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HomeMy WebLinkAbout081825 agenda packet REGULAR MEETING Date: Monday, August 18, 2025 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Commissioners Meeting Room Harnett County Resource Center & Library 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page | 1 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. Consent Agenda A. Minutes i. Regular Meeting Minutes of August 4, 2025 ii. Work Session Minutes of August 12, 2025 B. General Services Director requests the Board of Commissioners consider and approve a transportation provider contract with ModivCare Solutions, LLC (MODIVCARE). Specifically, if approved, HARTS will provide Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for Harnett County citizens through the Managed Care (Medicaid) NEMT Broker ModivCare. C. General Services/Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) requests the Board of Commissioners consider and approve the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) FY2026 5311/5339 Combined Capital grant agreement in the amount of $288,158; total County match is $28,817. This grant provides funding for the Capital expenses associated with providing public transportation for the citizens of Harnett County. D. The Harnett County Public Library respectfully requests to continue our membership with the NC Cardinal Consortium. As a member of this consortium, the Harnett County Library System has access to our shared catalog with other participating library systems as well as an integrated library system and shared library materials. E. The Harnett County Public Library respectfully requests permission to apply for annual state aid from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the State Library. The State Library appropriates funds each year for local libraries intended to promote, aid, and equalize public library services in North Carolina. The amount estimated for this fiscal year is $220,980. There is no match required. F. The Harnett County Public Library respectfully requests permission to accept a Library Services and Technology Act Grant in the amount of $100,000 through the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This grant award would fund the expansion of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to the branch library locations in Angier, Benhaven, Boone Trail, Coats, Dunn and Erwin. The county would be responsible for a 25% match totaling $33,814. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 1 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page | 2 G. The Harnett County Public Library respectfully requests permission to accept the Library Services and Technology Act Grant in the amount of $100,000 through the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This grant award would fund the purchase of a mobile outreach vehicle/bookmobile to extend library services. This grant requires a 64% match of $174,965. H. Harnett Regional Water requests the Board of Commissioners approve write-offs in the amount of $37,963.21 as of June 2025. The facilitation of these write-offs is an important step in continuing the effort to effectively manage HRW's collections and bad debt. HRW is currently using the Local Government Debt Setoff Program and On-Line Collections, Inc. to help collect our delinquent accounts. I. Solid Waste requests the Board of Commissioners award the Northwest Convenience Center construction project to Harrod & Associates Constructors from Raleigh, NC in the amount of $1,666,806. Proper procurement procedures were taken, and the bid was held on Friday, June 27, 2025. Six bids were received at that time. J. Administration requests approval to accept $847,556 in funding provided through the Home and Community Block Care Grant from Mid Carolina Area Agency on Aging and authorization for the Chairman to execute the agreement. 5. Public Comment Period Period of up to 30 minutes for informal comments allowing 3 minutes for each presentation. Speakers are requested to sign up prior to the meeting. Speakers may sign up by contacting the clerk at mdcapps@harnett.org at least one hour prior to the start of the meeting or by utilizing the signup sheet at the back of the room. The signup form will be picked up by the clerk 5 minutes before the published meeting start time. 6. Discuss Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Board of Elections and Board of Commissioners and changes to personnel ordinance. 7. Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club Annual Report 8. Public Hearing – Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0001 Landowner / Applicant: Johnnie C. Stewart; 13.71 +/- acres; PIN# 1528-65-0964.000; From Industrial to RA-30 Zoning District; Averasboro Township; Off Hwy 301 N (on Bryan McLamb Lane) 9. Public Hearing – Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0002 Landowner / Applicant: TFD Inc. / Johnathan Tucker; 3.05 +/- acres (Consist of two parcels); PIN # 9585-04-6546.000 & 9585- 04-5613.000; From RA-20M to Commercial Zoning District; Barbecue Township; NC Hwy 87 S. 10. County Manager’s Report – Brent Trout, County Manager A. Harnett County Department of Public Health Monthly Report HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 2 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Page | 3 B. Harnett County Veteran Services Monthly Report C. Budget Revisions D. Budget Amendments – Motion to approve budget amendments as requested by the Finance Officer E. Tax Rebates, Releases and Refunds – Motion to approve the Tax Rebates, Releases and Refunds as requested by the Tax Administrator. F. Contract Amendments exceeding County Manager’s Signature Threshold – Motion to authorize the Chairman to sign contract amendments exceeding the manager’s signature threshold. i. Delta Dental ii. Trio Community Meals iii. Alliance Health 11. New Business 12. Closed Session 13. Adjourn CONDUCT OF THE AUGUST 18, 2025 MEETING Livestream of the meeting will be on the Harnett County Government’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU7mTF6HTD65x_98EhAMeMg/featured. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 3 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2025 Page 1 of 3 HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2025 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, August 4, 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: Brent Trout, County Manager Dwight Snow, County Attorney Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Melissa Capps, Clerk Chairman Nicol called the 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 Vice Chairman Morris and carried unanimously. Commissioner McKoy shared I attended the Summerville Bunnlevel Fire and Rescue Annual Back To School community gathering and it was a huge success. I enjoyed going. I also went out to Shawtown on Saturday and the mobile health unit and the Boys and Girls Club put on a good show for the community too. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Jaggers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The items on the consent agenda were as follows: A.Minutes i.Regular Meeting Minutes of July 21, 2025 ii.Work Session Minutes of July 29, 2025 B.Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) requests permission to submit county plan program agreements for the NC Department of Public Safety, JCPC programs for FY 2025-2026. (Attachment 1) C.Harnett Regional Jetport (HRJ) requests approval of the HRJ's Annual Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP). (Attachment 2) Item 4Ai HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 4 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2025 Page 2 of 3 D. Harnett Regional Jetport requests approval of the updated Airport Rules and Regulations and Minimum Standards for Airport Operators. E. Sheriff Coats requests approval to enter into a contract with Southern Software to purchase additional software products. These products are additional software that was not covered in the previous approved contract through the NC Sheriff's Association Technology Procurement Program (25-04-0222R). These products will be purchased under the Sole Source exception. No additional funding from the Board is required. F. General Services/Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) request the Board of Commissioners consider and approve the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) FY2026 5311 Administrative grant agreement in the amount of $400,312; total County match is $60,048. This grant provides funding for the Administrative expenses associated with providing public transportation for the citizens of Harnett County. The Board of Commissioners approved the application on September 16, 2024. Approved Fiscal Year 2026 budget contains the County match. G. Legal requests the Board of Commissioners adopt a Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds for the purpose of allocating $20,000 of Opioid Settlement dollars to Cape Fear Valley/Lillington Pharmacy to support funding for the cost of medications for Opioid Use Disorder for those underinsured or uninsured. (Attachment 3) H. As discussed at the July 29, 2025 Work Session, the Board of Commissioners would like to appoint David Hesselmeyer to the Board of Health as a public member position. Commissioner Jaggers read and presented a copy of the Child Support Awareness Month Proclamation. The Harnett County Board of Commissioners proclaimed August 2025 as "Child Support Awareness Month" in Harnett County in support of the State of North Carolina designating August as "Child Support Awareness Month.” Chairman Nicol opened the meeting for informal comments by the public, allowing up to 5 minutes for each presentation up to 1 hour. The following people provided comments: 1. Hunter Winstead, MorningStar Law Group, 434 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC. 2. Alan Longman of 234 Hamilton Road, Bunnlevel, NC. No one else spoke and the public comment period was closed. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to take off the table Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2505- 0001 Landowner / Applicant: Blissful Properties & Realty, LLC / Morningstar Law Group C/O Hunter Winstead; 1.96 +/- acres; Pin # 0655-41-5460.000; From RA-40 to Commercial Zoning District; Hector’s Creek Township; Intersection of SR # 1414 (Piney Grove Rawls Road) & US 401 N. which was previously tabled at the June 16, 2025 Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Morris and carried unanimously. Sarah Arbour, Planner II, stated this was previously tabled at the June 16, 2025 Board Meeting so more information could be provided about the timeline of the improvements at the intersection of Piney Grove Rawls Road and US 401 North. Since we have provided that information in a memorandum to the HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 5 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2025 Page 3 of 3 commissioners (Attachment 4). I am here to answer any questions if there are any remaining or if it’s the pleasure of the Board to re-present the case. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to approve the Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2505-0001. Commissioner Matthews seconded the motion. Chairman Nicol, Vice Chairman Morris, Commissioner Matthews, and Commissioner Jaggers voted in favor of the motion. Commissioner McKoy voted against the motion. Motion carried 4:1. (Attachment 5) Brent Trout, County Manager, stated if you are interested in our water quality you can go to our website. There is a tab under HRW where we post our water quality report. It shows all of the data related to the quality of our water and the standards that are set by EPA that we must follow and at this point we are not in violation of any of those issues and we have good clean water and have had for many, many years. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the budget amendments as requested by the Finance Officer. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jaggers and carried unanimously. (Attachment 6) Mr. Trout shared information regarding the selection of the voting delegate for the NCACC Annual Conference. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to designate Brent Trout as the voting delegate for the upcoming NCACC Annual Conference. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews and carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign contract amendments exceeding the manager’s signature threshold for RLT & Associates, N. Harris Corp., CSG and CDM Smith. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jaggers and carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to revise the public comment period from 1-hour total time to 30 minutes and from five (5) minutes per speaker to three (3) minutes per speaker. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jaggers. Commissioner Jaggers stated I believe if there is a big issue, we can always allow more time. Chairman Nicol called for a vote. The motion carried unanimously to revise the public comment period time. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to go into Closed Session for the following purposes: consultation with and instructions to the county staff concerning the position to be taken by the County in negotiating a proposed contract for the acquisition of real property. This motion is made pursuant to NC General Statute Section 143-318.11 (a)(5). The motion was seconded by Chairman Nicol 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 adjourn at 9:56 am. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Morris and carried unanimously. ____________________________________ ___________________________________ Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman Melissa Capps, Clerk HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 6 Attachment 1 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 7 Attachment 2HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 8 Attachment 3 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 9 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 10 Attachment 4 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 11 Attachment 5 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 12 Attachment 6 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 13 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 14 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 15 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 16 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 17 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 18 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 19 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 20 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 21 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 22 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 23 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 24 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 1 of 5 HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Minutes of Work Session August 12, 2025 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, August 12, 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. There were no additions or deletions made to the published agenda. The following agenda was before the Board of Commissioners: 1.Call to order – Chairman Nicol 2.Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation – Commissioner Barbara McKoy 3.Consider any additions and/or deletions to the published agenda. 4.Update on Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Grant that provides Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) & Ag programming; Tim Mathews, County Extension Director 5.Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) Update; Barry Blevins, General Services Director 6.Discuss a request to enter into a contract with Modivcare; Barry Blevins, General Services Director 7.Discuss a request to consider and approve the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) FY2026 5311/5339 Combined Capital Agreement; Barry Blevins, General Services Director 8.Discuss a request to continue membership with the NC Cardinal Consortium; Kimberly VanBeck, Library Director 9.Discuss a request for permission to apply for annual state aid from the NC Department of Cultural Resources, State Library; Kimberly VanBeck, Library Item 4Aii HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 25 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 2 of 5 Director 10. Discuss a request to accept a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant in the amount of $100,000 – RFID Technology in branch libraries; Kimberly VanBeck, Library Director 11. Discuss a request to accept a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant in the amount of $100,000 – Mobile Outreach Vehicle; Kimberly VanBeck, Library Director 12. Development Services briefing on upcoming public hearings: • Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0001 Landowner / Applicant: Johnnie C. Stewart; 13.71 +/- acres; PIN# 1528-65-0964.000; From Industrial to RA-30 Zoning District; Averasboro Township; Off Hwy 301 N (on Bryan McLamb Lane) • Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0002 Landowner / Applicant: TFD Inc. / Johnathan Tucker; 3.05 +/- acres (Consist of two parcels); PIN # 9585-04-6546.000 & 9585-04-5613.000; From RA-20M to Commercial Zoning District; Barbecue Township; NC Hwy 87 S. 13. Discuss a request to approve Harnett Regional Water write-offs as of June 2025; Tommy Burns, Harnett Regional Water Director 14. Discuss a request to award the Northwest Convenience Center construction project to Harrod & Associates Constructors; Chad Beane, Solid Waste Director 15. Discuss a request for approval to accept $847,556 in funding provided through the Mid Carolina Area Agency on Aging Home and Community Care Block Grant; Brent Trout, County Manager 16. Discuss Board of Elections oversight and Harnett County Personnel Ordinance; Vice Chairman Morris 17. County Manager’s Report – Brent Trout, County Manager • 4th Quarter FY2025 TEAM Harnett Performance Management Report • FY 2026-2027 Budget Calendar • August 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Agenda Review • Upcoming meetings and invitations 18. Closed Session 19. Tour of North Harnett Wastewater Treatment Plant - postponed 20. Adjourn Tim Mathews, Cooperative Extension Director, introduced Daphne Covington, CYFAR - STEM Site Coordinator. Ms. Covington provided an update on Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Grant that includes Robots, Energy, & Agriscience: Advancing and STEM growth mindset in rural STEM education. Information included: • Goals • Grant Audience • Accomplishments • CYFAR Common Measures Data • Sustainability HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 26 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 3 of 5 Barry Blevins, General Services Director, introduced Chance Torain, Transit Services Manager who provided an update on the Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS). Information included: • HARTS Fleet • Transit Totals • Total Passendger Trips • Trip Counts for Dialysis • In County Trips FY 24-25 • Out County Trips / Location FY 24-25 • Transportation Leadership Development Program • Thank you letter received Mr. Blevins reviewed a request for the Board of Commissioners to consider and approve a transportation provider contract with ModivCare Solutions, LLC (MODIVCARE). Specifically, if approved, HARTS will provide Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for Harnett County citizens through Managed Care (Medicaid) NEMT Broker ModivCare. Mr. Blevins presented information that included the following: • HARTS is a demand-response public transit system. HARTS provides life-essential transportation for citizens in Harnett county to destinations in Harnett, Cumberland, Moore, Lee, Sampson, Johnston, Chatham, Orange, Durham and Wake. HARTS is funded through Federal (FTA), State (DHHS & NCDOT), and Local funds. Like many departments HARTS is anticipating change due to increased growth, funding uncertainty and regional pressures. • Opportunities • Transit Overview • ModivCare (NEMT Broker) Overview • How Managed Care NEMT Brokers Work • How Managed Care NEMT Brokers FIT in HARTS • Service Delivery Overview Following some discussion, the consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Mr. Blevins also reviewed a request for the Board of Commissioners to consider and approve the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) FY2026 5311/5339 Combined Capital grant agreement in the amount of $288,158; total County match is $28,817. This grant provides funding for the Capital expenses associated with providing public transportation for the citizens of Harnett County. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 27 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 4 of 5 Kimberly VanBeck, Library Director reviewed a request to continue our membership with the NC Cardinal Consortium. As a member of this consortium, the Harnett County Library System has access to our shared catalog with other participating library systems as well as an integrated library system and shared library materials. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Ms. VanBeck also reviewed a request for permission to apply for annual state aid from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the State Library. The State Library appropriates funds each year for local libraries intended to promote, aid, and equalize public library services in North Carolina. The amount estimated for this fiscal year is $220,980. There is no match required. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Ms. VanBeck also reviewed a request for permission to accept a Library Services and Technology Act Grant in the amount of $100,000 through the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This grant award would fund the expansion of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to the branch library locations in Angier, Benhaven, Boone Trail, Coats, Dunn and Erwin. The county would be responsible for a 25% match totaling $33,814. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Ms. Van Beck also reviewed a request for permission to accept the Library Services and Technology Act Grant in the amount of $100,000 through the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. This grant award would fund the purchase of a mobile outreach vehicle/bookmobile to extend library services. This grant requires a 64% match of $174,965. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Sarah Arbour, Planner II, provided a briefing on the following upcoming public hearings: • Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0001 Landowner / Applicant: Johnnie C. Stewart; 13.71 +/- acres; PIN# 1528-65-0964.000; From Industrial to RA-30 Zoning District; Averasboro Township; Off Hwy 301 N (on Bryan McLamb Lane) • Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0002 Landowner / Applicant: TFD Inc. / Johnathan Tucker; 3.05 +/- acres (Consist of two parcels); PIN # 9585-04-6546.000 & 9585-04-5613.000; From RA-20M to Commercial Zoning District; Barbecue Township; NC Hwy 87 S. Tommy Burns, Harnett Regional Water Director, reviewed a request for the Board to approve write-offs in the amount of $37,963.21 as of June 2025. The facilitation of these write-offs is an important step in continuing the effort to effectively manage HRW's collections and bad debt. HRW is currently using the Local Government Debt Setoff Program and On-Line Collections, Inc. to help collect our delinquent accounts. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Chad Beane, Solid Waste Director, reviewed a request for the Board of Commissioners to award the Northwest Convenience Center construction project to Harrod & Associates Constructors from Raleigh, NC in the amount of $1,666,806. Proper procurement procedures were taken, and HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 28 Harnett County Board of Commissioners Work Session Minutes August 12, 2025 Page 5 of 5 the bid was held on Friday, June 27, 2025. Six bids were received at that time. Mr. Beane noted the low bid was $1.7 million with Harrod originally, we did our due diligence with them to see if there were any costs we could cut. We looked at electrical and lighting. The power company will be able to do some of that and will reduce the cost by about $90,000. This site will replace the site at Buckhorn. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Brent Trout, County Manager, reviewed a request for the Board to accept $847,556 in funding provided through the Home and Community Block Care Grant from Mid Carolina Area Agency on Aging. The consensus of the Board was to place this item on the next consent agenda. Vice Chairman Morris requested to discuss Board of Elections oversight and the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance. Discussion included the Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Elections and Board of Commissioners. Consensus of the Board was continue discussion at the Monday, August 18, 2025 Board Meeting. Brent Trout, County Manager shared information regarding a Veterans Event going on and also pointed out the 4th Quarter FY2025 TEAM Harnett Performance Management Report was included in the agenda packet as well as the FY 2026-27 Budget Calendar. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to go into Closed Session for the following purposes: to consult with the county legal staff in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege concerning the handling of a certain claim. This motion is made pursuant to NC General Statute Section 143-318.11 (a)(3). The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Morris and carried unanimously. Following a motion to come out of Closed Session, Chairman Nicol called the meeting back into open session. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn the Board of Commissioners at 10:39 am. Commissioner Jaggers seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. ____________________________________ ___________________________________ Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman Melissa Capps, Clerk HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 29 \\lecfile\department\Admin\Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2025\081825\4B.1 25.08.04 BOC ModviCare Disc - agendaform2025.docx Page 1 of 2 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Discussion of Managed Care NEMT Broker - ModivCare Solutions, LLC Contract & Harnett Area Transit System (HARTS) REQUESTED BY: Barry Blevins, Director REQUEST: General Services Director requests the Board of Commissioners consider and approve a transportation provider contract with ModivCare Solutions, LLC (MODIVCARE). Specifically, if approved, HARTS will provide Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) for Harnett County citizens through the Managed Care (Medicaid) NEMT Broker ModivCare. Staff estimate first year revenues from this contract would be between $10K - $35K. FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Item 4B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 30 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 31 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 32 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 33 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 34 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 35 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 36 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 37 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 38 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 39 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 40 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 41 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 42 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 43 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 44 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 45 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 46 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 47 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 48 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 49 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 50 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 51 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 52 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 53 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 54 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 55 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 56 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 57 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 58 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 59 Harnett Area Rural Transit System 1HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 60 HARTS overview 2HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 61 About us HARTS is a demand-response public transit system. HARTS provides life -essential transportation for citizens in Harnett county to destinations in Harnett, Cumberland, Moore, Lee, Sampson, Johnston, Chatham, Orange, Durham and Wake. HARTS is funded through Federal (FTA), State (DHHS & NCDOT), and Local funds. Like many departments HARTS is anticipating change due to increased growth, funding uncertainty and regional pressures. 3HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 62 Opportunities •Capital Area MPO – Mobility Management Program – Regional Transit Solutions •North Harnett Transit Study, Mobility Coordination Committee, Strategic Transportation Prioritization (SPOT 8.0), LAPP •Fayetteville Area MPO – Mobility Study, SPOT 8.0, Locally Administered Project Programs, Regional Transit Solutions •Demand for Service Continues Upward Trend – other transit destinations and vehicle types requested, i.e. buses, microtransit, Holly Springs, Wake, parks, weekend hours. •Access to Mid-Carolina RPO funding, i.e., Division of Aging Home & Community Care Block Grant •DSS Transportation Mgmt. Program •Rural Operating Assistance Program – Elderly/Disabled Trans. Asst. Program, WorkFirst, Rural General Public (RGP) GP •Managed Care Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Brokers 4HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 63 Transit overview •Demand is Rebounding •Expectations for Public Transit Change •Funding Source Reduction •Other Opportunities •Historic Transit Markets, i.e. vocational rehabilitation, medical, food, banking, pharmacies, dialysis 5 Year Miles FY19 854331 FY25 690825 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 64 Funding Sources for HARTS Rural Operating Assistance Program **Elderly/Disabled Asst. Pgm., **Rural General Public Program, **WorkFirst (DSS & Employment Needs) **Division of Aging – Medical & General **DSS Transportation Pgm. - Medicaid 5311 Admin & Capital (Fed, State) Local funding – (grant matches & operating budget) Bus seats reserved has one of the above ** funding sources assigned to ‘pay’ the fare. 6HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 65 HARTS Vehicle Layout – Funding Sources – “FARES” JCI A130 A120 E D T A P PSR CCCC DAR COAG COAM JCI BOE HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 66 Another HARTS FUNDING SOURCE -Managed Care Non- Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) BROKER Managed Care Intro ModivCare Introduction 8HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 67 ModivCare (NEMT Broker) Overview •Managed Care NEMT brokers result of 2015 NC legislation mandate to move to a managed care model for Medicaid recipients in NC •Started incremental transitioning to managed care on July 1, 2021, majority completed by July 2024 •NEMT Brokers solicited for Medical Transportation Vendors both private and public. NOTE: There are private Harnett County based vendors contracted with ModviCare. •** NCDHHS & Managed Care Brokers have agreement to allow public transit opportunity to take request first. •Ten (10) rural transit systems chosen for pilot program for NEMT broker through NCDHHS & NCPTA •Pilot – initially lots of problems – communication, reimbursements, et cetera. However, majority of listed issues are corrected. •Adversely affected HARTS revenue capture •40%+ decline Medicaid revenue •DSS Managed transportation fell approx. 60% FY20 – FY25 9HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 68 How Managed Care NEMT Brokers Work •Managed Care Medicaid Participants call NEMT broker to schedule medical transportation, eligibility is verified, request is sent out to transportation providers. •If provider cannot accept request, i.e. scheduling conflicts, capacity, et cetera, it is returned to broker to release to other providers. (48-hour window) ** There are local vendors operating with ModivCare in Harnett County. •Otherwise, provider provides medical transportation as necessary. 10HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 69 How Managed Care NEMT Brokers FIT within HARTS •Although former passengers requested ModviCare and Modvicare wanted additional ‘Lift’ vehicles – HARTS views this contract as an additional choice & revenue source. •Public transit operates efficiently with all seats full. •The cost per mile lowers as you increase passengers •This contract may add passengers to fill seats. •Alternative source of transportation for Managed Care Medicaid Recipients. 11HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 70 HARTS Service Delivery overview INTO THE FUTURE 12HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 71 Service overview •Unique •First to market •Tested •Authentic •Only public transit available to Harnett County residents •Community Transportation set up 1970’s, late1990’s set up rural public transportation systems •HARTS has operated in Harnett County for 20+ years. •HARTS primary focus is public transit for low-income, disabled and aging pax. Other demands have modified somewhat – HARTS adjusted, i.e. dialysis, senior day trips, et cetera 13HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 72 Our Future •HARTS growth as the population continues to grow •Expectations of transportation modeled to experience of new populace •Market same BUT delivery methods change, i.e. fixed route, deviated fixed route, microtransit, regional connectivity •More homes built more opportunity for utilizing public transportation •Families moving to Harnett may have familiarization with transit different from NC rural transportation – model changes •Manner of delivery may change, many regional routes are being planned & funded. Fixed routes with new vehicle types, microtransit, regional connectivity. 14HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 73 Thank you Harnett Area Rural Transit System 910-814-4019 bblevins@harnett.org www. https://harnett.org/harts/ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 74 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: North Carolina Department of Transportation/Public Transportation Division (NCDOT/PTD) FY2026 5311/5339 Community Transportation Rural Formula Combined Capital Grant Program Agreement REQUESTED BY: Barry A. Blevins, General Services Director REQUEST: General Services/Harnett Area Rural Transit System (HARTS) request the Board of Commissioners consider and approve the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) FY2026 5311/5339 Combined Capital grant agreement in the amount of $288,158; total County match is $28,817. This grant provides funding for the Capital expenses associated with providing public transportation for the citizens of Harnett County. The Board of Commissioners approved the application on September 16, 2024. Approved Fiscal Year 2026 budget contains the County match. C:\Users\pamerson\Desktop\HARTS\BILLING\FY 2025-2026\FY2026 NCDOT 5311 5339 Grant\FY2026 NCDOT CTP\FY2026 NCDOT Agreernents\FY26 Capital Agreernent\FY26 Capital Grant Agreement agendafonn2025.docx Page 1 of2 Item 4C HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 75 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 76 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 77 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 78 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 79 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 80 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 81 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 82 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 83 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 84 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 85 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 86 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 87 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 88 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 89 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 90 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 91 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 92 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 93 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 94 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 95 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 96 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 97 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 98 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 99 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 100 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 101 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 102 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 103 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 104 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 105 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 106 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 107 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 108 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 109 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: NC Cardinal Memorandum of Agreement REQUESTED BY: Kimberly VanBeck, Library Director REQUEST: The Harnett County Public Library respectfully requests to continue our membership with the NC Cardinal Consortium. As a member of this consortium, the Harnett County Library System has access to our shared catalog with other patricipating library systems as well as an integrated library system and shared library materials. This collaboration with the North Carolina State Library and other member libraries leverages federal and local funds to achieve operational efficiencies and savings for the library while providing more effective use of public library resources. FINANCE OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: C:\Users\kvanbeck\Downloads\agendaform2025 (1).docx Page I of I Item 4D HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 110 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 111 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 112 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 113 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 114 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 115 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 116 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 117 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 118 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 119 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 120 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 121 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 122 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 123 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 124 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 125 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 126 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 127 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 128 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: State Aid Application for Harnett County Public Library System REQUESTED BY: Kimberly VanBeck REQUEST: The Harnett County Public Library respectfully requests permission to apply for annual state aid from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the State Library. The State Library appropriates funds each year for local libraries intended to promote, aid, and equalize public library services in North Carolina. The amount estimated for this fiscal year is $220,980. There is no match required. FINANCE OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: https:/ /hamettcounty-my.sharepoint.com/personal/kvanbeck _ hamett _ org/Documents/ Attachrnents/agendafonn.docx Page 1 of I Item 4E HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 129 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 130 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 131 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 132 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 133 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 134 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 135 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 136 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 137 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 138 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 139 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 140 Item 4F HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 141 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 142 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 143 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 144 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 145 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 146 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 147 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 148 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 149 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 150 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 151 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 152 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 153 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 154 Item 4G HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 155 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 156 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 157 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 158 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 159 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 160 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 161 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 162 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 163 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 164 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 165 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 166 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 167 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 168 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DA TE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSI ONERS SUBJECT: Harnett Regional Water Write-offs as of June 2025 REQUESTED BY: Tommy Burns, HRW Director REQUEST: Attached are delinquent accounts determined to be in write-off status through June 30, 2025. All of these accounts listed have been in delinquent status for more than three years and total $37,963.21. The facilitation of these write offs is an important step in continuing the effort to effectively manage HRW's collections and bad debt. HRW is currently using the Local Government Debt Setoff Program and On-Line Collections, Inc. to help collect our delinquent accounts. To date, we have recovered $935,390.17 in bad debt previously written off through the Debt Setoff Program. Please place this request on the consent agenda at the next available meeting. FINANCE OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: C :\ U sers\tburns\AppOata\Local\Microsoft\Olk\Attachments\ooa-568cddeb-2b 1c-42ac-9393- ab3 a4d7 l 1832\9ced465122fa98266da2acb2225 bbbb47ba8764585 l d24 73 b40c6a8ad264d944\Agenda Item for Debt Setoff June 2025.docx Page 1 of l Item 4H HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 169 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 170 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 171 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 172 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 173 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 174 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Award of Northwest Convenience Center CIP project REQUESTED BY: Chad Beane, Solid Waste Director REQUEST: This is a formal request for the Board to award the Northwest Convenience Center construction project to Harrod & Associates Constructors from Raleigh, NC in the amount of $1,666,806. Proper procurement procedures were taken, and the bid was held on Friday, June 27, 2025. Six bids were received at that time. Attached is the certified bid tab showing the results of the bid for your review. Please place this item on the agenda for the next meeting available. The Board approved the Northwest Convenience Center Capital Improvements Program in FY 26-32. FINANCE OFFICER'S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION: U:\Kelly J Smith\Capital Project (CIP)\Northwest Convenience Site\Northwest Convenience Center -agendaform2025.docx Page 1 of I Item 4I HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 175 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 176 \\lecfile\department\Admin\Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2025\081825\4J.1 Mid Carolina Home and Community Block Grant.docx Page 1 of 2 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Mid Carolina Area Agency on Aging 2025-2026 Home and Community Block Grant Funding REQUESTED BY: Administration on behalf of multiple County Departments REQUEST: Administration requests approval to accept $847,556 in funding provided through the Home and Community Block Care Grant from Mid Carolina Area Agency on Aging and authorization for the Chairman to execute the agreement. FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Item 4J HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 177 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 178 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 179 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 180 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 181 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 182 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 183 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 184 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 185 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 186 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 187 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 188 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 189 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 190 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 191 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 192 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 193 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 194 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HARNETT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN COUNTY OF HARNETT AND HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS WHEREAS, the County of Harnett (hereinafter "the County") is a body politic and corporate; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-92, the Board of Commissioners has the authority to fix or approve the schedule of pay, expense allowances and other compensation of all county officers and employees; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-93, the Board of Commissioners has the authority to provide health insurance and retirement benefits for county officers and employees; and WHEREAS, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-94, the Board of Commissioners has the authority to establish rules and regulations affecting the workplace; and WHEREAS, the County has a Personnel Ordinance and system of personnel management and administration for County employees; and WHEREAS, the Harnett County Board of Elections (hereinafter the "Board of Elections") is an independent governmental unit established by the State of North Carolina and governed by North Carolina General Statute Chapter 163 (“Chapter 163”); and WHEREAS, the Board of Elections recommends the appointment and removal of the Director of Elections to the State Board of Elections and who upon the recommendation of the Director of Elections directly appoints, disciplines, and removes employees who are supervised by the Director of Elections; and WHEREAS, the Board of Elections does not have a personnel office nor a formal system of personnel administration; and WHEREAS, the County may provide personnel administration services to employees of governmental agencies who are not County employees upon written agreement with Harnett County, except to the extent that such agreement conflicts with the law; and WHEREAS, the Board of Elections and County desire to enter into this Memorandum of Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “MOU”) for the provision of personnel administration services by the County for employees of the Board of Elections. NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Elections and the County mutually agree as follows: Item 6 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 195 Section 1. The County, by and through its Human Resources Department, and its enabling authority, the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as the “Personnel Ordinance”), will assist the Board of Elections and the Elections Director in providing a uniform system of personnel administration for the Elections Director and all other employees of the Board of Elections under the ordinance, policies, and procedures applicable to County employees. Section 2. The County will administer leave policies, position classification, compensation and benefits for employees of the Board of Elections. Section 3. The employees of the Board of Elections shall be entitled to all the same benefits granted to employees of Harnett County, including but not limited to retirement benefits, health plan benefits, and leave. Section 4. The Board of Elections and the Elections Director will observe Harnett County’s policies and procedures concerning general employment rules, regulations, and conditions of employment in a manner consistent with the Board’s enabling legislation and the Personnel Ordinance. This MOU does not affect the Harnett County Board of Elections’ statutory authority to appoint and remove employees. Section 5. The County’s policies and procedures concerning disciplinary actions against employees and employee’s grievances, will govern this aspect of personnel administration, as set forth in the Personnel Ordinance; however, shall not apply to the Board of Elections and its employees. Additionally, any grievances or appeals from employment or personnel decisions made by the Elections Director will be heard and disposed of only by the Board of Elections and there will be no appeal of the decision of the Board of Elections to any County entity. The Chairman of the Board of Elections will submit the results of the Director’s annual performance evaluation to the County Human Resources Department. Section 6. The Director of Elections shall represent the Board of Elections when signing all County correspondence including budget, finance, and personnel actions for the Board of Elections. Section 7. This MOU will be effective when signed by all parties involved. It will continue in force from year to year until modified or terminated by written mutual agreement of the parties hereto, or upon thirty (30) days written notice by any party. COUNTY OF HARNETT, NORTH CAROLINA BY: _____________________________ Date: ___________________ William MorrisMatthew Nicol, Chairman Board of County Commissioners HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS BY: _____________________________ Date: ___________________ Allison FendersonDanny G. Moody, Chairman Harnett County Board of Elections HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 196 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 197 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 198 HARNETT COUNTY PERSONNEL ORDINANCE Effective: January 1, 2016 Amended: June 6, 2022 Amended: June 17, 2024 - Effective August 1, 2024 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 199 2 Contents ARTICLE I. ORGANIZATION OF THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM ..................................... 7 Section 1. Purpose .................................................................................................................. 7 Section 2. Coverage ................................................................................................................ 7 Section 3. Definitions (Listed Alphabetically) ........................................................................... 8 Section 4. Merit Principle ....................................................................................................... 13 Section 5. Responsibilities of the Board of Commissioners ................................................... 14 Section 6. Responsibilities of the County Manager ................................................................ 14 Section 7. Responsibilities of the Human Resources Director ............................................... 15 ARTICLE II. SALARY GRADING SYSTEM ................................................................... 15 Section 1. Adoption ............................................................................................................... 15 Section 2. Allocation of Positions ........................................................................................... 15 Section 3. Administration of the Salary Grading System ........................................................ 15 Section 4. Amendment of the Salary Grading System ........................................................... 16 ARTICLE III. THE PAY PLAN ........................................................................................ 16 Section 1. Adoption ............................................................................................................... 16 Section 2. Purpose of the Pay Plan ....................................................................................... 16 Section 3. Maintenance of the Pay Plan ................................................................................ 16 Section 4. Use of Salary Ranges ........................................................................................... 16 Section 5. Payment at a Listed Rate ...................................................................................... 16 Section 6. The Performance Pay Plan ................................................................................... 17 Section 7. Work Against Status ............................................................................................. 18 Section 8. Promotions, Demotions, Transfers, Reclassifications, & Revisions ...................... 18 Section 9. Cost of Living Adjustments.................................................................................... 20 Section 10. Certifications and Degrees .................................................................................. 20 Section 11. Overtime / Compensatory Time .......................................................................... 22 Section 12. Time Sheets ....................................................................................................... 23 Section 13. Other Forms of Time ........................................................................................... 23 Section 14. Call Back Pay ..................................................................................................... 24 Section 15. Payroll Deductions .............................................................................................. 24 Section 16. Longevity Pay ..................................................................................................... 24 Section 17. Overpayment, Underpayment, or Lack of Compensation ................................... 24 Section 18. Emergency Operations Compensation................................................................ 26 ARTICLE IV. RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT ................................................... 27 Section 1. Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) and Anti-Discrimination ..... 27 Section 2. Implementation of EEO Policy .............................................................................. 28 Section 3. Recruitment & Advertisement ............................................................................... 28 Section 4. Submitting Applications for Employment ............................................................... 29 Section 5. Qualification Standards ......................................................................................... 29 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 200 3 Section 6. Selection ............................................................................................................... 29 Section 7. Appointments ........................................................................................................ 30 Section 8. Probationary Period of Employment ...................................................................... 30 Section 9. Promotion ............................................................................................................. 31 Section 10. Involuntary Demotion .......................................................................................... 31 Section 11. Voluntary Demotion ............................................................................................ 32 Section 12. Transfer .............................................................................................................. 32 Section 13. Employment of Convicted Felons ........................................................................ 32 Section 14. Driving Record Verification .................................................................................. 32 Section 15. Veterans Preference ........................................................................................... 33 ARTICLE V. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT .......................................................... 33 Section 1. Attendance ........................................................................................................... 33 Section 2. Work Week ........................................................................................................... 33 Section 3. Restrictions on Political Activity ............................................................................. 34 Section 4. Outside Employment Policy .................................................................................. 34 Section 5. Anti-Nepotism Policy ............................................................................................. 35 Section 6. Unlawful Harassment Policy ................................................................................. 36 Section 7. Drug-Free Work Place Policy (General Class of Employees) ................................ 38 Section 8. Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (Employees with a CDL, HARTS and Safety Sensitive Positions) ............................................................................................................... 38 Section 9. Workplace Violence Prevention Policy .................................................................. 57 Section 10. Emergency Operations ....................................................................................... 60 Section 11. Performance Evaluations .................................................................................... 61 Section 12. Tobacco Use Policy ........................................................................................... 61 Section 13. Uniform Policy ..................................................................................................... 61 Section 14. Reasonable Accommodation Policy ................................................................... 62 Section 15. Lactation Break Policy ....................................................................................... 63 ARTICLE VI. LEAVES OF ABSENCE .......................................................................... 63 Section 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................... 64 Section 2. Holidays ................................................................................................................ 64 Section 3. Vacation Leave ..................................................................................................... 66 Section 4. Sick Leave ............................................................................................................ 68 Section 5. Petty Leave ........................................................................................................... 69 Section 6. Bereavement Leave .............................................................................................. 69 Section 7. Leave Without Pay ................................................................................................ 70 Section 8. Shared Leave Policy ............................................................................................. 70 Section 9. Workers’ Compensation Leave ............................................................................. 73 Section 10. Military Leave...................................................................................................... 75 Section 11. Civil Leave .......................................................................................................... 76 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 201 4 Section 12. Educational Leave .............................................................................................. 76 Section 13. Family Medical Leave ......................................................................................... 76 Section 14. Adverse Weather Policy (Inclement Weather Leave) .......................................... 82 Section 15. Volunteer Leave .................................................................................................. 85 Section 16. Parent Involvement Leave .................................................................................. 86 ARTICLE VII. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ......................................................................... 86 Section 1. Insurance Benefits ................................................................................................ 86 Section 2. Unemployment Compensation .............................................................................. 89 Section 3. Social Security ...................................................................................................... 89 Section 4. Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (“LGERS”) .......................... 90 Section 5. Death Benefits under LGERS .............................................................................. 91 Section 6. Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (“AD&D”) ....................... 91 Section 7. Law Enforcement Officers’ Separation Allowance ................................................. 91 Section 8. NC 401(k) Plan and NC 457 Plan ......................................................................... 91 ARTICLE VIII. SEPARATIONS, DEPARTURES, & REINSTATEMENTS .................... 92 Section 1. Types of Separations & Departures ...................................................................... 92 Section 2. Reinstatements .................................................................................................... 94 ARTICLE IX. DISCIPLINARY ACTION POLICY .......................................................... 94 Section 1. Policy Coverage .................................................................................................... 94 Section 2. Disciplinary Actions ............................................................................................... 95 Section 3. Responsibilities of the County Manager ................................................................ 95 Section 4. Responsibilities of Department Heads, Supervisors, Assistant County Manager, and Deputy County Manager ................................................................................................. 95 Section 5. Review of Disciplinary Documents ........................................................................ 96 Section 6. Reasons for Discipline .......................................................................................... 96 Section 7. Adverse Action Conferences ................................................................................. 98 ARTICLE X. GRIEVANCE & APPEAL POLICY ........................................................... 98 Section 1. Purpose ............................................................................................................... 98 Section 2. Covered Employees ............................................................................................. 98 Section 3. Grievance Defined ................................................................................................ 99 Section 4. Grievance Procedures .......................................................................................... 99 Section 5. Grievance Records ............................................................................................. 100 Section 6. Other Remedies .................................................................................................. 101 ARTICLE XI. WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY ................................................................. 101 Section 1. Purpose .............................................................................................................. 101 Section 2. Scope of Policy ................................................................................................... 101 Section 3. Reportable Actions ............................................................................................. 101 Section 4. Whistleblower Defined ........................................................................................ 102 Section 5. Retaliation ........................................................................................................... 102 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 202 5 Section 6. Responsibilities & Reporting Procedures ............................................................ 102 Section 7. Investigative Procedures ..................................................................................... 103 Section 8. Violation .............................................................................................................. 103 Section 9. Media Issues ...................................................................................................... 103 Section 10. Sanctions .......................................................................................................... 104 ARTICLE XII. PERSONNEL RECORDS ..................................................................... 104 Section 1. Personnel Record Retention & Storage .............................................................. 104 Section 2. Updating Personnel Records .............................................................................. 104 Section 3. Public Access to Personnel Records .................................................................. 104 Section 4. Remedies of Employees Objecting to Material in File ......................................... 106 Section 5. Destruction or Removal of Records .................................................................... 106 ARTICLE XIII. IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY ......................................................... 106 Section 1. Conflicting Policies Repealed .............................................................................. 106 Section 2. Severability ........................................................................................................ 106 Section 3. Policy Violations .................................................................................................. 106 Section 4. Effective Date ..................................................................................................... 107 APPENDICES ............................................................................................................. 107 APPENDIX A: ARTICLE V FORMS ............................................................................ 108 Outside Employm ent Request Form .................................................................................... 108 Workplace Violence Incident Report ..................................................................................... 109 Unlawful Workplace Harassment Form ................................................................................ 111 Anti-Nepotism Exception Form ............................................................................................ 113 APPENDIX B: ARTICLE VI FORMS ........................................................................... 115 Leave Without Pay Form ..................................................................................................... 115 Application to Receive Shared Leave .................................................................................. 116 Voluntary Shared Leave Donation Form .............................................................................. 117 Injury Investigation Report ..................................................................................................... 118 Educational Leave Request Form ........................................................................................ 124 FMLA Leave Request Form ................................................................................................. 126 APPENDIX C: ARTICLE VII FORMS .......................................................................... 128 Direct Deposit Form ............................................................................................................. 128 APPENDIX D: ARTICLE IX FORMS ........................................................................... 129 Disciplinary Action Report.................................................................................................... 129 APPENDIX E: Personnel Ordinance Acknowledgement ............................................. 131 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 203 6 The Harnett County Motto Strong Roots. New Growth. The Harnett County Vision Harnett County is a unified, safe, healthy, and engaged community that is culturally vibrant, well-planned with a thriving economy and a high -quality educational system, in harmony with its environment and beautiful natural resources, and with strong leadership ensuring equitable services so that all citizens will prosper. Harnett County Mission Harnett County will effectively and efficiently deliver high quality County servi ces and public infrastructure with smart growth strategies and through a responsive Board and workforce who are committed to excellence and ensuring the public trust with dedication, leadership and governance. Harnett County Values Our Core Values inform how we will make decisions and fulfill our mission to serve the public. They define our standards of behavior. Harnett County employees are public servants whose purpose is to create a better Harnett County.  Customer Service – Seeking to provide citizens and coworkers with the highest level of service possible, taking the time to listen and respond to their needs, and engaging in problem-solving.  Respect – Valuing other people’s beliefs and treating them with kindness and courtesy.  Ethical and Fair Treatment – Doing what’s right even when nobody’s watching, having concern for others, and serving with integrity, honesty and consistency.  Accountability – Recognizing your actions and behaviors reflect on the organization, taking responsibility when things don’t go as planned, doing what you say your will do, and being good stewards of the public trust.  Teamwork – Working together to get the job done, communicating clearly and proactively, engaging community partners and stakeholders, and recognizing t he benefits of diverse views and opinions in decision-making.  Excellence – Committing to making processes more efficient and effective, asking how can we make things better, and seeking continued professional development. Harnett County Strategic Goals Harnett County’s Strategic Plan is designed to provide a clear vision for the future along with direction for turning that vision into a reality. The Plan includes five Strategic Goals:  Superior Education  Organizational Excellence  Healthy and Safe Community  Economic Strength  Informed and Engaged Citizens. These goals reflect the County’s priorities for the next three years. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 204 7 ARTICLE I. ORGANIZATION OF THE PERSONNEL SYSTEM Section 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish a personnel system which will promote a fair and effective means to recruit, select, develop, and maintain an effective and responsible work force, and provide the means for remova l of unsatisfactory employees. This policy is established under the authority of North Carolina General Statute (“NCGS”) §153A-5 and §126. Section 2. Coverage This policy will cover all Harnett County employees excepting the following: A. The Harnett County Board of Commissioners (“BOC”), who are, however, subject to the following: 1. Article III, Section 16 2. Article VII, Sections 1 and 9 3. Article XII 4. Article XI 5. Article XIII B. The County Manager, who is, however, subject to the following: 1. Article I 2. Article V 3. Article VI 4. Article VII 5. Article XI 6. Article XII 7. Article XIII C. The Sheriff and Register of Deeds, who are, however, subject to the following: 1. Article I 2. Article II 3. Article III 4. Article VI 5. Article VII 6. Article XII 7. Article XIII D. Employees of the North Carolina Agriculture Extension Service, who are, however, subject to the following: 1. Article V 2. Article VI, Sections 2, 8, 9, 12, and 13 3. Article XII 4. Article XIII E. The Director of Elections, who is, however, subject to the following: 1. Article I 2. Article II 3. Article III 4. Article IV, Sections 1-5 5. Article V 6. Article VI 7. Article VII 8. Article XII HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 205 8 9. Article XIII This policy will cover all Harnett County employees, however: A. Employees of the Register of Deeds and Sheriff’s Office are exempt from Article IX and Article X. B. The Director of Local Public Health is exempt from Article IX and X. C. The Director of Social Services is exempt from Article IX and X. D. Employees of the Social Services Departme nt are exempt from Article X. E. Employees governed by the North Carolina State Personnel Act are exempt from Article II. F. Board of Elections employees are exempt from Article X G. The Tax Administrator position is exempt from Articles VIII, IX and X. All other articles are applicable to this position. Section 3. Definitions (Listed Alphabetically) The following definitions shall be applied to the entirety of this policy wherever such words are used. The definitions found below shall be binding on all Harnett County employees without exception. Adverse Action: Any disciplinary action taken by Harnett County which directly results in an employee’s suspension (not including investigatory suspension), involuntary demotion, dismissal, involuntary resignation, or termination. Adverse Weather: Any weather condition that adversely impacts an employee’s commute to and from work or adversely impacts the County’s ability to continue normal operations. Anniversary Date: An employee’s original date of employment with the County. Appointing Authority: Any individual or board who has the responsibility to assign or place a person into a position. Covered Active Duty: For members of the Regular Armed Forces this term means, duty during deployment of the member with the Armed Forces. For members of the Armed Forces Reserve this terms means, duty during deployment of the member with the Armed Forces to a foreign country under a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation. Class: Positions or groups of positions having similar duties and responsibilities requiring similar qualifications, which can be properly designated by one title indicative of the nature of work performed, and which carry the same salary range. Cost of Living Increase: An annual adjustment to all pay ranges that may be made by the BOC. Such an adjustment would become effective the first pay period that begins immediately following the start of the fiscal year or as otherwise directed by the adopted budget ordinance for that fiscal year. Daughter: A biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis, who is either under age 18, or age 18 or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability. The onset of a disability may occur at any age for purposes of this policy. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 206 9 Death: The permanent ending of vital processes of any County employee. Disability: Any physical or mental condition that limits movement, senses, or activities to such a degree that the employee is unable to complete his essential job duties and is considered temporarily or permanently disabled. Disciplinary Action: Any corrective measure taken by the County to improve or address an employee’s job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior that is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County. Dismissal: The act of Harnett County permanently removing an employee from service because the employee’s current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County. This word shall be considered as a synonym for an involuntarily resignation or a termination. Employee: A. Full-Time Employee: 1. Permanent: A person appointed to a particular position, designated as full-time by the BOC, to perform duties and responsibilities required on a continuous and probably annually recurring basis. Such an employee’s average work week will total 40 hours. Such an employee will have completed a probationary period to the satisfaction of the Supervisor or Department head and is entitled to all appeal rights and benefits afforded to them under this policy proportionate with the number of hours worked. 2. Limited Service: Any employee whose service is intended to be of limited duration but who work a normal workweek, not to exceed 12 months or in the case of a grant, the grant period. This definition excludes individuals supplied under contract by an outside agency. Such an employee is ineligible for any County benefits except holiday leave and retains no appeal rights under this policy, but may have those employee benefits mandated by federal or state law. B. Part-Time Employee: 1. Permanent: Any employee who is appointed to a particular position for which the average work schedule is less than 29 hours per week or not more than 129 hours per month. Such an employee is ineligible for any County benefits (including no health benefits nor holiday pay) and retains no appeal rights under this policy, but may have those employee benefits mandated by federal or state law. 2. Limited Service: Any employee who is appointed to a particular position and whose service is intended to be of limited duration and who work less than the normal workweek. Paid interns who are employed for a limited duration fall under this category. Such an employee is ineligible for any County benefits (including no health benefits nor holiday pay) and retains no appeal rights under this policy, but may have those employee benefits mandated by federal or state law. C. Probationary Employee: A person appointed to a particular position, designated as full-time by the BOC, to perform duties and responsibilities required on a continuous and probably annually recurring basis who has not completed the probationary period. Such employees do not have appeal rights. Essential Personnel: Employees who are required to work during adverse weather because they have been designated by a Department Head or County Manager. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 207 10 Essential Operations: Services that have been determined to be essential by the County Manager and therefore, shall be continued during adverse weather. Grievance: A specific, formal notice of a full-time permanent County employee’s dissatisfaction based upon an event or condition which affects the circumstances under which an employee works expressed through the appropriate grievance procedures. The particular dissatisfaction complained of should be reasonable to the average person and may not be frivolous, but may include: (1) any acts of discrimination against an employee because of age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, visible or nonvisible handicaps, or pregnancy; (2) any adverse action executed under the Disciplinary Action Policy addressed in Article IX; (3) have been separated from employment due to a reduction in force or disability addressed in Article VIII ; or (4) any unfair application, misinterpretation, or lack of established County policy. Hiring Rate: The initial salary or hourly rate paid an employee when hired into the county’s service. This is normally the first step in the employee’s salary range. At times, this may be adjusted based on education and experience. Immediate Family: This term includes the following familial relationships: wife, husband, mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, son, grandmother, grandfather, grandson, granddaughter, aunts, and uncles. Included within this term are the step-, half-, in-law, and in loco parentis relationships. Those individuals living within the same household may also fall within the confines of this term. In Loco Parentis: Federal law defines in loco parentis as including those with day-to-day responsibilities to care for or financially support a child. Employees who have no biological or legal relationships with a child may, nonetheless, stand in loco parentis to the child and are entitled to some federal leave benefits, however, those employees seeking to claim such federal leave benefits may be asked to prove their status. Incomplete: A form, certification, or other important document to be delivered to the County will be considered incomplete if one or more of the applicable entries on the form, certification, or document have not been completed. Insufficient: A form, certification, or other important document to be delivered to the County will be considered insufficient if the information provided is vague, unclear, or non-responsive. Failure to sign a form, certification, or document will also result in it being considered insufficient. Investigatory Suspension: The act of Harnett County temporarily removing an employee from his or her service to the County with pay in order to provide the County with more time to thoroughly investigate a situation or to provide more time for a D epartment Head or the County Manager to reach a decision concerning an employee’s status. Involuntary Demotion: The act of Harnett County reassigning an employee to a position or classification having a lower salary range than the employee’s current position or classification because the employee’s current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County. Involuntary Resignation: The act of Harnett County forcing an employee to involuntarily resign from his or her position due to the employee’s current job performance, personal HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 208 11 conduct, or other behavior that is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County. This word shall be considered as a synonym for a dismissal or termination. Irregular Work Schedule Employee: Any employee who, on a regular, rotating, or intermittent basis, works an evening or night who maintains a work schedule beyond the day shift or any employee who works a day shift whose work schedule is subject to change on a regular, rotating, or intermittent basis. Job Rate: The median salary or hourly rate an employee may receive when hired, promoted, or receiving a raise. Key Position: A position whose decision-making authority and related responsibilities significantly influence organizational policies, strategic goals, business operations, or mission-critical projects. A key position can be a department head or a supervisor or a position that requires specialized knowledge, expertise, or skills. Maximum Salary Rate: The maximum salary authorized for an employee within an assigned salary grade by the Harnett County Pay Plan. Maximum Hourly Rate: The maximum hourly rate authorized for an employee within an assigned hourly grade by the Harnett County Pay Plan. Mental/Physical Disability: A mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual. Major life activities include, but are not limited to, activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, eating, standing, reaching, breathing, communicating, and interacting with others, as well as major bodily functions, such as brain function, immune system, or normal cell growth. Conditions that are episodic or remission are considered disabilities if the condition would substantially limit a major life activity when active. Next of Kin: The nearest blood relative in the following order of priority: (1) a blood relative who has been designated in writing by the person in question as their next of kin, (2) blood relative who has been granted legal custody of the person in question, (3) brothers and sisters, (4) grandparents, (5) aunts and uncles, (6) first cousins. If a person has been designated in writing as the person’s next of kin , they are to be considered that person’s only next of kin. However, if there are multiple family members with the same level of relationship to the person, all such family members are considered to be the person’s next of kin. Non-Essential Personnel: Employees who may be approved for administrative leave during adverse weather because their positions have been designated as such by their Department Head or the County Manager. Non-Essential Operations: Services that have been determined non-essential by the County Manager and therefore may be suspended during adverse weather. Outside Employment: Outside employment is considered any and all employment or self-employment for salaries, wages, tips, or commissions other than the position currently held by the employee with Harnett County. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 209 12 Parent: A biological, adoptive, step, or foster father or mother, or any other individual who stood in loco parentis to the employee when the employee was a child. This term does not include parents in-law. Pay Plan: A schedule of pay ranges arranged by minimum, job rate, and maximum salary rates for each class assigned to the salary range. Performance Review: An annual review in which an employee’s overall job performance is evaluated. This is designed to enhance communications between employees and supervisors and to facilitate employee growth. Position: The employees appointed classification which describes the duties and responsibilities to be fulfilled by that employee. Probationary Period: A continuous period of 6 months (12 months for law enforcement) where an employee is evaluated on job performance. Any employee serving a probationary period may be dismissed at any time without a right to appeal. Promotion: The reassignment of an employee to an existing position or classification that has a higher salary range than the position or classification from which the reassignment is made. Reclassification: The reassignment of an existing position from one class to another based on changes in the nature of the position, level of duties and responsibilities, business needs, working conditions, shifts in organizational structure, or other operational factors. Reduction in Force: A separation from employment with the County due to lack of funds, lack of work, or redesign or elimination of position(s), with no likelihood or expectation that the employee will be recalled to County service. Regular Work Schedule Employee: Any employee who typically works a set schedule which consists of an average of 40 hours a week or 2080 hours per year. Reinstatement: The act of the County re-establishing a separated employee who voluntarily resigned or was separated due to a reduction in force to his or her position. Retirement: The act of an employee voluntarily resigning from his or her position with the County and drawing his or her retirement benefits from the County, LGERS, the supplemental retirement income plan, or Social Security. Salary Grading System: A grading system used by the County to organize all positions into manageable grades. All positions in any single grade are sufficiently comparable to warrant one range of pay rates. Salary Plan Revision: The uniform raising or lowering of the salary ranges of every grade within the salary range. Salary Range: The minimum, job rate, and maximum salary levels for a given salary grade for hiring purposes. Salary Range Revision: The raising and lowering of the salary range for one or more specific classes of positions within the Harnett County Pay Plan. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 210 13 School: Any public school, private church school, church or religious charter school, or nonpublic school that regularly provides a course of grade school instruction. School may also include any preschool or child care facility. Serious Health Condition: Any medical condition which requires inpatient care at a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care facility, or any medical condition which requires continuing care by a licensed health care provider. This policy shall cover any illness of a serious and long-term nature resulting in recurring or lengthy absences. Any chronic or long term health condition resulting in a period of incapacity longer than three (3) days is to be considered a serious health condition. Son: A biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis, who is either under age 18, or age 18 or older and incapable of self-care because a mental or physical disability. The onset of a disability may occur at any age for purposes of this policy. Special Salary Adjustment: An increase in salary within the range based on department head recommendation. Spouse: A husband or wife as defined and recognized under North Carolina law for the purposes of marriage in this state, including common law marriage. Suspension: The act of Harnett County temporarily removing an employee from his or her service to the County with or without pay because of the employee’s current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior that is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County. Termination: The act of Harnett County terminating an employee due to the employee’s current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior that is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County. This word shall be considered as a synonym for an involuntarily resignation or a dismissal. Transfer: The reassignment of an employee from one position or department to another position or department. Voluntary Demotion: The act of an employee voluntarily, without any undue force, pressure, or outside influence, stepping down to accept a County position with less complex job duties and responsibilities. Voluntary Resignation: The act of an employee voluntarily, without any undue force, pressure, or outside influence, permanently stepping down from his or her current position with the County. This word shall be considered as a synonym for the act of an employee quitting his or her position. Section 4. Merit Principle All appointments, promotions, and other personnel transactions shall be made solely on the basis of merit and the ability/fitness of the employee. The knowledge, skill, and education of the employee may be taken into consideration for such determinations. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 211 14 Section 5. Responsibilities of the Board of Commissioners The BOC are responsible for establishing all personnel policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to employee conduct, including the Salary Grading System and Pay Plan for employee positions. The BOC are responsible for making and confirming any appointments specified by law, including the following: A. The Clerk to the BOC in accordance with NCGS §153 A-111 B. The Harnett County Attorney in accordance with NCGS §153A-114. C. The Harnett County Deputy Tax Collector in accordance with NCGS §105-349 (f) D. The Harnett County Tax Administrator, as the Tax Collector and Tax Assessor, in accordance with NCGS 105-349 and NCGS 105-294. E. The Harnett County Finance Officer in accordance with NCGS §159-24. The BOC are responsible for making and confirming any appointments specifi ed by law, however, this power is limited in the following instances: A. The Harnett County Sheriff is not to be appointed, but must be popularly elected in accordance with Article VII, of the Constitution of North Carolina provides that the Sheriff shall be popularly elected. B. The Register of Deeds is not to be appointed, but must be popularly elected every four years in accordance with NCGS §161-2. C. The Harnett County Board of Health, after consultation with the NC State Health Director and the BOC, is to appoint the Harnett County Health Director in accordance with NCGS §130A-40. D. The Harnett County Health Director has the power to appoint all employees of the Harnett County Health Department in accordance with the North Carolina Human Resources Act (NCGS §126) and NCGS §130A-41. E. The Board of Social Services is to appoint the Social Services Director, who has power to appoint all social service employees in accordance with NCGS §108A- 12,14. F. Agricultural Extension Director must be jointly appointed by the BOC and the NC State Extension Service. G. The Harnett County Board of Elections has the power to appoint the Director of Elections and to recommend to the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections the termination of the Director of Elections in accorda nce with NCGS §163-35. H. The Harnett County Board of Elections has the power to appoint or remove all Board of Elections employees, registrars, judges, assistances, and other officers of elections in accordance with NCGS §163-33. Section 6. Responsibilities of the County Manager The County Manager is responsible for the administration and execution of all personnel policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to employee conduct. The County Manager shall appoint, suspend, or remove any and all County officers and employees, in accordance with NCGS §153A-82,103 and Articles IV, V, VIII, and IX of this policy, except those popularly elected or whose appointments are otherwise provided for by law. The County Manager shall: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 212 15 A. Recommend any pertinent and appropriate additions and/or revisions of this personnel ordinance including, but not limited to, changes to the Salary Grading System and the Harnett County Pay Plan to the BOC for consideration. B. Determine which employees shall be subject to the overtime provisions as provided for in Article III, Section 11. C. Establish and maintain a roster of all persons in the County’s service, setting forth each officer and employee, class title/position, salary, and changes in class title and status, and such data as may be deemed desirable or useful. D. Develop and administer such recruiting programs as may be necessary to obtain an adequate supply of competent applicants to meet the needs of the County. E. Develop and coordinate training and educational programs for employees. F. Periodically investigate the operation and effect of this policy on County employees and annually report such findings to the BOC. G. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the BOC. Section 7. Responsibilities of the Human Resources Director The Human Resources Director shall assist the County Manager in the preparation and maintenance of the Salary Grading System and the Pay Plan along with such duties as the County Manager shall require. ARTICLE II. SALARY GRADING SYSTEM Section 1. Adoption The Salary Grading System, as set forth in this policy, is hereby adopted for Harnett County and is provided for employee reference at www.harnett.org. Section 2. Allocation of Positions The County Manager shall allocate each position covered by the Salary Grading System to its appropriate grade in the plan. Section 3. Administration of the Salary Grading System The County Manager is responsible for the administration, execution, and maintenance of the Salary Grading Plan so that it will accurately reflect the duties and responsibilities of employees in the grade to which their positions are allocated. Supervisors and/or Department Heads are responsible for bringing to the attention of the County Manager (1) the need for new positions and (2) material changes in the nature of a position, duties, responsibilities, business needs, working conditions, shifts in organizational structure, or other operational factors affecting the grading of any existing positions. New positions are only to be established with the approval of the BOC after which the County Manager shall either (1) allocate the new position to the appropriate grade within the existing Salary Grading System, or (2) recommend that the BOC amend the Salary Grading System to establish a new grade for the new position. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 213 16 When the County Manager finds that a material change has occurred in the nature of the position, level of the job duties and responsibilities, business needs, working conditions, shifts in organizational structure, or other operational factors, the County Manager shall (1) direct that the existing grade specification be revised, (2) reclassify the position to a higher or lower grade within the existing Salary Grading System that is appropriate for the position, or (3) recommend that the BOC amend the Salary Grading System to establish a new grade for the position. Section 4. Amendment of the Salary Grading System New grades may be added to and/or deleted from the Salary Grading System by the BOC based on the recommendation of the County Manager. ARTICLE III. THE PAY PLAN Section 1. Adoption The schedule of salary ranges and grades assigned to those salary ranges, as set forth in this policy, is hereby adopted as the Harnett County Pay Plan. Section 2. Purpose of the Pay Plan The Harnett County Pay Plan is intended to provide equitable compensation for all positions by reflecting apparent differences in duties and responsibilities, the rates of pay for comparable positions in the private and public sector, changes in the cost o f living, the financial conditions of the County, and any other appropriate factors. Section 3. Maintenance of the Pay Plan The County Manager is responsible for the administration, execution, and maintenance of the Pay Plan. The County Manager shall, from time to time, make comparative studies of all factors affecting the level of salary ranges and shall recommend to the BOC such changes in salary ranges as appear to be warranted. Section 4. Use of Salary Ranges The minimum rate established for the grade is the normal hiring rate, except in those cases where unusual circumstances warrant appointment at a higher rate. Appointment above the minimum step may be made on the recommendation of the Supervisor or Department Head with the approval of the County Manager when deemed necessary. Such appointments will be based on factors, including, but not limited to, a shortage of qualified applicants and/or the applicants above average qualifications, education, and training. Section 5. Payment at a Listed Rate HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 214 17 All employees covered by this Pay Plan shall be paid at a listed rate within the salary ranges established for the grade in which their respective position falls. Employees whose present salary or hourly wage is above the established maximum rate following transition to the new Pay Plan are exempt. No employee may receive a salary increase above the maximum for their assigned salary grade. Section 6. The Performance Pay Plan Harnett County seeks to provide the best service possible to the county’s residents. A highly skilled and competent workforce is an essential aspect of providing high quality, efficient customer-driven service in an organization. Equitable compensation is necessary to attract and retain such a workforce. The Performance Pay Plan described in this section is intended to provide Harnett County employees with a path for advancement through their assigned salary grade over the course of their career with the County based on their performance reviews. The Performance Pay Plan is intended to serve as a tool that will allow the County to hire and retain well-qualified employees and provide equitable compensation to employees throughout their careers provided they receive satisfactory performance reviews. Full-time and eligible part-time employees will be eligible to earn a percentage salary increase each year based on their annual performance review. An employee who receives an overall score on their annual performance review of “Meets Expectations” or above will receive the designated increase for that year while an employee who receives a score lower than “Meets Expectations” will not receive the increase for that year. Any earned increase related to the Performance Pay Plan will be effective at the start of the pay period immediately following the employee’s anniversary date with the County. If an employee’s anniversary date falls on the first day of a new pay period, they will receive an earned increase beginning with that pay period. In the event of a work status change (promotion, demotion, lateral transfer, etc.) that happens at the same time as a Performance Pay Plan increase, the work status change will be effective the day after the Performance Pay Plan increase. If an employee who has been terminated from the County for any reason is rehired by the County, their most recent date of hire will be used to establish their anniversary date related to this Performance Pay Plan. Additionally, if an employee changes from full-time to part-time, or part-time to full-time status, the employee’s original hire date will be used to establish the date of the performance evaluation and the Performance Pay Plan increase. The County Manager will set the amount or range of the annual increase each year as part of the budget process. The adopted increase amount or range will be effective from July 1 to June 30 of the following year, coinciding with the County’s fiscal year. The percent of the annual increase may vary from year to year based on projected revenue and expenditures. The County Manager shall establish appropriate systems and guidelines for implementation, maintenance, and responsible administration of the above Performance Pay Plan. Any situation that arises related to the above Performance Pay Plan and is not covered by this ordinance will be left to the discretion of the County Manager. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 215 18 Performance Pay Plan Eligibility: Any full-time or part-time employee is eligible for the Performance Pay Plan effective July 1, 2020, based on their annual performance reviews. To be eligible for the Performance Pay Plan, part-time employees must maintain uninterrupted employment with the County for 12 months preceding the employee’s anniversary date. Election workers, interns, and any other part-time employee who must be rehired each year are not eligible for the Performance Pay Plan. Additional Eligibility Guidelines:  Employees in Work Against status will not be eligible for the above Performance Pay Plan until they complete work against status or meet all of the qualifications for the position. Sworn Law Enforcement Officers will not be eligible for the above Performance Pay Plan until they complete the Tier system.  To receive an earned increase, an employee must work at least 6 months during an annual evaluation period in order to be effectively evaluated by their supervisor. This will not apply to a leave of absence that is protected by federal or state law.  An employee who is promoted during an evaluation period must have been in the new position for at least 6 months on their anniversary date to receive an earned performance increase based on their salary following the promotion. Promoted employees who have been in the new position fo r less than 6 months on their anniversary date are eligible for an earned increase based on their salary prior to the promotion.  An employee who is demoted during an evaluation period, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, who qualifies for a performance increase upon their next anniversary date based on their performance evaluation, will receive an increase based on their salary following the demotion. Section 7. Work Against Status A newly hired or promoted employee who does not meet all the established requirements of their new position, may be compensated for their services at a pay rate below the minimum pay rate established for that position in the Pay Plan. An employee will be considered to be in a work against status and continue at this pay rate until the Supervisor or Department Head certifies, and the County Manager approves, that the employee is qualified to assume the full duties and responsibilities of their new position. The Supervisor or Department Head shall review the progress of each employee in work against status every six (6) months or more frequently as necessary to determine when the employee is qualified to assume the full responsibilities of the new position. Section 8. Promotions, Demotions, Transfers, Reclassifications, & Revisions At the beginning of the fiscal year, any promotions, salary adjustments, reclassifications, or revisions will be applied before any cost of living adjustments. When an employee is promoted, demoted, transferred, or reclassified, the rate of pay for the new position shall be established in accordance with the following rules: Promotion: Any employee who receives a promotion will receive a minimum of a five percent (5%) increase but not to exceed ten percent (10%). For any increase between six HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 216 19 percent (6%) and ten percent (10%), the Department Head must provide written justification unless that percentage is the beginning of the new grade. In some special instances such as the employee’s professional experience, training, certifications, complexity of the job duties of the new position, tenure, and other job-related factors and/or to ensure the salary is competitive in comparable job markets, the County Manager has authority to approve a salary increase of up to twenty percent (20%) with written justification from the Department Head. Movement within the same salary grade is considered lateral and there will not be a salary change. Interim Promotion: Any employee who is promoted to an interim position in a higher pay grade will receive a pay increase of 5% or the beginning of the interim position pay grade, whichever is greater while performing the interim duties; however, if the position is a Department Head position or higher, he or she shall receive a 10% pay increase while performing the interim duties or the beginning position grade whichever is higher. An interim assignment shall not exceed six months. At the conclusion, if the employee returns to his or her former position they will return to his or her former salary before the interim assignment. Demotion: An employee who is voluntarily or involuntarily demoted shall have his or her salary or hourly wage left the same, reduced five percent (5%) or reduced to anywh ere in the lower grade pay range, depending on the circumstances of the demotion and Department Head recommendation. Transfers: An employee who transfers from a position in one grade to a position in another grade assigned to the same pay range shall continue to receive the same salary or hourly wage. Reclassifications/Revisions: A. Any employee who is currently at the minimum pay rate of their current position and the position is then reclassified to a grade having a higher salary or hourly pay range, that employee shall receive a five percent (5%) pay increase or an increase to the minimum pay rate of the new pay range, whichever is higher. B. Any employee who is currently above the minimum pay rate of their current position and the position is then reclassified to a grade having a higher salary or hourly pay range, that employee’s salary or hourly wage shall be appropriately adjusted to the same percentage above the minimum pay rate in the new pay range. C. If a position is reclassified to a grade having a lower salary or hourly pay range than that positions current grade, any employee’s salary or hourly wage that is above the maximum rate of the newly established pay range shall remain the same. Retention Increase: The County Manager has authority to approve a salary increase of up to fifteen percent (15%) for non-probationary employees for retention purposes for key positions when the County may be in danger of losing talented staff members. However, an employee’s salary shall not exceed the maximum rate for that pay grade and an employee shall not receive more than a fifteen percent (15%) retention salary increase every two years. When determining appropriate salary adjustments, the County Manager shall take into consideration relevant factors including s alaries paid in comparable and competitive job market and the impact of losing the employee on the organization. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 217 20 Section 9. Cost of Living Adjustments If the BOC approve a Cost of Living Adjustment, the increase will be effective the first pay period that begins immediately following the start of the fiscal year or as otherwise directed by the adopted budget ordinance for that fiscal year. The amount of this adjustment, if any, may vary from year to year. When a Cost of Living Adjustment is approved, regular employees will receive a $500 minimum increase to their annual pay. Section 10. Certifications and Degrees Harnett County encourages and promotes professional development by obtaining professional certifications or post-secondary degrees that substantially enhance the employee’s ability to perform the job or are related to the employee’s current or future job duties and responsibilities. Full time, non-probationary employees may be eligible for a salary increase for obtaining certain certifications or post-secondary degrees during the course of their employment with the County in accordance with this policy. If an employee does not meet all the established requirements for the position and is placed in work against status until they obtain a required certification or degree, the employee will not be eligible for a salary increase under this policy. Certifications: An employee may be eligible for a salary increase not to exceed 5% for obtaining certifications that are required for the position, preferred for the position, substantially enhance the employee’s ability to perform the job, or are related to the employee’s current or future job duties and responsibilities. A. If a position requires specific job-related certifications as a pre-requisite for employment in order to perform the essential duties of the position, the employee must obtain such certifications prior to their date of hire and will not be eligible for a salary increase. If the position requires specific job related certifications, but such certifications may be obtained within an established period of time after their date of hire, the employee may be eligible for a salary increase. B. If a particular certification is preferred for the position, but is not required, the employee’s supervisor or department head may make a written recommendation to the County Manager for approval for a salary increase. C. If a particular certification either substantially enhances the employee’s ability to perform the job or is related to the employee’s current or future job duties and responsibilities, the employee may submit a written request to their supervisor or department head to obtain the certification. The supervisor or department head shall review the request and make a written recommendation to the County Manager for approval of a salary increase. The salary increase percentage shall be determined in accordance with the list of certifications and degrees that shall be approved by the County Manager. Th e list of approved certifications and degrees and salary increase percentages may be updated by the County Manager from time to time based on the department head recommendations and the needs of the County. If an employee obtains a certification not included on the approved list but that enhances the employee’s ability to perform the job or is related to the employee’s current or future job duties and responsibilities, the County Manager, upon written recommendation by the employee’s department HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 218 21 head, may approve a salary increase not to exceed 5%. If the employee’s department head and County Manager recommend a salary increase in excess of 5% for a certification, the Board of Commissioners must approve the increase. An employee must obtain the certification within the period required by the certification course or the deadline set by employee’s supervisor or department head. If an employee fails to obtain the certification within the required timeframe, the employee must obtain department head and County Manager approval for an extension. Employees must provide a certificate or other official documentation to their supervisor or department head upon successful completion of the certification course in order to receive a salary increase. If the employee’s certification requires periodic renewals or continuing education to remain active, the employee shall be solely responsible for maintaining an active certification. Should the certification expire, the employee shall have their salary reduced by the percentage received for the certification. If the certification is required for the position and the employee fails to obtain or maintain an active certification, the employee may be subject to demotion or disciplinary action, up to and including, termination. Post-Secondary Degrees: An employee may be eligible for a salary increase not to exceed 3% for an associate’s degree, 5% for a bachelor’s degree, and 7% for a master’s or doctorate degree if such a degree is required for the position, preferred for the position, substantially enhances the employee’s ability to perform the job, or is related to the employee’s current or future job duties and responsibilities. A. If a position requires a specific degree as a pre-requisite for employment in order to perform the essential duties of the position, the employee must obtain such a degree prior to their date of hire and will not be eligible for a salary increase. If the position requires specific degree, but such a degree may be obtained within an established period of time after their date of hire, the employee may be eligible for a salary increase. B. If a particular degree is preferred for the position, but is not required, the employee’s supervisor or department head may make a written recommendation to the County Manager for approval. C. If a particular degree either substantially enhances the employee’s ability to perform the job or is related to the employee’s current or future job duties and responsibilities, the employee may submit a written request to their supervisor or department head to obtain the degree. The supervisor or department head shall review the request and make a written recommendation to the County Manager for approval. The employee’s department head shall submit a written recommendation of the salary increase percentage to the County Manager for approval. If the employee’s department head and County Manager recommend a salary increase in excess of the salary increase cap for that type of degree, the Board of Commissioners must approve the increase. An employee must obtain the degree within the period required by the curriculum or the deadline set by the employee’s supervisor or department head. If an employee fails to obtain the degree within the required timeframe, the employee must obtain department head and County Manger approval for an extension. Employees must provide a copy of HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 219 22 the degree or other official documentation to their supervisor or department head upon successful completion of the degree in order to receive a salary increase. If the degree is required for the position and the employee fails to obtain the degree, the employee may be subject to demotion or disciplinary action, up to and including, termination. Section 11. Overtime / Compensatory Time Definition: Overtime work or work that will result in the accumulation of compensatory time shall be considered (1) any hours worked greater than 40 hours in a normal work week, or (2) work performed by any County employee at the direction, instruction, or knowledge of a Supervisor, Department Head, or authorized managerial representative, which exceeds the normal work week or work period of the employee. Planning to avoid overtime: It is the policy of Harnett County that overtime or the accumulation of compensatory time be avoided at all times. Therefore, S upervisors or Department Heads should arrange their employee work schedules so as to avoid overtime by accomplishing the required work within the hours of a normal work week. Authorization: All overtime must be duly authorized by a Supervisor or Department Head before payment for such services are rendered. Exempt Employees: Exempt employees, as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), are (1) provided a salary for the completion of their occupational duties and responsibilities that does not change from pay period to pay period based on variations in quality or quantity of work, (2) earn at or above the minimum wage established by FLSA, and (3) are designated employees in executive, administrative, or professional positions, within the meaning of those terms as set forth in the United States Department of Labor Regulations. Such employees are exempt from earning any overtime pay in accordance with the FLSA, but, if required to wor k overtime, shall receive compensatory time off at a rate of one (1) hour for each hour of overtime worked. A. Such employees will be paid at their regular pay rate for all overtime hours or accrued compensatory time in excess of 80 hours. B. In the event that a salaried employee is terminated, they shall be paid for accrued compensatory time up to eighty (80) hours at the regular rate. C. In special circumstances, the BOC reserves the right to compensate salaried employees for any overtime worked with monies earned. Non-exempt employees: Designated employees in other areas of employment for the County are entitled to overtime pay in accordance with the FLSA. Two types of non - exempt employees exist: (1) regular work schedule employees and (2) irregular work schedule employees. A. Regular work schedule employees, required to work overtime, shall receive compensatory time off. The compensatory time shall be computed at one and one-half (1 and ½) hours for each hour of overtime worked. 1. Regular work schedule employees who accrue compensatory time in excess of 80 hours shall be paid overtime pay. B. Irregular work schedule employees, shall not accrue compensatory time off because the granting of such time would unduly disrupt the work schedules of such positions. 1. Such employees shall be paid overtime pay at one and one -half (1 and ½) times their regular pay rate for each hour worked in excess of their designated work schedule. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 220 23 2. The County Manager shall designate those class of employees entitled to overtime pay in lieu of compensatory time. Law Enforcement Officers: Sworn law enforcement officers shall only receive overtime pay at the rate of one and one-half (1 and ½) times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over the first 171 hours worked in a 28-day cycle. Use: In accordance with County policy and the Harnett County Finance Office Departmental Guidelines, compensatory time must always be exhausted prior to expending vacation time. Termination: Any employee who has accrued compensatory time off, upon complete termination, shall be paid for all unused compensatory time at the final regular rate received for that employee. Section 12. Time Sheets Any time sheets required by County policy shall accurately reflect the hours worked by employees. However, work schedules can be adjusted in some circumstances to provide the flexibility needed to address situations that require employees to work more than their regular work week without significant additional costs. In order to adhere to Article III, Section 11 of the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance, “Planning to avoid overtime,” employees should adjust their time sheets within the work week to avoid overtime or the accumulation of compensatory time whenever possible. Even though an employee may work more than their regular schedule in a given workday, their work schedule shall be adjusted so that they do not work more than their regular schedule in a given work week, thereby avoiding overtime or the accumulation of compensatory time. There may be situations in which an employee must physically work more than their regular work week and overtime or the accumulation of compensatory time is unavoidable, however whenever possible, overtime or the accu mulation of compensatory time should be avoided. Adjustments of time within the same work week should be the first recourse of supervisors, who are charged with managing and controlling overtime or the accumulation of compensatory time. Time sheets shall be approved and certified by the employee and Supervisor prior to submission to Payroll. Approving the timesheet is an indication the supervisor agrees with the time as recorded by the employee and is an authorization to pay the employee according to recorded time. Section 13. Other Forms of Time Unauthorized Work: Hours worked by an employee without permission from the Supervisor, Department Head, or authorized managerial representative shall not be considered time worked. Employees who are guilty of unauthorized work are subject to disciplinary action as addressed in Article IX. Travel time: County employees shall be credited for all time spent travelling while in furtherance of their service to the County, not including travel to and from work. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 221 24 Section 14. Call Back Pay Any eligible County employee, who has been called back to work outside of normal operating hours for the County, is guaranteed a minimum of two hours paid for their services. To receive such pay an employee must physically leave his or her home and physically return to work for the County. Section 15. Payroll Deductions Those payroll deductions mandated or authorized by Federal, State, or County law shall be deducted from an employee’s pay without his or her permission. Other payroll deductions may be made at the request and authorization of the employee, but such deductions are subject to the approval of the Harnett County Finance Officer. Section 16. Longevity Pay All County employees hired on or after July 1st, 2015, or those employees who leave the employment of the County and return to work with the County on or after July 1st, 2015, shall not be eligible to receive longevity pay. Full-time County employees of record as of June 30th, 2015 shall continue to be eligible to receive longevity pay as defined below until such time as their employment with the County is terminated. Time of Service: Employees with five (5) years of consecutive Harnett County Service by November 15 of each calendar year are eligible for longevity pay. Payment of Longevity: The amount of longevity an employee receives shall be based on the employee’s salary as of November 15 of each calendar year and paid annually in a lump sum the first week in December of the same year. This amount shall increase depending on the employee’s years of services as outline d in the chart below. A longevity payment, however, shall not be made part of the employee’s base salary. Time of Service Percentage of Annual Salary 5 Years – 9 Years 1.00% 10 Years – 14 Years 1.50% 15 Years – 19 Years 2.25% 20 Years – 24 Years 3.25% 25 Years and up 4.50% Section 17. Overpayment, Underpayment, or Lack of Compensation Harnett County Human Resources and Payroll Departments should make every effort to ensure that employees are paid correctly and that authorized payroll deductions are deducted properly. If an error occurs in the payment process, it is the responsibility of HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 222 25 the Human Resources and Payroll Departments to discuss the error with the effected employee and determine the amount to be corrected by the County or the employee. All County employees are responsible for examining each of their paychecks or direct deposit stubs to ensure that proper payment and deductions have been made. If any employee believes an improper payment or deduction has been made, he or she should immediately contact his or her Supervisor or Department Head, along with the Harnett County Human Resources and Payroll Departments, and inform them of the situation. The County, in all cases mentioned below, reserves the right to pursue collection of remaining overpayments through court proceedings if recovery efforts fail. If a mistake of some sort is made in the payment or compensation of County employees, the following instructions should be followed depending on the situation: Overpayment: In any case of overpayment, regardless of fault, County employees are expected to promptly repay the County the full amount of the overpayment. A. For purposes of this policy, overpayments may include wage and salary payments, voluntary and involuntary payroll deductions, or other authorized payments or deductions. B. If an overpayment occurs, the Human Resources Department is to determine whether the error is nominal or significant. 1. Nominal Overpayment: Any erroneous overpayment that is one hundred dollars ($100.00) or less. Such an amount may be deducted from the employees next payroll check to remedy the error. 2. Significant Overpayment: Any erroneous overpayment that is greater than one hundred dollars ($100.00). Such an amount may only be repaid through a written repayment plan pursuant to a signed Repayment Agreement drafted by the County Attorney. C. Any repayment deductions are not to be greater than 15% of the gross wages earned in that current pay period and shall not reduce the gross wages paid to a rate less than the minimum wage as defined by law. D. All repayment deductions are to be made after the County has made all permitted or required deductions from an employee’s payroll c heck. E. If an employee under a Repayment Agreement enters into an unpaid status, a notice letter will be sent to collect the remaining payments or to setup a new repayment plan. If the employee fails to respond, a second notice letter will be sent to inform the employee that he or she has two (2) weeks to remit payment to avoid the collection of monies owed through court proceedings. F. Termination 1. If an employee under a Repayment Agreement voluntarily leaves their position or is terminated before repayment is made in full, the remaining amount owed to the County by the employee may be deducted from any amounts owed to the employee by the County and shall not reduce the gross wages paid to a rate less than the minimum wage as defined by law. 2. If a terminated employee is overpaid, the Human Resources Department shall notify the former employee in writing: (1) that an overpayment has occurred, (2) the total amount owed by the employee to the County, and (3) that payment is to be received within 30 days unless a Repayment Agreement is put in place. If payment is not received within 30 days or the Repayment Agreement is not followed, a notice letter will be sent to inform HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 223 26 the employee that he or she has two (2) weeks to remit payment to avoid the collection of monies owed through court proceedings. Underpayment/Lack of Compensation: If an employee was underpaid or not paid at all, the Supervisor, Department Head, or County Manager may request that a special check be issued; otherwise the employee shall receive payment on their next check. Work Week: For the Purposes of this Ordinance, Harnett County considers the work week to be from Sunday through the following Saturday. Section 18. Emergency Operations Compensation In the event of a major emergency or natural or man-made disaster, Harnett County seeks to provide shelter and comfort to those adversely affected by creating and following a detailed Emergency Response Plan. In accordance with the County’s Emergency Response Plan, and the instructions of the Emergency Operations Center Director, Harnett County employees may be required to carry out specific emergency response tasks to ensure the safety and continued prosperity of the County. These tasks may be carried out at the Emergency Operations Center or at the other sites necessary for emergency response. Such employees, who work under the direction of the Emergency Operation Center Director during such an emergency or natural or man-made disaster, will be compensated according to this policy. County Offices Remain Open: If the emergency or natural disaster requires the activation of the Emergency Operations Center and County offices are open as regularly scheduled, employees required to work under the direction of the Emergency Operations Center Director will be compensated as described below: A. Nonexempt employees, as defined above in Article III, Section 11 and in the FLSA, will be paid one and one-half (1 and ½) times their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond the employee’s regular 40-hour work week schedule, except as described below. a. For employees who have a regular work week other that 40 hours, they will be paid one and half (1 and ½) times their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond their regular work week. B. Exempt employees, as defined above in Article III, Section 11 and in the FLSA, will be paid one (1) time their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond the employee’s regular 40-hour work week schedule, except as described below. a. For employees who have a regular work week other than 40 hours, they will be paid one (1) time their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond their regular work week. County Offices Are Closed: If the emergency or natural disaster requires the activation of the Emergency Operations Center and County offices are closed, employees required to work under the direction of the Emergency Operations Center Director will be compensated as described below: A. Nonexempt employees, as defined above in Article III, Section 11 and in the FLSA, will be paid one and one-half (1 and ½) times their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond the employee’s regular 40-hour work week schedule, except as described below. This compensation will be in addition to any other compensation to which the employee is entitled HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 224 27 a. For employees who have a regular work week other than 40 hours, they will be paid one and a half (1 and ½) times their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond their regular work week. B. Exempt employees, as defined above in Article III, Section 11 and in the FLSA, will be paid one (1) time their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond the employee’s regular 40-hour work week schedule, except as described below. a. For employees who have a regular work week other than 40 hours, they will be paid one (1) time their regular rate of pay for actual hours worked beyond their regular work week. C. In the event a holiday occurs within this period, both nonexempt and exempt employees, as defined above in Article III, Section 11 and in the FLSA, will be paid one and one-half (1 and ½) times their regular rate of pay for each hour worked that day in addition to the normal holiday pay. D. For full-time employees who work on rotating shifts, with the regular shift falling on the holiday, these employees will be compensated in accordance with Article VI. Section 2 on this ordinance, and will not receive pay at one and one -half times their regular rate for their regular shift. E. When the County Manager provides Administrative Leave as a result of County offices being closed, employees required to work under the direction of the Emergency Operations Center Director will receive Administrative Leave in addition to any compensation they earn during the event. For nonexempt employees, as defined above in Article III, Section 11 and in the FLSA, any Administrative Leave will not count towards the time needed to earn one and one-half (1 and ½) times their regular rate of pay. For the purpose of payroll, event timesheets should cover only the period during which the County’s Emergency Operations Center is activated. Employees required to work under the direction of the Emergency Operations Center Director will not be compensated for the time required to report to the Emergency Operations Center or their designated location if elsewhere. In the event employees are required to work long and continuous hours, the County Manager may grant time off with pay/administrative leave for rest and recuperation to ensure safe working conditions. In order to ensure the safety of the County’s personnel, citizens, and continued operations of emergency response tasks, employees required to work under the direction of the Emergency Operations Center Director will be required to take a break of at least eight hours within a 24-hours period. ARTICLE IV. RECRUITMENT AND EMPLOYMENT Section 1. Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) and Anti-Discrimination The County is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. The County prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 225 28 characteristic protected by law. All County employees are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. The policy of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and anti-discrimination applies to all aspects of the relationship between Harnett County and its employees, including:  Recruitment  Employment  Promotion  Transfer  Demotion  Discipline  Training  Working conditions  Wages and salary administration  Employee benefits and application of policies Harnett County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state laws prohibiting disability discrimination. Consistent with those requirements, the County will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functi ons of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The County will also, where appropriate, provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s religious beliefs or practices. If an employee believes they need an accommodation, they should contact the Human Resources Department pursuant to the Reasonable Accommodation Policy. Harnett County complies with the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants and employees to accommodate the individual’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If an employee believes they need a pregnancy-related accommodation, they should contact the Human Resources Department pursuant to the Reasonable Accommodation Policy. Section 2. Implementation of EEO Policy All Harnett County employees responsible for recruitment and employment shall implement this personnel policy through procedures that will assure equal employment opportunity based on reasonable performance -related job requirements. Notices with regard to equal employment matters shall be posted in conspicuous places where notices are customarily posted and viewed. Each employee and the County are governed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 without exception. Section 3. Recruitment & Advertisement When new or vacant full time positions are to be filled within the County, Supervisors or Department Heads shall notify the Human Resources Department and provide them a complete Position Overview. Such an overview is to include the appropriate salary, grade, qualifications, and description of the new or vacant position. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 226 29 The Human Resources Department shall publicize full time opportunities for employment with the County by posting the provided Position Overviews along with instructions for submitting applications and assurances of equal employment and non - discriminatory practices in the Human Resources Department and on the internet at www.Harnett.org. In some instances, the Department Head may request that the position be initially posted for only internal candidates. If no internal candidates are selected, then the position may become open to the public. Information on job openings and hiring practices shall also be provided to recruitment sources including the Employment Security Commission (“ESC”) and other organizations, news media, job websites, and other sources as deemed appropriate by the Human Resources Department. Section 4. Submitting Applications for Employment All persons expressing interest in employment with the Coun ty shall be given the opportunity to file an application for employment directly through the Harnett County Website at www.Harnett.org. A separate application must be submitted for each position an individual seeks to apply for. Applications submitted to the County, shall be kept for a period of two (2) years, in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines. Once submitted and filed, all applications become the property of the County. Section 5. Qualification Standards For an applicant to be considered for hire and for a County employee to retain their current position with the County, they must meet the employment standards established by the job description and such other reasonable minimum standards of character, aptitude, ability, and any physical conditions as recommended by the Supervisor or Department Head. All qualification standards shall be reviewed periodically to ensure that the requirements remain fair and conform to the actual job duties and responsibilities. The County may employ an applicant in a trainee capacity or work against status who does not meet all the minimum qualifications for a particular job if the deficiencies can be eliminated through orientation, formal courses, and/or on -the-job training. Section 6. Selection All applications will initially come through the Human Resources Department by way of the Harnett County website, but will be forwarded to the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head for consideration for any currently vacant posit ions. The Supervisor or Department Head will then consider all applicants for the position in accordance with the EEO Policy. The Supervisor or Department Head is responsible for conducting interviews of only those applicants meeting the qualification standards as set forth in the job description and then selecting an acceptable candidate for hire. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 227 30 Once the Supervisor or Department Head has selected a candidate, the applicant’s original application, the Supervisor or Department Heads rationale for selecting this candidate, a recommended starting salary (with justification), the desired start date of the employee, and any additional information secured during the interview process, will be returned to the Human Resources Department for further consideration. The Human Resources Department will then conduct a reference check, criminal background check, driving record check, and any other appropriate checks as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. If issues with the selected candidate are discovered, the recommending Supervisor or Department Head will be informed and must decide, with the approval of the County Manager, if the employment process will continue or another applicant should be selected. The County Manager reserves the right for final approval or disapproval of any selected candidate regardless of that applicant’s current position in the selection process. After selection has been made and the new or vacant position has been filled, it shall be the responsibility of the Human Resources Department to inform all applicants that the sought after position has been filled and they may apply again for another position with the County in hopes of being hired. Section 7. Appointments It is the policy of Harnett County to create and foster career opportunities for its current employees when possible. Therefore, when a current employee, applying for a vacant position within the County, possesses the overall best qualifications, training, and education over all other applicants, that employee shall be appointed to the vacant position. Before any commitment is made to such an applicant, the County Manager shall approve or reject this appointment. In accordance with NCGS §153A-103, the BOC must approve any appointments by the Sheriff or Register of deeds of a blood relative, a relative by marriage, any relative nearer than first cousin, or a person convicted of a crime of moral turpitude. Section 8. Probationary Period of Employment A probationary period is a continuous period of 6 months (12 months for law enforcement officers) where an employee is evaluated on job performance. Any probationary employee may be dismissed at any time without appeal rights. A newly promoted employee will serve a probationary period of six months. If a promoted employee is unable to satisfactorily perform the newly assigned duties and responsibilities, they shall be demoted, in accordance with Article III, Section 8 and Article IV, Section 10. Before completion of the probationary period, Supervisors or Department Heads must document and provide the following to the Human Resources Department: A. That the employee has been informed of his or her progress and growth during the probationary period, including the employee’s accomplishments, strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement. B. That the employee is or is not performing satisfactory work. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 228 31 C. Whether the probationary period should be extended, as long as an extension would not cause the probation to go beyond a year. D. Whether the employee should be retained in the present position or should be released, transferred, or demoted. Employees subject to the North Carolina Human Resources Act (NCGS §126) may not be on probation longer than nine (9) months. Full-time employees serving a probationary period following a promotion shall not be prohibited from using any previously accrued leave during the probationary period. Section 9. Promotion Candidates for promotion may only be current County employees with the appropriate qualifications, education, and training to adequately fill the vacant position and complete the required duties and responsibilities. County employees hoping to be considered for a promotion to a vacant position must complete an application and submit said application online at www.Harnett.org. Candidates shall only be chosen on the basis of their qualifications, work record, and past performance appraisals, without discrimination in accordance with the EEO Policy. There is no time restrictions on how long after initial employment or promotion an employee must wait before he/she may apply for other positions in the County. See Article III, Section 8 for information on pay increases when promotion occurs. Section 10. Involuntary Demotion Any County employee whose current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County may be demoted to a lesser position, provided the employee shows promise of becoming a satisfactory employee in the future through his or her performance in a lesser position. If a demotion occurs because of an employee’s failure in the performance of job duties or unbecoming personal conduct, the employee shall be provided with a written notice citing the recommended effective date and reasons for demotion. If the demoted employee fails to improve the unsatisfactory job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior, he or she may be open to other disciplinary action in accordance with Article IX of this policy. All full-time employees who are demoted may, however, appeal their demotion in accordance with the appeal rights addressed in Article X of this policy. See Article III, Section 8 for information on pay decreases when an involuntary demotion occurs. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 229 32 Section 11. Voluntary Demotion Any employee who wishes to accept a position with less complex job duties and responsibilities may be voluntarily demoted for reasons other than those expressed above. Such an employee must apply for the desired position, compete the interview process, and be selected by the Supervisor or Department Head to fill the position. See Article III, Section 8 for information on pay decreases when a voluntary demotion occurs. Section 12. Transfer If a vacancy occurs in any County Department and a current County employee in another County Department who has completed their original probationary period wishes to be hired for the vacant position he or she must apply, complete the interview process, and be selected to fill the position. Such an employee should be adequately qualified to complete and exceed the job duties and responsibilities of their newly desired position. Supervisors or Department Heads may, however, interdepartmentally transfer employees to another equally graded position to meet the requirements of the current job. Any full-time employee transferred in this manner may appeal the transfer in accordance with the appeal rights addressed in Article X of this policy. See Article III, Section 8 for information on pay increases or decreases when a transfer occurs. Section 13. Employment of Convicted Felons The following shall constitute the policy of Harnett County when any applicant for a position with the County has a felony conviction or a plea of no contest to a felony. In general, those persons who have either been convicted of a felony or have entered a plea of no contest to a felony charge shall be prohibited from serving in any Department of Harnett County. However, after thorough examination and investigation by a Department Head or a Human Resources employee, such an applicant may be employed in a position with the County subject to the approval of the County Manager and if the following criteria are present: A. The applicant has been fully and completely rehabilitated. B. The applicant has exemplified honesty and integrity for several years following his conviction or no contest plea. C. The applicant has maintained good relations within the community in which he or she lives. Section 14. Driving Record Verification A license check of applicants shall be performed by the Human Resources Department prior to any offer of employment to a position requiring a valid state of North Carolina driver’s license. Exception: A nonresident military spouse with a valid driver’s license issued to him/her in his/her home state so long as the employee can provide written documentation of being a nonresident military spouse and maintains nonresident status while retaining the out-of-state license. Nonresident military spouses with an out-of-state HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 230 33 license shall immediately report any violations, suspensions, revocations , and changes in status of their license to their Supervisor and the Human Resources Manager. An employee should submit to this verification through the submission of a Driver Disclosure Form which is completed electronically through the onboarding process. Section 15. Veterans Preference Those departments under the guidelines of the Office of State Human Resources shall follow the State Personnel Act provisions for veterans’ preference in employment actions, as well as those departments which have federal contracts as set out in NCGS §128-15. ARTICLE V. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Section 1. Attendance Employees are hired with the understanding that they are responsible for reporting to work on time for every regularly scheduled workday and any additional instances they may be needed by the County. It is essential for the accomplishment of the County mission that all employees do their part. Failure by a County employee to give notification or adequate excuse for an absence, frequent tardiness, and/or excessive absenteeism will be viewed as a lack of interest in their job and an indication that they are unable to meet the duties and responsibilities of their current position. Harnett County understands that employees may need to be out occasionally for various medical or personal reasons, with this in mind approved leaves of absences are covered in Article VI of this policy. Any violation of this section shall subject such employees to any disciplinary actions addressed in Article IX of this policy. Section 2. Work Week The established work week for Harnett County consists of a seven-day period beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday. The normal work week for the County offices, however, shall be Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All full-time County employees should be held to a Monday-Friday work week consisting of five eight-hour days (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) with a one (1) hour lunch break. All part-time County employees may work any number of hours during the normal Sunday - Saturday work week as long as such employees do not exceed no more than 129 hours per month. The County has, however, established flexible work weeks and hours in several County departments, based on mission needs and Supervisor or Department Head request. Supervisors or Department Heads shall use these hours in their discretion to assure the HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 231 34 satisfactory performance of their current job. Department Head has the authority to grant an adjusted lunch schedule as it aligns to the operations of the Department. All hours are subject to change depending on the needs of the County. Section 3. Restrictions on Political Activity Each employee has a civic responsibility and duty to support good government by every available means and in every appropriate manner. In accordance with the United States Constitution, the North Carolina Constitution, and federal state, and local laws, each County employee has the right to (1) join or affiliate with civic organizations of a partisan or political nature, (2) att end political meetings, (3) advocate and support the principles or policies of civic or political organizations, and (4) support partisan or non-partisan candidates of their choice. However, no employee, while on duty for the County, may (1) engage in any political or partisan activity, (2) use official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with the outcome of an election or nomination for political office, (3) contribute County funds for political or partisan purposes, (4) coerce or compel another employee of the County to contribute funds for political or partisan purposes, or (5) use any supplies or equipment of the County for political or partisan purposes. Competitive service employees and employees in certain federally aided programs are subject to the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act also prohibits employees from seeking candidacy for elective office in a partisan election. Any violation of this section shall subject such employees to any disciplinary actions addressed in Article IX of this policy. Section 4. Outside Employment Policy All County employees should understand that the work and overall mission of Harnett County is to take priority over all other employment interests. Therefore, Harnett County reserves to the right to restrict outside employment so as to prevent interference with the County’s work and overall mission. All employees, in hopes to provide the most efficient and hardworking staff, are subject to the following policy pertaining to any and all outside employment. The purpose of this policy is to determine that secondary work does not have an adverse effect upon County work, is not controversial to County policies, and does not create an appearance of impropriety to the citizens of Harnett County. Policy Procedures: A. Any County employee desiring outside employment must complete and submit an Outside Employment Request form to the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head. This form may be found in Appendix A of this Ordinance. B. The Supervisor or Department Head must review any and all requests for outside employment submitted to them. The Supervisor or Department Head, however, must grant all requests for outside employment, unless it appears that the outside employment is likely to prevent the County employee from efficiently HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 232 35 discharging their current job duties and responsibilities or is incompatible with their current work schedule as a County employee. C. If the Supervisor or Department Head determines that conflict exists between the outside employment and the employee’s current County employment, the request will be denied and the employee must be notified in writing. If a conflict does not exist and the request is approved, the Supervisor or Department Head should notify the employee and endorse the request by filing it with the Human Resources Department. D. If an employee’s request is denied, he or she may be asked by the Supervisor, Department Head, or County Manager to terminate their outside employment or face disciplinary actions in accordance with Article IX. Regardless of an employee’s request, the following types of outside employment will not be allowed: A. Any outside employment inconsistent with the Harnett County Mission, this policy, or the professional code of ethics. B. Any outside employment that is or appears to be a conflict of interest. C. Any outside employment that is performed for any person in the employee’s supervisory chain. D. Any outside employment performed by the employee while in a FMLA status. Section 5. Anti-Nepotism Policy The purpose of this Anti-Nepotism Policy is to ensure that all hiring, promotion, and other employment-related decisions within the County are made based on merit, qualifications, and the best interests of the county. This policy aims to prevent conflicts of interest, favoritism, and any appearance of impropriety in county employment practices. The employment of members of the same immediate family within the same County department is discouraged and should be avoided when at all possible. Such relationships put a strain on the work environment for the related employees and those working with and around them. Members of the same immediate family may not be considered for employment within the same County department. For the purposes of this policy, a relative (immediate family member) includes three levels of a family relationship whether by blood, marriage or adoption. Hiring, Employment and Promotions and Transfers:  No employee or official of the County shall participate in the hiring process or employment decision-making for a position for which a relative has applied.  Relatives of current employees or officials may be considered for employment, provided they meet all qualifications and are selected through the standard competitive hiring process.  Under no circumstances shall a relative be hired into a position where they would directly or indirectly supervise or be supervised by another relative.  Relatives may apply for promotions or transfers within the county, but the same restrictions on supervision and influence apply. Employees may not be promoted or transferred into a position where they would directly or indirectly supervise or be supervised by a relative. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 233 36 Employees and officials must disclose any potential nepotism situation to the Human Resources Department immediately upon becoming aware of it by completing an Anti - Nepotism Exception Form. Any exception to this policy must be approved by the County Manager before the relative may be hired. Section 6. Unlawful Harassment Policy Harnett County prohibits harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment, and will take appropriate and immediate action in response to complaints or knowledge of violations of this policy. For purposes of this policy, harassment is any verbal or physical conduct designed to threaten, intimidate or coerce an employee, co -worker, or any person working for or on behalf of the County. The following examples of harassment are intended to be guidelines and are not exclusive when determining whether there has been a violation of this policy:  Verbal harassment includes comments that are offensive or unwelcome regarding a person's national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, appearance, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status or other protected status, including epithets, slurs and negative stereotyping.  Nonverbal harassment includes distribution, display or discussion of any written or graphic material that ridicules, denigrates, insults, belittles or shows hostility, aversion or disrespect toward an individual or group because of national origin, race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, appearance, disability, sexual identity, marital status or other protected status. Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is a specific type of unlawful workplace harassment defined by federal guidelines as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:  Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, as a condition of the employee’s employment;  Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an employee is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such employee; or  Such conduct has the purpose or the effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. There are varieties of prohibited acts of sexual harassment that can take range from subtle pressure to physical assault. Some examples of this type of conduct, by definition, include, but are not limited to:  Threats of sexual relations or sexual contact that is not freely or mutually agreeable to both parties; continual or repeated verbal abuse of a sexual nature (graphic commentaries on the person’s body, sexually suggestive objects or pictures placed in the work area that may embarrass or offend the employee, sexually degrading words to describe the person, or propositions of a sexual nature)  Threats or insinuations that the employee’s employment, wages, promotional opportunities, job assignments, or other conditions of employment may be adversely affected by not submitting to sexual advances  Unwelcome statements or conduct based on a person’s gender such as gender - based jokes or negative gender-based remarks HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 234 37  Physical conduct such as unwanted touching hu gging, kissing, intentional brushing up against the employee’s body, or repeated sexual flirtations and propositions  Any unwelcome verbal comments or physical advances of a sexual nature or hostile or physically aggressive behavior directed to an employee, which either affects the employee’s conditions of employment, interferes with their ability to perform their job, or creates an intimidating or hostile work environment Reporting Procedures: A. Any employee, who witnesses or is the subject of an instance of unlawful workplace harassment, is encouraged to report the situation and/or complaint without fear of retaliation, orally or in writing, to his or her Supervisor or Department Head or directly to the Human Resources Director. Upon notification of a situation or complaint, the Supervisor, Department Head, or Human Resources Director shall direct the alleged victim to complete the Unlawful Workplace Harassment Form provided in Appendix A of this Ordinance. The Unlawful Harassment Form shall be turned into their Supervisor, Department Head, or Human Resources Director. If a Supervisor or Department Head receives the completed form, he or she must forward it to the Human Resources Director within three (3) working days of completion of the form. If the Human Resources Director is the alleged offender, the alleged event and Unlawful Workplace Harassment Form shall be provided to the Legal Department. B. Once the report or complaint is received, along with any supporting evidence and/or documentation, the Human Resources Director shall, if necessary and without investigation, take immediate action to stop and/or remedy the inappropriate conduct. If immediate action is not necessary, the Human Resources Director shall notify all concerned parties that a complaint has been filed and an investigation will be conducted by the Human Resources Department, the Legal Department, or retained outside legal counsel. If the Human Resources Director is the alleged offender, all actions shall be taken by the Legal Department or legal counsel retained to investigate the matter. C. The investigation may consist of interviewing the concerned parties, the alleged offender(s) and witnesses, along with gathering any relevant evidence or documentation not already available. The investigation should be completed and a report given to the County Manager within fifteen (15) working days of the receipt of the complaint. An extension of not more than 30 days, however, may be granted upon request by the County Manager. If the County Manager is the alleged offender, the report shall be provided to the Board of Commissioners and any extension of the investigation shall be granted upon request by the Board. D. All concerned parties, employees, and departments should be completely cooperative during the investigation. Failure to do so may result in immediate disciplinary action in accordance with Article IX. E. Once a thorough investigation of the complaint is completed, the Human Resources Director, or, if the Human Resources Director is the alleged offender, the Legal Department or legal counsel retrained to investigate the matter, shall inform the concerned parties, the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head, and the County Manager of the outcome of the investigation. Following the notification of the results, the Human Resources Director, along with the County Manager, shall ensure that all appropriate actions are taken to remedy the situation and to reprimand the perpetrator. If the County Manager is the alleged offender, results of the investigation shall be reported to the Board of Commissioners and the Board, along with the Human Resources Director, Legal HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 235 38 Department, or outside counsel retained to investigate the matter, shall ensure that all appropriate actions are taken. F. After the investigation, all complaints, investigatory files, and other pertinent documents will remain confidential unless these documents must be released because of federal, state, or local law. Retaliation: Retaliation means any adverse action taken against an individual for filing a discrimination charge, testifying, or participating in any way in an investigation, proceeding, or lawsuit related to discriminatory employment practices based on a person's national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, appearance, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status or other protected status, including epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, political affiliation or genetic information; or because of opposition to employment practices in violation of this Policy. Retaliation against any of the concerned parties, the alleged offender(s), witnesses, or those conducting the investigation will not be tolerated and shall be subject to disciplinary action. Section 7. Drug-Free Work Place Policy (General Class of Employees) Harnett County seeks to provide a safe and secure workplace and community free from the debilitating effects of any drugs, alcohol, or other illegal substances. The County also hopes to promote a high standard of employee and community health and wellbeing. Therefore, to take every reasonable effort to keep drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substances out of the County work force and community, and in accordance with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988, Harnett County hereby implements the following Drug-Free Work Place Policy. It is the policy of Harnett County that no employee shall possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs, alcohol, or other illegal substances on any property or facilities used, owned, or occupied by the County or while representing the County at any professional or social function. If, however, a county employee recognizes that a problem exists and initiates action to seek help, the County will work with the employee to resolve the situation. Any County employee, Supervisor, Department Head, Administrator, or County Manager found in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary actions in accordance with Article IX, along with any penalties under federal, state, or local law. Section 8. Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (Employees with a CDL, HARTS and Safety Sensitive Positions) In accordance with the policy, rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, Harnett County has established a separate Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy for all employees, including commercial drivers, safety sensitive positions, and the Harnett Area Transit System Drivers. Purpose: The Harnett Area Rural Transit System provides public transit and paratransit services for the residents of Harnett County Part of our mission is to ensure that this service is delivered safely, efficiently, and effectively by establishing a drug and alcohol - free work environment, and to ensure that the workplace remains free from t he effects of drugs and alcohol in order to promote the health and safety of employees and the HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 236 39 general public. In keeping with this mission, Harnett Area Rural Transit System declares that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispense, possession, or use of controlled substances or misuse of alcohol is prohibited for all employees. Additionally, the purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. Covered employees shall abide by the terms of this policy statement as a condition of employment. This policy is intended to comply with all applicable Federal regulations governing workplace anti- drug and alcohol programs in the transit industry. Specifically, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation has published 49 CFR Part 655, as amended, that mandates drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive positions, and prohibits performance of safety-sensitive functions when there is a positive test result, or a refusal to test. The U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has also published 49 CFR Part 40, as amended, that sets standards for the collection and testing of specimens for drug and alcohol testing. Any provisions set forth in this policy that are included under the sole authority of Harnett Area Rural Transit System and are not provided under the authority of the above named Federal regulations are underlined. Tests conducted under the sole authority of Harnett Area Rural Transit System will be performed on non-USDOT forms and will be separate from USDOT testing in all respects. Applicability: This Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy applies to all safety-sensitive employees (full- or part-time) when performing safety sensitive duties. See Attachment A for a list of employees and the authority under which they are included. A safety-sensitive function is operation of public transit service inclu ding the operation of a revenue service vehicle (whether or not the vehicle is in revenue service), maintenance of a revenue service vehicle or equipment used in revenue service, security personnel who carry firearms, persons controlling the dispatch or mo vement of revenue service vehicles and any transit employee who operates a non-revenue service vehicle that requires a Commercial Driver’s License to operate. Maintenance functions include the repair, overhaul, and rebuild of engines, vehicles and/or equipment used in revenue service. A list of safety-sensitive positions who perform one or more of the above mentioned duties is maintained by the Human Resources Department. Supervisors are only safety sensitive if they perform one of the above functions. Volunteers are considered safety sensitive and subject to testing if they are required to hold a CDL, or receive remuneration for service in excess of actual expense. Definitions: Accident: An occurrence associated with the operation of a vehicle even when not in revenue service, if as a result:  An individual dies;  An individual suffers a bodily injury and immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or,  One or more vehicles incur disabling damage as the result of the occurrence and is transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other vehicle. For purposes of this definition, disabling damage means damage which precludes departure of any vehicle from the scene of the occurrence in its usual manner in daylight after simple repairs. Disabling damage includes damage to vehicles that could have been operated but would have been further damaged if so HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 237 40 operated, but does not include damage which can be remedied temporarily at the scene of the occurrence without special tools or parts, tire disablement without other damage even if no spare tire is available, or damage to headlights, taillights, turn signals, horn, or windshield wipers that makes them inoperative. Adulterated specimen: A specimen that has been altered, as evidence by test results showing either a substance that is not a normal constituent for that type of specimen or showing an abnormal concentration of an endogenous substance. Alcohol: The intoxicating agent in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or other low molecular weight alcohols contained in any beverage, mixture, mouthwash, candy, food, preparation or medication. Alcohol Concentration: Expressed in terms of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a breath test under 49 CFR Part 40. Aliquot: A fractional part of a specimen used for testing, it is taken as a sample representing the whole specimen. Alternate specimen: An authorized specimen, other than the type of specimen previously collected or attempted to be collected. Canceled Test: A drug or alcohol test that has a problem identified that cannot be or has not been corrected, or which is cancelled. A canceled test is neither positive nor negative. Collection Site: A place selected by the employer where employees present themselves for the purpose of providing a specimen for a drug test. Confirmatory Drug Test: A second analytical procedure performed on a different aliquot of the original specimen to identify and quantify a specific drug or drug metabolite. Confirmatory Validity Test: A second test performed on a different aliquot of the original urine specimen to further support a validity test result. Covered Employee Under FTA Authority: An employee who performs a safety-sensitive function including an applicant or transferee who is being considered for hire into a safety-sensitive function (See Attachment A for a list of covered employees). Cutoff: The analytical value (e.g., drug or drug metabolite concentration) used as the decision point to determine a result (e.g., negative, positive, adulterated, invalid, or substituted) or the need for further testing. Designated Employer Representative (DER): An employee authorized by the employer to take immediate action to remove employees from safety-sensitive duties and to make required decisions in testing. The DER also receives test results and other communications for the employer, consistent with the requirements of 49 CFR Parts 40 and 655. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 238 41 DOT, The Department, DOT Agency: These terms encompass all DOT agencies, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and the Office of the Secretary (OST). For purposes of 49 CFR Part 40, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), in the Department of Homeland Security, is considered to be a DOT agency for drug testing purposes. These terms include any designee of a DOT agency. Dilute specimen: A urine specimen with creatinine and specific gravity values that are lower than expected for human urine. Disabling damage: Damage which precludes departure of any vehicle from the scene of the occurrence in its usual manner in daylight after simple repairs. Disabling damage includes damage to vehicles that could have been operated but would have been further damaged if so operated, but does not include damage which can be remedied temporarily at the scene of the occurrence without special tools or parts, tire disablement without other damage even if no spare tire is available, or damage to headlights, taillights, turn signals, horn, or windshield wipers that makes them inoperative. Employee: Any person who is designated in a DOT agency regulation as subject to drug testing and/or alcohol testing. The term includes individuals currently performing safety- sensitive functions designated in DOT agency regulations and applicants for employment subject to pre-employment testing. For purposes of drug testing under 49 CFR Part 40, the term employee has the same meaning as the term “donor” as found on CCF and related guidance materials produced by the Department of Health and Human Services. Evidential Breath Testing Device (EBT): A device approved by the NHTSA for the evidential testing of breath at the 0.02 and the 0.04 alcohol concentrations, and appears on ODAPC’s Web page for “Approved Evidential Breath Measurement Devices” because it conforms with the model specifications available from NHTSA. Initial Drug Test: The first test used to differentiate a negative specimen from one that requires further testing for drugs or drug metabolites. Initial Specimen Validity Test: The first test used to determine if a specimen is adulterated, diluted, substituted, or invalid Invalid Result: The result reported by an HHS-certified laboratory in accordance with the criteria established by the HHS when a positive, negative, adulterated, or substituted result cannot be established for a specific drug or specimen validity test. Laboratory: Any U.S. laboratory certified by HHS under the National Laboratory Certification Program as meeting the minimum standards of HHS; or, in the case of foreign laboratories, a laboratory approved for participation by DOT under 49 CFR Part 40. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 239 42 Limit of Detection (LOD): The lowest concentration at which the analyte (e.g., drug or drug metabolite) can be identified. Limit of Quantification (LOQ): For quantitative assays, the lowest concentration at which the identity and concentration of the analyte (e.g., drug or drug metabolite) can be accurately established. Medical Review Officer (MRO): A licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy) responsible for receiving laboratory results generated by the drug testing program who has knowledge of substance abuse disorders, and has appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate an individual's confirmed positive test result, together with his/her medical history, and any other relevant bio-medical information. Negative Dilute: A drug test result which is negative for the five drug/drug metabolites but has creatinine and specific gravity values that are lower than expected for human urine. Negative result: The result reported by an HHS-certified laboratory to an MRO when a specimen contains no drug or the concentration of the drug is less than the cutoff concentration for the drug or drug class and the specimen is a valid specimen. An alcohol concentration of less than 0.02 BAC is a negative test result. Non-negative specimen: A specimen that is reported as adulterated, substituted, positive (for drug(s) or drug metabolite(s)), or invalid. Oral Fluid Specimen: A specimen that is collected from an employee’s oral cavity and is a combination of physiological fluids produced primarily by the salivary glands. An oral fluid specimen is considered to be a direct observation collection for all purposes of 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. Oxidizing Adulterant: A substance that acts alone or in combination with other substances to oxidize drugs or drug metabolites to prevent the detection of the drug or metabolites, or affects the reagents in either the initial or confirmatory drug test. Performing (a safety-sensitive function): A covered employee is considered to be performing a safety-sensitive function and includes any period in which he or she is actually performing, ready to perform, or immediately available to perform such functions. Positive result: The result reported by an HHS- Certified laboratory when a specimen contains a drug or drug metabolite equal or greater to the cutoff concentrations. Primary specimen: In drug testing, the specimen bottle that is opened and tested by a first laboratory to determine whether the employee has a drug or drug metabolite in his or her system; and for the purpose of specimen validity testing. The primary specimen is the portion of the donor’s subdivided specimen designated as the primary (‘‘A’’) specimen by the collector to distinguish it from the split (‘‘B’’) specimen, as defined in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 240 43 Prohibited drug: Identified as marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, or phencyclidine as specified in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. Reconfirmed: The result reported for a split (Bottle B) specimen when the second HHS- certified laboratory corroborates the original result reported for the primary (Bottle A) specimen. Rejected for Testing: The result reported by an HHS- Certified laboratory when no tests are performed for specimen because of a fatal flaw or a correctable flaw that has not been corrected. Revenue Service Vehicles: All transit vehicles that are used for passenger transportation service. Safety-sensitive functions: Employee duties identified as: A. The operation of a transit revenue service vehicle even when the vehicle is not in revenue service. B. The operation of a non-revenue service vehicle by an employee when the operation of such a vehicle requires the driver to hold a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). C. Maintaining a revenue service vehicle or equipment used in revenue service. D. Controlling dispatch or movement of a revenue service vehicle and E. Carrying a firearm for security purposes. Specimen: Fluid, breath, or other material collected from an employee at the collection site for the purpose of a drug or alcohol test. Specimen Bottle: The bottle that, after being sealed and labeled according to the procedures in 49 CFR Part 40, is used to hold a primary (“A”) or split (“B”) specimen during the transportation to the laboratory. In the context of oral fluid testing, it may be referred to as a “vial,” “tube,” or “bottle.” Split Specimen: In drug testing, the specimen that is sent to a first laboratory and stored with its original seal intact, and which is transported to a second laboratory for retesting at the employee’s request following MRO verification of the primary specimen as positive, adulterated or substituted. Split specimen collection: A collection in which the single specimen collected is divided into two separate specimen bottles, the primary specimen (Bottle A) and the split specimen (Bottle B). Substance Abuse Professional (SAP): A licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy) or licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, employee assistance professional, state-licensed or certified marriage and family therapist, or drug and alcohol counselor (certified by an organization listed at https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/sap) with knowledge of and clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of drug and alcohol related disorders. Substituted specimen: An employee’s specimen not consistent with a normal human specimen, as determined by HHS (e.g., a urine specimen, with creatinine and specif ic HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 241 44 gravity values that are so diminished, or so divergent that they are not consistent with normal human urine). Test Refusal: The following are considered a refusal to test if the employee: A. Fail to appear for any test (except a pre-employment test) within a reasonable time, as determined by the employer. B. Fail to remain at the collection site until the testing process is complete. An employee who leaves the testing site before the testing process commences for a pre-employment test has not refused to test. C. Fail to attempt to provide a specimen. An employee who does not provide a specimen because he or she has left the testing site before the testing process commenced for a pre-employment test has not refused to test. D. In the case of a directly-observed or monitored urine collection in a drug test, fail to permit monitoring or observation of your provision of a specimen. E. Fail to provide a sufficient quantity of specimen without a valid medical explanation. F. Fail or decline to take an additional test as directed by the collector or the employer for drug testing. G. Fail to undergo a medical evaluation as required by the MRO or the employer’s Designated Employer Representative (DER). H. Fail to cooperate with any part of the testing process. I. Fail to follow an observer’s instructions to raise and lower clothing and turn around during a directly-observed urine collection . J. Possess or wear a prosthetic or other device used to tamper with the collection process. K. Admit to the adulteration or substitution of a specimen to th e collector or MRO. L. Refuse to sign the certification at Step 2 of the Alcohol Testing Form (ATF). M. Fail to remain readily available following an accident. N. As a covered employee, if the MRO reports that you have a verified adulterated or substituted test result, you have refused to take a drug test. Undiluted (neat) oral fluid: An oral fluid specimen to which no other solid or liquid has been added. For example: A collection device that uses a diluent (or other component, process, or method that modifies the volume of the testable specimen) must collect at least 1 mL of undiluted (neat) oral fluid. Urine specimen: Urine collected from an employee at the collection site for the purpose of a drug test. Vehicle: A bus, electric bus, van, automobile, rail car, trolley car, trolley bus, or vessel. A public transit vehicle is a vehicle used for public transportation or for ancillary services. Verified negative test: A drug test result reviewed by a medical review officer and determined to have no evidence of prohibited drug use at or above the minimum cutoff levels established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Verified positive test: A drug test result reviewed by a medical review officer and determined to have evidence of prohibited drug use at or above the minimum cutoff levels specified in 49 CFR Part 40 as revised. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 242 45 Validity testing: The evaluation of the specimen to determine if it is consistent with normal human urine. Specimen validity testing will be conducted on all specimens provided for testing under DOT authority. The purpose of validity testing is to determine whether certain adulterants or foreign substances were added to the specimen, if the specimen was diluted, or if the specimen was altered. Education and Training: Every covered employee will receive a copy of this policy and will have ready access to the corresponding federal regulations including 49 CFR Parts 655 and 40, as amended. In addition, all covered employees will undergo a minimum of 60 minutes of training on the signs and symptoms of drug use including the effects and consequences of drug use on personal health, safety, and the work environment. The training also includes manifestations and behavioral cues that may indicate prohibited drug use. All supervisory personnel or company officials who are in a position to determine employee fitness for duty will receive 60 minutes of reasonable suspicion training on the physical, behavioral, and performance indicators of probable drug use and 60 minutes of additional reasonable suspicion training on the physical, behavioral, speech, and performance indicators of probable alcohol misuse. Prohibited Substances: Prohibited substances addressed by this policy include the following.  Illegally Used Controlled Substance or Drugs Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 any drug or any substance identified in Schedule I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812), and as further defined by 21 CFR 1308.11 through 1308.15 is prohibited at all times in the workplace unless a legal prescription has been written for the substance. This includes, but is not limited to: marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, as well as any drug not approved for medical use by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Illegal use includes use of any illegal drug, misuse of legally prescribed drugs, and use of illegally obtained prescription drugs. It is important to note that the use of marijuana in any circumstances remains completely prohibited for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under USDOT regulations. The use of marijuana in any circumstance (including under state recreational and/or medical marijuana laws) by a safety-sensitive employee is a violation of this policy and a violation of the USDOT regulation 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. o Federal Transit Administration drug testing regulations (49 CFR Part 655) require that all employees covered under FTA authority be tested for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and phencyclidine as described in this policy. Illegal use of these five drugs is prohibited at all times and thus, covered employees may be tested for these drugs anytime that they are on duty.  Legal Drugs: The appropriate use of legally prescribed drugs and non- prescription medications is not prohibited. However, the use of any substance which carries a warning label that indicates that mental functioning, motor skills, or judgment may be adversely affected must be reported to a Harnett Area Rural Transit System supervisor and the employee is required to provide a writte n HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 243 46 release from his/her doctor or pharmacist indicating that the employee can perform his/her safety-sensitive functions.  Alcohol: The use of beverages containing alcohol (including mouthwash, medication, food, candy) or any other substances containing alcohol in a manner which violates the conduct listed in this policy is prohibited. Prohibited Conduct: Illegal use of the drugs listed in this policy and as defined in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended is prohibited at all times. All covered employees are prohibited from reporting for duty or remaining on duty if they have used a prohibited drug as defined in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. Each covered employee is prohibited from consuming alcohol while performing safety-sensitive job functions or while on-call to perform safety- sensitive job functions. If an on-call employee has consumed alcohol, they must acknowledge the use of alcohol at the time that they are called to report for duty. The covered employee will subsequently be relieved of his/her on-call responsibilities and subject to discipline for not fulfilling his/her on-call responsibilities. The Transit Department shall not permit any covered employee to perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive functions if it has actual knowledge that the employee is using alcohol A. Each covered employee is prohibited from reporting to work or remaining on duty requiring the performance of safety-sensitive functions while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater regardless of when the alcohol was consumed. a. An employee with a breath alcohol concentration which measures 0.02 - 0.039 is not considered to have violated the USDOT -FTA drug and alcohol regulations, provided the employee hasn’t consumed the alcohol within four (4) hours of performing a safety-sensitive duty. However, if a safety- sensitive employee has a breath alcohol concentration of 0.02 -0.039, USDOT-FTA regulations require the employee to be removed from the performance of safety-sensitive duties until: i. The employee’s alcohol concentration measures less than 0.02; or ii. The start of the employee’s next regularly scheduled duty period, but not less than eight hours following administration of the test. B. No covered employee shall consume alcohol for eight (8) hours following involvement in an accident or until he/she submits to the post-accident drug/alcohol test, whichever occurs first. C. No covered employee shall consume alcohol within four (4) hours prior to the performance of safety-sensitive job functions. D. Harnett Area Rural Transit System, under its own authority, also prohibits the consumption of alcohol at all times the employee is on duty, or anytime the employee is in uniform. E. Consistent with the Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988, all Harnett Area Rural Transit System employees are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of prohibited HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 244 47 substances in the work place including transit system premises and transit vehicles. Drug Statute Conviction: Consistent with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1998, all employees are required to notify the Harnett Area Rural Transit System management of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace within five days after such conviction. Failure to comply with this provision shall result in disciplinary action as defined in this policy. Testing Requirements: A. Drug testing and alcohol testing will be conducted as required by 49 CFR Part 40 as amended. All employees covered under FTA authority shall be subject to testing prior to performing safety-sensitive duty, for reasonable suspicion, following an accident, and random as defined in this policy, and return to duty/follow-up. B. A drug test can be performed any time a covered employee is on duty. A reasonable suspicion, random, or follow-up alcohol test can only be performed just before, during, or after the performance of a safety-sensitive job function. Under Harnett Area Rural Transit System authority, a non-DOT alcohol test can be performed any time a covered employee is on duty. All covered employees will be subject to drug testing and alcohol testing as a condition of ongoing employment with Harnett Area Rural Transit System. Any safety-sensitive employee who refuses to comply with a request for testing shall be removed from duty and subject to discipline as defined in this policy. Drug Testing Procedures: A. Testing shall be conducted in a manner to assure a high degree of accuracy and reliability and using techniques, equipment, and laboratory facilities which have been approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS). All testing will be conducted consistent with the procedures set forth in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. The procedures will be performed in a private, confidentia l manner and every effort will be made to protect the employee, the integrity of the drug testing procedure, and the validity of the test result. B. The drugs that will be tested for include marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and phencyclidine. After the identity of the donor is checked using picture identification, a urine and/or oral fluid specimen will be collected as described in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. Each specimen will be accompanied by a DOT Custody and Control Form and identified using a unique identification number that attributes the specimen to the correct individual. The specimen analysis will be conducted at a HHS certified laboratory. An initial drug screen and validity test will be conducted on the primary specimen. For those specimens that are not negative, a confirmatory test will be performed. The test will be considered positive if the amounts of the drug(s) and/or its metabolites identified by the confirmatory test are at or above the minimum thresholds established in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. C. The test results from the HHS certified laboratory will be reported to a Medical Review Officer. A Medical Review Officer (MRO) is a licensed physician with detailed knowledge of substance abuse disorders and drug testing. The MRO HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 245 48 will review the test results to ensure the scientific validity of the test and to determine whether there is a legitimate medical explanation for a confirmed positive, substitute, or adulterated test result. The MRO will attempt to contact the employee to notify the employee of the non-negative laboratory result, and provide the employee with an opportunity to explain the confirmed laboratory test result. The MRO will subsequently review the employee’s medical history/medical records as appropriate to determine whether there is a legitimate medical explanation for a non-negative laboratory result. If no legitimate medical explanation is found, the test will be verified positive or refusal to test and reported to Harnett Area Rural Transit System. If a legitimate explanation is found, the MRO will report the test result as negative. D. If the test is invalid without a medical explanation, a retest will be conducted under direct observation. Employees do not have access to a test of their split specimen following an invalid result. E. Any covered employee who questions the results of a required drug test may request that the split sample be tested. The split sample test must be conducted at a second HHS-certified laboratory. The test must be conducted on the split sample that was provided by the employee at the same time as the primary sample. The method of collecting, storing, and testing the split sample will be consistent with the procedures set forth in 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. The employee's request for a split sample test must be made to the Medical Review Officer within 72 hours of notice of the original sample verified test result. Requests after 72 hours will only be accepted at the discretion of the MRO if the delay was due to documentable facts that were beyond the control of the employee. Harnett Area Rural Transit System will ensure that the cost for the split specimen analysis is covered in order for a timely analysis of the sample, however Harnett Area Rural Transit System will seek reimbursement for the split sample test from the employee. F. If the analysis of the split specimen fails to confirm the presence of the drug(s) detected in the primary specimen, if the split specimen is not able to be analyzed, or if the results of the split specimen are not scientifically adequate, the MRO will declare the original test to be canceled. G. Observed collections a. Consistent with 49 CFR Part 40, as amended, collection under direct observation with no advance notice will occur if: i. The laboratory reports to the MRO that a specimen is invalid, and the MRO reports to Harnett Area Rural Transit System that there was not an adequate medical explanation for the result; ii. The MRO reports to Harnett Area Rural Transit System that the original positive, adulterated, or substituted test result had to be cancelled because the test of the split specimen could not be performed; iii. The laboratory reported to the MRO that the urine specimen was negative-dilute with a creatinine concentration greater than or equal HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 246 49 to 2 mg/dL but less than or equal to 5 mg/dL, and the MRO reported the urine specimen as negative-dilute and that a second collection must take place under direct observation (see §40.197(b)(1)). iv. The collector observes materials brought to the collection site or the employee's conduct clearly indicates an attempt to tamper with a specimen; v. The temperature on the original urine specimen was out of range (See §40.65(b)(5)); vi. Anytime the employee is directed to provide another specimen because the original specimen appeared to have been tampered with (See §40.65(c)(1)). vii. All follow-up-tests; or viii. All return-to-duty tests H. Urine collections that are required to be directly observed will be conducted by a person of the same gender as the donor as required by 49 CFR Part 40.67. Alcohol Testing Procedures: A. Tests for breath alcohol concentration will be conducted utilizing a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)-approved Evidential Breath Testing device (EBT) operated by a trained Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT). A list of approved EBTs can be found on ODAPC’s Web page for “Approved Evidential Breath Measurement Devices”. Alcohol screening tests may be performed using a non-evidential testing device (alcohol screening device (ASD)) which is also approved by NHTSA. A list of approved ASDs can be found on ODAPC’s Web page for “Approved Screening Devices to Measure Alcohol in Bodily Fluids”. If the initial test indicates an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater, a second test will be performed to confirm the results of the initial test. The confirmatory test must occur on an EBT. The confirmatory test will be conducted no sooner than fifteen minutes after the completion of the initial test. The confirmatory test will be performed using a NHTSA-approved EBT operated by a trained BAT. The EBT will identify each test by a unique sequential identification number. This number, time, and unit identifier will be provided on each EBT printout. The EBT printout, along with an approved alcohol testing form, will be used to document the test, the subsequent results, and to attribute the test to the correct employee. The test will be performed in a private, confidential manner as required by 49 CFR Part 40, as amended. The procedure will be followed as prescribed to protect the employee and to maintain the integrity of the alcohol testing procedures and validity of the test result. B. A confirmed alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater will be considered a positive alcohol test and in violation of this policy. The consequences of a positive alcohol test are described in this policy. Even though an employee who has a confirmed alcohol concentration of 0.02 to 0.039 is not considered positive, the employee shall still be removed from duty for at least eight hours or for the duration of the work day whichever is longer and will be subject to the HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 247 50 consequences described in this policy. An alcohol concentration of less than 0.02 will be considered a negative test. C. Harnett Area Rural Transit System affirms the need to protect individual dignity, privacy, and confidentiality throughout the testing process. If at any time the integrity of the testing procedures or the validity of the test results is compromised, the test will be canceled. Minor inconsistencies or procedural flaws that do not impact the test result will not result in a cancelled test. D. The alcohol testing form (ATF) required by 49 CFR Part 40 as amended, shall be used for all FTA required testing. Failure of an employee to sign step 2 of the ATF will be considered a refusal to submit to testing. Pre-Employment Testing: All applicants for covered transit positions shall undergo drug testing prior to performance of a safety-sensitive function. A. All offers of employment for covered positions shall be extended conditional upon the applicant passing a drug test. An applicant will not be allowed to perform safety-sensitive functions unless the applicant takes a drug test with verified negative results. B. An employee shall not be placed, transferred or promoted into a position covered under FTA authority or company authority until the employee takes a drug test with verified negative results. C. If an applicant fails a pre-employment drug test, the conditional offer of employment shall be rescinded and the applicant will be provided with a list of at least two (2) USDOT qualified Substance Abuse Professionals. Failure of a pre- employment drug test will disqualify an applicant for employment for a period of at least one year. Before being considered for future employment the applicant must provide the employer proof of having successfully completed a referral, evaluation and treatment plan as described in section 655.62 of subpart G. The cost for the assessment and any subsequent treatment will be the sole responsibility of the applicant. D. When an employee being placed, transferred, or promoted from a non -covered position to a position covered under FTA authority or company authority submits a drug test with a verified positive result, the employee shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with this policy. E. If a pre-employment test is canceled, Harnett Area Rural Transit System will require the applicant to take and pass another pre-employment drug test. F. In instances where a FTA covered employee does not perform a safety-sensitive function for a period of 90 consecutive days or more regardless of reason , and during that period is not in the random testing pool the employee will be required to take a pre-employment drug test under 49 CFR Part 655 and have negative test results prior to the conduct of safety-sensitive job functions. G. Following a negative dilute the employee will be required to undergo another test. Should this second test result in a negative dilute result, the test will be HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 248 51 considered a negative and no additional testing will be required unless directed to do so by the MRO. H. Applicants are required (even if ultimately not hired) to provide Harnett Area Rural Transit System with signed written releases requesting USDOT drug and alcohol records from all previous, USDOT-covered, employers that the applicant has worked for within the last two years. Failure to do so will result in the employment offer being rescinded. Harnett Area Rural Transit System is required to ask all applicants (even if ultimately not hired) if they have tested positive or refused to test on a pre-employment test for a USDOT covered employer within the last two years. If the applicant has tested positive or refused to test on a pre- employment test for a USDOT covered employer, the applicant must provide Harnett Area Rural Transit System proof of having successfully completed a referral, evaluation and treatment plan as described in section 655.62 of subpart G. Reasonable Suspicion Testing: A. All Harnett Area Rural Transit System FTA covered employees will be subject to a reasonable suspicion drug and/or alcohol test when the employer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the covered employee has used a prohibited drug and/or engaged in alcohol misuse. Reasonable suspicion shall mean that there is objective evidence, based upon specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations of the employee's appearance, behavior, speech or body odor that are consistent with possible drug use and/or alcohol misuse. Reasonable suspicion referrals must be made by one or more supervisors who are trained to detect the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol use, and who reasonably concludes that an employee may be adversely affected or impaired in his/her work performance due to possible prohibited substance abuse or alcohol misuse. A reasonable suspicion alcohol test can only be conducted just before, during, or just after the performance of a safety-sensitive job function. However, under Harnett Area Rural Transit System’ authority, a non-DOT reasonable suspicion alcohol test may be performed any time the covered employee is on duty. A reasonable suspicion drug test can be performed any time the covered employee is on duty. B. Harnett Area Rural Transit System shall be responsible for transporting the employee to the testing site. Supervisors should avoid placing themselves and/or others into a situation which might endanger the physical safety of those present. The employee shall be placed on administrative leave pending disciplinary action described in this policy. An employee who refuses an instruction to submit to a drug/alcohol test shall not be permitted to finish his or her shift and shall immediately be placed on administrative leave pending disciplinary action as specified in this policy. C. A written record of the observations which led to a drug/alcohol test based o n reasonable suspicion shall be prepared and signed by the supervisor making the observation. This written record shall be submitted to the Harnett Area Rural Transit System D. When there are no specific, contemporaneous, articulable objective facts that indicate current drug or alcohol use, but the employee (who is not already a participant in a treatment program) admits the abuse of alcohol or other HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 249 52 substances to a supervisor in his/her chain of command, the employee shall be referred for assessment and treatment consistent with this policy. Harnett Area Rural Transit System shall place the employee on administrative leave in accordance with the provisions set forth under this policy. Testing in this circumstance would be performed under the direct authority of the Harnett Area Rural Transit System. Since the employee self -referred to management, testing under this circumstance would not be considered a violation of this policy or a positive test result under Federal authority. However, self -referral does not exempt the covered employee from testing under Federal authority as specified in this policy or the associated consequences. Post-Accident Testing: A. Fatal Accidents – A covered employee will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing if they are involved in an accident with a transit vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is in revenue service at the time of the accident, that results in a fatality. This includes all surviving covered employees that are operating the vehicle at the time of the accident and any other whose performance could have contributed to the accident, as determined by the employer using the best information available at the time of the decision. B. Non-Fatal Accidents – A post-accident test of the employee operating the public transportation vehicle will be conducted if an accident occurs and at least one of the following conditions is met: a. The accident results in injuries requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene, unless the covered employee can be completely discounted as a contributing factor to the accident. b. One or more vehicles incurs disabling damage as a result of the occurrence and must be transported away from the scene, unless the covered employee can be completely discounted as a contributing factor to the accident In addition, any other covered employee whose performance could have contributed to the accident, as determined by the employer using the best information available at the time of the decision, will be tested. As soon as practicable following an accident, as defined in this policy, the transit supervisor investigating the accident will notify the transit employee operating the transit vehicle and all other covered employees whose performance could have contributed to the accident of the need for the test. The supervisor will make the determination using the best information available at the time of the decision. The appropriate transit supervisor shall ensure that an employee, required to be tested under this section, is tested as soon as practicable, but no longer than eight (8) hours of the accident for alcohol, and no longer than 32 hours for drugs. If an alcohol test is not performed within two hours of the accident, the Supervisor will document the reason(s) for the delay. If the alcohol test is not conducted within (8) eight hours, or the drug test within 32 hours, attempts to conduct the test must cease and the reasons for the failure to test documented. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 250 53 Any covered employee involved in an accident must refrain from alcohol use for eight (8) hours following the accident, or until he/she undergoes a post-accident alcohol test. An employee who is subject to post-accident testing who fails to remain readily available for such testing, including notifying a supervisor of his or her location if he or she leaves the scene of the accident prior to submission to such test, may be deemed to have refused to submit to testing. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the delay of necessary medical attention for the injured following an accident, or to prohibit an employee from leaving the scene of an accident for the period necessary to obtain assistance in responding to the accident, or to obtain necessary emergency medical care. In the rare event that Harnett Area Rural Transit System is unable to perform an FTA drug and alcohol test (i.e., employee is unconscious, employee is detained by law enforcement agency), Harnett Area Rural Transit System may use drug and alcohol post-accident test results administered by local law enforcement officials in lieu of the FTA test. The local law enforcement officials must have independent authority for the test and the employer must obtain the results in conformance with local law. Random Testing: A. All covered employees will be subjected to random, unannounced testing. The selection of employees shall be made by a scientifically valid method of randomly generating an employee identifier from the appropriate pool of safety- sensitive employees. Individuals who may be covered under company authority will be selected from a pool of non-DOT-covered individuals. B. The dates for administering unannounced testing of randomly selected employees shall be spread reasonably throughout the calendar year, day of the week and hours of the day. C. The number of employees randomly selected for drug/alcohol testing during the calendar year shall be not less than the percentage rates set each year by the FTA administrator. The current year testing rates can be viewed online at https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/random-testing-rates. D. Each covered employee shall be in a pool from which the random selection is made. Each covered employee in the pool shall have an equal chance of selection each time the selections are made. Employees will remain in the pool and subject to selection, whether or not the employee has been previously tested. There is no discretion on the part of management in the selection. E. Covered transit employees that fall under the Federal Transit Administration regulations will be included in one random pool maintained separately from the testing pool of non-safety-sensitive employees that are included solely under Harnett Area Rural Transit System authority. F. Random tests can be conducted at any time during an employee’s shift for drug testing. Alcohol random tests can only be performed just before, during, or just after the performance of a safety sensitive duty. However, under Harnett Area Rural Transit System’ authority, a non-DOT random alcohol test may be performed any time the covered employee is on duty. Testing can occur during the beginning, middle, or end of an employee’s shift. G. Employees are required to proceed immediately to the collection site upon notification of their random selection. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 251 54 Return to Duty Testing: Harnett Area Rural Transit System will terminate the employment of any employee that tests positive or refuses a test as specified in this policy. However, in the rare event an employee is reinstated with court order or other action beyond the control of the transit system, the employee must complete the return-to-duty process prior to the performance of safety-sensitive functions. All covered employees who previously tested positive on a drug or alcohol test or refused a test, must test negative for drug s, alcohol (below 0.02 for alcohol), or both and be evaluated and released by the Substance Abuse Professional before returning to work. Following the initial assessment, the SAP will recommend a course of rehabilitation unique to the individual. The SAP will recommend the return-to-duty test only when the employee has successfully completed the treatment requirement and is known to be drug and alcohol- free and there are no undue concerns for public safety. The SAP will determine whether the employee returning to duty will require a return-to-duty drug test, alcohol test, or both. Follow Up Testing: Covered employees that have returned to duty following a positive or refused test will be required to undergo frequent, unannounced drug and/or alcohol testing following their return-to-duty test. The follow-up testing will be performed for a period of one to five years with a minimum of six tests to be performed the first year. The frequency and duration of the follow-up tests (beyond the minimums) will be determined by the SAP reflecting the SAP’s assessment of the employee’s unique situation and recovery progress. Follow-up testing should be frequent enough to deter and/or detect a relapse. Follow-up testing is separate and in addition to the random, po st-accident, reasonable suspicion and return-to-duty testing. In the instance of a self-referral or a management referral, the employee will be subject to non-USDOT follow-up tests and follow-up testing plans modeled using the process described in 49 CFR Part 40. However, all non-USDOT follow-up tests and all paperwork associated with an employee’s return-to-work agreement that was not precipitated by a positive test result (or refusal to test) does not constitute a violation of the Federal regulations will be conducted under company authority and will be performed using non-DOT testing forms. Result of Drug/Alcohol Test: A. Any covered employee that has a verified positive drug or alcohol test, or test refusal, will be immediately removed from his/her safety-sensitive position, informed of educational and rehabilitation programs available, and will be provided with a list of at least two (2) USDOT qualified Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) for assessment, and will be terminated. B. Following a negative dilute the employee will be required to undergo another test. Should this second test result in a negative dilute result, the test will be considered a negative and no additional testing will be required unless directed to do so by the MRO. C. Refusal to submit to a drug/alcohol test shall be considered equivalent to a positive test result and a direct act of insubordination and shall result in termination and referral to a list of USDOT qualified SAPs. A test refusal is defined as any of the following circumstances: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 252 55 a. Fail to appear for any test (except a pre-employment test) within a reasonable time, as determined by the employer. b. Fail to remain at the collection site until the testing process is complete. An employee who leaves the testing site before the testing process commences for a pre-employment test has not refused to test. c. Fail to attempt to provide a specimen. An employee who does not provide a specimen because he or she has left the testing site before the testing process commenced for a pre-employment test has not refused to test. d. In the case of a directly-observed or monitored urine collection in a drug test, fail to permit monitoring or observation of your provision of a specimen. e. Fail to provide a sufficient quantity of specimen without a valid medical explanation. f. Fail or decline to take an additional test as directed by the collector or the employer for drug testing. g. Fail to undergo a medical evaluation as required by the MRO or the employer's Designated Employer Representative (DER). h. Fail to cooperate with any part of the testing process. i. Fail to follow an observer's instructions to raise and lower clothing and turn around during a directly observed urine collection. j. Possess or wear a prosthetic or other device used to tamper with the collection process. k. Admit to the adulteration or substitution of a specimen to the collector or MRO. l. Refuse to sign the certification at Step 2 of the Alcohol Testing Form (ATF). m. Fail to remain readily available following an accident. n. As a covered employee, if the MRO reports that you have a verified adulterated or substituted test result, you have refused to take a drug test. D. An alcohol test result of 0.02 to  0.039 BAC shall result in the removal of the employee from duty for eight hours or the remainder or the work day whichever is longer. The employee will not be allowed to return to safety-sensitive duty for his/her next shift until he/she submits to a NONDOT alcohol test with a result of less than 0.02 BAC. E. In the instance of a self-referral or a management referral, disciplinary action against the employee shall include: a. Mandatory referral for an assessment by an employer approved counseling professional for assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, and execution of a return-to-work agreement; b. Failure to execute, or remain compliant with the return-to-work agreement shall result in termination from Harnett Area Rural Tran sit System employment. i. Compliance with the return-to-work agreement means that the employee has submitted to a drug/alcohol test immediately prior to returning to work; the result of that test is negative; the employee is cooperating with his/her recommended treatment program; and, the employee has agreed to periodic unannounced follow-up testing as described in this policy; however, all follow-up testing performed as part of a return-to-work agreement required under this policy is under the sole authority of Harnett Area Rural Transit System and will be performed using non-DOT testing forms. c. Refusal to submit to a periodic unannounced follow-up drug/alcohol test shall be considered a direct act of insubordination and shall result in HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 253 56 termination. All tests conducted as part of the return-to-work agreement will be conducted under company authority and will be performed using non-DOT testing forms. d. A self-referral or management referral to the employer's counseling professional that was not precipitated by a positive test result does not constitute a violation of the Federal regulations and will not be considered as a positive test result in relation to the progressive discipline defined in this policy. e. Periodic unannounced follow-up drug/alcohol testing conducted as a result of a self-referral or management referral which results in a verified positive shall be considered a positive test result in relation to the progressive discipline defined in this policy. f. A Voluntary Referral does not shield an employee from disciplinary action or guarantee employment with Harnett Area Rural Transit System. g. A Voluntary Referral does not shield an employee from the requirement to comply with drug and alcohol testing. F. Failure of an employee to report within five days a criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace shall result in termination. Grievance and Appeal: The consequences specified by 49 CFR Part 40.149 (c) for a positive test or test refusal is not subject to arbitration. Proper Application of The Policy: Harnett Area Rural Transit System is dedicated to assuring fair and equitable application of this substance abuse policy. Therefore, supervisors/managers are required to use and apply all aspects of this policy in an unbiased and impartial manner. Any supervisor/manager who knowingly disregards the requirements of this policy, or who is found to deliberately misuse the policy in regard to subordinates, shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Information Disclosure: A. Drug/alcohol testing records shall be maintained by the Harnett Area Rural Transit System Drug and Alcohol Program Manager and, except as provided below or by law, the results of any drug/alcohol test shall not be disclosed without express written consent of the tested employee. B. The employee, upon written request, is entitled to obtain copies of any records pertaining to their use of prohibited drugs or misuse of alcohol including any drug or alcohol testing records. Covered employees have the right to gain access to any pertinent records such as equipment calibration records, and records of laboratory certifications. Employees may not have access to SAP follow-up testing plans. C. Records of a verified positive drug/alcohol test result shall be released to the Drug and Alcohol Program Manager, and other transit system management personnel on a need-to-know basis. D. Records will be released to a subsequent employer only upon receipt of a written request from the employee. E. Records of an employee's drug/alcohol tests shall be released to the adjudicator in a grievance, lawsuit, or other proceeding initiated by or on behalf of the tested individual arising from the results of the drug/alcohol test. The records will be released to the decision maker in the proceeding. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 254 57 F. Records will be released to the National Transportation Safety Board during an accident investigation. G. Information will be released in a criminal or civil action resulting from an employee’s performance of safety-sensitive duties, in which a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the drug or alcohol test information is relevant to the case and issues an order to the employer to release the information. The employer will release the information to the decision maker in the proceeding with a binding stipulation that it will only be released to parties of the proceeding. H. Records will be released to the DOT or any DOT agency with regulatory authority over the employer or any of its employees. I. Records will be released if requested by a Federal, state or local safety agency with regulatory authority over Harnett Area Rural Transit System or the employee. J. If a party seeks a court order to release a specimen or part of a specimen contrary to any provision of Part 40 as amended, necessary legal steps to contest the issuance of the order will be taken. K. In cases of a contractor or sub-recipient of a state department of transportation, records will be released when requested by such agencies that must certify compliance with the regulation to the FTA. Section 9. Workplace Violence Prevention Policy Section I. Purpose: Harnett County recognizes that employees are its most important asset, and that a place of employment reasonably safe from violence is fundamental to the well-being, health and productivity of our employees and citizens. Therefore, Harnett County shall use all reasonable efforts to deter the threat of workplace violence and to provide a safe workplace for employees and citizens. With this in mind, Harnett County adopts this policy to: (1) define prohibited acts of violence or threats of violence, (2) to give guidance to Supervisors and Department Heads in recognizing and reacting to violence or threats of violence, (3) to provide procedures to deal with violence or threats of violence that may occur during business hours or on County property, and (4) to provide for review and evaluation of incidents which may occur. The County encourages employees to bring their disputes or differences with other employees to the attention of their Supervisors, Department Heads, or the Human Resources Director before the situation escalates into potential violence. The County is eager to assist in the resolution of employee disputes, and will not discipline employees for raising such concerns. Section II. Policy Coverage: This policy applies to all Harnett County employees while in any place related to County employment or anywhere an employee may conduct County business. Section III. Violation: Failure to comply with this policy shall be a direct violation of Harnett County policy and any employee found in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary actions as addressed in Article IX of the Personnel Ordinance and any other civil or criminal penalty that may be imposed. Section IV. Definitions: Workplace violence: Any assaultive act within the workplace including intentional harassment, physical attack, communicating threats, and/or verbal HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 255 58 or written threats of such acts, as well as actions that are perceived as violent or threatening and which investigation confirms were reasonably interpreted to be violent. Workplace violence may include, without limitation, stalking, threatening communications, shoving, kicking, spitting or violation of restraining orders. Workplace violence may be: A. Violence against an employee where a stranger to the workplace threatens or commits violence. B. Violence against an employee where a client or customer threatens or commits violence. C. Violence between employees, including against a Supervisor or Department Head. D. Any form of domestic violence involving employees. This may include spouses or domestic partners coming to the work site. Threatened violence: The legally unjustified threat of imminent or future force, or of imminent or future physical injury on another, under circumsta nces where the intention or ability to carry out the threat appears reasonably credible or reasonably puts a person of reasonable fortitude in fear of imminent harm. Threat: An avowed or apparent present determination or intent to injure presently or in the future, whether or not subject to a contingency under the maker’s control. Violence Incident Report: A form used by the County that is to be completed for all reported occurrences of violence and/or threats of violence within the scope of this policy. Incident Assessment Team: A team that consists of the County Manager, the Human Resources Director, and the Staff Attorney. Employer Workplace Violence Restraining Order: An order obtained pursuant to the provisions of NCGS §95-23. Section V. Violence Prevention Strategies: Each County agency or department shall familiarize all employees with this policy by prominently displaying it within each County agency or department. Each County agency or department shall periodically review or, alternatively, request the Sheriff’s Office to review, security measures for work areas and any incident reports of threatened or actual violence. The Incident Assessment Team shall be appropriately trained to handle and deal with any acts of violence or threats of violence that comes before it. They also shall determine the proper intervention for each reported threat. Harnett County shall provide Supervisors and Department Heads with training in violence prevention and employment techniques. Harnett County will provide all County employees with an initial orientation to this policy. Supervisors and Department Heads shall promptly report any valid threat to the Incident Assessment Team. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 256 59 Nothing in this section shall deter any employee from immediately notifying law enforcement to protect lives and property. If a Supervisor or Department Head becomes aware of a threat of imminent danger of violence toward an employee, he or she shall immediately notify that employee of the potential danger and do everything in his power to keep the employee from injury. The Incident Assessment Team shall manage the response from the time of notification until the threat no longer exists. The Incident Assessment Team shall consider various levels of response, which may include, but not be limited to, no response, giving the target an administrative day off or otherwise removing the target from work site, altering the predictable routines of the target, reducing possible interactions with the suspect, trespassing the suspect from the work site, seeking an employer workplace violence restraining order, referral to law enforcement for investigative follow-up, and/or referral to law enforcement for incident response and intervention ( including possibly for arrest and charge of a criminal offense). Section VI. Responsibilities of Supervisors, Department Heads, & Administrators: All Supervisors, Department Heads, and Administrators shall: A. Support the County’s Workplace Violence Prevention Policy and encourage work environments that are reasonably safe from violence, threats of violence, or harassing/aggressive behavior. B. Inform employees on a periodic basis of the County’s workplace violence prevention policies and procedures. C. Be responsible for anticipating or detecting imminent acts or threats of violence. D. Determine if patterns or changes in an employee’s behavior appear to be threatening or have a potential for violence, and, if so, should address such a matter in private, constructive, and supportive counseling sessions with the employee. If appropriate, referral may be made to the Human Resources Director for acts which appear to threaten workplace violence. E. Refer any cases of frequent displays of intense anger resulting in recurrent suicide threats, recurrent physical confrontations and/or fights, destruction of property, or use of weapons to harm others to the Human Resources Director immediately. F. Upon receiving a complaint or notice of workplace violence, or upon reasonably believing that such acts or behaviors are occurring, promptly notify the Incident Assessment Team. If the threat is immediate, proper law enforcement and security authorities should be notified. G. Take all threats seriously until otherwise proved. Section VII. Employee Reporting Procedures: Any employee who experiences or witnesses any acts, conduct, behavior or communication in violation of this policy must first secure his or her own safety and then immediately contact his or her Supervisor or Department Head. If the Supervisor or Department Head is alleged to have committed the reported act, the report shall be made to the Human Resources Director. If the threat of violence is imminent, law enforcement shall be contacted. A County employee should not place him or herself in peril or danger. If he or she sees or hears a commotion or disturbance near a workstation, he or she should not try to intercede or handle the violent or potentially violent situation. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 257 60 Any individual that: (1) was reported to have threatened or committed a violent act, (2) has committed a violent act, or (3) made direct threats of a future violent act may be removed from the County work site until an investigation has been completed. At the end of the investigation, the Incident Assessment Team shall determine the County’s official response. In the interim, the County may take measures and respond as appropriate under the circumstances to maintain the continuity of County operations and assure workplace safety. Harnett County will not retaliate against an employee for good faith reporting of instances of workplace violence. Employees who reasonably are aware of or have information pertinent to workplace violence but do not report it as provided in this policy may be subject to disciplinary actions as addressed in Article IX of the Personnel Ordinance. Section VIII. Post-Incident Procedures: After an act of violence or threat of violence has occurred, the Supervisor or Department Head shall complete a Workplace Violence Incident Report describing the threats and/or acts of violence, and shall include the names and telephone numbers of any employees involved as well as physical descriptions of anyone who engaged in threatening and or violent conduct. The Workplace Violence Incident Report shall be filed with the Human Resources Director, with copies sent to the County Manager and the County Staff Attorney. The Incident Assessment Team may, as appropriate, offer debriefing sessions to all personnel affected. Additionally, other specialized resources, such as community mental health programs, should be used as appropriate. Section IX. Media Issues: Requests by the media for information regarding an act or threat of violence should be directed to the County Manager. Such requests should not be directed to or responded to by any other employee. Section X. Training: The best defense to workplace violence is employees who are well trained and educated. Training on workplace violence prevention shall be offered periodically for all Supervisors, Department Heads, and Administrators during normal working hours. Such training should include a review and definition of workplace violence, an explanation and description of the County program, techniques for recognizing potential violence, policies and work environment arrangements to reduce risk to employees, appropriate responses to violence in cidents, obtaining emergency assistance, and procedures for reporting and investigating incidents. Section 10. Emergency Operations In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, the County Manager and the BOC reserves the right to close all County offices, but still require County employees, essential and non-essential, to report to work to assist with any necessary emergency operations. Those employees required to work during a natural or man -made disaster will be compensated in accordance with Article VI, Section 14 of this policy. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 258 61 Any employees who are required to work under the direction of the Emergency Operations Center Director during an emergency or natural disaster will be compensated in accordance with Article III, Section 18 of this p olicy. Section 11. Performance Evaluations A performance evaluation is an annual review in which an employee’s overall job performance is evaluated by his or her Supervisor and/or Department Head. Each County employee should undergo a formal performance evaluation conducted by his or her Supervisor and/or Department Head on at least an annual basis. This evaluation should be conducted around the employee’s yearly anniversary date based on the employee’s most recent date of employment with the County. The purpose of the performance evaluation is to provide a mechanism for communication between Supervisors, Department Heads, and employees, to evaluate strengths and weaknesses, and to set future goals. All performance evaluations should be completed with impartiality. Performance evaluations may be used as evidence to support an employee’s raise or promotion or to justify an adverse action being taken against the employee. Completed evaluations should be submitted to Human Resources and placed in the employee’s personnel file, and are subject to the rules and regulations addressed in Article XII of this policy. Performance evaluations should be completed in a timely manner with any resulting salary increases submitted via the Personnel Action process as soon as possible following the employee’s anniversary date. In no situation should a performance evaluation be completed or resulting salary increase be submitted more than six months after an employee’s corresponding anniversary date unless the employee is no t present to be reviewed. The timely completion of performance evaluations and submittal of salary increases is the responsibility of an evaluated employee’s Supervisor and ultimately of the Department Head. Failure to complete performance evaluations and submit resulting salary increases in a timely manner should be reflected in the performance evaluation of the Supervisor completing the evaluation and the Department Head. Section 12. Tobacco Use Policy The use of tobacco products are prohibited in: (1) any building owned, leased, or occupied by the County, (2) on any grounds that are owned, leased or occupied by the County, and (3) within fifty (50) feet of buildings owned, leased or occupied by the County. Section 13. Uniform Policy If you are occupying a position that requires the wearing of a Harnett County furnished uniform, the County will clean and maintain the uniforms through a contract service. However, employees are responsible for turning in soiled uniforms and getting the equivalent quantity and type (shirts and trousers) back from the vendor that are turned in. Employees are responsible for inspecting all uniforms cleaned by the vendor and if HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 259 62 the vendor shorts or damages assigned uniform, supervisors are to be notified immediately. Upon termination or a change to position that does not require uniforms, employees must turn in all assigned uniforms. Damages beyond normal fair wear and tear, as determined by your supervisor, and shortages will be charged to you at the cost of replacement items. If not paid for or returned beforehand, all shortages or damages will be charged to the employee. Section 14. Reasonable Accommodation Policy It is the policy of Harnett County to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment for qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and sincerely held religious beliefs and practices consistent with all federal and state laws. This is in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Consistent with this commitment, the County provides reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified applicants and employees if the reasonable accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation: If any employee believes they need an accommodation, they are responsible for requesting a reasonable accommodation from the Human Resources Department. The request may be made orally or in writing. The County encourages employees to make their request in writing and should include relevant information, such as: • A description of the accommodation. • The reason for the accommodation. • How the accommodation will help the employee perform the essential functio ns of their job. The County will keep confidential any medical information obtained in connection with the request for a reasonable accommodation. After receiving the oral or written request, the County will engage in an interactive dialogue with the employee to determine the precise limitations and explore potential reasonable accommodations that could overcome those limitations. The County encourages employees to suggest specific reasonable accommodations that they believe would allow them to perform their job. However, the County is not required to make the specific accommodation requested and may provide an alternative effective accommodation, to the extent any reasonable accommodation can be made without imposing an undue hardship on the County. No Retaliation: Individuals will not be retaliated against for requesting an accommodation in good faith. The County expressly prohibits any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation, or retaliation against any individual for requesting an accommodation in good faith. If employees or applicants feel that they or someone else may have been subjected to conduct that violates this policy, they should report it immediately to the Human Resources Department. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 260 63 Section 15. Lactation Break Policy All employees who are nursing are eligible to take reasonable breaks under this policy to express breast milk for up to one year after the birth of a child. Harnett County encourages all eligible employees who intend to take breaks under this policy to not ify a Supervisor, Department Head, or the Human Resources Department of their intent, for example, when they are discussing their return to work following leave relating to the birth of a child or related medical conditions to the birth of a child. Lactation Breaks: Eligible employees may take a reasonable amount of break time to accommodate the employee’s need to express breast milk for the employee’s nursing child. Eligible employees should notify their Supervisor or their Department Head of the frequency, timing, and duration of lactation breaks they need to take. Eligible employees will be provided with a private place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from other employees and the public. Employees should contact their Supervisor, Department Head, or the Human Resources Department for information about the designated location for lactation breaks in closest proximity to their work area. Compensation During Breaks: Lactation breaks under this policy are unpaid unless an employee uses paid break time that is granted to other employees in the department. Employees who use their paid break time to express breast milk should let their Supervisor or the Department Head know and will be compensated accordingly. Employees who are required to record time must accurately record the start and end of lactation breaks on their time sheets or clock in and out for their lactation breaks in accordance with their department’s timekeeping policy when they are taking unpaid lactation breaks to express breast milk. Uninterrupted lactation breaks do not count as hours worked. If an employee takes an unpaid break, the employee may use accrued sick, vacation, petty leave, or compensatory time or may make up the time as negotiated with their Supervisor or Department Head. Administration of This Policy: The Human Resources Department is responsible for the administration of this policy. For any questions regarding this policy or questions about lactation breaks that are not addressed in this policy, please contact the Human Resources Department. Employees who believe they have been subjected to any conduct that violates this policy should promptly contact the Human Resources Department, who will ensure that a prompt investigation is conducted and take prompt corrective action, if appropriate. No Retaliation: The County expressly prohibits any form of discipline, reprisal, intimidation, retaliation, or discrimination against any individual for requesting or taking lactation breaks, or filing a complaint for violations of this policy, the Fair Labor Standards Act, or applicable state law. Harnett County is committed to enforcing this policy and prohibiting retaliation against employees who request or take break time under this policy, or who file a related complaint. If employees feel that they or someone else may have been subjected to conduct that violates this policy, they should report it immediately to the Human Resources Department. ARTICLE VI. LEAVES OF ABSENCE HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 261 64 Section 1. Introduction Harnett County wishes to provide County citizens and employees with a safe, efficient, and productive County. In order to provide such a service, the County offers the following leaves of absence for use by County employees, as long as activities conducted during any leave of absence are not directly contrary to the County mission. County employees are, however, cautioned not to retain excess accumulations of leave time in hopes to use these accumulations late in the calendar year. During the holiday season, the County must remain open, so the County may not allow multiple employees leave for extended periods of time during this busy season. All leave granted to employees by the County is given with the understanding that this leave is not a right, but a privilege that may only be used with permission. All employees should submit any form of leave they wish to take to the appropriate authority for consideration no later than 1 workday before a leave is to be taken. In emergency situations an employee should submit any form of leave they wish to take no later than 2 hours before the start of the workday. Section 2. Holidays The following days, and any others that the BOC may designate, are considered holidays with pay for any full-time County employees or Administrator working within the confines of the established Harnett County workweek. The amount to be paid to each employee for every holiday is described below. Whatever day the holiday falls on shall be observed as a paid holiday off by the County. When, however, a holiday (other than Christmas Day) falls on a weekend, Friday shall be the County’s observed holiday. Holiday Number of Days Off New Year’s Day 1 Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday 1 Good Friday 1 Memorial Day 1 Juneteenth 1 Independence Day 1 Labor Day 1 Veterans Day 1 Thanksgiving 2 Christmas 3 Christmas Holiday Schedule: When Christmas Day falls on any of the following days of the week, the County shall observe the following: Christmas Day Falls On: Days Off Include: Monday Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday Tuesday Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday Wednesday Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday Thursday Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday Friday Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday Saturday Friday, Monday, & Tuesday Sunday Friday, Monday, & Tuesday HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 262 65 Religious Observances: Harnett County, in reverence of citizens’ First Amendment rights, shall make every reasonable effort to accommodate an employee’s request to be away from work for certain religious holiday observances; however, nothing shall obligate the County to make accommodations if, in accommodating the request, it would result in undue hardship on the County or other County employees. Such a request will not be granted if it (1) creates a risk to the health and safety of other employees, (2) causes undue expense to the County, (3) causes hardship on the scheduling and work of other County employees, and (4) creates an unnecessary division among employees. Termination: Any County employee that is terminating, is terminated, or resigns on a holiday will not be paid for that holiday, unless they physically work the holiday. Effects on Other Types of Paid Leave: Holidays which occur during an employee’s use of any amount of their accumulated leave shall not be charged against them as part of that accumulated leave. Compensation for Holidays: A. Full-time employees, who work a regular 40-hour workweek, will be compensated eight (8) hours of paid time for each day off for a ny of the holidays above. B. Full-time employees on the four day – 10-hour per day – workweek will be compensated eight (8) hours of paid time for each day off for any of the holidays above. To recover the missing two (2) hours, such an employee must take two (2) hours of their accumulated leave. C. Full-time employees who work on rotating shifts will be compensated eight (8) hours of paid time for any of the holidays above. D. Full-time employees who work a nine (9) hour rotation shift will be off the recognized County holiday and will be compensated eight (8) hours of paid time. To recover the missing one (1) hour, such an employee must take one (1) hour of their accumulated leave. E. Employees who are on approved Leave Without Pay (LWOP) or suspended without pay in accordance with Article VIII Section 1 will not be compensated for a holiday that takes place during this type of leave or suspension. Compensation for Holidays Worked: A. Full-time employees, who work a regular 40-hour workweek, that are required to work on a regularly scheduled holiday will earn eight (8) hours of time for each day off for any of the holidays above, along with compensatory time off equal to the hours worked based on their status under the FLSA. B. Full-time employees on the four day – 10-hour per day – workweek that are required to work on a regularly scheduled holid ay will earn eight (8) hours of time for each day off for any of the holidays above, along with compensatory time off equal to the hours worked based on their status under the FLSA. C. Full-time employees who work on rotating shifts which work on a recognized County holiday, regardless of what day said holiday falls on, will be compensated eight (8) hours of paid time for any of the holidays above in addition to their regular shift compensation. D. If time off cannot be provided, the County Manager may approve monetary compensation for any holiday(s) worked. E. Full time employees who work a nine (9) hour rotation shift on the recognized County holiday will be paid the standard eight (8) hours of holiday pay and paid for any hours worked. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 263 66 Termination: Any employee who has accumulated holiday leave, upon complete termination, shall be paid for all unused holiday time. Section 3. Vacation Leave Use for Full Time Employees: Vacation leave may be used at any time by any employee as earned with the approval of the appropriate Supervisor, Department Head, or County Manager. However, certain Supervisors, Department Heads, or County employees, as designated by the County Manager, must take at least five (5) consecutive workdays of accrued vacation leave per calendar year. Use for Probationary Employees: Those employees under a probationary period may not use their accumulated vacation time until the probationary period is over unless special circumstances exist and an exception is approved. However, employees serving a probationary period following a promotion may use any previously accrued vacation leave during the probationary period with the approval of the appropriate Supervisor, Department Head, or County Manager. Manner of Accumulation: The following charts details the manner in which vacation leave shall be accumulated by all full-time County employees. Years of service with other North Carolina governmental agencies and North Carolina counties, may be considered and may be transferred from the employee’s last place of employment immediately prior to their employment with the County. Full-Time 40 Hour Workweek Employees Years of Service Hours Accrued Monthly Days Accrued Annual Less than 2 6.67 10 At least 2 but less than 5 8.00 12 At least 5 but less than 10 10.00 15 At least 10 but less than 15 12.00 18 At least 15 but less than 20 14.00 21 20 or more 16.00 24 Sheriffs (42.75 Employees) Years of Service Hours Accrued Monthly Hours Accrued Annual Less than 2 7.13 85.6 At least 2 but less than 5 8.56 102.72 At least 5 but less than 10 10.70 128.4 At least 10 but less than 15 12.84 154.08 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 264 67 At least 15 but less than 20 14.98 179.76 20 or more 17.12 205.44 Emergency Services (24 Hour Shift Employees) Years of Service Hours Accrued Monthly Hours Accrued Annual Less than 2 8.87 106.4 At least 2 but less than 5 10.64 127.68 At least 5 but less than 10 13.30 159.6 At least 10 but less than 15 15.96 191.52 At least 15 but less than 20 18.62 223.44 20 or more 21.28 255.36 EMS (9 Hour Shift Employees) Years of Service Hours Accrued Monthly Hours Accrued Annual Less than 2 7.50 90.05 At least 2 but less than 5 9.00 108.00 At least 5 but less than 10 11.25 135.00 At least 10 but less than 15 13.50 162.00 At least 15 but less than 20 15.75 189.00 20 or more 18.00 216.00 Maximum Accumulation: There is no limit to the amount of vacation leave an employee may accumulate before July 15 of each fiscal year. On July 15, however, any employee with more than 240 hours of accumulated leave shall have the excess amount transferred to sick leave. The remaining 240 hours of vacation time will transfer over beginning on August 1. Also, an employee who retires (who wish to do so) may roll all accrued vacation in excess of 240 hours into sick leave on their last day of employment, regardless of the month in which they retire. Repayment of Vacation Leave: Voluntary Departure: Any employee who retires or otherwise voluntarily ceases his or her service to the County without failure in the performance of his or her job duties or unsatisfactory personal conduct shall be paid for his or her accumulated vacation leave not to exceed 240 hours. Repayment of Vacation Leave: Involuntary Departure: Any employee who is involuntarily dismissed from their position with the County or otherwise quits because of his or her failure in the performance of his or her job duties and responsibilities or unsatisfactory personal conduct, in the discretion of the County Manager, shall or shall not be reimbursed for their accumulated vacation leave. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 265 68 Repayment of Vacation Leave: Upon Employee’s Death: The estate of a County employee who dies while in the service of the County shall be entitled to repayment for all of his or her accumulated vacation leave at the time of death except for those hours donated by other employees under the County’s Shared Leave Policy as expressed in Article VI, Section 8. Section 4. Sick Leave Use: Sick leave shall be used and granted to County employees for: A. Any absence that is approved as a qualifying event under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) B. Employee sickness or bodily injury C. Exposure to or infection with a contagious disease. D. Required physical, dental, or mental examination or treatment E. An illness or medical appointment of an employee’s spouse, child, parent, or parent-in-law that requires the presence of the employee Physician Certification: A Supervisor, Department Head, or County Manager may require an employee to provide a physician’s certificate concerning the nature of the illness and the employee’s physical capacity to resume duties for each occasion on which an employee uses sick leave. Manner of Accumulation: The following charts details the manner in which sick leave shall be accumulated by all full-time County employees. An employee may transfer sick leave from other North Carolina governmental agencies, and North Carolina counties, provided that verification of that accumulated sick leave is received from the previous employer and that the employee was not reimbursed for these days. However, sick leave may only be transferred from the employee’s last place of employment immediately prior to their employment with the County. Sick Hours Accrual Month/Year Type of Employee (Workweek) Hours Accrued Monthly Hours Accrued Annual Regular (40 Hour) 8.00 96.00 Sheriff (42.75) 8.56 102.72 Emergency Services (24 Hour Shift) 10.64 127.68 EMS (9 Hour Shift) 9.00 108.00 Maximum Accumulation: There is no limit to the amount of sick leave an employee may accumulate while in the service of the County. Repayment of Sick Leave: Involuntary Departure: If an employee is dismissed, terminated, or involuntarily resigns, any sick leave owed to the County shall be deducted from the employee’s final compensation. Repayment of Sick Leave: Voluntary Departure: Any employee who voluntarily ceases his or her service to the County without failure in the performance of his or her job duties and responsibilities is entitled to have their accrued sick leave transferred to their next place of employment or retained in the Harnett County Human Resources system for up to three years in case an employee returns to the service of the County. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 266 69 Repayment of Sick Leave: Retirement: Any employee who retires from their employment with the County and is a member of the North Carolina Local Government Employee’s Retirement System shall have their accrued unused sick leave transferred into months of retirement credit. For each twenty (20) days an employee has accrued of sick leave they shall receive one (1) month of retirement credit. Repayment of Sick Leave: Death: Any employee who dies while in service to the County is not entitled to repayment for his or her accumulated sick leave, however, hours donated by other employees under the County’s Shared Leave Policy, as expressed in Article VI, Section 8, shall be returned to the donating employees. Section 5. Petty Leave All full-time County employees shall be allowed fourteen (14) hours per year of petty leave each calendar year. Employees may only use this leave beginning with the February 16th payroll through December 15th of each calendar year. If an employee is hired after January 1 they will receive petty leave on a prorated basis. These fourteen (14) hours are over and above any other leave an employee may accrue while in the service of the County. Petty Leave, therefore, may be used in conjunction with any other type of leave, but may only be used in increments of fifteen (15) minutes up to a maximum of three (3) hours at one time. Petty leave may only be taken with the approval of a Supervisor, Department Head, or County. Section 6. Bereavement Leave The Bereavement Leave Policy, effective 7/1/19, establishes uniform guidelines for providing paid time off to employees for absences related to the death of immediate family members and fellow employees or retirees of Harnett County. All full-time, active employees are eligible for benefits under this policy. This leave will be available on a calendar year basis from January through December. This leave will not carry forward from year to year and therefore is not payable upon termination of employment if not used. An employee who wishes to take time off due to the death of an immediate family member should notify his or her supervisor as soon as possible prior to using bereavement leave. At the discretion of the employee’s supervisor or department head, verification for use of bereavement leave may be required. Paid bereavement leave will be granted according to the following schedule:  Employees may use a maximum of three consecutive workdays of bereavement leave per loss for the death of an immediate family member; which includes wife, husband, mother, father, brother, sister, daughter, son, grandmother, grandfather, grandson, granddaughter, aunts and uncles. Also included are step-, half-, in-law, and loco parentis relationships.  Bereavement leave will be capped at six workdays per calendar year. Additionally, an employee may use any available leave for additional time off as necessary, with their supervisor’s approval. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 267 70  Employees will be allowed up to four hours of bereavement leave to attend the funeral of a fellow regular employee or retiree of the County, provided such absence from duty will not interfere with normal operations of the department. Section 7. Leave Without Pay Use: Any full-time County employee may be granted leave without pay for up to one (1) year by the appropriate Supervisor, Department Head, or the County Manager through the use of the Leave Without Pay Form found in Appendix B of this Ordinance. Such leave may be used for reasons of prolonged personal illness, prolonged illness of an immediate family member, personal disability, after all other forms of accrued leave have been exhausted, personal educational needs, special work or ongoing classes that will benefit the County, or for other reasons deemed appropriate by the County Manager. Returning to Work: Any employee who is granted leave without pay is obligated to return to duty within, or at the end of, the time determined appropriate by the granting Supervisor, Department Head, or County Manager, unless an extension has been requested and approved. Upon returning, the employee shall be entitled to return to the same position he or she held at the time leave was granted or to one of like classification, seniority and pay. Failure to Return to Work: Failure of an employee to report to work once their leave has expired shall be considered a resignation. Retention and Continuation of Benefits: Any employee who takes leave without pay ceases to accrue any form of leave addressed in Article VI of this policy. However, an employee must work at least half of the employee’s regular monthly schedule to accrue leave. For all non-FMLA leave without pay, employee health and dental insurance benefits will be paid by the County while the employee is on leave if the employee works at least half of their regular monthly schedule. If an employee works less than half of their regular monthly schedule, then the employee shall be responsible for their health and dental insurance premiums. Regardless of the amount of time worked during the month, an employee will be responsible for all other policies and dependent coverage premiums while on leave without pay. Empl oyee responsible premiums will be deducted from the employee’s pay or, if no pay is received, billed to the employee. If the employee is billed, the employee shall be responsible for paying their premiums by the due date on the invoice. Employees who do no t pay their premiums by the due date shall have their coverage canceled. If health and dental coverage of the affected employee is canceled for non-payment, coverage will be reinstated upon returning to work. Unpaid premiums will be deducted, unless the employee pays all outstanding premiums in full upon returning to work. If any policies, other than the employee’s health and dental coverage, and dependent coverage are canceled for non-payment, the employee will be eligible to re-enroll during the next open enrollment period. Section 8. Shared Leave Policy Purpose: The Harnett County Shared Leave Policy provides an opportunity for County employees to assist one another in times of need when an employee may have to be absent from work for a prolonged period of time resulting in loss of income due to a lack of accumulated leave. Therefore, any full-time County employee may HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 268 71 donate accrued leave, as outlined in this section, to an employee who has been approved to receive voluntary shared leave due to a medical condition of the employee or of a member of the employee’s immediate family that causes an employee to exhaust all paid leave and compensatory time and will require the employee’s absence for a prolonged period of time. The Shared Leave program is not a right but a privilege offered by the County and is subject to denial. Denial of participation in the Shared Leave program is not a grievable or appealable occurrence. Covered Employees: Any full-time County employee who has completed their new- hire probationary period is eligible to donate leave or receive donated leave. Temporary and part-time employees are not eligible for shared leave. Qualifying to Receive Leave: In order to receive shared leave, a covered employee must have complied with existing leave rules and: A. Have a prolonged medical condition that results in an absence from work for 20 consecutive days or more or have an immediate family member that has a medical condition that requires an employee’s absence from work for 20 consecutive days or more. Prolonged medical condition includes pregnancy complications or delivery complications where the complication results in an absence from work for 20 consecutive days or more, B. Apply for and follow procedures for FMLA, C. Apply for Shared Leave, D. Produce medical evidence to support the need for leave beyond the available accumulated leave, and E. Upon review of the Shared Leave Application and accompanying medical evidence, be approved by the County to participate in the program. Non-qualifying Reasons: Any employee or immediate family member experiencing, undergoing, or receiving the following is ineligible to participate: A. Short term or sporadic conditions or illnesses that require an absence from work for less than 20 consecutive days, B. Elective Surgery, C. Pregnancy and childbirth where there are no complications that require a covered employee to be absent from work for 20 consecutive days or more, or D. Worker’s Compensation benefits. The Application Process: Any full-time employee who wishes to request leave through the Shared Leave Policy must submit an Application to Receive Shared Leave Form provided by the Human Resources Department at www.Harnett.org or found in Appendix B of this Ordinance. A. This form must be submitted to the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head who shall review the merits of the request and forward it to the Human Resources Department with a recommendation for approval or disapproval. B. The Human Resources Department will further review the request with an Employee Shared Leave Committee. The Committee and Human Resources Director will make a recommendation to the County Manager. C. The County Manager shall approve or deny all requests for receipt of shared leave and shall determine the length of the leave, not to exceed the employee’s or family member’s period of treatment and recovery. D. Once approved, the Human Resources Department shall advise all county employees regarding the request for shared leave. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 269 72 E. Direct solicitation of employees for shared leave donations by the employee requesting shared leave is not permitted under any circumstances. The Donation Process: A. Any employee who wishes to donate a specified number of hours from their vacation leave or compensatory time to an employee requesting shared leave must complete the Shared Leave Donation Form provided by the Human Resources Department at www.Harnett.org or found in Appendix B of this Ordinance. B. This form must be submitted to his or her Department Head who shall forward it to the Human Resources Department within the time pe riod specified. C. Any employee donating leave may elect to donate a minimum of four (4) hours of their vacation leave or compensatory time up to any amount that would not drop his or her total accrued leave balance below 80 hours. A donating employee, however, may not donate more leave than he or she could earn in a year. D. Any donated leave will convert into sick leave for the employee requesting shared leave, is taxable, and will be added to the recipients W -2 as income. E. Once leave is donated and transferred to the receiving employee, any leave not used shall be returned to all donating employees on a pro-rata basis. Limitations & Restrictions: A. The donated amount of shared leave will only be utilized after all other sources of the recipient’s own leave have been completely exhausted. B. A donating employee may not receive any form of compensation for the donation of leave from the County or the employee requesting shared leave. Acceptance of remuneration for donated leave shall be grounds for disciplinary action as addressed in Article IX. C. No employee may directly or indirectly intimidate, threaten, coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any other employee for the purpose of interfering with any right a County employee may have with respect to donating, receiving, or using leave under this program. Such action shall be grounds for disciplinary action as addressed in Article IX. D. County employees may not donate to or receive leave from family members employed in other local governments or State agencies, institutions, community colleges, or technical institutes. E. Full-time employees who regularly work a 40 hour workweek or ten (10) hour shifts may receive a maximum of 480 hours of donated leave . Full-time employees who regularly work nine (9) hour or twelve (12) hour shifts shall be eligible to receive a maximum of 540 hours of donated leave. Full-time employees who regularly work 24 hour shifts shall be eligible to receive a maximum of 720 hours of donated leave. All maximums outlined in this subsection shall apply to the 12-month period following approval of an employee’s participation in the shared leave program. F. Shared Leave may not be used to extend an employee’s time in leave status beyond one year from their last date worked or beyond the time necessary for an employee or family member to be treated and recover. G. Individual employee leave records are confidential and are subject to the regulations found in Article XII. H. County employees should not reveal their donated leave amounts to the recipient of shared leave or to other employees. I. Donated leave shall not be claimed for reimbursement under current subrogation law. The County of Harnett shall not report paid donated leave as HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 270 73 reimbursable to an attorney representing a County employee in a third party subrogation claim. Retention and Continuation of Benefits: Any employee who receives shared leave continues to accrue any form of leave addressed in Article VI, receives any salary increases or bonuses for which he or she would have otherwise been eligible, and may continue to be eligible for benefits under the County’s group insurance plans. Accounting and Usage Procedures: The Human Resources Department is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a system of leave accountability that will accurately record leave donations and recipient’s use. Such accounts shall provide a clear and accurate record for financial and management audit purposes. Such a system should include the following: A. Maintaining a list of all donating employees and the hours donated by each B. Adequate and prompt notification of any donated leave, the amounts of that donated leave, and when leave is granted to the recipient and the Finance Department C. Notification of actual leave deductions to the donating employees and the Finance Department. D. A donating employee will receive their pro rata share of any unused donated leave upon a qualifying employee’s return to work. Section 9. Workers’ Compensation Leave Note: The following section is covered by the North Carolina Workers Compensation Act (“NCWCA”) found at NCGS §97. If any discrepancies between this section and the NCWCA should surface, the NCWCA shall control. Any full-time County employee absent from duty because of sickness or disability covered by the NCWCA may receive workers’ compensation benefits and elect to use their accumulated leave as a supplemental payment for the difference between their regular salary and the payments received under the NCWCA. Employee Instructions: To ensure that a sick, injured, or disabled employee will receive all their available benefits, the following instructions should be followed. A. Emergency Situation: 1. If an injury occurs while on the job and said injury results in an emergency situation, 911 should be contacted for medical assistance and transport to the nearest medical facility. The employee, however, is still responsible for notifying the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head and completing a Workers’ Compensation Leave Form & Injury Investigation Report Form provided by the Human Resources Department at www.Harnett.org or found in Appendix B of this Ordinance. 2. If treatment is required at the emergency care provider, the injured employee should not provide his or her current County health insurance card. The employee instead should inform his or her caretakers that his or her injury should be filed to workers’ compensation. 3. If the injury occurs after normal County hours as explained above in Article V, Section 2, the employee’s social security number will be used as a temporary claim number until Human Resources can file a workers’ compensation claim and receive an appropriate claim number. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 271 74 B. Non-Emergency Situation: 1. If an injury occurs while on the job and said injury does not result in an emergency situation, but medical treatment is still required, an employee should seek treatment from: Lillington Medical Services 7 East Duncan St. Lillington, NC 27546 (910) 893-2641 2. If, for any reason other than a medical emergency, an employee is unable to receive treatment at the Lillington Family Medical Center, he or she should contact the Human Resources Manager. 3. Despite injury the employee is still responsible for notifying the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head and completing a Workers’ Compensation Leave Form & Injury Investigation Report Form. C. Prescriptions: 1. If, after treatment, release, and the completion of a Workers’ Compensation Leave Form & Injury Investigation Report Form, an employee needs a medical prescription filled, the employee may go to any major pharmacy including, but not limited to, the following: CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Giant Eagle, Kroger, Meijer, Costco, and Target. 2. The employee should inform the pharmacy that he or she is covered through the NCWCA. The pharmacy should be able to electronically get approval for the prescription. 3. If the pharmacy is unable to fill the prescription or electronically get approval to fill the prescription, the employee should purchase the medicine with his or her own funds and then submit any receipts to the Human Resources Manager for processing and refund. D. Mileage: 1. If any injured employee travels more than twenty (20) miles on their personal vehicle to an authorized doctor’s appointment following an injury filed as workers’ compensation, he or she may submit mileage for reimbursement through the use of the appropriate travel form. E. Work Release Forms 1. Work release forms should be obtained by an injured employee at each doctor visit and given to the appropriate Department Head. 2. Such forms should be used by the Department Head to determine the amount, type, and frequency of work an employee may do. 3. If an employee is written out of work by a licensed physician or light duty is unavailable for the employee, he or she may be entitled to workers’ compensation lost wage benefits. Such a situation is addressed below. F. Lost Wage Benefits 1. To be eligible for any lost wage benefits under the NCWCA an employee must: (1) be injured while in the service of their employer, (2) be written out of work by a licensed physician, and (3) be out of work for an initial seven (7) days. The day of injury is not included in the 7 days. 2. Once the initial seven (7) day period has passed, an employee will be eligible for lost wage benefits as long as he or she has already completed the Workers’ Compensation Leave Form & Injury Investigation Report Form. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 272 75 3. If an injured employee is eligible for lost wage benefits, that employee will begin receiving workers’ compensation checks to cover two -thirds (2/3) of his or her salary. 4. The remaining one-third (1/3) of an employee’s salary will be recouped by using the employee’s accrued leave until all the employee’s leave is exhausted. This will result in an employee using one (1) entire day of leave for every three (3) days an employee remains on workers’ compensation. G. Other Information: 1. If an employee receives one day of lost wage benefits, that employee’s retirement benefits will be inactive for the entirety of that month. 2. While on workers’ compensation leave an employee will continue to accrue all forms of leave as addressed in Article VI. Any leave accrued, therefore, will instantly be used and paid out to the employee if he or she has exhausted all accrued leave while on workers’ compensation. FMLA leave will run concurrently with any employee’s workers’ compensation leave. 3. Employee health and dental insurance benefits will be paid by the County while the employee is on workers’ compensation leave. All other policies and dependent coverage premiums will be deducted out of the employee’s pay or, if no pay is received, billed to the employee. If the employee is billed, the employee shall be responsible for paying the premiums by the due date on the invoice. Employees who do not pay the premiums by the due date shall have their coverage canceled. If coverage is canceled for non-payment, the employee will be eligible to re-enroll during the next open enrollment period. Section 10. Military Leave Note: The following section is covered the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (“USERRA”) found at 38 United States Code Chapter 4301-4335 and 20 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1 002. If any discrepancies between this section and the USERRA should surface, the USERRA shall control. Purpose: Harnett County, in accordance with federal law, seeks to ensure that County employees who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard, or other uniformed services: (1) are not disadvantaged in their careers with the County because of their service, (2) are promptly reemployed in their County jobs upon their return from duty, and (3) are not discriminated against in employment based on past, present, or future military service. Harnett County, along with the federal government, wishes to encourage uniformed service so that the United States can enjoy the protection of those services, staffed by qualified people, while maintaining a balance with the needs of the County who also depends on these same individuals. With this mind the County puts into effect the following policy pertaining to military leave for all full-time County employees. Policy: A. Any full-time County employee who is a member of the Armed Forces, Reserves, National Guard, or other uniformed services will be allowed 96 hours annually (adjusted for employees having a work week with greater or fewer hours than a basic 40-hour workweek, refer to sick schedule) to be used for any military training that an employee may be mandated to undergo as part of their service. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 273 76 B. If compensation provided such an employee by the United States while on military leave is less than the normal salary such an employee would have earned working his or her typical work schedule, the employee shall receive partial compensation from the County equal to the difference in the two amounts. Every effort will be made by the County to maintain the employee’s normal salary during such an employee’s period of military leave. Employee has the option to use leave without pay or accrued time . C. If a County employee’s military duty is required beyond the allotted hours, the employee shall be allowed to recoup the loss wages through the use of his or her accumulated leave. If the employee, however, does not have any accumulated leave or his or her accumulated leave runs out, the employee shall be given leave without pay status as addressed in Article VI, Section 7. D. Regardless of other portions of this policy and the employee’s pay status, while taking military leave an employee’s leave credits and other benefits shall continue to accrue as normal. E. Any time spent in military leave will not run concurrently with FMLA leave. Section 11. Civil Leave When any full-time County employee is called for jury duty or as a court witness for the federal or state governments or a subdivision thereof, they shall receive leave with pay from the County, along with any payments or travel allowances received for such civic duties, without need to use any of their accumulated leave. While on civil leave, all benefits and forms of leave shall continue to accrue as normal. Section 12. Educational Leave Any full-time County employee may request and have granted a leave of absence in order to take one (1) educational course during or after regular County working hours as described in Article V, Section 2. Such an employee must complete and submit the Education Leave Request Form to the appropriate Supervisor or Department Head. This form is provided by the Human Resources Department at www.Harnett.org or found in Appendix B of this Ordinance. Such educational leave will only be granted if the educational course to be taken benefits the County by better equipping the employee to perform his or her assigned job duties and responsibilities. Section 13. Family Medical Leave Note: The following section is covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) found at 29 United States Code Chapter 28 and 29 Code of Federal Regulations Note 825. If any discrepancies between this section and the FMLA should surface, the FMLA shall control. Also, any employee seeking additional information on the FMLA may visit www.dol.gov. Purpose: In accordance with the FMLA, Harnett County seeks to provide a working environment that: (1) facilitates the development of children and the fa mily unit, (2) prevents County employees from having to choose between job security and parenting, (3) allows adequate job security for employees who have serious health conditions that prevent them from working for temporary periods, and (4) balances the HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 274 77 demands of the County with the needs of the families . With this in mind the County establishes the following policy. Eligibility: Only eligible employees are allowed to take FMLA leave. An eligible employee is one who: A. Works for the County, B. Has worked for the County for at least twelve (12) months, 1. Note: The twelve (12) months of service do not have to be continuous or consecutive. This means that any time previously worked for the County may be used to meet the twelve (12) month requirement. If, however, the employee has a break in service that lasted longer than seven (7) years, the time worked prior to the break will not count unless the break is due to service covered by the USERRA addressed in Article VI, Section 10. C. Has at least 1,250 total hours of service to the County during the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the leave, and D. Works at a location where the County has at least fifty (50) employees within a seventy-five (75) mile radius. Policy: A. Leave for Qualified Reasons: Harnett County will hereby grant all eligible County employees a total of twelve (12) workweeks of job-protected family and medical leave within a single twelve-month period for one or more of the following qualified reasons: 1. Birth & Bonding Leave: Leave may be granted for the birth of a son or daughter. i. Restrictions and Limitations: a) Entitlement to this form of leave expires 12 months after the date of birth. b) Both mothers and fathers employed by the County have a right to take this form of leave. c) This form of leave must be taken as a continuous block unless the employee obtains approval for intermittent leave by a Supervisor or Department Head. d) An employee who actually has day-to-day responsibility for caring for a child may be entitled to this form of leave even if the employee does not have a biological or legal relationship to the child as long as such an employee can prove they stand in loco parentis to the child. e) The fact that a child has a biological parent in the home, o r has both parents, does not prevent an employee from standing in loco parentis to that child. The FMLA does not restrict the number of parents a child may have. 2. Adoption & Bonding Leave: Leave may be granted for the placement of a son or daughter with the employee for adoption or foster care. i. Restrictions and Limitations: a) An employee’s entitlement to this form of leave expires 12 months after the date of adoption or placement. b) Both mothers and fathers employed by the County have a right to take this form of leave. c) This form of leave may be taken before the actual placement or adoption of a child takes place if an absence from work is required. Such situations may include HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 275 78 counseling sessions, mandated court appearances, attorney or birth parent consultations, and for necessary travel to complete an adoption. d) This form of leave must be taken as a continuous block unless the employee obtains approval for intermittent leave by a Supervisor or Department Head. 3. Serious Health Condition Leave (Employee): Leave may be granted for an employee to seek treatment and recover from his or her own serious health condition that requires incapacity for a period of more than three calendar days away from work that also involves continuing treatment (or under the supervision of) a health care provider. i. Restrictions and Limitations: a) An employee is considered unable to work where a licensed physician finds that the employee is: (1) unable to work at all or (2) unable to perform any of the essential functions of the employee’s position. b) To utilize this form of leave an employee must submit the Employee Medical Certification Form provided by the Human Resources Department at www.harnett.org or at www.dol.gov to his or her Supervisor or Department Head in accordance with Article VI, Section 13, Subsection D-3 of this Personnel Ordinance. c) Before returning from work after this form of leave is taken , the employee must provide the County with a Fitness-for- Duty Certification signed and dated by a licensed physician that is qualified to make the determination that the employee is fit to return to work and perform their previous job duties and responsibilities. 4. Serious Health Condition Leave (Relative): Leave may be granted for the employee to care for a spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition that requires a period of incapacity requiring absence of more than three calendar days from work, school, or other regular daily activities that also involves continuing treatment (or under the supervision of) a health care provider. i. Restrictions and Limitations: a) To utilize this form of leave an employee must be needed to provide care for his or her spouse, son, daughter, or parent because of the family member’s serious documented health condition. An employee may take this form of leave to care for a person who, although having no legal or biological relationship to the employee when the employee was a child, stood in loco parentis to the employee when the employee was a child. b) An employee who actually has day-to-day responsibility for a child may be entitled to take this form of leave even if the employee does not have a biological or legal relationship to the child as long as such an employee can prove they stand in loco parentis to the child. c) The fact that a child has a biological parent in the home, or has both parents, does not prevent an employee from standing in loco parentis to that child. The FMLA does not restrict the number of parents a child may have. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 276 79 d) To utilize this form of leave an employee must submit the Family Member Medical Certification Form provided by the Human Resources Department at www.harnett.org or at www.dol.gov to his or her Supervisor or Department Head in accordance with Article VI, Section 13, Subsection D-3. 5. Military Exigency Leave: Leave may be granted for any qualifying exigency arising out of the fact that a spouse, son, daughter, or parent is a military member on covered active duty or called to active duty status. i. Restrictions and Limitations: a) The definition of “son” and “daughter” provided in Article I, Section 3, does not apply to this section in so far as the 18 years or younger restriction is concerned. b) Qualifying exigencies are situations arising from the military deployment of an employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent to a foreign country. Such exigencies for which an employee may take this form of leave in clude: 1. Making alternative child care arrangements for a child of the military member when deployment necessitates a change in the existing arrangements. 2. Attending certain military ceremonies and briefings. 3. Taking leave to spend time with a military member on Rest and Recuperation leave during deployment. 4. Making financial or legal arrangements to address a covered military member’s absence. 5. Certain activities related to care of the parent of the military member while the military member is on covered active duty. 6. Deployment of service member with seven or fewer days’ notice. 7. Post-deployment activities for a period of ninety days after the termination of the service member’s active duty status. c) An employee who actually has day-to-day responsibility for a child may be entitled to this form of leave even if the employee does not have a biological or legal relationship to the child as long as such an employee can prove they stand in loco parentis to the child. d) The fact that a child has a biological parent in the home, o r has both parents, does not prevent an employee from standing in loco parentis to that child. The FMLA does not restrict the number of parents a child may have. e) To utilize this form of leave an employee must submit the Qualifying Exigency Certification Form provided by the Human Resources Department at www.harnett.org or at www.dol.gov to his or her Supervisor or Department Head in accordance with Article VI, Section 13, Subsection D-3. 6. Military Caregiver Leave: An extended period of up to twenty-six (26) workweeks of leave may be granted for an employee to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness, as long as the employee is the spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of the service member. i. Restrictions and Limitations: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 277 80 a) Any eligible employee is limited to a combined total of 26 workweeks of leave for any FMLA qualifying reasons during a single 12-month period. b) This form of leave is available to any eligible employee once per service member, per serious injury or illness. However, an eligible employee may take an additional 26 weeks of leave in a different 12-month period to care for the same service member if he or she has another serious injury or illness. c) A covered service member under this policy includes: (1) a current member of the Armed Forces who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy, is in outpatient statute, or is on the temporary disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness or (2) a veteran of the Armed Forces discharged within the five-year period before the family member first takes Military Caregiver Leave to care for the veteran and who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a qualifying serious injury or illness. d) A veteran who was dishonorably discharged is not considered a covered service member. e) To utilize this form of leave an employee must submit the Current Service Member Serious Injury or Illness Certification Form or the Veteran Serious Injury or Illness Certification Form provided by the Human Resources Department at www.harnett.org or at www.dol.gov to his or her Supervisor or Department Head in accordance with Article VI, Section 13, Subsection D-3. B. Calculation of the Single 12-Month Period: 1. The single 12-month period for all of the foregoing qualified reasons will be measured forward from the first date an employee takes FMLA leave. i. Example: Ann’s FMLA leave begins on November 6, 2012 so her 12-month period is November 6, 2012 - November 5, 2013. 2. The single 12-month period for Military Caregiver Leave, however, begins on the first day the employee takes this form of leave and ends exactly 12 months later regardless of Harnett County policy. C. Increments, Calculation, & Payment of Leave: 1. Increments of Leave: Any form of FMLA leave may be taken in periods of whole weeks, single days, hours, or 15 minutes’ intervals. 2. Calculation of Leave: i. Only the amount of leave actually taken may be counted against an employee’s FMLA leave entitlement of 12 -26 weeks. ii. Where an employee takes FMLA leave for less than a full workweek, the amount of FMLA leave used is determined as a proportion of the employee’s actual workweek and will be converted into hours. a) Example: Ann normally works 30 hours a week but works only 20 hours in a week because of FMLA leave. Therefore, she would use one-third (1/3) of a week of FMLA leave or, converted, 10 hours of FMLA leave time. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 278 81 iii. Time that an employee is not scheduled to report to work or may not report to work because the County has ceased operations shall not be counted against the employee as FMLA leave. iv. When a holiday falls during a week in which an employee is taking the full week of FMLA leave, the entire week is counted as FMLA leave. However, when a holiday falls during a week when an employee is taking less than the full week of FMLA leave, the holiday is not counted as FMLA leave, unless the employee was scheduled and expected to work on the holiday and used FMLA leave for that day. 3. Payment of Leave: FMLA leave in any norma l circumstance is unpaid leave, however, Harnett County requires that County Employees take any and all of their accrued leave when using any form of FMLA leave. D. Employee Notice Requirements: 1. Timing (Leave that is Foreseeable) i. In general, an employee must give the County at least 30 days advanced notice of the need to take FMLA leave when he or she knows about the need for the leave in advanced. 2. Timing (Leave that is Unforeseeable) i. When the need for leave is unexpected, an employee must provide notice to the County as soon as possible and practical. 3. Certifications: i. Any employee who wishes to utilize FMLA leave for a serious health condition or a military exigency must supply his or her Supervisor or Department Head with the appropriate certification form within 15 calendar days after he or she has submitted their completed FMLA Leave Request Form that may be found in Appendix B of this Ordinance. Medical certification forms should be updated by the employee every 30 days unless the form indicates that the minimum duration of the serious health condition is more than 30 days. If this is the case the form should be updated at the expiration of that minimum duration. ii. The employee is responsible for paying for the cost of the certification and for making sure the certification form is delivered to the Supervisor or Department Head. iii. If the certification form is incomplete or insufficient, the County will provide the employee with a written notice stating what information is needed to make the form complete and sufficient. iv. The employee must provide the necessary information to the County within seven (7) calendar days. v. If the employee does not provide the requested certification form within the time required or fails to provide a complete and sufficient form despite the opportunity to cure any deficiencies, the County shall deny the employee’s request for FMLA leave. vi. If the County has received a completed medical certification form, but has a reason to doubt the validity of such a certification, the County reserves the right to obtain a second certification from a licensed physician of the County’s choosing. The County will pay for such a recertification. E. Employee Protections Under the FMLA: 1. All County employees utilizing FMLA leave are entitled to the continuation of the County’s group health and dental insurance on the same terms as if he or she had continued work. All other policies and HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 279 82 dependent coverage premiums will be deducted out of the employee’s pay or, if no pay is received, billed to the employee. If the employee is billed, the employee shall be responsible for paying the premiums by the due date on the invoice. Employees who do not pay the premiums by the due date shall have their coverage canceled. If coverage is canceled for non-payment, the employee will be eligible to re-enroll during the next open enrollment period. 2. All County employees utilizing FMLA leave are entitled to the continued accruement of any form of leave given to an employee by the County. 3. When any County employee utilizes FMLA leave and returns from that leave, he or she will be restored to the same job or equivalent job. An equivalent job is one that is virtually identical to the original job in terms of pay, benefits, and other employment terms and conditions. F. Protections for Individuals: The FMLA prohibits the following actions to be made by Harnett County: 1. Interfering with, restraining, or denying the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise any FMLA right. 2. Discriminating or retaliating against an employee or prospective employee for having exercised or attempted to exercise any FMLA right. 3. Discharging or in any other way discriminating against any person, whether or not an employee, for opposing or complaining about any unlawful practice under the FMLA. 4. Discharging or in any other way discriminating against any person, whether or not an employee, because that person has: i. Filed any charge, has instituted, or caused to be instituted, any proceeding under or related to the FMLA; ii. Given, or is about to give, any information in connection with an inquiry or proceeding relating to any right under the FMLA; or iii. Testified, or is about to testify, in any inquiry or proceeding relating to a right under the FMLA. G. Spouses who work for the County: 1. Spouses who work for the County will share a total of 12 workweeks of FMLA leave per year for i. The birth of a child, ii. Placement of child with employee for adoption or foster care, or iii. Care of a parent with serious health condition. 2. Spouses who both work for the County will share a total of 26 workweeks of FMLA to care for a military family member with a serious injury or illness. 3. Spouses who work for the County may each use a total of 12 workweeks of FMLA leave in a leave year for i. Their own serious health condition, ii. To care for a spouse or child with a serious health condition, or iii. Due to a qualifying exigency. Section 14. Adverse Weather Policy (Inclement Weather Leave) Purpose: Harnett County must ensure the delivery of services to citizens and businesses even during times of adverse weather. Considering the varied geographic locations and diverse populous of this County, it is the intent of this Adverse Weather Policy to establish a uniform Countywide plan regarding how operations will be affected during times of adverse weather and to establish guidelines for accounting for time and HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 280 83 for releasing non-essential personnel from work when: (1) adverse weather prohibits or adversely impacts the ability of non-essential personnel to report to work or to remain at work, or (2) adverse weather necessitates the suspension of non-essential operations. Note: All County employees are to presume, unless otherwise notified, that County operations will continue as normal and they are expected to report to work regardle ss of any weather or other emergency conditions that may de velop. The Harnett County Adverse Weather Policy will not go into effect until the County Manager has determined that normal operations at all Harnett County facilities is jeopardized by the existe nce of adverse weather that may put lives or property in danger. Such a determination will be forwarded to all major news and radio outlets across the County, distributed via Harnett County e-mail, and posted on www.harnett.org and designated County Social media platforms. Designation of Essential & Non-Essential Personnel: All County employees shall be designated as essential or non-essential personnel by the appropriate Department Head or the County Manager. Non-essential personnel shall be designated in writing through an e-mail or memorandum. This e-mail or memorandum shall act as an employee’s recognition of his or her status as non-essential personnel. Essential personnel shall be designated in writing through a formal memorandum and each essential employee shall acknowledge this designation in writing. This designation and acknowledgement will be included in each employees’ personnel file. While not all County department heads and/or their assistant directors may be considered essential personnel, all department heads and/or their assistant directors should make themselves available to the County Manager via an agreed upon method of communication should they be needed during times of adverse weather. Some County departments may, in their discretion, assign employees to shifts in order to maintain essential County operations. In these situations, employees may be deemed essential or non-essential in accordance with their respective shift. Duties of Essential Personnel: A. Essential personnel who are required to work during adverse weather because their positions have been designated as such by their Department Heads or the County Manager should perform to the best of their abilities during this time. B. Those essential personnel who cannot report to work because of driving conditions will notify their immediate Supervisor or Department Head so that County transportation can be dispatched to pick them up. C. If an essential employee refuses to report to work, remain at work, or be carried to work by County transportation once this policy has been activated the employee will not be granted inclement weather leave and will be charged absent. D. Essential employees are not allowed to take a day off at such future time to compensate for working during an emergency. Any compensation received by such employees for working during an emergency is governed by the Emergency Operations Compensation policy addressed in Article III, Section 18. Non-Essential Personnel & Inclement Weather Leave: A. Non-essential personnel are those employees who may be approved for inclement weather leave during adverse weather because their positions have been designated as such by their Department Head or the County Manager. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 281 84 B. Once this policy has been activated, inclement weather leave for nonessential personnel may be granted in the discretion of the County Manager to administratively excuse all non-essential personnel. C. Inclement Weather Leave will be granted to employees in the amount of hours the employee is scheduled to work, not to exceed 10 hours. D. Entitlement to inclement weather leave depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the non-essential employee’s status at the time of the announcement, when the adverse weather develops, and how it affects County operations. a) During Normal County Operating Hours: If adverse weather develops during normal County operating hours and the County Manager so chooses to cease all County operations the following shall apply: i. If the employee was on duty and was scheduled to depart early through the use of his or her accrued leave after official word was received but before the time for dismissal, leave is charged only from the time the employee departed until the dismissal time. ii. If the employee was scheduled to return to duty after an initial period of leave and dismissal is given before the employee can physically report to work, leave is charged until time for dismissal. b) Outside of Normal County Operating Hours: If adverse weather develops outside of normal County operating hours but there is no significant curtailment of county activities the following applies: i. Regardless of road and weather conditions essential and non - essential employees are expected to be at work on time. Employee tardiness caused by treacherous driving conditions may be excused on a case-by-case basis by their department head or the County Manager, but failure to report to work will result in the employee being charged absent. ii. The County Manager, in his or her discretion, may delay opening the County for a period of the workday. In the event he or she chooses to do so, non-essential personnel will be administratively excused for the delay period, but this does not excuse an employee from being absent once the delay period has passed. c) Outside of Normal County Operating Hours: If adverse weather develops outside of normal County operating hours but there is a significant curtailment of County activities the following applies: i. If the County Manager, in his or her discretion, chooses to cease all non-essential operations for the entirety of the day, the day will be considered a non-work day and non-essential personnel will be administratively excused. E. Non-essential employees are not authorized to work when the County Manager deems that their service is not required for continued County operations Note: The chart below details the previous information and is a complete summary of the same. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 282 85 Section 15. Volunteer Leave Harnett County seeks to foster a workforce that cares for the surrounding community and offers support to those individuals throughout the County that may need support. With this in mind the County allows all full-time County employees one and one-half (1 ½) hours of volunteer leave each week or a lump sum total of six (6) hours per month to perform volunteer work at any Harnett County school, any Harnett County non-profit organization, or any non-profit organization that has an event in Harnett County. This leave may be used in conjunction with an employee’s lunch break or any other form of accrued leave an employee may have. This leave will not accumulate and shall not be carried over from week to week or month to month. Event Employee Action Non-Essential (Exempt and Non-exempt) Essential Employees Late Opening Does not report Paid inclement weather leave from regular start time to County opening time. Employees may use any of his or her accrued leave time to receive full compensation for the remainder of the work day. All essential personnel, regardless of exemption statutes, must report to work during an adverse weather situation and will be compensated in accordance with this Ordinance. Some County departments may, in their discretion, assign employees to shifts in order to maintain essential County operations. In these situations, employees may be deemed essential or non-essential in accordance with their shift. (This requirement does not apply to those County employees in an approved leave without pay status) Reports to work Employee is paid for his or her actual time worked & receives inclement weather leave from regular start time to County opening time. Reports later than announced opening Employee is paid for his or her actual time worked & receives inclement weather leave from regular start time to time County opening time &, if necessary, may use any accrued leave to receive compensation equal to a full standard work day. Has scheduled use of accrued leave time. Paid inclement weather leave for time County offices are closed, but accrued leave time is used to receive full compensation for the remainder of the work day. Any Leave without Pay status Leave without pay is still charged Closed Is scheduled to work Awarded inclement weather leave for the day for their scheduled work day, up to 10 hours Has scheduled use of accrued leave time. Awarded inclement weather leave will be granted. Any Leave without Pay status (FMLA, Military Leave) Leave without pay is still charged. Early Closing Does not report Paid inclement weather leave for time County offices are closed. Employees may use any of his or her accrued leave time to receive full compensation for the remainder of the work day. Reports to work Employee is paid for his or her actual time worked & receives inclement weather leave from County closing time to regular quitting time to receive full compensation for the remainder of the work day. Leaves work earlier Employee is paid for his or her actual time worked & receives inclement weather leave from County closing time to regular quitting time &, if necessary, may use any accrued leave to receive compensation equal to a full standard work day. Has scheduled use of accrued leave time. Paid inclement weather leave for time County offices are closed, but accrued leave time is used to receive full compensation for the remainder of the work day. Any Leave without Pay status Leave without pay is still charged HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 283 86 To utilize this form of a leave an employee must receive advanced approval (at least 48 hours) from his or her Supervisor, Department Head, or the County Manager. Once such volunteer leave has been utilized, an employee must provide his or her Supervisor or Department Head with some form of evidence or documentation that the volunteer service was actually completed. Section 16. Parent Involvement Leave Note: The following section is covered by the Leave for Parent Involvement in Schools Act found at NCGS §95-28.3. If any discrepancies between this section and the Leave for Parent Involvement in School Act should surface, the act shall control. Policy: Harnett County believes that parent involvement is an essential component of school success and positive student outcomes. Therefore, Harnett County shall grant four (4) hours per year of leave to any full-time County employee who is a parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis of a school-aged child so that the employee may attend or otherwise be involved at that child’s school. Restrictions, Limitations, and Conditions: A. This leave may be used in conjunction with any other form of acc rued leave an employee may have. B. This leave will not accumulate and shall not be carried over from year to year. C. To utilize this form of leave an employee must receive advanced approval (at least 48 hours) from his or her Supervisor, Department Head, or the County Manager. Once such leave has been utilized, a Supervisor, Department Head, or County Manager may require some form of documentation for the employee’s school involvement. Example: An employee may use this leave to attend a parent teacher confere nce, or chaperon a school trip. ARTICLE VII. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Section 1. Insurance Benefits All full-time employees shall be eligible for insurance benefits in accordance with the following policy. A. The County will provide individual medical insurance to all full-time employees. All full-time employees shall be enrolled in the program in accordance with the provisions of the County’s insurance contracts on the first day of the month following a thirty (30) day waiting period. B. Any full-time County employee may so choose to have money deducted from his or her check to provide dental and vision insurance for him or herself and to provide health insurance, dental and vision insurance for any dependents he or she may have in accordance with the provisions of the County’s insurance contracts. C. Health benefits in retirement are provided on a pro-rated basis for years of service as listed below. Employees who are not eligible for the benefits as outlined below will not be allowed to remain on the County’s health insurance HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 284 87 plan beyond any rights granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). D. Individuals must be County employees at the time of retirement to be eligible. If an eligible employee declines retirement health benefits at the time of retirement, the employee will not be eligible for the benefits at a later date. E. For employees retiring on or after December 16, 2019, an eligible employee must elect or decline the Medicare supplement at the time of retirement to receive the supplement upon turning 65 years of age or becoming Medicare eligible. If an eligible employee declines the Medicare supplement, the employee will not be eligible for the supplement at a later date. F. For retirements on or after January 1, 2025, an eligible employee that elects the Medicare supplement will receive a stipend equivalent to their retirement benefit. Any employee that retired prior to January 1, 2025 and elected the Medicare supplement will have the option to continue receiving the supplement in the form of a reimbursement or change to a stipend. Once a retired employee chooses the stipend option, the employee will not be permitted to change back to a reimbursement. For any retired employee that continues to receive the supplement as a reimbursement, the County will not reimburse the employee for receipts received for any prior years that the employee is eligible for the supplement. The standard amount of supplement is to be determined by the BOC, which will be included in the annual budget ordinance. G. For those retired employees receiving the Medicare supplement as a stipend, the Medicare supplement will begin upon turning 65 years of age or becoming Medicare eligible. For those receiving the Medicare supplement as a reimbursement, the supplement will commence upon the retired employee’s submittal of receipts for reimbursement for that fiscal year. To remain eligible for the supplement, retired employees must complete a annual certification during open enrollment period to verify current contact and banking information. If a retired employee fails to update such information and the supplement is terminated, the employee shall not be eligible for the supplement until the next open enrollment period. H. During retirement, health benefits premium payments are due by the first day of the month that coverage is effective. The premium payment deadline (hereinafter referred to as the “grace period”) ends thirty (30) days after the due date. Retired employees who do not pay their premiums in full or who do not have sufficient funds in their account for authorized bank drafts by the final day of the grace period will have their coverage canceled. If the unpaid premium amount due is only for dependent coverage, then only the dependent coverage will be canceled. However, if the unpaid premium amount due is for the retired employee and dependent coverage, then the retired employee and all dependents will have their coverage canceled. Such retired employees and/or dependents who have their coverage canceled for non-payment cannot be reinstated. However, if the premium payment is received after the coverage has been canceled due to non - payment, but the postmark date is on or before the last day of the grace period, then coverage will be reinstated. I. COBRA - Under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985, Harnett County offers employees and their eligible dependents the opportunity for temporary extension of continuous insurance coverage in instances where coverage under the plan would otherwise end. Eligible employees have sixty days from the date of the notice to elect COBRA coverage. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 285 88 The Following chart applies to all full-time employees hired on or after July 1st, 2015, or those employees who leave the employment of the County and return to work on or after July 1st, 2015, Retirement Health Benefits (Employees less than 65 not Medicare eligible) *Minimum Years of Consecutive Harnett County Service for Eligibility Percentage of Cost Paid by County Until Age 65 or Medicare Eligible 20 Years 50% 25 Years 75% 30 Years 100% Retirement Health Benefits (Employees older than 65 and/or Medicare eligible) *Minimum Years of Consecutive Harnett County Service for Eligibility Percentage of Cost Paid by County After Age 65 or Medicare Eligible 20 Years 50% 25 Years 75% 30 Years 100% The following chart applies to all full-time employees hired on or before June 30th, 2015. Retirement Health Benefits (Employees less than 65 not Medicare eligible) *Minimum Years of Consecutive Harnett County Service for Eligibility Percentage of Cost Paid by County Until Age 65 or Medicare Eligible 10 Years of Harnett County Service Plus an additional 20 Years of Local Government Service 50% 15 Years 50% 16 Years 55% 17 Years 60% 18 Years 65% 19 Years 70% 20 years 75% 21 Years 77% 22 Years 79% 23 Years 81% 24 Years 83% 25 Years 85% 26 Years 88% 27 Years 91% 28 Years 94% 29 years 96% 30 Years 100% HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 286 89 Retirement Health Benefits (Employees older than 65 and/or Medicare eligible) *Minimum Years of Consecutive Harnett County Service for Eligibility Percentage of Cost Paid by County After Age 65 or Medicare Eligible 15 Years 50% 16 Years 55% 17 Years 60% 18 Years 65% 19 Years 70% 20 years 75% 21 Years 77% 22 Years 79% 23 Years 81% 24 Years 83% 25 Years 85% 26 Years 88% 27 Years 91% 28 Years 94% 29 years 96% 30 Years 100% *Minimum Years of Consecutive Harnett County Service is defined as the period of an employee’s continuous and interrupted employment with the County commencing on his or her most recent hire date through his or her retirement date. Employees who are affected by a reduction in force or layoff who return to work when called back to work at the County within one (1) year of their departure will be considered as having continuous service as it relates to continuing medical benefits into retirement. Section 2. Unemployment Compensation County employees who are laid off, dismissed, or terminated from their current position with the County may apply for unemployment compensation through the local Employment Security Commission office. Eligibility for unemployment compensation will be determined by the Employment Security Commission. Section 3. Social Security In accordance with the Social Security Act of 1935, the federal Social Security program provides monthly benefits upon retirement to those individuals who contribute monthly to the program through the Social Security Administration. Harnett County in an attempt to provide its employees with a happy and healthy life after retirement shall, to the extent of its lawful authority and power, extend Social Security benefits to all eligible employees in accordance with federal law. Employees will be compensated by their contributions to the Social Security system once they retire and reach the federally recognized retirement age through the federally operated program. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 287 90 Section 4. Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (“LGERS”) About LGERS: The Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System is a defined benefit plan qualified under §401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Harnett County is a mandatory member and participant in this program, therefore County employees, the County itself, and the investment earnings on total contributions pay the cost of providing an employee’s retirement benefits. Membership, Eligibility, and Vesting in LGERS: A. Membership: All County employees serving in a position that requires more than 1,000 hours per year of service automatically become members of the LGERS. B. Eligibility: All County employees will remain eligible to participate in the LGERS program unless they are convicted of certain state or federal offenses involving public corruption or are convicted of a felony directly related to their employment. C. Vesting: All employees become vested in LGERS once they have completed a minimum of 5 years of service to the County. This means that an employee is eligible to apply for lifetime monthly retirement benefits ba sed on the retirement formula in effect at the time of his or her retirement, if any money is withdrawn from his or her LGERS contributions, and the age and service requirements described below. Employee Contributions: Any eligible vested County employee will contribute to LGERS six percent (6%) of their gross salary each month through payroll deductions. Contributions made to this program are invested by the Department of State Treasurer and these funds are protected by the Constitution of North Carolina from being used for any purpose other than retirement system benefits and expenses. Employer Contributions: Harnett County, in accordance with LGERS, will contribute an actuarially-determined percentage of the gross payroll of employee members each month to LGERS for benefits. Refund of Contributions: If an employee leaves the service of the County and LGERS before he or she has 5 years of service, the only payment such an employee can receive is a refund of his or her contributions and interest. To receive a refund of contributions an employee must complete the appropriate form available at www.nctreasurer.com/Retirement-and-Savings. Calculation of Service Retirement Benefits: The LGERS uses a formula to calculate monthly retirement benefits once eligibility requirements have been met. This formula and additional information on the calculation of service retirement benefits may be found at www.nctreasurer.com/Retirement-and-Savings. The basic formula is: Employee’s Annual Benefit = 1.85% of average final compensation X Years & Months of County Service For further explanation of LGERS requirements, calculation of benefits, benefit payment options, beneficiaries, and other information regarding LGERS, please review the LGERS Handbook which can be found at the North Carolina Stat e Treasurers Retirement System Division website at www.myncretirement.com HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 288 91 Note: An employee may view their personal account information, download retirement forms, and access any other retirement resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by logging on to their personal ORBIT account by clicking the link provided on www.myncretirement.com. Any additional information on this program is provided by the Department of State Treasurer at www.nctreasurer.com. Section 5. Death Benefits under LGERS If a County employee, who is an eligible vested member of LGERS, dies while in active service to the County with at least one (1) year as a contributing member of LGERS, the employee’s beneficiary will receive a lump sum payment as set forth in the LGERS Handbook which can be found at the North Carolina State Treasurers Retirement System Division website at www.myncretirement.com. Section 6. Life Insurance & Accidental Death and Dismemberment (“AD &D”) Harnett County shall provide life insurance and AD&D coverage to all full-time County employees. Eligible employees shall be enrolled in the program in accordance with the insurance carrier’s provisions. Any payouts that may become necessary will be in accordance with amounts set by the BOC. Section 7. Law Enforcement Officers’ Separation Allowance Harnett County shall provide a special separation allowance to all qualified law enforcement officers who leave service early and meet all of the following qualifications: A. The law enforcement officer must have completed thirty (30) years or more of County service or have attained fifty-five (55) years of age and completed five (5) or more years of County service. B. The law enforcement officer must not yet be sixty-two (62). C. The law enforcement officer must have completed at least five (5) years of continuous service as a law enforcement officer immediately before retirement. Payment of the separation allowance will cease if the officer reaches age 62 or dies. Section 8. NC 401(k) Plan and NC 457 Plan Harnett County offers all LGERS-enrolled County employees a voluntary NC 401(k) Plan. In accordance with this Policy, employees may deposit up to the maximum percentage authorized by the Internal Revenue Service into their NC 401(k) Plan. Harnett County, regardless of employee participation, shall contribute 2% of an employee’s monthly compensation to their NC 401(k) Plan; however, there will not be any additional County match over the 2% contribution except as provided below for law enforcement officers. In accordance with NCGS §143-166.50, Harnett County shall contribute 5% of a sworn law enforcement officers monthly compensation to their NC 401(k) Plan. However, there will not be any additional County match over the mandated 5%. In addition to the NC 401(k) Plan, all employees, regardless of LGERS eligibility, are also allowed to contribute to the NC 457 Plan. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 289 92 Section 9. Direct Deposit Employees are required to electronically deposit all paychecks from the County to a federally recognized bank or credit union. This direct deposit of an employee funds reduces the amount of time the employee has to spend at the bank and is typically safer than manually cashing checks. To take full advantage of the direct deposit program an employee should complete and submit the Harnett County Direct Deposit Form found in Appendix C of this Ordinance. ARTICLE VIII. SEPARATIONS, DEPARTURES, & REINSTATEMENTS Section 1. Types of Separations & Departures Any separations or departures that occur between County employees and the County shall be designated as one of the following types as defined in Article I, Section 3 and shall follow the prescribed procedures as described below: A. Suspension: a. Any County employee may be suspended from his or her service to the County with or without pay due to the employee’s current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior that is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County. Suspensions without pay shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar days. In situations of suspension without pay, employees are not permitted to use compensatory, vacation or sick time nor will he or she receive holiday pay. b. The suspended employee’s Department Head shall provide a Disciplinary Action Report detailing his or her suspension, whether this suspension is with or without pay, the reasons for the suspension, duration of the suspension, and what must be done by the employee upon returning to work. The Department Head executing the suspension shall notify the Human Resources Department and the County Manager immediately. The Disciplinary Action Report shall then be delivered to the employee in person and filed in the employee’s personnel file in the Human Resources Department. The Disciplinary Action Report may be found in Appendix C of this Ordinance. c. An employee suspended for the reasons stated above may appeal his or her suspension in accordance with the Grievance and Appeal Policy as addressed in Article X. B. Investigatory Suspension: a. Any County employee may be may be placed on investigatory suspension with pay in order to provide the County with more time to thoroughly investigate a situation or to reach a decision concerning an employee’s status. Such separation may also be utilized to avoid undue disruption or to protect County employees and property. b. Any investigatory suspension shall not exceed forty-five (45) calendar days. If no action has been taken against the employee by the end of the forty-five (45) day period, one of the following must occur: i. The employee shall be reinstated to his or her current position. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 290 93 ii. The employee will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary actions based on the results of the investigation in accordance with the Disciplinary Action Policy as addressed in Article IX. C. Voluntary Resignation / Quitting: a. Any County employee who wishes to voluntarily resign or quit his or her position with the County should give the immediate Supervisor and Department Head a minimum of two (2) weeks written notice. Once the employee’s two (2) weeks are up, and the employee has not informed the County otherwise, the employee shall be considered resigned from the position and the position may be filled in the discretion of the County. If a resignation has been accepted by the County, it shall be the County’s sole discretion whether to allow an employee to rescind the resignation. b. The County reserves the right to provide an employee with up to two weeks’ pay in lieu of notice in situations where job or business needs warrant. c. Any County employee who fails to report to work without giving written or verbal notice to his or her Supervisor or Department Head for a period of at least three (3) days will be considered to have voluntarily resigned the position. d. If an employee voluntarily resigns or quits his or her position with the County in the above described manners, the employee will have no appeal rights as addressed in Article X. D. Dismissal / Involuntary Resignation / Termination: a. Any County employee may be dismissed from duty, forced to involuntarily resign their position, or terminated by the County in accordance with the Disciplinary Action Policy addressed in Article IX. b. Any employee separated from the County in this manner will be allowed his or her appeal rights as addressed in Article X. E. Reduction in Force a. In the event that a reduction in force becomes necessary, consideration shall be given to the quality of each employee’s past work performance, current work ethic, experience, and substantive training. Department needs and seniority will also be taken into consideration, but the primary information will come from an employee’s past performance reviews. b. Any employees who are scheduled to be laid off shall be given at least two (2) weeks’ notice. No full-time permanent employees shall be separated while there are temporary employees serving in the same class in the department, unless the full-time permanent employee is not willing to transfer to the position held by the temporary employee. c. Any employee separated from the County in this manner will be allowed his or her appeal rights as addressed in Article X. F. Disability c. Any County employee may be separated or depart from service to the County due to any physical or mental condition that limits movement, senses, or activities to such a degree that the County employee is unable to complete his or her essential job duties. d. Separation in this manner may be initiated by the employee or the County, but in all cases must be supported by medical evidence from a physician. e. Separation in this manner is subject to the certification requirements addressed in the Family Medical Leave Act section of this Ordinance. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 291 94 f. Before an employee is separated due to disability, a reasonable effort shall be made to locate alternative positions within the County for which the employee may be suited. g. Any employee separated from the County in this manner will be allowed his or her appeal rights as addressed in Article X, as long as the employee did not initiate the separation. G. Retirement: Any County employee may be voluntarily separated or depart from service to the County by any means of retirement. This includes resigning from his or her position and drawing his or her retirement benefits from the County, LGERS, the supplemental retirement income plan, or Social Security. H. Death: Separation in this manner entitles the estate of the employee to all compensation addressed in Article VI, Sections 3 & 4, and Article VII, Section 5. If a County employee voluntary resigns, quits, is dismissed, is involuntary forced to resign, or is terminated, the employee’s Supervisor or Department Head should inform the employee that out-processing is necessary and the employee should visit the Harnett County Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department will then coordinate with the employee concerning distribution of retirement funds, 401(k) contributions, continuation of medical benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), conversion of life insurance plans, and a change of address, if necessary. Section 2. Reinstatements Any separated employee who voluntarily resigned in good standing or was separated from his or her service to the County due to a reduction in force may be reinstated to his or her position within three (3) years from the date of separation. Any reinstatement will require the approval of the Department Head and the County Manager, but those employees who are reinstated shall be credited with all previous years of County service, any previously accrued sick leave, and will receive all benefits provided in accordance with this policy, federal law, and state law. The salary paid a reinstated employee shall be as close as reasonably possible to the salary previously paid to the employee, given the circumstances of each employee’s case and the employee’s newly acquired position. Any employee who enters extended active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, the Public Health Service, or with the Armed Forces Reserves will be granted reinstatement rights in accordance with USERRA and Article VI, Section 10 of this policy. ARTICLE IX. DISCIPLINARY ACTION POLICY Section 1. Policy Coverage The following disciplinary action policy covers only those full-time permanent employees in the service of the County. Any Harnett County employees who are part-time or on a probationary period are not covered by this policy and do not enjoy or retain any of the rights found within this Article. Any part-time or probationary employees are considered at-will employees and may be separated from their service to the County without justification or warning. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 292 95 Section 2. Disciplinary Actions Any County employee, regardless of occupation, position, or profession may be subject to disciplinary action. The type of disciplinary action taken shall be based upon the sound and considered judgment of the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, Assistant County Manager, or Department Head executing the action and may depend on the number, nature, and severity of the offense. The Deputy County Manager, Assistant County Manager, and Directors (Department Heads) are not subject to the Three Warning Rule as outlined in Section 6(B) of this Article and may be subject to adverse action without prior written warning or other written notice in the employee’s personnel file; however, there shall be an action or condition relating to unsatisfactory job performance as outlined in Section 6(B)(c) to take any form of adverse action against any of these employees. These employees are not subject to the Grievance Policy as outlined in Article X; however, affected employees may appeal an adverse action to the BOC. If an affected employee is terminated or involuntarily resigns pursuant to Section 6(B) of this Article, the employee shall receive a severance of a minimum of three (3) months’ with a maximum of six (6) months’ of their then existing salary as determined by the County Manager. The severance package shall also include all other benefits of the regular payroll schedule including health insurance. These employees shall not be eligible for severance if the adverse action is for just cause or unsatisfactory or contrary personal conduct as outlined in Sections 6(A) and 6(C) of this Article. Section 3. Responsibilities of the County Manager The County Manager is responsible for maintaining the proper conduct and discipline of all County employees. He or she must be prepared to discipline those employees who fail to meet expectations and fall far below the standards mandated by the County. Therefore, when an employee’s current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County, the County Manager may use any disciplinary action sanctioned by the County to discipline the employee depending on the number, nature, and severity of the offense. Section 4. Responsibilities of Department Heads, Supervisors, Assistant County Manager, and Deputy County Manager Department Heads, Supervisors, Assistant County Manager, and Deputy County Manager are responsible for maintaining the proper conduct and discipline of employees under their supervision. They must be prepared to discipline those employees who fail to meet expectations and fall far below the standards mandated by the County. Therefore, when an employee’s current job performance, personal conduct, or other behavior is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County, a Department Head, Supervisor, Assistant County Manager, or Deputy County Manager may use any disciplinary action sanctioned by the County to discipline the employee depending on the number, nature, and severity of the offense. However, Supervisors are not authorized to use any formal disciplinary action without the approval of the Department Head. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 293 96 Section 5. Review of Disciplinary Documents All written documents pertaining to any disciplinary actions covered under this policy, whether prepared by a Department Head, Supervisor, Assistant County Manager, Deputy County Manager, or the County Manager, must be reviewed by the Human Resources Director prior to being provided to a County employee who is to be disciplined. If the Human Resources Director is the subject of disciplinary action, the Legal Department or legal counsel retained for the disciplinary matter shall review the disciplinary documents. Section 6. Reasons for Discipline A. Discipline for Just Cause a. Discipline for just cause refers to any situation where the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, Assistant County Manager, Supervisor or a Department Head executes some form of disciplinary action in order to discipline an employee for some justified reason. b. Any disciplinary action sanctioned by the County may be used to discipline any County employee for just cause. c. Any adverse action executed by a Department Head, Assistant County Manager, Deputy County Manager or the County Manager for just cause does not require any sort of warning or other written notice. B. Discipline for Unsatisfactory Job Performance a. Three Warning Rule: Any County employee who is subject to discipline for unsatisfactory job performance shall receive at least three (3) warnings before an adverse action is taken. Such warnings shall be issued to the employee and shall include the nature of the proposed action, its effective date, and the reason(s) for the action. These warnings, along with employee discussion notes and any other documents pertaining to such warnings, are to be placed in the employee’s personnel file and are subject to Article XII. i. First Offense: For the first offense, at least one (1) documented oral warning detailing the employee’s unsatisfactory job performance must be issued by the employee’s Supervisor or Department Head. ii. Second Offense: For the second offense, at least one (1) written warning must be issued by the employee’s Supervisor or Department Head notifying the employee in writing of how he or she is performing unsatisfactorily and what must be done for the employee to achieve satisfactory performance. iii. Third Offense: For the third offense, a final written warning must be issued by the employee’s Department head or Supervisor. A final written warning serves as a notice to the employee that he or she continues to have unsatisfactory job performance, that any steps taken to correct such unsatisfactory performance have failed, and that some form of adverse action is forthcoming. b. In the sound and considered judgment of the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, Assistant County Manager, or Department Head executing the action, taking into consideration the number, nature, and severity of the offense, determines that immediate action is warranted, the Three Warning Rule may be disregarded. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 294 97 c. Actions or conditions relating to unsatisfactory job performance that are adequate grounds for discipline in accordance with this policy include, but are not limited to: i. Inefficiency, incompetence, or any other deficiency of an employee in the performance of his or her job duties. ii. An employee’s careless or improper use of County property or equipment. iii. An employee’s physical or mental incapacity to perform the essential duties of his or her position with the County. iv. An employee’s discourteous treatment of the public or any other County employees. v. An employee’s absence from work without notice or leave. vi. An employee’s habitual improper use of leave privileges. vii. An employee’s habitual pattern of failure to report for duty at the assigned time and place. C. Discipline for Unsatisfactory or Contrary Personal Conduct a. In accordance with this policy, County employees who personally act, engage in, or otherwise condone personal conduct or other behavior that is unsatisfactory or contrary to the mission and policies of Harnett County may be subject to any form of disciplinary action sanctioned by the County. Such behavior is unbecoming of a County employee and any adverse consequences from such unsatisfactory or contrary conduct will reflect poorly on the entirety of Harnett County. b. Any disciplinary actions taken under this policy will be determined by the sound and considered judgment of the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, Assistant County Manager, or Department Head executing the action, taking into consideration the number, nature, and severity of the offense. c. Actions relating to unsatisfactory or contrary personal conduct that are considered grounds for disciplinary action in accordance with this policy include, but are not limited to: i. Personal conduct or other behavior unbecoming a public officer or County employee. ii. The conviction of an employee for a felony or misdemeanor that would adversely affect performance of job duties. iii. An employee’s no contest plea to a felony or misdemeanor charge. iv. The direct misappropriation of County funds or property by a County employee or his or her help in the cover up of such a misappropriation of County funds or property. v. Falsification of County records by a County employee. vi. An employee reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs or partaking of such substances while on or off duty. Prescribed medications, however, may be taken within the limits set by a licensed physician so long as the employee complies with requirements set forth in the Harnett County Drug and Alcohol Policy. vii. An employee’s willful damage or destruction of public or personal property. viii. An employee’s willful acts that endanger or will endanger the lives and/or property of other employees or other members of the County. ix. Acceptance of gifts in exchange for favors or influence. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 295 98 x. An employee’s incompatible employment or conflict of interest that disrupts his or her job performance. xi. Any violation of the political activity restrictions placed on County employees. xii. Insubordination. xiii. The willful violation of known or written policies, rules, or procedures. Section 7. Adverse Action Conferences After a Department Head, Assistant County Manager, Deputy County Manager, or the County Manager has decided to take any form of adve rse action against a County employee for unsatisfactory job performance or unsatisfactory or contrary personal conduct, the executing Department Head, Assistant County Manager, Deputy County Manager, or County Manager shall provide the employee with a written notice to attend an adverse action conference. The notice shall outline the unsatisfactory job performance or unsatisfactory or contrary personal conduct to be discussed. At this conference, the employee may present any response to the proposed adverse action to be taken to the Department Head, Assistant County Manager, Deputy County Manager, or County Manager. The Department Head, Assistant County Manager, Deputy County Manager, or County Manager will consider the employee’s response, if any, to the proposed adverse action, and will notify the employee in writing of his or her final decision. This final written notice shall include the nature of the adverse action being taken, its recommended effective date, and the reason(s) the action is being taken against the employee. An employee may be immediately terminated and shall not be entitled to an adverse action conference if the County Manager determines that an employee’s conduct endangers or will endanger the lives and/or property of other employees or other members of the County or engages in any other gross misconduct which necessitates the immediate termination of the employee. ARTICLE X. GRIEVANCE & APPEAL POLICY Section 1. Purpose In order to maintain a harmonious and cooperative relationship between the County and its employees, it is the policy of Harnett County to provide a just and fair procedure for the presentation, consideration, and disposition of any employee grievances. The purpose of this section is to implement this policy and to assure all full-time employees that their grievances will be answered and decided fairly, quickly, and without interference, coercion, restraint, discrimination, penalty, or reprisal. The following policy, therefore, provides grievance and appeal procedures for all full - time employees of Harnett County who: (1) feel they have been discriminated against because of age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, political affiliation, disability, or pregnancy; (2) have been the subject of any adverse action executed under the Disciplinary Action Policy addressed in Article IX; (3) have been separated from employment due to a reduction in force or disability addressed in Article VIII; or (4) have a genuine non-frivolous grievance with the County, its employees, or any implementation of County policy. Section 2. Covered Employees HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 296 99 This policy covers only those full-time employees in the service of Harnett County. Such full-time County employees shall have the uninhibited right to present a grievance in accordance with the following grievance procedures, with or without a representative, free from interference, coercion, restraint, discrimination, penalty, or reprisal. Any Harnett County employees who are part-time or on a probationary period are, however, not covered by this policy and do not enjoy or retain any of the rights found within this Article. Part-time or probationary employees are considered at-will employees and may be separated from their service to the County without justification or warning and may not appeal or file a grievance pertaining to such separation. Section 3. Grievance Defined A grievance is defined as a specific, formal notice of a full-time County employee’s dissatisfaction, based upon an event or condition which affects the circumstances under which an employee works, and that is expressed through the appropriate grievance procedures. The particular dissatisfaction complained of should be re asonable to the average person and may not be frivolous, but may include: (1) any acts of discrimination against an employee because of age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, political affiliation, disability, or pregnancy; (2) any adverse action executed under the Disciplinary Action Policy addressed in Article IX; (3) separation from employment due to a reduction in force or disability addressed in Article VIII; or (4) any unfair application, misinterpretation, or lack of established County policy. Section 4. Grievance Procedures Note: Before initiating any steps of the following grievance procedures, employees are strongly encouraged to seek informal resolution of disputes through communication with the individual(s) involved or with a Supervisor. If all efforts for informal resolution fail, the employee should follow the below procedures to seek formal resolution. Step One: Any full-time employee may file a written grievance with the Human Resources Director within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the incident giving rise to the grievance. The written grievance shall state concisely the basis for the grievance and, if based on alleged discrimination, whether the alleged discrimination was based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, or age. If the grievance is related to any alleged acts by the Human Resources Director, the employee shall file the written grievance with the Deputy County Manager or Assistant County Manager designated by the County Manager. If the grievance is related to any alleged acts by the County Manager, the employee shall file the written grievance with the County Attorney or counsel retained to review the matter. Step Two: The Human Resources Director, shall meet with the employee and issue a written response within ten (10) business days of receipt of the grievance. To prepare this written response, the Human Resources Director may contact and consult any other County employees he or she deems necessary to reach a correct, impartial, and equitable determination concerning the grievance. The employee shall sign and date the written determination as an acknowledgement of the Supervisor, Department Head, or Human Resources Director’s decision. If the grievance is related to any alleged acts by the Human Resources Director, the Deputy County Manager or Assistant County Manager designated by the County Manager shall meet with the employee and issue HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 297 100 the written response. If the grievance is related to any alleged acts by the County Manager, the County Attorney, or counsel retained to review the matter, shall meet with the employee and issue the written response. Step Three: If the employee is unsatisfied with the determination of the Human Resources Director, Deputy County Manager, or Assistant County Manager, he or she may appeal this determination by preparing and submitting an Appeal Packet to the County Manager within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the or Human Resources Director’s, Deputy County Manager’s or Assistant County Manager’s written determination. This Appeal Packet shall consist of the employee’s first written grievance, the written determination of the Human Resources Director, Deputy County Manager, or Assistant County Manager, and any other documentation he or she feels is necessary. If the grievance is related to any alleged acts by the County Manager, the Appeal Packet shall be submitted to the Chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. Step Four: The County Manager will hear from all parties involved and, after careful consideration of the submitted documents, shall render a written determination within ten (10) business days of receipt of the Appeal Packet. If the grievance is related to any alleged acts of the County Manager, the Harnett County Board of Comm issioners shall hear the appeal and render a written determination. Step Five: The County Manager and the Human Resources Department shall notify the employee of the final decision in writing. If the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners renders a written decision, the County Attorney, or counsel retained for the matter, shall notify the employee of the Board’s determination and inform him or her of the final decision in writing. The employee shall then sign this written final decision acknowledging that his or her grievance has been fully heard and his or her appeal rights concerning this issue have now been fully invoked und er this policy. Note (Step Six): Employees subject to the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources shall have the right to appeal to the Office of State Human Resources through the Office of Administrative Hearings no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the written final decision, provided the employee has obtained permanent status in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Personnel Commission. The decisions of the Office of State Human Resources shall be binding in appeals of local employees subject to the State Personnel Act if the Office of State Human Resources finds that the employee has been subjected to discrimination or if a binding decision is required by applicable federal standards. However, in all other local employee appeals, the decision of the Office of State Human Resources shall be advisory to the local appointing authority. Section 5. Grievance Records All written grievances, compiled Appeal Packets, documents, records, and reports will be retained on record by Harnett County for a minimum of three (3) years. Such records shall be held by the Human Resources Director. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 298 101 Section 6. Other Remedies The existence of the grievance procedures herein addressed does not preclude any individual from pursuing any other remedies available to him or her under local, state, or federal law. ARTICLE XI. WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY Section 1. Purpose Harnett County is committed to the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior by its employees, administrators, and elected officials. With this in mind, the County prohibits any fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities by any County employees, Supervisors, Department Heads, Administrators, and/or elected officials. By implementing this policy, Harnett County seeks to prohibit dishonest acts and/or fraudulent activity and to advise employees, Supervisors, Department Heads, Administrators, and elected officials of their responsibility to report suspected fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities. The purpose of this policy is to encourage all Harnett County employees to report, verbally or in writing, evidence of any fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activity by any County employee, Supervisor, Department Head, Administrator, or elected official. In addition, this policy seeks to assign responsibility to the BOC for the development and implementation of adequate internal controls, appropriate safeguards, and performance of investigations relating to any and all suspected and/or confirmed fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities. Section 2. Scope of Policy This policy applies to any and all fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities involving County employees, Supervisors, Department Heads, Administrators, and elected officials, as well as consultants, vendors, contractors, outside agencies, and/or any other parties having a business relationship with the County. This policy also applies to employees of boards, agencies and commissions over which the BOC has authority. Section 3. Reportable Actions As used in this policy, the terms "fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper” includes, but is not limited to, the following:  Any violation of local, state, or federal law, rule, or regulation.  Any violation of this policy.  Any dishonest or fraudulent act.  Any forgery or alteration of a check, bank draft, or other financial document.  Misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies, or other assets.  Impropriety in the handling or reporting of money or financial tra nsactions.  Accepting or seeking anything of material value from vendors, contractors, or other persons providing services/materials to the County.  Using County funds to make unauthorized purchases.  Authorizing or receiving compensation for hours not worked .  Gross mismanagement, gross waste of monies, or gross abuse of authority. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 299 102  Any similar or related inappropriate conduct. Section 4. Whistleblower Defined As used in this policy, the term “whistleblower” includes any County employee who reports or otherwise brings to the attention of the appropriate authority any information relating to the perpetration of any of the above activities by any County employee, Supervisor, Department Head, Administrator, or elected official. Insofar as possible, the confidentiality of the whistleblower will be maintained unless the whistleblower waives his or her confidentiality in writing. Identity, however, may have to be disclosed to conduct a thorough investigation, comply with state or federal law, o r to provide accused individuals their legal right of defense. Whistleblowers reporting suspected fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities should refrain from confrontation with the suspect and should not discuss the matter unless specifically asked to do so by the County Attorney. Section 5. Retaliation Harnett County will not, in any capacity, retaliate against a whistleblower no matter the person being accused or the allegation being made. Therefore, no County employee or elected official shall: A. Dismiss, or threaten to dismiss, any employee. B. Discipline, suspend, or threaten to discipline or suspend an employee. C. Impose any penalty upon an employee. D. Intimidate or coerce an employee because the employee has acted in accordance with the requirements of this policy. Section 6. Responsibilities & Reporting Procedures All County employees and elected officials are responsible for complying with the entirety of this policy along with all local, state, and federal laws. All County employees and elected officials are responsible for the prevention and detection of any and all fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities. Any County employee or elected official who has a reasonable basis for believing any improper activity has occurred, or is occurring, has a responsibility to notify the appropriate Supervisor, Department Head, or Administrator. Supervisors, Department Heads, and Administrators have a responsibility to immediately notify the County Attorney of all fraudulent, crim inal, or otherwise improper activities reported. Reporting options are as follows: A. Via confidential internet reporting link available at www.harnett.org. B. By spoken word to the appropriate Supervisor, Department Head, or Administrator followed by a written statem ent signed by the whistleblower. C. Through a written notice, sent to the attention of the County Attorney, signed by the whistleblower. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 300 103 Section 7. Investigative Procedures Once a report has been documented, the County Human Resources Director, Finance Director, and County Attorney will conduct an objective and impartial investigation into the suspected unlawful activity. The County Human Resources Director, Finance Director, and County Attorney have the primary responsibility for investigating the reported fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities; however, other individuals may be selected to assist in the investigative process. Members of the investigative team will have: A. Free and unrestricted access to all County records and premises, whether owned or rented, as permitted by law; AND B. The authority to examine, copy, and /or remove all or any portion of the contents of files, desks, cabinets, and other storage facilities on the premises with out prior knowledge or consent of any individual who may use or have custody of any such items or facilities when it is within the scope of their investigation. In an instance where the investigation indicates possible criminal activity, the investigation will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Details and results of the investigation will not be disclosed or discussed with anyone other than those who have a legitimate need to know, in order to protect the reputations of persons suspected of the improper activity but subsequently found innocent of wrongdoing and to protect the County from potential civil liability. The details and results of the investigation will be communicated in writing to the County Manager, the audit firm engaged to perform Harnett County's annual audit, and any other appropriate designated personnel. Section 8. Violation A County employee or elected official shall be in violation of this policy if any retaliation is had against a whistleblower. Any participant in an investigation under this policy that willfully, purposefully, or negligently releases any details and/or results of any investigation shall be in violation of this policy. A whistleblower may be in violation of this policy if a base less allegation is made with reckless disregard for truth and that is intended to be disruptive or to cause harm to another individual. Any employee and/or Whistleblower in violation of this policy will be subject to the full extent of local, state, and/or federal law, along with any appropriate disciplinary actions by the County as addressed in Article IX and any other civil remedies allowed by law. Section 9. Media Issues County employees, Supervisors, Department Heads, Administrators, or elected officials shall not discuss any ongoing investigations with any media news outlets. Only the County Attorney or County Manager may disclose information to a media source. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 301 104 Section 10. Sanctions Any County employees, Supervisors, Department Heads, Administrators, or elected officials suspected of participating in any improper activities may be suspended without pay during the course of the investigation. Any County employees or elected officials found to have engaged and participated in any improper activities are subject to the full extent of local, state, and/or federal law, along with any appropriate disciplinary actions by the County addressed in Article IX and any other civil remedies allowed by law. Any County employees or elected officials found to have knowledge of any improper activities and who knowingly failed to report the activities will be subject to disciplinary actions as addressed in Article IX. The relationship of individuals or entities associated with Harnett County, such as consultants, vendors, contractors, outside agencies, and/or any other parties having a business relationship with the County, found to have participated in any fraudulent, criminal, or otherwise improper activities will be subject to review, with the possible consequence of modification or termination of the relationship. If any form of disciplinary action by the County is warranted, such action will be taken after consultation of the County Manager, the Human Resources Director, the County Attorney, and other offices as deemed necessary and/or appropriate. ARTICLE XII. PERSONNEL RECORDS Section 1. Personnel Record Retention & Storage Such personnel records as are necessary for the proper administration of the personnel system will be maintained and stored with the Human Resources Department. Section 2. Updating Personnel Records County employees, in order to provide the County with the most up-to-date information, must report any changes to their personal information to their immediate Supervisor, Department head, or the Human Resources Department. If a County employee changes his or her marital status, has a child, or experiences the death of an immediate family member, he or she should contact the Human Resources Department immediately for important time-sensitive insurance reasons. Section 3. Public Access to Personnel Records As required by NCGS §153A-98, any person may have access to the information listed below for the purpose of inspection, examination, and copying during regular Cou nty business hours, however, each individual requesting access to such information will be required to submit satisfactory proof of identification and a record shall be made of each disclosure and placed in the employee’s file. Such requests are also subject to any rules and regulations the BOC may adopt. Any person denied access to any record HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 302 105 containing the information listed below shall have the right to compel compliance by application to a court for a writ of mandamus or other appropriate relief. The following information on each current or former County employee is public information that may be requested, viewed, and seen by all persons: A. Employee Name and age B. Original employment or appointment date C. Current position and title D. Current salary E. Date and amount of most recent change in salary, whether increase or decrease. F. Date and type of each promotion, demotion, transfer, suspension, or any other change in position classification. G. Date and general description of the reasons for each promotion. H. Date and type of each dismissal, suspension, or demotion for disciplinary reasons taken by the County. If the disciplinary action is a dismissal, a copy of the written notice of the final decision setting forth the specific acts or omissions that are the basis for the dismissal. I. Harnett County Department or Office to which the employee is currently assigned. All other information contained in a County employee’s personnel file will be maintained as confidential in accordance with the requirement s of NCGS §153A-98 and shall be open to public inspection only in the following instances: A. The employee or his duly authorized agent may examine all portions of his or her personnel file, except: (1) letters of reference solicited prior to employment, and (2) information concerning a medical disability, mental or physical, that a prudent physician would not divulge to his patient. B. A licensed physician designated in writing by the employee may examine all portions of his or her personnel file pertaining to his or her medical conditions or medical history. C. Supervisors, Department Heads, the Human Resources Director, and the County Manager may examine all material in any employee’s personnel file that he or she has authority over. D. Any person may examine all material in an employee’s personnel file by the order of a court with competent jurisdiction. E. Any agency official of the State or Federal government, or any political subdivision of the State, may inspect any portion of an employee’s personnel file when such information is deemed necessary and essential to the pursuance of a proper function of the inspecting agency by the Human Resources Director. No information, however, shall be divulged to such agency officials for the purpose of assisting in a criminal prosecution of the employee or for the purpose of assisting in an investigation of the employee’s tax liability. Any public official or County employee who knowingly and willfully permits any person to have unauthorized access to any confidential information contained in an employee’s personnel file is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) and may face disciplinary actions addressed in Article IX. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 303 106 Section 4. Remedies of Employees Objecting to Material in File Any full-time permanent County employee who objects to any material in his or her file may place in his or her file a statement relating to the material he or she considers to be inaccurate or misleading. The employee, if he or she so chooses, may seek the removal of such material in accordance with established Grievance & Appeal Policy addressed in Article X. Section 5. Destruction or Removal of Records No public official or County employee may destroy, sell, loan, or otherwise dispose of any public record, except in accordance with NCGS §121-5(b), without the consent of the State Department of Cultural Resources. Whoever unlawfully removes a public record from the Human Resources office where it is usually kept, or whoever alters, defaces, mutilates, or destroys it, will be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction will be fined not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) as provided in NCGS §132-3. ARTICLE XIII. IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY Section 1. Conflicting Policies Repealed All policies, ordinances, or resolutions that conflict with the provisions of this policy are hereby repealed. Section 2. Severability If any provision of this policy is held invalid, the remainder of this policy will not be affected by the invalidation. Section 3. Policy Violations Any employee found in violation of this policy shall be subject to any disciplinary actions discussed in Article IX, in addition to any civil or criminal penalty that may be imposed for the violation of the same under local, state, or federal law. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 304 107 Section 4. Effective Date This ordinance shall be in effect from and after January 1, 2016. Amended June 6, 2022 Amended June 17, 2024 This Ordinance has been prepared as an overview of the personnel ordinance, and contains general statements on the United States and North Carolina General Statutes, Supreme Court Decisions and other Acts that apply to Personnel Management within Harnett County. Since this ordinance cannot provide all the specific details on any given subject, you should contact your supervisor, manager or the Human Resources Department about any sections for which you may need clarification. Changes may be made from time to time by the Federal, State and Local Governments, Supreme Court Decisions and will be provided as they occur. However, where differences occur, official policies, procedures, or benefits plans are the governing docum ents. APPENDICES The following appendices are grouped under the article in which they appear in the Personnel Ordinance. Therefore, all forms, reviews, certifications, or other policies that are found within Article V will appear in Appendix A. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 305 108 APPENDIX A: ARTICLE V FORMS Outside Employment Request Form Request Date: __ __ / __ __ / __ __ Employee Name: _____________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Department: ___________________________________ Outside employment is defined in the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance as any and all employment or self-employment for salaries, wages, tips, or commissions other than the position currently held by the employee with Harnett County. All County employees should understand that the work and overall mission of Harnett County is to take priority over all other employment interests. Therefore, Harnett County reserves to the right to restrict outside employment so as to prevent interference with County work. All employees, in hopes to provide the most efficient and hardworking staff, are subject to the Outside Employment Policy found in the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance and must understand that any secondary work must not have an adverse effect upon County work, cannot be contrary to County policies, and cannot create an appearance of impropriety. Secondary Employer Information: Employer Name: _____________________________________________________________ Employer Address: ___________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip Employer Phone Number: (__ __ __) __ __ __ -- __ __ __ __ Hours to be worked: ________ Employee’s Secondary Position Title: ___________________________________________ Employee’s Secondary Position Duties: _________________________________________ Certification I ______________________ request approval to obtain outside employment as described above. I have read and understand the Outside Employment Policy as written in the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance at Article V, Section 4, and my outside employment will in no way conflict, interfere, or otherwise hinder my employment with Harnett County. I understand that this authorization may be revoked if the outside employment adversely affects my performance with Harnett County. ____________________________________________________________________________ Employee Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________ As the Department Head of _______________________ Department, I have reviewed your request for outside employment your request is hereby: _____ Approved _____ Denied ____________________________________________________________________________ Department Head/Director Signature Date HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 306 109 APPENDIX A. ARTICLE V FORMS Workplace Violence Incident Report This form is to be completed by the designated employee investigating the incident and filed immediately with Human Resources. Any victim, assailant, or witness statements, along with any other pertinent documents to the investigation, should be attached. Please print legibly, provide all the information requested below, and complete the entire form. Investigating Employee: _______________________________ Date: __________________ Title: _________________________Department: _________________________ Telephone: (__ __ __) __ __ __-__ __ __ __ Date of Incident: __ __/__ __/__ __ Time: __ __:__ __ Location of Incident: __________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip Type of Incident Reported (Check all that apply): ___Harassment ___Physical/Verbal Abuse ___ Stalking ___ violating a Restraining Order ___Threatening Communications (Written) ___ Threatening Communications (Verbal) ___Domestic Violence ___Fighting ___Use of a deadly weapon or item as a weapon ___Engaging in activities that are intended to frighten, coerce, or induce duress ___ Other (Explain) ____________________________________________________________ Reason for Incident (Check all that apply): ___Conflict with current or former co-worker(s) ___Alcohol or drug related ___Mental Health ___Conflict with Supervisor or Department Head ___Hostile response to Disciplinary Action ___Reaction to a demotion, reduction in force, or other form of termination ___Family/domestic dispute ___Receiving a poor performance appraisal ___Racial tension ___Resisting Arrest ___Other (Explain) ____________________________________________ Injuries (Check all that apply): ___Physical Injury ___Trauma/Emotional Injury ___Death Brief Description of Incident: ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Victim Information: Information should be gathered by the investigating employee from the victim. The victim should record a brief description of the incident in the space provided below. Victim’s Name: ________________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Department of Victim: ______________________Title of Victim: ______________________ Victim’s Phone Number: (__ __ __) __ __ __-__ __ __ __ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 307 110 Address of Victim: ____________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip Relationship to Assailant: ___Co-worker/former employee ___Customer/Client ___Supervisor ___Person In Custody ___Stranger ___Spouse ___Family Member ___Other Victim’s Brief Description of Incident: ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Assailant Information: Information should be gathered by the investigating employee from the assailant. The assailant should record a brief description of the incident in the space provided. Assailant’s Name: ____________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Department of Assailant: ____________________Title of Assailant: ___________________ Assailant’s Phone Number: (__ __ __) __ __ __-__ __ __ __ Address of Assailant: _________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip Relationship to Victim: ___Co-worker/former employee ___Customer/Client ___Supervisor ___Person In Custody ___Stranger ___Spouse ___Family Member ___Other Assailant’s Brief Description of Incident: _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- Witness Account: If a witness is discovered or comes forward, he or she should complete this section of the form and provide a brief description of what he or she heard, sa w, and felt. Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Date of Incident: __ __ / __ __ / __ __ Reported Date: __ __ / __ __ / __ __ Department: _______________________________ Title: _____________________________ Witness Phone Number: (__ __ __) __ __ __-___ __ __ __ Address of Witness: __________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip Brief Description of Incident: ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 308 111 APPENDIX A. ARTICLE V FORMS Unlawful Workplace Harassment Form This form must be completed and signed by the complainant and turned into their supervisor, department head, or Human Resources Director. If the supervisor or department head receives the complaint, it must be forwarded to the Human Resources Director within three (3) days of completion of this form. Please print legibly, provide all the information requested below, attach all pertinent documents and statements in support of your complaint, and sign upon completion. Date:____________________ Employee Name:________________________________ Department:____________________________________ Job Title:_______________________________________ Name of your supervisor:__________________________ COMPLAINT INFORMATION 1. Individual(s) who allegedly committed act of harassment against you: Name:______________________ Title:___________________ Department:_______________ Name:______________________ Title:___________________ Department:_______________ Name:______________________ Title:___________________ Department:_______________ 2. Date(s) of alleged harassment: 3. Location(s) of alleged harassment: 4. Please describe in detail the alleged harassment committed by each identified individual: (if more space is necessary, attach additional sheets) 5. Please identify all employees or others who witnessed and/or have any knowledge of the alleged harassment, describing what was witnessed and/or the nature of such knowledge: 6. Please Answer the Following Questions: Yes No i. Are there any documents supporting your complaint? (if yes, please attach to this form) ____ ____ ii. Is there any physical evidence which supports your claim? ____ ____ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 309 112 (If yes, please describe): iii. Have you missed any work time as a result of this incident? ____ ____ iv. Is the alleged harassment continuing? ____ ____ v. Have you previously complained about this or related incidents to your supervisor, department head, or any other County employee? (if yes, answer the next question) ____ ____ vi. Please identify the person(s) to whom you complained, date(s), and nature of complaint: 7. What action do you believe is necessary to prevent the alleged incident from occurring in the future? The information provided in this complaint is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I am willing to cooperate fully in the investigation of my complaint and provide whatever evidence the County deems relevant. __________________________ __________________________ _____________ Signature Print Name Date HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 310 113 APPENDIX A. ARTICLE V FORMS Anti-Nepotism Exception Form Instructions: This form is to be completed by any employee or official seeking an exception to the Anti - Nepotism Policy. The completed form should be submitted to the Human Resources Department for review. All requests for exceptions must be approved by the County Manager. I. Employee/Official Information  Name: ___________________________________________  Title: ____________________________________________  Department: ______________________________________  Phone Number: ____________________________________  Email Address: _____________________________________ II. Relative Information  Name of Relative: ___________________________________  Relationship to Employee/Official: ______________________  Title of Relative: ___________________________________  Department of Relative: ______________________________ III. Request for Exception 1. Description of Relationship: o Provide a detailed description of your relationship with the relative and the nature of their role within Harnett County. 2. Reason for Exception: o Explain why you are requesting an exception to the Anti-Nepotism Policy. Include details on how this exception is in the best interest of the county. 3. Potential Impact: o Describe the potential impact of this exception on the workplace, including any steps that will be taken to mitigate conflicts of interest. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 311 114 4. Safeguards and Mitigation Measures: o Outline any safeguards or measures that will be implemented to ensure compliance with county policies and to prevent conflicts of interest. IV. Acknowledgment I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Harnett County Anti-Nepotism Policy. I certify that the information provided in this form is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statements or omissions may result in disciplinary action. Employee/Official Signature: ____________________________ Date: _______________________________________________ V. Department Head Review Comments and Recommendations: Department Head Name: _______________________________ Title: _______________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _______________________________________________ VI. Final Decision by County Manager  Approved: ☐ Yes ☐ No  Conditions of Approval (if any): Comments: VII. Notification  Employee/Official Notified on: ____________________________  Notification Method: ☐ Email ☐ Phone ☐ In-person ☐ Other: ___________ HR Representative Signature: ___________________________ Date: _______________________ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 312 115 APPENDIX B: ARTICLE VI FORMS Leave Without Pay Form In accordance with Article VI, Section 7 of the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance, I, as an employee of Harnett County, hereby request that my employment status be changed to a Leave Without Pay status for the period of ____________ through ____________. I understand that if my request is approved I will cease to accrue any form of leave, but may continue to be eligible for benefits under the County’s group insurance plan. I have been advised and understand that I must return to work once my Leave Without Pay period has ended and I am entitled to return to the same position I held at the time leave was granted or to one of like classification, seniority, and pay. I understand that if I fail to return to work at the allotted time my employment with the County will be immediately terminated. ________________________________ ___________________________ Employee Signature Dept. Head/Supervisor Signature ________________________________ ___________________________ Date Date ________________________________ County Manager Signature ________________________________ Date HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 313 116 APPENDIX B: ARTICLE VI FORMS Application to Receive Shared Leave Instructions: Please complete the information below and submit to the Human Resources Department. Also, attach a Family and Medical Leave Certification from your physician documenting the need for leave and the period of absence. Employee Name ______________________________________________________________________ Department __________________________________________________________________________ Annual Leave Balance ____________________________ As of Date: ____________________ Sick Leave Balance _______________________________ As of Date: ___________________ TOTAL NUMBER OF LEAVE HOURS REQUESTED _________________________________ (Maximum of 480 hours of Shared Leave per Calendar Year) Employee Statement: "This is to request participation in the County of Harnett's Shared Leave Program. I and/or a member of my immediate family have a medical condition as specified in the attached physician's statement that is resulting in my absence from work. This is not an elective surgery nor am I receiving Worker's Compensation benefits. All of my Sick Leave and Annual Leave has been exhausted and I am requesting donated Shared Leave hours as specified above." ____ I authorize the Human Resources Department to release information indicating that I or a member of my immediate family have a serious medical condition which would otherwise be confidential personnel record information and that I desire Shared Leave donations. ____ I do not authorize the Human Resources Department to release my name or medical information indicating that I have a serious medical condition. I understand that although I may be eligible for Shared Leave, by limiting the information that is released, willingness of my co- workers to donate leave to a blind request may be reduced. __________________________________________ Employee's Signature and Date Department Head Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________ Department Head Signature and Date HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 314 117 APPENDIX B: ARTICLE VI FORMS Voluntary Shared Leave Donation Form Instructions: Please complete the information below and submit to the Human Resources Department. Donor Information: Employee Name_______________________________________________________________ Employee Department __________________________________________________________ Annual Leave Balance __________ Sick Leave Balance __________ As of Date ___________ NUMBER OF ANNUAL LEAVE HOURS TO BE DONATED ____________________________ (Donations must be in four (4) hour increments) (You must have a balance of eighty (80) hours of combined leave after donation) If the Employee requesting Shared Leave has approved release of his/her name and condition, you may designate the employee to receive the leave if not you are donating Annual Leave to an anonymous beneficiary. Employee to Receive Shared Leave Employee Name ______________________________________________________________ Department Name _____________________________________________________________ I meet all policy requirements for being a Shared Leave Donor and would like to donate the stated hours of Annual Leave to the employee listed above. I understand that the leave I donate will be transferred effective the beginning of the 1st pay period after receipt of this authorization form. I understand that once this donated Annual Leave is transferred to an eligible County employee, it will not be returned to me under any circumstances and I give up any and all rights of ownership. ___________________________________________ Employee Signature and Date Please submit this completed form through your supervisor to the department payroll coordinator. They will forward to Human Resources on your behalf. Thank you. HR Use Only: Date received ______________________________________ Entered by _________________________ Hours transferred _______________Effective date for transfer of Annual Leave ____________________ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 315 118 APPENDIX B: ARTICLE VI FORMS Injury Investigation Report Complete this form as soon as possible after an incident that results in an injury or illness. (Please also use to investigate a minor injury or near miss that could have resulted in a serious injury or illness.) This is a report of a: Death Lost Time Dr. Visit Only First Aid Only Near Miss Date of incident: Report is made by: Employee Supervisor Team Other If report is completed by anyone other than employee, please provide name of the person completing the form along with reason why employee is not completing the form below. Step 1: Injured employee (complete this part for each injured employee) Name: Date: Department: Job title at time of incident: Part of body affected: (shade all that apply) Nature of injury: (check all that apply) ____Abrasion, scrapes ____Amputation ____Broken bone ____Bruise ____Burn (heat) ____Burn (chemical) ____Concussion (head) ____Crushing Injury ____Cut, laceration, puncture ____Hernia ____Illness ____Sprain, strain ____Damage to a body system ____Other:_______________ ________________________ ________ This employee works: ____Regular full time ____Regular part time ____Seasonal ____Temporary HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 316 119 Have you suffered a prior injury(s) or received treatment(s) for the body parts listed above? If yes, provide date, type of injury and treating physician or practice group. Step 2: Describe the incident Exact location of the incident: Exact time: During what part of employee’s workday? ___ Entering or leaving work ___ Doing normal work activities ___ During meal period ___ During break ___Working overtime ___ Other___________________ Names and contact information of witnesses (if any): Name; Phone or Email . Name; Phone or Email . Name; Phone or Email . Name; Phone or Email . Number of attachments: Written witness statements: Photographs: Maps / drawings: What personal protective equipment was being used (if any)? HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 317 120 Describe, step-by-step the events that led up to the injury. Include names of any machines, parts, objects, tools, materials and other important details. Please take pictures of the area and machinery involved (Do not take pictures of the injury or injured person) Description continued on attached sheets: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 318 121 Step 3: Why did the incident happen? Unsafe workplace conditions: (Check all that apply) ____Inadequate guard ____Unguarded hazard ____Safety device is defective ____Tool or equipment defective ____Workstation layout is hazardous ____Unsafe lighting ____Unsafe ventilation ____Lack of needed personal protective equipment ____Lack of appropriate equipment / tools ____Unsafe clothing ____No training or insufficient training ____Other: _____________________________ Unsafe acts by people: (Check all that apply) ____Operating without permission ____Operating at unsafe speed ____Servicing equipment that has power to it ____Making a safety device inoperative ____Using defective equipment ____Using equipment in an unapproved way ____Unsafe lifting ____Taking an unsafe position or posture ____Distraction, teasing, horseplay ____Failure to wear personal protective equipment ____Failure to use the available equipment / tools ____Other: _________________________________ Why did the unsafe conditions exist? Why did the unsafe acts occur? Is there a reward (such as “the job can be done more quickly”, or “the product is less likely to be damaged”) that may have encouraged the unsafe conditions or acts? ____Yes ____ No If yes, describe: Were the unsafe acts or conditions reported prior to the incident? ____Yes ____No Have there been similar incidents or near misses prior to this one? ____Yes ____No HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 319 122 Step 4: How can future incidents be prevented? What changes do you suggest to prevent this incident/near miss from happening again? ____Stop this activity ____Guard the hazard ____Train the employee(s) ____Train the supervisor(s) ____Redesign task steps ____Redesign work station ____Write a new policy/rule ____Enforce existing policy ____Routinely inspect for the hazard ____Personal Protective Equipment ____Other: ____________________ What should be (or has been) done to carry out the suggestion(s) checked above? Step 5: Affirmation My signature below certifies that the information I have provided is true and accurate. If I did not complete this form, I have reviewed it in its entirety and agree that it is a true and accurate description of the incident. I understand that any inaccura te or false statements may result in delay in process of this claim. I further understand that this information may be used to determine whether the claim will be paid or denied. ____________________________________ _______________ Employees Signature Date ____________________________________ _______________ Individual Completing the Form if not Employee Date Received By: _______________________ Reviewed by:________________________ Title:_____________________________ Date:_____________________________ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 320 123 Please read this section carefully and cross out the box that is not signed Please fill out the one section that applies. A or B Section A I do hereby agree to be treated by a worker’s compensation doctor chosen by the County of Harnett or its designee as outlined in North Carolina state law. Signed This day of 20 Signature: Section B I do hereby refuse to be treated for my workplace injury at this time. I reported the injury but do not feel I need medical attention. I understand that I have a small window to request treatment and if I fail to d o so within that window, I will lose the right to my workers compensation for this injury. Signed This day of 20 Signature: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 321 124 APPENDIX B: ARTICLE VI FORMS Educational Leave Request Form In accordance with Article VI, Section 12 of the Personnel Ordinance, Full-time, non- probationary employees may be eligible for educational leave to take up to one five-hour course, which shall not include travel time to attend the course. Probationary employees are not entitled to educational leave unless as a condition of their employment, the employee is required to take a course during their probationary period. An employee must complete and submit this form to their immediate Supervisor or Department Head prior to registering for the course. Please print legibly, provide all the information requested below, and sign. Employee name: ____________________________________________________________ Last/First/Middle Street Address: ____________________________________________________________City/State/Zip Phone: (__ __ __) __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ Alternate Phone: (__ __ __) __ __ __ -__ __ __ __ Department: ____________________ Title: ________________________ Course Title: __________________________________ Credit Hours: ___ Dates of Course: __ __/__ __/__ __ thru __ __/__ __/__ __ Degree Being Pursued: _________________________ Institution Name & Address: ____________________________________________________________ Name Street/City/State/Zip Brief statement describing why the course and degree is required for the position, preferred for the position or how it will substantially enhance your ability to perform your job, or how it is related to your current or future job duties and responsibilities. (attach additional documentation/statement if needed) ____________________________________________________________ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 322 125 ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ By signing below, I certify that this course is not being offered at any time outside my work hours and I acknowledge that all the information contained on this form is a true and correct representation and I am not, nor will I ever, provide the County with false information. ____________________________________________________________Employee Signature Date *Please attach supporting document, including a printout of the course description and course schedule. For Department Head Use: Please provide a brief recommendation as to whether the above employee should be granted educational leave. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Department Head Signature Date Approved Denied ____________________________________________________________County Manager Signature Date HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 323 126 APPENDIX B: ARTICLE VI FORMS FMLA Leave Request Form In accordance with the FMLA, Harnett County seeks to provide a working environment that: (1) facilitates the development of children and the family unit, (2) prevents County employees from having to choose between job security and parenting, (3) allows adequate job security for employees who have serious health conditions that prevent them from working for temporary periods, and (4) balances the demands of the County with the needs of the families. Only eligible employees are allowed to take FMLA leave. An eligible employee is one who: (1) works for the County, (2) has worked for the County for at least twelve months, (3) has at least 1,250 total hours of service to the County during the twelve-month period immediately preceding the leave, and (4) works at a location where the County has at least fifty employees within a seventy-five-mile radius. Harnett County will hereby grant all eligible County employees a total of twelve (12) workweeks of job - protected family and medical leave within a single twelve-month period for one or more of the following qualified reasons: (1) birth & bonding leave, (2) adoption and bonding leave, (3) employee serious health condition leave, (4) relative serious health condition leave, (5) military exigency leave, and (6) military caregiver leave. Along with the completion of this form, every form of FMLA leave mentioned above has its own federally mandated form that must be completed and submitted before FMLA leave will be granted to an employee. If an employee fails to complete the FMLA Leave Request Form and any other federally mandated form their leave will be denied. Further instructions, restrictions, and limitations on FMLA leave are addressed in Article VI, Section 13 of the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance. Failure to follow all other instructions, restrictions, and/or limitations will result in an employee’s request to be denied. Please print legibly, provide all the information requested below, and sign the bottom. THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED TO HR 3 DAYS FROM DATE OF REQUEST Date of Request: __ __/__ __/__ __ Reason for Request: ____________________________ FMLA Leave Begin Date: __ __/__ __/__ __ FMLA Leave End Date: __ __/__ __/__ __ Type of FMLA Leave Requested: __ Birth & Bonding Leave __ Adoption & Bonding Leave __ Employee/Relative Serious Health Condition Leave __ Military Exigency Leave __ Military Caregiver Leave Employee name: _________________________________________________(___________) Last First Middle (Maiden) Social Security Number: __ __ __ -- __ __ -- __ __ __ __ Date of Birth: __ __/__ __/__ __ Street Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Phone: (__ __ __) __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Alternate Phone: (__ __ __) __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Department: ____________________ Title: ____________________ Years of Service: ____ HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 324 127 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Employee Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________________ Department Head Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________________ Human Resources Director Signature Date *********All Federal Mandated Forms Must Be Attached********* HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 325 128 APPENDIX C: ARTICLE VII FORMS Direct Deposit Form Harnett County employee’s paychecks will be automatically deposited at the financial institution of their choice. The advant ages to Direct Deposit include:  Automatic deposits are safer, the money is in the bank and you don't have the opportunity to lose it.  On payday you don't have to make arrangements to get the check to the bank (especially banks which are a distance from the work location) or sign leave to take it yourself.  If you are on vacation, on a trip, out sick or on business out of town; you do not have to make arrangements to have someone get your check for you.  Automatically deposited monies are in the bank payday morning. Important Note: ALL NEW OR CHANGED DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION IS PRENOTED SO THAT ACCOUNT INFORMATION CAN BE SENT TO AND VERIFIED BY YOUR BANK. YOU WILL RECEIVE A PAYCHECK THE MONTH YOU BEGIN OR CHANGE YOUR NET PAY ELECTION!! YOUR NET PAY AND/OR DEDUCTION(S) WILL BE DIRECT DEPOSITED AFTER YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE PRENOTE PROCESS. Please print legibly and provide all information requested: Name: Dept. Daytime Phone: BOX 1 DIRECT DEPOSIT OF NET PAY CHECKING  New  Change  Cancel OR SAVINGS  New  Change  Cancel BANK NAME: _______________________________________________________________ Account Number: ____________________________________________________________ Bank Routing Number:_________________________________________________________ NOTE: When changing net pay, the old net pay direct deposit will automatically be cancelled. BOX 2 DIRECT DEPOSIT DEDUCTION(S) CHECKING  New  Change  Cancel SAVINGS  New  Change  Cancel  $ Amount Change Only  $ Amount Change Only BANK NAME: ____________________________ BANK NAME: ____________________________ Account Number: _________________________ Account Number: __________________________ Bank Routing Number: _____________________ Bank Routing Number: ______________________ Deduction Amount: $_______________________ Deduction Amount: $_______________________ NOTE: You may have up to one checking and one savings deduction. If you elect to change from a savings deduction to a checking deduction, or vice versa, you must cancel the first one; otherwise, the second one will prenote as a “New” deduction in addition to the other current deduction. ATTACH VOIDED CHECK OR LETER FROM THE BANK WITH ACCOUNT AND BANK ROUTING NUMBERS Letter must be attached for Savings Account (Bank Routing Number): (Account Number) Signature Date Example: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 326 129 APPENDIX D: ARTICLE IX FORMS Disciplinary Action Report The following report should be completed by a Supervisor or Department Head, and shall not be supplemented by the help of other non-advisory employees. This report will act as a written notice of offense by an employee and will be considered a disciplinary action against an employee as addressed and defined in the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance Disciplinary Action Policy found in Article IX. If the disciplinary action results in a full-time employee’s suspension, involuntary demotion, dismissal, involuntary resignation, or termination, the employee may appeal the action in accordance with the Grievance & Appeal Policy as addressed in Article X of the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance. Supervisor/Department Head: ____________________________________________________ Last First Middle Employee name: _____________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Department: ____________________ Title: ____________________ Years of Service: ____ Type of Offense: __ Discipline for Just Cause __ Discipline for Unsatisfactory Job Performance __ Discipline for Unsatisfactory or Contrary Personal Conduct __ Other: _____________________________________________________ Previous & Current Warnings Oral Warning Written Warning Date of Warning Warning Issued By: 1st Warning 2nd Warning 3rd Warning Description of Offense (Please list below the violated offense as it relates to the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance or Department SOG). Use additional sheet if necessary: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Plan for Improvement: ________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Disciplinary Action Taken: ______ Oral Warning ______Written Warning ______Suspension ______ Demotion ______ Dismissal HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 327 130 Consequences Should Offense Occur Again: ________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ By signing this form, you confirm, acknowledge, and understand the information in this disciplinary action report. You also confirm, acknowledge, and understand that you and your Supervisor or Department Head have discussed the disciplinary action to be taken against you and the reasons it is being taken. You also know that you are expected to improve based on the plan for improvement provided and the consequences that will occur if you fail to improve or this offense occurs again. Signing this form, however, does not necessarily indicate that you agree with this disciplinary action, nor does it suspend any appeal rights you may have under the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance. ____________________________________________________________________________ Employee Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________ Supervisor Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________ Department Head Signature Date ____________________________________________________________________________ Witness Signature (If employee refuses to sign) Date ____________________________________________________________________________ Human Resources Director Signature Date HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 328 131 APPENDIX E: Personnel Ordinance Acknowledgement Personnel Ordinance and Policies Acknowledgement I, _______________________ , an employee of Harnett County in the _________________ Department, have had an opportunity to review the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance and Manual. I have read it in its entirety and have had an opportunity to ask questions about it. Furthermore, I fully understand and agree to comply with ALL policies within. I also accept that it is my responsibility to seek clarification from my supervisor or Human Resources staff if at any time I am unclear about any policies. I fully understand that failure to comply with any policies within the Harnett County Personnel Ordinance and Manual could result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. I understand that the County may change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel, in whole or part, any of the published or unpublished policies and procedures, with or without notice, at its sole discretion, without giving cause or justification to any employee. Such revised information may supersede, modify or eliminate existing policies. Employee’s (Legal) Printed Name __________________________ Employee’s Signature _________________________ Date HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 329 \\lecfile\department\Admin\Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2025\081825\8.1 Agenda_Form_PLAN2507-0001.docx Page 1 of 2 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Proposed Zoning Change from the Industrial to the RA-30 Zoning District REQUESTED BY: Mark Locklear, Development Services REQUEST: Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0001 Landowner / Applicant: Johnnie C. Stewart; 13.71 +/- acres; PIN# 1528-65-0964.000; From Industrial to RA-30 Zoning District; Averasboro Township; Off Hwy 301 N (on Bryan McLamb Lane) Development Services is recommending approval of the proposed rezoning from the Industrial to the RA-30 zoning district. Staff found that the requested zoning classification would not have an unreasonable impact on the surrounding community based on compatibility with the surrounding land uses and the adjacent parcels with a RA-30 zoning classification. Therefore, it is recommended that the proposed change of zoning to the RA-30 zoning district is APPROVED, and that the future land use classification be AMENDED to the Rural/Agricultural future land use classification. Additional Information: At the August 4, 2025 Planning Board, the board voted (5-0) to recommend that the rezoning request be APPROVED. No one spoke in opposition. Item 8 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 330 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 331 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 332 STAFF REPORT Page 1 of 10 REZONING STAFF REPORT Case: PLAN2507-0001 Sarah Arbour, Planner II sarbour@harnett.org Phone: (910) 814-6414 Fax: (910) 814-8278 Planning Board: August 4, 2025 County Commissioners: August 18, 2025 Rezoning from the Industrial to the RA-30 Zoning District Applicant Information Owner of Record: Applicant: Name: Johnnie C. Stewart Name: Johnnie C. Stewart Address: 633 Bryan McLamb Ln. Address: 633 Bryan McLamb Ln. City/State/Zip: Dunn, NC 28334 City/State/Zip: Dunn, NC 28334 Property Description PIN(s): 1528-65-0964.000 Acreage: +/- 13.71 Address/SR No.: Bryan McLamb Ln. Dunn, NC Township: Johnsonville Lillington Neill’s Creek Stewart’s Creek Upper Little River Anderson Creek Averasboro Barbecue Black River Buckhorn Duke Grove Hectors Creek Vicinity Map HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 333 STAFF REPORT Page 2 of 10 Physical Characteristics Site Description The site is a vacant, unimproved property currently used for agricultural purposes. A stream and a small pond are located along the NW property line, and there are overhead powerlines that traverse the property. Surrounding Land Uses Surrounding land uses consist of agricultural activities and residential uses. Background  Zoning was adopted in the Averasboro township in 1988.  There is precedent for rezoning the subject property to RA-30 based on a previous change of zoning from the Industrial to the RA-30 zoning district on Bryan McLamb Ln. : 2015: Approved rezoning from the Industrial Zoning District to the RA-30 contiguous properties on Bryan McLamb Ln. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 334 STAFF REPORT Page 3 of 10  Planning staff coordinated with the Economic Development Department to evaluate the potential impact of the proposed loss of industrially zoned land. The Economic Development Department acknowledged that the lack of public utilities and road access significantly limits its viability for industrial development at this time. Additionally, the residential nature of the community limits the types and scale of industrial uses that could locate on this site. Despite these constraints, rezoning the parcel would reduce the inventory of available land for future industrial development should infrastructure improvements be made along US HWY 301 N. Services Available Water: Public (Harnett County) Private (Well) Other: Unverified Sewer: Public (Harnett County) Private (Septic Tank) Other: Transportation Bryan McLamb Ln. is a privately maintained road and traffic counts are not available. Site Distances Good HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 335 STAFF REPORT Page 4 of 10 Access: Bryan McLamb Ln. : Bryan McLamb Rd. is paved with asphalt and is approximately 20 feet wide for about 0.2 miles from U.S. 301 N. After approximately 0.2 miles, the road narrows and transitions to a gravel and dirt surface, with variations in both width and compaction. The current access is not sufficient for immediate industrial development or further subdivision of the property. Connection to U.S. Hwy 301 N. Bryan McLamb Rd. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 336 STAFF REPORT Page 5 of 10 Zoning District Compatibility Current Industrial Requested RA-30 Parks & Rec X Natural Preserves X X Bona Fide Farms X X Single Family X Manufactured Homes, (with design criteria) X SUP Manufactured Homes SUP Multi-Family SUP Institutional X SUP Commercial Services X SUP Retail X Wholesale X Industrial X Manufacturing X The following is a summary list of potential uses. For all applicable uses for each Zoning district please refer to the UDO’s Table of Uses Land Use Classification Compatibility ZONING LAND USES Commercial Employment Growth Area Parks & Rec X Natural Preserves X X Bona Fide Farms X X Single Family X Manufactured Homes, Design Regulated X Manufactured Homes X Multi-Family X Institutional X X Commercial Service X X Retail X X Wholesale X Industrial X Manufacturing SUP X The above is a summary list of potential uses. For all applicable uses for each Zoning district, please refer to the UDO’s Table of Uses. RA-30 Industrial Commercial HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 337 STAFF REPORT Page 6 of 10 Zoning Compatibility: INDUSTRIAL : The site is currently zoned Industrial, which is established to promote and protect both existing industrial activities and potential sites which are considered suitable for industrial use, and prohibit uses of land which would substantially interfere with the continuation of uses permitted in the district, and to promote the operation of well-planned and maintained Industrial facilities. RA-30: The RA-30 Residential/Agricultural District (RA-30) is established as primarily a single family residential and agricultural district but includes occasional two-family and multifamily structures. Future Land Use Classification Compatibility: Employment Growth Area These areas are located along major thoroughfares and include prime locations for economic development opportunities. Uses encouraged in the Employment Growth Areas include but are not limited to industrial, warehouse, office, research and development, “tech flex”, medical, energy, and distribution. Residential development is appropriate only when not in conflict with existing or future industry or commercial uses or focal development areas. Site Photographs Site HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 338 STAFF REPORT Page 7 of 10 Across Road Road View: Bryan McLamb Ln. Road View : Intersection of U.S. HWY 301 & Bryan McLamb Ln. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 339 STAFF REPORT Page 8 of 10 Evaluation Yes No A. The proposal will place all property similarly situated in the area in the same category, or in appropriate complementary categories. The subject property is adjacent to RA-30-zoned parcels, and the adjacent uses are consistent with those permitted in the RA-30 zoning district. Surrounding land uses consist of single-family homes, manufactured homes, and agricultural activities, which are permitted uses in the RA-30 zoning district. Yes No B. There is a convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be in the interest of the general public and not merely the interest of the individual or small group. The uses permitted under the proposed zoning classification are in the interest of the general public because the permitted uses within the proposed zoning classification are more compatible with the adjacent and surrounding land uses than those permitted under the current zoning classification, Industrial. Yes No C. There is a convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. (When a new district designation is assigned, any use permitted in the district is allowable, so long as it meets district requirements, and not merely uses which applicants state they intend to make of the property involved) The uses permitted in the RA-30 zoning district are compatible with the surrounding residential and agricultural land uses. Yes No D. There is a convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely affected by any use permitted in the proposed change. 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 RA-30 zoning district are more compatible with the adjacent land uses and zoning classifications than the uses permitted in the Industrial zoning district. Uses permitted in the current zoning district have the potential to adversely affect the neighborhood. Yes No E. The proposed change is in accordance with the comprehensive plan and sound planning practices. Sound Planning Practices The proposed change is in accordance with sound planning practices due to the compatibility of the adjacent land uses and zoning classification with the requested zoning classification, RA-30, and the current limited access to public utilities and roads. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 340 STAFF REPORT Page 9 of 10 Comprehensive Plan The proposed zoning change is not in accordance with the Harnett Horizons 2040 Land Use Plan due to incompatibility with the underlying future land use designation, Employment Growth Area. The future land use designation for this property does not support a rezoning to the RA-30 zoning district. As required by G.S. 160D-605(a), a change of zoning to the RA-30 zoning classification will deem the land use map amended to ensure consistency. The recommended land use designation is Rural/Agricultural, as this is the most compatible land use designation with the surrounding land uses. Rural/Agricultural Land Use Designation: Primarily agricultural and forestry uses with some rural business and rural residential areas. These areas are located outside of existing and planned utility service areas and rely on septic systems for wastewater treatment. The lack of utility and transportation infrastructure should limit the density of development to very low-density single family residential up to one dwelling per acre. Suggested Statement-of-Consistency (Staff concludes that…) As stated in the evaluation, the requested rezoning to RA-30 would not have an unreasonable impact on the surrounding community based on compatibility with the surrounding land uses and the adjacent parcels with a RA-30 zoning classification. Therefore, it is recommended that the proposed change of zoning to the RA-30 zoning district is APPROVED, and that the future land use classification be AMENDED to the Rural/Agricultural future land use classification. Additional Information At the August 4, 2025 Planning Board, the Board voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend that the proposed change of zoning to the RA-30 zoning district be APPROVED, and the future land use classification be AMENDED to the Rural/Agricultural land use classification. There was no one present to speak in opposition. Standards of Review and Worksheet TYPICAL REVIEW STANDARDS The Planning Board shall consider and make recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners concerning each proposed zoning district. The following policy guidelines shall be followed by the Planning Board concerning zoning districts and no proposed zoning district will receive favorable recommendation unless: Yes No A. The proposal will place all property similarly situated in the area in the same category, or in appropriate complementary categories. Yes No B. There is convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be in the general public interest and not merely in the interest of the individual or small group. Yes No C. There is convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. (When a new district designation is assigned, any use permitted in the district is allowable, so long as it meets district requirements, and not merely uses which applicants state they intend to make of the property involved.) Yes No D. There is convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely affected by any use permitted in the proposed change. Yes No E. The proposed change is in accordance with the comprehensive plan and sound planning practices. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 341 STAFF REPORT Page 10 of 10 GRANTING THE REZONING REQUEST Motion to grant the rezoning upon finding that the rezoning is reasonable based on All of the above findings of fact A-E being found in the affirmative and that the rezoning advances the public interest. DENYING THE REZONING REQUEST Motion to deny the rezoning upon finding that the proposed rezoning does not advance the public interest and is unreasonable due to the following: The proposal will not place all property similarly situated in the area in the same category, or in appropriate complementary categories. There is not convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be in the general public interest and not merely in the interest of the individual or small group. There is not convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. (When a new district designation is assigned, any use permitted in the district is allowable, so long as it meets district requirements, and not merely uses which applicants state they intend to make of the property involved.) There is not convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely affected by any use permitted in the proposed change. The proposed change is not in accordance with the comprehensive plan and sound planning practices. The proposed change was not found to be reasonable for a small -scale rezoning HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 342 \\lecfile\department\Admin\Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2025\081825\9.1 Agenda_Form_PLAN2507-0002.docx Page 1 of 2 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Proposed Zoning Change from the RA-20M to the Commercial Zoning District REQUESTED BY: Mark Locklear, Development Services REQUEST: Proposed Zoning Change: Case #PLAN2507-0002 Landowner / Applicant: TFD Inc. / Johnathan Tucker; 3.05 +/- acres (Consist of two parcels); PIN # 9585-04-6546.000 & 9585-04-5613.000; From RA-20M to Commercial Zoning District; Barbecue Township; NC Hwy 87 S. Development Services is recommending approval of the proposed rezoning from the RA-20M to the Commercial Zoning District. Staff found that the requested rezoning to Commercial would not have an unreasonable impact on the surrounding community based on compatibility with the future land use plan. Additional Information: At the August 4, 2025 Planning Board, the board voted (5-0) to recommend that the rezoning request be APPROVED. No one spoke in opposition. FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Item 9 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 343 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 344 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 345 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 346 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 347 STAFF REPORT Page 1 of 9 REZONING STAFF REPORT Case: PLAN2507-0002 Sarah Arbour, Planner II sarbour@harnett.org Phone: (910) 814-6414 Fax: (910) 814-8278 Planning Board: August 4, 2025 County Commissioners: August 18, 2025 Rezoning from the RA-20M to the Commercial Zoning District Applicant Information Owner of Record: Applicant: Name: TFD Inc. Name: Johnathan Tucker Address: 141 Country Haven Lane Address: 141 County Haven Lane City/State/Zip: Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 City/State/Zip: Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Property Description PIN(s): 9585-04-6546.000; 9585-04-5613.000 Acreage: +/-3.05 Address/SR No.: NC 87 S., Cameron, NC Township: Johnsonville Lillington Neill’s Creek Stewart’s Creek Upper Little River Anderson Creek Averasboro Barbecue Black River Buckhorn Duke Grove Hectors Creek Vicinity Map HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 348 STAFF REPORT Page 2 of 9 Physical Characteristics Site Description The site consists of two wooded, vacant parcels traversed by overhead powerlines in the site’s midsection. Surrounding Land Uses Adjacent land uses consist of vacant, wooded land, and single-family homes. Commercial land uses, including a fitness center, gas station, automobile repair shop, and restaurant are located in close proximity to the north of the properties. Background Retail Strategies, a company the County has contracted with to help recruit businesses and economic development opportunities to the county, is actively promoting this site and the adjacent property to the north for future commercial development. Services Available Water: Public (Harnett County) Private (Well) Other: Unverified Sewer: Public (Harnett County) Private (Septic Tank) Other: Transportation The annual Average Daily Traffic counts for this section of NC 87 S. are 31,500 daily trips. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 349 STAFF REPORT Page 3 of 9 Site Distances NC 87 S. : Good Zoning District Compatibility Current RA-30 Requested Commercial Parks & Rec X X Natural Preserves X X Bona Fide Farms X X Single Family X Manufactured Homes, (with design criteria) X SUP Manufactured Homes SUP Multi-Family SUP Institutional X SUP Commercial Services SUP X Retail X Wholesale SUP Industrial Manufacturing SUP The following is a summary list of potential uses. For all applicable uses for each Zoning district please refer to the UDO’s Table of Uses Highway Corridor Overlay District (HCOD): The Highway Corridor Overlay District encourages commercial/nonresidential development that promotes safe traffic patterns through shared access, lateral access, and shared parking. The Overlay also consists of enhanced commercial development standards that have been implemented along the corridor that provide attractive entrances or “gateways” into the county. Military Corridor Overlay District (MCOD): The main purpose of this district is to ensure the compatibility between air and exercise operations associated with local military installations occurring at varying hours and land uses on properties nearby, in terms of potential interference with safe aircraft operations, potential threats from falling aircraft, potential impacts of noise, and potential adverse impacts of other military operations and practices, such as small arms and artillery training and exercises, and prescribed or controlled burning of forested land. The permitted uses shall be the same as those in the underlying zoning districts. The Special Uses shall be the same as those in the underlying zoning districts. Reasonable regulations within applicable aircraft noise zones, imaginary surfaces, and active airspace, are limited to the height of man-made structures, incompatible uses of land, and incompatible development activities. Commercial RA-30 RA-20R HCOD MCOD HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 350 STAFF REPORT Page 4 of 9 Land Use Classification Compatibility ZONING LAND USES Commercial Village Parks & Rec X X Natural Preserves X X Bona Fide Farms X X Single Family X Manufactured Homes, Design Regulated X Manufactured Homes X Multi-Family X Institutional X X Commercial Service X X Retail X X Wholesale Industrial Manufacturing SUP The above is a summary list of potential uses. For all applicable uses for each Zoning district, please refer to the UDO’s Table of Uses. Village These areas are meant to be nodes or activity centers for growing areas in the county. They should be located to compliment an existing center or include and be designed around a defined center and integrated greenspace. Villages should have a connected street network with short block lengths and have access to major thoroughfares and utilities. These areas incorporate a variety of small- to medium-scale commercial uses including grocery stores, retail establishments, restaurants and services. Office, civic and institutional uses should complement commercial uses. Residential options may include small lot single- family, townhomes, missing middle housing types and live-work units with residential units above commercial uses. Village Center locations may also include apartments and condos or dorms in the case of Campbell University. Residential uses should be located in close proximity to shopping and service areas and complimented by pedestrian facilities to provide more walking opportunities to internal and external destinations. Village Village Center HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 351 STAFF REPORT Page 5 of 9 Site Photographs Site HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 352 STAFF REPORT Page 6 of 9 Across Street Road View of NC 87 S. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 353 STAFF REPORT Page 7 of 9 Evaluation Yes No A. The proposal will place all property similarly situated in the area in the same category, or in appropriate complementary categories. The properties are located in a mixed-use area with existing commercial uses to the north along the NC 87 corridor. Additionally, there are properties with a Commercial zoning designation located to the north and south of the subject properties along NC Highway 87. Yes No B. There is a convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be in the interest of the general public and not merely the interest of the individual or small group. The uses in the Commercial zoning district would be in the interest of the general public. The site is located in a populous area along a major county thoroughfare and the permitted uses in the requested zoning district have the potential to provide valuable commercial services to the public. Additionally, the commercial development permitted in the proposed district classification may result in increased tax revenue, employment opportunities, and further local investment. Yes No C. There is a convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. (When a new district designation is assigned, any use permitted in the district is allowable, so long as it meets district requirements, and not merely uses which applicants state they intend to make of the property involved) 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 a major thoroughfare and public water . Yes No D. There is a convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely affected by any use permitted in the proposed change. 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 to the north and the adjacent properties zoned Commercial to the south. Yes No E. The proposed change is in accordance with the comprehensive plan and sound planning practices. The requested zoning district is compatible with the Village future land use classification. The Village land use classification should have a connected street network with short block lengths and have access to major thoroughfares and utilities. These areas incorporate a variety of small- to medium-scale commercial uses including grocery stores, retail establishments, restaurants and services. Office, civic and institutional uses should complement commercial uses. The proposed rezoning is also in accordance with Goal 4: Strategy 4A and 4C of the Land Use chapter in the comprehensive plan: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 354 STAFF REPORT Page 8 of 9 Harnett Horizons 2040 Land Use Plan  Goal 4: Encourage commercial recruitment (including retail and restaurants) to address leakage trends. Strategy 4A: Encourage commercial and retail development in non-residential and mixed-use areas identified on the Future Land Use Map. Strategy 4C: Encourage investment on potential commercial corridors that will serve as gateways into the County. Suggested Statement-of-Consistency (Staff concludes that…) 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 use plan. It is recommended that this rezoning request be APPROVED. Additional Information At the August 4, 2025 Planning Board, the board voted (5 -0) to recommend that the rezoning request be APPROVED. No one spoke in opposition. Standards of Review and Worksheet TYPICAL REVIEW STANDARDS The Planning Board shall consider and make recommendations to the County Board of Commissioners concerning each proposed zoning district. The following policy guidelines shall be followed by the Planning Board concerning zoning districts and no proposed zoning district will receive favorable recommendation unless: Yes No A. The proposal will place all property similarly situated in the area in the same category, or in appropriate complementary categories. Yes No B. There is convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be in the general public interest and not merely in the interest of the individual or small group. Yes No C. There is convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. (When a new district designation is assigned, any use permitted in the district is allowable, so long as it meets district requirements, and not merely uses which applicants state they intend to make of the property involved.) Yes No D. There is convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely affected by any use permitted in the proposed change. Yes No E. The proposed change is in accordance with the comprehensive plan and sound planning practices. GRANTING THE REZONING REQUEST Motion to grant the rezoning upon finding that the rezoning is reasonable based on All of the above findings of fact A-E being found in the affirmative and that the rezoning advances the public interest. DENYING THE REZONING REQUEST Motion to deny the rezoning upon finding that the proposed rezoning does not advance the public interest and is unreasonable due to the following: The proposal will not place all property similarly situated in the area in the same category, or in appropriate complementary categories. HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 355 STAFF REPORT Page 9 of 9 There is not convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be in the general public interest and not merely in the interest of the individual or small group. There is not convincing demonstration that all uses permitted under the proposed district classification would be appropriate in the area included in the proposed change. (When a new district designation is assigned, any use permitted in the district is allowable, so long as it meets district requirements, and not merely uses which applicants state they intend to make of the property involved.) There is not convincing demonstration that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely affected by any use permitted in the proposed change. The proposed change is not in accordance with the comprehensive plan and sound planning practices. The proposed change was not found to be reasonable for a small scale rezoning HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 356 July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun TOTAL AVG. Front Desk - Check-in Appointments 1116 1116 1116 Health Clinics Adult Women Wellness Clinic 3 3 3 Care Coordination for Children (CC4C)143 143 143 Child Health - Sick Clinic 127 127 127 Child Health - Well Clinic 163 163 163 County Employee Health Clinic 108 108 108 Family Planning 151 151 151 Immunizations 259 259 259 COVID Vaccines 0 0 0 Maternity (Prenatal Clinic)199 199 199 OB Care Management (OBCM)182 182 182 Postpartum Home Visits 0 0 0 Refer/Repeat Pap 0 0 0 STD Services 100 100 100 TB Services 60 60 60 Welcome Baby Home Visits 0 0 0 Total Services 1495 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1495 1495 Reportable Disease Cases Tuberculosis 0 0 0 HIV - (Quarterly report)1 1 1 AIDS - (Quarterly report)0 0 0 SYPHILIS - (Quarterly report)7 7 7 OTHER STD's 26 26 26 Other (salmonella, campylobacter, etc)11 11 11 Total Services 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 45 Health Education Outreach 325 325 325 Laboratory Clients 1383 1383 1383 Laboratory Tests 821 821 821 HIV Tests 127 127 127 WIC Active Participation 0 0 Vital Statistics Births In County 3 3 3 Births Out of County X 0 0 Deaths 52 52 52 Environmental Health Applications Received 119 119 119 Permits Issued 80 80 80 Completions Issued 130 130 130 Repair Permits Applied 12 12 12 Permits Denied 0 0 0 Site Visits 162 162 162 Food and Lodging Establishments Inspected/Reinspected 60 60 60 Visits /Construction/Critical 78 78 78 Complaints 8 8 8 Private Water Supplies Well Applications Received 9 9 9 updated 7/08/2022 updated 08-06-2025 Activities Summary Harnett County Department of Public Health Item 10A HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 357 Item 10BHCBOC 081825 a Pg. 358 Item 10C HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 359 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 360 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 361 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 362 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 363 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 364 Item 10D HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 365 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 366 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 367 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 368 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 369 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 370 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT PARAMETERS SELECTED FOR ACTIVITY REFUND REPORT: TRANSACTION DATE RANGE: 06/01/2025 12:00:00 AM - 06/30/2025 12:00:00 AM BILL TYPE: Both SORT BY: Transaction Date PAYMENT DATE RANGE: USER/OPERATOR: TAX DISTRICT(S): BILL YEAR RANGE: BILL# RANGE: RELEASE NUMBER ONLY:No PAYMENT TYPE: ,Card - Card,Cash - Cash,Check - Check,MONEYORDER - MONEYORDER,SYSTEM - SYSTEM,UNKNOWN - Item 10E HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 371 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME 1500060772 2024-18690 RP: 110579 0124 Check 167.53 TSHERRING 6/2/2025 12:09:00 PM KARSEN BRANDON KARSEN SARAH 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON, NC 27546-8268 PAID BY UPS REFUND RECIPIENT: KARSEN BRANDON 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON NC 27546 8268 1500041484 2024-19245 RP: 080655 0068 04 Check 235.92 TSHERRING 6/3/2025 9:17:01 AM DIX JAMES DANIEL 448 RAWLS CLUB RD FUQUAY VARINA, NC 27526-8027 PAID BY DUKE ENERGY CORPORAION REFUND RECIPIENT: DIX JAMES DANIEL 448 RAWLS CLUB RD FUQUAY VARINA NC 27526 8027 1500036957 2024-21154 RP: 099563 0087 Check 346.56 TSHERRING 6/3/2025 9:35:41 AM JACKSON JONATHAN RAY ** VOIDED ** 614 N FORSYTHE LN CAMERON, NC 28326-6780 PAID BY ARAUCO NORTH AMERICA INC REFUND RECIPIENT: JACKSON JONATHAN RAY 614 N FORSYTHE LN CAMERON NC 28326 6780 1307555000 2024-14502 RP: 130600 0001 04 Check 72.56 TSHERRING 6/3/2025 9:55:59 AM ROBERTS JAMES M JR 914 LLOYD STEWART ROAD BROADWAY, NC 27505 PAID BY UKG INC REFUND RECIPIENT: ROBERTS JAMES M JR 914 LLOYD STEWART ROAD BROADWAY NC 27505 99178779 2010-1761759 Check 75.89 kbaker 6/4/2025 8:12:15 AM VEGA KATHLEEN SHEILA 476 NICOLE DR SANFORD, NC 27332-1679 DSO PAYMENT FOR VICTOR GREEN/NO BILL IS EITHER SYSTEM REFUND RECIPIENT: VICTOR GREEN 4312 JOCKEY WHIP LN PARKTON NC 28371 7713 Page 1 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 372 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME 99156775 2006-1383115 Check 5.30 kbaker 6/4/2025 8:18:43 AM SINGER JOHN THOMAS JR 468 MORNINGSIDE DR FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28311-1520 PD BY DEBT SET-OFF REFUND RECIPIENT: JOHN T SINGER 468 MORNINGSIDE DR FAYETTEVILLE NC 28311 1520 202380219400 2023-802194 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 245.57 kbaker 6/4/2025 8:25:06 AM WALKER RYAN LOUIS PO BOX 104 COATS, NC 27521-0104 PD BY DEBT SET-OFF REFUND RECIPIENT: RYAN WALKER PO BOX 104 COATS NC 27521 0104 400791000 2024-45262 RP: 04067416020004 Check 982.38 TSHERRING 6/5/2025 10:59:16 AM HOCKADAY JERRY E P O BOX 333 ANGIER, NC 27501 PAID BY WELLS FARGO BANK REFUND RECIPIENT: HOCKADAY JERRY E P O BOX 333 ANGIER NC 27501 1500041627 2024-52041 RP: 019594 0034 Check 118.94 TSHERRING 6/6/2025 11:25:14 AM LYNN ROBIN 1892 NC 24-87 CAMERON, NC 28326-7368 PAID BY PINEHURST MEDICAL CLINIC INC REFUND RECIPIENT: LYNN ROBIN 1892 NC 24-87 CAMERON NC 28326 7368 306532000 2024-28412 RP: 03958701 0002 Check 231.93 TSHERRING 6/6/2025 11:45:55 AM SMITH EDWARD J 377 VIC KEITH RD SANFORD, NC 27332-1150 PAID BY MORGAN PROCESS & MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS INC REFUND RECIPIENT: SMITH EDWARD J 377 VIC KEITH RD SANFORD NC 27332 1150 99030467 2024-2256151 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 124.03 TSHERRING 6/6/2025 11:49:10 AM Page 2 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 373 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME CEG TRUCKING 112 STEEL SPRINGS LN ANGIER, NC 27501-5557 PD BY SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY LLC REFUND RECIPIENT: CEG TRUCKING 112 STEEL SPRINGS LN ANGIER NC 27501 5557 202480820400 2024-808204 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 61.19 TSHERRING 6/6/2025 11:59:28 AM DEMENT SAMUEL JASON DEMENT WENDY JO 790 MAMIE UPCHURCH RD LILLINGTON, NC 27546 PAID BY JOHN HEISTER CHEVROLET LLC REFUND RECIPIENT: DEMENT SAMUEL JASON 790 MAMIE UPCHURCH RD LILLINGTON NC 27546 202480975900 2024-809759 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 16.47 kbaker 6/6/2025 3:50:02 PM REID CHRISTA GRAVES 407 CHICORA CLUB DR DUNN, NC 28334-5676 PD BY THE SHERIFF REFUND RECIPIENT: CHRISTA G REID PO BOX 407 ERWIN NC 28339 1500061909 2024-54122 RP: 039589 0164 Check 165.94 TSHERRING 6/9/2025 12:09:09 PM BUSH ROBERT L DONALDSON LORETTA BUSH 1035 MCFARLAND RD BROADWAY, NC 27505-9002 PAID BY HARNETT HEALTHCARE GROUP LLC ( DAYFORCE) REFUND RECIPIENT: DONALDSON LORETTA BUSH 1035 MCFARLAND RD BROADWAY NC 27505 9002 1500060772 2024-18690 RP: 110579 0124 Check 175.03 TSHERRING 6/9/2025 12:27:58 PM KARSEN BRANDON KARSEN SARAH 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON, NC 27546-8268 PAID BY UPS REFUND RECIPIENT: KARSEN BRANDON 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON NC 27546 8268 900502000 2024-602660 RP: 099556 0015 Check 178.06 TSHERRING 6/9/2025 2:18:41 PM HALL ELBERT Page 3 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 374 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME 5134 EDWARDS ROAD SANFORD, NC 27330 PAID BY SYSTEL BUISNESS EQUIPMENT REFUND RECIPIENT: HALL DARRELL 5134 EDWARDS ROAD SANFORD NC 27330 1500061909 2024-54122 RP: 039589 0164 Check 183.34 TSHERRING 6/10/2025 10:12:50 AM BUSH ROBERT L DONALDSON LORETTA BUSH 1035 MCFARLAND RD BROADWAY, NC 27505-9002 PAID BY DAYFORCE ( HARNETT HEALTHCARE GROUP LLC REFUND RECIPIENT: DONALDSON LORETTA BUSH 1035 MCFARLAND RD BROADWAY NC 27505 9002 202480928900 2024-809289 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 14.75 kbaker 6/13/2025 10:16:08 AM NGUYEN CHINH TRUNG 38 NOLAN CT LILLINGTON, NC 27546-5194 PD BY THE SHERIFF REFUND RECIPIENT: NGUYEN CHINH TRUNG 38 NOLAN CT LILLINGTON NC 27546 5194 99125413 2024-2280090 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 499.05 LFAIRCLOTH 6/13/2025 12:03:59 PM N FINITE WIRLESS LLC 2108 W CUMBERLAND ST DUNN, NC 28334-4446 PAID BY TRUIST BANK REFUND RECIPIENT: N FINITE WIRLESS LLC 15001 WESTERFIELD RD WAKE FOREST NC 27587 202480820400 2024-808204 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 31.82 TSHERRING 6/13/2025 2:16:19 PM DEMENT SAMUEL JASON DEMENT WENDY JO 790 MAMIE UPCHURCH RD LILLINGTON, NC 27546 PAID BY JOHN HEISTER CHEV REFUND RECIPIENT: DEMENT SAMUEL JASON 790 MAMIE UPCHURCH RD LILLINGTON NC 27546 99030467 2024-2256151 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 120.24 TSHERRING 6/13/2025 2:27:25 PM CEG TRUCKING Page 4 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 375 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME 112 STEEL SPRINGS LN ANGIER, NC 27501-5557 PAID BY SITONE LANDSCAPING REFUND RECIPIENT: WILLIAM GREER 112 STEEL SPRINGS LN ANGIER NC 27501 5557 1500060531 2024-12292455 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 216.91 TSHERRING 6/16/2025 11:48:55 AM JERNIGAN STEVE 22 HICKORY TREE LN ANGIER, NC 27501-7715 PAID BY BIGGS HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING, INC REFUND RECIPIENT: JERNIGAN STEVE 22 HICKORY TREE LN ANGIER NC 27501 7715 1500060772 2024-18690 RP: 110579 0124 Check 157.95 TSHERRING 6/16/2025 12:36:08 PM KARSEN BRANDON KARSEN SARAH 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON, NC 27546-8268 PAID BY UPS REFUND RECIPIENT: KARSEN BRANDON 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON NC 27546 705416000 2024-21691 RP: 07069016380004 Check 93.03 TSHERRING 6/17/2025 10:20:33 AM MCCONNELL GEORGE MCCONNELL ANNETTE F P O BOX 760 COATS, NC 27521 PAID BY CARLIE C'S OPERATION CENTER INC REFUND RECIPIENT: MCCONNELL GEORGE P O BOX 760 COATS NC 27521 99076422 2008-1412175 Check 76.40 kbaker 6/17/2025 2:58:08 PM HILL LARRY DEAN 2710 DALY AVE SPRING LAKE, NC 28390-1722 PD BY DEBT SET-OFF REFUND RECIPIENT: LARRY D HILL 702 LAKE SIDE AVE., APT 5E BURLINGTON NC 27217 1475 1500061909 2024-54122 RP: 039589 0164 Check 281.15 TSHERRING 6/18/2025 10:06:47 AM BUSH ROBERT L DONALDSON LORETTA BUSH 1035 MCFARLAND RD Page 5 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 376 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME BROADWAY, NC 27505-9002 PAID BY HARNETT HEALTHCARE GROUP LLC ( DAYFORCE) REFUND RECIPIENT: DONALDSON LORETTA BUSH 1035 MCFARLAND RD BROADWAY NC 27505 9002 202480655700 2024-806557 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 146.93 TSHERRING 6/20/2025 12:14:44 PM FREEMAN AARON ANDRAY 123 FALLS CREEK DR SPRING LAKE, NC 28390 PAID BY RIPPLING REFUND RECIPIENT: FREEMAN AARON ANDRAY 123 FALLS CREEK DR SPRING LAKE NC 28390 1500016595 2024-53799 RP: 039588 0003 09 Check 204.15 TSHERRING 6/23/2025 11:39:57 AM STOOPS LEE 135 FAIRFAX DR SANFORD, NC 27332-3029 PAID BY STATE OF NC REFUND RECIPIENT: STOOPS LEE 135 FAIRFAX DR SANFORD NC 27332 3029 1500027399 2024-11162 RP: 06059714280008 Check 77.09 TSHERRING 6/23/2025 11:55:53 AM MCLEOD DONALD MELVIN 200 W A ST ERWIN, NC 28339-2616 PAID B Y BRIDGESTONE RETAIL OPS REFUND RECIPIENT: MCLEOD DONALD MELVIN 200 W A ST ERWIN NC 28339 2616 1500041627 2024-52041 RP: 019594 0034 Check 183.24 TSHERRING 6/23/2025 12:01:10 PM LYNN ROBIN 1892 NC 24-87 CAMERON, NC 28326-7368 PAID BY PINEHURST MEDICAL CLINIC INC REFUND RECIPIENT: LYNN ROBIN 1892 NC 24-87 CAMERON NC 28326 7368 1500060772 2024-18690 RP: 110579 0124 Check 80.54 TSHERRING 6/23/2025 12:07:55 PM KARSEN BRANDON KARSEN SARAH 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON, NC 27546-8268 PAID BY UPS Page 6 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 377 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME REFUND RECIPIENT: KARSEN BRANDON 1807 KEITH HILLS RD LILLINGTON NC 27546 8268 1500018919 2024-64981 RP: 130621 0068 Check 545.66 TSHERRING 6/23/2025 12:54:51 PM INGRAM JAMIE N INGRAM RYAN L 717 BAYLES RD LILLINGTON, NC 27546-8338 PAID BY HARNETT CO SCHOOLS REFUND RECIPIENT: INGRAM JAMIE N 717 BAYLES RD LILLINGTON NC 27546 8338 202480698200 2024-806982 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 6.67 TSHERRING 6/23/2025 2:28:59 PM WINCHESTER ROBERT MELVIN PO BOX 4553 SANFORD, NC 27331 REFUND RECIPIENT: WINCHESTER ROBERT MELVIN PO BOX 4553 SANFORD 27331 202480721500 2024-807215 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 63.00 TSHERRING 6/24/2025 11:55:04 AM LINAREZ GOMEZ LILA ** VOIDED ** 3428 US 301 S DUNN, NC 28334-6179 PAID BY D &L APPLIANCE PARTS CO INC REFUND RECIPIENT: LINAREZ GOMEZ LILA 3428 US 301 S DUNN NC 28334 6179 1500024064 2024-24698 RP: 10055907670010 Check 279.24 TSHERRING 6/25/2025 9:57:55 AM SMITH AARON 21 NEVADA CT SPRING LAKE, NC 28390-8983 PAUD BY UKG INC REFUND RECIPIENT: SMITH AARON 21 NEVADA CT SPRING LAKE NC 28390 8983 Page 7 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 378 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME 1500027399 2024-11162 RP: 06059714280008 Check 119.26 TSHERRING 6/30/2025 11:58:00 AM MCLEOD DONALD MELVIN 200 W A ST ERWIN, NC 28339-2616 PAID BY BRIDGESTONE RETAIL OPS REFUND RECIPIENT: MCLEOD DONALD MELVIN 200 W A ST ERWIN NC 28339 2616 1500048397 2024-32099 RP: 040674 0717 15 Check 94.76 TSHERRING 6/30/2025 12:16:19 PM VALENTIN CRYSTAL JT W/ROS VALENTIN LUIS A JT W/ROS 2 WILDFLOWER DR RIDGE, NY 11961-2664 PAID BY ALLEGIS GROUP REFUND RECIPIENT: VALENTIN LUIS A 2 WILDFLOWER DR RIDGE NY 11961 2664 202380406000 2023-804060 PERSONAL PROPERTY Check 173.48 TSHERRING 6/30/2025 12:32:44 PM MASSEY CARMERON JARMAL 604 TRANQUIL LN WILLOW SPRING, NC 27592-7567 PAID BY TOWN OF APEX REFUND RECIPIENT: MASSEY CARMERON JARMAL 604 TRANQUIL LN WILLOW SPRING NC 27592 7567 1500010027 2024-22101 RP: 070690 0064 07 Check 49.52 TSHERRING 6/30/2025 2:37:09 PM BRYANT KENNETH WAYNE 144 N MCLEAN ST COATS, NC 27521-8368 PAID BY 1-800-PACK RAT LLC REFUND RECIPIENT: BRYANT KENNETH WAYNE 144 N MCLEAN ST COATS NC 27521 8368 1500011295 2024-18286 RP: 099566 0001 77 Check 119.30 TSHERRING 6/30/2025 2:53:35 PM MIGLIORINI RICHARD E JR MIGLIORINI MICHELLE R 242 PONDEROSA RD CAMERON, NC 28326-9668 PAID BY ROSS STORES INC Page 8 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 379 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT NAME BILL NUMBER PAYMENT TYPE AMOUNT OPER DATE TIME REFUND RECIPIENT: MIGLIORINI MICHELLE R 242 PONDEROSA RD CAMERON NC 28326 9668 TOTAL REFUNDS PRINTED: 7,020.78 (Count: 38) TOTAL VOID REFUNDS: -409.56 (Count: 2) TOTAL: 6,611.22 Page 9 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 380 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:55 PM HARNETT COUNTY REFUND REPORT VOIDED REFUND AMOUNTS OF REFUNDS NOT IN 6/1/2025 - 6/30/2025 NAME BILL NUMBER AMOUNT OPER PAYMENT TYPE DATE TIME REFUND DATE 1500036957 - JACKSON JONATHAN RAY 2024-21154 RP: 099563 0087 364.80 abain SYSTEM 6/11/2025 11:44:16 AM 5/20/2025 10:49 AM 202480614700 - KING ROSALIND WHITE 2024-806147 PERSONAL PROPERTY 3.00 abain SYSTEM 6/11/2025 11:51:30 AM 5/21/2025 01:41 PM 1400019525 - STEPHAN GERRY L 2023-44356 RP: 050624 0019 02 78.29 kbaker SYSTEM 6/23/2025 9:13:29 AM 9/4/2024 12:37 PM 1400019525 - STEPHAN GERRY L 2023-44356 RP: 050624 0019 02 61.77 kbaker SYSTEM 6/23/2025 9:14:54 AM 8/13/2024 07:03 PM TOTAL VOID REFUNDS: 507.86 Page 10 of 10 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 381 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County BILL TYPE: Both PARAMETERS SELECTED FOR RELEASES REPORT: PRINT TOTALS ONLY: No BILL YEAR/NUMBER RANGE: TRANSACTION DATE/TIME RANGE: 06/01/2025 - 06/30/2025 USER/OPERATOR: EXCLUDE USERS/OPERATORS: SORT ORDER: Transaction Date REPORT TITLE: PAYMENT DATE RANGE: DISTRICT/TYPE/FEE: BATCH MONTH RANGE: BATCH YEAR RANGE: BATCH REAL TIME: INCLUDE ONLY THOSE WITH RELEASE NUMBERS: No HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 382 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 383 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County NAME BILL NUMBER OPER DATE/TIME DISTRICT VALUE AMOUNT 99077166 2024-2279295 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/3/2025 12:46:29 PM HOBSON JAMIE KEVIN SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 7,450.00 44.03 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 7,450.00 4.40 SOLD/TRADED FR91ADVLTAX 7,450.00 11.18 SOLD/TRADED FR91PEN FEE 7,450.00 1.12 SOLD/TRADED SC20ADVLTAX 7,450.00 1.49 SOLD/TRADED SC20PEN FEE 7,450.00 0.15 TP DOES NOT OWN NEW OWNER SINCE MAY 2023 PER WILDLIFE TOTAL RELEASES:62.37 202480952500 2024-809525 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/6/2025 11:41:44 AM WALKER KARA RAMSEUR MILITARY C ADVLTAX 16,550.00 179.32 MILITARY CI01ADVLTAX 16,550.00 157.78 LES FOR 2021 YEAR LES FOR 2025 YEAR KARA-NY;ETS- 888888 KARA MCNEIL-NY; 888888 TOTAL RELEASES:337.10 202480975100 2024-809751 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/6/2025 11:42:00 AM WALKER KARA RAMSEUR MILITARY C ADVLTAX 11,470.00 90.38 MILITARY C SHRFFEE 11,470.00 2.00 MILITARY CI01ADVLTAX 11,470.00 79.53 LES FOR 2021 YEAR LES FOR 2025 YEAR KARA-NY;ETS- 888888 KARA MCNEIL-NY; 888888 TOTAL RELEASES:171.91 99179257 2024-2278653 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/6/2025 12:57:01 PM ORTIZ LEOBARDO VILLA DUPLICATION C ADVLTAX 2,500.00 14.78 DUPLICATION C PEN FEE 2,500.00 1.48 DUPLICATION CI02ADVLTAX 2,500.00 12.00 DUPLICATION CI02PEN FEE 2,500.00 1.20 DUPLICATION FR81ADVLTAX 2,500.00 2.38 DUPLICATION FR81PEN FEE 2,500.00 0.24 SWMH LISTED AT 311 E JACKSON ST IS LISTED ON ABS 2268816 TOTAL RELEASES:32.08 99076687 2024-2288601 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/9/2025 8:44:10 AM HINCHCLIFFE KEITH MICHAEL SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 10,604.00 62.67 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 10,604.00 6.27 SOLD/TRADED FR60ADVLTAX 10,604.00 10.60 SOLD/TRADED FR60PEN FEE 10,604.00 1.06 PER WILDLIFE THE BOAT CHANGED OWNERSHIP NOV 13,2023. TP ALSO PROVIDED THE 2025 DISCOVERY WITH SALE INFORMATION FOR 2023 YEAR. TOTAL RELEASES:80.60 99065152 2023-2278951 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/10/2025 9:45:44 AM GRAY WADE CLIFTON JR SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 1,728.00 10.21 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 1,728.00 1.02 SOLD/TRADED CI01ADVLTAX 1,728.00 8.99HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 384 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County NAME BILL NUMBER OPER DATE/TIME DISTRICT VALUE AMOUNT SOLD/TRADED CI01PEN FEE 1,728.00 0.90 PER WILD LIFE RECORDS THE 1996 SEA RAY WAS SOLD SINCE APRIL 2021 TOTAL RELEASES:21.12 99065152 2024-2278951 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/10/2025 9:46:20 AM GRAY WADE CLIFTON JR SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 1,555.00 9.19 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 1,555.00 0.92 SOLD/TRADED CI01ADVLTAX 1,555.00 8.09 SOLD/TRADED CI01PEN FEE 1,555.00 0.81 PER WILD LIFE RECORDS THE 1996 SEA RAY WAS SOLD SINCE APRIL 2021 TOTAL RELEASES:19.01 99230729 2022-2278951 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/10/2025 9:54:38 AM GRAY WADE CLIFTON JR SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 0.00 11.35 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 0.00 1.13 SOLD/TRADED CI01ADVLTAX 0.00 9.98 SOLD/TRADED CI01PEN FEE 0.00 1.00 TP SOLD 1996 SEA RAY BOAT SINCE 2021. TP DID NOT OWN IPP PROOF IN WILDLIFE TOTAL RELEASES:23.46 99033870 2024-2254325 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/10/2025 12:10:00 PM COATES JAMES ALLAN SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 1,745.00 10.31 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 1,745.00 1.03 SOLD/TRADED FR20ADVLTAX 1,745.00 1.92 SOLD/TRADED FR20PEN FEE 1,745.00 0.19 PER STARS THE 2011 TOWB TL WAS TITLED IN THE NAME ANDREW PASTORE III FROM NEW HANOVER COUNTY TOTAL RELEASES:13.45 99033870 2023-2254325 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/10/2025 12:10:23 PM COATES JAMES ALLAN SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 1,837.00 10.86 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 1,837.00 1.09 SOLD/TRADED FR20ADVLTAX 1,837.00 2.02 SOLD/TRADED FR20PEN FEE 1,837.00 0.20 PER STARS THE 2011 TOWB TL WAS TITLED IN THE NAME ANDREW PASTORE III FROM NEW HANOVER COUNTY TOTAL RELEASES:14.17 99033870 2022-2254325 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/10/2025 12:10:45 PM COATES JAMES ALLAN FR20PEN FEE 0.00 0.20 FR20ADVLTAX 0.00 2.02 C PEN FEE 0.00 1.09 C ADVLTAX 0.00 10.86 PER STARS THE 2011 TOWB TL WAS TITLED IN THE NAME ANDREW PASTORE III FROM NEW HANOVER COUNTY TOTAL RELEASES:14.17 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 385 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County NAME BILL NUMBER OPER DATE/TIME DISTRICT VALUE AMOUNT 99123642 2024-2249318 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/11/2025 4:28:40 PM MORSE RONALD LEE NOT IN COUNTY C ADVLTAX 1,314.00 7.77 NOT IN COUNTY C PEN FEE 1,314.00 0.78 NOT IN COUNTY FR16ADVLTAX 1,314.00 1.58 NOT IN COUNTY FR16PEN FEE 1,314.00 0.16 WCT LISTED WITH PITT COUNTY WENT ON THEIR WEBSITE AND TP HAS LISTING WITH THEM TOTAL RELEASES:10.29 99123642 2023-2249318 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/11/2025 4:29:15 PM MORSE RONALD LEE C ADVLTAX 1,460.00 8.63 C PEN FEE 1,460.00 0.86 FR16ADVLTAX 1,460.00 1.75 FR16PEN FEE 1,460.00 0.18 WCT LISTED WITH PITT COUNTY WENT ON THEIR WEBSITE AND TP HAS LISTING WITH THEM TOTAL RELEASES:11.42 99123643 2022-2249318 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/11/2025 4:31:49 PM MORSE RONALD LEE NOT IN COUNTY C PEN FEE 0.00 0.96 NOT IN COUNTY C ADVLTAX 0.00 9.59 NOT IN COUNTY FR16ADVLTAX 0.00 1.95 NOT IN COUNTY FR16PEN FEE 0.00 0.19 WCT LISTED WITH PITT COUNTY WENT ON THEIR WEBSITE AND TP HAS LISTING WITH THEM NOT IN COUNTY. PAID PROOF WITH PITT COUNTY TOTAL RELEASES:12.69 99123643 2021-2249318 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/11/2025 4:32:44 PM MORSE RONALD LEE NOT IN COUNTY FR16ADVLTAX 0.00 2.16 NOT IN COUNTY C PEN FEE 0.00 1.35 NOT IN COUNTY C ADVLTAX 0.00 13.52 NOT IN COUNTY FR16PEN FEE 0.00 0.22 WCT LISTED WITH PITT COUNTY WENT ON THEIR WEBSITE AND TP HAS LISTING WITH THEM NOT IN COUNTY. PAID RECIPT WITH PITT COUNTY TOTAL RELEASES:17.25 202481155400 2024-811554 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/12/2025 11:11:25 AM WILSON CHRISTOPHER D MILITARY C ADVLTAX 11,370.00 67.20 MILITARY CI01ADVLTAX 11,370.00 59.12 MILITARY FR93ADVLTAX 11,370.00 11.37 6/17/2024 11:48:55 AM LWEST6 LES ON FILE FOR CHRISTOPHER-DC; ETS 300731. RELEASED AT 50% UNTIL SPOUSE DOCS ARE SUBMITTED TOTAL RELEASES:137.69 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 386 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County NAME BILL NUMBER OPER DATE/TIME DISTRICT VALUE AMOUNT 202481155400 2024-811554 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/12/2025 11:12:25 AM WILSON CHRISTOPHER D FR93ADVLTAX 11,370.00 -11.37 CI01ADVLTAX 11,370.00 -59.12 C ADVLTAX 11,370.00 -67.20 TOTAL RELEASES:-137.69 202481155400 2024-811554 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY CTHOMAS 6/12/2025 11:33:00 AM WILSON CHRISTOPHER D MILITARY C ADVLTAX 22,740.00 195.99 MILITARY CI01ADVLTAX 22,740.00 172.44 MILITARY C UD07FEE 22,740.00 1.00 MILITARY TOTAL RELEASES:369.43 99031011 2024-2278863 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY MWRIGHT 6/12/2025 4:06:29 PM CHAMPLIN TRACIE FOGLE LISTED IN ERROR C ADVLTAX 3,942.00 23.30 LISTED IN ERROR C PEN FEE 3,942.00 2.33 LISTED IN ERROR FR20ADVLTAX 3,942.00 4.34 LISTED IN ERROR FR20PEN FEE 3,942.00 0.43 THIS BOAT WAS SOLD IN THE 2023 YEAR TOTAL RELEASES:30.40 202480680700 2024-806807 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/12/2025 4:42:19 PM COX SKYLER HAYDEN NOT IN COUNTY C ADVLTAX 15,410.00 379.47 NOT IN COUNTY FR16ADVLTAX 15,410.00 77.05 PROOF IN STARS THAT THE VEHICLES TITLE WAS CANCELLED TO THE STATE OF WA AND THAN THE NEW TITLE WAS REDOEN WHEN TP CAME BACK. NO GAP TOTAL RELEASES:456.52 202481197900 2024-811979 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY smorse 6/13/2025 4:55:11 PM CLUTTER CHRISTOPHER M MILITARY C ADVLTAX 19,680.00 203.54 MILITARY FR16ADVLTAX 19,680.00 41.33 LES ON FILE CHRISTOPHER-TX; ETS 888888 TOTAL RELEASES:244.87 202481009500 2024-810095 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY smorse 6/16/2025 1:35:32 PM LUST JESSICA NOT IN COUNTY C ADVLTAX 27,630.00 312.98 NOT IN COUNTY FR16ADVLTAX 27,630.00 63.55 VEHICLE WAS REGISTERED IN FLORIDA DURING THE GAP PERIOD TOTAL RELEASES:376.53 99033228 2024-2262068 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/17/2025 12:23:08 PM CLARKE MICHAEL S SOLD/TRADED C ADVLTAX 1,084.00 6.41 SOLD/TRADED C PEN FEE 1,084.00 0.64 SOLD/TRADED FR40ADVLTAX 1,084.00 0.92 SOLD/TRADED FR40PEN FEE 1,084.00 0.09 PER STARS THE 1998 PACE TL HAS A NEW OWNER SINCE OCT 11 2023 TOTAL RELEASES:8.06 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 387 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County NAME BILL NUMBER OPER DATE/TIME DISTRICT VALUE AMOUNT 202481321400 2024-813214 DY:24 PERSONAL PROPERTY ADIAZ 6/18/2025 11:38:12 AM BILAFER GEORGE MARTIN 3RD MILITARY C ADVLTAX 21,090.00 508.95 MILITARY FR20ADVLTAX 21,090.00 94.73 LES ON FILE FOR GEORGE-FL;ETS-888888 TOTAL RELEASES:603.68 99014721 2023-600962 DY:23 PERSONAL PROPERTY SAUTRY 6/25/2025 11:45:42 AM BIO-MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF NC, INC C ADVLTAX 215,471.00 -1,273.43 FR16ADVLTAX 215,471.00 -258.57 TOTAL RELEASES:-1,532.00 1500059412 2024-12291411 DY: PERSONAL PROPERTY SAUTRY 6/27/2025 12:16:20 PM BREAK THROUGH PHYSICAL THERAPY DUPLICATION C ADVLTAX 77,634.00 458.82 DUPLICATION C PEN FEE 77,634.00 45.88 DUPLICATION FR16ADVLTAX 77,634.00 93.16 DUPLICATION FR16PEN FEE 77,634.00 9.32 TP SENT IN DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THIS IS THE SAME BUSINESS AS #2177877 TOTAL RELEASES:607.18 1500010222 2025-603738 DY:24RP:100569 0072 kdaniels 6/30/2025 3:50:18 PM NIXON KELVIN C ADVLTAX 9,050.00 53.49 FR93ADVLTAX 9,050.00 9.05 RELEASE BILL MARSHA BROUGHT IN CONTRACTON 6/26/2025(WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECEIVING BILLS) TO ADD PARCELS TO FMP TOTAL RELEASES:62.54 1500010222 2025-603737 DY:23RP:100569 0072 kdaniels 6/30/2025 3:50:45 PM NIXON KELVIN C ADVLTAX 9,050.00 53.49 FR93ADVLTAX 9,050.00 9.05 RELEASE BILL MARSHA BROUGHT IN CONTRACTON 6/26/2025(WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECEIVING BILLS) TO ADD PARCELS TO FMP TOTAL RELEASES:62.54 1500010222 2025-603736 DY:22RP:100569 0072 kdaniels 6/30/2025 3:51:03 PM NIXON KELVIN C ADVLTAX 9,050.00 53.49 FR93ADVLTAX 9,050.00 9.05 RELEASE BILL MARSHA BROUGHT IN CONTRACTON 6/26/2025(WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECEIVING BILLS) TO ADD PARCELS TO FMP TOTAL RELEASES:62.54 1004189000 2025-603735 DY:24RP:100569 0071 01 kdaniels 6/30/2025 3:51:24 PM NIXON KELVIN MITCHEL C ADVLTAX 10,800.00 63.83 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 388 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County NAME BILL NUMBER OPER DATE/TIME DISTRICT VALUE AMOUNT FR93ADVLTAX 10,800.00 10.80 RELEASE BILL MARSHA BROUGHT IN CONTRACTON 6/26/2025(WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECEIVING BILLS) TO ADD PARCELS TO FMP TOTAL RELEASES:74.63 1004189000 2025-603734 DY:23RP:100569 0071 01 kdaniels 6/30/2025 3:51:46 PM NIXON KELVIN MITCHEL C ADVLTAX 10,800.00 63.83 FR93ADVLTAX 10,800.00 10.80 RELEASE BILL MARSHA BROUGHT IN CONTRACTON 6/26/2025(WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECEIVING BILLS) TO ADD PARCELS TO FMP TOTAL RELEASES:74.63 1004189000 2025-603733 DY:22RP:100569 0071 01 kdaniels 6/30/2025 3:52:09 PM NIXON KELVIN MITCHEL C ADVLTAX 10,800.00 63.83 FR93ADVLTAX 10,800.00 10.80 RELEASE BILL MARSHA BROUGHT IN CONTRACTON 6/26/2025(WITHIN 60 DAYS OF RECEIVING BILLS) TO ADD PARCELS TO FMP TOTAL RELEASES:74.63 NET RELEASES PRINTED:2,417.27 TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2,417.27 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 389 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County C ADVLTAX - HARNETT COUNTY TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2021 2021 0 0 0 0.00 13.52 0 0.00 0 13.52 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 31.80 0 0.00 0 31.80 2023 2023 0 -210,446 -210,446 0.00 -1,243.73 0 0.00 -210,446 -1,243.73 2024 2024 0 242,398 242,398 0.00 2,507.91 0 0.00 242,398 2,507.91 2025 2022 19,850 0 19,850 117.32 0.00 0 0.00 19,850 117.32 2025 2023 19,850 0 19,850 117.32 0.00 0 0.00 19,850 117.32 2025 2024 19,850 0 19,850 117.32 0.00 0 0.00 19,850 117.32 DIST TOTAL 59,550 31,952 91,502 351.96 1,309.50 0 0.00 91,502 1,661.46 C PEN FEE - HARNETT COUNTY LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2021 2021 0 0 0 0.00 1.35 0 0.00 0 1.35 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 3.18 0 0.00 0 3.18 2023 2023 0 5,025 5,025 0.00 2.97 0 0.00 5,025 2.97 2024 2024 0 107,828 107,828 0.00 63.73 0 0.00 107,828 63.73 DIST TOTAL 0 112,853 112,853 0.00 71.23 0 0.00 112,853 71.23 C SHRFFEE - SHERIFF FEE TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 11,470 11,470 0.00 2.00 0 0.00 11,470 2.00 DIST TOTAL 0 11,470 11,470 0.00 2.00 0 0.00 11,470 2.00 C UD07FEE - TYPING FEE TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 22,740 22,740 0.00 1.00 0 0.00 22,740 1.00 DIST TOTAL 0 22,740 22,740 0.00 1.00 0 0.00 22,740 1.00 CI01ADVLTAX - LILLINGTON CITY TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 9.98 0 0.00 0 9.98 2023 2023 0 1,728 1,728 0.00 8.99 0 0.00 1,728 8.99 2024 2024 0 52,315 52,315 0.00 417.84 0 0.00 52,315 417.84 DIST TOTAL 0 54,043 54,043 0.00 436.81 0 0.00 54,043 436.81 CI01PEN FEE - LILLINGTON LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 1.00 0 0.00 0 1.00 2023 2023 0 1,728 1,728 0.00 0.90 0 0.00 1,728 0.90 2024 2024 0 1,555 1,555 0.00 0.81 0 0.00 1,555 0.81 DIST TOTAL 0 3,283 3,283 0.00 2.71 0 0.00 3,283 2.71 CI02ADVLTAX - ERWIN CITY TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 12.00 0 0.00 2,500 12.00 DIST TOTAL 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 12.00 0 0.00 2,500 12.00 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 390 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County CI02PEN FEE - ERWIN LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 1.20 0 0.00 2,500 1.20 DIST TOTAL 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 1.20 0 0.00 2,500 1.20 FR16ADVLTAX - SPOUT SPRINGS TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2021 2021 0 0 0 0.00 2.16 0 0.00 0 2.16 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 1.95 0 0.00 0 1.95 2023 2023 0 -214,011 -214,011 0.00 -256.82 0 0.00 -214,011 -256.82 2024 2024 0 141,668 141,668 0.00 276.67 0 0.00 141,668 276.67 DIST TOTAL 0 -72,343 -72,343 0.00 23.96 0 0.00 -72,343 23.96 FR16PEN FEE - SPOUT SPRINGS FIRE LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2021 2021 0 0 0 0.00 0.22 0 0.00 0 0.22 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 0.19 0 0.00 0 0.19 2023 2023 0 1,460 1,460 0.00 0.18 0 0.00 1,460 0.18 2024 2024 0 78,948 78,948 0.00 9.48 0 0.00 78,948 9.48 DIST TOTAL 0 80,408 80,408 0.00 10.07 0 0.00 80,408 10.07 FR20ADVLTAX - ANDERSON CREEK FIRE TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 2.02 0 0.00 0 2.02 2023 2023 0 1,837 1,837 0.00 2.02 0 0.00 1,837 2.02 2024 2024 0 26,777 26,777 0.00 100.99 0 0.00 26,777 100.99 DIST TOTAL 0 28,614 28,614 0.00 105.03 0 0.00 28,614 105.03 FR20PEN FEE - ANDERSON CREEK FIRE LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2022 2022 0 0 0 0.00 0.20 0 0.00 0 0.20 2023 2023 0 1,837 1,837 0.00 0.20 0 0.00 1,837 0.20 2024 2024 0 5,687 5,687 0.00 0.62 0 0.00 5,687 0.62 DIST TOTAL 0 7,524 7,524 0.00 1.02 0 0.00 7,524 1.02 FR40ADVLTAX - ANGIER/BLACK RIVER FIRE TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 1,084 1,084 0.00 0.92 0 0.00 1,084 0.92 DIST TOTAL 0 1,084 1,084 0.00 0.92 0 0.00 1,084 0.92 FR40PEN FEE - ANGIER/BLACK RIVER FIRE LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 1,084 1,084 0.00 0.09 0 0.00 1,084 0.09 DIST TOTAL 0 1,084 1,084 0.00 0.09 0 0.00 1,084 0.09 FR60ADVLTAX - BUIES CREEK FIRE TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 10,604 10,604 0.00 10.60 0 0.00 10,604 10.60 DIST TOTAL 0 10,604 10,604 0.00 10.60 0 0.00 10,604 10.60HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 391 RUN DATE: 7/31/2025 2:57 PM RELEASES REPORT Harnett County FR60PEN FEE - BUIES CREEK FIRE LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 10,604 10,604 0.00 1.06 0 0.00 10,604 1.06 DIST TOTAL 0 10,604 10,604 0.00 1.06 0 0.00 10,604 1.06 FR81ADVLTAX - ERWIN TOWN FIRE TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 2.38 0 0.00 2,500 2.38 DIST TOTAL 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 2.38 0 0.00 2,500 2.38 FR81PEN FEE - ERWIN TOWN FIRE LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 0.24 0 0.00 2,500 0.24 DIST TOTAL 0 2,500 2,500 0.00 0.24 0 0.00 2,500 0.24 FR91ADVLTAX - GODWIN/FALCON FIRE TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 11.18 0 0.00 7,450 11.18 DIST TOTAL 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 11.18 0 0.00 7,450 11.18 FR91PEN FEE - GODWIN/FALCON FIRE LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 1.12 0 0.00 7,450 1.12 DIST TOTAL 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 1.12 0 0.00 7,450 1.12 FR93ADVLTAX - SUMMERVILLE-BUNNLEVEL FIRE TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 2025 2022 19,850 0 19,850 19.85 0.00 0 0.00 19,850 19.85 2025 2023 19,850 0 19,850 19.85 0.00 0 0.00 19,850 19.85 2025 2024 19,850 0 19,850 19.85 0.00 0 0.00 19,850 19.85 DIST TOTAL 59,550 0 59,550 59.55 0.00 0 0.00 59,550 59.55 SC20ADVLTAX - AVERASBORO SCHOOL TAX TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 1.49 0 0.00 7,450 1.49 DIST TOTAL 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 1.49 0 0.00 7,450 1.49 SC20PEN FEE - AVERASBORO SCHOOL LATE LIST PENALTY TAX YEAR RATE YEAR REAL VALUE RELEASED PERS VALUE RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED REAL TAX RELEASED PERS TAX RELEASED MV VALUE RELEASED MV TAXES RELEASED TOTAL VALUE RELEASED TOTAL TAXES RELEASED 2024 2024 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 0.15 0 0.00 7,450 0.15 DIST TOTAL 0 7,450 7,450 0.00 0.15 0 0.00 7,450 0.15 GRAND TOTALS:119,100 343,720 462,820 411.51 2,005.76 0 0.00 462,820 2,417.27 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 392 \\lecfile\department\Admin\Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2025\081825\10Fi.1 Delta Dental.docx Page 1 of 1 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Contract Approval for Delta Dental REQUESTED BY: Janice Lane, HR Director REQUEST: This is a request for the Board to approve contract for FY 26 For Delta Dental in the amount of $800,000. This is for dental fees and claims. A copy of the contract is included for your review. Please place this under the County Manager Reports section of the agenda at the next meeting. FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Item 10Fi HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 393  P.O. Box 30416 https://www.DeltaDentalNC.com   Lansing, MI 48909‐7916            May 7, 2025       Mr. Mark Browder  Mark III Brokerage, Inc.  300 W Watauga Ave  Johnson City, TN 37604‐5549  DELTA DENTAL OF NORTH CAROLINA  3737 Glenwood Ave. ‐ Suite 320  Raleigh, NC  27612  Telephone: 919‐424‐1035    Dear Mr. Browder,     Enclosed is renewal information for one of your Delta Dental of North Carolina groups that renews in the month of July.  Renewal  documents indicating the group’s renewal rates are enclosed.    Please ensure that the enclosed renewal letter is delivered to the group.  If you have any questions or need additional  information, please feel free to contact me.    Sincerely,        Taryn C Bergeson  Client Manager       Enclosures:  0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, 0099 County of Harnett    Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 394  P.O. Box 30416 https://www.DeltaDentalNC.com   Lansing, MI 48909‐7916            May 7, 2025       Melanie Waddell  County of Harnett  PO Box 778  Lillington, NC 27546‐0778          DELTA DENTAL OF NORTH CAROLINA  3737 Glenwood Ave. ‐ Suite 320  Raleigh, NC  27612  Telephone: 919‐424‐1035  Re: Dental Plan Fee Review, Group #0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, 0099    Dear Melanie Waddell,    Thank you for placing your confidence in Delta Dental. We are committed to improving the oral health of our communities by  providing access to the nation’s largest dental network at competitive rates.  This allows your enrollees to obtain the dental care  they need to remain healthy.     Enclosed is a contract for the renewal of your existing dental plan. Please have your group’s authorized representative sign the  contract and return it to me at your earliest convenience.  If we are not in receipt of the signed contract by the effective date, we  will consider remittance of payment as acceptance of the contract, and we will continue to administer your dental benefits  accordingly.  By permitting us to do so, you accept the terms of this contract in full and agree that this contract is binding, even if  you do not return a signed copy of the contract to us.  If you do not wish to renew coverage, please provide notice to us in  accordance with your Contract.  Notwithstanding the above terms of this contract, all delinquent balances due to Delta Dental must  be paid in full prior to acceptance on the above‐mentioned renewal date.  If there is a deficit at the time of your acceptance, Delta  Dental reserves the right to revoke this offer and terminate your existing contract upon its natural expiration date.    Also enclosed is a rate sheet outlining the administrative fees applicable to your new contract period, and a Benefit Highlight Sheet  noting some of the benefits available under your current contract.  These documents are intended to serve as quick reference guides  outlining some of the terms of your contract and are not part of the contract noted above.    If your coverage or budget goals have changed, please contact Mr. Mark Browder or me for more plan design options.  We can  administer many different plan designs to suit your needs and will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of how any changes  would affect your fees or funding factors.   Benefit changes can be effective at your renewal, but you must request them no later  than 15 days prior to your plan’s renewal date.    Your group's first payment at this rate is due within 15 days after receipt of the billing. If you do not wish to renew coverage, please  provide notice to us in accordance with your contract.     Please call me at (980) 312‐8220 if you have any questions or if I can help in any way.  Thank you, we look forward to continuing our  relationship with you and we greatly appreciate your business.    Sincerely,    Taryn C Bergeson  Client Manager    cc: Mr. Mark Browder  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 395       Delta Dental of North Carolina  Renewal Rates for County of Harnett #0792  Effective July 1, 2025  April 30, 2025 0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, etc         Administrative Services Fees  Rates per enrollee per month  Current Fee(s)  July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025     Renewal Fee(s)  July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026     Composite $4.22 $4.22  Overall Percent Change 0.00%    Rates per enrollee per month  Current Equivalency Rate(s)  July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025     Renewal Equivalency Rate(s)  July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026     Composite $45.49 $48.15  Overall Percent Change 5.85%    In addition to the Administrative Service Fee, Delta Dental shall invoice Contractor for the Cost of Claims for the preceding week  every Tuesday. Payment shall be due via Electronic Funds Transfer on or before Friday of that week.          Rating Requirements  Tied to medical: No  Dependents choosing this dental plan are required to remain enrolled for a period of 12 months. Should a Dependent choose to drop  coverage after that time, he or she may not re‐enroll prior to the date on which 12 months have elapsed. An election may be revoked  or changed at any time if the change is the result of a qualifying event as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 125.  Rating Assumptions  The fee is valid for the effective date noted above and is guaranteed through the period shown above.  These rates assume that claims from Nonparticipating Dentists will be paid using our national Table 90.    Self‐billing is not allowed and you agree to pay as invoiced each month.  Subscriber benefit materials are mailed directly to your members.  Printed dentist directories are not included. You can find participating dentists on our website at https://www.DeltaDentalNC.com.  The plan specifications are subject to Delta Dental's standard exclusions and limitations, including:   Oral exams (including evaluations by a specialist) are payable twice per benefit year.   Prophylaxes (cleanings) are payable twice per benefit year.  Full mouth debridement is payable once per lifetime.   People with specific at‐risk health conditions may be eligible for additional prophylaxes (cleanings) or fluoride treatment. The  patient should talk with his or her Dentist about treatment.   Fluoride treatments are payable twice per benefit year for people age 18 and under.   Bitewing X‐rays are payable once per Benefit Year and full mouth X‐rays (which include bitewing X‐rays) or a panorex are  payable once in any five‐year period.   Sealants are payable once per tooth per lifetime for first and second permanent molars for people age 15 and under. The  surface must be free from decay and restorations.   Composite resin (white) restorations are payable on all teeth, including posterior teeth.    Porcelain and resin facings on crowns are payable on posterior teeth.   Vestibuloplasty is a Covered Service.   Full and partial dentures are payable once in any five‐year period. Reline and rebase of dentures are payable once in any  two‐year period.   Implants are payable once per tooth in any five‐year period. Implant related services are Covered Services.   Crowns over implants are payable once per tooth in any five‐year period. Services related to crowns over implants are  Covered Services.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 396 Delta Dental of North Carolina Dental Benefit Highlights for  County of Harnett #0792 July 1, 2025 0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, etc Delta Dental PPO plus Premier™      Coverage effective July 1, 2025  Delta  Dental  PPO™  Dentist  Delta  Dental  Premier®  Dentist  Nonparticipating  Dentist  Plan Pays Plan Pays Plan Pays*  Diagnostic & Preventive Diagnostic and Preventive Services ‐  exams, cleanings, fluoride, and space  maintainers  100% 100% 100%  Emergency Palliative Treatment ‐ to  temporarily relieve pain 100% 100% 100%  Sealants ‐ to prevent decay of  permanent teeth 100% 100% 100%  Brush Biopsy ‐ to detect oral cancer 100% 100% 100%  Radiographs ‐ X‐rays 100% 100% 100%  Basic Services Minor Restorative Services ‐ fillings  and crown repair 80% 80% 80%  Endodontic Services ‐ root canals 80% 80% 80%  Periodontic Services ‐ to treat gum  disease 80% 80% 80%  Oral Surgery Services ‐ extractions and  dental surgery 80% 80% 80%  Other Basic Services ‐ misc. services 80% 80% 80%  Relines and Repairs ‐ to bridges,  implants, and dentures 80% 80% 80%  Major Services Major Restorative Services ‐ crowns 50% 50% 50%  Prosthodontic Services ‐ bridges,  implants, dentures, and crowns over  implants  50% 50% 50%  Orthodontic Services Orthodontic Services ‐ braces 50% 50% 50%  Orthodontic Age Limit ‐  through age 18 and under  * When you receive services from a Nonparticipating Dentist, the percentages in this  column indicate the portion of Delta Dental's Nonparticipating Dentist Fee that will be paid  for those services. This Nonparticipating Dentist Fee may be less than what your dentist  charges, which means that you will be responsible for the difference.  Maximum Payment – $1,000 per Member total per Benefit Year on all services, except  diagnostic and preventive services, emergency palliative treatment, brush biopsy, X‐ rays, sealants, and orthodontic services.  $1,000 per Member total per lifetime on  orthodontic services.     Deductible – $25 Deductible per Member total per Benefit Year limited to a maximum  Deductible of $75 per family per Benefit Year. The Deductible does not apply to  diagnostic and preventive services, emergency palliative treatment, brush biopsy, X‐ rays, sealants, and orthodontic services.   Note ‐ This document is only intended to provide a brief description of your benefits. Please  refer to your Certificate and summary for a complete description of benefits, exclusions, and  limitations.    Welcome to North Carolina's largest  dental benefits family!  As a member of Delta Dental of North  Carolina, you have access to the nation's  largest dental networks: Delta Dental PPO  and Delta Dental Premier.   It's easy to find a dentist! Four out of five  dentists nationwide participate in our  network.   You have superior access to care and fee  savings because of our agreements with  participating dentists.   Our dentists cannot balance bill you,  which means more money in your  pocket!   No troublesome paperwork!  Network  dentists will fill out and file your claims.   Pay only your copayments and/or  deductibles when you receive care from  network dentists ‐‐ there are no hidden  fees.   You can still visit nonparticipating  dentists, but you may be billed the full  amount at the time of service and then  have to wait to be reimbursed.  Quality Dental Program  With our quick and accurate claims  processing, we pay more than 90% of  claims in 10 days or less. Delta Dental also  offers world‐class customer service from  our BenchmarkPortal Certified Center of  Excellence call center.  Online Access  Our online Member Portal lets you access  your dental plan securely over the Internet.   You can find a dentist, check benefits, select  paperless notices, review claims and  amounts used toward maximums, print ID  cards, and more ‐‐ all at your own  convenience.  A Healthy Smile  Keep your smile healthy with dental benefits  from Delta Dental. Your smile is a good  indicator of your health.  Did you know that  your dentist can detect up to 120 different  diseases, including diabetes and heart  disease? Early detection is one of the best  ways to prevent further complications.  Questions?  If you have questions, please call our  Customer Service team at 800‐662‐8856  (TTY users call 711) or look online at  https://www.DeltaDentalNC.com.    Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 397       Delta Dental of North Carolina  DELTA DENTAL OF NORTH CAROLINA  CONTRACTOR      BY:    BY:  President and CEO          (Authorized Signature)         (Title)  DATE:  May 7, 2025  DATE:       i KR#56310024      Delta Dental Service Contract  For  County of Harnett    This Service Contract ("Contract") is entered into by and between County of Harnett (the "Contractor") and Delta Dental of North  Carolina, a North Carolina non‐profit corporation ("Delta Dental"). Delta Dental agrees to perform claims administration services for  the Contractor's self‐funded dental benefit plan. Contractor and Delta Dental may be individually referred to as a "Party" or together  as "Parties". This is a legally binding contract between the Contractor and Delta Dental and is effective on July 1, 2025, the  ("Effective Date").     SECTION I ‐ DECLARATIONS    The Benefits afforded are only with respect to such benefits as are indicated in this Contract, including the Summary of Dental Plan  Benefits.  Delta Dental's liability is limited to the Benefits stated herein; subject to all the terms of this Contract having reference  thereto. This Declarations Section and the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits supersedes any contrary provision contained in  subsequent sections of this Contract.  A. Effective Date:  12:01 A.M. Standard Time, July 1, 2025  B. First Renewal Date:  July 1, 2026  C. Client Number:  0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, 0099  D. Rate(s):  See Addendum  E. Performance Guarantee(s):  See Addendum  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 398 ADDENDUM  County of Harnett  0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, 0099  July 1, 2025         ii KR#56310024      D. Rate(s):      Administrative Service Fee:  Composite ‐ $4.22 per month per Enrollee  This rate is contingent upon 100% enrollment of the eligible members of the defined group with the cost paid by the  Contractor and a minimum enrollment of 75% of their eligible dependents with the additional cost of dependent coverage  paid by the Subscriber.  In addition to the Administrative Service Fee, Delta Dental shall invoice Contractor for the Cost of  Claims for the preceding week every Tuesday. Payment shall be due via Electronic Funds Transfer on or before Friday of  that week.  Rates do not include any applicable claims taxes.  These rates assume that claims from Nonparticipating Dentists will be paid using our national Table 90.  E. Performance Guarantee(s):  The following Performance Guarantees have been agreed to by both parties.    In the event this Agreement is terminated by either party before its First Renewal Date, these Performance Guarantees are  null and void.  These Performance Guarantees will only be tracked, reported, and paid on a calendar‐year basis for each full  calendar year that this Agreement is in effect.  In addition, if Delta Dental's performance meets or exceeds the guaranteed  performance for three consecutive years, Delta Dental will have no further liability for tracking, reporting, or refunding  administration costs for Performance Guarantees.  The total refund in any calendar year will not exceed 25 percent of Contractor's total annual administration costs. Total  annual administration costs equal the annual exposure multiplied by the per Subscriber administration cost, excluding  commissions, if payable.  1. Turnaround Time Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees to process 95 percent of all dental claims for all Contractors within ten business days (measured  from the date a completed claim is received to the date it is adjudicated in the claim system or denied).   If Delta Dental does not meet this guarantee each calendar year, Delta Dental will refund one percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs for each one percent below the 95 percent goal.    2. No Balance Billing Guarantee  When Dentists sign contracts to participate with Delta Dental, they agree to accept Delta Dental's determination of  payment as the full fee for covered services. If a Participating Dentist's Submitted Fee is higher than the amount that Delta  Dental approves, they agree not to charge the difference to Subscribers (or "balance bill" Subscribers).  Delta Dental  guarantees Subscribers will never have to pay that difference.  If a Subscriber is balance billed by a Participating Dentist, Delta Dental guarantees to investigate each occurrence and, when  appropriate, to make the Subscriber whole.  3. Telephone Average Speed of Answer Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees that the annual average speed of answer of all calls to Delta Dental's customer service department  will be 25 seconds or less.  If Delta Dental does not meet this guarantee each calendar year, Delta Dental will refund one percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs for each second above 25 seconds.  4. Telephone Abandonment Rate Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees that the annual call abandonment rate for Delta Dental's customer service department (or the rate  of callers who hang up before their call is answered) will be five percent or less.  If Delta Dental does not meet this guarantee each calendar year, Delta Dental will refund one percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs for each one percent that the call abandonment rate exceeds the five percent goal.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 399        iii KR#56310024    5. Claims Financial Accuracy Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees that the financial accuracy rate, measured as the total claim dollars paid correctly divided by the  total claim dollars audited in a statistically valid sample from all claims paid from all groups, with errors including the  absolute value of all overpayments and underpayments, will be at least 99 percent.  If Delta Dental does not meet this guarantee each calendar year, Delta Dental will refund one percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs for each one percent of claims paid below the 99 percent goal.  6. Claims Payment Accuracy Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees that the payment accuracy rate, measured as the number of claims paid correctly divided by the  number of claims audited in a statistically valid sample from all claims paid from all groups, with errors including all  overpayments, underpayments, and dollars paid to the wrong payee, will be at least 98 percent.  If Delta Dental does not meet this guarantee each calendar year, Delta Dental will refund one percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs for each one percent of claims paid below the 98 percent goal.  7. Claims Processing Accuracy Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees that the processing accuracy rate, measured as the number of correctly processed paid claims  divided by the total number of claims audited in a statistically valid sample from all claims paid from all groups, will be at  least 98 percent. The processing accuracy rate measures all types of errors, not just financial errors.  If Delta Dental does not meet this guarantee each calendar year, Delta Dental will refund one percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs for each one percent of claims paid below the 98 percent goal.  8. Satisfactory Account Management Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees that the Contractor will be satisfied with the management of the account.  If the Contractor is not completely satisfied with its account management each calendar year as indicated by a grade of B or  above on Delta Dental's annual account management report card, Delta Dental will refund five percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs.  9. Member Satisfaction Guarantee  Delta Dental guarantees that at least 95 percent of respondents to Delta Dental's standard member satisfaction survey will  be satisfied with us as a whole.  If Delta Dental does not meet this guarantee each calendar year, Delta Dental will refund one percent of the Contractor's  total annual administration costs for each one percent that the overall member satisfaction rate is below the 95 percent  goal.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 400   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 1 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    SECTION II ‐ DEFINITIONS   The following words and terms have the following meanings unless the context or use clearly indicates another meaning or intent.  Capitalized words and terms not defined below are defined in the Certificate.  ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE FEE means the fee charged by Delta Dental for the administrative services performed under this  Contract.  BENEFIT MANAGER TOOLKIT means Delta Dental’s online portal used for eligibility updates and Dental Plan information.  COBRA means the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.  CONTRACT means this document, including the Certificate and applicable Summary(ies) of Dental Plan Covered Services (the terms  of which are incorporated herein), the materials submitted by the Contractor in applying for coverage, and, if applicable, any  appendices, supplements, riders, successor agreements, renewal letters, or renewals now or hereafter issued or executed.  COST OF CLAIMS means the total amount of Claims payments made by Delta Dental for Covered Services for which the Contractor  must reimburse Delta Dental.  ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.  LICENSE means a limited, non‐transferable, non‐exclusive, non‐sublicensable, temporary license granted to Contractor by Delta Dental  to access and use Delta Dental’s web portals.    SECTION III ‐ ERISA   Contractor, or a person designated by Contractor (other than Delta Dental), shall be the Named Fiduciary of the Contractor’s  Dental Plan as that term is defined by ERISA §402(a)(2). To the extent Contractor has delegated to Delta Dental the responsibility  and discretionary authority to make final claims determinations, Delta Dental shall be the named fiduciary with respect to such  determinations. Any determination or interpretation made by Delta Dental pursuant to this authority is binding on the Member and  the Contractor unless it is demonstrated that the determination was arbitrary and capricious. In the event final claims determinations  are made by any other entity, Delta Dental shall not be a fiduciary with respect to such determinations. Furthermore, to the extent  that Delta Dental is deemed to possess any plan assets of the Dental Plan, Delta Dental will be a fiduciary with respect to such assets to  the extent that Delta Dental exercises discretion and control over such assets. Except as otherwise stated herein, Delta Dental shall  not have any further discretionary authority or control respecting the management of the Dental Plan or the Dental Plan’s assets,  if any, and the Contractor retains all responsibility and authority, including all other fiduciary responsibilities, as defined in ERISA,  for operation of the Dental Plan.  SECTION IV ‐ ELIGIBILITY AND ENROLLMENT   A. Contractor shall have sole responsibility for determining the eligibility of, and shall manage the enrollment, disenrollment,  and contribution obligations of all Members.  B. As a condition of enrollment, the Contractor shall require all Members to provide Delta Dental with all information needed to  process claims and administer Covered Services. Such information may include, but not be limited to, the Member’s dental  records. In the event a Member fails and/or refuses to provide Delta Dental with requested information, Delta Dental may  place the Member’s coverage on hold.  C. Contractor shall provide Delta Dental with an initial eligibility upload of all Members. Such eligibility upload shall be in a form and  format acceptable to Delta Dental. Thereafter, Contractor shall provide Delta Dental with eligibility updates on an as needed  basis, which in no event shall be less than monthly. Contractor shall promptly respond to any requests for information made by  Delta Dental concerning the eligibility of a Member.  D. Contractor shall be solely responsible for the accuracy and delivery of all eligibility information submitted to Delta Dental. Delta  Dental shall not be liable for any losses or damages resulting from eligibility information provided by Contractor and/or any other  third party.  E. Unless otherwise stated in the Declarations Section of this Contract, no retroactive eligibility updates will be accepted for an  effective date more than six (6) months from the date of notification. If the Contractor requests that an Enrollee’s eligibility be  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 401   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 2 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    terminated retroactively and a claim was incurred for that Enrollee or that Enrollee’s Dependent after the requested  termination date, the Enrollee’s eligibility will continue until the end of the month in which the claim occurred, and  Contractor shall be responsible for all Cost of Claims and applicable Administrative Service fees for services that were  rendered to the Enrollee or Dependent up until the effective termination date.  In addition, in the event that an Enrollee or  Dependent is retroactively added, Contractor shall be responsible for all Cost of Claims and applicable Administrative Service  fees for services that were rendered to the Enrollee or Dependent from the effective addition date forward.  F. Upon reasonable prior written notice, Delta Dental shall have the right to audit the accuracy of Contractor’s eligibility  information. Contractor’s refusal to permit such audit shall be deemed a material breach of this Contract.  G. Contractor shall be solely responsible for identifying Members entitled to COBRA continuation Covered Services. Contractor shall  provide all required notices, collect all necessary payments, and otherwise administer all facets of its COBRA program. In the  event that Contractor continues to provide eligibility information to Delta Dental for a Member during the COBRA election period,  as opposed to terminating coverage and then retroactively reinstating a Member upon the Member’s election of COBRA  coverage, Contractor shall be liable for any Claim paid during that period if the Member ultimately does not elect COBRA coverage.  H. In the event that a Member undergoes a change in eligibility, Contractor must notify Delta Dental of such change. Any failure  by Contractor to provide timely notice of eligibility changes may result in Covered Services being improperly administered.  Contractor shall be solely responsible for such failures. Contractor must notify Delta Dental immediately for any change in a  Member’s eligibility. In the event Contractor does not notify Delta Dental immediately, Contractor shall be responsible for any  paid Claims.  I. If the Contractor elects to transmit eligibility information via the Benefit Manager Toolkit, Contractor shall execute all proper  authorization forms prior to accessing Delta Dental’s systems.  J. Delta Dental will deliver to the Contractor an electronic copy of the Certificate for distribution to each Enrollee, unless  otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties.  K. The Contractor will timely distribute to each of its Enrollees the Certificates and other information provided by Delta Dental  regarding the Covered Services available under this Contract, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties.  L. Delta Dental shall furnish the Contractor with enrollment forms and related informational materials necessary and appropriate  to enroll the Contractor's Members. Delta Dental shall provide reasonable assistance to Contractor on an as needed basis during  the enrollment process.  M. In the event of any material changes in enrollment or composition of Members or if invoices are not paid as billed, unless  otherwise agreed to in writing, Delta Dental shall have the right in its sole discretion to either:  1. Terminate this Contract pursuant to Section IX; or   2. Propose an adjustment to the Administrative Service Fee. If the proposed adjustment to the Administrative Service Fee is not  accepted by Contractor within 30 days of receipt of the proposed adjustment, Delta Dental reserves the right to terminate this  Contract.  SECTION V – COVERED SERVICES   A. Delta Dental shall administer and make payment for Covered Services in accordance with this Contract, the Summary of Dental  Plan Benefits, and the Certificate attached hereto. Contractor may request changes to the Covered Services available to  Members by submitting the request in writing to Delta Dental. Changes to Covered Services are subject to Delta Dental’s  approval and may cause an increase to the Administrative Service Fee. Any changes to Covered Services must be agreed to in  writing by Delta Dental prior to implementation. Contractor shall be responsible for determining all potential tax consequences  relating to the covered benefits it selects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Contractor acknowledges that Delta Dental periodically  updates its Certificates to account for CDT code changes issued by the American Dental Association and processing policy changes  made by Delta Dental, and Contractor agrees that any such changes shall apply to this Contract provided that Delta Dental provides  Contractor prior notice of any such changes. Such changes shall become effective as of the date indicated in such notice.  SECTION VI ‐ DELTA DENTAL NETWORK   A. Delta Dental shall provide Members with an established network of dentists (“Participating Dentists”) who have agreed to  accept Delta Dental’s Maximum Approved Fees for Covered Services. Delta Dental has complete discretion when setting the  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 402   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 3 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    Maximum Approved Fees. For a detailed description of how payment is made, see Section VI of the applicable Certificate.  B. Delta Dental shall ensure that there are an adequate number of qualified and credentialed Participating Dentists.   C. Delta Dental is under no obligation to contract with any particular dentist and/or maintain any particular Participating Dentist  in its network. In addition, Delta Dental is under no obligation to recommend or refer any dentist to a Member.  D. Contractor acknowledges and agrees that:  1. Delta Dental does not provide, direct, or control the provision of dental services to Members.  2. All decisions regarding dental services are made solely by the Member and his or her dentist; and  3. Delta Dental does not warrant or guarantee that the dental services received by a Member from his or her dentist will be  rendered in accordance with generally accepted standards or procedures.  SECTION VII ‐ CLAIMS AND APPEALS  A. Delta Dental will adjudicate and process all clean Claims submitted for Contractor’s Dental Plan, in accordance with this Contract,  the Certificate and Delta Dental’s standard operating procedures. Clean Claims are those Claims that contain all information  necessary for Delta Dental to process the Claim. In the event that Delta Dental does not receive a clean Claim, the Claim will be  denied and will not be chargeable to the Member if the services were rendered by a Participating Dentist.  B. Subject to the terms of this Contract and unless otherwise stated in the Declarations Section, Delta Dental has complete  discretion to process Claims received under Contractor’s Dental Plan. As such, Delta Dental shall, without limitation, make  determinations regarding:  1. Coordination of benefits,  2. The applicability of Benefit waiting periods, limitations and exclusions; and  3. The quality of care provided to Members by a treating dentist.   C. Delta Dental shall provide Pre‐Treatment Estimates to Members and Participating Dentists upon request as set forth in the  Certificate. A Pre‐Treatment Estimate is a voluntary and optional process where Delta Dental issues a written estimate of  Benefits that may be available under the Dental Plan. A Pre‐Treatment Estimate is not a prerequisite or condition for approval of  future Benefits payment. Receipt of a Pre‐Treatment Estimate does not guarantee payment or coverage, and is not a formal  adjudication of a Claim. Pre‐Treatment Estimates do not assess whether a Member is specifically eligible for a Covered Service  or whether he or she has reached any applicable annual or lifetime maximum payments under the Dental Plan.  D. Delta Dental will follow established procedures for resolving all adverse Claims determination questions asserted by a  dentist, or Member as set forth in the Certificate (“Claims Appeal Procedure”). The Claims Appeal Procedure shall contain  processes for appealing initial adverse determinations made by Delta Dental. To the extent the Dental Plan is governed by  ERISA, Delta Dental’s procedures shall comply with ERISA and any regulations or guidelines thereunder. All determinations  made according to the Claims Appeal Procedure will be final and binding on the Participating Dentist and the Member, unless  otherwise stated in the Declarations Section of this Contract; provided, however, that the Member may exercise any  additional legal rights he or she may have.  E. Payments made directly to a Member as reimbursement for Covered Services under the Dental Plan are for the personal  benefit of such Member and cannot be transferred or assigned, unless otherwise stated in the Declarations Section of this  Contract. Delta Dental shall not honor attempts to assign Benefits unless required to by law.  F. Delta Dental shall use reasonable efforts to recover any overpayments on Contractor’s behalf. Delta Dental is under no  obligation to engage in litigation in an attempt to recover such payments. Any funds recovered by Delta Dental will be  properly credited to Contractor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delta Dental will be responsible for any overpayments  made due to Delta Dental’s negligence or breach of this Contract.  G. Delta Dental does not insure or underwrite risk for Claims submitted on behalf of Members. The Contractor retains sole  responsibility for all Claims properly paid by Delta Dental under this Contract.   Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 403   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 4 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    SECTION VIII ‐ PAYMENT  A. The Contractor agrees to reimburse Delta Dental for the actual Cost of Claims and the invoiced Administrative Service Fee as  set forth in the Declarations Section of this Contract. Delta Dental shall not be obligated to accept partial or late payments  and acceptance of a partial or late payment will not waive Delta Dental’s remedies under this Contract, or otherwise modify  the terms herein.  B. The Contractor shall maintain funds necessary to satisfy its obligations under this Contract.  C. Unless otherwise stated in the Declarations Section of this Contract, payment for Administrative Service Fees shall be due on the  fifth of each month. An invoice for the current month’s Administrative Service Fees shall be sent on or about the third week of  the preceding month.  D. The Contractor is responsible for the full amount of all invoices regardless of any contribution owed by the Members to the  Contractor. Delta Dental shall not be responsible for collecting any contributions from Members.  E. If required by Delta Dental, Contractor shall deposit an amount specified in the Declarations Section of this Contract (“Prefund”)  with Delta Dental. The Prefund shall serve as a deposit to offset against any untimely or partial payments from Contractor. In the  event Delta Dental uses any of the Prefund to offset untimely or partial payments, Delta Dental shall submit an invoice to the  Contractor in the amount necessary to replenish the Prefund. If the Contractor fails to timely replenish the Prefund, Delta Dental  shall be entitled to all remedies set forth in Section XI.  SECTION IX ‐ TERM AND TERMINATION  A. This Contract shall remain in full force and effect for the initial term commencing on the Effective Date and continuing to the  First Renewal Date, as specified in the Declarations Section. Thereafter, the Contract may be renewed for subsequent terms as  specified in the Declarations Section or in a renewal letter, unless Contractor or Delta Dental provides written notice of its intent  not to renew at least (30) days prior to the expiration of the then current term.   B. In the event of a Party’s material breach, the non‐breaching Party may terminate this Contract by sending written notice to the  breaching Party explaining in detail the nature of the breach and providing an opportunity to cure, which in no event shall be less than  30 days. In the event the material breach is not cured within the notice period, the non‐breaching Party may immediately terminate  this Contract.   C. Unless otherwise stated in the Declarations Section of this Contract, this Contract may be terminated by either Party without  cause upon 60 days’ written notice to the other Party.  D. There shall be a twelve month run‐out period for all Claims incurred prior to the termination date, except in cases where Delta  Dental has terminated this Contract for cause. All Claims paid by Delta Dental during this run‐out period shall be invoiced to the  Contractor in accordance with Section VII of this Contract. Any Claims for services rendered after the termination date shall be  denied. After the conclusion of the twelve month run out period, Claims shall be denied and Delta Dental shall not have any  further obligations to the Contractor.  E. Following the Claims run‐out period, Delta Dental shall prepare a final settlement statement and invoice for Contractor. Such  settlement statement and invoice shall detail the final amounts due and owing between the Parties including, to the extent  applicable, any remaining Prefund deposited by the Contractor, all outstanding Administrative Service Fees and all remaining  Claims payments made during the run‐out period.  F. Any false or misleading statements made by either Party shall be considered a material breach of this Contract.  SECTION X ‐ CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE  A. The Parties have entered into a Business Associate Agreement regarding the permissible use and disclosure of Member’s  protected health information as that term is defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996  (“HIPAA”) and all subsequent amendments thereto. The Business Associate Agreement is attached as an Addendum hereto.  B. The Parties acknowledge that in the course of performing under this Contract each Party may be provided with or given access  to information, in oral, recorded or written form, that is proprietary and confidential to the other Party (collectively referred  to as the “Confidential Information”). Such Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to: information regarding the  other Party’s management, business, organizational structure, policies, procedures, business relationships, intellectual  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 404   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 5 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    property, copyrights, patents, trademarks, software, data, databases, system designs, specifications, documentation, code,  architecture, structure, algorithms, techniques, processes, protocols, product materials, notes, slides , ideas, Maximum  Approved Fees, Allowed Amounts, preferred provider reports, actuarial formulas, providers’ personal information, and  financial terms of this Contract..  C. Confidential Information shall not include any information that:  1. Is already known to the Party at the time of the disclosure (as evidenced by written documentation existing at  that time;  2. Is generally available to the public or becomes publicly known through no wrongful act of a Party; or  3. Is received by a Party from a third‐party who had a legal right to provide it (as evidenced by written documentation existing  at that time).  D. The Parties each will make all reasonable, necessary and appropriate efforts to safeguard each other’s Confidential  Information. Each Party will safeguard the other’s Confidential Information to the same extent that it safeguards information  relating to its own business, which in no event will be less than the safeguards that a reasonably prudent business would  exercise under similar circumstances.  E. Each party agrees not to use, distribute or exploit each other’s Confidential Information, in whole or in part, for its own  benefit or that of any third party and will not disclose such Confidential Information to any other person, or entity without  each other’s prior written consent. A Party shall be responsible for any breach of this Contract by its employees, authorized  subcontractors, agents or representatives.  F. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, the Parties shall be permitted to disclose Confidential Information as  required by order of a court of law, administrative agency, or other governmental body; provided, however, the Party shall  provide reasonable advance written notice to the other Party to the extent allowed by law in order to allow that Party the  opportunity to seek a protective order or otherwise limit such disclosure, and the disclosing Party shall reasonably cooperate  with the other Party to limit any such disclosure or to seek a protective order. If a Party is nonetheless required to disclose the  other Party’s Confidential Information, said Party shall only disclose the minimum information necessary to respond to the  legal request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delta Dental shall not be required to provide Contractor notice prior to  responding to governmental agency subpoenas regarding potential provider fraud or abuse.  SECTION XI ‐ RIGHTS AND REMEDIES  A. In addition to the right of termination described in Section IX, Delta Dental shall have the following rights and remedies in the  event Contractor fails to timely pay in full the Administrative Service Fees or reimburse Delta Dental for the Cost of Claims,  subject to Contractors right to cure pursuant to Section IX.B.:  1. Delta Dental may retroactively terminate this Contract to the date it last received payment; and  2. Delta Dental may initiate proceedings to recover and collect all payments due and owing, as well as all costs associated  with the collection proceedings including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees.  B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Delta Dental may immediately suspend payment of all Claims in the event that it does not  receive timely payment of the Administrative Service Fees or reimbursement for the Cost of Claims.  C. No claim, lawsuit or action, may be brought more than three years after the claim first arose.  D. Either Party’s failure to exercise any right or remedy contained herein shall not constitute a waiver of any future rights  or remedies available to that party.  SECTION XII ‐ GENERAL PROVISIONS  A. Subrogation. Delta Dental shall be subrogated to all of Contractor’s rights with respect to any Claim(s). However, Delta  Dental is not obligated to institute or become involved in any litigation concerning such Claim(s). If after six (6) months  Delta Dental is unable to recover through reasonable efforts, using its standard overpayment recovery processes, any  amounts due and owing to Contractor, Delta Dental will provide Contractor with notice of any such unrecovered Claims. The  decision to further pursue recovery of such Claims shall be within the sole discretion of Contractor and at the Contractor’s  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 405   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 6 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    sole expense. Delta Dental will provide reasonable assistance to Contractor in any such recovery efforts, but in no event will  Delta Dental be obligated to undertake any recovery litigation unless mutually agreed to by Delta Dental and Contractor.  Delta Dental will remit to Contractor any applicable funds recovered from third parties, less any expenses it has incurred in  its recovery efforts. Such funds shall be applied as a credit to Contractor’s invoice(s) via check payments. Contractor will  assist Delta Dental as will be reasonably necessary for Delta Dental to carry out its duties under this provision. Delta Dental  may assign or subcontract a portion of its duties under this provision of the Contract to others.  B. Right to Review Published Materials. Contractor agrees not to publish or distribute any materials containing the logo,  trademark, or business mark of Delta Dental, or containing a change in the benefits to be administered under this  Contract, until Delta Dental reviews and, with respect to the use of Delta Dental’s logo, trademark, or business mark,  approves the materials. This provision does not apply to materials that Delta Dental has provided to Contractor for  distribution.  C. Cooperation. The Contractor shall provide Delta Dental with any information it may reasonably require to administer the  Dental Plan or otherwise discharge its duties under this Contract.  D. Indemnification.  1. Each Party agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the other Party and its directors, officers, affiliates, agents, and  employees (who are acting in the course of their employment, but not as claimants) from any loss, cost, or expense  (including reasonable attorney fees and court costs) (“Losses”) resulting from or arising out of or in connection with the  indemnifying Party’s breach of this Contract, or any negligent act or omission of any of the indemnifying Party’s directors,  officers, agents or employees, unless liability for such act or omission is expressly assigned elsewhere in this Contract.  2. The indemnifying Party shall provide prompt written notice of relevant information concerning any Losses to the  indemnified Party. Reasonable assistance (at the indemnifying Party’s expense) may be requested by the indemnified  Party in connection with the defense of any Losses. Notwithstanding the foregoing:  a. the indemnified party shall permit the indemnifying Party to control the defense or settlement of the claim, suit or  proceeding at the indemnifying party’s expense;   b. the indemnified Party shall have the right to provide for its separate defense at its own expense;   c. Neither Party shall settle any Losses without the consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld. Any release obtained as a result of settlement must contain a release of all claims against the indemnified  Party as well as its officers, directors and employees, and   d. The indemnification obligations of indemnifying Party hereunder shall not extend to Losses attributable to the  negligence, intentional misconduct, or willful malfeasance of the indemnified Party.  E. Notice. Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Contract will be considered given if in writing and  personally delivered, or if in writing and deposited in the United States mail with postage prepaid, addressed to the other  Party at its last address of record.  F. Survival. The following Sections shall survive expiration or early termination of this Contract: Section VIII. Payment; Section X.  Confidentiality & Disclosure; Section XI. Rights and Remedies; and Section XII. General Provisions.  G. Internal Policies and Procedures. Delta Dental has the right to amend its internal policies and procedures periodically and  without notice to the Contractor to the extent the amendment does not affect the delivery of benefits to Members. Delta Dental  will provide advance written notice, to the extent possible, to Contractor of any amendment to Delta Dental’s policies or  procedures that affect the delivery of benefits to Members; if advance notice is not possible, Delta Dental will provide written  notice as soon as possible after the amendment is adopted.  H. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Contract will not confer any rights or remedies on any third‐ party, other than the Parties to this  Contract and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  I. Assignment and Subcontracting. Unless it has first obtained the written consent of the other Party, neither Party may assign this  Contract or any of its rights or obligations under this Contract to any other person, except that Delta Dental may make  assignments to its subsidiaries and affiliates without the prior written consent of the Contractor.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 406   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 7 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    J. Integration. This Contract constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this  Contract and supersedes any prior discussions, negotiations, agreements and understandings.  K. Force Majeure. Unless otherwise stated in the Declarations Section of this Contract, neither Delta Dental (including its agents,  directors, officers, and employees) nor Contractor shall be liable for delays in performance due to circumstances beyond their  reasonable control. Each Party shall be excused from performance under this Contract and shall have no liability to the other  Party for any period during which it is prevented from performing any of its obligations (other than payment obligations), in  whole or in part, as a result of delays caused by the other Party or by an act of God, war, terrorism, civil unrest, civil  disturbance, court order, labor dispute, or other cause beyond its reasonable control, including failures or fluctuations in  electrical power, heat, light, or telecommunications, and such nonperformance shall not be a default under or grounds for  termination of this Contract.     L. Applicable Law. This Contract and the obligations of the Parties under this Contract will be governed by and construed in  accordance with ERISA to the extent applicable. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that ERISA does not  apply, the law of the State of North Carolina will control.  M. Venue. The Parties submit to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of North Carolina.  N. Severability. If any part of this Contract or an amendment of it is found by an arbitrator, court, or other authority to be illegal,  void or not enforceable, all other portions of this Contract shall remain in full force and effect.  O. Counterparts. This Contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original  agreement, but all of which will be considered one instrument and will become a binding agreement when one or more  counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other. Electronic and/or fax signatures shall be  accepted as original signatures.  P. Audits. The Contractor shall have the right to audit Delta Dental’s files, books, and records (both paper and electronic) pertaining  to the administrative services provided under this Contract. The Contractor will bear the entire cost of any such audits. The  Contractor may assign this right to audit to an agent, provided the agent is a licensed firm and the audit is led by an individual  who holds a nationally recognized audit accreditation. Delta Dental will allow the Contractor or the Contractor’s agent to audit  the work areas at which services under this Contract are performed, within 14 business days of receipt of a fully‐signed  confidentiality agreement. Where applicable, Delta Dental agrees to segregate the Contractor’s records from third‐ party records  in order to allow accurate assessment of Contractor‐specific processes. Such audits will take place no more than once in a 12‐ month period, unless both the Contractor and Delta Dental mutually agree that there is reasonable cause to conduct an audit  more frequently, in which case the Contractor will give 14 business days’ written notice before such audit. The scope of any audit  conducted under this provision must be mutually agreed upon, in writing, by both parties prior to the start of the audit.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Contractor shall not have the right to audit any information which Delta Dental, in its sole  discretion, determines is proprietary.  Q. Other Goods and Services. From time to time, Delta Dental may offer or provide Members certain goods and services, including  discounts on dental services provided by Participating Dentists in addition to the dental coverage (including without limitation  toothbrushes, dental floss and other oral hygienic devices/products). Delta Dental also may arrange for third party vendors to  provide goods and services at a discount to Members. Though Delta Dental may make the arrangements, the third party  vendors are solely liable for providing the goods and services. Delta Dental shall not be responsible for providing or failing to  provide the goods and services to Members. Further, Delta Dental shall not be liable to Members for negligent provision of the  goods and services by third party vendors. Delta Dental reserves the right to terminate or change these goods or services at any  time.  R. Web Portal License.  1. Delta Dental grants to Contractor the License to access and use Delta Dental’s web portals solely for the purpose of  administering and/or viewing Member Benefits as set forth in this Contract, subject to any additional terms and conditions  appearing on such web portals. Under this license grant, Contractor’s Members are permitted to access and use Member  Portal, and Contractor and its officers, directors, employees, contractors and agents are permitted to access and use Benefit  Manager Toolkit as necessary solely for the purposes of administering Contractor’s dental plan.  2. Contractor is solely responsible for managing access to the web portals, for securing the usernames and passwords of its,  officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents and Members (“End Users”) who use or access such web portals, and for  any violation of this Contract by any such End Users. Delta Dental shall not be liable for Contractor’s or Contractor’s End  Users’ failure to properly secure their usernames or passwords and, unless otherwise exempt by law, Contractor shall  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 407   NCPPOCONT052022‐A 8 NCPPOCONT052022‐A  KR#56310024    indemnify and hold harmless Delta Dental its affiliates, members, officers, employees and agents from and against any and  all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses related to the  defense of any claims) resulting from or arising out of i) Contractor’s, or Contractor’s End Users’, failure to properly manage  access or secure usernames and passwords, ii) any breach of this Contract by Contractor or its End Users; or (iii) any  negligent or willful misuse of Delta Dental’s web portals by Contractor or its End Users.   3. Contractor agrees that, to the extent its End Users will be entering eligibility data into Benefit Manager Toolkit on  Contractor’s behalf, Contractor shall be solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the eligibility data entered.  Unless otherwise exempt by law, Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless Delta Dental its affiliates, members, officers,  employees and agents from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including  reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses related to the defense of any claims) resulting from or arising out of any eligibility  data entered by Contractor’s End Users.  4. Contractor acknowledges that Delta Dental’s web portals permit individuals to view and access Protected Health  Information (“PHI”), as that term is defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”). Contractor  therefore certifies that, when using the web portals, it and its End Users will abide by the provisions of HIPAA and all other  applicable laws. As such, Contractor agrees that it and its End Users shall access and use Delta Dental’s web portals for the  sole purpose of viewing their own Benefits and/or performing plan administration functions on behalf of Contractor.  5. Contractor recognizes and agrees that Delta Dental retains sole title, right and interest in the intellectual property rights of  its web portals including, but not limited to, any applicable patents, trademarks and/or copyrights. Contractor understands  that the license granted herein transfers neither title nor proprietary rights to Contractor with respect to any web portals.  As such, neither Contractor nor any of its End Users shall attempt to reproduce, modify, reverse assemble, reverse compile  or reverse engineer the source code of Delta Dental’s web portals.   6. Delta Dental reserves the right to terminate this license grant at any time with or without cause. This license grant shall  terminate immediately upon termination of the Contract.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 408             NCPPOSUM2022 KR#56310024    Delta Dental PPO plus Premier™   Summary of Dental Plan Benefits  For Group #0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, 0099  County of Harnett    This Summary of Dental Plan Benefits should be read along with your Certificate.  Your Certificate provides additional information  about your Delta Dental plan, including information about plan exclusions and limitations. If a statement in this Summary conflicts  with a statement in the Certificate, the statement in this Summary applies to you and you should ignore the conflicting statement in  the Certificate. The percentages below are applied to Delta Dental's Maximum Approved Fee for each service and it may vary due to  the Dentist's network participation.*    Control Plan – Delta Dental of North Carolina    Benefit Year – July 1 through June 30    Covered Services –     Delta Dental PPO™  Dentist  Delta Dental  Premier® Dentist  Nonparticipating  Dentist   Plan Pays Plan Pays Plan Pays*  Diagnostic & Preventive  Diagnostic and Preventive Services – exams, cleanings,  fluoride, and space maintainers 100% 100% 100%  Emergency Palliative Treatment – to temporarily relieve pain 100% 100% 100%  Sealants – to prevent decay of permanent teeth 100% 100% 100%  Brush Biopsy – to detect oral cancer 100% 100% 100%  Radiographs – X‐rays 100% 100% 100%  Basic Services  Minor Restorative Services – fillings and crown repair 80% 80% 80%  Endodontic Services – root canals 80% 80% 80%  Periodontic Services – to treat gum disease 80% 80% 80%  Oral Surgery Services – extractions and dental surgery 80% 80% 80%  Other Basic Services – misc. services 80% 80% 80%  Relines and Repairs – to bridges, implants, and dentures 80% 80% 80%  Major Services  Major Restorative Services – crowns 50% 50% 50%  Prosthodontic Services – bridges, implants, dentures, and  crowns over implants 50% 50% 50%  Orthodontic Services  Orthodontic Services – braces 50% 50% 50%  Orthodontic Age Limit –  through age 18 and under  * When you receive services from a Nonparticipating Dentist, the percentages in this column indicate the portion of Delta Dental's  Nonparticipating Dentist Fee that will be paid for those services. This Nonparticipating Dentist Fee may be less than what your  dentist charges, which means that you will be responsible for the difference.  The explanation and sample calculation of how these services will be paid can be found in Section VI ‐ How Payment is Made in your  Certificate.   Oral exams (including evaluations by a specialist) are payable twice per benefit year.   Prophylaxes (cleanings) are payable twice per benefit year.  Full mouth debridement is payable once per lifetime.   People with specific at‐risk health conditions may be eligible for additional prophylaxes (cleanings) or fluoride treatment. The  patient should talk with his or her Dentist about treatment.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 409     NCPPOSUM2022 KR#56310024     Fluoride treatments are payable twice per benefit year for people age 18 and under.   Bitewing X‐rays are payable once per Benefit Year and full mouth X‐rays (which include bitewing X‐rays) or a panorex are  payable once in any five‐year period.   Sealants are payable once per tooth per lifetime for first and second permanent molars for people age 15 and under. The  surface must be free from decay and restorations.   Composite resin (white) restorations are payable on all teeth, including posterior teeth.    Porcelain and resin facings on crowns are payable on posterior teeth.   Vestibuloplasty is a Covered Service.   Full and partial dentures are payable once in any five‐year period. Reline and rebase of dentures are payable once in any two‐ year period.   Implants are payable once per tooth in any five‐year period. Implant related services are Covered Services.   Crowns over implants are payable once per tooth in any five‐year period. Services related to crowns over implants are Covered  Services.  Passport Dental  Having Delta Dental coverage makes it easy for you to get dental care almost everywhere in the world! You can now receive expert  dental care when you are outside of the United States through our Passport Dental program. This program gives you access to a  worldwide network of Dentists and dental clinics. English‐speaking operators are available around the clock to answer questions and  help you schedule care. For more information, check our website or contact your benefits representative to get a copy of our  Passport Dental information sheet.  Maximum Payment – $1,000 per Member total per Benefit Year on all services, except diagnostic and preventive services,  emergency palliative treatment, brush biopsy, X‐rays, sealants, and orthodontic services.  $1,000 per Member total per lifetime on  orthodontic services.   Payment for Orthodontic Service – When orthodontic treatment begins, your Dentist will submit a payment plan to Delta Dental  based upon your projected course of treatment. In accordance with the agreed upon payment plan, Delta Dental will make an initial  payment to you or your Participating Dentist equal to Delta Dental's stated Copayment on 30% of the Maximum Payment for  Orthodontic Services as set forth in this Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. Delta Dental will make additional payments as follows:   Delta Dental will pay 50% of the per month fee charged by your Dentist based upon the agreed upon payment plan provided by  Delta Dental to your Dentist.      Deductible – $25 Deductible per Member total per Benefit Year limited to a maximum Deductible of $75 per family per Benefit Year.  The Deductible does not apply to diagnostic and preventive services, emergency palliative treatment, brush biopsy, X‐rays, sealants,  and orthodontic services.   Waiting Period – Employees who are eligible for dental benefits are covered on the first day of the month following 30 days of  employment.  Eligible People – All full‐time employees of the Contractor working at least 30 hours per week who choose the dental plan:  Active  (0001), County Commissioners (0002), Pre 65 and Medicare Retirees (0003) and COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget  Reconciliation Act of 1985) enrollees (0099). The Contractor pays the full cost of this plan for Subscribers. The Subscriber pays the  additional cost of dependent coverage.  Also eligible are your Spouse and your Children to the end of the month in which they turn 26, including your Children who are  married, who no longer live with you, who are not your Dependents for Federal income tax purposes, and/or who are not  permanently disabled.    Dependents choosing this plan are required to remain enrolled for a period of 12 months. Should a Dependent choose to drop  coverage after that time, he or she may not re‐enroll prior to the date on which 12 months have elapsed. An election may be  revoked or changed at any time if the change is the result of a qualifying event as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 125.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 410     NCPPOSUM2022 KR#56310024    Coordination of Benefits – If you and your Spouse are both eligible to enroll in This Plan as Enrollees, you may be enrolled together  on one application or separately on individual applications, but not both. Your Dependent Children may only be enrolled on one  application. Delta Dental will not coordinate Benefits between your coverage and your Spouse's coverage if you and your Spouse are  both covered as Enrollees under This Plan.  Benefits will cease on the last day of the month in which your employment is terminated.    Customer Service Toll‐Free Number: 800‐662‐8856 (TTY users call 711)  https://www.DeltaDentalNC.com  July 1, 2025  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 411   Revised 10/2013 Page 1 of 5 KR#70618342 BUSINESS ASSOCIATE ADDENDUM  THIS BUSINESS ASSOCIATE ADDENDUM (“the ADDENDUM”) is an addendum to the most recently executed Agreement  between Delta Dental Plan of North Carolina (“Business Associate”) and Contractor (“Covered Entity”).   Business Associate and  Covered Entity are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Parties.”    I. INTRODUCTION  A. WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, Business Associate performs, for or on  behalf of Covered Entity, certain services described in the Agreement (the “Services”); and   B. WHEREAS, in performing the Services, Business Associate will receive, create, or access certain Protected Health  Information of Participants in Covered Entity’s dental plan, and, accordingly, is a business associate as that term is  defined in 45 CFR 160.103; and  C. WHEREAS, Covered Entity is a covered entity as that term is defined in 45 CFR 160.103; and   D. WHEREAS, the Parties desire to enter into this Addendum to comply with the provisions in the Privacy Rule requiring a  business associate to provide adequate assurances to a covered entity with respect to the confidentiality of PHI.  E. NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged,  the Parties hereby agree as follows:  II. DEFINITIONS  A. “Designated Record Set” shall have the same meaning as the term “designated record set” in 45 CFR 164.501 and is  limited to a group of records maintained by or for Covered Entity that includes: (a) enrollment, payment, and claims  adjudication records of an Individual maintained by or for Covered Entity; or (b) other Protected Health Information  used, in whole or in part, by or for Covered Entity to make coverage decisions about an Individual.  B. “Electronic Protected Health Information” or “EPHI” shall have the same meaning as the term “electronic protected  health information,” at 45 CFR 160.103, and is limited to the electronic protected health information that is created,  received, maintained, or transmitted to or on behalf of Covered Entity.  C. “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.  D. “HIPAA” means the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended.  E. “HITECH Act” means the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, found in the American  Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 at Division A, Title XIII and Division B, Title IV.  F. “Individual” shall have the same meaning as the term ‘‘individual’’ in 45 CFR 160.103, and shall include a person who  qualifies as a personal representative in accordance with 45 CFR 164.502(g).  G. “Minimum Necessary” shall have the meaning set forth in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical  Health Act, § 13405(b).  H. “Participant” means any Individual who is eligible for benefits under Covered Entity’s dental plan.  I. “Privacy Rule” means the “Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information,” at 45 CFR parts 160 and  164, subparts A and E, as promulgated pursuant to HIPAA.   J. “Protected Health Information” or “PHI” shall have the same meaning as the term “protected health information” in 45  CFR 160.103, and is limited to the information created, received, or accessed by Business Associate from or on behalf of  Covered Entity.  K. “Required By Law” shall have the same meaning as the term ‘‘required by law’’ in 45 CFR 164.103.  L. “Secretary” shall mean the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, or his designee.    M. “Security Rule” means the “Standards for the Security of Electronic Protected Health Information,” at 45 CFR parts 160,  162 and 164, as promulgated pursuant to HIPAA.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 412                         Revised 10/2013 Page 2 of 5 KR#70618342   III. AGREEMENTS  A. Obligations of Business Associate.  1. Application of Security Rule and Privacy Rule to Business Associate.  The administrative, physical and technical  safeguards set forth in the HIPAA Security Rule at 45 CFR 164.308, 164.310, 164.312, and 164.316, shall apply to  Business Associate in the same manner that such sections apply to a covered entity.  The additional requirements of  Subtitle D of the HITECH Act (Sections 13400 through 13411) that relate to privacy or security and that are made  applicable with respect to covered entities shall also be applicable to Business Associate and are hereby  incorporated into this Agreement.  2. Uses and Disclosures.  Business Associate shall not use or further disclose PHI other than (a) as permitted or  required by this Agreement and Addendum, (b) as permitted or required by Covered Entity, (c) as permitted or  required by the Privacy Rule, (d) as Required by Law, (e) in a manner that would be permissible if used or disclosed  by Covered Entity, or (f) in a manner that would not violate the Privacy Rule or other applicable federal or state law  or regulation.  Business Associate may use and disclose PHI that Business Associate obtains or creates only if such  use or disclosure, respectively, is in compliance with each applicable requirement of 45 CFR 164.504(e).  3. Minimum Necessary Standard.  Business Associate shall use and disclose PHI in a manner minimally necessary to  accomplish the intended purpose of the use or disclosure.    4. Security.  Business Associate agrees to: (a) implement safeguards in accordance with the Security Rule that  reasonably and appropriately protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the Electronic Protected  Health Information that it creates, receives, maintains, or transmits on behalf of Covered Entity; (b) ensure that any  agents, including subcontractors, to whom Business Associate provides PHI agree to implement reasonable and  appropriate safeguards in accordance with the Security Rule to protect the PHI; and (c) report to Covered Entity any  violation of the Security Rule of which it becomes aware.  5. Reporting and Mitigation of Unauthorized Access, Use or Disclosure of PHI.  Business Associate shall report to  Covered Entity any use or disclosure of PHI not provided for under Section III.A.2 of this Addendum of which  Business Associate becomes aware.  Additionally, Business Associate agrees that, to the extent practicable, it shall  mitigate any harmful effect of a use or disclosure of PHI of which it becomes aware that is in violation of the  requirements of Section III.A.2 of this Addendum.  6. Written Notification of Unauthorized Access, Use or Disclosure of Unsecured PHI.  Business Associate shall notify  Covered Entity in writing of any unauthorized access, use or disclosure of unsecured PHI as soon as reasonably  possible but no later than five (5) days following the date of discovery. Such notice shall include:   (a) a brief description of what happened, including the date of the breach and the date of the discovery,   (b) the name(s) of the Participant(s) whose PHI was used or disclosed,     (c)  the identity(ies) of the entity(ies)/person(s) to whom the use or disclosure was made,     (d) description of the types of unsecured PHI that were disclosed,   (e) the steps taken by Business Associate to discontinue and minimize the impact of any inappropriate use or  disclosure.   7. Agents and Subcontractors.  Business Associate shall ensure that any subcontractors or agents to whom it provides  PHI that has been created or received by Business Associate from or on behalf of Covered Entity agree to the same  restrictions and conditions with respect to such PHI as are applicable to Business Associate as set forth herein.    8. Requests for Information or Access.  Business Associate shall process any requests it receives from Individuals  seeking access to or copies of PHI maintained by Business Associate for or on behalf of Covered Entity.  Covered  Entity hereby expressly delegates its authority regarding requests for access to Business Associate and agrees to  abide by Business Associate’s determinations to grant or deny access in accordance with the Privacy Rule.   9. Requests to Amend.  Business Associate shall make any amendment(s) to PHI in a Designated Record Set that  Covered Entity directs or agrees to pursuant to 45 CFR 164.526 at the request of Covered Entity or an Individual.  The Business Associate shall make amendments as soon as administratively feasible.   Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 413                         Revised 10/2013 Page 3 of 5 KR#70618342   10. Requests for Accounting.  Business Associate agrees to document disclosures of Protected Health Information, and  information related to such disclosures, as would be required for Covered Entity to respond to a request by an  Individual for an accounting of disclosures of Protected Health Information in accordance with 45 CFR § 164.528  and any additional regulations promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to HITECH Act § 13405(c).  Business  Associate agrees to implement an appropriate record keeping process that will track, at a minimum, the following  information: (i) the date of the disclosure; (ii) the name of the entity or person who received the Protected Health  Information, and if known, the address of such entity or person; (iii) a brief description of the Protected Health  Information disclosed; and (iv) a brief statement of the purpose of such disclosure which includes an explanation of  the basis for such disclosure.  11. Books and Records.  Business Associate shall make its internal practices, books, and records relating to the use and  disclosure of PHI received from Covered Entity, or created or received by Business Associate on behalf of Covered  Entity, available to the Secretary for purposes of determining Covered Entity’s compliance with HIPAA, the Privacy  Rule, and other applicable federal and/or state law.  Business Associate shall notify Covered Entity of any such  requests and shall provide Covered Entity with a copy of the request and any documents or information provided in  response to such requests.  12. Termination.  If either party knows or discovers a pattern of activity or practice of the other party that constitutes a  material breach of the other party’s obligations under this Agreement or under applicable federal standards, the  discovering party agrees to immediately notify the other party in writing as to the nature and extent of such breach,  and shall provide the other party a reasonable amount of time to cure such breach. A reasonable amount of time  shall depend on the nature and extent of the breach, shall be clearly stated in the notice, but in no case shall the  period for cure be less than five (5) business days. Notwithstanding the foregoing, should the discovering party  determine that the breach is incurable, or that the other party has repeatedly engaged in such impermissible use or  disclosure despite prior notice, the discovering party must terminate this Agreement, if feasible, upon written  notice to the breaching party, without damages or liability thereto; or, if termination is not feasible, report the  problem to the Secretary.  13. Return of PHI Upon Termination.  At termination of the Agreement, Business Associate shall return or destroy all  PHI received from Covered Entity, or created by Business Associate on behalf of Covered Entity, that Business  Associate maintains in any form.  In the event the return or destruction of such PHI is infeasible, then Business  Associate shall continue to extend the protections required hereunder to the PHI for as long as it maintains the PHI.   Further, Business Associate shall limit any further use or disclosure of the PHI to those purposes that make its  return or destruction infeasible.  This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.    14. Prohibition against Sale or Marketing of PHI.  Except as otherwise provided in Section 13405 of the HITECH  Act, Business Associate shall not (a) directly or indirectly receive remuneration in exchange for any PHI of a  Participant; or (b) use or disclose PHI for any purpose related directly or indirectly to any marketing or  marketing communication.  B. Additional Permissible Uses and Disclosures of PHI by Business Associate.  Subject to the foregoing provisions, and in  addition to the use and disclosure by Business Associate of PHI authorized elsewhere in this Addendum, Business  Associate may use and disclose PHI for the following additional purposes:  1. As necessary for data aggregation purposes relating to the health care operations of Covered Entity;   2. As necessary for data aggregation purposes of Business Associate, but only if the PHI is de‐identified pursuant to 45  CFR 164.514;  3. For the proper internal management and administration of Business Associate;   4. To carry out the legal responsibilities of Business Associate; and  5. To provide summary health information (as defined in 45 CFR 164.504) to Covered Entity for the purposes of  administering its dental plan.  For purposes (3) and (4) above, Business Associate may disclose PHI to third parties only if the disclosure is either:  (a) Required by Law; or (b) Business Associate obtains reasonable assurances from the person to whom the PHI is  disclosed that such PHI will be held confidentially and used or further disclosed only for the purposes for which it  was disclosed to the person and that any instances in which the confidentiality of such PHI is breached are  immediately reported to the Business Associate.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 414                         Revised 10/2013 Page 4 of 5 KR#70618342   C. Obligations of the Covered Entity.  1. Communicate Changes in Permitted Uses and Disclosures.  Covered Entity shall provide Business Associate with  any changes in, or revocation of, permission by Individuals to use or disclose PHI, if such changes affect Business  Associate’s permitted or required uses and disclosures of PHI.  2. Communication of Restrictions on Uses and Disclosures.  Covered Entity shall notify Business Associate of any  restriction to the use or disclosure of PHI that Covered Entity has agreed to.  3. Prohibition of Employment‐Related Disclosures.  Covered Entity shall not use or disclose the PHI of any Participant  for any employment‐related purposes, nor shall it direct Business Associate to do so.   4. Limitation on Requests.  Covered Entity shall not ask Business Associate to use or disclose PHI in a manner that  would not otherwise be permitted under the Privacy Rule if done by Covered Entity.  D. Record Keeping.  Business Associate agrees to implement an appropriate record keeping process to enable it to comply  with the HIPAA requirements applicable to it under this Addendum and the Privacy Rule.   E. Confidential and Proprietary Information.  Business Associate may receive, create, or have access to confidential  and/or proprietary information of Covered Entity concerning its business affairs, property, products, operations,  computer systems, and strategies.  Business Associate agrees to hold such confidential and/or proprietary information  in strict confidence, to maintain and safeguard the confidentiality of such information, and to use such information  solely to perform the Services as required by this Agreement.   Likewise, Covered Entity may receive, create, or have access to confidential and/or proprietary information of Business  Associate concerning its business affairs, property, operations, computer systems, dentists, providers, and strategies.   Covered Entity agrees to hold such confidential and/or proprietary information in strict confidence, to maintain and  safeguard the confidentiality of such information, and to use such information solely to perform its obligations as  required by this Agreement.   F. Amendment.  Upon enactment of any law or regulation affecting the use or disclosure of PHI, or the publication of any  decision of a court of the State or the United States relating to any such law, or the publication of any interpretative  policy or opinion of any government agency charged with the enforcement of any such law or regulation, Business  Associate, may send written notice to Covered Entity requesting that this Addendum be amended as necessary to  comply with such law or regulation.  If, within thirty (30) days from the date of such notice, the Parties are unable to  reach an agreement amending this Addendum, either Party may terminate the Agreement immediately upon written  notice to the other Party.  G. Binding Effect.  Except as otherwise provided herein, the terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full  force and effect.  Additionally, the terms and conditions of this Addendum shall remain in full force and effect following  termination of the Agreement.  H. Indemnification by Covered Entity.  Covered Entity shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Business Associate, its  board of directors, officers, members, agents, employees, subcontractors, and personnel from and against any and all  claims, demands, suits, actions, losses, expenses, costs (including reasonable attorney fees), obligations, damages,  deficiencies, causes of action, and liabilities (collectively, “Claims”) incurred by Business Associate as a result of, or that  are proximately caused by, (1) Covered Entity’s breach of the terms of this agreement or; (2) Covered Entity’s violation  of HIPAA and any amendments thereto.  Business Associate shall provide prompt written notice of relevant information concerning the Claims to Covered Entity.   Business Associate shall provide such reasonable assistance (at Covered Entity’s expense) as may reasonably be  requested by Covered Entity in connection with the defense of any Claim.  Notwithstanding the foregoing: (1) Business  Associate shall not settle any such Claim without the consent of Covered Entity, which consent shall not be  unreasonably withheld, and (2) the indemnification obligations of Covered Entity hereunder shall not extend to Claims  attributable solely to the gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or willful malfeasance of Business Associate.  I. Indemnification by Business Associate.  Business Associate hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless  Covered Entity, its board of directors, officers, members, agents, employees, subcontractors, and personnel (the  “Indemnities”) from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, losses, expenses, costs (including  reasonable attorney fees), obligations, damages, deficiencies, causes of action, and liabilities (collectively, “Claims”)  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 415                         Revised 10/2013 Page 5 of 5 KR#70618342   incurred by the Indemnities as a result of, or that are proximately caused by, (1) Business Associate’s breach of this  Agreement; or (2) Business Associate’s violation of HIPAA or any amendments thereto.   Covered Entity shall provide prompt written notice of relevant information concerning the Claims to Business Associate.   Covered Entity shall provide such reasonable assistance (at Business Associate’s expense), as may reasonably be  requested by Business Associate, in connection with the defense of any Claim.  Notwithstanding the foregoing: (1)  Business Associate shall not settle any such Claim without the consent of Covered Entity, which consent shall not be  unreasonably withheld, and (2) the indemnification obligations of Business Associate hereunder shall not extend to  Claims attributable solely to the negligence, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or willful malfeasance of Covered  Entity.  J. Injunction.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that in the event of a breach or threatened breach by either Party, the  non‐breaching Party shall be irreparably and substantially harmed, and that remedies at law will not be an adequate  remedy for such breach.  Accordingly, in such event, non‐breaching Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief  against such breach or threatened breach.  Such rights to injunctive relief shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of,  any other legal and equitable relief available to either Party under applicable law.  K. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in the original or by facsimile or other electronic means in any number  of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same  instrument.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 416 NCPPOCERT052022-A NCPPOCERT0522-ASO Delta Dental PPO™ Our national PPO program Welcome! Your dental program is administered by Delta Dental of North Carolina, a North Carolina nonprofit corporation. Delta Dental of North Carolina is the state’s dental benefits specialist. Good oral health is a vital part of good general health, and your Delta Dental program is designed to promote regular dental visits. We encourage you to take advantage of this program by calling your Dentist today for an appointment. This Certificate, along with your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits, describes the specific benefits of your Delta Dental program and how to use them. If you have any questions about this program, please call our Customer Service department at (800) 662-8856 or access our website at www.deltadentalnc.com. You can easily verify your own benefit, Claims and eligibility information online 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting www.deltadentalnc.com and selecting the link for our Member Portal. The Member Portal will also allow you to print Claim forms and ID cards, select paperless Explanation of Benefits statements (EOBs), search our Dentist directories, and read oral health tips. We look forward to serving you! TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Delta Dental PPO Certificate............................................................................................................................................................. 1 II. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 III. Enrolling in this Plan ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 IV. Selecting a Dentist ........................................................................................................................................................................... 3 V. Accessing Your Benefits ................................................................................................................................................................... 3 VI. How Payment is Made ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4 VII. Benefit Categories ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5 VIII. Exclusions and Limitations .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 IX. Coordination of Benefits ................................................................................................................................................................ 10 X. Reconsideration and Claims Appeal Procedure............................................................................................................................... 11 XI. Termination of Coverage ................................................................................................................................................................ 12 XII. Continuation of Coverage .............................................................................................................................................................. 12 XIII. General Conditions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Note: Please read this Certificate together with the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. The Summary of Dental Plan Benefits lists the specific provisions of your group dental plan. If a statement in the Summary conflicts with a statement in this Certificate, the statement in the Summary applies to This Plan and you should ignore the conflicting statement in this Certificate. NOTICE: IF YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS ARE COVERED BY MORE THAN ONE HEALTH CARE AND/OR DENTAL CARE PLAN, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COLLECT BENEFITS FROM BOTH PLANS. EACH PLAN MAY REQUIRE YOU TO FOLLOW ITS RULES OR USE SPECIFIC DENTISTS, AND IT MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPLY WITH BOTH PLANS AT THE SAME TIME. READ ALL OF THE RULES VERY CAREFULLY, INCLUDING THE COORDINATION OF BENEFITS SECTION, AND COMPARE THEM WITH THE RULES OF ANY OTHER PLAN THAT COVERS YOU OR YOUR FAMILY. Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 417 NCPPOCERT052022-A 1 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO I. Delta Dental PPO Certifícate Delta Dental of North Carolina, referred to herein as Delta Dental, issues this Certificate to you, the Enrollee. The Certificate is a summary of your dental benefits coverage. It reflects and is subject to a contract between Delta Dental and the Contractor. The Benefits provided under This Plan may change if any state or federal laws change. Delta Dental agrees to provide Benefits as described in this Certificate and the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. All the provisions in the following pages form a part of this document as fully as if they were stated over the signature below. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate is executed at Delta Dental’s home office by an authorized officer. Curtis R. Ladig, CPA President and CEO Delta Dental of North Carolina II. Definitions Adverse Benefit Determination Any denial, reduction or termination of the benefits for which you filed a Claim. Or a failure to provide or to make payment (in whole or in part) of the benefits you sought, including any such determination based on eligibility, application of any utilization review criteria, or a determination that the item or service for which benefits are otherwise provided was experimental or investigational, or was not medically necessary or appropriate. Allowed Amount The amount permitted under the applicable fee schedule for this Plan, which was selected by the Contractor and upon which Delta Dental will base its payment for a Covered Service. Benefit Year The period during which any benefit frequency limitation and/or annual maximum payment will apply. This will be the calendar year unless the Contractor elects a different period to serve as the Benefit Year. (See the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits for your Benefit Year.) If the Benefit Year is based upon a calendar year, the terms Benefit Year and Calendar Year may be used interchangeably. Benefits Payment for the Covered Services that have been selected under This Plan. Certificate This document. Delta Dental will provide Benefits as described in this Certificate. Any changes in this Certificate will be based on changes to the contract between Delta Dental and the Contractor. Child(ren) Your natural Children, stepchildren, adopted Children, foster Children, Children by virtue of legal guardianship, or Children who are residing with you during the waiting period for adoption or legal guardianship. Claim A request for payment for a Covered Service. Claims are not conditioned upon your seeking advance approval, certification, or authorization to receive payment for any Covered Service. Completion Date The date that treatment is complete. Some procedures may require more than one appointment before they can be completed. Treatment is complete:  For dentures and partial dentures, on the delivery dates;  For crowns and bridgework, on the permanent cementation date;  For root canals and periodontal treatment, on the date of the final procedure that completes treatment. Copayment and/or Coinsurance The percentage of the charge, if any, that you must pay for Covered Services. Contractor The employer, organization, group, or association sponsoring This Plan. Covered Services The unique dental services selected for coverage as described in the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits and subject to the terms of this Certificate. Deductible The amount a person and/or a family must pay toward Covered Services before Delta Dental begins paying for those services under this Certificate. The Summary of Dental Plan Benefits lists the Deductible that applies to you, if any. Delta Dental Delta Dental of North Carolina, a nonprofit corporation which, among other things, administers dental benefit programs. Delta Dental is not an insurance company. Delta Member Plan An individual dental benefit plan that is a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, the nation’s largest, most experienced system of dental health plans. Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 418 NCPPOCERT052022-A 2 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO Delta Dental Premier® Dentist Schedule The maximum fee allowed per procedure for services rendered by a Premier Dentist as determined by that Dentist’s local Delta Dental Member Plan. Deny/Denied/Denial When a Claim for a particular service is denied for payment due to certain contractual limitations/exclusions. You will be responsible for paying your Dentist the applicable amount for such service regardless of the Dentist’s participating status. Dentist A person licensed to practice dentistry in the state or jurisdiction in which dental services are performed.  Delta Dental PPO Dentist (“PPO Dentist”) – a Dentist who has signed an agreement with the Delta Dental Plan in his or her state to participate in Delta Dental PPO.  Delta Dental Premier Dentist (“Premier Dentist”) – a Dentist who has signed an agreement with the Delta Dental Plan in his or her state to participate in Delta Dental Premier.  Nonparticipating Dentist – a Dentist who has not signed an agreement with any Delta Dental Plan to participate in Delta Dental PPO or Delta Dental Premier.  Out-of-Country Dentist – A Dentist whose office is located outside the United States and its territories. Out-of-Country Dentists are not eligible to sign participating agreements with Delta Dental. Delta Dental PPO Dentists and Delta Dental Premier Dentists are sometimes collectively referred to herein as “Participating Dentists.” Wherever a definition or provision of this Certificate differs from another state’s Delta Dental Plan and its agreement with Participating Dentists, the agreement in that state with that Dentist will be controlling. Delta Dental Premier Dentists, Nonparticipating Dentists, and Out-of-Country Dentists are sometimes collectively referred to herein as “Non- PPO Dentists.” Dependent(s) Your dependents are as defined by the rules of eligibility as stated in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. Enrollee You, when the Contractor notifies Delta Dental that you are eligible to receive Benefits under This Plan. Maximum Approved Fee A system used by Delta Dental to determine the approved fee for a given procedure for a given Participating Dentist. A fee meets Maximum Approved Fee requirements if it is the lowest of:  The Submitted Amount  The lowest fee regularly charged, offered, or received by an individual Dentist for a dental service or supply, irrespective of the Dentist’s contractual agreement with another dental benefits organization.  The maximum fee that the local Delta Dental Plan approves for a given procedure in a given region and/or specialty, under normal circumstances, based upon applicable Participating Dentist schedules and internal procedures. Participating Dentists agree not to charge Delta Dental patients more than the Maximum Approved Fee for a Covered Service. In all cases, Delta Dental will make the final determination regarding the Maximum Approved Fee for a Covered Service. Maximum Payment The maximum dollar amount Delta Dental will pay in any Benefit Year or lifetime for Covered Services. See the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits for the maximum payments applicable to This Plan. Member(s) Any Enrollee or Dependent with coverage under This Plan. Nonparticipating Dentist Fee The maximum fee allowed per procedure for services rendered by a Nonparticipating Dentist as determined by Delta Dental. Open Enrollment Period The period of time, as determined by the Contractor, during which a Member may enroll or be enrolled for Benefits. Out-of-Country Dentist Fee The maximum fee allowed per procedure for services rendered by an Out-of -Country Dentist as determined by Delta Dental. PPO Dentist Schedule The maximum fee allowed per procedure for services rendered by a PPO Dentist as determined by that Dentist’s local Delta Dental Member Plan. Pre-Treatment Estimate A voluntary and optional process where Delta Dental issues a written estimate of dental benefits that may be available under your coverage for your proposed dental treatment. Your Dentist submits the proposed dental treatment to Delta Dental in advance of providing the treatment. A Pre-Treatment Estimate is for informational purposes only and is not required before you receive any dental care. It is not a prerequisite or condition for approval of future dental benefits payment. You will receive the same Benefits under This Plan whether or not a Pre-Treatment Estimate is requested. The Benefits estimate provided on a Pre- Treatment Estimate notice is based on Benefits available on Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 419 NCPPOCERT052022-A 3 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO the date the notice is issued. It is not a guarantee of future dental benefits or payment. Availability of dental benefits at the time your treatment is completed depends on several factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, your continued eligibility for benefits, your available annual or lifetime Maximum Payments, any coordination of benefits, the status of your Dentist, This Plan’s limitations and any other provisions, together with any additional information or changes to your dental treatment. A request for a Pre-Treatment Estimate is not a Claim for Benefits or a preauthorization, precertification or other reservation of future Benefits. Processing Policies Delta Dental’s policies and guidelines used for Pre-Treatment Estimate and payment of Claims. The Processing Policies may be amended from time to time. Special Enrollment Period A period outside of the Open Enrollment Period in which you or your Dependent can obtain coverage under This Plan due to a qualifying life event. Spouse Your legal spouse. Submitted Amount The amount a Dentist bills to Delta Dental for a specific treatment or service. A Participating Dentist cannot charge you or your Dependents for the difference between this amount and the Maximum Approved Fee. Summary of Dental Plan Benefits A description of the specific provisions of your group dental coverage. The Summary of Dental Plan Benefits is and should be read as a part of this Certificate and supersedes any contrary provision of this Certificate. This Plan The dental coverage established for Members pursuant to this Certificate and your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. III. Enrolling in this Plan The Open Enrollment Period, if applicable, will be established by the Contractor and will occur on an annual basis. During the Open Enrollment Period, all eligible persons as defined in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits may enroll in This Plan. You and/or your Dependents may not enroll in This Plan at any other time during the applicable Benefit Year except in the following instances: a. Newly hired or rehired employees (if applicable): You will be eligible to enroll on the date for which employment compensation begins or, if applicable, that date plus the number of days specified as a waiting period in the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. b. New Spouse: Your new Spouse will be eligible to enroll on the date of marriage. c. Newborn: Your newborn will be eligible to enroll on the date of birth. d. Legal adoptions or guardianships: Your newly adopted Child(ren) and/or the minor Child(ren) that you and/or your Spouse have guardianship over will be eligible to enroll on the earlier of (a) the date that the legal petition for adoption or guardianship becomes legally final, or (b) the date on which the Child(ren) begins residing with the Enrollee and the Enrollee assumes responsibility for the Child(ren) while waiting for adoption or guardianship to become final. e. New Stepchild: Your new stepchild will be eligible to enroll on the date that the Child’s natural parent becomes a Dependent. f. To the extent the Contractor permits Dependents other than those defined in this Certificate to enroll in This Plan, such Dependents will be eligible to enroll on the date that they become an eligible Dependent. Any such additional Dependents permitted by the Contractor shall be set forth in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. g. All others will be permitted on the date that Delta Dental approves in writing the enrollment or listing of those people, unless compelled by a court or administrative order to otherwise provide Benefits for a Dependent. IV. Selecting a Dentist You may choose any Dentist. Your out-of -pocket costs are likely to be less if you go to a Delta Dental Participating Dentist. To verify that a Dentist is a Participating Dentist, you can use Delta Dental’s online Dentist Directory at www.deltadentalnc.com or call (800) 662-8856. V. Accessing Your Benefits To utilize your dental benefits, follow these steps: Please read this Certificate and the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits carefully so you are familiar with your benefits, payment methods, and terms of This Plan. Make an appointment with your Dentist and tell him or her that you have dental benefits with Delta Dental. If your Dentist is not familiar with This Plan or has any questions, have him or her contact Delta Dental by writing to Delta Dental, Attention: Customer Service, P.O. Box 9089, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48333-9089, or calling the toll- free number at (800) 662-8856. After you receive your dental treatment, you or the dental office staff will file a Claim form, completing the information portion with: • The Enrollee’s full name and address • The Enrollee’s Member ID number • The name and date of birth of the person receiving dental care Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 420 NCPPOCERT052022-A 4 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO • The Contractor’s name and number Notice of Claim Form Delta Dental does not require special Claim forms. However, most dental offices have Claim forms available. Participating Dentists will fill out and submit your dental Claims for you. Mail Claims and completed information requests to: Delta Dental P.O. Box 9085 Farmington Hills, Michigan 48333-9085 Pre-Treatment Estimate A Pre-Treatment Estimate is not required to receive payment, but it allows Claims to be processed more efficiently and allows you to know what services may be covered before your Dentist provides them. You and your Dentist should review your Pre-Treatment Estimate Notice before treatment. Once treatment is complete, the dental office will submit a Claim to Delta Dental for payment. Written Notice of Claim and Time of Payment Because the amount of your Benefits is not conditioned on a Pre-Treatment Estimate decision by Delta Dental, all Claims under This Plan are post-service Claims. All Claims for Benefits must be filed with Delta Dental within one year of the date the services were completed. Once a Claim is filed, Delta Dental will decide it within 30 days of receiving it. If there is not enough information to decide your Claim, Delta Dental will notify you or your Dentist within 30 days. The notice will (a) describe the information needed, (b) explain why it is needed, (c) request an extension of time in which to decide the Claim, and (d) inform you or your Dentist that the information must be received within 45 days or your Claim will be denied. You will receive a copy of any notice sent to your Dentist. Once Delta Dental receives the requested information, it has 15 days to decide your Claim. If you or your Dentist does not supply the requested information, Delta Dental will have no choice but to deny your Claim. Once Delta Dental decides your Claim, it will notify you within five days. Authorized Representative You may also appoint an authorized representative to deal with Delta Dental on your behalf with respect to any benefit Claim you file or any review of a denied Claim you wish to pursue (see the Claims Appeal Procedure section). You should contact your Human Resources department, call Delta Dental’s Customer Service department, toll-free, at (800) 662-8856, or write them at P.O. Box 9089, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 48333-9089, to request a form to designate the person you wish to appoint as your representative. While in some circumstances your Dentist is treated as your authorized representative, generally Delta Dental only recognizes the person whom you have authorized on the last dated form filed with Delta Dental. Once you have appointed an authorized representative, Delta Dental will communicate directly with your representative and will not inform you of the status of your Claim. You will have to get that information from your representative. If you have not designated a representative, Delta Dental will communicate directly with you. Questions and Assistance Questions regarding your coverage should be directed to your Human Resources department or call Delta Dental’s Customer Service department, toll-free, at (800) 662-8856. You may also write to Delta Dental’s Customer Service department at P.O. Box 9089, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 48333-9089. When writing to Delta Dental, please include your name, the group’s name and number, the Enrollee’s Member ID number, and your daytime telephone number. VI. How Payment is Made Delta Dental shall make payments for covered services in accordance with the plan selected by the Contractor. Your Plan will be identified on your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. Delta Dental PPO plus Premier If your Dentist is a Participating Dentist, Delta Dental will base payment on the Maximum Approved Fee for Covered Services. Delta Dental will send payment directly to Participating Dentists and you will be responsible for any applicable Copayment and/or Deductibles. Unless prohibited by state law, you will be responsible for the Maximum Approved Fee for most commonly performed non-covered services. For other non-covered services, you will be responsible for the Dentist's Submitted Amount. If your Dentist is a Nonparticipating Dentist, Delta Dental will base payment on the Nonparticipating Dentist Fee for Covered Services. If your Dentist is an Out-of-Country Dentist, Delta Dental will base payment on the Out-of-Country Dentist Fee for Covered Services. For Covered Services rendered by a Nonparticipating Dentist or Out-of-Country Dentist, Delta Dental will usually send payment to you, and you will be responsible for making full payment to the Dentist. You will be responsible for any difference between Delta Dental’s payment and the Dentist’s Submitted Amount. Delta Dental PPO (Standard) Whether your Dentist is a PPO Dentist or not, Delta Dental will base its payment on the lesser of the Submitted Amount or the PPO Dentist Schedule. Delta Dental will send payment directly to Participating Dentists and you will be responsible for any applicable Copayment and/or Deductibles. If your Dentist is not a PPO Dentist, but is a Premier Dentist, you will also be responsible for any difference between the PPO Dentist Schedule and the Premier Dentist Schedule for Covered Services, in addition to Copayment and/or Deductibles. Unless prohibited by state law, you will be responsible for the Maximum Approved Fee for most commonly performed non- Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 421 NCPPOCERT052022-A 5 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO covered services. For other non-covered services, you will be responsible for the Dentist's Submitted Amount. For Covered Services rendered by a Nonparticipating Dentist or Out-of-Country Dentist, Delta Dental will usually send payment to you, and you will be responsible for making full payment to the Dentist. You will be responsible for any difference between Delta Dental’s payment and the Dentist’s Submitted Amount. Orthodontics If This Plan includes orthodontics, it will be identified on and paid as reflected in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. Covered Services Requiring Multiple Visits In the event a Covered Service requires more than one (1) visit with your Dentist, payment for the Covered Service will be rendered upon Completion Date. VII. Benefit Categories The Benefits covered by This Plan are set forth in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. VIII. Exclusions and Limitations Exclusions Delta Dental will make no payment for the following services or supplies, unless otherwise specified in the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. All charges for these services will be your responsibility: 1. Services or supplies for the treatment of an occupational injury or sickness which are paid under the North Carolina Worker’s Compensation Act only to the extent such services or supplies are the liability of the employee, employer or workers’ compensation insurance carrier according to a final adjudication under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act or an order of the North Carolina Industrial Commission approving a settlement agreement under the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act. 2. Services received from any government agency, political subdivision, community agency, foundation, or similar entity. NOTE: This provision does not apply to any programs provided under Medicaid or Medicare. 3. Services or supplies, as determined by Delta Dental, for correction of congenital or developmental malformations, except for the correction of congenital defects or anomalies (including treatment and care for cleft lip or cleft palate) with respect to newborn Children, adopted Children, foster Children and Children covered by virtue of court or administrative order. 4. Cosmetic surgery or dentistry for aesthetic reasons, as determined by Delta Dental, except for the correction of congenital defects or anomalies (including treatment and care for cleft lip or cleft palate) with respect to newborn Children, adopted Children, foster Children and Children covered by virtue of court or administrative order. 5. Services completed or appliances completed before a person became eligible under This Plan. This exclusion does not apply to orthodontic treatment in progress (if a Covered Service). 6. Prescription drugs (except intramuscular injectable antibiotics), premedication, medicaments/ solutions, and relative analgesia. 7. General anesthesia and intravenous sedation for (a) surgical procedures, unless medically necessary, or (b) restorative dentistry. 8. Charges for hospitalization, laboratory tests, histopathological examinations and miscellaneous tests. 9. Charges for failure to keep a scheduled visit with the Dentist. 10. Services or supplies, as determined by Delta Dental, for which no valid dental need can be demonstrated. 11. Services or supplies, as determined by Delta Dental, that are investigational in nature, including services or supplies required to treat complications from investigational procedures. 12. Services or supplies, as determined by Delta Dental, which are specialized procedures or techniques. 13. Treatment by other than a Dentist, except for services performed by a licensed dental hygienist under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Treatment rendered by any other dental professional, may be covered only as determined by the Contractor and/or Delta Dental. 14. Services or supplies, for which the patient is not legally obligated to pay, or for which no charge would be made in the absence of Delta Dental coverage. 15. Services or supplies received due to an act of war, declared or undeclared, or terrorism. 16. Services or supplies covered under a hospital, surgical/medical, or prescription drug program. 17. Services or supplies that are not within the categories of Benefits selected by the Contractor and that are not covered under the terms of this Certificate. 18. Fluoride rinses, self-applied fluorides, or desensitizing medicaments. 19. Caries arresting medicament. 20. Preventive control programs (including oral hygiene instruction, caries susceptibility tests, dietary control, tobacco counseling, home care medicaments, etc.). 21. Space maintainers for maintaining space due to premature loss of anterior primary teeth. 22. Lost, missing, or stolen appliances of any type and replacement or repair of orthodontic appliances or space maintainers. 23. Cosmetic dentistry, as determined by Delta Dental, except for the correction of congenital defects or anomalies (including treatment and care for cleft lip or cleft palate) Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 422 NCPPOCERT052022-A 6 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO with respect to newborn Children, adopted Children, foster Children and Children covered by virtue of court or administrative order. 24. Veneers. 25. Prefabricated crowns used as final restorations on permanent teeth. 26. Appliances, surgical procedures, and restorations for increasing vertical dimension; for altering, restoring, or maintaining occlusion; for replacing tooth structure loss resulting from attrition, abrasion, abfraction, or erosion; or for periodontal splinting. If Orthodontic Services are Covered Services, this exclusion will not apply to Orthodontic Services as limited by the terms and conditions of the Contract between Delta Dental and the Contractor. 27. Implant/abutment supported interim fixed denture for edentulous arch. 28. Soft occlusal guard appliances. 29. Paste-type root canal fillings on permanent teeth. 30. Replacement, repair, relines, or adjustments of occlusal guards. 31. Chemical curettage. 32. Services associated with overdentures. 33. Metal bases on removable prostheses. 34. The replacement of teeth beyond the normal complement of teeth. 35. Personalization or characterization of any service or appliance. 36. Temporary crowns used for temporization during crown or bridge fabrication. 37. Posterior bridges in conjunction with partial dentures in the same arch. 38. Precision attachments and stress breakers. 39. Biologic materials to aid in soft and osseous tissue regeneration when submitted on the same day as soft tissue grafting, guided tissue regeneration and periodontal or implant bone grafting. 40. Bone replacement grafts and specialized implant surgical techniques, including radiographic/surgical implant index. 41. Appliances, restorations, or services for the diagnosis or treatment of disturbances of the temporomandibular joint. 42. Diagnostic photographs and cephalometric films, unless done for orthodontics and orthodontics are a Covered Service. 43. Myofunctional therapy. 44. Mounted case analyses. 45. Molecular, antigen, or antibody testing for a public health related pathogen. 46. Vaccinations. 47. Bone replacement grafts when performed in conjunction with a hemisection. 48. Fabrication, adjustment, or repair of sleep apnea appliances. 49. Any and all taxes applicable to the services. 50. Processing policies may otherwise exclude payment by Delta Dental for services or supplies. Delta Dental will make no payment for the following services or supplies. Participating Dentists may not charge Members for these services or supplies. All charges from Nonparticipating Dentists for the following services or supplies are your responsibility: 1. Services or supplies, as determined by Delta Dental, which are not provided in accordance with generally accepted standards of dental practice. 2. The completion of forms or submission of Claims. 3. Consultations, patient screening, or patient assessment when performed in conjunction with examinations or evaluations. 4. Caries risk assessment performed on a Member age 2 or under. 5. Local anesthesia. 6. Acid etching, cement bases, cavity liners, and bases or temporary fillings. 7. Infection control. 8. Temporary, interim, or provisional crowns. 9. Gingivectomy as an aid to the placement of a restoration. 10. The correction of occlusion, when performed with prosthetics and restorations involving occlusal surfaces. 11. Diagnostic casts, when performed in conjunction with restorative or prosthodontic procedures. 12. Palliative treatment, when any other service is provided on the same date except X-rays and tests necessary to diagnose the emergency condition. 13. Post-operative X-rays, when done following any completed service or procedure. 14. Periodontal charting. 15. Pins and preformed posts, when done with core buildups for crowns, onlays, or inlays. 16. Any substructure when done for inlays, onlays, and veneers. 17. A pulp cap, when done with a sedative filling or any other restoration. A sedative or temporary filling, when done with pulpal debridement for the relief of acute pain prior to conventional root canal therapy or another endodontic procedure. The opening and drainage of a tooth or palliative treatment, when done by the same Dentist or Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 423 NCPPOCERT052022-A 7 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO dental office on the same day as completed root canal treatment. 18. A pulpotomy on a permanent tooth, except on a tooth with an open apex. 19. A therapeutic apical closure on a permanent tooth, except on a tooth where the root is not fully formed. 20. Retreatment of a root canal by the same Dentist or dental office within two years of the original root canal treatment. 21. A prophylaxis or full mouth debridement, when done on the same day as periodontal maintenance or scaling in the presence of gingival inflammation. 22. Scaling in the presence of gingival inflammation when done on the same day as periodontal maintenance. 23. Prophylaxis, scaling in the presence of gingival inflammation, or periodontal maintenance when done within 30 days of three or four quadrants of scaling and root planing or other periodontal treatment. 24. Full mouth debridement when done within 30 days of scaling and root planing. 25. Scaling and debridement in the presence of inflammation or mucositis of a single implant, including cleaning of the implant surfaces without flap entry and closure, when performed within 12 months of implant restorations, provisional implant crowns and implant or abutment supported interim dentures. 26. Scaling and debridement in the presence of inflammation or mucositis of a single implant, when done on the same day as a prophylaxis, scaling in the presence of gingival inflammation, periodontal maintenance, full mouth debridement, periodontal scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery or debridement of a peri-implant defect. 27. Full mouth debridement, when done on the same day as comprehensive evaluation. 28. A sealant, sealant repair, preventive resin restoration or interim caries arresting medicament is not payable when done on the same day as a sealant, sealant repair, preventive resin restoration or interim caries arresting medicament performed on the same tooth. 29. An occlusal adjustment, when performed on the same day as the delivery of an occlusal guard. 30. Reline, rebase, or any adjustment or repair within six months of the delivery of a partial denture. 31. Adjustments, temporary relines, or tissue conditioning within three months of delivery of an immediate denture. 32. Tissue conditioning, when performed on the same day as the delivery of a denture or the reline or rebase of a denture. 33. Periapical and/or bitewing X-rays, when done within a clinically unreasonable period of time of performing panoramic and/or full mouth X-rays, as determined solely by Delta Dental. 34. Charges or fees for overhead, internet/video connections, software, hardware or other equipment necessary to deliver services, including but not limited to teledentistry services. 35. Capture only images which are not associated with any interpretation or reporting. 36. Frenulectomy when performed on the same day as any other surgical procedure(s) in the same surgical area by the same dentist or dental office. 37. Implant removal when performed within three months of an implant/mini-implant on the same tooth by the same dentist or dental office. 38. Scaling and root planing when performed on the same day as surgical root repair or exposures. 39. Surgical repair or exposure of root when performed on the same day as endodontic or periodontal surgical procedures. 40. Intraorifice barriers. 41. Excision of benign lesions when performed in the same area and on the same day as another surgical procedure by the same dentist or dental office. 42. Processing policies may otherwise exclude payment by Delta Dental for services or supplies. Limitations The Benefits for the following services or supplies are limited as follows, unless otherwise specified in the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. All charges for services or supplies that exceed these reductions will be your responsibility. All time limitations are measured from the applicable prior dates of services in our records with any Delta Dental Member Plan or, at the request of the Contractor, any dental plan: 1. Bitewing X-rays are payable once per calendar year, unless a full mouth x-ray which include bitewings has been paid in that same year. 2. Panoramic or full mouth X-rays (which may include bitewing X-rays) are payable once in any five-year period. 3. Any combination of teeth cleanings (prophylaxes, full mouth debridement, scaling in the presence of inflammation, and periodontal maintenance procedures) are payable twice per calendar year. Full mouth debridement is payable once in a lifetime. 4. Oral examinations and evaluations (not including limited problem focused evaluations or patient screenings) are only payable twice per calendar year, regardless of the Dentist’s specialty. 5. Patient screening is payable once per calendar year. 6. Preventive fluoride treatments are payable twice per calendar year for people age 18 and under. 7. Bilateral space maintainers are payable once per arch in a lifetime for people age 13 and under. Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 424 NCPPOCERT052022-A 8 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO 8. Unilateral space maintainers are payable once per quadrant in a lifetime for people age 13 and under. 9. A distal shoe space maintainer is payable for first permanent molars once per quadrant for people age 8 and under. 10. Cast restorations (including jackets, crowns and onlays) and associated procedures (such as core buildups and post substructures) are payable once in any five-year period per tooth. Subsequent minor restorations on the same tooth are also subject to this five-year limitation. 11. Crowns or onlays are payable only for extensive loss of tooth structure due to caries (decay) or fracture (lost or mobile tooth structure). 12. Individual crowns over implants are payable at the prosthodontic benefit level once in a five-year period. 13. Substructures, porcelain, porcelain substrate, and cast restorations are not payable for people age 11 and under. 14. Hard full or partial arch occlusal guards are payable once in a lifetime. 15. An interim partial denture is payable only for the replacement of permanent anterior teeth for people under age 17 or during the healing period for people age 17 and over. 16. Biologic materials to aid in soft and osseous tissue regeneration are payable once per tooth in a 36-month period. 17. Prosthodontic Services limitations: a. One complete upper and one complete lower denture, and any implant used to support a denture, are payable once in any five-year period. b. A removable partial denture, endosteal implant (other than to support a denture), or fixed bridge is payable once in any five-year period unless the loss of additional teeth requires the construction of a new appliance. c. A removable unilateral partial denture is payable once per quadrant in any five-year period unless the loss of additional teeth requires the construction of a new appliance. d. Fixed bridges and removable partial dentures are not payable for people age 15 and under. e. Rebase hybrid prostheses are payable once in any five-year period per appliance. f. A reline or the complete replacement of denture base material is payable once in any two-year period per appliance. g. Implant removal is payable once per lifetime per tooth or area. h. Implant maintenance is payable once per any 12- month period. i. Removal of a broken implant retaining screw is payable once in a five-year period. 18. Orthodontic Services limitations, if covered under your Plan pursuant to your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits: a. Orthodontic Services are payable for Members pursuant to the age limits specified in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. b. If the treatment plan terminates before completion for any reason, Delta Dental’s obligation for payment ends on the last day of the month in which the patient was last treated. c. Upon written notification to Delta Dental and to the patient, a Dentist may terminate treatment for lack of patient interest and cooperation. In those cases, Delta Dental’s obligation for payment ends on the last day of the month in which the patient was last treated. 19. Delta Dental’s obligation for payment of Benefits ends on the last day of coverage. However, Delta Dental will make payment for Covered Services provided on or before the last day of coverage, as long as Delta Dental receives a Claim for those services within one year of the date of service. 20. When services in progress are interrupted, Delta Dental will not issue payment for any incomplete services; however, Delta Dental will calculate the Maximum Approved Fee that the dentist may charge you for such incomplete services, and those charges will be your responsibility. In the event the interrupted services are completed later by a Dentist, Delta Dental will review the Claim to determine the amount of payment, if any, to the Dentist in accordance with Delta Dental’s policies at the time services are completed. 21. Care terminated due to the death of a Member will be paid to the limit of Delta Dental’s liability for the services completed or in progress. 22. Optional treatment: If you select a more expensive service than is customarily provided, Delta Dental may make an allowance for certain services based on the fee for the customarily provided service. You are responsible for the difference in cost. In all cases, Delta Dental will make the final determination regarding optional treatment and any available allowance. Listed below are services for which Delta Dental will provide an allowance for optional treatment. Remember, you are responsible for the difference in cost for any optional treatment. a. Resin, porcelain fused to metal, and porcelain crowns (including implant crowns), bridge retainers, or pontics on posterior teeth – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for a full metal crown. b. Overdentures – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for a conventional denture. Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 425 NCPPOCERT052022-A 9 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO c. Resin, or porcelain/ceramic onlays on posterior teeth – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for a metallic onlay. d. Inlays, regardless of the material used – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for an amalgam or composite resin restoration. e. All-porcelain/ceramic bridges – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for a conventional fixed bridge. f. Implant/abutment supported complete or partial dentures – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for a conventional denture. g. Gold foil restorations – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for an amalgam or composite restoration. h. Posterior stainless steel crowns with esthetic facings, veneers or coatings – Delta Dental will pay only the amount that it would pay for a conventional stainless steel crown. 23. Maximum Payment: a. All Benefits available under This Plan are subject to the Maximum Payment limitations set forth in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. 24. If a Deductible amount is stated in the Summary of Dental Plan Benefits, Delta Dental will not pay for any services or supplies, in whole or in part, to which the Deductible applies until the Deductible amount is met. 25. Caries risk assessments are payable once in any 12-month period for Members age 3-18. 26. Assessments of salivary flow by measurement are payable once in any 36-month period. 27. Scaling and debridement in the presence of inflammation or mucositis of a single implant is payable once per tooth in any 24-month period. 28. A sealant, sealant repair, preventive resin restoration or interim caries arresting medicament is not payable when done on the same day as restorations involving the occlusal surface. 29. Interim caries arresting medicament is payable twice per tooth per Benefit Year and is limited to five (5) applications per day. 30. Sealants are covered once per tooth per lifetime on first permanent molars for Members age 9 and under. 31. Sealants are covered once per lifetime on second permanent molars for members age 14 and under. 32. One cone beam CT is allowed within a 12-month period except when performed for TMD treatment. 33. Restorations performed within two months of caries arresting medicament. 34. Processing Policies may otherwise limit payment by Delta Dental for services or supplies. Delta Dental will make no payment for services or supplies that exceed the following reductions. All charges are your responsibility. However, Participating Dentists may not charge Members for these services or supplies when performed by the same Dentist or dental office. All time limitations are measured from the applicable prior dates of services in our records with any Delta Dental Member Plan or, at the request of the Contractor, any dental plan: 1. Amalgam and composite resin restorations are payable once in any two-year period, regardless of the number or combination of restorations placed on a surface. 2. Core buildups and other substructures are payable only when needed to retain a crown on a tooth with excessive breakdown due to caries (decay) and/or fractures. 3. Recementation of a crown, onlay, inlay, space maintainer, or bridge within six months of the seating date. 4. Retention pins are payable once in any two-year period. Only one substructure per tooth is a Covered Service. 5. Root planing is payable once in any two-year period. 6. Periodontal surgery is payable once in any three-year period. 7. A complete occlusal adjustment is payable once in any five-year period. The fee for a complete occlusal adjustment includes all adjustments that are necessary for a five-year period. A limited occlusal adjustment is not payable more than three times in any five-year period. The fee for a limited occlusal adjustment includes all adjustments that are necessary for a six-month period. 8. Tissue conditioning is payable twice per arch in any three- year period. 9. The allowance for a denture repair (including reline or rebase) will not exceed half the fee for a new denture. 10. Services or supplies, as determined by Delta Dental, which are not provided in accordance with generally accepted standards of dental practice. 11. Scaling and debridement in the presence of inflammation or mucositis of a single implant is payable once per tooth in any 24-month period when performed by the same office. 12. A sealant, sealant repair, preventive resin restoration or interim caries arresting medicament is not payable when done on the same day as restorations involving the occlusal surface when performed by the same office. 13. A sealant, sealant repair or preventive resin restoration is not payable when performed within 24 months of a sealant, sealant repair or preventive resin restoration performed on the same tooth. 14. One caries risk assessment is allowed on the same date of service. 15. One caries risk assessment is allowed within a 12-month period when done by the same dentist/dental office. Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 426 NCPPOCERT052022-A 10 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO 16. One assessment of salivary flow by measurement is allowed within a 12-month period when done by the same dentist/dental office. 17. Processing Policies may otherwise limit payment by Delta Dental for services or supplies. IX. Coordination of Benefits Coordination of Benefits (“COB”) applies to This Plan when a Member has dental benefits under more than one plan. The objective of COB is to make sure the combined payments of the plans are no more than your actual dental bills. COB rules establish whether This Plan’s Benefits are determined before or after another plan’s benefits. You must submit your bills to the primary plan first. The primary plan must pay its full benefits as if you had no other coverage. If the primary plan denies your Claim or does not pay the full bill, you may then submit the remainder of the bill to the secondary plan. Which Plan is Primary? To decide which plan is primary, Delta Dental will consider both the COB provisions of the other plan and the relationship of the Member to This Plan’s Enrollee, as well as other factors. The primary plan is determined by the first of the following rules that applies: 1. Non-coordinating Plan If you have another plan that does not coordinate benefits, it will always be primary. 2. Enrollee v. Dependent Coverage The plan that covers the Member other than as an Enrollee will be primary over a plan that covers the Member as a dependent. However, please note that if the Member is a Medicare beneficiary, federal law may reverse this order. 3. Children (Parents Divorced or Separated) If a court decree makes one parent responsible for health care expenses, that parent’s plan is primary. If a court decree states that the parents have joint custody without stating that one of the parents is responsible for the Child’s health care expenses, Delta Dental follows the birthday rule (see rule 4 below). If neither of these rules applies, the order will be determined as follows: a. First, the plan of the parent with custody of the Child will be primary; b. Then, the plan of the spouse of the parent with custody of the Child will be primary; c. Next, the plan of the parent without custody of the Child will be primary; d. Last, the plan of the spouse of the parent without custody of the Child will be primary. 4. Children and the Birthday Rule The plan of the parent whose birthday is earliest in the calendar year is always primary for Children. For example, if your birthday is in January and your spouse’s birthday is in March, your plan will be primary for all of your Children. If both parents have the same birthday, the plan that has covered the parent for the longer period will be primary. 5. Laid Off or Retired Employees The plan that covers the Member as a laid off or retired employee or as a dependent of a laid off or retired employee will be primary. 6. COBRA Coverage The plan that is provided under a right of continuation pursuant to federal law or a similar state law (that is, COBRA) will be primary. 7. Other Plans If none of the rules above determines the order of benefits, the plan that has covered the Member for the longer period will be primary. If the other plan does not have rule 5 and/or rule 6 (above) and decides the order of benefits differently from This Plan, This Plan may ignore either of those rules. In the event that these rules do not determine how Delta Dental should coordinate benefits with another plan, Delta Dental will follow its internal policies and procedures for determining which plan is primary, unless prohibited by applicable law. How Delta Dental Pays as Primary Plan When Delta Dental is the primary plan, it will pay for Covered Services as if you had no other coverage. How Delta Dental Pays as Secondary Plan Unless the Contractor has selected carve out coordination of benefits or non-duplication of benefits as stated in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits, when Delta Dental is the secondary plan, it will pay for Covered Services based on the amount left after the primary plan has paid. It will not pay more than that amount, and it will not pay more than it would have paid as the primary plan. When Benefits are reduced as described above, each Benefit is reduced in proportion. Benefits are then charged against any applicable benefit limit of This Plan. Right to Receive and Release Needed Information Delta Dental needs certain facts to apply these COB rules, and it has the right to decide which facts it needs. It may get needed facts from or give them to any other organization or person regarding the Claim being coordinated. Delta Dental need not tell or get the consent of any person to do this. Each person Claiming Benefits under This Plan must give Delta Dental any facts it needs to pay the Claim. Facility of Payment A payment made under another plan may include an amount Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 427 NCPPOCERT052022-A 11 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO that should have been paid under This Plan. If it does, Delta Dental may pay that amount to the organization that made the payment. That amount will then be treated as though it were a Benefit paid under This Plan, and Delta Dental will not have to pay that amount again. The term “payment made” includes providing benefits in the form of services, in which case “payment made” means reasonable cash value of the benefits provided in the form of services. Right of Recovery If the amount of the payments made by Delta Dental is more than it should have paid under this COB provision, Delta Dental may recover the excess from the people it has paid or for whom it has paid. Payment includes the reasonable cash value of any benefits provided in the form of services. This right of recovery is limited to two years after the date of the original Claim payment unless Delta Dental has reasonable belief that fraud or intentional misconduct occurred. X. Reconsideration and Claims Appeal Procedure Reconsideration If you receive notice of an Adverse Benefit Determination and you think that Delta Dental incorrectly denied all or part of your Claim, you or your Dentist should contact Delta Dental’s Customer Service department and ask them to check the Claim to make sure it was processed correctly. You may do this by calling the toll-free number, (800) 662-8856, and speaking to a telephone advisor. You may also mail your inquiry to the Customer Service Department at P.O. Box 9089, Farmington Hills, Michigan, 48333-9089. When writing, please enclose a copy of your explanation of benefits and describe the problem. Be sure to include your name, telephone number, the date, and any information you would like considered about your Claim. A request for reconsideration is not required and should not be considered a formal request for review of a denied Claim. Delta Dental provides this opportunity for you to describe problems or submit an explanation or additional information that might indicate your Claim was improperly Denied, and allow Delta Dental to correct any errors quickly and immediately. Whether or not you have asked Delta Dental informally to reconsider its initial determination, you can request a formal review using the Formal Disputed Claims Procedure described below. Formal Claims Appeal Procedure If you receive notice of an Adverse Benefit Determination, you, or your authorized representative, should seek a review as soon as possible, but you must file your request for review within 180 days of the date that you received that Adverse Benefit Determination. To request a formal review of your Claim, send your request in writing to: Dental Director Delta Dental PO Box 30416 Lansing, Michigan 48909-7916 Please include your name and address, the Enrollee’s Member ID, the reason why you believe your Claim was wrongly denied, and any other information you believe supports your Claim. You also have the right to review the Contract between Delta Dental and the Contractor and any documents related to it. If you would like a record of your request and proof that Delta Dental received it, mail your request certified mail, return receipt requested. The Dental Director or any person reviewing your Claim will not be the same as, nor subordinate to, the person(s) who initially decided your Claim. The reviewer will grant no deference to the prior decision about your Claim. The reviewer will assess the information, including any additional information that you have provided, as if he or she were deciding the Claim for the first time. The reviewer's decision will take into account all comments, documents, records and other information relating to your Claim even if the information was not available when your Claim was initially decided. If the decision is based, in whole or in part, on a dental or medical judgment (including determinations with respect to whether a particular treatment, drug, or other item is experimental, investigational, or not medically necessary or appropriate), the reviewer will consult a dental health care professional with appropriate training and experience, if necessary. The dental health care professional will not be the same individual or that person's subordinate consulted during the initial determination. The reviewer will make a determination within 60 days of receipt of your request. If your Claim is denied on review (in whole or in part), you will be notified in writing. The notice of an Adverse Benefit Determination during the Formal Disputed Claims Procedure will meet the requirements described below. Manner and Content of Notice Your notice of an Adverse Benefit Determination will inform you of the specific reasons(s) for the denial, the pertinent plan provisions(s) on which the denial is based, the applicable review procedures for dental Claims, including time limits and that, upon request, you are entitled to access all documents, records and other information relevant to your Claim free of charge. This notice will also contain a description of any additional materials necessary to complete your Claim, an explanation of why such materials are necessary, and a statement that you have a right to bring a civil action in court if you receive an Adverse Benefit Determination after your Claim has been completely reviewed according to this Formal Disputed Claims Procedure. The notice will also reference any internal rule, guideline, protocol, or similar document or criteria relied on in making the Adverse Benefit Determination, and will include a statement that a copy of such rule, guideline or protocol may be obtained upon request at no charge. If the Adverse Benefit Determination is based on a matter of medical judgment or medical necessity, the notice will also contain an Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 428 NCPPOCERT052022-A 12 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment on which the determination was based, or a statement that a copy of the basis for the scientific or clinical judgment can be obtained upon request at no charge. The Adverse Benefit Determination notice will inform you of your right to a managerial conference to complete the formal grievance procedure. XI. Termination of Coverage Your Delta Dental coverage may automatically terminate:  When the Contractor advises Delta Dental to terminate your coverage.  On the first day of the month for which the Contractor has failed to pay Delta Dental.  For fraud or misrepresentation in the submission of any Claim.  For your Dependent, when they no longer qualify as a Dependent.  For any other reason stated in the contract between Delta Dental and the Contractor. Delta Dental will not continue eligibility for any person covered under This Plan beyond the termination date requested by the Contractor. A person whose eligibility is terminated may not continue group coverage under this Certificate, except as required by the continuation coverage provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 or comparable, non-preempted state law (“COBRA”). XII. Continuation of Coverage If the Contractor is required to comply with COBRA and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) and your dental coverage would otherwise end, you and your Dependents may have the right to continue that coverage at your expense. When is Plan Continuation Coverage Available? Continuation coverage is available if your coverage or a covered Dependent’s coverage would end because: 1. Your employment, if applicable, ends for any reason other than your gross misconduct. 2. You do not qualify as an Enrollee as set forth in your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. 3. You are divorced or legally separated. 4. You die. 5. Your Dependent is no longer a Dependent. 6. You become enrolled in Medicare (if applicable). 7. You are called to active duty in the armed forces of the United States. If you believe you are entitled to continuation coverage, you should contact the Contractor to receive the appropriate documentation required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). XIII. General Conditions Assignment Services and Benefits are for the personal benefit of Members and cannot be transferred or assigned, other than to pay Participating Dentists directly. Obtaining and Releasing Information While you and/or your Dependent(s) are enrolled in This Plan, you and/or your Dependent(s) agree to provide Delta Dental with any information it needs to process Claims and administer Benefits for you and/or your Dependent(s). This includes allowing Delta Dental access to your dental records. Dentist-Patient Relationship Members are free to choose any Dentist. Each Dentist is solely responsible for the treatment and/or dental advice provided to the Member, and Delta Dental does not have any liability resulting therefrom. Loss of Eligibility During Treatment If a Member loses eligibility while receiving dental treatment, only Covered Services received while that person was covered under This Plan will be payable. Certain services begun before the loss of eligibility may be covered if they are completed within 60 days from the date of termination. In those cases, Delta Dental evaluates those services in progress to determine what portion may be paid by Delta Dental. The difference between Delta Dental’s payment and the total fee for those services is your responsibility. This provision does not apply to orthodontics if covered under this plan. Late Claims Submissions Delta Dental will make no payment for services or supplies if a Claim for such has not been received by Delta Dental within one year following the date the services or supplies were completed. In the event that a Participating Provider submits a Claim more than one year from the date of service, Delta Dental will deny that portion of the Claim that Delta Dental would have paid if the Claim had been timely submitted. However, you will remain responsible for any applicable Deductible and/or Copayment. In the event that a Nonparticipating Provider submits a Claim more than one year from the date of service, Delta Dental will Deny the Claim and you may be responsible for the full amount. Change of Certificate or Contract No changes to this Certificate, your Summary of Dental Plan Benefits, or the underlying contract are valid unless Delta Dental approves them in writing. Actions You cannot bring an action on a legal claim arising out of or related to this Certificate unless you have provided at least 60 days’ written notice to Delta Dental, unless prohibited by applicable state law. In addition, you cannot bring an action more than three years after the legal claim first arose or Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 429 NCPPOCERT052022-A 13 NCPPOCERT052022-ASO after expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, whichever is shorter. Any person seeking to do so will be deemed to have waived his or her right to bring suit on such legal claim. Except as set forth above, this provision does not preclude you from seeking a judicial decision or pursuing other available legal remedies. Governing Law This Certificate and the underlying group Contract will be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the state of North Carolina. Legally Mandated Benefits If any applicable law requires broader coverage or more favorable treatment for you or your Dependents than is provided by this Certificate, that law shall control over the language of this Certificate. Change of Status You must notify Delta Dental, through the Contractor, of any event that changes the status of a Dependent. Events that can affect the status of a Dependent include, but are not limited to, marriage, birth, death, divorce, and entrance into military service. Right of Recovery Due to Fraud If Delta Dental pays for services that were sought or received under fraudulent, false, or misleading pretenses or circumstances, pays a Claim that contains false or misrepresented information, or pays a Claim that is determined to be fraudulent due to your acts or acts of your Dependents, it may recover that payment from you or your Dependents. You and your Dependents authorize Delta Dental to recover any payment determined to be based on false, fraudulent, misleading, or misrepresented information by deducting that amount from any payments properly due to you or your Dependents. Delta Dental will provide an explanation of the payment recovery at the time the deduction is made. Any person intending to deceive an insurer, who knowingly submits an application or files a Claim containing a false or misleading statement, is guilty of insurance fraud. Insurance fraud significantly increases the cost of health care. If you are aware of any false information submitted to Delta Dental, please call our toll-free hotline. We only accept anti- fraud calls at this number. ANTI-FRAUD TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: (800) 524-0147 Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 430 DDNC - Notice of Non-Discrimination, 09/05/24 Discrimination is Against the Law. This plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (consistent with the scope of sex discrimination described at 45 CFR § 92.101(a)(2). This plan does not exclude people or treat them less favorably because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. This plan provides people with disabilities reasonable modifications and free appropriate auxiliary aids and services to comm unicate effectively with us, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in other formats (large print, au dio, accessible electronic formats, other formats). This plan provides free language assistance services to people whose primary l anguage is not English, which may include qualified interpreters and information written in other languages. If you need reasonable modifications, appropriate auxiliary aids and services, or language assistance services, contact the C ivil Rights Coordinator. If you believe this plan has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, you can file a grievance with the Civil Rights Coordinator at 3737 Glenwood Ave Suite 320, Raleigh, NC 27612; by phone at 1-800-524-0149 (TTY users call 711). You can file a grievance in person or by mail, fax, or email. If you need help filing a grievance, the Civil Rights Coordinator is available to help you. You can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, el ectronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf, or by mail or phone at: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 509F, HHH Building, Washington, D.C. 20201; 1-800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD). Complaint forms are available at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/office/file/index.html. Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 431            NCPPOSUM2022 KR#56310024  Delta Dental PPO plus Premier™   Summary of Dental Plan Benefits  For Group# 0792‐0001, 0002, 0003, 0099  County of Harnett    This Summary of Dental Plan Benefits should be read along with your Certificate.  Your Certificate provides additional information  about your Delta Dental plan, including information about plan exclusions and limitations. If a statement in this Summary conflicts  with a statement in the Certificate, the statement in this Summary applies to you and you should ignore the conflicting statement in  the Certificate. The percentages below are applied to Delta Dental's Maximum Approved Fee for each service and it may vary due to  the Dentist's network participation.*    Control Plan – Delta Dental of North Carolina    Benefit Year – July 1 through June 30    Covered Services –     Delta Dental PPO™  Dentist  Delta Dental  Premier® Dentist  Nonparticipating  Dentist   Plan Pays Plan Pays Plan Pays*  Diagnostic & Preventive  Diagnostic and Preventive Services – exams, cleanings,  fluoride, and space maintainers 100% 100% 100%  Emergency Palliative Treatment – to temporarily relieve pain 100% 100% 100%  Sealants – to prevent decay of permanent teeth 100% 100% 100%  Brush Biopsy – to detect oral cancer 100% 100% 100%  Radiographs – X‐rays 100% 100% 100%  Basic Services  Minor Restorative Services – fillings and crown repair 80% 80% 80%  Endodontic Services – root canals 80% 80% 80%  Periodontic Services – to treat gum disease 80% 80% 80%  Oral Surgery Services – extractions and dental surgery 80% 80% 80%  Other Basic Services – misc. services 80% 80% 80%  Relines and Repairs – to bridges, implants, and dentures 80% 80% 80%  Major Services  Major Restorative Services – crowns 50% 50% 50%  Prosthodontic Services – bridges, implants, dentures, and  crowns over implants 50% 50% 50%  Orthodontic Services  Orthodontic Services – braces 50% 50% 50%  Orthodontic Age Limit –  through age 18 and under  * When you receive services from a Nonparticipating Dentist, the percentages in this column indicate the portion of Delta Dental's  Nonparticipating Dentist Fee that will be paid for those services. This Nonparticipating Dentist Fee may be less than what your  dentist charges, which means that you will be responsible for the difference.  The explanation and sample calculation of how these services will be paid can be found in Section VI – How Payment is Made in your  Certificate.   Oral exams (including evaluations by a specialist) are payable twice per benefit year.   Prophylaxes (cleanings) are payable twice per benefit year.  Full mouth debridement is payable once per lifetime.   People with specific at‐risk health conditions may be eligible for additional prophylaxes (cleanings) or fluoride treatment. The  patient should talk with his or her Dentist about treatment.   Fluoride treatments are payable twice per benefit year for people age 18 and under.  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 432 NCPPOSUM2022 KR#56310024   Bitewing X‐rays are payable once per Benefit Year and full mouth X‐rays (which include bitewing X‐rays) or a panorex are  payable once in any five‐year period.   Sealants are payable once per tooth per lifetime for first and second permanent molars for people age 15 and under. The  surface must be free from decay and restorations.   Composite resin (white) restorations are payable on all teeth, including posterior teeth.    Porcelain and resin facings on crowns are payable on posterior teeth.   Vestibuloplasty is a Covered Service.   Full and partial dentures are payable once in any five‐year period. Reline and rebase of dentures are payable once in any two‐ year period.   Implants are payable once per tooth in any five‐year period. Implant related services are Covered Services.   Crowns over implants are payable once per tooth in any five‐year period. Services related to crowns over implants are Covered  Services.  Passport Dental  Having Delta Dental coverage makes it easy for you to get dental care almost everywhere in the world! You can now receive expert  dental care when you are outside of the United States through our Passport Dental program. This program gives you access to a  worldwide network of Dentists and dental clinics. English‐speaking operators are available around the clock to answer questions and  help you schedule care. For more information, check our website or contact your benefits representative to get a copy of our  Passport Dental information sheet.  Maximum Payment – $1,000 per Member total per Benefit Year on all services, except diagnostic and preventive services,  emergency palliative treatment, brush biopsy, X‐rays, sealants, and orthodontic services.  $1,000 per Member total per lifetime on  orthodontic services.   Payment for Orthodontic Service – When orthodontic treatment begins, your Dentist will submit a payment plan to Delta Dental  based upon your projected course of treatment. In accordance with the agreed upon payment plan, Delta Dental will make an initial  payment to you or your Participating Dentist equal to Delta Dental's stated Copayment on 30% of the Maximum Payment for  Orthodontic Services as set forth in this Summary of Dental Plan Benefits. Delta Dental will make additional payments as follows:   Delta Dental will pay 50% of the per month fee charged by your Dentist based upon the agreed upon payment plan provided by  Delta Dental to your Dentist.      Deductible – $25 Deductible per Member total per Benefit Year limited to a maximum Deductible of $75 per family per Benefit Year.  The Deductible does not apply to diagnostic and preventive services, emergency palliative treatment, brush biopsy, X‐rays, sealants,  and orthodontic services.   Waiting Period – Enrollees who are eligible for Benefits are covered on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.  Eligible People – All full‐time employees of the Contractor working at least 30 hours per week who choose the dental plan:  Active  (0001), County Commissioners (0002), Pre 65 and Medicare Retirees (0003) and COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget  Reconciliation Act of 1985) enrollees (0099). The Contractor pays the full cost of this plan for Subscribers. The Subscriber pays the  additional cost of dependent coverage.  Also eligible are your Spouse and your Children to the end of the month in which they turn 26, including your Children who are  married, who no longer live with you, who are not your Dependents for Federal income tax purposes, and/or who are not  permanently disabled.  Dependents choosing this plan are required to remain enrolled for a period of 12 months. Should a Dependent choose to drop  coverage after that time, he or she may not re‐enroll prior to the date on which 12 months have elapsed. An election may be  revoked or changed at any time if the change is the result of a qualifying event as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 125.  Coordination of Benefits – If you and your Spouse are both eligible to enroll in This Plan as Enrollees, you may be enrolled together  on one application or separately on individual applications, but not both. Your Dependent Children may only be enrolled on one  application. Delta Dental will not coordinate Benefits between your coverage and your Spouse's coverage if you and your Spouse are  both covered as Enrollees under This Plan.  Benefits will cease on the last day of the month in which your employment is terminated.    Customer Service Toll‐Free Number: 800‐662‐8856 (TTY users call 711)  https://www.DeltaDentalNC.com  July 1, 2025  Docusign Envelope ID: 4171AA1C-4E91-41B5-866F-9004EBDB2E8B HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 433 \\lecfile\department\Admin\Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2025\081825\10Fii.1 Trio Meals.docx Page 1 of 1 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Contract Amendment REQUESTED BY: Ainsley Johnson, Health Director REQUEST: This is a formal request for the Board to approve the contract amendment for FY 26 in the amount of $292,345 for Trio Community Meals. Trio Community Meals provides congregate and home delievered meals/services for the elderly nutrition program. Please place this item under the County Manager's report section of the agenda at the next available meeting. FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Item 10Fii HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 434 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 8/7/2025Finance Officer HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 435 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 436 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 437 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 438 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 439 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 440 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 441 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 442 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 443 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 444 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 445 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 446 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 447 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 448 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 449 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 450 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 451 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 452 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 453 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 454 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 455 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 456 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 457 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 458 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 459 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 460 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 461 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 462 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 463 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 464 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 465 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 466 Docusign Envelope ID: 16EA296C-1063-4DE0-9A15-FD7573546770 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 467 \\lecfile\department\Admin\Clerk to the Board docs\AGENDAS\2025\081825\10Fiii.1 Alliance Health.docx Page 1 of 1 Board Meeting Agenda Item MEETING DATE: August 18, 2025 TO: HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUBJECT: Contract Renewal - Alliance Health REQUESTED BY: Brent Trout, County Manager REQUEST: This is a formal request for the Board to approve the contract for Alliance Health in the amount of $408,000 for the management and oversight of the public system of services for people with mental illness, intellectual or development disabilities, traumatic brain injury and substance abouse disorders at the community level for individuals in Alliance's Catchment Area, which includes Harnett County. Please place this item under the County Manager's report section of the agenda at the next available meeting. FINANCE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION: COUNTY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 468 Docusign Envelope ID: 18B765FF-5E7E-4B66-AEDA-85350CA401BB HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 469 Docusign Envelope ID: 18B765FF-5E7E-4B66-AEDA-85350CA401BB HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 470 Docusign Envelope ID: 18B765FF-5E7E-4B66-AEDA-85350CA401BB HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 471 Docusign Envelope ID: 18B765FF-5E7E-4B66-AEDA-85350CA401BB 7/18/2025 7/24/2025 HCBOC 081825 a Pg. 472