061109ssmHarnett County Board of Commissioners
Minutes of Special Budget Session
June 11, 2009
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in special session on Thursday, June 11, 2009,
in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administrative Building, 102 East Front Street,
Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Timothy B. McNeill, Chairman
Beatrice B. Hill, Vice- Chaiuuian
Dan B. Andrews, Commissioner
Gary House, Commissioner
Jim Burgin, Commissioner
Scott Sauer, County Manager
Wm. A. (Tony) Wilder, Assistant County Manager
Dwight W. Snow, County Attorney
Sylvia Blinson, Finance Officer
LeeAnne Nance, Director of Economic Development
Gary Pope, Director of Emergency Services
Jennifer Slusser, Staff Attorney
Joseph Jeffries, Director of Planning Department
Barry Blevins, Central Permitting Manager
Linwood McDonald, Building Inspections Manager
Gina Daniel, Acting Clerk
Ryan Wetherington, Intern
Chairman McNeill called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Budget discussions continued and
commissioners and staff discussed the following:
1) Fire Districts and Fire Department Budgets
2) Planning & Zoning's current and upcoming projects including Central Permitting and
Community Development activities
3) Economic Development, including Harnett Forward Together Commission project
funding
As a follow -up, staff reported the cost to repair the roof at the new Emergency Services Building
would be $480,000 and included HVAC. Commissioners asked Mr. Sauer to start a dialogue
with the State Highway Patrol, who occupies approximately 1,500 sq. ft. of the building,
regarding their contribution toward the upkeep of the building. Commissioner Burgin suggested
$10.00 per sq. ft. which he said is the going rate.
June 11, 2009 Special Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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It was the consensus of the Board to leave fire district rates the same. Chairman McNeill noted if
the Board took no action on the fire district rates they would stay the same as they are required
by the statute to be set by June 15th. Chairman McNeill said he wanted to meet with Fort Bragg
regarding contributing to Benhaven because he feels Fort Bragg is taking advantage of us given
they do not pay taxes.
Mr. Pope noted that Central Carolina Community College is looking at charging for Law, Fire
and EMS certifications. The certifications were free but could be 250.00 for the first certification
and $100.00 per renewal which would greatly impact his budget.
Commissioner Burgin stressed the need to cut the budget. He said it doesn't look like
department budgets were cut and he would never vote for the proposed. Commissioner Burgin
requested the addition of a column for actual year -to -date amounts in the summary pages
provided.
Chairman McNeill said were still projecting a 30% reduction in sales taxes this year. Tables
were distributed of "Existing Debt Requirements for General Government and Education with
scenario of building a capital reserve for future debt requirements ". It was noted the tables do
not include $11,500 to pay for service fees to banks.
A list of requests for donations from Cultural and Recreational Organization was distributed.
Mr. Sauer was unsure how many of the organizations were 5013 -C. Chairman McNeill
requested the addition of the Johnsonville AME Zion Food Bank for $3,000. The Dunn -Erwin
Rail Trail was also added for $3,000.
The group discussed continuing issues with Animal Control. Mrs. Slusser will provide an
analysis of the Animal Control ordinance and what it does. Mr. Wilder updated the Board
regarding Clover the Pig and the Town of Erwin.
Ryan Wetherington, Intern, distributed a benchmarking reported he compiled comparing Harnett
County to other counties.
At 12:33, Chairman McNeill recessed the meeting until 9:00 am on Friday, June 12, 2009.
XI&
cNeill, Chairman
t Regina
eeler, Clerk
June 11, 2009 Special Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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