082009sHarnett County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of Special Session
August 20, 2009
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Thursday, August 20,
2009, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administrative Building, 102 East Front
Street, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman
Beatrice B. Hill, Vice - Chairman
Dan B. Andrews. Commissioner
Gary House, Commissioner
Jim Burgin, Commissioner
Scott Sauer, County Manager
Wm. A. (Tony) Wilder, Deputy County Manager
Dwight W. Snow, County Attorney
Sylvia Blinson, Finance Officer
Jennifer Slusser, Staff Attorney
Gina Daniel, Acting Clerk
Chaiiuian Timothy B. McNeill called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm and gave the invocation.
Mr. Phil Ferrell referenced their joint meeting with the Board of Education in July when Dr. Ben
Matthews, NC Department of Public Instruction, explained if there was any Qualified School
Construction Bond monies that were not applied by counties, that money would be brought back
to the state and counties with high needs would have the opportunity to apply for the additional
interest free bond money. Mr. Bob Troutman verified that $86 million was brought back in and
now afforded the opportunity to be redistributed. In correspondence dated August 12th, Dr.
Matthews contacted local school superintendents to report that the State was re- advertising for
the remaining $86 million in 2009 QSCB financing with a deadline of August 26, 2009.
The Harnett County Board of Education applied for a $2.5 million Qualified School Construction
Bond in July 2009.
Mr. Ferrell said the Board of Education wanted to apply for an additional $38 Million which
would enable them to make significant changes in the county's seating capacity at the middle
school level and do some additions at schools that are already max out with a large number of
huts in place.
Mr. Ferrell reported that the Harnett County Board of Education passed a resolution, in support
of the application for the $38 Million Qualified School Construction Bond, which he is
presenting to the Harnett County Board of Commissioners and asking for their support of this
application.
Mr. Troutman clarified that the bond principal would be repaid by the County of Harnett. Mr.
Sauer said these payments would be part of our debt services and would have to be built in to the
County's yearly budget in future years.
Chairman McNeill requested Mr. Sauer to bring a reauthorization to the board for a vote of the
people to consider the Article 46 Referendum for the 1/4 cent sales tax increase. Mr. Sauer said
that increase would generate close to $1 million per year. Mr. Sauer said the annual debt service
on the $38 Million would be approximately $2.53 million per year based on 15 years
amortization.
Mr. Ferrell noted that current growth patterns showed Harnett County will need two new middle
schools, one high school and one elementary school by 2012 with an additional elementary
school by 2013. It takes almost two years to complete a new school.
Mr. Ferrell said building this school would create a new school district; bringing students from
Western, Overhills and possibly some from Harnett Central. Mr. Ferrell said the school system
needs to reorganize and redistrict. Based on projections, by 2012/2013, Harnett County will
have an over capacity of 4000 students. Mr. Ferrell said whether we build a building or lease
mobile classrooms, by law, you must provide a seat for each student.
Mr. Sauer noted that the matter before the board today was an application which is the first initial
step with no guarantee that we will be awarded any money and no obligation to take the money if
awarded.
Mr. Ferrell said we must have quality schools if we are going to prepare out children for the
world that they are facing and the economic competition in a global society. Commissioner
Burgin said the administration and teachers provide the education, the new building is nice but
not necessary for a child to receive a great education. Mr. Burgin said he believes that we should
put it to a vote and let the public decide if they want to spend money this way. Mr. Ferrell said it
is important that the citizens understand that if they vote against schools then someone has to be
in a hut. Mr. Ferrell said there are 202 huts this year.
Vice - Chairman Hill asked about the possibility of reusing the old Shawtown School. She said
the building is owned by the county and is sound with 20+ acres of land.
Commissioner Andrews moved that the Harnett County Board of Commissioners support the
Board of Education's application for $38 Million Qualified School Construction Bond. Vice
Chairman Hill seconded the motion.
Commissioner House verified if Harnett County was awarded any money from this application
it would come back before the Board before it's approved to accept any money. Both Mr. Sauer
and Ms. Blinson assured the Board that it would come back before the Board for approval to
accept any money. Commissioner Burgin said he would vote for submitting the application but
would not support a tax increase to pay the money back. Mr. Burgin said he had been under the
impression all along that the Department of Defense and the federal government were going to
pick up the tab because it is not from just growth from Harnett County.
Mr. Ferrell said the state has requested a $2.9 Million reversion back from the school system's
budget.
Commissioner Burgin amended the motion to include "if we are awarded any money from this
application that we not proceed with issuing the bonds unless we agree to not increase property
taxes ". Commissioner House seconded the amendment which was defeated 3 to 2.
Commissioner House amended the motion that we accept the money from this application, if
awarded, provided the county contract with an expense reduction consultant to see if we can cut
expenses out of the general fund. Commissioner Burgin seconded the amendment which was
defeated 3 to 2.
The original motion to approve the Harnett County Board of Education's application for $38
Million Qualified School Construction Bond to go forward. The motion passes unanimously.
Commissioner Burgin asked if there had been any meetings with WakeMed regarding the new
hospital as mentioned in an articled in the Fayetteville News & Observer recently. He also
reported that he has yet to receive requested infoiuiation from Dr. Atkinson.
Commissioner Burgin requested a list of all county employees who drive vehicles home from
staff.
The Board of Commissioners directed Mr. Sauer to plan a trip to Washington, D.C. for them to
meet with their congressional delegation.
Commissioner Andrews asked Mr. Sauer to pursue Harnett County's participation in the NACo
Prescription Drug Program.
Commissioner Burgin moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Andrews and the meeting adjourned at 4:52 pm.
Timothy :, . cNeill, Chairman Marga
t Regina D. iel, Acting Clerk to the Board