083016wsmHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Minutes of Work Session
August 30, 2016
The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in work session on Tuesday, August 30, 2016,
in the County Manager's Conference Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front
Street, Lillington, North Carolina.
Members present:
Staff present:
Jim Burgin, Chairman
Gordon Springle, Vice Chairman
Abe Elmore, Commissioner
Barbara McKoy, Commissioner
Joe Miller, Commissioner
Joseph Jeffries, County Manager
Paula Stewart, Deputy County Manager
Dwight Snow, County Attorney
Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer
Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk
Chairman Burgin called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner McKoy led the Pledge
of Allegiance and invocation.
The following agenda was before commissioners:
➢ Lillington Fire Department, on behalf of the Flatwoods Fire District, requests
permission to purchase a used fire truck in the amount of $35,000
> Reval. Update
> Update on Proposed Pay Plan
➢ Hairfield Tract Discussion with Fort Bragg Garrison team
➢ County Manager's Report:
1) City of Dunn/CCCC invoices
2) September 6, 2016 Regular Meeting agenda review
➢ Closed session
> Adjourn
Harnett County Emergency Services Director Jimmy Riddle and Lillington Fire Department
Chief John Bethune requested approval, on behalf of the Flatwoods Fire District, to purchase a
used fire truck in the amount of $35,000. Chief Bethune noted the pump on one of the fire trucks
at the Flatwoods station has developed several holes in the piping and leaks when used. He said
they have explored replacing the pump and plumbing and were given a price range of $30,000 to
$50,000 therefore they believe it is more feasible to purchase a used truck with a properly
functioning pump. Chief Bethune also asked to use $35,000 in funds from the Flatwoods bank
August 30, 2016 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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account to make this purchase. It was the consensus of the Board to consider approval of this
request as part of the consent agenda during the September 6, 2016 regular meeting.
Tax Administrator Keith Faulk and Deputy Tax Administrator/Real Property Supervisor Jenny
Harrop provided a reval. update with a projected revenue loss of $2,689,506.51. Mrs. Harrop
noted this doesn't include new construction. Staff noted we are not as far behind as we
originally projected. Mr. Faulkner responded to questions and discussions continued. It was
mentioned that it could take a 3 cents increase to stay revenue neutral which the Board will have
to decide in December. Staff will report monthly to the Board going forward.
Community and Governmental Relations Director Brian Haney, on behalf of the Pay Plan
Committee, presented the following Pay Plan proposal:
• Merit -based plan with increased tied to annual performance reviews
o "Meets expectations" or above ears set increase
• Employees become eligible after year 5 (follows 3/5 increases)
• Increase received every three years after year 5 (so after years 8,11,14,17,20,23, 26, etc.)
o Each year's performance review counts as a third of the total increase
• Amount of increase must be set for three-year cycle, recommended by Manager,
approved by BOC (could be altered based on revenue projections)
• Current employees with 26+ years would receive an increase each year through year 30
to give them a more immediate benefit
• First three-year cycle would be used to acquaint employees and supervisors with the
evaluation system, to make sure they understand the expectations and process
• Proposed 4 percent increase for all employees at the start of the plan to provide
immediate incentive. Employee merit increases will begin the following fiscal year.
Mr. Haney noted this was a collaborative and evolving process and reviewed proposed next
steps. Staff clarified that immediate supervisors will be provided training to evaluate employees.
Commissioner McKoy stressed that she wants employee treated fairly. Mr. Jeffries said the 4%
increase would cost approximately $1.6 million. He also stressed the importance of doing the
grade study. Commissioners acknowledged options to this multi -step process as they want
employees well taken care of. It was the consensus of the Board to have a commissioner serve
on the Pay Plan Committee which Commissioner Miller volunteered to do.
Mr. Jeffries reviewed the draft September 6, 2016 regular meeting agenda. He noted staff is
currently interviewing for economic developer positions. Mr. Jeffries briefed the Board on a
recent meeting with Bob McCune talking about natural gas down Hwy 87. He suggested looking
at compressed gas and reminded the group of the upcoming Parks and Recreation community
meetings.
Mr. Jeffries said the possible construction of the DSS building and renovations is in third year of
the Capital Plan and staff would like to go ahead with the RFP process. It was the consensus of
the Board to move forward but to keep them updated along the way.
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Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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Chairman Burgin talked about teacher supplements. It was the consensus of the Board that they
get the $1000 supplement at end of September. He noted it was up to this board next year
regarding the additional $500 which would get them to 10%. Commissioners said the
supplement would be for all classroom teachers employed as of September 1St of last year. Mrs.
Honeycutt sought clarification, noting staff continues to monitor the number of classroom
Teachers.
Commissioners were joined by the Fort Bragg Garrison team to discuss conveyance of the
Hairfield Tract. The conveyance, authorized in 2008, is subject to the condition that the County
develop and use the conveyed properties for educational purposes and the construction of public
school structures. The group discussed and laid out the process to get this done as fast as
possible. Discussions continued regarding support of and partnerships with the County and Fort
Bragg. They also talked about the need for natural gas and broadband all across the county.
Commissioner Miller moved that the Board go into closed session for the following purposes:
(1) To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses
in Harnett County; and
(2) To instruct the County staff concerning the position to be taken by the County in
negotiating a contract for the acquisition of real property; and
(3) Consultation with the County's legal staff in order to preserve the attorney-client
privilege concerning the handling of certain claims and litigation including the following
cases: "Estate of John Livingston, II, et als vs Harnett Sheriff' File No. 16 CVS 1165
and "Estate of John Livingston, II et als vs D.A. Stewart" File No. 16 CVS 822.
This motion is made pursuant to N.C. General Statute Section 143-318.11(a)(4),(5),(3).
Commissioner Elmore seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Vice Chairman Springle moved that the board come out of closed session. Commissioner Miller
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
The Board will talk about the City of Dunn/CCCC invoices at a future meeting. The Board
previously decided not to pay those invoices however they have been asked to reconsider
Commissioner Elmore moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:41 pm. Vice Chairman Springle
seconded the motion which passed unanimo
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August 30, 2016 Work Session Minutes
Harnett County Board of Commissioners
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