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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19880614~ 4 ~ MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ,. .; BUDGET WORK SESSIONS AND PUBLIC HEARING -.. JUNE, 1988 BUDGET WOR. SESSION ~, JUNE ~ 1988 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met on June 14, 1988 at 9:00 a.m. in the Agriculture Extension Meeting Room for the purpose of holding a budget work session. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Shirley E. Marshall and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, John Hartwell and Dan Willhoit. STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers William T. Laws and Albert Kittrell, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Data Processing Director Keith Brooks, Deputy Finance Office Ken Chaviaus, Personnel Analyst Darlene Fattish, Furchasing Director Pam Jones, Director of Finance Ellen Liston, Budget Analyst Donna Wagner and Personnel Director Beverly Whitehead. County Manager John Link focused on four areas: (1) Financial pictuxe - what is projected in the fund balance, the review of the CIF and how the County can fund the debt of a bond issue (2) Review the budget document program by program and highlight the major expansion items, personnel and proposed capital increases (3) Department heads or members of advisory boards will make comments (4) Gapital projects, fire districts and compensation package In answer to a question from Commissioner Hartwell, John Link explained how the ~: ;concerns at the Cedar Grove Center would be addressed. Ellen Liston gave an overview of the four key components of the budget document 9.ncluding (1) education, (2) human service funding, (3) outside agencies and (4) CIP increased funding. The method for calculating fund balance and the appropriation from fund balance were discussed. John Link suggested that the County continue to use appropriations from fund balance in future years for recurring capital needs. This is a variable source of revenue. If this amount is too low, other steps may have to be taken in future years. The Board discussed the methodology to use in future years in determining the fund balance and it was decided to stay with method #2. The Equipment Replacement Fund was discussed. The five year CIP and the two options of (1) bond issue and (2) pay-as-you-go as well as other funding sources were discussed. Ellen Liston went through the revenues and the projections for next year. John Link stated that in looking at the County's financial condition, he is stressing that an eight percent fund balance be maintained in future years. He suggested the following policies be considered: (1) Maintain a minimum of 8$ fund balance (2) Use the appropriated fund balance for capital (3) Use a part of the 1/2 cent sales tax for debt service ~~~ John Link went through the budget for each department highlighting any additions that will require new money. When the budget for the Department of Social Services was presented questions were answered by Social Services Board members or Director Marti Cook. A lunch break divided the morning and afternoon sessions. John Link went through the projects included in the Public Works budget, the Health budget and continued through the budget document. A joint statement was made by the Health Board, Social Services Board and the Advisory Board on Aging as follows: "The human services complex is a high priority item to the three boards. They would like to be involved with the planning and designing of the complex. Appropriate space is essential to the delivery of services and is needed by all three departments." Jim Singleton spoke as a member of the CIP Study Committee and stated that DSS is out of compliance with state standards. They need a plan of action. Also they are in violation of the fire code. He stated that the human service needs and facilities were not a high priority by the Study Committee and proposed that the Board remove the Southern Human Services complex from the bond issue (CTP package) and fund it through other sources. Gene Howden spoke for the Health Board. He supported a new building complex. A new designed facility at Northside would better serve the public. Now is the time to design. a facility that would meet the needs of the citizens. He asked that this be put on the priority list. Betty Landsberger spoke for the Advisory Board on Aging. She stated that the Board has discussed space needs for about a year. A great deal could be gained by having these three agencies together and it will improve the effectiveness of service delivery. She encouraged the Board of Commissioners to consider any other agencies for this complex that may be a part of the complex -- license bureau or voter registration. _:~' Dick Hildebrandt spoke in favor of doing something for the Cedar Grove Center and the Efland Center. Chris Nutter spoke on behalf of the DSS Board commending the County Manager and the process followed in doing this years' budget. The DSS Board approves the Manager's recommended budget. John Link continued reviewing the budget document with the Sheriff's Department and Emergency Services. Discussion ensued on the fire inspector position. John Link stated that a full-time person could be justified. This person would do fire inspections, investigate fires and assist Bobby Baker. The half-time position was supported by the Board of Commissioners. Commissioners Willhoit and Hartwell questioned if the county could get at least a part of the revenue for this position from the fire districts. Commissioner Hartwell brought up the issue of volunteer fire departments and a problem with getting water. They have not been able to get OWASA to put in a hydrant for White Cross. The employee compensation package was discussed. Commissioner Carey stated that he feels the County is moving in a good direction in recruiting with a new salary schedule and maintaining the merit plan and feels we should have a dental program, but not this year. Commissioner Marshall agreed. Health insurance costs were discussed. Commissioner Marshall stated that if it is agreed that all the employee benefits will be reviewed to evaluate how many are using the benefits currently available including the cafeteria plan that she would go along with approving the addition of the dental plan this year. i ~_ ~~. The last items discussed were the capital reserve fund and the fire district tax rates. With no other items to be discussed, Chair Marshall adjourned this budget work session. BUDGET WORK SESSION ~ JUNE 1~ 1988 The Orange Gounty Board of Commissioners held a budget work session for the two school systems on June 15, 1988 at 1:00 p.m, in Room A at the Institute of Government in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Shirley E. Marshall and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Hal.kiotis and Don Willhoit. BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Commissioner ,;c~:.r. Hartwell. (Arrived at 1: 40 p.m.) STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Managers William T. Laws and Albert Kittrell, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Deputy Finance Office Ken Chavious, Finance Director Ellen Liston and Budget Analyst Donna Wagner. Lindsey Efland, Chair of the Orange County School Board, thanked Mr. Link for what he has provided in the budget for the Orange County schools. Dan Lunsford, Superintendent of the Orange County Schools, referred to the schools budget message. He answered questions from the Board on the Career Ladder Development Program. He distributed information on teacher salaries and reviewed this document for the Board. Lunsford expounded on the program improvements and the salaries for the bus drivers. Lunsford continued through his budget document highlighting any changes in funding `: as well as new positions. He described in detail the proposal for supplements to ', salaries for teachers and principals. Money is included in the proposed budget to '~'_ establish a merit pay plan for the classified employees. He listed the capital outlay projects proposed for 1988-89. Wayne Watts stated that they are under a new asbestos Iaw where all the buildings must be inspected and a management plan developed and in place by October 1, 1988. Gerry House, Superintendent far the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools, included three things in her presentation: (1) how the money has been spent - accountability, (2) the process that was used in developing the budget and (3) the highlights of the actual budget document. Ms. House stated that the continuation budget is increased by 11.5. This includes the increase in insurance and the step increases in teachers salaries in the supplemental schedule. The expansion budget includes, in mast part, the second phase of teacher supplements and classified supplements, bus drivers compensation, compliance with asbestos removal and an At Risk Student Program. She continued that their capital budget was based on the $750,000 and a lot of this money will be used for interim classrooms. Ted Parrish, School Board Member, commended John Link for the way he worked with Gerry House on doing the budget. He stated that the equity issue is a very complex and critical issue and he trusts that the County will look at this issue and recognize it took a long time to get here and it cannot be resolved overnight. The bus driver dilemma was discussed. ~~~ With no further items to be discussed, the meeting was adjourned. BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING - ,TUNE 2~ 1988 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met on June 20, 1988 at 7:30 p.m, in Superior Courtroom, Hillsborough, North Catalina for the purpose of hearing citizens comments on the Manager's Proposed Budget for 1988-89. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Shirley E. Marshall and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, Jahn Hartwell and Don Willhoit. STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Assistant Gounty Managers William T. Laws and Albert Kittrell, Glerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Deputy Finance Officer Ken Chavious, Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Finance Director Ellen Liston and Budget Analyst Donna Wagner. Chair Marshall explained the process that will be followed in hearing comments from the Citizens. County Manager John Link used overhead slides to summarize the contents of the budget for 1988-89. A copy of the presentation is in the permanent agenda file. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENTS BRENDA HARRIS, Chairperson for the Community.Schools for People Under Six, spoke in support of continued daycare funding. She stated she would not be able to work if she did not receive help in paying for daycare. JODY DOBNEY, father of two girls who attend daycare, spoke in support of daycare funding . ... . FELICIA HICKS, parent of a handicapped child, spoke in support of the proposed TMH class for Efland Cheeks Center. There is not a class that is available for her handicapped child at this time. ~''' STATEMENT FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS - Chair Shirley Marshall read a statement which commended the Manager for proposing a fund balance of'7.5~, an important increase over the fund balance of the past year. This statement is in the.. permanent agenda file. DANIEL DETER, classroom teacher in the Orange County Schools, spoke as a representative of the Orange Federation of Teachers. The Orange Federation of Teachers pledge support for the November bond issue far education. He urged full funding of the $267,000 expansion budget for the Orange County Schools and a reduction in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro district tax and an increase in the general tax to more rapidly facilitate equal funding between the two school systems. He expressed concern that offering a reservoir bond which will benefit only a small portion of Orange County citizens in the same bond package with a shcool bond could defeat the school bond by association. He asked that they consider only the education bond in November. LIZ WATERS, classroom teacher and upcoming OCEA President, expressed concern with the salary the bus drivers receive, clerical assistance for classroom teachers and supports equity between the two systems. BILL MARSH, volunteer worker for Planned Parenthood of Orange County, talked about the problems of teenage pregnancy. He summarized where Planned Parenthood receives their funds. He stated that last year Orange County allocated $10,000 to Planned Parenthood and that they are requesting that this be increased to $15,000. All of the money they are given is used for the prime purpose of education to prevent teenage pregnancies. MARY ELLEN PRIESTLY, volunteer for Planned Parenthood, described some of the new education programs that have taken place this year. They plan to form a county coalition for the prevention of adolescent pregnancy this year. She stated that each ~~~ dollar spent on the prevention of unwanted pregnancies saves many dollars in later years because these teens become productive members of our community. REV. ROBERT SEYMOUR - Commissioner Willhoit spoke for Rev. Seymour. Rev. Seymour requests that the Board of Commissioners consider funding the homeless shelter at their full request.of $20,000. SARAH STEWART, Co-president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Federation of Teachers, spoke in support of the Manager's recommended budget. She spoke about the expansion budget and the expansion items not included in the budget. Because the expansion budget is not recommended for full funding, monies will need to be taken from the continuation budget KATHERINE EVERSON spoke on behalf of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Federation of Teachers. She urged the Commissioners to approve the second year funding for the teacher supplements. She asked for funds to restructure the schools. TOM METZGUER, school phychologist far the Orange County Schools, requested full funding of the budget request made by the Orange County Schools. The budget figures are based on state estimates of our average daily membership. LAWRENCE WAKEFORD spoke on behalf of the Chapel Hill Carrboro Association of Educators. He stated that their highest priority is the completion of funding for the new local supplement for teachers. The taxpayers in Chapel Hill and Carrboro have consistently expressed their willingness to pay for good schools. One way to pay for them is to offer fair salaries to our teachers and full funding of the local teacher supplement will pay for that. MARY BRTDGES, representative of the Orange County Daycare Coalition, thanked the Board for allocating monies for daycare this year. She urged them to fully support the budget request from the Department of Social Services so that quality service can be continued for all Orange County citizens. CHERYL LEAK, receives funding for daycare for four of her children. She would not ~:be able to work without this subsidy. LIBBY WELLS, parent of two children in the Orange County Schools, spoke in support ~~-~~ of the Manager's budget. She thanked the Commissioners for making education a priority in the County. She urged that the County fund a position for psychologist for Orange High. Quality drivers for school buses are necessary. MAUREEN WINDLE-HULL spoke as a board member of the Orange County Women's Center. She explained the services provided by the Center. They are projecting two new programs for next year and encouraged the Board to fund their request of $6,000. LINDA RICHMOND. thanked the Commissioners for their support of the Cedar Grove Daycare. She would not be able to work if she did not receive daycare for her two children. SHERI MCCLAIN spoke in support of continuing the subsidy for daycare. WITH NO FURTHER COMMENTS, THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 1988-89 BUDGET WAS CLOSED. BUDGET WORK SESSION _ JUNE 2..~,. 1988 The Orange County Board of Comimissioners met for a budget work session to review non-departmental agency budgets at 4:00 p.m. on June 22, 1988 in the Commissioners Conference Room, Court Street Annex, Hillsborough, North Carolina. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Shirley E. Marshall and Commissioners Moses Carey, Jr., Stephen Halkiotis, John Hartwell and Don Willhoit. STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Albert ~~~ Kittrell, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Purchasing Director Pam ,zones, Finance Director Ellen Liston and Budget Analyst Donna Wagner. _.... t The following groups made presentations and/or comments: (1) PLANNED PARENTHOOD - Sue Baker indicated that Planned Parenthood had requested $15,000. The County Manager's recommendation is for $10,000. She stated that the clinic is self supporting. The $5,000 additional funds would be used for education. They would like to increase their educational services to avoid unplanned pregnancies and to implement an additional outreach program. Chair Marshall made the comment that when Planned Parenthood started up two years ago, the funding was to be for two years and not an ongoing funding. (2) WOMEN'S CENTER - Verla Insko made the presentation. They had requested $8,000 but was recommended to receive $6,000. Carol Burnett, the Director of the Women's Center told about the services they offer and the programs they plan to implement. (3) SHAFFER HOUSE - Michael shared a dilemma with the Board. The request for CBA funds was $65,632. The recommendation of the task force is to continue at the same level of $62,029. This means that not enough additional funds will be available to grant the recommended amount. The $7,000 deficit is an amount that would be lost including the matching funds. After a brief discussion, the Board decided to add the amount of $7,027 to the mark-up list. (4) OPC MENTAL HEALTH - Susan McClanahan from KidScope thanked the Board for their past support. Linda Foxworth explained the services they offer. A daycare _. teacher spoke in support of the program and told of her situation and how KidScope helped in her particular case. (5) CHILD CARE NETWORKS - Nancy. Park, acting Co-director of Child Care Networks, explained the services they provide and how the contacts have been increased as well as the referrals. Eighty total providers are registered with 22 family daycare homes registering this year. Contacts this year will be 2200. She explained the sources of funding that Child Care Networks receive. Chair Marshall asked when they would be able to wean themselves from County funding and Nancy Park stated she was not qualified to answer that question. They requested $32,000 and the Manager's recommended budget is for $30,600. (6) INTERFAITH COUNCIL - Rev. Seymour, Peggy Pollitzer and Rev. Richard Edens spoke in support of their request far funding. They asked that the Board put a small amount in the budget for the shelter. Rev. Seymour stated that Chapel Hill has included in their budget an amount of $200,000 plus utilities and that Carrboro has included in their budget $65,000. They asked that the County consider an amount of $15,000 for the shelter. Peggy. Pollitzer described the facilities that are now available for the homeless. In the first six months, 142 people have been served. They do plan to add another staff person next year. Rev. Seymour stated that they are in the process of raising $300,000 for renovations to th.e shelter. The Interfaith Council does supplement the DSS budget. The $15,000 is for operating expenses. The budget request was $20,000. The Manager recommends $5,000. ~~ (7) COALITION FOR BATTERED WOMEN - Darlene Wells noted that they requested $14,000 and that the recommendation is for $11,000. She asked that the Board consider increasing their allocation. She explained the services that the coalition provides. They served so far this year approximately 260 women, men and children. She emphasized the need for the kind of service the coalition provides. Their total budget is $199,000. (8) THE ARTSCENTER - Bette Wilson explained how the ArtsGenter has grown and elaborated on some of the old and new programs. Their total budget is $684,000. Their programs supports approximately half of this amount. She asked that the Board fund their proposal. Commissioner Carey suggested that the County fund $5,000 but that it be precluded from being used for debt service and used only for current operations. (9) LITERACY COUNCIL - Susan Aldermeyer thanked the Board for their support. Commissioner Carey suggested to the Council that they try some nontraditional ways of reaching those that need their service. (10) WOMEN'S HEALTH COUNSELING - Norma Eiseheimer, Treasurer of WHC stated that their request had been for funding in the amount of $15,500 and the Manager has recommended $12,200. She explained the services offered and how they use volunteers. She described their fundraising activities. She talked about the staffing needs and how it relates to the separate areas of the organization. Diana Altman, Ghair of the Board, talked about the programming needs. She stated that the outreach in the community has grown. The main emphasis is on preventive health care including AIDS. They have placed strong emphasis on support groups. They have requested an increase of $3,300 which represents less than what their needs actually are. (ll) FIRE CHIEF ASSOCIATION - Bobby Baker gave background information. Mike Tapp, President of the Fire Chiefs Association asked that the position of Orange County Fire Marshall be created. He explained that out of the eight volunteer fire departments that all but one support this request. A job study has been completed. He asked that the Board support a fulltime fire marshall position. There is enough work in the County to support phis request. Afire marshall would keep the County Manager and the Board of Commissioners informed of happenings in the fire departments. He described the responsibilities of this person. A spokesperson from the Orange County Firefighters Association stated that this should be a fulltime position and supported their recommendation to wait until January 1, 1989 and hire a fulltime person. Commissioner Willhoit questioned the equity in funding such a position and stated that support for such a position should come from the people utilizing the service. (11) ANIMAL SHELTER - Dr. Van Stee thanked the Board for being so supportive of their request. He congratulated animal control in helping to solve the animal population problem. He distributed a graph which showed the growth in people and animals in the County and stated that the animal growth is more ~~ rapid than people growth. He expressed the importance o£ doing something about the growth situation and being in a position to handle this expected --. growth. He expounded on the need for expanded facilities. He suggested placing money in an escrow account to be used when the shelter is full to house animals in other facilities. He asked that the shelter expansion be moved up on the calendar. (12) VOLUNTEERS FOR YOUTH - Windy McGee explained the different programs and youth services and how the volunteers work with the different groups. She explained the role of the director of VFY. Orange County has a very good success rate for their programs. They have requested $15,000 to help support the organization and give the young participants a chance to become more productive citizens. All of Orange County is included in the services. She explained the sources of revenues. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the Manager's budget for non-department agencies with the following additions: $ 7,207 Shaffer House $10,000-. Shelter - Interfaith Council VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Their was a consensus of the Board to approve the compensation package as recommended in the Manager's budget. Discussion was held on the fire marshall position. It was decided to leave the half-time position in the budget as recommended. Motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit to delay the decision on hiring afire marshall until a subsequent meeting but leave it in the budget as requested.. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. Motion was made by Gommissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to explore contracting with the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro for fire inspection services to the amount in the budget as the Manager as recommended. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. ' The Board discussed the .4-H position in Agricultural Extension. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Carey to appropriate $10,300 to the Agricultural Extension budget to be used for either a parttime position or fulltime if the State will match the amount to be used for 4-H. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Discussion ensued on the Manager's memorandum to the Board dated June 17, 1988 which outlined Alternatives for School Funding. A copy of this memo is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's Office. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the alternatives for school funding as presented in the Manager's memorandum dated June 17, 19s8. Commissioner Willhoit opposed this alternative because it lowered the county's. fund balance which would put them in a worse condition in going out for bonds. John Link explained his rationale. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. ADOPTION OF THE 1988-89 BUDGET ~~~ Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve the Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year ].988-89 including the following stipulations: 1. Modifications to the County Manager's Recommended Budget (a) Cost of living and cafeteria benefits line items shall be distributed among all departments-Various Amounts (b) $7,207 - Shaffer House (c) $10,000 - Interfaith Council for the Shelter (d) $10,200 - 4-H position in Agricultural Extension 2. Current expense for schools $10,222,157 3. Per pupil allocation $967.00 4. The property tax rate shall be set at 64.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation 5. The-Chapel Hill-Carrbaro School District supplemental tax shall be set at 17.75 cents pex $100 of assessed valuation 6. The Fire Districts tax rates shall be set as follows: Cedar Grove 5,9 Chapel Hill 3.1 -- Ef land 3.0 Eno (,2 `,u,:;' Zittle River 4.4 White Cross 7,(, Southern Triangle 5.0 Damascus 5.6 Orange Rural 3.3 Orange Grove 4,0 South Orange 8,0 New Hope 5,2 7. School Gapital projects as listed in the County Manager's recommended budget as amended. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt the 19$8-89 Orange County Budget Ordinance. VOTE: UNANIMOUS.' Motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt an ordinance amending the following capital project ordinances: County Annex-Revere Road + $134,250 Remapping Project ~ $147,000 Jail + $300,000 Rural Education Center + $ 38,000 and to adopt capital project ordinances for the following projects: ~~ Central/Southern Human Services Design $ 40,000 Airport Study $ 53,788 Sewer Bottleneck Project $ 66,000 VOTE: UNANIMOUS. Motion was made by Commissioner Hartwell, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adopt an ordinance establishing the classification and pay plan as presented in the County Manager's Recouumended Budget. VOTE: UNANIMOUS. With no further business to be considered by the Board, Chaix Marshall adjourned the meeting. Shirley E. Marshall, Chair Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk