071117wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
July 11, 2017
The Hamett County Board of Commissioners convened in work session on Tuesday, July 11,
2017, in the County Manager's Conference Room, County Administration Building, 102 East
Front Street, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Gordon Springle, Chairman
Joe Miller, Vice Chairman
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Howard Penny, Commissioner
Abe Elmore, Commissioner
Joseph Jeffries, County Manager
Paula Stewart, Deputy County Manager
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk
The following agenda was before commissioners:
> Campbell Stadium Sidewalks Project Ordinance and Agreement
> YMCA Proposal
> County Manager's Report:
o July 17, 2017 Agenda Review
> Closed session
> Adjourn
Chairman Springle called the meeting to order at 9:00 am and led the Pledge of Allegiance and
invocation.
Staff presented the Campbell Stadium Sidewalks Project Ordinance that will be considered for
approval at the upcoming regular meeting. Staff also noted that the Campbell Stadium
Sidewalks Project Agreement is currently being revised.
Harnett County Parks and Recreation Director Carl Davis and Harnett County Library Director
Angela McCauley sought commissioner's thoughts regarding a potential partnership between the
Harnett County Library, Harnett County Parks and Recreation and the YMCA. Mrs. McCauley
said the timing of this proposal is good as they are starting a feasibility study regarding library
services in the county. She said we already know there is a need for library services in Western
Harnett. Mrs. McCauley also said a couple of YMCA/Library partnerships exist within the
United States.
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Rick Houp, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of the Sandhills, presented a proposed design
of a joint use building for the YMCA and library. He proposes using the 30,000 square feet
Cagle Furniture Building located on Hwy 87. Mr. Houp discussed services and amenities that
would be provided. Mr. Houp proposed Harnett County pay $9,500 a month for 10 years
towards the YMCA/Harnett County partnership. Mr. Jeffries said staff will work with the
YMCA to develop a more specific proposal including the library. Discussions continued.
Commissioners said they support a library in the western part of the county.
Mr. Davis provided updates on several Parks and Recreation projects. He noted doing work
in-house saves money but takes a little longer. Mr. Davis said it makes sense for Parks and
Recreation to partner with the library when possible. Mr. Jeffries said staff is looking at
opportunities to provide library services throughout the County. Mrs. McCauley said we already
do a lot for the municipal libraries and staff is looking at a step-down concept over four years but
will provide a proposal to the Board by the first of the year.
Mr. Jeffries noted that a bill recently passed that allows property tax exemptions for veterans
which would impact our budget between $600,000 and $700,000 next year, saying the state will
not make counties whole following this exemption.
Mr. Jeffries told the Board that during the budget review process he failed to discuss the Board
of Education's request to increase their compensation. He said the Board of Education is
required by statute to get the Board of Commissioner's permission to change their own
compensation. He noted authority was given to the Board of Education within the 2017-2018
Budget Ordinance to adjust their compensation up to the approved amount of the Board of
Commissioners. It was the consensus of the Board that the Board of Education members not set
their compensation at the maximum amount. Mr. Jeffi ies said they have been advised to survey
surrounding counties regarding comparable compensation. Allen Coats, Deputy Finance
Officer, said if Board of Education members vote to increase their compensation they must fund
the increase with their budget.
Mr. Jeffries notified commissioners of the Board of Education's intent to reduce the gross
payment of the $1,500 supplement to each teacher minus the employer portion of retirement and
social security. He said Superintendent Fleming has also come back saying 40 to 50 staff were
not included for the $1,500 teacher supplements. It was reiterated that the language in the
ordinance stated $1,500 for 1,466 teachers employed by September of the prior year.
Commissioners stressed they intended the supplement to be for "classroom" teachers; teachers
who stand in front of students in some portion. Mrs. Honeycutt said she went to the State for the
number of teachers to use for budgeting purposes and $2.2 Million was budgeted this year for the
supplements. Vice Chairman Miller state his intent to meet with Superintendent Fleming soon.
Mrs. Jeffries provided an update on Head Start saying the site plan and elevations are being
prepared and they believe the mobile units will be set up by the end of August. He noted by
doing some things in-house we did not have to spend total $110,000 as previous discussed.
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Mr. Jeffries reported that the tax collection percentage is 99.4% which is the highest collection
percent for Harnett County. He also noted staff just completed their second round of
performance review training for supervisors.
Mr. Jeffries reviewed the proposed July 17, 2017 regular meeting agenda. He requested the
Board consider adding to the agenda the Board of Education's request for approval of a capital
purchase of eight (8) modular units for $84,000. Harnett County Schools are currently leasing
these units. The Board asked that the Board of Education have someone who will be able to
respond to questions come and present their request. Mr. Jeffries noted that the County also has
an opportunity to purchase one of these modular units to use at Animal Control.
Chairman Springle said the Board seems to be getting conflicting information regarding some of
the school facilities. He recently spoke with the principal at Lafayette Elementary School who
said the school is not at capacity as previously stated by the Board of Education. He said he was
very impressed with suggestions she shared for additions and improvements to handle future
growth at the school. Chairman Springle said there seems to be a lot of opportunity at the sight
which is a good location with room to expand.
Commissioner Elmore moved that the Board go into closed session for the following purposes:
1) To discuss certain Economic Development matters; and
2) To discuss certain personnel matters.
This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(4)&(6).
Vice Chairman Miller seconded the motion that passed unanimously.
Commissioner Penny moved that the Board come out of closed session. Commissioner Elmore
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Mr. Jeffries provided an update on the jail inspection.
Commissioner Elmore moved to adjourn the meeting. Vice Chairman Miller seconded the
motion, which passed unanimously.
Mark B. Jo son Chairman
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t Regina j eeler, Clerk
July 11, 2017 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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