05122003964
MINUTES
CITY OF DUNN
DUNN, NORTH CAROLINA
The City Council of the City of Dunn held a Special Call Budget Work Session on Monday, May 12,
2003, at 6:00 p.m, in the Dunn Municipal Building. Present was Mayor Abraham Oudeh, Mayor
Pro -Tem Michael Womble, Council Members Toby Sumner, George Robinson, Joey Tart, and Paul
Bass. Also present was City Manager Michael Uskiewicz, Public Works Director Ronnie Autry,
Human Resources /Safety Officer Moses Gallion, Recreation Director Perry Hudson, Fire Chief
Austin Tew, Police Chief Timothy Benware, Librarian Deborah Melvin, Finance Director Renee'
Daughtry, City Engineer Ed Powell, City Attorney P. Tilghman Pope, City Clerk Debra West, and
Daily Record Reporter Lisa Farmer.
Council Member Donnie Olds was absent due to a work conflict.
INVOCATION
Mayor Oudeh opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and asked George Robinson to give the invocation.
Afterwards, the pledge of allegiance was repeated.
City Manager Uskiewicz reviewed the highlights of the preliminary 2003 -04 budget.
Manager Uskiewicz stated that he is proposing to do some things that are beneficial to the community and
will enhance our infrastructure. Manager Uskiewicz asked City Engineer Ed Powell to step forward to
address some of these needs.
Manager Uskiewicz stated that he talked about the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in the budget
document. He added that at this point and time, without utilizing the CIP, the City's revenues and
expenditures are balanced without a rate increase. He further stated there are some infrastructure needs that
need to be addressed. He stated that should the Council wish to start a Capital Improvement Plan, there
will be cost involved.
Mr. Powell stated that Capital Improvement is not a budget item, but a long term item and something that
is normally paid directly from an enterprise fund. He added that in the past few years, revenues in the
water and sewer funds were adequate to provide for the operation and maintenance of the treatment
facilities and to pay our debt service. He further stated that all capital improvements have been coming
from budget reserves, which are becoming depleted.
Mr. Powell stated that the City is at a point where the existing rate structure for water and sewer will just
provide for the operation and maintenance of the existing facilities. He added that if any improvements are
made under the Capital Improvement Plan, it will require an additional source of revenue. He further stated
that in order to maintain this as an enterprise fund, where the users of the system provide for the expansion,
upgrade and improvements, then the City is faced with a rate increase.
Mr. Powell stated that a lot of things have been proposed and planned that need to be done in the water and
sewer areas. He added that he will give Council a list of those plans and the cost associated with each. He
further stated that Council will be asked for comments so that a Capital Improvement Plan can be presented
to Council with time lines and dates for Council consideration along with a rate structure with incremental
steps into the future years.
Following are projects which Mr. Powell proposed to Council:
• Sewer System Major Project - Pope Road Project/ Upper Juniper Creek Outfall Eastside force
main- $800,000.00 dollar project has been identified -have applied to the Rural Center for a
$400,000.00 dollar grant to aid in constructing this proposed $800,000 improvement - Anticipate
funding this year -Will attempt to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for the
remaining $400,000.00.
• Wastewater System Improvement — In need of an existing sludge thickening system at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant - $200,000.00 project.
• Infiltration/Inflow Repairs — City has budgeted $125,000.00 per year for the last four (4) years —
Success is limited -Last meeting with the regulators say that unless the City makes a greater effort
to make needed repairs, then the City could face fines, penalties, or reduction of the ability to grow
the City system with new users — To enhance the amount of inflow /infiltration repairs made in the
system, the City would put in a program every two (2) years, in an approximate amount of
$800,000.00 - Anticipate that if a priority funding level is developed with the Rural Center, the
City can continue to advance that funding level and will provide that source of revenue but the
City will have to pay for the other fifty percent.
• Pump Station Problems — 2008 -2009 projection for repairs — Grove Park Pumping Station needs to
be totally replaced — Stand -by generators are needed at some of the pumping stations, which are
required by the state (2009 -2010) - Replacement of the rest of the Eastside force main.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion — 2010 -2014 projected year to upgrade.
965
Mr. Powell stated that the reason they are going twenty (20) years into the future with the Capital
Improvement Plan, is that this is a priority requirement in order to continue to receive the grant funds. He
reminded Council that the City received a Capacity Building Grant from the Rural Center to develop a
Capital Improvement Plan to do a rate structure and all these other things. He added that they are doing
this to position themselves to receive the maximum amount of grants, but at the same time, the City has to
pay the local match for these grants.
Mr. Powell stated that wastewater will need approximately $200,000.00 a year into the future to pay per
capita cost of these improvements or amortization of borrowed money to make these improvements with.
He added that revenue from the water and sewer system is now approximately three million dollars a year.
He further stated that if sewer is going to need $200,000.00 per year, that is going to indicate a significant
rate increase at some point and time.
Some projected repairs to the Water System are as follows:
• Mr. Powell stated that the Powell Avenue tank needs to be painted inside and out. He added that
this project cost is approximately $500,000.00 and will propose that this be done in the year 2003-
2004.
• Mr. Powell stated that there is an access bridge on the road between the Water Plant and the Raw
Water Pumping Station that has fell. He added that it either needs to be removed, replaced or a
pipe put in and a field constructed so that there will be access between the Water Plant and Raw
Water Pumping Station.
• Mr. Powell stated that the tube settlers at the Water Treatment Plant need to be repaired at a
projected cost of approximately $150,000.00.
• Mr. Powell stated that the Carr Avenue Tank will need to be painted by the year 2006 -2007.
• Alum Sludge Improvements at the Water Plant -Last upgrade did not include improvements to the
alum sludge.
• Improvements to the high service and raw water pumps (projected year 2008 -2010)
• Anticipate an upgrade to the Water Plant (projected year 2012)
Mr. Powell stated that to fund these projects over the next ten to fifteen years, a revenue of approximately
$200,000.00 a year will be needed. He added that there are enough improvements in the system that need
to be made within the next ten to fifteen years, that the City needs to be looking at a rate increase in the
range of 15 %.
Mr. Powell stated that when considering a rate increase, the following two (2) things should be considered:
• The City needs to remain competitive with the bulk rates charged to other municipalities that the
City supplies water to such as Benson, Sampson County, Southeast Metro Harnett and
communities in Cumberland County.
• Make minimal increases to fixed income citizens, which are the low system users who can least
afford to pay additional cost for the water.
Mr. Powell stated that right now the City of Dunn is well below what everybody else in this region is
charging for wholesale water rates. He added that he would like to submit to the Council, a twenty (20)
year Capital Improvement Plan and submit along with it, a method for funding. He further stated that the
only method he knew would consist of pursuing all possible grants and loans along with a rate increase. He
stated that there needs to be an enterprise system and does not need to be involved in the budget process,
but purely in the water and sewer bills sent to the system users.
Mr. Powell stated that the City will need $400,000.00 per year for these projected projects.
Council Member Bass asked Mr. Powell if he is asking for a 15% increase for every user. Mr. Powell
responded no. He is talking about a 15% increase in the revenues generated by the water and sewer system.
He added that they would present to Council, a proposed rate schedule to generate the volume of funding
needed.
Mayor Oudeh questioned Mr. Powell about the senior citizens who cannot afford a 15% increase. Mr.
Powell responded they would try to propose less than a 15% increase for the minimum system users. He
stated that they do not need to impose a 15% burden on senior citizens who live on a fixed income. He
added that he will project a schedule with implementation based on volume of water used.
Mr. Powell stated that some neighboring communities are looking at a 30% increase. He added that if the
City continues to make improvements with no other funding sources, the City may never get out of debt
without an increase in rates.
Mayor Oudeh suggested a larger increase to bulk users such as the surrounding Counties that buy from
Dunn and a small increase for Dunn users. Mr. Powell agreed and stated that the rates will reflect what is
being charged for similar users in similar position, keeping the rates competitive, but not give the service
away because it is costing the City more money each year to pay for it.
966
Mayor Oudeh asked Mr. Powell if he will bring this plan back to the Council for consideration. Mr. Powell
responded yes. He stated that at the present time, the City's water and sewer debt payment each year is
$600,000.00 - $700,000.00 for past debt service. He added that while the City has this great debt service,
they would like to make it so that the City pays as they go so they do not build up more debt payments.
Mayor Pro -Tern Womble asked Mr. Powell when will he be able to present this proposal to the Council.
Mr. Powell responded that he should have some documentation to the Council by the end of this month.
Mr. Powell stated that this proposal is not associated with the budget.
Manager Uskiewicz agreed. He stated that the projects he is proposing for this year are funded. He added
they are seeking grants and the one project he addressed in his budget document was the Powell Avenue
Water tank in the amount of $500,000.00, which falls under the Capital Improvement Plan.
Mayor Oudeh asked that Mr. Powell bring back his proposal, along with dollar amounts to the City Council
for consideration.
Mayor Pro -Tem Womble stated that water and sewer rates were not increased last year. He asked Mr.
Powell if he is suggesting that the Council wait for the analysis and adopt it then. Mr. Powell responded
yes.
Mayor Pro -Tem Womble stated that he feels it is wrong for the Council to go two to four years without a
rate increase, and then find themselves in a situation where they have no choice but to impose a large
increase. He added that this is a disservice to our citizens. He further stated that if there is any doubt that
these rates will not be adjusted, then he feels it would be better to have smaller increases annually to keep
up with inflation and increased cost.
Mr. Powell stated that is why he is before Council tonight. He added that down the road, there will be a
need for a significant increase.
More discussion was held about the condition of the water tanks, inflow /infiltration and attempts to acquire
various grants for some of the projects needed.
Mayor Pro -Tem Womble asked if there are any refinance opportunities available.
Finance Director Renee' Daughtry responded that the current rate is 2.83 %. She added that the current rate
is so low that it would not be a benefit to the City for the expense the City would incur to refinance.
Manager Uskiewicz stated that if the water rates were raised 5 1 /o, the City would be able to cover the
expense of painting the Powell Avenue Tank in one year.
Manager Uskiewicz thanked City Engineer Ed Powell for his presentation.
City Manager Uskiewicz stated that before they move forward, he would like to give Council some
information. He added that the Council received their audits, and the situation was a little better than
projected in that the fund balance is a little more than 3million dollars. He further stated that going back to
last year, the Council anticipated the fund balance to be below 2.8 million. He stated that they have come
in over $200,000.00 higher than projected.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that Council anticipated a fund balance of 2.2 million dollars at the end of this year.
He added that they are estimating it to be between 2.6 and 2.7 million dollars, based on some unanticipated
revenues. He further stated that Council calculated not getting any state funds, but they have received over
$400,000.00 in state funds.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that the City has had a lot of growth and an unanticipated increase in ad valorem
taxes of approximately $154,000.00. He added that at this point and time, the City is getting a lot of interest
and activity is taking place to increase ad valorem tax base. He further stated that there are new
developments that may break ground, which will increase revenue and will increase the sales tax revenue.
Mr. Uskiewicz asked that Council not adjust the .46 cent tax rate to give the City one more year to recover
from past deficits. He added that in the budget, he is proposing a $250,000.00 deficit in operations and a
$37,000.00 request for some Capital Projects. He further stated to Council that he doesn't believe the City
will end up with a deficit. He stated that a lot of the anticipated revenue will be gathered by way of growth
and they need more time for the sales taxes to take affect and to gather more revenue.
1 Mr. Uskiewicz stated that the City is in a better position that what they anticipated.
Mayor Pro-Tern Womble asked Mr. Uskiewicz with regard to the tax levy, what is the percentage increase
for ad valorem taxes. Mr. Uskiewicz responded 10 %. He added that the real estate average increase is
27 %.
Finance Director Renee' Daughtry stated that if you look at the net assessed value, there appeared to be a
27% increase in property value. She added that as far as billing, there is an only 10% discrepancy when
you look from the net assessed to the real assessed value.
Ms. Daughtry stated that the average property is assessed at 27% higher but when the amount billed is
multiplied by the 99% collection rate, the result is a 10% increase in revenue. She added that they should
967
be able to get more detailed information from the County to give to Council, because the figures she is
working with are preliminary figures given by the County.
Ms. Daughtry stated that the net assessed value is 475 million, compared to 430 million last year.
Mayor Pro -Tem Womble stated that obviously there are some areas that the City is spending money that
are repetitive and not necessary. He added that he is not going to be in favor of having anyone pay
additional ad valorem taxes unless he is comfortable that the City does not have wasteful spending. He
further stated that this Council has been firm that they did not want to see additional taxes imposed on the
citizens, but when tax bills are received in August, there will be a 26% increase from the County and a 26%
increase from the City.
Mr. Womble stated that he is not against increasing revenues, if he feels comfortable with the expenditures.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that this is a political issue that they will discuss later. He added that there is only
one community in Harnett County with a lower tax rate than Dunn. He further stated that other
communities of similar size have higher tax rates than Dunn.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that the following Capital Items are being proposed in this budget:
Refurbishing the Council Chambers
• Equipment Upgrades for Police Department
• Mowing equipment for Street Department
• Mowing equipment for Recreation Department
• (2) Part-time seasonal employees (for mowing)
• (4) Police Cars
• Car for City Manager
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that the proposed Recreation Facility has not been placed within this budget. He
added they should know whether or not the $250,000.00 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant has been
awarded to the City prior to the next workshop. He further stated the Recreation Committee has raised in
excess of $250,000.00 in pledges.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that Central Dispatch has been a contentious item with this Council and he has placed
it to remain in this budget. He added that he leaves this to the discussion of the Council.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that in addressing the Water Fund, grants have been put in for inflow /infiltration and
the money is budgeted for debt service should the City be awarded one or the other so they can move this
project forward. He added they are looking at some Transportation Grants to address the Juniper Creek
Overflow situation. He further stated that they are applying to the "Carolina Moving Forward /" 1
Transportation Project" for $100,000.00 to get a culvert under Highway 421 to tie into the project. He
stated that the total cost of the project is $465,000.00.
Mr. Uskiewiecz stated that they are applying for drainage grants for Pope, Clinton, Magnolia and Elm.
He added they are in the process of putting together a downtown revitalization grant and looking to utilize
that money to purchase a facility in concert with the Chamber of Commerce Revitalization Committee for a
Farmer's Market. He further stated this will come before the Council in the future. He stated that this
project should be totally grant funded and partnered with the business owner of the building.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that in this budget, Council will see a $12,000.00 increase in the lighting line item.
He added that this is another partnership being proposed in concert with the Tourism Authority, to put
lights out on Highway 95 and to illuminate the City of Dunn, making it more visibly attractive in the
evening. He further stated that Tourism currently pays $10,000.00 for the exit ramp lights, but with the
additional lighting cost being $24,000.00, they are proposing that the City pay $12,000.00 per year, while
Tourism pays $22,000.00 per year.
Council Member Bass asked Manager Uskiewicz if $12,000.00 will be an annual lighting expense for the
City's part? Mr. Uskiewicz responded yes, and $22,000.00 will be the annual cost for Tourism.
Mr. Uskiewicz stated that placed within this budget is a 2% pay increase for the employees, along with
longevity pay. He added that placed in this budget is enough funds to keep the insurance at 100% coverage
for the employees.
Manager Uskiewicz stated to Council that insurance is getting to the point that the City can no longer
sustain the coverage and they need to publicly state they have a problem. He added that in future years, the
City will have to look at greater partnership.
In regard to the Highway 95 lighting issue, Mayor Oudeh stated that he was in favor of it and he asked City
Manager Uskiewicz if he knew what the Tourism Authority's budget amount was and how much they
collect each year.
Council Member Bass asked Mr. Uskiewicz for the expenditure report of the Tourism Authority.
Mr. Uskiewicz responded that he did not have a copy of the Tourism Authority budget with him but
anticipated revenues of approximately $300,000.00 and expenditures of $300,000.00.
968
Council Member Bass asked for a yearly break -down of the Tourism Authority's expenditures. Mr.
Uskiewicz gave a summary of last year's Tourism budget. Mr. Bass asked that Mr. Uskiewicz forward a
copy of the current Tourism budget to review.
Council Member Robinson thanked Mr. Uskiewicz for recognizing that the City employees need a pay
increase.
In regard to insurance, Mr. Uskiewicz stated that several health insurance company proposals have been
received. He added that three (3) of those companies would not insure the City due to high risk, four (4)
companies met the City's needs and four (4) companies had self insurance components which is not
beneficial to the City at this time. He further stated that the insurance committee chose two (2) healthcare
companies for consideration, those being United Healthcare (UHC) (present carrier) and Blue Cross Blue
Shield (BCBS).
Mr. Uskiewicz yielded to insurance representative, Nick Skatell to explain the insurance quotes. Mr.
Skatell stated the closest company that duplicated UHC was BCBS but there were issues in comparing the
two companies. One of those issues dealt with post retirees and the second issue is that UHC has had the
City's business for two (2) years. Mr. Skatell informed Council that if the City chooses BCBS just because
the rate is similar, no one knows what their rate increase could be next year.
Mr. Skatell stated that his company's job is to look at all alternatives, whether it be a 100 %, 90 %, or 80%
plan and try to give ideas. He added that post retirees is a definite issue, but he will pass information on to
the insurance committee for their recommendations to the Council. He further stated that the City's present
insurance plan is one of the best in the industry,
Mayor Oudeh asked if UHC rates will increase this year. Mr. Uskiewicz responded yes, 23.5% increase.
Mayor Oudeh asked what is the average increase by BCBS. Mr. Skatell responded on the average, BCBS
rate renewal ranges from 19% to 30 %, adding that the larger companies had the largest rate increases.
Mayor Pro -Tem Womble asked Manager Uskiewicz if he knew what insurance comparable towns are
offering their employees. Mr. Uskiewicz responded no.
Mr. Uskiewicz informed Council that the difference in cost between a 90/10 policy is $661,000.00 and
$617,000.00. He added there is some savings, but next year the City will not be able to absorb 23%
increases.
Council Member Tart stated that for comparison purposes, he had asked that they go back from a 100%
plan and look at 90/10 plans and/or increasing the deductibles to see what kind of savings it would create.
He also asked if rates would decrease if they did not have any out -of -plan benefits, meaning they couldn't
go to physicians that were not in the plan itself.
y/ Mr. Uskiewicz thanked Council Member Tart for sitting in on the insurance committee meetings.
Mr. Skatell stated that there was an approximate $6.00 per month savings for each employee to have an
HMO verses PPO plan. He added the biggest savings was changing from a 100% plan to a 90% plan and
making some adjustments to the co -pay. He further stated that the post retirees are affecting the rates.
Mr. Uskiewiez reminded the Council that they previously amended the personnel policy by increasing the
amount the City pays for retiree's health insurance to $380.00. With the projected increase, this amount
would now need to be raised to $429.00 per employee, which will have to be approved by the Council.
Mr. Skatell informed Council of other options they have to reduce the insurance premiums. Some of those
included a higher co -pay, prescription drug card coverage, and a higher deductible.
Mayor Oudeh asked what is the current deductible for each employee. Mr. Uskiewicz responded $250.00
per hospital stay and $25.00 co -pay per office visit.
Council consensus was to forward them information about health insurance coverage for employees of
surrounding municipalities. Manager Uskiewicz stated that he will forward this information to the Council
by the end of the week.
More discussion was held about the different insurance proposals and Council consensus was to bring the
two plans, UHC and BCBS back for consideration. Mr. Skatell informed Council that at some point and
time, they will have to address how to handle post retirees. He stated that BCBS will not write coverage
for post retirees as part of a group policy. He added that this will pose a problem in the fact that they will
have to go on a med supplement, which has limited prescription benefit as opposed to a group plan of
UHC.
Council Member Tart clarified that post 65 retirees included anyone 65 and older that is retired and pre -65
retirees applied to anyone younger than 65 and retired. He added that BCBS will not write coverage for
any individual older than 65 that is retired with the City, while UHC will. He further stated that anytime
you have an individual over 65 on the plan, it increases the rates for everyone significantly.
Mayor Oudeh stated that it should be easier for insurance companies to cover those over age 65 because
they already have Medicare and the other insurance is only a supplement.
Council Member Bass asked Mr. Skatell if there is an option to purchase a separate insurance plan just for
the retirees. Mr. Skatell responded they have looked at this option, it is less expensive but the prescription
969
benefit is limited. The calendar year maximum limit paid for prescription drugs under supplement Plan J
with BCBS is approximately $3000.00, whereas UHC has no yearly limit.
Manager Uskiewicz stated that the overall City workforce remains the same within this budget with the
exception of two (2) proposed part-time seasonal employees to mow grass.
Mayor Pro -Tern Womble asked Mr. Uskiewicz that with regard to worker's compensation and general
liability insurance, has this budget been adjusted for what they anticipate those costs to be. Mr. Uskiewicz
responded yes, 12% increase.
Mayor Pro -Tern Womble stated that with regard to the E911 Funds, there is a large increase in the
expenditures in this fund and the E911 fee has been increased as well. Mr. Womble asked why is there an
increase in expenditures in this fund.
Finance Director Renee' Daughtry stated that there was a lot of equipment purchases, including updating
the CAD System, which were being supplemented with the revenues that were anticipated for next year as
well as some fund balance appropriations and $25,000.00 lease purchase.
Mayor Pro -Tem Womble stated that there is an approximate $200,000.00 usage of fund balance, along with
a substantial increase in property tax revenues from the citizens. He added that if the property tax increase
was left as is, you could eliminate central dispatch and almost budget the budget.
Council Member Bass stated there could be other eliminations other than E911 to balance the budget as
well.
Manager Uskiewicz stated that there are pros and cons on the central dispatch issue. He added that
personnel costs could be saved, but there would also be costs associated with paying the County for the
service as well as losing the City's E911 equipment.
Mayor Pro-Tern Womble named several surrounding towns that are in the process and some have already
moved their dispatch services to the County and he doesn't want Dunn to be the last one to find an
opportunity to save a lot of money. He added that services would not be lost if the County took over.
Council Member Bass disagreed. He stated that services would be lost
Manager Uskiewicz stated that this budget is very lean, with modest increases to do certain things that will
be both a morale booster to the employees and will also enhance the quality of life in the City. He added
that Mr. Womble has identified the one area that is a contentious point among Council. He further stated
that this is a political issue and as a City Manager, he stays out of political issues. He stated that he puts
forth budgets that he feels are effective and meets the needs and leaves the political debate to Council.
In regard to E911, Mr. Womble stated that the budgeted amount for last year was $123,000.00 while this
year the budgeted amount proposed is $240,000.00, essentially doubling the expenditures.
Police Chief Tim Benware stepped forward to explain some of the E911 expenditures. Following is a list
of those proposed items:
• Upgrading the equipment
• Upgrading the digital voice recorder to record any incoming and outgoing radio transmissions
• Telephone Lines for Administrative purposes
• 800 MGZ Trunk System
• Upgrading the Software to a CAD System (Will record and separate fire from rescue calls)
Hardware Upgrades
• Telecommunicator Workstation Upgrades
• Phase 2 (911) Software
• Modules Mapping Software
Mayor Pro-Tern Womble asked how much is being spent out of the General Fund to provide dispatch
services.
Manager Uskiewicz responded approximately $268,000.00 in salaries.
Mr. Womble stated that the total amount budgeted this year for dispatch services is approximately
$508,000.00.
Discussion was held about the amount of the City's tax rate levy is used for dispatch service.
It was concluded that approximately.03 cent of the .46 cent tax levy is used for dispatch services.,
Chief Benware stated that it doesn't matter what agency dispatches, the 911 funds generated has to be spent
in certain categories according to state statute. He added that whether the City is spending the money
because they are taking it in or if the City looses telecommunications, the County would be receiving that
money and spending the same money. He further stated the money is generated through the telephone bill.
Mr. Womble stated that it wouldn't be spent on duplicated facilities.
Chief Benware stated that it depends on how many people they hire. He added that it could depend on
what they determine their service need is. He further stated they could move the City's whole operation to
the County, in which case there would be the same amount of money being spent in the same location.
970
Council discussed that according to the figures they have, moving dispatch services to the County could
save the City approximately $125,000.00 to $135,000.00 per year and save .03 cent of the .46 cent tax levy.
Manager Uskiewicz asked Chief Benware to give the Council a summary of the volume of calls that 911
dispatch handles each year.
Chief Benware stated that as a whole, County dispatch handles approximately'k',800 +c4lls whereas the
City of Dunn dispatches approximately 17,000 call. He added that the City has a populafion of around
10,000 and the County's population is around 80,0000. He further stated that based on per capita call rate,
the City handles a higher volume than the County.
J ,
Chief Benware stated that the City telecommunicators are also responsible for entering reports. He added
( that Police Officers would have to pull off the road to enter reports if telecommunications moved-
Mr. Womble asked Chief Benware if the positions in his budget are sufficient. for -assuri'nglhat the City
always has two dispatchers on duty all the time io meet the EMD (Enter" I 'l . dviedical Dispatch)
requirements.
Chief Benware responded that currently they are training the last telecommunicator right now and they
have identified two additional part-time telecommunicators. He added that he is also looking at using some
police officers who are telecommunication certified, tc fill in when the need arises.
Mr. Womble asked Chief Benware if two telecommumcators are scheduled concurrently seven days a week
twenty-four hours a day. Chief Benware responded no. One telecommunicator is in training right now. He
added that the requirement is not to have two telecommunicators per shift, although he would like to see
this done due to the call volume. He further stated the requirement is to have at least one (1) EMD
Certified telecommunicator per shift.
Mr. Womble asked Chief Benware what happens when the EMD telecommunicator is on a call, and
another emergency call comes in. He asked how does the EMD telecommunicator help the other person.
Chief Benware responded that it depends on the type of call received. He stated they have to prioritize
Mr. Womble stated that is the risk of having only one (1) person on shift.
Chief Benware stated there is a risk when three (3) or four (4) calls come in at the same time as well. He
added that you still have to prioritize whether four (4) calls come in or whether one (1) call comes in. He
further stated there are always times, whether you have two (2) people or not, when you have to prioritize
and may not be able to use the EMD services. He stated that EMD is merely getting someone started while
the rescue arrives and is an additional step to try and save lives.
Mr. Womble asked Chief Benware why are other communities consolidating their dispatch services
Chief Benware stated that it varies from community to community. He added that it depends upon the kind
of priority they put on having the type of service available that the people want. He further stated that some
communities are at a point where they have no other alternative, thus going with a second choice. He
stated there are other communities that can get by without providing that type of service.
Mayor Oudeh asked Chief Benware does it depend on the equipment that a community owns.
Chief Benware responded that Dunn has a lot more invested in their communication system because of the
type of operation that they run. He stated that a lot of the smaller community's telecommunications system
consist of a telephone with two (2) or three (3) lines with a single station dispatch center. He added that the
City of Dunn is more comprehensive in that it is a 911 center with fire and rescue.
Mayor Oudeh asked Chief Benware how much money is the City's 911 equipment worth.
Chief Benware responded over one (1) million dollars.
Discussion was held concerning what would happen to the City's equipment should the County take over
911.
Council Member Robinson stated that the public should have input in deciding upon this issue
Council Member Bass asked Chief Benware that on the average, when an officer leaves his daily shift, how
often is that officer called back on an emergency.
Chief Benware responded very rarely.
Manager Uskiewicz stated that he will forward requested documentation to the Council and they need to
schedule the next budget work session.
Due to a conflict, Council Member Bass requested that the next budget work session be held after June 8
Council consensus was to provide the copy of tonight's budget proposal for public inspection in the Clerk's
Office and any amendments may be made at the next work session.
971
Mayor Oudeh asked that all Council members be present for budget adoption.
Motion by Council Member Bass, seconded by Council Member Robinson to hold an additional budget
work session on Monday, June 9, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. Motion unanimously approved.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
+ ,G
G OA AT
Mayor
Attest: •.y Ty CA PO +
+
.Y Wkot
Debra G. West
City Clerk
r�