June 21, 2021 - 6:00 PM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 239 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners June 21 , 2021 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , June 21 , 2021 at 6 00 pm in the Old Superior Courtroom Courtroom No 4 at the Johnston County Courthouse , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman Chad M Stewart , Vice Chairman Larry Wood , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Patrick E Harris , RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , and Fred J Smith , Jr Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , Clerk to the Board Paula Woodard , and Paralegal Deputy Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington Chairman Chad M Stewart called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Commissioner Ted G Godwin opened the meeting with a prayer Commissioner Tony Braswell led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Butch Lawter , seconded by Commissioner Larry Wood , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Larry Wood , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Blaze Ridge Drive , Bonfire Court and Lightning Trail – Blaze Ridge Subdivision – Cleveland Township Whistling Duck Way – Wall Ridge Subdivision – Wilders Township B Public Utilities – Request to Declare Vehicles as Surplus Per the request of Johnston County Public Utilities , the Board declared the following vehicles surplus and approved for them to be sold at the upcoming public auction on Saturday , August 7 , 2021 at 10 00 am at the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Fleet Services building located at 60 Shelter Way in Smithfield Asset No Year Vehicle Type Mileage License Plate 13079 2006 Chevrolet Silverado with Lift Gate 253,300 estimated 38156 - V 15039 2008 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab 227,078 38535 - V 14223 2013 Ford F250 Crew Cab blown engine 99,523 37671 - V 14214 2013 Ford F150 Standard Cab 220,716 70122 - V C Heritage Center - Lease Agreement for 329 E Market Street Property Per a request by the Heritage Center , the Board approved a lease agreement between the County and Roberts & Wellons , Inc for 4,428 square feet of exhibit space in the former Rose’s Building located at 329 E Market Street in Smithfield Parcel No 15020006 Deed Book 775 , Page 272 at a lease rate of 2,00000 per month Page240 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued D Approval of Quitclaim Deed The Board approved a quitclaim deed for property identified as Parcel No 03007034 and located in the Beulah Township Plat Book 93 , Page 376 in order to correct a boundary description error for the property E Emergency Services – Lease Agreement with 50 - 210 Community Fire Department , Inc The Board approved a lease agreement between Johnston County and the 50 - 210 Community Fire Department , Inc for the purpose of EMS space for a term of 3 years in an amount not to exceed the total amount of 57,474 for the three - year term The Board authorized the County Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the County in the form set forth or with revisions as the County Manager , in consultation with the County Attorney , shall find to not be materially inconsistent with the form of the Agreement and the intent and purpose of the Agreement F Opioid Agreement Resolution The Board adopted the following resolution approving the Memorandum of Agreement between the State of North Carolina and local governments for the Opioid Litigation Settlement A RESOLUTION BY THE COUNTY OF JOHNSTON APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT MOA BETWEEN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON PROCEEDS RELATING TO THE SETTLEMENT OF OPIOID LITIGATION WHEREAS , as of 2019 , the opioid epidemic had taken the lives of more than 16,500 North Carolinians , torn families apart , and ravaged communities from the mountains to the coast ; and WHEREAS , the COVID - 19 pandemic has compounded the opioid crisis , increasing levels of drug misuse , addiction , and overdose death ; and WHEREAS , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is 785 billion a year , including the costs of healthcare , lost productivity , addiction treatment , and criminal justice involvement ; and WHEREAS , certain counties and municipalities in North Carolina joined with thousands of local governments across the country to file lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and pharmaceutical distribution companies and hold those companies accountable for their misconduct ; and WHEREAS , representatives of local North Carolina governments , the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners , and the North Carolina Department of Justice have negotiated and prepared a Memorandum of Agreement MOA to provide for the equitable distribution of any proceeds from a settlement of national opioid litigation to the State of North Carolina and to individual local governments ; and WHEREAS , Local Governments and the State of North Carolina anticipate a settlement in the national opioid litigation to be forthcoming ; and WHEREAS , by signing onto the MOA , the state and local governments maximize North Carolina’s share of opioid settlement funds to ensure the needed resources reach communities , once a negotiation is finalized , as quickly , effectively , and directly as possible ; and WHEREAS , it is advantageous to all North Carolinians for local governments , including Johnston County and its citizens , to sign onto the MOA and demonstrate solidarity in response to the opioid epidemic , and to maximize the share of opioid settlement funds received both in the state and this county to help abate the harm ; and WHEREAS , the MOA directs substantial resources over multiple years to local governments on the front lines of the opioid epidemic while ensuring that these resources are used in an effective way to address the crisis NOW , THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , Johnston County hereby approves the Memorandum of Agreement Between the State of North Carolina and Local Governments on Proceeds Relating to the Settlement of Opioid Litigation , and any subsequent settlement funds that may come into North Carolina as a result of the opioid crisis Furthermore , Johnston County authorizes the County Manager or County Attorney to take such measures as necessary to comply with the terms of the MOA and receive any settlement funds , including executing any documents related to the allocation of opioid settlement funds and settlement of lawsuits related to this matter Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution and the signed MOA be sent to opioiddocs @ ncdojgov as well as forwarded to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners at communications @ ncaccorg Adopted this the 21st day of June , 2021 G Budget Revisions , adopted as follows Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE Page241 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued 10 51000210 Salaries – Overtime 3,43044 10 51001700 Vehicles 1,24000 10 51003200 Office Supplies 3217 10 51004300 Special Services 471 10 51007400 Capital Outlay 25,87900 10 51007418 Capital Outlay – Drug Seizure 2,50000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 33,08632 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510032509 Insurance Recovery 25,87900 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 3,46732 10 510035104 Sheriff Fees 1,24000 10 510036119 Sale of Assets 2,50000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 33,08632 Social Services REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 61101911 Progress Energy Neighbor Fund 92960 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 92960 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 611034123 Social Services Administration 92960 TOTAL NET REVENUE 92960 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 61101917 LIEAP Program 40,79439 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 40,79439 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 611034139 Social Services Administration 40,79439 TOTAL NET REVENUE 40,79439 H Nursing Home Adult Care Home Community Advisory Board Appointments The Board appointed LaNarda N Williamson , James Purington , Lasita Purington , and Heather Norman for a one year initial term to expire on June 30 , 2022 3 Public Comment A Johnston County Schools Johnston County Board of Education Chairman Todd Sutton addressed the Commissioners and stated at the last Board of Commissioners meeting he made a commitment that he would discuss a potential policy regarding the Critical Race Theory CRT with the Board of Education Policy Committee and he informed the Board that he has spoken with Policy Committee Chair Terri Sessoms Chairman Sutton stated if the Board of Education were to attempt to adopt a new policy , it would take 30 to 60 days to make that happen ; however , Ms Sessoms in her review of existing policies , has found another opportunity to amend a current policy already in place today Chairman Sutton requested the Board of Commissioners to fully fund Johnston County Schools at 799 million Chairman Sutton continued that the Board of Education has heard the concerns regarding the CRT and at Johnston County Schools , their goal remains centered on student success and unity , not division Chairman Sutton stated an amendment can be made to their existing Policy 5100 – Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct which should address the concerns He stated the Board of Education is committed to amending the policy to include thePage242 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued following “ Instructional staff and other school system employees will not utilize methods or materials that will create division or promote animosity among students , staff , and the community Staff shall not teach social theories outside of North Carolina Standards of any kind to students unless approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education and legislated by the North Carolina General Assembly ” Chairman Sutton stated the teachers , principals , and leadership are committed to teaching the standards approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education and they respectfully ask the Board of Commissioners to fully fund their request of 799 million B Blackman’s Crossroads Fire Department – Request for District Tax Rate Increase Johnston County Fire Marshal Adam Stanley stated the Emergency Services Department received a late request from the Blackman’s Crossroads Fire Department to increase the tax rate for their district from 8 cents to 13 cents per 100 valuation Mr Stanley reported that Blackman’s Crossroads Fire Department is no different than any other fire department in Johnston County and across North Carolina in that volunteerism has fallen off in recent years and fire departments must hire paid staff to ensure adequate coverage Mr Stanley stated the additional revenue from the tax rate increase would be used to hire daytime staffing as well as upgrade equipment He stated the fire department held a community meeting on June 17 , 2021 regarding the proposed rate increase with four citizens attending the meeting Mr Stanley also stated the Blackman’s Crossroads Fire Department Board of Directors and the Fire Protection District Commission both recommend the increase Chairman Chad M Stewart stated he along with Commissioners Larry Wood and Tony Braswell serve on the Fire Tax Committee and reviewed requests from other departments who are facing the same types of problems as Blackman’s Crossroads Fire Department Chairman Stewart stated he is glad to see support for this request from the Board of Directors , the Fire Protection District Commission , and citizens within their community C Partnership for Children of Johnston County – Proclamation for Summer Learning Week Pastor Lee Colbert of the Read to Grow Steering Committee for the Partnership for Children of Johnston County , asked the Board to consider adopting a proclamation for Summer Learning Week during July 12 – 16 , 2021 in Johnston County Pastor Colbert stated the Read to Grow Program was created to combat summer learning loss He noted that over a typical summer break , students lose academic gains up to two months per summer and it is a cumulative effect where they fall further and further behind Pastor Colbert stated the committee will also be taking the proclamation to all the towns in the County in the hopes they will adopt it as well He spoke on some of the activities that will be taking place during the week Chairman Chad M Stewart thanked Pastor Colbert for his comments and stated the proclamation is on the agenda for consideration by the Board and he has no doubts that it will be adopted D Citizen Concern – John Saluppo John Saluppo , 117 Hansen Run , requested the Board of Commissioners to fund Johnston County Schools at the same level as last fiscal year in the amount of 72 million until such time as a policy against the Critical Race Theory is adopted Mr Saluppo expressed his concerns that he is only hearing there is the potential to adopt or amend a policy Mr Saluppo stated the Board of Education needs to be held accountable E Citizen Concern – Shawn Wright Shawn Wright , 129 Tiffany Court , stated he believes that the discussions at the last meeting regarding the Critical Race Theory is a distraction from the real issues Mr Wright stated the main focus needs to be on educating children He stated currently 14 schools in the County are failing and discussions need to be focused on preparing the children for the future and improving performance 4 Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 County Budget Discussion and Adoption Motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 County Budget Commissioner Patrick E Harris moved the Board adopt the County Manager’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 with the following revisions ? Adjust the tax rate to 73 cents per 100 valuation ? Appropriate a total of 125,193 for District Attorney positions until the State of North Carolina adopts their budget PagePage pageNumber5243 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued ? Appropriate a total of 72,000,000 for current expense and 2,900,000 for capital outlay for Johnston County Public Schools If and when the Board of Education adopts policies that eliminate the possibility of Critical Race Theory CRT teachings , any other potentially divisive programs , plus any impacts of state budget , current expense funding may be considered for an increase The total budgeted amounts for current expense and capital outlay should not be assumed to be baseline numbers for the following year’s FY 2022 - 2023 budget allocations ? Appropriate a total of 4,853,910 for current expense and 2,091,176 for capital outlay for Johnston Community College The total budgeted amounts for current expense and capital outlay should not be assumed to be baseline numbers for the following year’s FY 2022 - 2023 budget allocations ? Maintain 8 cent tax rate for Research Training Zone ? In accordance with NCGS 153A - 28 and NCGS 153A - 92 , salaries for the Board of County Commissioners based upon market data and the following schedule Chairman 16,803 Commissioners 15,275 ? In accordance with NCGS 153A - 92 , salaries for the four positions that are appointed by the Board and set by the Board based on market data County Manager Rick Hester - 217,990 County Attorney Jennifer Slusser - 167,880 Clerk to the Board Paula Woodard - 76,502 Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews - 122,384 ? Pay adjustments for all county officials and employees including elected and appointed positions to 3 in July with a potential performance pay adjustment of up to 2 in September It is also requested that staff continue to evaluate salary data of county positions annually and make necessary adjustments during the year within and per County policy ? Appropriate a total of 15,000 for Re - Entry ? Appropriate a total of 1,200,000 to the Economic Development budget for possible public private economic development speculative building program Each situation would be subject to board approval The proposed budget has 600,000 for the program ? Appropriate a total of 100,000 for My Kids Club’s new facility Please note the Board in a previous budget appropriated 75,000 for the new building ? Appropriate a total of 15,000 for the Clayton Fire Department and 9,000 for the Princeton Fire Department for contracted technical rescue services ? Appropriate a total of 11,000 for the Beaver Management Assistance Program ? Appropriate a total of 143,000 to the NC Forestry Service ? Appropriate a total of 75,000 to Harbor ? Appropriate a total of 21,000 to Smithfield Rescue Mission ? Appropriate up to 25,000 for the local match for the Moccasin Creek Service District drainage study ? Appropriate a total of 40,000 for the Pleasant Grove Community Building ? Appropriate a total of 50,000 for Project Access ? Appropriate a total of 10,000 for the Special Olympics ? Appropriate a total of 200,000 for Johnston Regional Airport grant matches PagePage pageNumber6244 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued ? Appropriate a total of 60,000 for the Benson Veterans Memorial Park ? Appropriate a total of 50,000 for the Partnership for Children of Johnston County ? Reserve a total of up to 150,000 for the Town of Micro community building renovation project with the understanding the Town will present a detailed plan with cost estimates at a future Board of Commissioners meeting ? Appropriate a total of 29,108 to the Town of Four Oaks Veterans Memorial Park ? Open space fee changed from 800 to 1,000 effective September 1 , 2021 ? Appropriate a total of 610,000 to the Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield ? Appropriate 1,573,340 for the Town of Smithfield’s waterline project that will benefit the County and Town of Smithfield ? Adjust the ad valorem tax revenue projection down by 2,000,000 based on the new tax rate ? Adjust sales tax revenue projection by an additional 2,000,000 ? Accept the new fire tax rate recommendations from the fire tax committee to assist with the need for paid staff or additional paid staff and capital improvements , as follows Cleveland Fire Dept - 725 to 925 cents per 100 value Princeton Fire Dept - 5 to 10 cents per 100 value Kenly Fire Dept - 8 to 10 cents per 100 value Meadow Fire Dept - 7 to 11 cents per 100 value Micro Fire Dept - 10 to 12 cents per 100 value Benson Fire Dept - 10 to 12 cents per 100 value Corinth Holder Fire Dept - 10 to 11 cents per 100 value Bethany Fire Dept - 10 to 12 cents per 100 value Brogden Fire Dept - 8 to 10 cents per 100 value Blackman’s Crossroads Fire Dept - 8 to 13 cents per 100 value Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr seconded the motion Discussion Commissioner Tony Braswell asked for clarification on the motion as it pertains to funding for Johnston County Schools Commissioner Braswell noted the motion states that the current expense funding may be considered for an increase if the Board of Education adopts a policy eliminating the possibility of the Critical Race Theory being taught in the schools Commissioner Braswell asked how much the current expense funding would be increased if a policy were adopted Commissioner Braswell further stated that Board of Education Chairman Todd Sutton has said that they will address this issue at their next meeting , and he believes the Board of Education members to be honorable and that they will do what they say Commissioner Braswell stated he would like to know why the Board of Commissioners could not go ahead and consider increasing the current expense funding now Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr stated to him , there are three facts to consider when looking at increasing the current expense funding He stated the first being that a policy needs to be adopted saying the Critical Race Theory will not be taught in Johnston County Schools Commissioner Smith continued that the next item pertains to a projected loss of per pupil expenditure funds from the State , which Johnston County Schools has assumed they will not receive Commissioner Smith expressed concerns with providing funding based on assumptions and projected losses He stated the third and final matter concerns teacher salary increases Commissioner Smith stated Johnston County Schools has assumed a 5 salary increase , but no one is sure if that increase will pass in the legislature and he would prefer to wait and see what that increase will actually be Commissioner Smith commented that once these three issues are known and or have been addressed , the Board could then look at an increase in current expense funding Commissioner Smith also noted that next year he would like to see a bond referendum pass that would go towards eliminating all mobile classrooms in the County PagePage pageNumber7245 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Braswell , Commissioner Smith stated the motion as currently stated allocates 72 million for Johnston County Schools , which will fund the school system until such time as the three items he referenced are addressed , at which time they can get their full funding request of 799 million Commissioner Braswell commented that Johnston County Schools needs to know what the number is because they have to plan for the upcoming school year Commissioner Patrick E Harris stated that drafting a budget motion is a long and tedious process of compromise and conversation with all Commissioners Commissioner Harris stated while he would like to fund Johnston County Schools at their full request , because the CRT and other divisive issues are such a significant problem , the motion would give the Board of Education a chance to go back and adopt a policy Commissioner Harris stated once a policy is adopted , he could then support funding them at the full request for current expense Chairman Chad M Stewart stated from his standpoint , he is not as concerned over the other two issues raised by Commissioner Smith as he is the CRT Chairman Stewart commented that he thinks the Board of Education has shown a good effort that they also do not want the CRT taught in schools ; however , he is concerned that there may be other divisive theories that surface in the future Chairman Stewart spoke on the difficulties of adopting a policy with language that everyone can agree on and that would cover today’s concerns as well as possible future concerns Commissioner Braswell stated his concern is that the motion does not specify exact amounts that would be considered for increased current expense funding and further , that there are now two other issues which have been raised Commissioner Larry Wood stated he has been listening to the conversations and concerns regarding the CRT , state funding issues , and other matters and while he thinks those topics are all important issues , he is personally more concerned about school performance Commissioner Wood stated when he looks at the Johnston County Schools report card from the Department of Public Instruction , he is appalled by what he sees in those results Commissioner Wood commented that every year he has been on the Board , funding for Johnston County Schools has increased ; however , school performances keep getting worse Commissioner Wood expressed concerns that the focus is getting away from teaching children the basics such as Math , Science , and English and he would like to see the students reading at their grade levels Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated there were several bullets in the budget motion that caused him concern Commissioner Godwin stated he is all for lowering the tax rate ; however , he questioned if lowering it to 73 cents is appropriate when no one knows what next year or the year after will bring Commissioner Godwin spoke on the tough years in 2007 and 2008 and stated he wants to make sure the County is prepared for the future Commissioner Godwin also expressed his concerns with funding the positions for the District Attorney’s office since those should be State funded positions ; however , he can understand that those positions are critical to the functions of that office so in the spirit of compromise , he can agree Commissioner Godwin also stated he was impressed by Board of Education Chairman Todd Sutton’s remarks during Public Comment and their commitment to address divisive teachings Commissioner Godwin moved to amend the budget motion for the third bullet as it relates to funding for Johnston County Schools that the County will fully fund them at 799 million once a policy on CRT and any other potentially divisive programs is adopted Commissioner Smith stated since he seconded the original budget motion , he will not accept Commissioner Godwin’s amendment to the budget motion Commissioner Butch Lawter stated he would like some additional clarification from Johnston County Schools Finance Officer Stephen Britt regarding the actual dollar amounts associated with a decrease in per pupil expenditure funding as well as a projected 5 teacher salary increase Commissioner Lawter also noted that while there are projections in Johnston County Schools ’ budget , the County also has projections in its own budget Commissioner Lawter continued that two weeks ago when Commissioner Smith first brought the CRT issue to the Board’s attention , he said then he would first need to see a policy before making any decisions and he has not changed that stance Commissioner Lawter stated he heard what Board of Education Chairman Sutton said during Public Comment ; however , he has a hard time approving something without seeing an actual policy Commissioner Lawter thanked Commissioner Harris for all his work and coordination on the budget motion this year stating it has been a difficult process Commissioner Lawter also thanked the staff for their preparation of the proposed budget Commissioner Lawter stated he would like to thank all the citizens that called , texted , and emailed the Commissioners their thoughts and concerns for this year’s budget PagePage pageNumber8246 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Johnston County Schools Finance Officer Stephen Britt acknowledged that there are estimates in their budget and stated every year there will always be estimates because 70 of their budget is based off the State’s budget which is not adopted until after county budgets are adopted Commissioner Braswell agreed with Mr Britt and stated because counties must adopt their budgets by a certain date , it is not unusual for projections to be made Mr Britt further reviewed Johnston County Schools ’ budget request with the Board speaking on the areas where projections and estimates had to be made to account for the unknowns from the State Following further discussion , Commissioner Godwin stated as a point of order , he made an earlier motion to amend the original budget motion , which cannot simply be rejected At the request of the Chairman , County Attorney Jennifer Slusser advised that a motion to amend can be made and if it receives a second , then the motion to amend can move forward for discussion and a vote Motion to Amend Restated and Second Commissioner Godwin moved to amend the budget motion for the third bullet as it relates to funding for Johnston County Schools that the County will fully fund Johnston County Schools at 799 million for current expense funding once a policy on CRT and any other potentially divisive programs has been adopted Commissioner Smith seconded the motion to amend Discussion on Amendment Commissioner Harris stated the original motion was never intended to be a mechanism to not fund Johnston County Schools , but rather it was a mechanism of compromise that all Commissioners could agree to Commissioner Harris noted that since his time on the Board of Commissioners , he has never received more emails and phone calls on any other issue as he has the CRT Commissioner Harris stated he is acceptable to Commissioner Godwin’s amendment Upon questions by the Commissioners , Ms Slusser advised that the Board could consider adding a floor and ceiling on the current expense funding amount so there would be some certainty in a minimum amount and then if contingencies are met , a ceiling would also be in place Addition of Floor and Ceiling Amounts Commissioner Godwin added a floor of 72 million and a ceiling of 799 million for current expense funding to his motion to amend and Commissioner Smith agreed to that addition Vote on Amendment to Original Budget Motion The Chairman called for a vote on the motion to amend the third bullet of the original budget motion , as follows ? Appropriate a total of 72,000,000 for current expense and 2,900,000 for capital outlay for Johnston County Public Schools If and when the Board of Education adopts adequate policies that eliminate the possibility of CRT teachings and any other potentially divisive teaching topics , current expense funding will be funded from a floor of 72,000,000 up to a ceiling of 79,900,000 The total budgeted amounts for current expense and capital outlay should not be assumed to be baseline numbers for the following year’s FY 2022 - 2023 budget allocations The motion to amend passed by the following vote Ayes Commissioners Chad M Stewart , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Patrick E Harris , Butch Lawter , and Fred J Smith , Jr Nays Commissioner Larry Wood Vote on Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 County Budget , as amended The motion to adopt the Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 County Budget as amended and the following budget ordinance carried by unanimous vote PagePage pageNumber9247 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued BUDGET ORDINANCE FY 2021 - 2022 JOHNSTON COUNTY , NORTH CAROLINA BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Johnston County , North Carolina SECTION I BUDGET ADOPTION There is hereby adopted the following Operating Budget for the County of Johnston for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1 , 2021 and ending June 30 , 2022 ; the same being adopted by fund and activity within each fund as listed GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES GENERAL GOVERNMENT 37,129,865 PUBLIC SAFETY 54,023,168 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT 18,446,268 HUMAN SERVICES 49,193,129 EDUCATION 81,845,086 DEBT SERVICE 41,814,675 TOTAL 282,452,191 REVENUES CURRENT YEAR AD VALOREM TAX 166,821,000 SALES TAX 59,000,000 OTHER TAX REVENUES 2,120,000 STATE & FEDERAL 28,607,401 LICENSE , FEES , ETC 8,213,750 INVESTMENT INCOME 900,000 FUND BALANCE APPROPRIATED 0 NC EDUCATION LOTTERY 2,300,000 SALES AND SERVICE 11,740,040 TRANSFER FROM OTHER FUNDS 2,750,000 TOTAL 282,452,191 TOURISM AUTHORITY EXPENDITURES 1,284,720 REVENUES OCCUPANCY TAX 1,196,000 INTEREST INCOME 400 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 12,200 FUND BALANCE APPROPRIATED 73,120 REIMBURSEMENTS 3,000 TOTAL 1,284,720 REVALUATION FUND EXPENDITURES RESERVE FOR REVALUATION 761,500 REVENUES TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND 761,500 FUND BALANCE 0 TOTAL 761,500 INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND EXPENDITURES INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT 9,579,803 REVENUES TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND 8,126,524Page0248 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued FUND BALANCE 1,453,279 TOTAL 9,579,803 LEO SEPARATION FUND EXPENDITURES PROGRAM COST 280,000 REVENUES TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND 280,000 FUND BALANCE 0 TOTAL 280,000 HERITAGE COMMISSION FUND EXPENDITURES OPERATING EXPENSE 345,524 REVENUES TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND 170,624 OTHER REVENUES 132,500 FUND BALANCE 42,400 TOTAL 345,524 SOCIAL SERVICE TRUST FUND EXPENDITURES PROGRAM COST 430,302 REVENUES TRUST RECEIPTS 430,302 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM FUND EXPENDITURES E - 911 OPERATIONS 1,417,467 REVENUES ENHANCED 9 - 1 - 1 1,417,467 OTHER COLLECTIONS EXPENDITURES SPECIAL DISTRICT TAX 10,671,000 MOTOR VEHICLE TAX 20,128,825 MOCCASIN CREEK DISTRICT TAX 35,000 TOTAL 30,834,825 REVENUES SPECIAL DISTRICT TAX 10,671,000 MOTOR VEHICLE TAX 20,128,825 MOCCASIN CREEK DISTRICT TAX 35,000 TOTAL 30,834,825 RESEARCH TRAINING ZONE EXPENDITURES OPERATIONS 1,260,000 REVENUES SPECIAL DISTRICT TAX 975,000 TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND 285,000Page1249 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued TOTAL 1,260,000 AIRPORT AUTHORITY FUND EXPENDITURES OPERATIONS 1,692,800 CAPITAL COST 6,246,951 GRANT EXPENDITURES 2,000,000 TOTAL 9,939,751 REVENUES FEDERAL GRANTS 8,046,951 FEES AND SERVICES 1,692,300 INVESTMENT INCOME 500 TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND 200,000 FUND BALANCE 0 TOTAL 9,939,751 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENT PROGRAM FUND EXPENDITURES PROGRAM COST 4,588,938 REVENUES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HUD 4,588,403 INVESTMENT INCOME 535 TOTAL 4,588,938 WATER DISTRICTS EXPENDITURES DEBT SERVICE 11,842,880 OPERATIONS 12,106,000 TRANSFER TO OTHER FUNDS 3,044,262 TOTAL 26,993,142 REVENUES RETAIL WATER 7,250,000 MONTHLY BASE FEE 12,100,000 OTHER REVENUE 7,261,000 FUND BALANCE APPROPRIATED 382,142 TOTAL 26,993,142 PUBLIC UTILITIES EXPENDITURES ADMINISTRATION 1,786,079 SOLID WASTE 10,014,000 WATER 17,749,971 WASTE WATER 10,674,540 TRANSFER TO OTHER FUNDS 3,200,000 DEBT SERVICE - WATER 6,792,360 DEBT SERVICE - WASTEWATER 4,631,660 TOTAL 54,848,610 REVENUES ADMINISTRATION FEES 1,321,079 SOLID WASTE FEES 8,479,000 WATER FEES 21,549,088 WASTE WATER FEES 18,506,200Page2250 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued DISPOSAL TAX 135,000 FUND BALANCE - ADMINISTRATION 465,000 FUND BALANCE – SOLID WASTE 0 FUND BALANCE - WATER 0 FUND BALANCE - WASTEWATER 0 TRANSFER FROM GENERAL FUND – SOLID WASTE 1,400,000 TRANSFER - WATER 2,993,243 TOTAL 54,848,610 SECTION II There is hereby levied a Tax Rate of seventy - three 73 cents per one hundred dollars valuation of property listed for taxes as of January 1 , 2021 This rate shall be levied entirely in the General Fund The Tax Rate is based on an estimated total valuation of property for the purposes of taxation of 20,436,525,145 and an estimated collection rate of 9900 SECTION III The Board of Commissioners adopts the fees as are set forth herein and incorporates said fees into the Johnston County Fee Schedules maintained in the Clerk’s Office The Johnston County Fee Schedules , as amended , are hereby adopted and incorporated herein as by reference as if fully set forth herein The Johnston County Fee Schedules , as amended , shall be maintained in the Clerk’s Office and sets forth all fees authorized to be charged by the County for County goods , services or other functions provided by County personnel , equipment , including consultation and other such activities and is hereby approved GIS fees are approved to recognize cost and may be amended as needed The fees may be amended from time to time , as determined by the Board of Commissioners SECTION IV Landfill Tipping Fees shall be levied at a rate of 45 per ton including State surcharges for asbestos waste Landfill Tipping Fees shall be levied at a rate of 40 per ton for municipal solid waste generated in Johnston County The minimum fee for any vehicle shall be 8 A rate of four times the inside rate shall be levied for all solid waste generated outside of Johnston County Solid Waste assigned to the Sheriffs Department and Planning Department to enforce Solid Waste Laws , Rules and Regulations in Johnston County to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 111 The Landfill tipping fee for non - commercial yard wastes shall be 18 per ton or 8 per pickup size load An ineligible illegal tire disposal fee of 65 per ton shall be levied The corrugated cardboard disposal penalty shall be four times the tipping fee surcharge to a maximum amount of 300 SECTION V A fee of 100 per household shall be levied to all citizens in the county using the manned compaction sites and the landfill A vehicle identification sticker must be purchased prior to use of the sites in the County The vehicle identification sticker shall be valid for a twelve month period from the date of purchase SECTION VI The following fee adjustments for water and wastewater are adopted , effective as noted Adopted Water and Sewer Rates for Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 Water Rates - Effective Date September 1 , 2021 Item FY 21 22 Retail Monthly Service Base Charge ¾ ” – 1 ” Meter 2100 month 1 ½ ” Meter 4200 month 2 ” Meter 5600 month 3 ” Meter 8400 month 4 ” Meter 14000 month 6 ” Meter 21000 month 8 ” Meter 26500 month 10 ” Meter 42000 month 12 ” Meter 56000 month Retail Commodity Charge Residential up to 4,000 gal mo & Other 415 1,000 gallons Residential 5,000 – 9,000 gal mo 510 1,000 gallons Residential 10,000 – 14,000 gal mo 605 1,000 gallons Residential 15,000 gallons or more mo 670 1,000 gallons Metered Irrigation Usage 530 1,000 gallons Hydrant Meter Base Charge 7500 month Commodity Charge per 1,000 gallons 830 1,000 gallonsPage3251 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Bulk Commodity Charge 302 1,000 gallons Contract Services Fee Water Districts 160 1,000 gallons Bulk Capacity Fee 700 gpd of avg capacity Effective date of October 1 , 2021 Sewer Rates - Effective Date September 1 , 2021 Item FY 21 22 Retail Monthly Service Base Charge ¾ ” – 1 ” Meter 3100 month Devil’s Racetrack 3 4 ” - 1 ” 3600 month 1 ½ ” Meter 5100 month Devil’s Racetrack 1 ½ ” 5500 month 2 ” Meter 7300 month 3 ” Meter 11500 month 4 ” Meter 19500 month 6 ” Meter 30000 month 8 ” Meter 44500 month 690 1,000 gallons Retail Commodity Charge Bulk Commodity Charge Transmission Town of Smithfield 069 1,000 gallons Town of Selma 111 1,000 gallons Town of Pine Level Four Oaks Clayton 130 1,000 gallons Bulk Commodity Charge Treatment Smithfield Selma Pine Level Four Oaks 315 1,000 gallons Clayton Aqua 315 1,000 gallons Carolina Water Service 645 1,000 gallons High Strength Surcharge Town of Clayton 268 1,000 gallons 1100 gpd plus costs for any Bulk Capacity Fee necessary transmission infrastructure not included in the 2019 SDF CIP Residential Septage Disposal 3200 ton Biosolids Processing 1,09000 ton Plan Review , Permitting & Inspection Fees - Effective Date July 1 , 2021 Item FY 21 22 Water Plan Review Residential 8000 lot Non - Residential 12500 acre Sewer Plan Review Residential 8000 lot Non - Residential 12500 acre Stormwater Plan Review Residential 1,100 for up to 10 acres of total site ; 100 ac for each additional acre Non - Residential 1,100 for up to 5 acres of total site ; 140 ac for each additional acre Sedimentation Erosion Control Plan 380 disturbed acre up to 10 acres ; 125 for each Review additional acrePage4252 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued 500 1 – 2 calls on the site Buffer Determination 125 for each additional call Re - Inspection Fee Applies when a re - inspection is required to address a NOV , project 15000 Re - inspection permit close - out or utilities final inspection Sedimentation Erosion Control Financial Responsibility & Ownership 15000 Permit Transfer Transfer Requiring New Permit SECTION VII Salaries The following shall govern salary and wage compensation for Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 A Pay Plan There is hereby adopted a pay plan which includes a 3 cost - of - living adjustment in July 2021 and performance pay adjustments up to 2 in September 2021 for FY 2021 - 2022 SECTION VIII The Budget Officer is hereby authorized to transfer appropriations within a fund as contained herein under the following conditions as specified in North Carolina General Statute 159 A The Budget Officer may transfer amounts between objects of expenditure within departments listed in this Ordinance without a report B The Budget Officer may transfer amounts up to 5,000 between departments of the same fund and reported as part of the monthly financial statements C The Budget Officer may not transfer amounts between funds nor from the Contingency Fund without prior Board Action SECTION IX Restricted Revenues The Finance Officer is hereby directed to fund appropriations which have specified revenues prior to funding with General Fund monies This is to include but not limited to Fines and Forfeitures , ABC profits , Sales Tax , State and Federal Grants , and Forestry Revenues That a non - profit corporation be continued to issue obligations to finance the purchase and or construction of fixed assets to include but not limited to utility lines and buildings SECTION X State designated Sales and Use Tax is hereby designated for the payment of debt for new and renovated schools School Debt Service is to be paid from the General Fund as directed by the independent auditors Fines and Forfeitures are deposited directly with the Board of Education by the Clerk of Court SECTION XI Encumbrances All outstanding encumbrances from Prior Fiscal Years are to be carried forward to Fiscal Year 2021 - 2022 All Project Ordinance appropriations are continued SECTION XII Budget Control The Board of Commissioners in approving the Budget , have utilized to the fullest extent possible its revenue sources Over collections of revenue or unanticipated revenue sources cannot be expected to materialize during the year It is therefore , of utmost importance , and the County Manager is hereby directed , to initiate steps to insure that the budget as fixed herein is complied with The County Manager is further directed where it appears that costs may possibly exceed budget appropriations , to first take steps to contain costs by any necessary methods including reductions in services , prior to requesting budget amendment action by the Board of Commissioners SECTION XIII The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Johnston County Tax Administrator to collect taxes for the Towns of Clayton , Smithfield , Four Oaks , Pine Level , Micro , Princeton , Wilson’s Mills , Whitley Heights Sanitary District , Moccasin Creek Service District and Smithfield Downtown Development District in compliance with the contracts adopted by the various governing boards A charge of two percent 2 of all taxes collected for the governmental units will be payable to Johnston County for said billing and collection services Taxes for the Towns of Archer Lodge , Selma , Kenly , and Benson are collected by the Johnston County Tax Administrator also The charge of two and one half percent 2 ½ of all taxes collected will be payable to Johnston County for said billing and collection services SECTION XIV The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Tax Administrator to bill and collect taxes for the Whitley Heights Sanitary District and for the Fire Departments listed below and to charge a uniform fee of two percent 2 of all taxes collected on their behalf Page5253 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Banner Fire District 12 cents Bentonville Fire District 8 cents Beulah Kenly Fire District 10 cents Boon Hill Princeton Fire District 10 cents Blackmans Crossroads Fire District 13 cents Brogden Fire District 10 cents Claytex 1175 cents Corinth Holder Fire District 11 cents Elevation Fire District 10 cents McLemore - Cleveland Fire District 925 cents Meadow Fire District 11 cents Micro Fire District 12 cents Nahunta Fire District 6 cents Newton Grove Fire District 75 cents North Side Fire District 9 cents Oakland Fire District 7 cents ONeals - Antioch Fire District 8 cents PI - LE 10 cents Selma 12 cents Shoeheel 12 cents Smithfield 12 cents Strickland Crossroads Fire District 10 cents West Johnston Fire District 7 cents Wilsons Mills Fire District 6 cents Wynn Four Oaks Fire District 8 cents 50 - 210 Fire District 8 cents The above amounts are per one hundred dollar valuation of property listed for taxes as of January 1 , 2021 , located within these Special Fire Districts The Board of Commissioners hereby appropriates to the Special Fire Districts , sums collected for the use by the Special Fire Districts in such manner and for such expenditures as is permitted by law from the proceeds of the tax levy SECTION XV The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Tax Administrator to bill and collect taxes for the Research Training Zone District at a rate of eight cents per one hundred dollar valuation of property listed for taxes as of January 1 , 2021 , located within the district SECTION XVI The Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Tax Administrator to bill and collect taxes for the Moccasin Creek Service District at a rate of one and one - half cents per one hundred dollar valuation of property listed for taxes as of January 1 , 2021 , located within the district SECTION XVII The County Manager or designee shall have the authority to obligate through the necessary agreements , contracts , agreements , or other such documents funds included in this budget ordinance and execute contracts in accordance with Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes and the Johnston County Purchasing Policy , as may be amended from time to time At the County Manager’s discretion , any lease , agreement , contract , contract amendment , or change order described in this section may nevertheless be submitted to the Board Contracts , amendments , or change orders duly approved by the Board may be executed by the Chairman , Vice - Chairman , or County Manager th The ORDINANCE being duly passed and adopted this 21 day of June , 2021 JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ______________________________________________ Chad M Stewart , Chairman ________________________________________________ Paula G Woodard , Clerk to the BoardPage6254 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued Commissioner Harris stated he wanted to point out that this year’s allocation to Johnston County Schools in the amended motion would represent the largest it has ever been at 799 million for current expense and 29 million for capital outlay Commissioner Harris also noted that by funding the Town of Smithfield’s water line project , it only continues to enhance and improve the overall County water system Commissioner Harris stated there were many good things accomplished in this year’s budget 5 Partnership for Children of Johnston County – Proclamation for Summer Learning Week Upon a motion by Commissioner Larry Wood , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board adopted the following proclamation for Summer Learning Week PROCLAMATION FOR SUMMER LEARNING WEEK Whereas , Summer Learning Week is a time to reflect on the importance of keeping youth learning , safe , and healthy every summer , ensuring they return to school in the fall ready to succeed in the year ahead ; and Whereas , Summer learning loss is a significant contributor to the achievement gap — a gap which remains constant during the nine months of the school year but widens during the summer months ; and Whereas , Summer learning programs are proven to maintain and advance students ’ academic and social growth , keep children safe and healthy during the summer , and send young people back to school ready to learn ; and Whereas , A wide array of public agencies , community - based organizations , schools , libraries , museums , recreation centers , camps , and businesses in our community contribute to the well - being of youth through summer programming ; and Whereas , Summer learning is a critical component of our collective effort to ensure all students are reading on grade level to be prepared for college , careers , and life Now , Therefore , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims July 12 - 16 , 2021 as SUMMER LEARNING WEEK in Johnston County and commends this observance to all of our citizens 6 Finance – Resolution for Implementation of a Water and Sewer Revenue Bond Program Upon a motion by Commissioner Larry Wood , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board voted to sit simultaneously as the Johnston County Board of Commissioners and the Archer Lodge , Brogden , Buffalo , Clayton , Cleveland , Elevation , Hopewell - Pisgah , Ingrams Township , Little Creek , Little River , McGee’s Crossroads , Meadow , O’Neals , Princeton - Kenly and Wilson’s Mills Water Districts The Chairman introduced the following resolution , a summary of which had been provided to each Commissioner , a copy of which was available with the Clerk to the Board and which was read by title RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A WATER AND SEWER REVENUE BOND PROGRAM FOR THE COUNTY ; THE CONTRACTUAL SUPPORT THEREOF BY CERTAIN WATER DISTRICTS CREATED BY THE COUNTY ; AND CERTAIN RELATED MATTERS WHEREAS , the County of Johnston , North Carolina the “ County ” , owns and or operates a water and sewer system , which currently provides water and sanitary sewer services to the residents , businesses and other users located within the jurisdiction of the County and its surrounding areas ; WHEREAS , the County is empowered , under the Constitution and laws of the State of North Carolina , particularly The State and Local Government Revenue Bond Act , Article 5 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina , as amended herein called the “ Act ” , to issue revenue bonds for the purposes set forth in the Act ; WHEREAS , the County has determined to provide for the issuance from time to time of revenue bonds under the Act for the purpose of i financing or refinancing the costs of extensions , additions and capital improvements to , or the acquisition , renewal or replacement of capital assets of , or purchasing and installing new equipment for the water and sewer system and ii paying the costs of issuance for any revenue bonds ;Page7255 June 21 , 2021 – 6 00 pm Continued WHEREAS , all such revenue bonds will be secured by a pledge of the net revenues of the County’s water and sewer system as defined in the revenue bond order ; and WHEREAS , as part of said proposed revenue bond program , certain water districts created by the County collectively , the “ Districts ” will each execute and deliver an Interlocal Agreement between the County and such District , pursuant to which such District will contractually agree to provide financial support , if requested by the County and subject to the terms and limitations of said Interlocal Agreement , to the County for the repayment of the revenue bonds issued by the County from time to time ; WHEREAS , the Interlocal Agreement entered into by a District will constitute only a contractual obligation of such District , and will not constitute indebtedness of , or a guarantee by , such District ; WHEREAS , the Board desires to approve the implementation of a water and sewer revenue bond program by the County , the contractual support thereof by said Districts and to authorize other actions in connection therewith ; NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners , as follows Section 1 The Board of Commissioners acting in such capacity and as the governing body of each of the Districts hereby finds and confirms that i the proposed issuance of revenue bonds by the County to finance or refinance the costs of extensions , additions and capital improvements to , or the acquisition , renewal or replacement of capital assets of , or purchasing and installing new equipment for the water and sewer system of the County is necessary and expedient ; ii the amount of the revenue bonds to be issued by the County under the revenue bond program will be adequate and not excessive for the purposes for which the revenue bonds will be issued ; iii the projects proposed to be financed by the revenue bonds will be feasible ; iv the County’s debt management procedures and policies are good ; v the proposed revenue bonds can be marketed at reasonable interest costs to the County ; vi that the probable net revenues of the projects to be financed or refinanced will be sufficient to meet the sums to fa