031114ss Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of Special Session
March 11,2014
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, March 11,
2014,in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front
Street, Lillington,North Carolina.
Members present: Joe Miller, Chairman
Gary House,Vice Chairman
Jim Burgin, Commissioner
Beatrice B. Hill, Commissioner
Gordon Springle, Commissioner
Staff ff present: Tommy Burns,Harnett County Manager
Joseph Jeffries,Deputy County Manager
'Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk to the Board
Chairman Miller called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner Burgin led the pledge of
allegiance and invocation.
The following agenda was before the Board:
> Discussion with the Harnett County Board of Education
-Upcoming projects and goals
-Budget discussion
> Vote on Insurance Broker RFP
> Finance Officers Report
> County Manager's Report:
1) Agenda Review
2) Information and updates
> Closed session
The group was joined by the following members and staff of the Harnett County Board of
Education:
Vivian Bennett,Vice Chairman
William"Bill"H. Morris, Board Member
Kevin Gregory,Board Member
James Ray Bryant,Board Member
Tom Frye, Superintendent
Stan Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary
March 11, 2014, Special Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 1 of 3
Charles Bullock, Board Attorney
Tammy Magill,Finance Officer
Terry Byrd, Clerk to the Board
Vice Chairman Bennett called the Harnett County Board of Education to order at 9:00 am. Mr.
Frye introduced Tammy Magill as their new Finance Officer as Mr. Bob Troutman retired
effective March 1st. Mr. Frye also introduced Charlie Bullock as attorney to the Board of
Education.
Mr. Frye shared a handout and gave an overview of a comprehensive list of summary of needs of
the Harnett County Schools which consisted of school opinion of turn-key budgets for 18
projects; top seven were marked urgent,totaling $235,114,932.71. Mr. Frye noted the Board of
Education approved the summary of needs in October, 2013. Mr. Frye reminded the group when
they give budget figures for schools they provide turn-key costs,down to supplies in closets,
because they feel very strongly that they do not need to keep coming back to commissioners for
additional funds to get the school open. Upon request, Mr. Frye also shared detailed budget
sheets,which broke out construction cost, for the seven urgent projects.listed. Discussion
regarding possible sites continued. Mr. Jeffries noted the infrastructure costs would be
substantial for a possible 18 acre school site within Lexington Plantation.
Mr. Frye shared a handout and gave an overview of the Building Capital Improvement Summary
for the Board of Education which totaled$8,587,884.80 for significant repairs and
improvements. Mr. Frye said he is particularly worried about the roof replacements.
Commissioner Burgin asked if he could refer a roofing contractor to Mr. Frye because he
believes the estimates provided are too high. Commissioner Burgin also asked if the Board of
Education could go ahead and take care of some of the small repairs and improvements using the
$5 Million unassigned in their fund balance. Mr. Gregory, who said they are handling repairs as
they can,responded that the Board of Education's fund balance is already below where it needs
to be. Mrs. Magill confirmed there is a suggested percentage but not a mandatory amount for
their fund balance. Mr. Frye noted the Board of Education recently approved a$700,000 budget
amendment for repairs. Discussions continued.
Commissioner Springle moved to move forward with bidding out the property and casualty
insurance but said he was unsure about the health insurance at this late time. The motion died
due to the lack of a second. Commissioners Springle and Burgin shared their concerns regarding
bidding out the health insurance for fear there wasn't enough time and it could negatively impact
employees. They stressed the need to keep the Benefits Committee involved in the process.
Commissioner Burgin believes there could be a 25%increase in insurance costs. He said he
thinks we should give employees options allowing them to pay any additional cost if they
choose. Commissioner House moved to put both RFPs out to bid as presented. Commissioner
Hill seconded the motion. Discussions continued, including who would participate in the
selection process prior to making a recommendation to Board. The motion passed unanimously.
March 11, 2014, Special Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Burgin confirmed that Human Resources has the package of information ready to
provide to brokers upon request. Mrs. Bethune confirmed that the County does have 400
vehicles.
Commissioner Springle moved that the Board go into closed session to(1) consult with the
County's legal staff in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege concerning the handling of
certain claims; and(2)discuss certain personnel matters. This motion is made pursuant to N.C.
General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(3)&(6). Commissioner Burgin seconded the motion
which passed unanimously.
Commissioner Burgin moved that the Board come out of closed session. Commissioner Springle
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Commissioner Hill said until we go outside and find some qualified people to help in this county
we are going to continue to have problems and will never move forward. She feels as though
there is too much nepotism here now and that commissioners recently selected a less qualified
candidate.
Commissioner Burgin moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:44 pm. Commissioner Springle
seconded the motion which passed unanimously„
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W. Brooks Matthews, Chairman � %f' i f `, ,` ar_ et Regina 0 eeler, Clerk
APPROVED APRIL 5,2021CON31 �
March 11,2014, Special Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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