Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout042925 wsHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Minutes of Work Session April 29, 2025 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 9:00 am, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, Harnett County Resource Center and Library, 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington, North Carolina. Members present: Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman William Morris, Vice Chairman Barbara McKoy, Commissioner W. Brooks Matthews, Commissioner Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Commissioner Staff present: Dwight Snow, County Attorney Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Brent Trout, County Manager Melissa Capps, Clerk Chairman Nicol called the Harnett County Board of Commissioners meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner McKoy led the Pledge of Allegiance and provided the invocation. Chairman Nicol called for any additions or deletions to the published agenda. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to approve the agenda as published. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews and carried unanimously. The following agenda was before the Board of Commissioners: 1. Call to order — Chairman Matt Nicol 2. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation — Commissioner Barbara McKoy 3. Consider additions and deletions to the published agenda. 4. PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: Case#PLAN2503-0001 Landowner/Applicant:1960 Properties, LLC / Chan Ho; 1.19 +/- acres; Pin # 9568- 66-9087.000; From RA-20R to Commercial Zoning District; Barbecue Township; SR #1207 (Seawell Rosser Road) & NC Hwy 87 N. (plcasc now action may be takcn on this item) 5. Harnett Horizons 2040 Comprehensive Plan developed by Development Services staff and Stewart Engineering. (please note action may be taken on this item) 6. Discuss fluoridation of County water. (please note action may be taken on this item) 7. Discuss Harnett Regional Water Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); Tommy Burns, Harnett Regional Water Director 8. Discuss Harnett Regional Water System Development and Tap Fees; Tommy Burns, Harnett Regional Water Director 9. Discuss Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Animal Adoption Center; Barry Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 1 of 5 Blevins, General Services Director 10. Review applications to serve on Boards and Committees. 11. County Manager's Report — Brent Trout, County Manager • Performance Management Quarterly Update • May 5, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Review • Upcoming meetings and invitations 12. Closed Session 13. Recess - The Board of Commissioners will convene in a Joint Session with The Board of Education at 11:00 a.m. in Training Room 103 B/C. 14. Presentation of the 2025-2026 Harnett County School Budget 15. Adjourn Sarah Arbour, Planner II, reviewed PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: Case#PLAN2503-0001 Landowner/Applicant:1960 Properties, LLC /Chan Ho; 1.19 +/- acres; Pin # 9568-66-9087.000; From RA-20R to Commercial Zoning District. Barbecue Township; SR #1207 (Seawell Rosser Road) & NC Hwy 87 N. The property, formerly used for residential purposes, is vacant and fronts both Seawell Rosser Rd. and NC 87 N. The home and accessory structure previously located on the property were demolished in December 2024. Surrounding land uses include the Olivia Post Office, a convenience store, a communications station, a massage parlor, and single- family residences. Public water and sewer are available. Staff evaluation: • The subject property is located within a mixed -use area, characterized by both residential and nonresidential land uses. The subject property is adjacent to property zoned Commercial and currently used for commercial purposes. • The requested zoning district is compatible with the underlying land use, Rural Center. This land use classification is a development node that encourages commercial land uses and economic development throughout the county. The uses permitted in the Commercial zoning district are compatible with the underlying land use. • There is a convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed zoning district classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. The uses permitted in the Commercial zoning district are compatible with the surrounding and nearby commercial land uses. Additionally, the property has access to water and sewer utility services and is located within a Rural Center Development Node. • There is a convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely affected by the uses permitted in the requested zoning district. The uses permitted in the Commercial zoning district are compatible with the nearby non-residential land uses. • The requested zoning district is compatible with the future land use classification, Rural Center. The Rural Center Use Future Land Use classification supports small scale, market -driven commercial centers. As stated in the evaluation, the requested rezoning to Commercial would not have an unreasonable impact on the surrounding community based on compatibility with the future land Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 2 of 5 use plan and the surrounding land uses. It is recommended that this rezoning request be APPROVED. At the April 7, 2025, Planning Board meeting, the Planning Board voted 5-0 to recommend approval for the request to rezone from the RA-20R to the Commercial Zoning district. The Planning Board found the requested rezoning is compatible with the future land use classification and the surrounding commercial land uses. An adjacent property owner spoke at the meeting to ask questions about the applicant's intended use of the property. There was no one present to speak in opposition. The public hearing was held at the April 21, 2025 Board Meeting and the item was deferred until April 29, 2025 Work Session. Commissioner Matthews stated I do not believe the request to rezone the property to the Commercial zoning district is reasonable and is incompatible with the surrounding residential land uses. Commissioner Matthews made a motion to deny the rezoning request. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Morris and carried unanimously. (Attachment 1) Mark Locklear, Development Services Director stated the Harnett Horizons 2040 Comprehensive Plan developed by Development Services staff and Stewart Engineering was presented and the public hearing was held at the April 21, 2025 Board Meeting. The item was deferred until April 29, 2025 Work Session. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the Comprehensive Land Use Plan as it stands. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews. Commissioner Jaggers stated I would like to thank you all on your hard work; you all really put in a lot of time and I like your involvement with the other entities. Commissioner McKoy stated long time coming; thank you. Chairman Nicol called for a vote. The motion to approve carried unanimously. (Attachment 2) Fluoridation of County Water. Vice Chairman Morris stated we have been through this a number of people coming up and offering their opinions. Our Health Department has offered its opinion and there is still a lot of data out there that we have not looked at. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to table this discussion indefinitely until we have a chance to look at it more. Commissioner Matthews seconded the motion. Commissioner Jaggers stated I think there is more information we need to get. Chairman Nicol called for a vote .The motion to table indefinitely carried unanimously. Tommy Burns, Harnett Regional Water Director, reviewed the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 2025-26. A copy of the CIP is attached. (Attachment 3) Additional discussion included PFAS. Mr. Burns also reviewed information regarding the Harnett Regional Water System Development and Tap Fees. Mr. Byrd presented to you some information back in December regarding our system development fees. You have asked us to expand on that some further. Mr. Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 3 of 5 Burns provided a brief history on how system development fees were established and the process to go through in order to set those fees. Vice Chairman Morris expressed concerns regarding the cost associated with a commercial tap. Coley Price, Deputy County Manager, thanked the Board for their support of the Animal Adoption Center. Barry Blevins, General Services Director, reviewed a request for approval to move forward with the Request for Qualifications for the Animal Adoption Center using the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method. Consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. The Board reviewed applications to serve on Boards and Committees. Consensus of the Board was to appoint Barry Blevins to the Home and Community Block Grant Committee and reappoint Benjamin Slaughter as District 4 representative to the Harnett County Jetport Board. Brent Trout, County Manager, stated included in your packet is the Performance Management Quarterly Report. Today is the day for our Shearon Harris exercise, we have a lot of individuals over at Emergency Services attending the exercise. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to go into Closed Session to discuss certain economic development matters. This motion is made pursuant to NC General Statute Section 143-318.11 (a)(4). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews and carried unanimously. Following a motion to come out of Closed Session, Chairman Nicol called the meeting back into open session. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to recess the meeting to reconvene downstairs at 11:00 am to meet in Joint Session with the Board of Education. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McKoy and carried unanimously. Chairman Nicol called the meeting back to order at 11:00 am. Members present: Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman William Morris, Vice Chairman Barbara McKoy, Commissioner W. Brooks Matthews, Commissioner Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Commissioner Staff present: Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Brent Trout, County Manager Melissa Capps, Clerk Coley Price, Deputy County Manager Christopher Appel, Senior Staff Attorney Lisa McFadden, Assistant County Manager Ben Pollock, Computer Support Technician Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 4 of 5 Chairman Powell called the Board of Education meeting to order at 11:00 am. Harnett County Board of Education Members Present: Joey W. Powell - Chairman Bradley J. Abate — Vice Chairman John E. Hairr, District 4 Board Member Staff Present: Jason Duke, Board Attorney W. Brooks Matthews, Superintendent Andrew Cox, Assistant Superintendent Brookie Ferguson, Assistant Superintendent Monica Thompson, Assistant Superintendent Chris Pearson, Assistant Superintendent Natalie Ferrell, Public Information Officer Jennifer Byrd, Chief Technology Officer Tammy Johnson, Executive Assistant/Board Clerk Dee Crea, Executive Assistant W. Brooks Matthews, Superintendent, introduced Andrew Cox, Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services. Mr. Cox provided a recap of funding received this fiscal year. Mr. Cox also presented the 2025-2026 Harnett County Schools Local Appropriation Funding Request along with the 2025-2026 School Facilities List. (Attachment 4) Discussion included: • Teacher Supplements • Classified Staff Salaries • Retention and Recruitment Chairman Powell stated we greatly appreciate the Board and ask for the consideration of our funding request and thanked the Board of Commissioners for their support. Chairman Nicol stated I appreciate the relationship we have between the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education. Vice Chairman Abate made a motion to adjourn the Board of Education. The motion was seconded by Board Member Hairr and carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn the Board of Commissioners. The motion was seconded by CoTsioner Jaggers and carried unanimously. Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman Melis4.Capps, Clerk Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes April 29, 2025 Page 5 of 5 Harnett C 0 U N T Y NORTH CAROLINA ATTACHMENT 1 Proposed Zoning Change: Case # PLAN2503-0001 Landowner: 1960 Properties, LLC Applicant: Chan Ho Request: Proposed zoning change for +/- 1.19 acres from the RA-20R to the Commercial zoning district Location: NC HWY 87 N. & SR 1207 (Seawell Rosser Rd.); Barbecue Township PIN #: 9568-66-9087.000 Meeting Date: April 29, 2025 Statement -of -Consistency The request to rezone the property to the Commercial zoning district is unreasonable. The proposed zoning change to Commercial is incompatible with the surrounding residential land uses. Therefore, the Harnett County Commissioners Deny the rezoning request. Matthew Nicol, Chairman TTEST: _ Meli4sa D. Capps, Clerk strong roots • new growth Harnett C O U N T Y NORTH CAROLINA ATTACHMENT 2 Adoption of the Harnett Horizons 2040 Comprehensive Plan Applicant: Harnett County Development Services Request: Adoption of the Harnett Horizons 2040 Comprehensive Plan Meeting Date: April 29, 2025 Statement -of -Consistency The request to adopt the Harnett Horizons 2040 Comprehensive Plan is reasonable. The plan defines a framework for land use throughout the county, and addresses other priorities including transportation, agriculture, housing, and economic development. The plan will guide land use policy, funding, resource decisions, and infrastructure investment for Harnett County over the next several years. Therefore, the Harnett County Commissioners Approve the request to adopt the plan. Matthew Nicol, Chairman ATTEST: &0 c2ik Meli a D. Capps, —Clblk strong roots • new growth ATTACHMENT 3 HARNETT REGIONAL WATER Capital Improvement Plan 2025-26 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The capital improvement plan attached herewith is a working tool developed by the HRW staff to give guidance toward the County's water and sewer infrastructure development and capital needs program. It consists of an assessment of the current water and wastewater systems and projects these capital needs over a ten-year period. This plan is offered to the Board to seek their guidance and input as they look toward Harnett County's future. This plan should be a helpful fiscal planning tool that allows us to forecast capital demands on revenues and borrowing power to help avoid overextending ourselves financially during the next ten years and beyond. HRW recommends that the review and approval of this capital improvement plan be accomplished annually as part of the budget process. General approval of this document by resolution does not commit the Board to specific approval of any one project or expenditure, nor does it appropriate money for any project. This would still be accomplished through separate capital project ordinances. The approval by resolution from the Board simply approves the capital improvement plan as a plan for the forecast period. DESCRIPTION OF COUNTY Demographics. The County, formed in 1855, has a projected population of 136,709. The per capita income for the County is $47,518 and the median household income is $69,012 (23rd in NC). The poverty rate is 13.7% and the unemployment rate currently stands at 3.6%. Land Area Configurations. Harnett County is located in the south central portion of North Carolina. It lies partially in the Coastal Plain and partially in the Piedmont section. The eastern two-thirds of the County exhibit topographic features common to the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina. It is an area of level to gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 100 to 300 feet above sea level. The major underlying geological formation includes sedimentary rocks consisting mostly of unconsolidated sands and clays. Topographical features of the western part of the County resemble the Piedmont region of North Carolina. It is an area of steeper hills with elevations as high as 450 feet above sea level. The major underlying geological formation includes crystalline rocks, such as granite and slate. Mission Statement. "Harnett Regional Water provides high quality water and wastewater services to residents and businesses in Harnett County and the surrounding region. The organization is focused on customer service and is committed to environmental stewardship. Its position on the Cape Fear River, combined with significant investments in infrastructure and foresight from past and current leaders, will allow Harnett Regional Water to continue to serve the rapidly growing central region of North Carolina." HRW continues to grow from a single county water and sewer department to a regional water and wastewater provider. 2 Description of Existing Facilities. Harnett Regional Water provides water and/or wastewater services to approximately 120,000 Harnett County residents. HRW also provides public water to customers in Counties contiguous to ours. These Counties include Cumberland, Johnston, Moore, Lee, and Wake. The Harnett County Regional Water Treatment Plant supplies water to the Harnett County municipalities of Lillington, Angier, Erwin, and Coats. It supplies water to the Towns of Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs in Wake County and also the Towns of Spring Lake and Linden in Cumberland County. It also jointly supplies water to Fort Bragg through a partnership with the Public Works Commission of Fayetteville. The Harnett County Regional Water Treatment Plant utilizes the Cape Fear River as the source for the system's drinking water and currently has a treatment capacity of forty-two million gallons a day (42 MGD). HRW's water system consists of nine County water and sewer districts. Each of these districts exists as a separate legal entity pursuant to Chapter 162A of the North Carolina General Statutes. The County maintains and operates the districts for a fee equal to the districts' debt service amount. This amount is paid from general revenues received from water and/or wastewater sales from the various districts. The County established a "Harnett County Public Utilities Fund" in 1998 that consolidated accounting for the operation of these districts. This allowed the department to budget revenues and expenditures in a consolidated manner rather than nine individual district budgets. HRW provides wastewater treatment to the Towns of Angier, Coats and Lillington in Harnett County. HRW also provides wastewater treatment to the Town of Fuquay-Varina in Wake County and Fort Bragg Army Base in Cumberland County. HRW was established in 1982 with approximately 600 water customers and 8 employees. We have grown in the forty-three years since to approximately 44,000 water customers, 14,000 sewer customers and 120 employees. HRW infrastructure consists of approximately 1,490 miles of water mains, 420 miles of sewer collection mains and totals over $403 million dollars in assets. In addition to the 42 million gallon per day regional water plant mentioned above, other assets include 2 wastewater treatment plants with a combined treatment capacity of 22.5 million gallons per day, 20 elevated water storage tanks with 8.9 million gallons of capacity, 18.2 million gallons of ground storage capacity, a 60 million gallon reservoir, 24 water booster stations with pumping capacity of 133 million gallons per day and 105 sewer lift stations. Approximately 95% of Harnett County 3 residents now have access to public water. As is apparent from the above history, HRW has experienced tremendous growth and accomplishment through the valiant efforts and foresight of past and present Harnett County Commissioners and staff. Their dedication to a countywide water and strategically located sanitary sewer system is the reason for the utility's success. WATER SYSTEM Treatment Facility. HRW's existing 42 mgd (million gallons per day) regional water treatment facility was recently upgraded to that capacity in FY 2016-17 at a cost of approximately $12 million dollars. The project added four new filters, an upgraded alum sludge disposal system, new backwash/chemical storage and modified the raw water intake and raw water/reservoir low -lift pump stations. Moore County, Johnston County, the Towns of Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina in Wake County, as well as Fort Bragg in Cumberland County are the current capacity holders in the Harnett County Regional Water Treatment Facility. Currently, HRW is piloting the current treatment facility to establish what improvements will be needed to safely remove PFAS and PFOA (and other such chemicals) from our water supply to meet newly imposed EPA guidelines taking effect in 2029. It is estimated the WTP PFAS Improvements Project will cost approximately $80 million dollars and begin in FY 2027. The estimated project completion date will be in FY 2028-29. Due to the tremendous residential growth in the County, Harnett Regional Water is also committed to building a new 8-10 mgd water treatment facility in the Erwin area of the County. Our planning estimates project the new plant will be needed to supplement the existing Harnett Regional Water Treatment Plant by the end of this decade. Cost estimates are currently approximately $120 million dollars for the project as it will be funded by revenue bonds and HRW reserves. There is also the strong possibility that other surrounding entities will be interested in purchasing capacity in the new planned water treatment facility. Those discussions have already began. 4 Water Supply Plan. The State of North Carolina requires that all water systems submit an approved water supply plan annually. This plan is currently being updated by the HRW staff. The purpose of this plan is to provide evidence to the State that the water system is providing adequate planning for the supply of water through a designated planning period. Water supply planning is also continuing in the area of hydraulic modeling as the engineering firm of Hazen & Sawyer is engaged in providing an updated water hydraulic model of our entire distribution system. This will be critical importance in planning and directing future water resources to accommodate new growth. Water Conservation Measures. Harnett County amended its Water Shortage & Conservation Ordinance in the spring of 2008. The ordinance was amended in response to the drought conditions in our area over the last several years. The ordinance now more clearly defines the stages of water conservation and what triggers their enactment. It also established a normal irrigation schedule and increased the department's enforcement authority during emergencies. Our water supply is a critical resource that must be protected at all costs. Water Distribution System. HRW is in design discussions with the Town of Holly Springs in Wake County to upgrade our distribution system by constructing a 24 MGD intermediate pump station and 1 million gallon elevated storage tank to complete HRW's ability to supply the Town with their entire 10 MGD water capacity allocation. This project is estimated to cost approximately $23 million dollars and would be jointly funded from the Town of Holly Springs and HRW. It is estimated to begin in FY 26 and is still in the negotiating stages with the Town of Holly Springs. The Erwin St. Matthews Road Utility Extension Project is currently underway and will make needed water and wastewater improvements in certain areas of the Town. This project is estimated to cost $1.8 million dollars. Other planned water projects in Erwin include the Erwin Downtown Utility Project which will connect several buildings in the downtown area to a different water transmission line to improve existing water quality. This project is estimated to cost approximately $600,000 and should begin in FY 26. The Northwest Water Rehabilitation Project consists of the rehabilitation and replacement of several thousand feet of water transmission mains in the Northwest area of the County. This is needed due to the age of the existing infrastructure and the recurring leaks caused by the pipe insufficiencies. This project is projected to begin in FY 27 and cost approximately $6 million dollars. Regional Interconnects. As you are aware, Harnett County's water system is interconnected to several area public water systems that we do not provide water to including: the City of Dunn, the Town of Benson, the City of Raleigh, the Town of Apex, the City of Fayetteville (PWC), the City of Durham, and finally the Town of Cary. These connections are of a vital importance in the event of emergency water shortage conditions. The ability to provide and receive additional water from these various sources makes all of these systems more dependent upon each other and truly interconnected in a regional manner. HRW is a member of the Triangle Water Supply Partnership and our water system participates with the triangle water utilities in regional water supply planning, with the goal of collaboratively planning for, maintaining, and implementing, long-term sustainable and secure water supplies for our region in the future. WASTEWATER SYSTEM Wastewater Treatment and Collection. The County currently owns two active wastewater treatment plants, the North Harnett Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and the South Harnett Regional Wastewater Plant. The South Harnett plant began operation in June 2009 and has a capacity of 15 mgd. It serves all of the southern area of the County and Fort Bragg. The North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant has a capacity of 7.5 MGD and recently underwent major modifications to its filters and bio-solids storage facilities as part of the North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. This project was completed in FY 2020-21 at a cost of approximately $11 million dollars. The North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant is also under construction for a major capacity upgrade which will increase the plant's capacity to 16.5 MGD. This project costs approximately $112 million dollars and includes participation from our regional wastewater partner towns of Angier, Fuquay-Varina and Lillington. This major expansion is expected to be complete in FY 27. The Southwest Wastewater Pump Station & Force Main Project consists of the renovation of our -- 6 regional sewer lift station and the construction of approximately 5 miles of 20 inch sewer force main along Hwy 87 in the Southwest portion of Harnett County. This project is currently under design and is estimated to cost approximately $11.5 million dollars and construction should get underway in FY 26. The Buies Creek -Coats Collection System Upgrade is a planned upgrade of the collection transmission system that transports the wastewater from this area of the County to the North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant. This upgrade is needed to support additional growth in these areas including the planned residential subdivisions located in the vicinity of these needed improvements This project is estimated to cost approximately $11 million dollars and should begin in FY 27. Regional Wastewater Facilities. Harnett County has commissioned four different engineers since 1968 to look at comprehensive approaches to the long-range planning of Harnett County's water and wastewater needs. The most recent of these is the Northern Harnett Wastewater Master Plan for the Districts in the northern section of the County. This study was authored by Hazen and Sawyer and was completed in FY 2017-18. All of these wastewater plans have concluded that a regional approach utilizing a consolidation of systems is the best plan practical for protection of public health and economic development. There will continue to be County development of services which will extend from existing facilities; and, due to the escalating cost of expansion and operating expenses, it is likely that other regions within the County will be attempting to regionalize systems within the next ten years. In addition to this, regulatory restraints will force regionalization to happen in order to eliminate as many discharges into our water basin as possible. Areas outside the County, which are tributary to our drainage basins and wastewater treatment facilities, (i.e. southern Wake County and northern Cumberland County as recent examples) also provide realistic opportunities for regionalization. These relationships should be nurtured to provide the greatest scale of economy in building additional wastewater collection lines to serve Harnett County citizens. FINANCIAL PLANNING Revenue Projections. Revenue projections for the next 10 years are difficult if not impossible to correctly predict. They are tied to a myriad of factors including residential and commercial growth in the County, local and regional economic conditions, and the ability of our utility to meet all future water and sewer needs throughout the County and region. Before we can attempt to predict future revenues, we need to look at current revenue trends for the last several fiscal years. HRW Operating Revenues Financial Operating Period Revenues FY 14-15 $32,162,037 FY 15-16 $34,446,531 FY 16-17 $35,872,649 FY 17-18 $39,203,558 FY 18-19 $39,987,902 FY 19-20 $41,091,355 FY 20-21 $42,140,995 FY 21-22 $49,139,362 FY 22-23 $49,568,547 FY 23-24 $58,498,680 You can see from these figures that annual revenues increased by $26,336,643 in the last nine fiscal years. This represents a 81 % increase in annual operating revenues in that time span. Most of this increase is due to the growth of water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the County and increasing growth of water supply to the surrounding region. Rates must be adjusted to cover the ever increasing cost of service to include debt repayment and meet capital reserve targets to cover emergencies and capital project funding. The overall financial strategy of the Department is to continue to maximize revenues consistent with an even pace of residential and commercial/industrial growth within the s County. Expenditures will be kept in line consistent with adequately maintaining treatment and distribution systems while emphasizing regulatory compliance in all areas. Harnett Regional Water is at a historical crossroads in the sense that 95% of all County residents have access to water. Additional access to water has been the primary source of a growing revenue base in the past. However, since most areas within the County now have access to water, future revenue growth will be directly correlated to the Department's goal to provide access to sewer to densely populated unincorporated areas of the County and the Department's ever increasingly important role as a regional water and wastewater treatment provider to surrounding municipalities, counties and Fort Bragg. CUSTOMER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS HRW recently had a "Public Utilities Efficiency Study" completed by the Management Consulting firm of Martin -McGill out of Asheville, NC. Although the overwhelming result of the study was positive, one of the main recommendations for improvement within the department was in the area of customer service. Specifically, the need to upgrade existing outdated technologies such as water/sewer customer billing software that was over a decade old, asset management work order software, automated customer telephone systems, etc. HRW has aggressively started that process and has recently completed the installation of a new and enhanced customer information system (CIS) software system that includes a mobile work order and enhanced customer portal system. We have also engaged with new providers to enhance our existing Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone system to give customers access to enhanced technological features. HRW has also installed updated smart meters. These new meters send usage data to HRW through a wireless network and provide much more information to our customers and staff. All of these efforts have greatly improved our customers' access to information and allowed us to serve their needs much more efficiently. Capital Project Budget Summary Attachment 1 is a capital project budget summary that combines all the proposed capital projects discussed earlier in this report. It provides a snapshot of anticipated capital needs over the next ten years. The expenditures section shows each projects total budget. The revenue section shows the expected funding sources for each year. -- 9 EXPENDITURES Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Total Cost Totals Project Name FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027.28 FY 2028.29 FY 2029-30 FY 2030-31 FY 203132 FY 203233 FY 2033.34 FY 2034-35 NFM/WTP Capaci rade $111,376.000 $111,376,000 SW WW PS & FM $11,518,388 $11,518,388 Erwin St Matthews Rd Util@ t Project Ex$1,770,420 $1.770.420 Erwin Downtown Lhility Project $526,357 $526,357 Old Hami@on Rd Water Extension Project $1,596,073 $1,596.073 Wake County Distribution rade $22,650,000 $22,650,000 BCC Collection System Upgrade $10,793,200 $10,793,200 WTP PFAS Ugrade Project $80,000,000 $80,000,000 NW Water Rehabilitation Project $6,000,000 $6,000,000 Northeast Harnett Regional WTP Project $120,000.000 $120,000,000 Hamett Jetport L tili Extension Project $2,500,000 $2,500,000 NW Water Transmission $8,200,000 $8 Z00 000 WTP Property Acquistion-Watkins 50 acres $1,000,000 $1,000,000 SC Tank 5 Construction (Doc's/Nurs $2 090 000 $2 090 000 BCC Collection System Upgrade Ph 11 $3,750,000 $3,750,000 Southwest Regional GST $3,004,180 $3,004,180 MN Tank 6/SW Transmission Connect $390,000 $390,000 Totals 1 $149,437,238 $96.793,200 $120,000,000 $2,500,000 $8,200,000 $1,000,000 $2,090,000 $3,750,000 $3,004,180 $390,000 $387,164,618 REVENUES FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29 FY 2029-30 FY 2030-31 FY 2031-32 IFY 2032-33 FY 2033.34 FY 2034-35 Totals Grants from all sources $28,300,000 $15,793,200 $44,093,200 Revenue Bonds $30,000,000 $30,000,000 State Revolving Loans $50,000,000 $30,000,000 $80,000,000 Regional Entity Participation $40,000,000 $40,000,000 Holly Springs $15,875,000 75,000 $42,0 Fuqua Varina $42,075,378 $ Angier $15,468,889 $15,468,68,889,89 Ullin ton $6,187,556 $6187556 Harnett Regional Water Reserves $41,530,415 $31,000,000 $20.000,000 $2,500,000 $8,200,000 $1,000,000 $2,090,000 $3,750,000 $3,004,180 $390,000 $113,464,595 Totals $149,437,238 $96,793,200 $120,000,000 $2,500,000 $8,200,000 $1,000,000 $2.090,000 $3,750,000 $3,004,180 $390,000 $387,164,618 1 �FY 2025-26 IFY 2026-27 IFY 2027.28 1FY 2028.29 1FY 2029,30 IFY 2030.31 1FY 2031-32 IFY 2032-33 IFY 2033-34 IFY 2034-35 1 Totals Planned Rate Increases Current RateslWater FY 2025.26 FY 2026.27 FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29 FY 2029-30 FY 2030-31 FY 2031-32 FY 2032.33 FY 2033.34 FY 2034-35 Totals $22/2,000 min no change nochange $24.00 no change no change no change $26.00 no change nochange no change $5.75/1,000 gal above min no change no change $6.00 no change no change no change $6.25 no change no change no change $3.00 Bulk Rate no change no change $3.45 no change no change no change $3.70 no change no change no change $2.35 Bulk Rate Capacity Holders no change no change $2.70 no change no change no change $2.90 no change no change no change % increase no change no change 7%/15% no change no change no change 71/. no change no change no change kbnthl $ hcrease in Avg Bill n/a n/a $2.7. n/a nla n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Revenue from increase $0 $0 $3,000,000 $0 $0 $0 $1,610,000 $0 $0 $0 $4,610,000 Current Rates/Sewer FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29 FY 2029.30 FY 2030-31 FY 2031.32 FY 2032.33 FY 2033-34 FY 2034-35 Totals $16 Flat no change no change $17.00 no change no change no change $18.00 no change no change no change $6.5/1,000 gals no change no change $7.00 no change no change no change $7.50 no change no change no change $2.75 Bulk Rate Capacity Holders no change no change $3.15 no change no change no change $3.35 no change no change no change % increase no change no change 7%6/15% no change no change no change 79/o no change no change no change Mlnthl $ Increase in Avg Bill n/a n/a $3.50 n/a n/a n/a $3.50 n/a n/a n/a Revenue from increase $0 $0 $1.135,000 $0 $0 1 $0 1 $1,270,000 $0 1 $0 1 $0 $2,405,000 10 Duly adopted this the seconded by Commissioner Ayes: ATTEST: Noes: Melissa Capps, Clerk to the Board day of 2025, upon motion made by Commissioner , and adopted by the following vote: Absent: Board of Commissioners of the County of Harnett Matthew Nicol, Chairman of the Board and of the governing body of all Water and Sewer Districts of Harnett County 11 �' •z., ry�oa��� G World A* 13 ti R • HARNETC COUNTY SCHOOLS inspiring learners to be leaders! 2025-2026 LOCAL APPROPRIATION FUNDING REQUEST' Harnett County Board of Education 601 SOUTH MAIN STREET, LILLINGTON, NC 27546 1 910-893-8151 I WWW_HARNETT.NI2.NC.US ,r 1 � J +R?f; Harnett County Board of Education W. BROOKS MATTHEWS, SUPERINTENDENT HARNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS MISSION: Through the engagement of partnerships with all stakeholders, Harnett County Schools will equitably grow learners Into leaders who will positively contribute to their changing community. HARNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS VISION: Harnett County Schools will be the model for the development of thriving learners who are globally competitive and highly productive.m CONTACT US: Harnett County Schools P.O. Box 1029 - 601 S. Main Street Lillington, NC 27546 910-893-8151 www.harnett.kl2.nc.us SHARON M. GAINEY DISTRICT 1 JOSEPH W. POWELL, JR. DISTRICT 2 BRADLEY J. ABATE DISTRICT 3 Jahn E. Hairr F,10: DON R. GODFREY HARNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS ispiring learners to be leaders! 2025-2026 Harnett County Schools Budget Message On behalf of the Harnett County Board of Education and our entire school district, I respectfully submit the Harnett County Schools 2025-2026 School Facilities Needs Budget for your consideration. This budget reflects our unwavering commitment to providing safe, modern, and productive learning environments for every student in Harnett County. As one of the fastest -growing counties in North Carolina, our school system must be equipped to meet the expanding demands of student enrollment, evolving instructional programs, and the long- term functionality of our facilities. The 2025-2026 budget includes newly approved capital projects and additional facility needs that have emerged from our most recent assessments. These projects include constructing new schools in high -growth areas, replacing aging campuses, major renovations across multiple sites, expanding career and technical education opportunities, and adding athletic and operational support facilities. Data -informed planning grounded in enrollment projections, facility condition reviews, and community input drives these priorities to ensure that each school remains a safe, welcoming, and adequate space for teaching and learning. Beyond infrastructure, this year's budget also prioritizes investment in our most valuable resource, our people. The Harnett County Board of Education is committed to increasing teacher supplemental pay, as our current supplement levels continue to lag behind those of surrounding districts. This gap makes it increasingly challenging to recruit and retain the high -quality educators our students deserve. As the expectations for student success rise, so must our support for the professionals guiding that success in every classroom. Additionally, this budget includes salary increases for classified staff, recognizing the essential roles these individuals play daily in our schools. These employees form the foundation of school operations, from transportation and nutrition to custodial and instructional support. Enhancing their compensation not only strengthens retention but also reflects our commitment to fair and living wage pay for all staff members who contribute to the daily success of our students. We remain deeply grateful for the continued support and leadership of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. Your investment in our public schools has a direct and lasting impact on the lives of more than 20,000 students and the educators who serve them. As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 fiscal year, we respectfully request your partnership to fund these critical needs. Together, we can ensure that every student in Harnett County has access to a learning environment that is safe, inspiring, and positioned for future success. Thank you for your time, trust, and steadfast support of public education. Joseph W. Powell Chairman Harnett County Board of Education W. Brooks Matthews, Ed. S. Superintendent Harnett County Schools PURPOSE OF FINANCIAL REPORTING LINKS Harnett County Schools Business and Finance website is available for all stakeholders and provides transparency on how funds are used. Site users can explore both how the district is funded and how funds are spent in the district. FINANCIAL REPORTING LINKS Please click the links to visit the HCS website to review all reporting links. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORTS https: bit.ly/2PYKcSe III FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORTS https: bit.ly 3xK182j COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORTS https: bit.ly/30tMG4h PsucceSSWUNCS SHARNETT 2025-2026 COUNTY Harnett County Schools SCHOOLS Local Appropriation Funding Request Approved by the Harnett County Board of Education April 7, 2025 CONTINUATION BUDGET ttem Amount 2025-2026 Local appropriation 530,6M,606 Represents local appropriation for 2024-2025 school year. Contingent Low Wealth Funding from County - If we get this, men the charter number will change as we will have to $5,721,341 give them an additional $500k approximatey CURRENT EXPENSE EXPANSION Hem Amount DescriptionlRationale Allows for an adjustment in local funding allotment to account for charter school payment, - Based on an approximate $33m Increase base allotment to cover charter school reductions $ 789.360 request - any change in allocation will require adjustment to charter school amount Increase local coaches supplement S68,125 Provides funds for a 10% increase to coaching supplement. New curriculum specialists positions $387.280 Provides four curriculum specialists to work with schools to increase student achievement. Increase certified supplement 8 classified staff salaries 57M7,922 Continues goal to increase local supplement. provides salary increases to classified staff and associated paid benefits ec`xaae.`ee"W_.raO.+_ 1.wq _1 Ss. 157"1 Prw,a.r. It's eaaw"wx tor. ar. fur Yaese --I— S91.13J mrMa.r ax umnlanwnr M pw� 1100a b writ prr.pw ar,a uaa.nr onsW Wr�.eea wrobyva.0 svy avear +^'Por*'w9 caw'!. %B.Wrr Lary ir�r' sale, Pmwa.a Mer b s+.Mnaa. w e.l. +a1a'Y nfrsew lalti. •eeenwN a rweP ntue.e xsH b ror�oN sacbhw44 Noes yushC ,car $2 W, MS PlpwOes awNa b an rvr.ep n fw er, b.-au6we araNM.W r, N. ]ON vW M✓r IM! t%Pa+b.d n rv�5 9+P++r b an9r.%a+. r.r TOTAL 59,190.667. CAPITAL OUTLAY CATEGORY I -Facilities Item Amount DescriptionfRationale School Safety Visitor Management Software $70,000 Provides updated visitor management and car line software for all locations. New/Renovated School Facilities 2025-2026 71ER / PROJECTS S190,401.352 See separate School Facility Needs List for details. Facility Maintenance Scheduled and required Facility maintenance S1.277,t100 5 Jleduwd and repu,nd! fuitiN maintenance nol'mcWded in the Capital Improvement Plan (ROOK minimum doraecl for CIP) a.une.q 300 mo xio,w9 Wp000 Gwoer,s, SIo5." Ei.caice' t2m;mo Ste— esme. Siloam Rvac Sreo.am Sumo Raneq ilp_mp •Yl1Mr reriNl—tive—ne.da are autl 1. Namen C.aax,'a CaprtN Imppvemenr Plan as eppmvW er Inc Boaro of Coun1Y Cmnmisaronws. TOTAL $191,748,332 Total facilities request minus Tier 1 projects. $1,347,000 CAPITAL OUTLAY CATEGORY 11- Equipment Sl.. caneerr a_ R.— It.. Amount Descriptlon/Rationale Walk Behind Floor Scrubbers - Replacement (3) $30,423 Replaces end ­of -service auto scrubbers. 1/2-pemon Scissor Lifts (2) $110.000 Adds scissor lifts required by auxiliary services. This eliminates continued rental costs. Diesel Zerotum Mower (2) $40,946 Replacing two twenty-five year old mowers Pro Stance Standing Mower (2) $20.520 Replacing two twenty-five year old mowers Finn BV5 Mulch Blower $148.209 Increase productivity when spreading mulch Hyster W45ZHD Walk -behind Pallet Jack $6,000 Replace pallet jack for box truck Ka Vac 1750 (4) $22,336 For restrooms to remove soil, germs, and other indoor polluntants TOTAL $378,434 CAPITAL OUTLAY - CATEGORY III - Vehicles St.. Commrl ante Re— ft.. Amount DescnptionlRationale Replacement and new vehicles $929,924 Replaces several utility vehicles and buses that are -r-cf-service or bevond service ).Sr415p-.— Server, rvc,'2) Strom C,,rmmn..w.,nr,l.p—I, 230p150.Swwa Senora nw 0 trap Ja0 Cuam,x.tG awOs I' u.. n. en. +sop Spseva Sexa rw S50 Joe urrs,wce Mrlp'aSpS.r,e. atrl+nupt Srsomp lerua,wc. r50M50.5esa a�'sa Ica ;are stW tray Jpo Wrrenw+e 1I P.s+e,pr rnomei "live, 9ua 12) $214. 124 rmaprwur TOTAL $929.924 TOTAL CURRENT EXPENSE EXPANSION $9,190,687 TOTAL CURRENT EXPENSE CONTINUA77ON 4 EXPANSION $39,995,293 TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY $193,056,710 HARNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS In�p rang 1o1111e,s to be i=ad-S' 2025 - 2026 School Facilities Needs List This list consists of requested new and renovated facilties. Estimates Only. Escalation not included in all projects. This list does not include new/replacement equipment or maintenance capital needs. 4;10,20z5 L06:0^ Approved by the Harnett County Board of Education on April 7, 2025 CURRENT APPROVED PROJECTS Flatwoods Middle School (nooeeate) Lillington-Shawtown Elementary School Gym Addition $97,791,525.00 $85,591,525.00 $8,000,000.00 School Nutrition Freezer/Cooler Project $4,200,000.00 $190,401,352.00 TIER 1 PROJECTS -1 year - 2 years New School Transportation Facility (robe located atTd ofLilingtonMcNeil Street PrePen,..) $15,401,352.00 Highland High School (2000 seats, requesting $62m NBPSCF grant land pr d, not including Highland School Road extension( $1 00,000,000.00 Harnett Early College/CTE High School/Career Tech. Center (Possible partnership'ith CCCC) $30,000,000.00 Triton High School Auxiliary Gym Addition $10,000,000.00 Buies Creek Elementary School Replacement $35.000,000.00 $1,000,000.00 TIER 2 PROJECTS - 3-years to 4-years La Fayette Year -Round School Gym Renovations $1,000,000.00 HCHS/THSNVHHS Renovations TBD TIER 3 PROJECTS - 5-years to 6-years Northern/Northwest Hamett-area Elementary School Southwest (NC 87 corridor) Elementary School $90,000,000.00 $45,000,000.00 $45,000,000.00 North Harnett Primary Renovations TBD TIER 4 PROJECTS - 7-years - 8-years Northwest Harnett Area Middle School (land procured) Western Harnett Area Middle School Other School Renovations (school -by -school basis) $170,000,000.00 $85.000,000.00 $85,000,000.00 TBD <P(O HARNETTS COUNTY SCHOOLS In compliance with federal law, Harnett County Schools administers all state and federally operated educational programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability or gender except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to Mrs. April Hood (ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act), Mr. Jermaine White (Section 504), or Mrs. Allison Castle (Title IX) at the Harnett County Board of Education, 1008 South llth Street, Lillington, NC 27546.