HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-20-2021 Virtual Business meeting 1
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MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
VIRTUAL BUDGET WORK SESSION
May 20, 2021
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Budget Work Session on
Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and
Commissioners Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, and Jean Hamilton
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Chair Price, Commissioner Dorosin, and
Commissioner McKee
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: None.
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Vice Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
A roll call was called; Vice Chair Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene, and
Commissioner Hamilton were present; Chair Price, Commissioner Dorosin, and Commissioner
McKee were absent.
Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
Budget Work Session on May 20, 2021 utilizing Zoom. Members of the Board of
Commissioners will be participating in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of
the public will be able to view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at
orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or
97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
Vice Chair Bedford welcomed all attendees, and briefly went over the agenda for the
meeting.
1. FY 2021-22 Fire District Tax Rates, Pgs. 259-264
■ Damascus Fire District and Southern Triangle Fire Service District, Pg. 260
■ Efland Fire District, Pg. 260
■ Little River Fire District, Pg. 261
■ Orange Rural Fire District, Pg. 263
■ White Cross Fire District, Pg. 263
BACKGROUND:
During tonight's work session, Commissioners will have the opportunity to dialogue with six (6)
fire districts, who requested tax rate increases for FY 2021-22. As in the past, fire districts
requesting tax rate increases present their needs for a tax increase to the Commissioners at a
work session. Staff has invited representatives from these districts to tonight's virtual work
session to answer any questions and/or provide additional information to the Board regarding
their increase.
2
Attachment A provides information regarding tax rate requests from all twelve (12) fire districts
and/or fire service districts in Orange County for FY 2021-22, the amount of funds one cent on
the tax rate generates, fund balance information, as well as information detailing the reasons
for the requested tax rate increases. Information regarding all fire districts is located in the Fire
District section of the FY 2021-22 Manager Recommended Budget beginning on page 259.
Attachment B reflects historical Fire District tax rates dating back to FY 2004-05.
The Fire Districts requesting tax rate increases in FY 2021-22 are as follows:
• Damascus Fire District and Southern Triangle Fire Service District (Page 260) —
increasing from a revenue neutral tax rate of 10.10 cents to 10.80 cents per $100
valuation. The rate increase will be used to hire additional part-time staff, and to keep
up with the growth demands of serving these two districts. This tax rate is consistent
with the Chatham County tax rate.
• Efland Fire District (Page 260) — increasing from a revenue neutral tax rate of 6.28
cents to 7.28 cents per$100 valuation. This rate increase will be used to expand
current part-time staff from two to three hours during the day, and cover additional debt
service payments on a fire engine.
• Little River Fire District (Page 261) — increasing from a revenue neutral tax rate of
5.39 cents to 6.39 cents per$100 valuation. This rate increase will be used for debt
service payments on a new fire engine, and additional operating costs associated with
the new Station 2. The district is also requesting $80,000 from their available fund
balance to be used as a down payment on the new fire engine.
• Orange Rural Fire District (Page 263) — increasing from a revenue neutral tax rate of
8.79 cents to 9.49 cents per $100 valuation. This rate increase will be used for debt
service payments for their new Station. The district is also requesting $50,000 from
their available fund balance to cover the replacement cost of fire suppression
equipment.
• White Cross Fire District (Page 263) — increasing from a revenue neutral tax rate of
11.34 cents to 12.34 cents per $100 valuation. This rate increase will be used to cover
increased part-time personnel costs associated with increased hours, as well as debt
service payments on a replacement fire engine.
Travis Myren introduced the item.
John Strowd, Chief of the Northern Chatham Volunteer Fire Department, introduced
himself. He said the department serves the Damascus Fire District and Southern Triangle Fire
Service District.
Kevin Brooks, Chief of Efland Fire Department, introduced himself.
Brad Allison, Chief of Caldwell Fire Department, introduced himself.
Jeff Cabe, Chief of Orange Rural Fire Department, introduced himself.
Phillip Nasseri, Chief of White Cross Fire Department, introduced himself.
Tony Blake, President of White Cross Board of Directors introduced himself.
Steve Summit, President of Orange Rural Fire Department Board, introduced himself.
Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
3
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Budget Work Session #2
County Fire Districts
Public Safety
General Government
Support Services
May 20,2021
Virtual Meeting
Slide #2
County F1m Tax DIstrict
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Slide #3
Fire District Recommendations
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Slide #4
Fire District Recommendations
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Slide #5
Fire District Recommendations
• District Requests—page 259-264
• DamascuOScufllerr ianple
—0.70 cent Inceaae C,,W,d M R—m,Neutral Rate
—Service P—Wee by N..ChaMam
—AddRlon&PartT Slats
• Efland Fire District
—1 00 cent Increase Compares b Revenue Neutral Rate
—Equip New Fire Tlwk
—EiC-d Part Tlme SUKHeun
ORANGE COUNTY
Slide #6
Fire District Recommendations
• District Requests—page 259-264
• Little River Fire District
—1.00 cent In,—C,,W,d b R—m,Neutral Rate
—Acquire New P.Eeglne
—C..pWe and Furnish New Station C3
•Orange Rural Fire District
—0 TO cent Increase Compared M Revenue R--Rate
—5-1,Gmund on station R4
—Gentry Elgh—(16)Members In Tremh Reuue
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ORANGECOUNTY
Slide #7
Fire District Recommendations
• District Requests—page 259-264
•White Cross Fire District
—1.W cent Inceaae Cumparetl b Re�erwe Neutral Rate
— reasee PadTMe Pereomel
—eeM 5—ke an Replace—M Engine
OIIA ECOUNTY
Brad Allison thanked the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for its consideration
of the requested increases.
2. Discussion of County Departments' FY2021-22 Recommended Budgets within the
Public Safety, General Government, and Support Services Functional Leadership
Teams (including Operations, Capital, and Fee Schedule Changes):
Public Safety
■ Courts, Pg. 133
■ Criminal Justice Resources, Pg. 134
■ Emergency Services, Pg. 237
5
■ Sheriff, Pg. 384
■ Non-Departmental, Pg. 339
General Government
■ Board of County Commissioners, Pg. 84
■ Board of Elections, Pg. 88
■ County Attorney, Pg. 120
■ County Manager, Pg. 123
■ Register of Deeds, Pg. 380
■ Tax Administration, Pg. 417
■ Non-Departmental, Pg. 326
Support Services
■ Asset Management Services, Pg. 74
• Community Relations, Pg. 110
■ Finance and Administrative Services, Pg. 253
■ Human Resources, including Employee Pay & Benefits, Pg. 294 and Appendix A, Pg.
424
■ Information Technologies, Pg. 306
■ Non-Departmental, Pg. 342
BACKGROUND:
The County Manager presented the FY 2021-22 Recommended Operating Budget on May 4,
2021. Since then, the Board has conducted one public hearing to receive residents' comments
regarding the proposed funding plan. On May 13, 2021, the Board discussed recommended
FY 2021-22 budgets for Durham Technical Community College— Orange County campus,
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education and Orange County Schools Board of
Education, as well as reviewed and discussed recommended FY 2021-22 funding for Outside
Agencies.
Tonight's work session offers the Board an opportunity to review and discuss the recommended
budgets directly with County departments within the structure of Functional Leadership Teams,
including operations, capital, and department fee schedule change recommendations.
Functional Leadership Teams:
The following Functional Leadership Teams are scheduled to attend tonight's work session:
Public Safety:
• Courts
• Criminal Justice Resources
• Emergency Services
• Sheriff
General Government:
• Board of County Commissioners
• Board of Elections
• County Attorney
• County Manager
• Register of Deeds
• Tax Administration
6
Support Services:
• Asset Management Services
• Community Relations
• Finance and Administrative Services
• Human Resources, including Employee Pay and Benefits
➢ Employee Pay and Benefits - staff has provided information relating to FY 2021-22
employee pay and benefits in Appendix A of the Manager's Recommended Budget.
The information provided includes background information on employee pay and
benefits over recent years and information on specific pay and benefits plan
elements. Key components of the recommended employee pay and benefits plan
include:
o No wage increase for FY 2021-22.
o Resumption of the Merit Pay Program on employees' base salaries at the dollar
values in effect in FY 2019-20. Merit Pay increases, if any, will be applied to
employees' base salaries on the first full pay period in January 2022.
o Continue the $27.50 per pay period County contribution to non-law enforcement
employees' supplemental retirement accounts and the County matching
employees' contributions up to $63.00 semi-monthly (for a maximum annual
County contribution of$1,512) for all general (non-sworn law enforcement
officer) employees; continue the mandated Law Enforcement Officer contribution
of 5.0% of salary, and continue the County's required contribution to the Local
Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) for all permanent
employees. For FY 2021-22, the Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) rate
increases from 10.90 to 12.10 percent of reported compensation, and all other
employees rate increases from 10.15 to 11.35 percent of reported
compensation.
o Continue to participate in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool (NCHIP), and
continue medical and prescription third party administrators with Blue Cross Blue
Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Prime Therapeutics, a division of
BCBSNC, respectively. No increase to health and dental appropriations. No
increase to employee premium equivalent for health, dental, or vision insurance.
No increase for health coverage premium equivalent for pre-65 retirees enrolled
in the County's group plans, and no increase for post-65 (Medicare eligible)
retirees.
o Increase the Living wage to $15.40 per hour for all permanent and temporary
employees, effective October 1, 2021.
o Continue the additional eight hours of annual leave to be awarded at an
employee's anniversary date, prorated for part time employees.
o Continue the six-week paid parental leave policy.
• Information Technologies
County Manager Bonnie Hammersley said the theme of the FY21-22 budget is social
safety net for the most vulnerable residents. She said there are 26 departments, and the
budget prioritizes the most vulnerable. She said residents still expect all services regardless,
and this budget continues those services at the same, or minimally reduced, levels. She said
there have not been many requests for additional resources, and it is important to recognize
that there are limited resources. She said staff aims to serve the residents to the best of their
ability. She said long-range financial plan requests are tracked and prioritized, and requests
will be in future budgets. She thanked the BOCC for its support.
Travis Myren reviewed changes to the recommended budget document, which are
intended to be a quick reference guide for readers.
Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
Public Safety
• Courts—page 133
—Increase of$313 for the Wage Adjustment for Student
Community Support Liaison
• Partnership with County,Orange and Cnatham County Schools,
and Department of Juvenile Justice
ORANGE COUNTY
Slide #2
Public Safety
• Criminal Justice Resource Department—page 134
•Total Recommended Expenditure Budget-$793,077
-O&4by$451.3Min ABCDa Rene .
• Re ommended BudgetChanges
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ORANGE COUNTY
Commissioner Bedford requested information about the Local Reentry Council.
Cait Fenhagen, Criminal Justice Resource Director, said the grant is a one-year grant to
renew for 2 additional years. She said they are finishing their last year, and she has submitted
an RFP for an additional three years. She said the Department of Public Safety funds it.She
said the grant funds two positions: a reentry case manager, who works directly with people
returning from incarceration; and a coordinator, who conducts reentry meetings. She said the
grant also provides funding to support people reentering society. She said there has been a lot
of COVID-19 related releases, and this grant has helped.
Commissioner Greene said the group does important work, and congratulated Cait
Fenhagen on receiving continued funding.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
8
Slide #3
Public Safety
Criminal Justice Resource Department—page 134
• Restoratlon Legal Counsel Program
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Slide #4
Public Safety
Criminal Justice Resource Department—page 134
—Pretrial Services Performance
vretrial5ervects RefermEserd succesful cemvletian Pate
O ANC E COUNTY
Slide #5
Public Safety
• Criminal Justice Resource Department—page 134
•Street Outreach,Harm Reduction and Oefleclilon(SOHl
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Slide #6
Public Safety
• Court Stakeholder Reform Work and COVID
Measures
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automatic onde'rar arrest issued
• Judgapncall 2417
rn ORA�GI COUNTY
9
Slide #7
Public Safety
• Detention Center Populatior
Detention Center Population
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Slide #8
Public Safety
• Pretrial Bookings by Month
Pretrial eookl np try Month
s ORAxri llEcaC�;
Cait Fenhagen thanked the County Manager, Deputy County Manager, and the
Commissioners for their support. She said it has been a difficult year for her staff and the
population they serve.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the ABC Board had adopted its budget.
Cait Fenhagen said no, but a decision will be made soon. She said she requested an
increase, and the Criminal Justice Resource Center provided a lot of data to the ABC Board.
Travis Myren said the recommended budget shows flat revenue from the ABC Board.
He said the agency requested an increase in addition to last year's budget, but the ABC Board
has not yet made decision.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the Criminal Justice Resource Center will be moving
soon.
Cait Fenhagen said the department is not going to have to move, despite renovations.
Commissioner Bedford asked if Cait Fenhagen could share about a $700,000 grant.
Cait Fenhagen said this is a grant from the North Carolina Department of Health and
Human Services (NCDHHS) supporting justice-involved individuals during the COVID-19
pandemic. She said one position will focus on harm reduction deflection from law enforcement,
which will be housed in her office. She said the second position will focus on reentry navigation
from incarceration for those with substance abuse issues, which will work in her office as well
as directly in the jail. She said this work is already being done, but there is not a dedicated
position, and the grant will provide for it, as well as 2.5 positions at Freedom House. She said
these positions will allow for a really warm hand off from jail to treatment. She said people with
substance abuse issues often have prior involvement with law enforcement, and not eligible for
pre-arrest diversion. She said these positions will allow for more intensive case management,
which is a great opportunity with the support of the DA's office.
10
Commissioner Bedford asked if the number of years the grant will cover could be
identified.
Cait Fenhagen said it is a two-year grant.
Commissioner Greene said in two years the County will have opioid settlement money to
assist.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #9
Public Safety
• Emergency Services—page 237
• Total expend ltu re budget-$12,833,788
—Tolel County Co.&Imreee.d by$80,098hom eee.B dget
• Recommended Budget Changes
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Slide #10
Public Safety
• Emergency Services—page 237
Recommended Budget Changes
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Slide #11
Public Safety
• Emergency Services—page 477-480
• Recommended Fee changes
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11
Slide #12
Public Safety
• EMS Revenue-Collected by Tax Administration
Emergency Med iw I Services Charges
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Slide #13
Public Safety
• Emergency Services—page 200
—Emergency Medical Services Performance Measures
EMS Cells far Sere A—ge Wheeh Rolrmg Time
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ORANGE COUNTY
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Commissioner Greene asked if there is a reason for the increase in the Average Wheels
Rolling Time in FY19.
Kim Woodward, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations Manager, said there
was an intervention in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She said EMS staff pushed to have the best time
in the state, and the standard is 1 minute 30 seconds. She said staff has started checking in
once en route, which is an actual wheels rolling time, as opposed to talking on the radio in the
station.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the meaning of"EMS Calls for Service" could be
clarified.
Kim Woodward said these calls include every time the wheels roll on an ambulance, and
the call originates from 911. She said this could be an actual call for service, a call for standby,
and move-ups, to aid in low coverage in one area of the county. She said this also includes
calls for mutual aid in another county.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the "Average Wheels Rolling Time" is the time between
when EMS receives the call from 911 to the time they start moving the ambulance.
Kim Woodward said yes.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
12
Slide #14
Public Safety
• Emergency Services—page 200
—Emergency Medical Services Response Time
Average Responserlme
z ORANGUoUN7
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the average response time in the County could be
identified.
Kim Woodward said it is currently right at 10 minutes and 12 seconds.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if EMS uses a map to determine if the response time is
affected by distance versus the time to roll.
Kim Woodward said EMS uses software to provide a heat map of geography and
demand, including where the calls are expected to drop, and how long will it take to respond.
She said north of Highway 70 the units are pulled south for calls, and the northern response
times are extended. She said she is very grateful for their first responders.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the EMS ever looks at median or mode rather than
average response time.
Kim Woodward said staff looked at them in fractiles in the past. She said fractiles are a
way for EMS systems to determine how long it takes to get to the scene in 90% of incidents.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if she could see the median response time.
Kim Woodward said yes.
Kirby Saunders, EMS Director, said EMS requested a study of all EMS locations in the
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Travis Myren said that it is included in the recommended CIP.
Commissioner Bedford asked if there is an update on the two new community
paramedics. She said these hires seemed fortuitous, given Covid.
Kim Woodward said the community paramedics are doing vaccinations for homebound
individuals. She said the demand for homebound services will increase.
Commissioner Bedford said it is good there was a way to vaccinate these individuals.
Kim Woodward said trust is building for the homebound services community, which is
wonderful.
Commissioner Bedford said the Commissioners appreciate the efforts all staff has made
to continue providing many services, and for vaccinating individuals.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the current location of the 911 Center could be
identified.
Travis Myren said it is at Meadowlands.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the odor issues at the morgue have been fixed.
Kirby Saunders yes, and they hope to break ground on a new building soon. He
thanked everyone involved for his or her support. He said the Emergency Operations Center is
still active, which was activated in January 2020.
Commissioner Bedford asked if staff can take vacation before hurricane season starts.
Kirby Saunders said he is encouraging everyone to take time off.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
13
Slide #15
Public Safety
• 911 Calls
Calls Processed Call Taking Efficiency
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Slide #16
Public Safety
• Sheriff—page 384
• Total expendlture budget.$15,121,943
— Net CourRy Coat lncreeeeof$658,454 over Beee&dget
Recommended Budget Changes
—$234.701 Increase for VNKre Malntenance Can"41;largely offw oy ndadlon In
Mom.Pad;net increase ie$25,DOD
—323,663Increesein NPIId4y Pey
—$40D,000 revenue nduulonln Federal Innuto Revenue
ORANGE COUNTY
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Slide #17
Public Safety
• Sheriff—page 384
— Cal Is for Service
5heriff's Office Cells for Service
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14
Slide #18
Public Safety
• Sheriff-page 384
— Average Scene Time and Response Time
Sheffl%Office Average SceneTime Sheriffs Office Average Response
In Minutes TI me in M I nutes
SRLP
ORANGE COUNTY
25 13OR7][CAROL[NA
Travis Myren said he would get the median scene and response times for the Sheriff's
department.
Sheriff Blackwood said the scene time can be lengthy, and his staff was present at one
scene for two days. He said numerous units are sometimes needed, all of which have different
scene times. He said the average will be skewed based on individual circumstances.
Commissioner Bedford asked if that type of lengthy scene time includes a response to a
friend she had that was missing a couple of years ago.
Sheriff Blackwood said yes, and that call involved many departments.
Sheriff Blackwood said once a supervisor receives a call, the clock starts ticking. He
said supervisors are urged to clear that call so the clock will not keep tracking. He said
supervisors have gotten better about clearing those calls out, which improves average
response time.
Commissioner Bedford asked if there are plans for the training that needs to occur
before moving into the new detention center.
Sheriff Blackwood said there is a transition team working on that. He said staff will be
going to another facility that uses similar programming to Orange County. He said staff will do
dry runs in the new facility when it is open. He invited the Commissioners to visit this new
facility.
Commissioner Bedford said the County Manager's Office will organize a visit.
Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason the cost of the maintaining sheriff
department vehicles is moving from Orange County Transportation to the Sheriff's Department.
Travis Myren said the cost of the contract for the vehicles will move to the Sheriff's
Department. He said the cost used to be in the motor pool budget, and included staff and
operations. He said the contract is covering this, and will now be in the Sheriff's Department
budget.
Commissioner Fowler clarified that the move is due to the fact that the service is now
provided by a contract instead of staff.
Travis Myren said yes.
Sheriff Blackwood thanked the BOCC for its support, and praised the leadership from
the County Manager's Office and Paul Laughton in the Finance Department. He said Paul
Laughton made the budget process easier for staff.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
15
Slide #19
General Government
• Board of County Commissioners—page 84
• Total expenditure budget-$803,434
-a—.(r W,423fi—B—Budget
• Recommended BudgetChanges
-$60,1 D1 decrease In Mt Cowrly coals 6y ellminatny 1.0 FTE Asswent Depwy
Clerk Brough staff rsaTpnmsat
-$34,232decreaaeln Mt Co%wq coats 6ynduc+gvanausoperat.gaccouns-
exceeded five percent(5%)operedg coat reducfirn by Ti 18,7W
-$"so Juallee Fund 3187.006)and Commiseaned CodMingeney f31 D,00DI
ucluded n Rec.--dad Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
27. WIM[CAROLINA
Commissioner Fowler asked if more information could be provided about the Social
Justice Fund and the Commissioners' Contingency funds.
Travis Myren said the Social Justice Fund is used to fund a variety of different activities.
He said this past year it was used for emergency housing needs.
Bonnie Hammersley said in prior years it was used for childcare needs, and has been
primarily used for social services and housing needs. She said the purpose of the fund was to
give the Board of County Commissioners the ability to respond to social justice needs in the
community.
Bonnie Hammersley said the Commissioners' Contingency funds are used as needed.
She said in next year's budget, it could be used for travel and training needs. She said these
funds have gone unspent in many years.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #20
General Government
• Board of Elections —page 88
r Total expendlture budget-$933,217
- Nei County coat ncresa—f$10,593oompsrnd to Base Budget
Recommended Budget Changes
- $DB,6%Inerm4aPersomel(Pon Workers)and operatlons due to three
elect—in FY2021-22
-Offset by376,686-reverweloadminlstermunlclpalelections
-E11,390decremelnrrt CowMy coaisduelo fawn a6seaW 6allol mallingaand
eusfing paper.tack
ORANGE COUNTY
26 WFM[CAROLINA
16
Slide #21
General Government
• Board of Elections—page 88
Voter Registr fans Processed Absentee 0aUts Processed
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ORANGE COUNTY
29 N P73I CAROLINA
Commissioner Bedford asked if the third election does not happen, would the money be
repurposed or go to fund balance.
Travis Myren said yes it would be.
Rachel Raper, Elections Director, thanked the BOCC for its support.
Commissioner Bedford praised the Board of Elections for conducting a safe election
during a pandemic. She said turnout seemed good.
Rachel Raper said the absentee voting set records. She said total voter turnout was
76%, which was not record setting.
Commissioner Bedford said there were so many unknowns, and having a safe election
was a goal.
Commissioner Bedford asked if it will be a March or a May primary next year.
Rachel Raper said the Executive Director of the State Board of Elections requested that
all elections, including municipal and the March 81" primary, be moved to May 3, 2022. She said
the General Assembly has not taken action on that. She said municipalities in Orange County
do not elect by district, they elect at-large, and the census data delay does not affect Orange
County municipalities the way it does elsewhere.
Commissioner Bedford asked if a November election is expected in Orange County.
Rachel Raper said yes.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #22
General Government
• County Attorney—page 120
• Total expendlture budget-W4,260
- rbecrea f$29.541 Ccroparedta Baee Budget
Recommended BudgetChanges
-$58,987 increase n net County costa to adds 1.0 FTE tinffAtmreey
w HelfofuWpo3oloncowls bWgetsd In lho CowMy Adormys Me the olMr
half ie hudget din Chid Support
-$84,928decmmcknloreducmnarp,6F'rESw.or34o fAiomy
r Cr beehltime Human Riglrn and Relefirns Dieotur
-$3,W0 decreeee n Iiligatian expenses io meefng fire percent(5%)reduction in
nperetiona
ORANGE COUNTY
3g NOWrl I CAROLINA
17
Slide #23
General Government
• County Attorney—page 120
Percentage of Legal Reviews Corn pleted
WlthEn 10 BusIness Days
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ORANGE COUNTY
NOFM[CAROLINA
Slide #24
General Government
• County Manager —page 123
Total expenditure budget-63,M,686
- ClecressennetCDunycaets M$llo.vlacomperedto E3ase Budget
Recommended BudgetChanges
-li6,N@mductionnopma ingeccountsmflec5ngactualexpendWma
-$1 G3,225 reduction in Risk ktwmgalnerd Program
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-51761ncraaru.I Caunq�alaw o}Faod Council budpat
-$16.711 reduction in Arta Cummiaaon net cuff[haled on reduced_
occupmcyTW callKlIons ORANGE COUNTY
NOFM[CAROLINA
Slide #25
General Government
• County Manager —page 123
• Risk Management
- BouudeuuuW lrusuuuuuce-a9S premiumncreeee
Bonds and Insurance
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ORANGE COUNTY
33 NOFM[CAROLINA
18
Slide #26
General Government
• County Manager—page 123
• Rlsk Management
Workers Compensation
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ORANGE COUNTY
34 NCIR73[CRRDLINA
Commissioner Bedford said she would have expected a reduction in injuries, with so
many working from home.
Travis Myren said those who get hurt tend to work out of the office.
Bonnie Hammersley said the risk management position was created in the 2014-15
budget, and the attention to work place safety has been a focus ever sine. She said the County
has seen a benefit by having this dedicated position.
Commissioner Hamilton asked about occupancy tax collections. She said there is a
better outlook for the economy, and wondered if collections will be higher.
Travis Myren said the formula looks back a year, so it is based on collections from a
time during the economic downturn.
Commissioner Hamilton said it is likely the reduction in revenues will not actually occur.
She asked if increased collections would go to fund balance
Travis Myren said it would go to the Visitor's Bureau fund balance.
Commissioner Hamilton said the increased revenue would go to the Visitor's Center
Fund balance, but the shortfall would be covered by ARPA monies.
Travis Myren said the Arts Commission is budgeted in the Visitor's Center fund. He said
an overages or excess would remain in the Visitor's Bureau fund. He resumed the PowerPoint
presentation:
Slide #27
General Government
• Register of Deeds—page 380
Total expenditure budget-$1,045,440
—NaiC�untycoetsincnaasedby515a,asa
— Ramalns a NM Gsearal FwW CoMrlbutur.$1.09560
Recommended Budget Changes
—57,25Prsduc6ann office opere�gexpensee
—T.157.713 decrease in budgeted Regisberor deeds fees[Ewise St—W.Menage
Llcsnsa,paaaycn,ax.]7ua to axpKlad ea,yacq o}CQYID•19
ORANGE COUNTY
35 WFM r CAROLINA
19
Slide #28
General Government
• Register of Deeds—page 380
Revume 9tamWEneiseTax Wkc[ed by FiscelYear
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Mark Chilton, Register of Deeds, said the numbers are driven by large property
transactions. He said staff cannot predict how much they will see. He thanked the County
Manager's Office for its assistance.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #29
General Government
• Tax Administration—page 417
• Total expenditure budget-$3,870,336
—Nei County...td creeea&r 61,415comp..d.Bove Budgjet
• Recommended Budget Changes
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consuffng eervices in County Managers Office budget
ORANGE COUNTY
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Slide #30
General Government
• Sales Tax Collections
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20
Slide #31
General Government
Tax Administration—Tax Base History
Property Tax Base-Assessed Value
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Slide #32
General Government
• Tax Administration—Tax Base History
Percentage Change in Assessed Value
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ORANGE COUNTY
AD MIFF]r CARM.M.,
Commissioner Fowler asked for more information about the length of time between
revaluation cycles.
Travis Myren said the County tries to do a revaluation every four years.
Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason for a four-year cycle.
Travis Myren said a shorter time between revaluations accounts for rapidly changing
property values.
Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, said a previous board approved a resolution to
adopt four-year cycles for revaluations. She said it was included during a decision to delay a
revaluation to 2017.
Bonnie Hammersley concurred.
Bonnie Hammersley said this year, unlike in the Great Recession, counties were not
given the option of opting out of a revaluation.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
21
Slide #33
General Government
• Assessed Home Value by Tax Jurisdiction
— Based on 2020 Reval uatlon
ORNFFMW Madlen Hama Ydue Mean Horne Value
Carrg— $251.900 $421.011
Chapel Mill $444.900 $509216
Hlllaorouga $258,300 $275,377
Mebene 224.100 220.874
llninnorporaled OC $201.040 $325.921
ORANGE COUNTY
:1 NORT]1 Gn01[NA
Slide #34
General Government
• Tax Administration-Tax Rate History
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ORANGE COUNTY
�3 PlORT][CARCIL[N.�
Commissioner Bedford said the Board appreciates Nancy Freeman's efforts to work with
property owners in the Northside and Pine Knolls neighborhoods and the Jackson Center to
take a deeper look at property tax valuations.
Nancy Freeman thanked the Board for its support, and her staff for their efforts.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #35
General Government
• Non-Departmental—page 326
e NooudgetChanges
ORANGE COUNTY
JS NOR3][GI�LINA
22
Slide #36
Support Services
• Asset Management Services—page 74
• Total expenditure budget-$5,160,735
-Decrease in net County coats of$240,362 cunparedm Bees Budget
• Recommended Budget Changes
-$24,762 rsduc7cnm Temporary PsrsannM end OpemingAccounts
-$B4,aN rweeae lncn► for rem rM Ncnlwm Campus
a Now EAChouessllEDAand NC Forestry
-T.15.898 decrease in rent expenses as Parke Opmaii-A-to NmMere
l:ampue
-$104.261 decrease in utility and operadg costs
-510,672reduc6ann cleaning contracts and operating accounts
ORANGE COUNTY
=i h PTI I CARCILINA
Slide #37
Support Services
• Asset Management Services—page 74
Facility Operating Costs per Square
Foot
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ORANGE COUNTY
=5 NOR71 I CARCILIN.i
Commissioner Hamilton said the decrease in utility and operating costs seems to be
based on the recent experience of decreased operations, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She
asked if the County will still have decreases if the economy gets back to normal. She asked if
there is a chance the costs will go back up.
Travis Myren said the County is going through an analysis of what a return to work looks
like. He said he does not anticipate offices being as densely populated as they have been in
the past. He said there will be a survey to determine staff preferences, productivity and
efficiency and flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he expects a hybrid work
model to continue.
Commissioner Hamilton said at a recent meeting at the Chamber of Commerce there
are many companies trying to determine if they will return to the office or continue working in a
hybrid fashion.
Travis Myren said personal mileage will also decrease due to a ongoing hybrid work
environment moving forward.
Commissioner Bedford thanked Steve Arndt, Asset Management Services (AMS)
Director, and his staff for their efforts to keep staff and public safe during the pandemic. She
said there was a lot of work to be done so the public could have some interaction and
employees could stay safe.
23
Steve Arndt said his staff did not miss a beat, and his office was continually working
during the pandemic.
Commissioner Bedford noted the extra cleaning staff had to do, as well as the internet
lines occasionally getting cut at Southern Human Services, and a water main leak at the
Whitted Building. She said accidents happen and AMS has to respond to everything.
Steve Arndt thanked the Commissioners and the County Manager's Office for their
support.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #38
Support Services
• Community Relations—page 115
•Total expenditure budge}-$202,930
-Gecreaee o1S8,90Gcomperedio eeea Budget
• Recommended Budget Changes
-$0,900r•ducbonn edrrlldngand pWIq suppllea
lodrviduah Reeched by Communication Media
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Slide #39
Support Services
• Finance and Administrative Services—page 253
• Total expendltLM budget-$1,613.809
-lDeureaeeor815.337.a dm Base Budget
• Recommended Budget Changes
-$3,337 d•cr•es�nTrmpo.tra PuwnnN
-$11,000dreca lnyedmop"In4Rc-3
ORANGE COUNTY
17
Slide #40
Support Services
— SMART Goal
Goal1:Reduce Imokneol paid xUn 30 d4—leas lban B a—1L,by and W 5ual year.
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ORANGE COUNTY
t6 NORT][G3tC51[NA
24
Slide #41
Support Services
• Human Resources—page 294
• Total expenditure budget-$991,607
—Decreaeeol838211 comperedta Base Budget
• Recommended BudgetChanges
—$12,084rkucacnby Nnwling Temporary Pv nnel
—$25227mducticnnvenousoperatinga penseaccourkW
ORANGE COUNTY
:9 NOM I CA LINA
Slide #42
Support Services
• Human Resources—page 294
Annual Turnover Rate Average Number of Qays to 5creen
and Refer[a nd ldates
ORANGE COUNTY
50 NORT]I CAR LINA
Slide #43
Support Services
• Employee Pay and Benefits—page 424
• Austerity Measures
—Hldng poems
—No CrnvalVft6klJusument
—Suspend Confarom*.Tralning.and Tmol
• Mandated Cost Increases
—No increaser Health Ineunance
—8650.0D0 increase in 1.2%increase in employer rAn—r t conailarlion
—$23,00011wg wage wmastta$15.0perhourm Octaber2021 _
ORANGE COUNTY
51 NO ]ICAR L[N:
Commissioner Bedford thanked Brenda Bartholomew for her assistance in hiring the
new Clerk to the Board.
Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
25
Slide #44
Support Services
• Information Technologies —page 306
• Total expend ltu re budget•$3,n5,024
—Qecreaeeof5118,99(fcompendto Bee.Brdget
• Recommended Sudgetcnanges
—$143,g21 sawgs.+solfaArmsalsma[s[anExcls6essd an n•Illyser
[anvxting atrcugy
—$3C,325Incrsaas for Coot wWds lmpbmw Amn of Zoom}wJ on ft—ARPA
PUMed
ORANGE COUNTY
5] CAP-1—
Slide #45
Budget Work Session #2
FY2021-22 Recommended Budget
• Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
GAC)L[NA
Commissioner Bedford asked if the County was still hiring a Chief Information Security
Officer.
Bonnie Hammersley said staff went through the process of recruiting and making an
offer to an individual prior to the pandemic, but the applicant turned it down. She said staff is
now looking at a hybrid model with a contract and a person in IT to manage cyber security. She
said it is challenging to hire a Chief Information Security Officer.
Todd McGee, Community Relations Director, said NBC News may feature the Orange
County Public Health Department on the news tomorrow night to highlight the County's efforts
in vaccinating the overall population, and the Health Department's success in vaccinating
minority populations. He encouraged everyone to watch the program.
Commissioner Bedford said Todd McGee went from handling Census information to
pandemic related information. She said she saves his texts to share with residents.
Todd McGee said he is glad to help the Health Department get out the information.
Commissioner Hamilton thanked Travis Myren for his presentation. She said it was
clear and easy to understand.
Commissioner Fowler echoed Commissioner Hamilton's comments. She said it felt less
like a budget, and more like a plan. She said she liked how each section included the
organizational framework, and she would like to see something similar from the schools.
Travis Myren said there is also a table that highlights position changes.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the page number for the position changes could be
identified.
26
Paul Laughton said there is a FTE chart in the budget summaries, which shows
changes over the last several years. He said it starts on page 44 of the recommended budget
document.
Commissioner Bedford asked if Paul Laughton would walk her through how a school
capital budget works, prior to his retirement. She invited other commissioners to attend.
Commissioner Fowler referred to page 46, and said there was zero requested for the
Food Council, but 1 FTE. She said it was the same with Economic Development: zero
requested, but 3 recommended.
Travis Myren asked if that was the transfer of economic development positions.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the Food Council was grant funded
Kirk Vaughn said it was included in error from a previous year. He said the Food
Council has been moved to a multi-year fund.
Paul Laughton said the Food Council positions are funded outside of the General Fund.
He said it could be grant projects, housing and community development, etc. He said anything
outside of the General Fund is put on page 46.
Travis Myren said the Economic Development fund staff was budgeted in the General
Fund, but the budget recommends they be moved to the Article 46 Fund. He said there should
be an even number of FTEs removed from the General Fund and added to All Other Funds.
Bonnie Hammersley reminded the Board of its next meeting on May 27, 2021 to discuss
Human Services.
Paul Laughton said the meeting will feature Community Services and Human Services.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
Renee Price, Chair
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.