June 6, 1983 - 10:00 AM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

Meeting Board of Commissioners Johnston CountyJune 6, 1983The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday, June 6, 1983,at 10 oclock am, in the Commissioners Room of the Johnston County Courthouse, Smithfield,North Carolina, with the following members presentNorman C Denning, Chairman, Frank B Holding, Vice Chairman, James W Cash, HowardBenton and John M Booker, DVMMembers Absent NoneThe Chairman called the meeting to order and the following business was transacted1 MinutesThe minutes of the May 2nd and May 12, 1983, board meetings stand approved as recorded2 Monument Honoring War VeteransRay Smith, President, Johnston County Veterans Council, and a delegation of JohnstonCounty veterans met with the board requesting permission to install a monument in front of theCourthouse to honor World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans In reference to the presentmonument which honors World War I veterans, Mr Smith stated that Johnston County has everyright to be proud of all its men that served this country in these wars and they deserverecognization The Veterans Council has agreed on a granite monument with bronze plaques, abouteight feet tall, at a cost of 15,000, and requested this amount from the county Mr Smithtold the board, if they could get a commitment from the county for funding at this time, themonument could possibly be ready for dedication by November 11th, Veterans DayAfter discussion, Commissioner Howard Benton moved that 15,000 be appropriated in thisyears budget 198271983, from the Contingency Fund, for the erection of this monument to beplaced in front of the Courthouse in honor of World War II, Korean War and Vietnam VeteransCommissioner James W Cash seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote3 1983 -1984 Proposed Budget PresentationKramer Jackson, Budget Officer, presented the 1983 -1984 Proposed Budget and BudgetMessage to the Board of Commissioners Seepage 316 -A for Budget MessageIn some discussion of the 83 -84 Budget, the board briefly talked about the Home HealthBudget request Helen Ray, Health Di rector, being present at this time again made a requestfor a part -time Sanitarian Technician for three months to assist with the inspections andmaintainingof sanitary conditions in the migrant camps No action was taken on this requestat this time4 Fireworks Displays GrantedCommissioner Frank B Holding moved that the Smithfield Optimist Club and the ArcherLodge Community Center, Inc, be granted permission to hold fireworks displays during theJuly 4th 1983 week -end The Smithfield Optimist Club on July 4th at Bingham Park, Smithfield,NC, and the Archer Lodge Community Center on July 2nd at the Archer Lodge Recreation Park,Archer LodgeCommissioner John M Booker5 Schedule B License - Resoconded the motion which was carried by unanimous voteion AdoptedUpon a motion by Commissioner Howard Benton, duly seconded by Commissioner John MBooker and carried, the following Resolution for Schedule B License was adoptedRESOLUTION -FOR SCHEDULE B LICENSEWHEREAS, it is provided in Chapter 158, Public Laws of 1939, in an act entitled,REVENUE ACT OF 1939 , under Article II Section B License Taxes of said Chapter, as amended,that the counties of North Carolina or any of them may impose and levy a county license orprivilege tax for the purpose of carrying on the business exercises, exercising the privilegeof doing the act named therein, beginning June 1, 1983, and ending May 31, 1984;WHEREAS, the County of Johnston, a body corporate and politic in the State of NorthCarolina, by and through its Board of Commissioners, desires to impose and levy said licenseand privilege taxes in Johnston County for the said tax year 1983 -1984, in strict accordancewith the provisions of said Article II, Schedule B; and to impose and levy said taxes, andto require reasonable reports from distributors in order to make the tax levy and collectioneffective, in amounts to full extent and limit authorized under said Article II, Schedule B;fJune 6, 1983 ContinuedNOW, THEREFORE, DID RESOLVE, THAT THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF JOHNSTON COUNTY, Dohereby impose and levy in and for the County of Johnston, North Carolina, for the tax yearbeginning June 1, 1983, and ending May 31, 1984, license and privilege taxes provided for andauthorized under the provisions of Article II, Schedule B, of Chapter 158, Public Laws of1939, as amended, and which under said Article the counties ofNorth Carolina are authorizedand empowered to impose and levy, collect and require reasonable reports from distributors inorder to make the tax levy and collection effective; and did resolve further, that said Boardof Commissioners does impose, levy and require reasonable reports from-distributors in orderto make the tax levy and collection effective in amounts to the full extent and limit authorizedunder said Article II, Schedule W6 Johnston Technical College - Fund TransferCommissioner Frank B Holding moved that the fund balance of 8,59991 for JohnstonTechnical College be transferred from the FY 1982 Budget to the FY 1983 BudgetCommissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote7 Extension of Employment - Health Department and Mental Health AuthorityCommissioner James W Cash moved that a one year extension of employment be granted toJoyce Jones and Martha Stevens of the Johnston County Health Department, and Jesse Oneil Hawleyof the Johnston County Mental Health Authority `These employees have reached the age of 65and are granted this extension in accordance with Article VII, Section 13 of the JohnstonCounty Personnel PoliciesCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote8, Library - Hospitalization Insurance for EmployeesUpon the request of the Public Library Board of Trustees, Commissioner Howard Bentonmoved that Public Library employees be allowed to join the countys Blue Cross and Blue Shieldgroup health insurance plan in order to reduce the librarys cost and increase benefits forthese employees The library will pay its cost to the county on a monthly basisCommissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote9, Selma - Pine Level Water Line - Louis Peedin - Right -of -Way PaymentCommissioner Howard Benton moved that Louis Peedin, Highway 70 -A, Pine Level be paid12000 for right -of -way privileges granted to the county to cross his property on the Selmato Pine Level Water Line projectCommissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote10 Service Road - Request to be NamedThe board received a request from Dick Fleming, Smithfield, NC, to name the 1 -95Service Road between US 70 and US 70 -A, Pottery Road Mr Fleming is in the processof constructing a new business named Carolina Pottery on this service road This service roadformerly referred to as Sylvania RoadThe board discussed this matter and agreed to take it under advisement11 Blackmons Crossroad Fire Department - Pavement of Drive -wayWayne Bailey and Paul Anderson, Engineers, North Carolina Department of Transportation,met with the board advising they had received a request from the Blackmons Crossroad FireDepartment to pave the driveway at the fire station Mr Bailey said the cost would be about1,000 and would be appropriated from the Secondary Road Contingency FundCommissioner Frank B Holding moved that the above request to pave the driveway at theBlackmons Crossroads Fire Station at a cost of approximately 1,000 be approvedCommissioner James W Cash seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote12 Road Petition - Secondary Road # 1139Commissioner Howard Benton moved that the petition presented for the paving of SecondaryRoad # 1139, Route # 2, Benson, Meadow Township, be approved and forwarded to the North CarolinaDepartment of Transportation for considerationCommissioner Frank B Holding seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous votelaJune 6th Continued13 Secondary Road # 2336The Chairman asked Mr Bailey and Mr Anderson to make a routine investigation ofSecondary Road # 2336 The Chairman stated that property owners on this road have complainedabout the road being to narrow andnot up to secondary road standards14 Kountr_ Kable - Extension Granted to Comply with Cable TV FranchiseCommissioner Frank B Holding moved that Kountry Kable Billy Braswell be granted a15 day extension to comply with the conditions set out in the Cable TV Franchise ReferenceMinutes of May 12, 1983, page 311, item # 2Commissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote15 Channel Master - Seeking Cable TV FranchiseJames Armour of Channel Master Satellite Systems, Inc, met with the board requestingthat they be allowed to present a proposal for cable television service for a limited area inJohnston County surrounding Kenly, Micro and PrincetonThe board discussed this request at length and asked Mr Armour to prepare mapsshowing the exact areas they propose to serve and to work with the County Manager in workingout the details for a county franchise16 Recreation Grant Extension - 4 -H ClubUpon the request of William H Clayton, Extension Agent 4 -H, Commissioner Frank BHolding moved that Johnston County 4 -H Club be granted a 90 day extension for the use of their1982 -1983 Revenue Sharing Recreation GrantCommissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote17 Appointment - Jul CommissionCommissioner Howard Benton moved that Herman Lawson of Smithfield, NC, be appointedto serve a two year term on the Johnston County Jury Commission, effective July 1, 1983Commissioner James W Cash seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote18 Appointments - Technical College - Library Board - Council on Status of Women -BoardCommissioner John M Booker moved that the following appointments be madeJohnston Technical College Board of Trustees John S Shallcross, SrSmithfield, NC - 8 year termeffective June, 1983;Library Board of TrusteesCouncil on Status of WomenHospital Board of TrusteesPeggy Starling, Princeton, NC3 year term, effective June, 1983;Dr Joseph Jan Creech, Kenly, NC3 year term, effective June, 1983;Loretta Woodard, Princeton, NC2 year term, effective June, 1983;3itaMelvin Edwards, Princeton, NCto serve the unexpired term of KennethDeacon Jones, expiration dateOctober, 1983Commissioner James W Cash seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote19 Quit Claim Deed - Hattie Buie SandersUpon the recommendation of Johnnie Stott, Tax Administrator, Commissioner Frank BHolding moved that the county grant a quit -claim deed to Mrs Hattie Buie Sanders for lot # 13located on Sixth Street county tax map # 41 - lot # 13 upon payment of taxes in the amountof 59415 to the county and 45169 to the Town of SmithfieldCommissioner John M Booker seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote20 County Tax LiensThe Tax Administrator told the board that a company in Wilson is in the business of` buying up tax liens The board agreed they did not want to get in the business of selling taxliens21 Bulk Container SiteCommissioner James W Cash moved that Commissioner Frank B Holding and Kramer Jackson,County Manager, be authorized to negotiate with Buck Adams for the purchase of property nearEmit located on State Road # 2102 for a bulk container site Mr Adams has asked 2,500 peracre, and there is an acre and maybe 2 or 3 tenths that he wishes to sellCommissioner Howard Benton seconded the motion which was carried by unanimous vote22 Public Hearing - 1983 -1984 Proposed BudgetAt 2 oclock pm, the Chairman opened the Public Hearing on the 1983 -1984 ProposedBudget for anyone that wished to speak or had any comments on the budgetHelen Ray, Health Director, gave the Commissioners additional information on the HomeHealth Services Program and they talked about space needed for these services and the sourcesof funding by the State, Medicaid, Medicare and private funds for the Home Health Program TheCommissioners showed much concern about the funding for this program Ms Ray told the boardthat if funds cease so would this programThere being no one else coming forward to speak regarding the 1983 -1984 Proposed CountyBudget, the Chairman declared the Public Hearing closedUpon a motion by Commissioner John M Booker, duly seconded by Commissioner Frank BHolding and carried, the board recessed until Tuesday, June 14, 1983, at 730 pm?, ?oa -Norman C Denning, ChairmanEleanor N CreeClerk to the BoardjiPage 316 -ABUDGET MESSAGE TO THE JOHNSTON COUNTYBOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ANDTO THE CITIZENS OF JOHNSTON COUNTYProposed July 1, 1983 to June 1984 BudgetThe Proposed Fiscal Year 1984 Budget totals 28,692,583County property tax represents 28 of the total revenuesFederal and State grants represent 25 of the total revenuesand the Hospital Construction Fund represents an additional23 Human Services Programs account for 31 of the totalbudget Educational programs receive 19 of the budgetand General Government receives approximately 6 ofthe budgetThis year, for the first time in perhaps the past fortyyears, we are experiencing a decrease in the value oftaxable property in Johnston County This results in lesstax dollars to operate County governmentHad the annual increase in property value followed thetrend of the past decade, the Countys taxable propertywould have a value of approximately 120 million morethan the present value This translates into a decreaseof 800,000 in property tax over a two year periodFor the approaching budget year, each one cent of propertytax will bring in less money than the same rate bringsin for the current yearisThis reduction can be attributed directly to the slowdown in the economy The tax listings for January 1,1983, show a reduction in industrial and business inventoryof forty to sixty million dollarsFor the current year, the following examples of industrialinventory reductions will provide evidence of the magnitudeof loss in taxable propertySylvania - NAP10,840,410Cutter Labs6, 200, 304Squibb4105,865Texas City Refinery2, 048, 648CONOCO, Inc1, 804, 281Fieldcrest1,660,037American Petrofina17616,934Exxon Corporation1,029,130Eaton Corporation995,745Revere Solar688,212The short fall of dollars in property tax can not be madeup through any other available source of County revenueThe options, therefore, are to reduce expenditures orto increase the property tax rateRevenue- haring FundsjThe Federal Revenue Sharing Program is scheduled toterminate on September 30, 1983 Congress may or maynot extend the programThe proposed budget shows a reduction of Federal RevenueSharing dollars to the County of 495,190This reduction of 4951190 in Revenue Sharing addedto the loss of taxable property in the County bringsabout a net reduction of 625,591 in County funds forthe 1984 budget yearOn March 11 1983, the County sold 72 million worthof General Obligation Bonds The proceeds of the bondsare being used to renovate and built an addition toJohnston Memorial HospitalThe budget year beginning July 1st requires the Countyto pay the first of ten years bonded indebtedness towardthe retirement of these bondsThe required deb t service on the hospital bonds forFY 1984 is 1,169,950 This amount is equivalent to atax increase of 110Johnston Memorial Hospital has agreed to contribute 500,000to be usedtoward the first years debtserviceLessthe 5001000,the County must budget669,950Thisrequires atax increase of 6270 Thisincreasecanbe reducedif the Board allows interestearned onthebond proceedsto be used-For those departments and agencies under the generalsupervision of the Board of County Commissioners, thecost of utilities has been estimated at a 20 increaseThe cost for telephones has been increased by 10 Bothestimates are based upon the best available informationNext years budget reflects a decrease in the operationcost of those agencies and departments supervised directlyby the Board of County CommissionersNext years budget reflects an increase of approximately4 in the operation cost of those agencies dependent onthe County for financial assistance but under the supervisionof a Board other than the County CommissionersAdditional office space for court related personnel andtwo additional courtrooms are needed by the court systemFunds are not available in the FY 1984 budget for eitherThe Sheriff has requested additional office space, tennew employees, a radio repeater, and seven replacementautomobiles Funds are not available for these requestsother than through an increase in the property taxE?Even with the mandate to build ais available in the proposed budgetof Human Resources has determinedJail to be inadequate in size tojail populationivnew jail, no moneyThe State Departmentthe Johnston Countyaccommodate the dailyOnce againthe numberone priorityof needin the admini-stration ofthe taxoffice is toprovidefunds to mapthe CountyThis request has beenmade forseveral yearsThe Countyneeds tobe tax mappedformany reasonsFunds are not availablein the fiscalyear 1984budgetAdditional office space for court related personnel andtwo additional courtrooms are needed by the court systemFunds are not available in the FY 1984 budget for eitherThe Sheriff has requested additional office space, tennew employees, a radio repeater, and seven replacementautomobiles Funds are not available for these requestsother than through an increase in the property taxE?Even with the mandate to build ais available in the proposed budgetof Human Resources has determinedJail to be inadequate in size tojail populationivnew jail, no moneyThe State Departmentthe Johnston Countyaccommodate the dailyThe Jailhasan approvedlock -up capacity of39 Weroutinelyhaveas many as70 prisoners lockedup Thecost ofa newjail meetingState standards willexceed3 million To construct a new jail during the next budgetyear would require a 300 tax increase1 cant see any hope of the County being in a positionto reserve 3 million over the next five years to builda new jail1, therefore, recommend the Board of Commissioners explorethe feasibility of contracting with a development organizationor with a contractor to build a jail with non - county fundsThe County could then purchase the jail over a ten yearperiod This method of financing a new jail would satisfythe demands of the State to provide an adequate jailand would allow the County the advantage of spreadingits payments while avoiding a sizable tax increaseAs a post script, I would speculate that should the pendingSafe Roads Act be inacted into law, the County wouldbe subjected to even greater pressures to build a newjail facilityThe rapidly increasing service provided by the CountysHealth Department is placing demands on the County toincrease the size of the Health Department; Building andto employ additional personnelThe FY 1984 budget has a request from the Health Adminis-trator for 50,000 to increase the size of the Health BuildingFunds are not available for this cost There is also arequest for five new positions to be financed throughthe Home Health ProgramvDetailsAnnotationsEntry PropertiesModified11192013 21155 PMCreated4172003 21036 PMTemplateMinutesFieldsMinutes - TypeRegularMinutes - Date661983Book17