5899- 420.31 -74 Police Athletic 312 decrease
110- 0000 - 331.41 -08 JCPC Grant — Police Athletic League 312 decrease
438 Public Utilities (Fund 531 — HCDPU)
Code 531- 9000 - 431.90 -82 Interfund Transfer — Buffalo Lakes
Wastewater Project 218,444 increase
531- 0000 - 399.00 -00 Fund Balance Appropriated 218,444 increase
439 Law Enforcement Detention Center Project (Fund 313 — "CP0401 ")
Code 313- 8300 - 410.45 -01 Construction
313 - 8300 - 410.45 -80 Contingency
441 Cooperative Extension — Incredible Years (Fund 110 — General)
Code 110 - 7320 - 465.60 -33 Materials & Supplies
110- 7320 - 465.35 -01 Stipends
110- 0000 - 399.00 -00 Fund Balance Appropriated
3. Tax refunds and releases (Attachment 1)
4. Resolution to add Brown Street to the state system (Attachment 2)
5,662 increase
5,662 decrease
269 increase
200 increase
469 increase
5. Harnett County Parks and Recreation Contract Award for Barbecue Creek Park site
modifications. Eight contractors submitted bid proposals with the lowest bid by
McQueen Construction at $237,370.40. (Attachment 3)
6. Harnett County Department of Public Utilities request approval for an increasing
change order of $96,787.10 for WJ Keller & Sons Construction Corp. for the
Lafayette School/Hwy 421 Sewer Extension project. The proposed changes include
an upgrade to 18" gravity sewer.
7. Harnett County Department of Public Utilities request an increasing amendment of
$27,644 to the engineering contract of Marziano and McGougan, PA for the Erwin
Wastewater Improvements Project.
8 (a) Change order for Airport/ Harnett Regional Jetport — Final, Schedule 2
Grant No. 36237.25.7.2 — this change in the amount of $38,580 adds fencing around previous
borrow area, 3 gates and a fence line clearing.
(b) Change order for Airport/Harnett Regional Jetport — Final - Schedule 2
Grant No. 36237.25.7.2 - this change in the amount of $12,800 adds 5 gates and fence
line clearing
(c) Change order for Airport//Harnett Regional Jetport — Final — Schedule 3
Grant No. 36244.35.4.1 — this change in the amount of $33,950 increases the amount of
safety area grading, adds removal of dirt piles, and increases the tree clearing in the approach.
9. Approval of agriculture farm leases with Marvin Tart, Jr. and Max & Harry Matthews
for farming county owned property across US 421 from the Harnett Regional Jetport
to helps maintain the property.
10. The Harnett County Board of Health requested support and assistance in securing funds
through the Eat Smart, Move More, NC Community Grant from the N.C. Department of
Health and Human Services with the maximum award of $20,000 and the Blue Cross,
Blue Shield of NC Foundation Grant proposed at $20,000.
The Harnett County Board of Health requests approval to reimburse for rabies vaccine at
the increased purchase price of $202.00 from $152.00.
11. The NC Association of County Commissioners submitted a proposal to Harnett County to
be the carrier for Fiscal Year 2009 -10 Liability and Worker's Compensation Insurance.
The County is currently insured through Snipes Insurance with Argonaut for Liability and
Worker's Compensation is self - funded with Key Risk as the claims administrator and
Safety National for excess worker's compensation (claims over $500,000). Human
Resources requests permission to send out the required 30 day cancellation notice to
current carrier until a decision is made.
12. The Home and Community Care Block Grant from July 1, 2009 until June 30, 2010 for
Anderson Creek Senior Center is $7,182 with the required match from the County in the
amount of $798.
13. Change Order #16 for the Harnett County Detention Center in the amount of $5,662
14. Resolution recognizing Eagle Scout Adam Chase Hester (Attachment 4)
Informal comments were provided by the following citizens:
1. Dr. Bruce Blackmon of Buies Creek spoke about the need to continue to fund fire
departments.
2. Mrs. Dana P. Dixon of Coats discussed the tax revaluation and the current economy.
Commissioner Andrews moved for the appointments listed below. Vice - Chairman Hill seconded
the motion and it passes unanimously.
CCCC Harnett Board of Trustees
Clement Medley and Timothy B. McNeill (nominated by Commissioner Andrews) for a
four -year term to expire June 30, 2013.
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
Alice Price, Resson Faircloth, Pam Little and Leslie Morris as a designee for Susan
Doyle (nominated by Vice - Chairman Beatrice Hill) for a two year term. Resson
Faircloth and Leslie Morris's terms will expire April 30, 2011 and Alice Price and Pam
Little's term will expire May 31, 2011
Mr. Mike Watson, Sandhills Mental Health Center, is seeking concurrence from the Harnett
County Board of Commissioners regarding the project scope of work outlined by Cansler
Fuquay Solutions.
Commissioner House stated that he agrees with the scope of work and believes the study will
come back showing this is a feasible project and something we desperately need. Commissioner
House provided a May 9, 2008, letter from the state that stated Sandhills Mental Health Center
had $9 million dollars in fund balance in excess of what the state legally allows. Sandhills
Mental Health Center had to justify to the state what they were going to use that money for in
order to keep it. In their justification; Item Two in the letter, they designated $1 5 million dollars
for this Harnett County project. Commissioner House requested that this Board draft a
resolution or letter to the Sandhills Board requesting that they commit the $1.5 million to this
project. Chairman McNeill agreed that the Board should draft a resolution to consider at a future
meeting. Mr. Sauer reported that the project would take 6 to 8 weeks and would start the first
week in June.
Commission House moved to concur with the scope of work outlined in the proposal,
Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion. The motion carries unanimously.
Scott Sauer, Budget Officer, presented the FY 2009 -2010 Budget Message as follows:
TO: Board of Commissioners and citizens of Harnett County
FROM: Scott T. Sauer, County Manager
SUBJECT: FY 2009 -2010 Budget Message
DATE: June 1, 2009
In accordance with the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act,
submitted for your review and consideration is the Proposed FY 2009 -2010 Budget Plan.
At the governing body's direction, this budget plan, first attempts to set funding levels based on
a revenue equivalency standard in order to mitigate the impact of the 2009 revaluation. It
should be noted that the tax base projections are based on estimates provided by the Tax
Assessor and are subject to change until the Board of Equalization and Review completes its
work in the last week of June.
Furthermore, this budget plan is based on financial assumptions that are subject to change due
to the NC General Assembly's ongoing deliberations to address the State's fiscal challenges. In
prior recessionary circumstances, the State has chosen to expropriate or otherwise seize local
funds to balance the State's cash flow shortfall. For these reasons, it may be advisable for the
governing body to adopt an interim budget strategy and delay finalizing the budget ordinance
adoption until the General Assembly has adjourned, or approved its biennium funding plan.
Budget Performance in the current year —While property tax collections have kept pace with prior
year measures, sales tax receipts for the year ended June 30, 2009 are anticipated to fall short
of the budgeted revenue by nearly $1.77 million. For the year ended June 30, 2008 sales tax
receipts totaled $19.4 million, and the current year budgeted sales tax revenue is $17.2 million.
The most up to date revenue estimates reflect that total receipts for sales tax revenue will be
$15,954,951 at June 30th, or 9.98 percent less than budgeted.
Harnett County finds itself juxtaposed between the national recessionary trends and significant
population growth and the corresponding demand for public services. Most notable, are the
expanding school aged children enrolling in the Harnett County school system. In the current
year alone, the school system experienced added enrollment of more than 400 students by the
end of the eighth month.
Likewise, call volumes for public safety, law enforcement and emergency services have
escalated requiring consideration for expanded service capacity, which put added pressures on
the General Fund, and ultimately the taxpayers. The County's health and human services areas
are also experiencing increasing caseloads and client requests for services due to economic
pressures, extended military deployments and the associated economic strains on families.
Positive trends for Harnett County
Our elected leaders have worked for decades to position Harnett County as a regional provider
of water and sewer infrastructure, serving our citizens, surrounding counties and municipalities,
including the expansion of Fort Bragg. These efforts, in addition to participation from the
business community to develop industrial parks, facilities and a positive corporate culture, have
positioned Harnett County as one of the most attractive business development zones in North
Carolina.
Just last week, I attended the State of the Research Triangle Region's annual meeting which
highlighted the thirteen county area's business growth performance, including Harnett County. I
make this point to emphasize that Harnett County is recognized regularly for its strategic vision,
balanced approach for targeted industrial recruitment, with a global perspective toward business
development and integration with the higher education resources in our community.
During the RTP annual meeting, the RTP Partnership Chairman, Dr. Bill Atkinson, CEO for
WakeMed, shared a power point presentation to over 500 business leaders highlighting
interviews with six corporate leaders in the RTP region, one of which was from Saab Barracuda
here in Lillington.
As the presentation continued with an emphasis on developing global connections, our own
Triton high school's Confucius Institute and the partnership with Central Carolina Community
College and the Hunan province in China, was featured and recognized as national leader in
this area of building international business and community relationships.
The RTP region is also noted for development of biotechnology and science clusters as a
successful model, which for Harnett County, reinforces the efforts of the Harnett Forward
Together Committee and its investment in the Brightwater Science and Technology Campus.
Beyond the launching of the hospital project, Harnett County's support for the cooperative
development of an Allied Health facility, with training capacity for Campbell University and
Central Carolina Community College, will encourage private clinical research organizations to
invest in the human capital and training needs of our region.
Finally, the RTP region is focused on defense related economic development recruitment
efforts, including research and development, logistics and manufacturing. No community in the
RTP is better positioned than Harnett County to capitalize on these opportunities. Harnett
County has planned well, and is prepared for both population growth and the infrastructure to
support business expansion and investment. These efforts need to continue and should be
reinforced with our financial support and collaborative leadership, so that as the economy
stabilizes and begins to grow, Harnett County will be in the strongest position to gain jobs,
capital investment and resulting in a significant improvement in the quality of life for our
residents.
Clearly, Harnett County's economic development efforts are on the right track!
Revaluation 2009
The estimated tax base for January 1, 2009 is an assessed value of $7,006,299,205 or an
increase of $1,319,376,065 above the current year (FY 2008 -09) assessed value of
$5,686,923,140 which is a 23.2 percent increase and is reflective of market conditions.
Based on the new assessment values, one cent on the tax rate will yield $679,121.
At the current tax rate of 73.5 cents per $100 assessed value, the tax levy is calculated
$49,930,812 which is based on a collection rate of 96.93 percent as June 30, 2008.
In the current year budget ordinance, the tax rate of 73.5 cents is projected to yield a levy of
$40,412,214 or $9,518,598 less than the yield at the new assessed values.
North Carolina General Statutes require that the "revenue neutral" rate be calculated, which
accounts for the average rate of growth during this period. For Harnett County's 2009
revaluation, the revenue neutral rate is 64.18 cents per $100 assessed value with a tax levy
yielding $44,969,709 or an increase of $4,557,495 above the current year.
Based on the governing body's majority vote, directing that the budget for FY 2009 -2010 be
prepared with an equivalent property tax revenue basis (Le. no increase in the tax levy), the
equivalency standard calculation for the tax rate is 59.66 cents per $100 assessed value.
As budget officer for Harnett County, my charge is to present a balanced budget and a fiscal
plan which reflects obligations and financial commitments based on decisions of the Board of
Commissioners. For example, in February of this year, the governing body voted unanimously
to incur $35 million in new debt for school construction. And this month, the County is opening a
new law enforcement center ($23 million in construction financing) plus staffing and operating
expenses for the new fiscal year.
Outline below are the revenue equivalency calculations for each Fire District:
Revenue Are Dept
Current Tax Equivalent Tax FY 08 -09 Curr Requested Curr
Fire District Rate Rate Tax Yr Tax Difference
Anderson Creek 11.0 8.9 $ 521,589 $ 641,976 $ 120,387
Angier /Black River 7.0 5.8 431,075 523,099 92,024
Averasboro (Dunn) 7.0 5.9 650,000 769,557 119,557
Benhaven 7.0 5.9 297,758 354,096 56,338
Boone Trail 7.0 5.9 205,708 244,050 38,342
Buies Creek 10.0 8.3 243,679 293,600 49,921
Bunnlevel 11.0 9.2 105,242 126,235 20,993
Crains Creek 10.0 8.8 21,230 24,108 2,878
Coats -Grove 8.0 6.6 252,048 307,706 55,658
Cypress Creek 8.5 7.5 26,907 30,597 3,690
Erwin 7.0 5.8 115,656 139,638 23,982
Flat Branch 12.0 9.6 172,261 214,783 42,522
Flatwoods 15.0 12.5 97,265 116,401 19,136
Northwest Harnett 8.0 6.4 285,484 358,004 72,520
Spout Springs 10.0 7.4 600,684 815,182 214,498
Summerville 7.0 5.8 142,449 173,074 30,625
Budget Drivers impacting the Proposed FY 2009 -2010 Budget Plan
• Local Sales Tax estimated receipts based on the impact of the Medicaid swap legislation
and the most recent revenue forecast reflect a decrease of $4,867,310 or 27.46 percent
below the FY 2008 -2009 Adopted Budget.
• Debt Service appropriation requirement for current and recently approved capital project
financing requires increased local funding of $3,815,530 above the FY 2008 -2009
Adopted Budget.
• State withholding of School Construction (ADM) funds derived from one percent of the
corporate income tax approved since 1987, which was committed by Harnett County for
debt service, requires an additional $1,077,151 in local tax dollars to meet the County's
existing debt obligations.
These three items total $9,759,991 which exceeds by $241,393 the amount of budget
reductions necessary to achieve the governing body's directive to adopt an equivalent revenue
basis tax rate of 59.66 cents per $100 assessed value. Given that this strategy could potentially
jeopardize a large portion, if not all of the County's Low Wealth School Funding, as your budget
officer, I am not recommending this strategy for FY 2009 -2010.
If, however, the governing body desires to review the possible alternatives to address this
strategy, local funding for employees and discretionary programs include:
• To achieve an approximate one million dollar reduction in salaries and fringe benefits, a
three percent (3.0 %) across the board cut in compensation for all employees would be
necessary.
• Eliminating the Economic Development Commission yields: $1.6 million
• Eliminating the Planning & Inspection Department yields: .825
• Eliminating the Public Library Department yields: .867
• Eliminating the Parks & Recreation Depart yields: .571
• Eliminating Grants to nonprofits yields: .227
• Eliminating Animal Control yields: .436
The estimated impact of jettisoning these six County agencies, saving approximately $4.526
million, does not quite cover the projected lost sales tax revenue of $4.867 million for FY 2009-
2010. Please note that scenario above, is not recommended, and the projected savings do not
include the County's cost for its unemployment benefits as a self funded program.
The Proposed FY 2009 -2010 Budget Plan for the General Fund totals $102,749,610 and the
recommended tax rate for next year is 73.5 cents per $100 assessed value.
The General Fund is balanced at $102,749,610 which is an increase of $776,426 or 0.77
percent of the FY 2008 -2009 Adopted Budget Ordinance. As compared with the current year
Adjusted Budget (amendments approved by the governing body), the Proposed FY 2009 -2010
Budget Plan is a reduction of $5,102,168 or 4.73 percent.
A summary of General Fund expenditures by department and General Fund revenues by
program category is attached with the budget message.
Included in the General Fund as proposed for FY 2009 -2010:
• No across the board cost of living increases for County employees
• $12,034,926 for Debt Service, which as previously stated requires an additional
$3,815,530 in local tax dollars to meet this obligation
• Operating expense for the new detention center totaling $1,354,909 which will be
partially offset by the hosting of federal inmates with estimated revenues of $381,780 for
ten months of the fiscal year
• Lottery funds totaling $2,466,519 to pay a portion of the school debt service, of which
$1,486,585 is non recurring
to Net savings in the Department of Social Services due to the Medicaid "swap" legislation
was anticipated to be approximately $2.8 million, but Harnett County will realize an
actual Medicaid savings impact closer to $1.8 million due to the expanding caseloads in
Foster Care and Adoption Assistance, in addition to meeting or exceeding State block
grant requirements in various programs.
Other Revenue impacts due to the slowing economy:
• Inspection Fees are projected to be down nearly $610,000
• Recreation Impact Fees are projected to be down nearly $215,000
Items not included in the General Fund:
• $1,387,000 for School Current Expense to open Overhills Elementary School
• $1,000,000 to expand EMS Paramedic services in the Benhaven District
• $727,000 in deferred capital outlay
• $250,000 in operating support reserve for Mental Health in- patient beds
Other Funds
• Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds —See separate attachments
• Solid Waste—See separate attachments
Management Initiatives
Tomorrow when I meet with department heads, agency directors and constitutional officers of
the County we will continue our efforts as a management team to review options to contain
costs. With the retirement of the Clerk to the Board, I am not seeking funds to fill that position.
Rather, I am asking the Acting Clerk to cover additional duties within the administrative office. I
am also recommending the transition of the Assistant County Manager to an expanded role of
Deputy County Manager/Tax Administrator.
The proposed budget plan also includes the realignment of the Department of Aging under the
Board of Health, with supervision by the Public Health Director. This realignment and program
consolidation will result in a staffing reduction, eliminating one full time department head
position.
I am also proposing expanded functions for the Legal Department with the addition of one staff
attorney. Likewise, the Office of the County Manager is also recommended for the addition of a
staff engineer. These organizational changes will have minimal impact to the General Fund due
to the indirect cost accounting charged to the appropriate enterprise funds.
On the horizon
Harnett County is growing at an ever increasing rate. The 2010 census is upon us, and this
federal initiative will likely impact future funding calculations for both state and federal revenue
streams. Likewise, redistricting for various elected positions will be underway.
The Board of Commissioners has several key initiatives which are ongoing, not the least of
which is the zoning process for the Stewarts Creek Township. In the area of economic
development, there are multiple projects impacting job creation, commercial development and
the need for transportation system improvements. Expanded water and sewer related projects
constitute approximately $80 million in ongoing construction work, and an equal amount nearly
ready to go to bid.
In other words, the Board of Commissioners is overseeing an organization with a program of
work, which is comprised of more moving parts than a Swiss watch. This proposed budget plan
sets the course to meet these objectives in a prudent manner, mindful of the fiscal challenges
and economic uncertainties that we must address.
Next Steps
Harnett County's opportunities are vast, and its challenges are significant. Fortunately, for the
current governing body, many initiatives dating back several decades have positioned Harnett
County to move forward, with prudent investments of public dollars and sound leadership.
The presentation of the proposed fiscal plan for next year starts the conversation for our elected
officials. It defines certain parameters and fiscal impacts, but the end product results after much
deliberation. This deliberation includes input from the citizens, a dialogue with municipalities
and the Board of Education. It also must integrate an analysis of options that evaluate the
"unknowns" of decisions by the NC General Assembly and the probable success of our federal
representatives in securing stimulus funds to mitigate the fiscal impact of serving military
families.
Today, I suggest that the Board of Commissioners attempt to set a schedule for these
deliberations and include the stakeholders who are best equipped to advise the governing body
and evaluate possible options.
Conclusion
It is an honor and a privilege to serve in Harnett County with such an esteemed group of
professionals. I am indebted to the governing body for this opportunity, and I look forward to the
budget discussions that will follow.
Preparing this budget proposal would not have been possible without the dedication of your
senior staff and department heads. Assembling the final balanced worksheets is the result of
untold late hours and weekend sacrifices by Finance Officer Sylvia Blinson and Finance
&Budget Analyst Kimberly Honeycutt. I am grateful for their hustle and focus on assembling
these documents.
Mr. Sauer said the Board would start budget meetings the week of June 9th with a budget public
hearing on June 15, 2009.
The meeting adjourned at 9:52 a.m.
Timothy
Neill, Chairman
tNL
Mar aret , egina aniel, •f cting Clerk to the Boar
Attachment 1
Board Report
Date : 06/01/2009
TO : HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Ii
RE: CONSIDERATION OF REFUND FOR TAXES, INTEREST AND PENALTIES FOR ALL MUNICIPAL `' /
�Zticu
Name of Tax Payer Bill # Tax, Interest and T' 1 Request
Penalties Refund Status Reaa'wr
City 0.00
County 69.15
City 0.00
County 69.15
City 0.00
County 184.14
City 0.00
County 493.52
City 0.00
County 72.25
City 0.00
County 370.30
City 0.00
County 100.41
City 0.00
County 100.41
City 0.00
Approved By :
1
FARRAR, JAMES
FARRAR, A
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546 - 0000
2 FARRAR, JAMES
FARRAR, A
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546 - 0000
3 FARRAR, JAMES M
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546 - 0000
4 FARRAR, JAMES M
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546 - 0000
5 FARRAR, JAMES M
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546
6 FARRAR, JAMES M
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546 - 0000
7 FARRAR, JAMES M
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546 - 0000
8 FARRAR, JAMES M
1395 FARRAR DAIRY ROAD
LILLINGTON NC, 27546 - 0000
9 FAUST, A T JR
1318 ANDERSON CREEK
SCHOOL RD
SPRING LAKE NC, 28390
0000
10 MILLER, ALICE M
339 NEIGHBORS ROAD
DUNN NC, 28334 - 0000
11 MILLER, ALICE M
339 NEIGHBORS ROAD
DUNN NC, 28334 - 0000
12 MILLER, ALICE M
339 NEIGHBORS ROAD
DUNN NC, 28334 - 0000
13 THOMPSON, RYAN M
THOMPSON, SARAH
DEANNE
42 TEE TRL
SANFORD, NC, 27332 - 0152
KEITH FAULKNER
Interim Revenue Administrator
0000017427- 2007- 2007- 000000 69.15 Refund
Value Decrease
0000017427- 2008- 2008- 000000 Value Decrease
69.15 Refund
0000017428- 2008- 2008- 000000 184.14 Refund Value Decrease
0000017430- 2007- 2007- 000000 493.52 Refund Value Decrease
0000017431- 2007- 2007- 000000 72.25 Refund Value Decrease
0000017432- 2007- 2007- 000000 370.30 Refund Value Decrease
0001305371- 2007- 2007- 000000 100.41 Refund Value Decrease
0001305371- 2008- 2008- 000000 100.41 Refund Value Decrease
Value Decrease
0000017497- 2008- 2008- 000000 205.34 Refund
County 205.34
0000015762- 2006- 2006- 000000 City 0.00 Value Decrease
283.73 Refund
County 283.73
0000015762- 2007- 2007- 000000 City 0.00 Value Decrease
283.73 Refund
County 283.73
0000015762- 2008- 2008 000000 City 0.00 Value Decrease
294.45 Refund
County 294.45
City 0.00 Value Decrease
0001424549- 2008 - 2008- 000000 76.67 Refund
County 76.67
City Total
County Total
Total to be
Refunded
0.00
2,603.25
2,603.25
Date : 06/01/2009
TO : HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RE: CONSIDERATION OF REFUND FOR TAXES, INTEREST AND PENALTIES FOR ALL MUNICIPAL
Approved BAt 'Ufl Y Q °4tci o Commissioners
N
Name
Tax Payer
Tax, Interest
and
Penalties
City 0.00
Count 546.1
y 3
City 0.00
Count 546.1
y 3
City 0.00
Count 500.8
Y 3
City 0.00
Count 866.8
y 1
1 FAUST, A T JR
1318 ANDERSON CREEK SCHOOL RD
SPRING LAKE NC, 28390 - 0000
2 FAUST, A T JR
1318 ANDERSON CREEK SCHOOL RD
SPRING LAKE NC, 28390 - 0000
3 FAUST, A T JR
1318 ANDERSON CREEK SCHOOL RD
SPRING LAKE NC, 28390 - 0000
4 FAUST, A T JR
1318 ANDERSON CREEK SCHOOL RD
SPRING LAKE NC, 28390 - 0000
KEITH FAULKNER
Interim Revenue Administrator
0000017497- 2004- 2004- 000000
0000017497- 2005- 2005- 000000
0000017497- 2006- 2006- 000000
0000017497- 2007- 2007- 000000
City Total
County Total
Total to be
Refunded
/ � i1
Total Reques!
Refun . t Status
546.13 Refund
546.13 Refund
500.83 Refund
866.81 Refund
0.00
2,459.90
2,459.90
Value Decrease
Value Decrease
Value Decrease
Value Decrease
Attachment 2
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that the Harnett County Board of Commissioners
does hereby, by proper execution of this document, requests that the North Carolina
Department of Transportation add to the State's Secondary Road System that below listed
street.
Hector's Creek Township
Brown Street
Duly adopted this 1st day of June, 2009
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST:
y B. McNeill, Chairman
arg. et Regina Dani
Acti Clerk to the Board
Attachment 3
BID OPENING
Harnett County
BARBECUE SITE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Date: May 6, 2009 - Bids received prior to 3:00 pm
McQueen Construction , Inc.
J
Wellons Construction
Hine Sitework, Inc.
s 2-'31 , 3 7b -y�
4 Z G 411,83
Bar Construction
Triangle Grading and Paving, Inc.
Court One
Colt Contracting Company
3114 cY7 O
oo 0
#13907
Geo. Raper & Son, Inc.
6 ST Wooten
Narrow Contractin•
33'x} 't{b
$ 8, 5o c�
: 318, told, 5G $ 17 o
# ;3 Y1 32q.
4, 61
(tf
Attachment 4
Harnett
C O U N T Y
RESOLUTION
Adam Chase Hester
Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman
Beatrice B. Hill, 'vice Chairn;ar
Dan B Andrews
Gary A. House
Jim Burgin
Kay S. Blanchard, Clerk to the Board
THAT, WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts is an organization which has long helped
shape the lives of young people across America; and
WHEREAS, this organization is dedicated to developing the future leaders of our
communities and our nation; and
WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts recognize their highest achievers by recognizing
them as an Eagle Scout; and
WHEREAS, this award is only presented to those individuals who demonstrate a
commitment to self-improvement as well as service to their community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Harnett County Board of
Commissioners does hereby recognize Adam Chase Hester and congratulate him for
attaining Eagle Scout.
Duly adopted this 1st day of June, 2009.
strong roots • new growth
HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Timothy B. McNeill
PO Box 759
102 East Front Street
L!Ihngton, NC 27546
ph: 910 - 893 -7555
fax: 910 -814 -2662