November 26, 1990 - 7:00 PM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes (Special)

Meeting of the Johnston County Board of CommissionersNovember 26, 1990The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in special session Monday, November26, 1990, at 7 oclock pm at the Pine Level Fire Department, West Main Street, Pine Level,North Carolina, with the following members presentNorman C Denning, Chairman, Frank B Holding, Vice Chairman, James W Cash,John M Booker, DVM, and Jerry F Wood, DDSAbsent NoneAlso Present Richard B Self, County Manager, Eleanor N Creech, Clerk to theBoard, Joyce H Ennis, Deputy Clerk and Dewayne West, Director of Emergency ManagementThe Chairman called the meeting to order and opened the Public Hearing concerningthe designation of a fire taxing district for the service area known as PI -LE Fire DistrictPublic HearingAdvertised The Smithfield Herald - November 16, 1990Kenly News - Pine Level Edition - November 21, 1990Attendance Approximately 75 peopleChairman Norman C Denning recognized Pine Level Mayor, James Philip Pittman, FireChief, Dwight Sorrells, and President of Pine Level Fire Board, Dwight Oliver He stated thepurpose of the Public Hearing is to obtain citizen input concerning the levy of a tax for fireprotection in the PI -LE Service District located outside the town of Pine Level and served bythe Pine Level Fire DepartmentThe Chairman called on Dewayne West, Johnston County Fire Marshall and Director ofEmergency Management to review the requirements of a service district and the authorizationunder NC General StatutesMr West outlined the criteria which fire departments must meet and state regulationsfor ISO ratings He explained the lower the rating the fire department receives, the greaterthe benefit to homeowners and commercial business within the district, relative to insurancepremiums He emphasized the added revenue from a district tax could enhance the quality offire service by providing additional and more up -to -date equipmentChairman Denning asked if anyone wished to address the BoardCommentsToby Coffelt offered his support for a district tax saying everyone who receives theservice should pay a fair shareHubert Radford concurred noting the entire community needs to work together tosupport the Fire DepartmentTeeny Bizzell stated he was not opposed to a tax but feels the people need moreinformation He voiced concerns about the following 1 determination of the actual tax ratebeing considered, 2 towns funding in comparison with proposed district tax and 3 effectof County tax revaluation on district tax rateChairman Denning explained the actual rate would be determined by three appointedcommissioners, all of whom must be residents of the district, outside the town limits Thethree would work with the fire department each year to prepare a budget and, based on theneeded revenue, would set a tax rate for the fire district He noted that although the lawallows up to 150, the Commissioners and Fire Association agreed some years ago to limit therate in Johnston County to no more than 8¢100 valuationDewayne West added the tax rate can be adjusted each year and thereforerevaluation would be taken into considerationOthers who spoke on the responsibility of town residents to pay a fair share of thecosts were Ricky Brady, Don Thompson, and Bernice CreechMayor Phil Pittman pointed out that Pine Level has supported the fire departmentsince its inception with yearly donations, cost -free water, and additional funds when neededHe cited several incidents when the town helped buy fire trucks and other expensiveequipment Councilmen Berry Godwin and Clyde Creech agreed saying the town will continuetheir support and work with the department to assure equitable fundingNovember 26, 1990 ContinuedFireman Ed Crumpler spoke of department needs, especially better protectiveequipment for the firemen He expressed appreciation to the town for their support over theyears and stated, in his opinion, the overall costs to rural and town citizens will be aboutthe sameFire Chief, Dwight Sorrells, called attention to the fact that the department isindependent from the town and yearly signs a service agreement with Pine Level, just as itdoes with the County He agreed the town has always assisted the department and that it istime for everyone who has the service to pay a fair shareIt was suggested the town might change its method of contributing and include itscitizens in the proposed taxCommissioner Frank B Holding pointed out that by General Statute, the County cannot levy tax on municipal residents without a resolution from the town Chairman Denningadded he felt sure the town, the department and the fire commissioners would be able towork together to everyones satisfactionVicky Capps, who lives in the PI -LE service district outside the town of Pine Level,mentioned that on several occasions she and her husband have called the fire department totheir home She praised the firemens dedication noting the service they provide isincalculable and everyone in the service area should be willing to help pay, regardlesswhether rural or townMarvin Capps, Tim Overby and Chris Capps each spoke in favor of the tax,emphasizing the important function of the fire department and the dedication of the firemenThey pointed out that town citizens have been paying for many years through town taxes,and Mr Overby stressed the important factor is the service, not who pays moreDebbie Oliver concurred stating the major consideration should be the need toprovide the best protective equipment for the fireman to minimize the serious risks they takewhen fighting firesTeeny Bizzell again addressed the assemblage pledging his unqualified support of adistrict taxThere being no further comments, Chairman Denning thanked everyone for attendingand closed the Public HearingUpon a motion made and duly seconded, the Board adjournedNorman C Denning, ChairmanJ y e Ennis, Deputy Jerk