September 5, 2023 - 10:00 AM - County Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 736 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners September 5 , 2023 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Tuesday , September 5 , 2023 at 10 00 am in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , Richard D Braswell , and April Stephens Absent Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Clerk to the Board Dana G Cuddington , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 10 00 am Commissioner April Stephens opened the meeting with a prayer VFW Post 5886 Smithfield led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Lawter reminded everyone of the Board’s six priorities including Public Safety , Infrastructure , County Employees , Financial Stewardship , Educational Funding , and Land Use and the Board’s continuing efforts to keep these priorities in mind when working through the agenda 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda moving the resolution supporting Operation Green Light for the Veterans Services Office to the beginning of the agenda 2 Veterans Services Office – Resolution Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans Commissioner Ted G Godwin read aloud the following resolution supporting Operation Green Light and moved for its adoption Commissioner Tony Braswell seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote RESOLUTION Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans WHEREAS , the residents of Johnston County have great respect , admiration , and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces ; and WHEREAS , the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County seeks to honor these individuals who have paid the high price for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all ; and WHEREAS , Veterans continue to serve our community in the various Veterans Services Organizations , religious groups , civil service , and by functioning as County Veteran Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than 52 billion in federal health , disability and compensation benefits each year ; and WHEREAS , approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually ; and WHEREAS , an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future ; and WHEREAS , studies indicate that 44 - 72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life ; and WHEREAS , Active Military Service Members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service ; andPage737 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , the National Association of Counties encourages all counties , parishes and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States Military Personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted NOW THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED , with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners hereby declares from October through Veterans Day , November 11 , 2023 , a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service ; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that in observance of Operation Green Light , Johnston County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence , and further encourages all municipalities within Johnston County to display green lighting , wherever possible , at public buildings th Adopted this the 5 day of September , 2023 3 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Tony Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – August 7 , 2023 10 00 am and 6 00 pm B Department of Transportation – Additions to the System The Board concurred with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Caleb Acres Lane , Journey Way , Viajar Way and Voyage Circle – Caleb Acres – Smithfield Township Pineapple Place – Kimsey – Pleasant Grove Township C Proclamation – 2023 Fall Litter Sweep – September 16 - 30 , 2023 , adopted as follows PROCLAMATION FALL LITTER SWEEP 2023 WHEREAS , the North Carolina Department of Transportation organizes an annual fall statewide roadside cleanup to ensure clean and beautiful roads in North Carolina ; and WHEREAS , the FALL LITTER SWEEP roadside cleanup encourages local governments and communities , civic and professional groups , businesses , churches , schools , families and individual citizens to participate in the Department of Transportation cleanup by sponsoring and organizing local roadside cleanups ; and WHEREAS , Adopt - A - Highway volunteers , Department of Transportation employees , Department of Public Safety – Division of Adult Correction inmates , community service workers , local government agencies , community leaders , civic and community organizations , businesses , churches , schools , and environmentally concerned citizens conduct annual local cleanups during FALL LITTER SWEEP ; and WHEREAS , the great natural beauty of our state and a clean environment are sources of great pride for all North Carolinians , attracting tourists and aiding in recruiting new industries ; and WHEREAS , the cleanup will increase awareness of the need for cleaner roadsides , emphasize the importance of not littering , and encourage recycling of solid wastes ; and th WHEREAS , the 2023 FALL LITTER SWEEP will celebrate the 35 Anniversary of the North Carolina Adopt - A - Highway program and its many volunteer groups that donate their labor and time year round to keep our roadsides clean ; and WHEREAS , the FALL LITTER SWEEP cleanup will be a part of educating the children of this great State regarding the importance of a clean environment to the quality of life in Johnston County and North Carolina ; and NOW , THEREFORE , THE JOHNSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS , does hereby proclaim September 16 through September 30 , 2023 as FALL LITTER SWEEP time in Johnston County , and encourages all citizens to take an active role in making their communities cleaner Page738 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued th Adopted this the 5 day of September , 2023 D Animal Cruelty Officer Reappointment Request The Board reappointed Chad Massengill as the Animal Cruelty Officer to serve Johnston County for a one year term E HAPP – Sole Source Procurement – Housing Management & Accounting Software The Board approved sole source procurement for Housing Management and Accounting Software from Yardi Systems , Inc at a cost of approximately 49,925 in year one , 12,425 in year two , and 22,425 in year three , plus transaction fees F Budget Revisions , approved as follows Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59204558 Diabetes Program MDPP 6,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 6,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 592034155 State Grant 6,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 6,00000 Jail REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 52000411 Professional Service Hospital 4,11259 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 4,11259 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 520033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 4,11259 TOTAL NET REVENUE 4,11259 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 3,82330 10 51004300 Special Services 10000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 3,92330 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 41330 10 510035104 Sheriff Fees 3,51000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 3,92330 G Appointments , approved as follows Bentonville Community Building Board of Trustees – Tony Ray Lee and Jo Ellen Beasley were appointed for two year terms to expire on September 30 , 2025 Livestock Arena Management Board – William “ Otis ” Byrd was reappointed and Brent Jennings was appointed for two year terms to expire on September 30 , 2025 with Mr Byrd receiving a waiver in the length of service policy H Tax Releases & Refunds – 07 16 2023 – 08 15 2023Page739 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUN T 8 3 2023 8 01 15 AM dwoodward2 2023 - 124745 2000235287 FORESTAR USA REAL ESTATE 50863 GROUP INC 8 3 2023 10 03 32 AM dwoodward2 2023 - 117615 2000234724 GAULT , MURRAY 65574 8 3 2023 12 43 17 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 23495 2000216461 GARCIA , SAMUEL VELAZQUEZ 78000 8 3 2023 12 58 55 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 28434 2000186001 DOUG & DIANE NARRON FAMILY 60742 TRUST 8 3 2023 3 12 13 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 32579 2000082966 FELLOWSHIP UNITED 4,17136 METHODIST CH 8 3 2023 4 01 43 PM dwoodward2 2023 - 16404 2000224541 DIAZ , CHRISTIAN GERMAN 2,64608 PERALTA 8 4 2023 2 51 42 PM ALassiter 2023 - 78617 2000186501 PRICE , DALE A 11513 8 4 2023 2 57 08 PM ALassiter 2023 - 4012 2000251352 MAHUTA , DEVIN J 11618 8 4 2023 3 10 13 PM ALassiter 2023 - 70907 2000121394 LINDSAY , ROBERT HAROLD 18076 8 4 2023 3 39 53 PM ALassiter 2023 - 15090 2000204415 BEVERAGE DESTRUCTION SVC 10797 INC 8 8 2023 8 11 47 AM ALassiter 2023 - 122277 2000249443 VEGA , JOSHUA J 29160 8 8 2023 1 40 23 PM ALassiter 2023 - 18877 2000158220 CHACHKES , MATT 11485 8 8 2023 3 18 47 PM ALassiter 2023 - 122253 2000235179 ZIPS EXPRESS # 155 1,30876 8 10 2023 10 33 50 AM dwoodward2 2023 - 87717 79254615 SHERRILL , G PAUL JR 56583 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 7 18 2023 10 39 45 AM tmeacomes 2022 - 83569 2000195322 RODRIGUEZ , XIOMARA 13533 7 19 2023 11 45 26 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 87346 2000064432 SHERMAN , MICHAEL J 11425 7 22 2023 12 00 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 19908 2000184260 CLACK , ALVIS STIRLING III 10464 7 22 2023 12 00 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 30008 2000205084 CRUTCHER , MATTHEW ARRON 27281 7 22 2023 12 00 00 AM tcronan 2023 - 87 2000226178 SANDERS , SHERRY RENEE 14675 7 22 2023 12 01 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 1494 2000202098 ALFARO , AMPARO DALIA OLIVA 48169 7 22 2023 12 01 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 66001 2000176628 MEZA , JORGE IRAN MARCOS 1,60000 7 22 2023 12 01 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 4250 2000213795 MOYNIHAN , MICHAEL 15455 7 22 2023 12 01 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 82335 2000255479 POWELL , CLARENCE STEVEN 21747 7 22 2023 12 01 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 88232 2000226819 SIMMONS , ALEXANDER L 15661 7 22 2023 12 02 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 73230 2000004254 PARKER , DONOVAN ANTONIO 28664 7 22 2023 12 02 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 98300 2000039881 ROBBINS , MAGALENE 20000 7 22 2023 12 02 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 88232 2000226819 SIMMONS , ALEXANDER L 30000 7 22 2023 12 02 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 70301 2000230548 STEPHENSON , LINDA ASHLEY 11253 NEWSOME JOINT TENANTS WR 7 22 2023 12 03 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 98300 2000039881 ROBBINS , MAGALENE 20000 7 22 2023 12 03 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 88232 2000226819 SIMMONS , ALEXANDER L 30000 7 22 2023 12 04 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 88232 2000226819 SIMMONS , ALEXANDER L 30000 7 22 2023 12 05 00 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 88232 2000226819 SIMMONS , ALEXANDER L 30000 7 22 2023 12 06 00 AM tcronan 2023 - 64567 2000080140 WHITLEY , JAN MCLAMB 10102 7 22 2023 12 07 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 74997 2000198340 PEARCE , SHIRLEY JEAN LIFE 44621 ESTATE 7 22 2023 12 07 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 64567 2000080140 WHITLEY , JAN MCLAMB 13700 7 22 2023 12 08 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 64567 2000080140 WHITLEY , JAN MCLAMB 11800 7 22 2023 12 09 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 64567 2000080140 WHITLEY , JAN MCLAMB 13700 7 22 2023 12 10 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 31109 2000053031 ELLIS , JIMMY GRAY 10000 7 22 2023 12 10 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 101150 2000014426 WATSON , WINSTON O 19397 7 22 2023 12 11 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 69394 2000231581 METEVELIS , MARTHA 30000 7 22 2023 12 11 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 101150 2000014426 WATSON , WINSTON O 10000 7 22 2023 12 12 00 AM awstancil 2023 - 101150 2000014426 WATSON , WINSTON O 10000 7 24 2023 8 25 35 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 4203 2000217384 DARPINO , GAETANO L 11474 7 24 2023 9 28 58 AM tmeacomes 2023 - 201835 2000087803 RAINS MILL ROAD LIMITED 29993 PARTNERSHIP 7 24 2023 11 13 01 AM awstancil 2022 - 48338 2000154544 HERNANDEZ , MARIA DE JESUS 13430PagePage pageNumber5740 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued 7 24 2023 1 40 10 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 20921 19270620 COCKRELL , MARSHALL EARL 67371 7 26 2023 2 25 55 PM awstancil 2023 - 111153 2000218143 DOBSON , ANA FREILE 23362 7 28 2023 11 31 05 AM awstancil 2023 - 53896 2000132380 KETCHUM , STEVEN R 10876 7 28 2023 1 33 08 PM awstancil 2022 - 55797 2000188726 LANGDON , ALEX C 37999 7 28 2023 1 35 15 PM awstancil 2022 - 94118 2000203795 SULLIVAN , MICHAEL PERRY 17210 7 31 2023 1 12 06 PM awstancil 2023 - 201917 2000100686 TOLSON , AMY DUNN 81000 7 31 2023 1 59 38 PM awstancil 2023 - 39329 2000055373 GRIBBON , JAMES 11261 8 2 2023 11 22 53 AM awstancil 2022 - 20921 19270620 COCKRELL , MARSHALL EARL 30960 8 2 2023 2 23 44 PM tmeacomes 2023 - 21809 2000189476 COOLIDGE , MARTIN 2,79366 8 3 2023 11 03 12 AM awstancil 2023 - 95830 2000214619 CREQUE , DARRELL FRANCIS 13917 8 4 2023 10 47 16 AM awstancil 2023 - 201908 2000172105 RICHARDSON , ROY LEE LIFE 14912 ESTATE 8 7 2023 2 18 13 PM awstancil 2022 - 94118 2000203795 SULLIVAN , MICHAEL PERRY 24151 8 10 2023 2 49 45 PM tmeacomes 2022 - 101475 2000145243 WEBSTER , JOHN BELVIN III 30000 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – July 2023 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction # Refund Total Reason Change GRENIER , 0073399356 189423792 Military 23281 GARRETT 2699 SHAWN 25980 0073496875 285048552 Military 23895 20778 O’NEY , KYLE 3000 RICHARD 47673 RALPH HODGE 0073340168 378429296 Situs error 000 CONSTRUCTION 31510 COMPANY 5528 10503 36485 0073359297 189588696 Military 20493 TUCKER , 2376 JESSICA LEE 22869 4 Public Comments None 5 Emergency Services – Resolution for Firefighters Week in Johnston County Fire Marshal Ryan Parker stated in May 2011 the North Carolina General Assembly adopted a th nd resolution to proclaim the week of September 11 as Firefighter’s week He stated this year marks the 22 Anniversary of 911 and to honor all firefighters , both current and past , the Emergency Services Department requests the Board to declare the week of September 10 - 16 , 2023 as Firefighter’s week in Johnston County Commissioner Tony Braswell read aloud the following resolution and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FIREFIGHTERS WEEK IN JOHNSTON COUNTY WHEREAS , fighting fires is one of the most hazardous professions requiring physical strength , stamina , extensive training , courage , and selfless concern for the welfare of others ; and WHEREAS , firefighters provide valuable services to the citizens of Johnston County , their communities , and the County ; and WHEREAS , firefighters make sacrifices to protect the lives and financial interests of the citizens of Johnston County ; andPagePage pageNumber6741 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , firefighters respond to emergencies without hesitation when the call of duty arises ; and WHEREAS , firefighters work with public safety officials and law enforcement officers to protect the integrity of crime scenes , which is necessary to resolve arson cases ; and WHEREAS , firefighters reside in the community in which they serve and have a great appreciation for protecting their communities ; and WHEREAS , it is appropriate to recognize the duties and services that firefighters perform by observing Firefighters Week in Johnston County NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners that all firefighters deserve to be honored for the invaluable service they provide to the County , its citizens , and communities The Board of Commissioners encourages the citizens of Johnston County to observe the week of September 10 - 16 , 2023 as Firefighters Week in Johnston County th Adopted this the 5 day of September 2023 6 Proclamation – Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday Commissioner April Stephens read aloud the following proclamation and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried unanimously CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK 2023 PROCLAMATION WHEREAS , children are Johnston County’s most precious resource ; and WHEREAS , between 2008 and 2017 there has been a 15 percent decline in the number of child motor vehicle traffic fatalities ; and WHEREAS , children 2 to 5 years of age using safety belts instead of child safety seats or booster seats are four times more likely to suffer a serious head injury in a crash ; and WHEREAS , when installed and used correctly , child safety seats and safety belts can prevent injuries and save young lives ; and WHEREAS , child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers ages 1 to 4 ; and WHEREAS , research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows 59 percent of child restraint systems are installed incorrectly ; and WHEREAS , all 50 States , the District of Columbia , and our Territories have laws requiring the use of child safety seats for small children ; and WHEREAS , child passenger safety technicians in Johnston County continue to help parents keep their children safely seated during Child Passenger Safety Week and beyond by offering appointments at local checking stations ; and WHEREAS , FOR ALL OF THESE REASONS , and for the well - being of our kids , Johnston County is committed to working closely with parents and safety advocates to help reduce the number of young lives lost on our roadways Our goal is to educate parents and caregivers on how to properly install and use child safety seats Parents and caregivers are urged to take advantage of the free services provided by child passenger safety technicians and ensure their children are getting the very best protection NOW , THEREFORE , We , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners , does hereby proclaim September 17 - 23 , 2023 as Child Passenger Safety Week and September 23 , 2023 as National Seat Check Saturday Let’s all help reduce crash fatalities and injuries by buckling our children up correctly — every trip , every time PagePage pageNumber7742 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued th Adopted this the 5 day of September , 2023 7 911 Communications – 911 Board Portable Radio Grant 911 Director Brett Renfrow requested the Board’s approval to apply for a grant from the North Carolina 911 Board for 13 portable handheld radios in the amount of 61,47700 Mr Renfrow stated the radios would be useful if a transfer was needed from the primary center to the backup center in transferring staff from one location to another He stated the radios would be housed in the center at all times and will not be loaned out Mr Renfrow reported this is a 100 grant with no County match required ; however , the County will have to pay upfront and then be reimbursed by the 911 Board At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Renfrow stated this would be one of the simpler grants he has applied for and he is confident that Johnston County would receive the grant based on the requirements Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Richard D Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the request to apply for a grant in the amount of 61,47700 to purchase 13 portable handheld radios to be paid upfront and then reimbursed by the 911 Board 8 Public Hearing – Public Utilities – Proposed Wastewater Allocation Policy Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr opened the public hearing and called on staff to present the purpose Utilities Director Chandra Farmer , PE , explained that staff previously provided the Board with a draft proposed Wastewater Allocation Policy and following the Board’s initial review , staff held a stakeholders meeting on the draft back in May Ms Farmer stated after comments were received from the stakeholders meeting , staff made a few revisions to the proposed policy and circulated those to the stakeholders who were present at the meeting Ms Farmer noted the revised draft policy was made available on the County’s website for public inspection She further stated that staff provided the Board with the comments and revisions that resulted from the stakeholders meeting and today’s public hearing is to receive public comment on the proposed policy Ms Farmer stated the Wastewater Allocation Policy is intended to define how the County will formally allocate wastewater capacity on future projects She stated the current draft of the policy has a few general provisions on how the allocation is divided as well as it sets out 200,000 gallons a day being reserved for future economic development projects Ms Farmer stated one of the topics that came out of the stakeholders meeting was discussion and questions about the 200,000 gallon reservation and staff’s intent was to reserve this capacity for an economic development project that could be located anywhere in the County , including a town She stated the intent is that the capacity would be available wherever the need existed Ms Farmer noted the capacity would have to be paid for by some means whether that be system development fees if it is a County customer or bulk capacity fees if it were to be served by a town Ms Farmer continued that the policy states up to 60 of the remaining capacity would be available for allocation to Johnston County’s bulk customers which are Smithfield , Selma , Pine Level , and Four Oaks , and staff intends to have recurring interlocal agreements with these towns and the capacity would be allocated to these towns in accordance with the agreements She stated the remaining 40 would be allocated to County retail customers and the policy further defines that process She indicated that it is very detailed in how the customers would get the approval with the Board approving most of those projects individually She stated the policy prioritizes the types of projects from Priority 1 down to Priority 4 Ms Farmer noted one thing this policy does not do is change the Residential Sewer Service Policy , so any service for residential projects in the future would still be in accordance with the existing Residential Sewer Service Policy or whatever policies are in place at the time those projects are approved She stated this does limit residential developments served by public sewer by the County to the residential sewer service areas , the Municipal Transition Districts , or the Interstate Highway Interchange Overlay Districts She offered to answer any questions The Chairman asked for anyone that would like to speak on this item to come forward Attorney Ashley Honeycutt Terrazas with Parker Poe , 301 Fayetteville Street , Raleigh , stated she represents multiple residential developers ; however , DR Horton is a developer that asked her to come before the Board for this hearing Ms Terrazas stated she has reviewed the draft policy and she commented on the approval by phases and the requirements of residential developers that are making investments and building the infrastructure and additional capacity She stated this process is typically on the front end to make sure thePagePage pageNumber8743 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued entire project can be served and she wants to make sure that initial investment is considered when obtaining a utility allocation permit for additional phases Ms Terrazas stated she understands this is a legislative decision and there is limited capacity as Johnson County is considered one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina , but up - front information on the requirements and expectations are of interest regarding approval of a utility allocation Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked if there were any further public comments He noted there were no e - mails received regarding this hearing Chairman Lawter asked if the four bulk customers Smithfield , Selma , Pine Level , and Four Oaks include private customers like AQUA He asked for clarity on the Residential Sewer Service Areas Ms Farmer stated the 60 allocated in the future was intended for Smithfield , Selma , Four Oaks , and Pine Level She stated the other bulk customers have contracts for set amounts and those commitments have been met and would be met in the County’s planning provisions Ms Farmer stated those contracts do not allow for future capacity , so any future capacity for those entities would have to come back to the Board with a specific agreement She explained Johnston County has two Residential Sewer Service Areas , one of those being the Cleveland area around I - 40 NC 42 and Cleveland Road , and the other area is east of Clayton along NC Hwy 42 She stated the Residential Sewer Service Policy states that a project must be located in one of these areas and it must either be zoned PUD or be immediately adjacent to an existing residential development with County sewer service and be able to gravity flow Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked about the difference in the 50 lots per year for a residential allocation versus 50 lots per phase Ms Farmer noted this was one of the comments received at the stakeholders meeting She explained the original draft of the policy allowed for the Board to allocate up to 50 lots per year for a development or 25 of the development , whichever was greater , and there were questions from developers asking about what would happen if the project were completed at a faster pace She stated staff proposed moving that back to 50 lots per phase She stated this plan is less restrictive , and one of the intents of this policy is to provide a better guarantee for developers She indicated that right now the process is first come first served and permitting is in phases and there is no prior commitment or reservation for any future phases Ms Farmer stated the intent with this policy is when the initial phase of that residential development is approved , there would be a phasing plan that could be factored into the County’s planning purposes There being no further comments , the Chairman closed the public hearing Chairman Lawter stated based on the feedback already received , the Board will take this under advisement and continue to look at adjustments to the policy 9 Appointments Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr announced that the votes for the Veterans Services Advisory Board would be completed by written ballot Ballots were distributed to the Commissioners who completed their votes , signed the ballots , and submitted for the Clerk to the Board to collect upon adjournment The Chairman stated the votes will be tallied this afternoon and results announced at the 6 00 pm meeting Note At the 6 00 pm meeting , the Chairman announced the following Veterans Services Advisory Board – Larry J Pittman was appointed for a three year term ending September 30 , 2026 10 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of July 2023 , as follows Enforced Collections July 2023 YTD 23 24 Wage Garnishments 7 7 Bank Attachments 8 8 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed July 2023 0 Pending 4 Dollars Collected July 2023 0PagePage pageNumber9744 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Sale Date No sale scheduled at this time Levy Amount and Collections to Date 2023 Real and Personal Levy 2022 Real and Personal Levy As of July 31 , 2023 As of July 31 , 2022 166,234,43756 Levy 165,345,38825 Levy 651,05963 Payments 677,44964 Payments 165,583,37793 Balance 164,667,93861 Balance 0039 Collected 0041 Collected - 002 RMV – NCVTS Collections July 2023 July 2022 1,897,51934 1,861,31422 YTD 23 24 - 1,897,51934 YTD 22 23 - 1,861,31422 Ms Andrews reported the tax bills were mailed on the last day of July She stated this is not the total levy for the year because the Tax Office has not yet received information from the Department of Revenue as it relates to public services Commissioner Ted G Godwin noted that he attended the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Conference and one of the classes he attended was put on by the Department of Revenue about sales tax and real estate tax Commissioner Godwin stated he was very proud when collection rates were discussed and he was thinking about how Johnston County is number one He thanked Ms Andrews and her department for their work Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr commended Ms Andrews for always doing a great job of keeping the Board advised and he stated her staff does a great job Commissioner Smith briefly discussed the tax levy with Ms Andrews He stated as it relates to the four - cent tax cut the Board approved in this year’s budget , the praise goes to the County Manager and the County staff for assisting with the budget Commissioner Smith thanked the Board for approving the tax rate reduction which shows the Board cares about the taxpayer and about what citizens have to pay He stated the Commissioners and staff are trying to be good stewards of the taxpayers ’ money Commissioner Tony Braswell agreed that the County did what it needed to do to be able to reduce the tax rate 11 Manager Reports and Comments None 12 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Richard D Braswell stated he is eager to see more meetings regarding regionalization and receive feedback Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated he attended the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Conference last week , and he appreciates how this Board has retained family values like he grew up with Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted that four Board members were able to attend the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Conference last week Chairman Lawter stated three topics that stuck out to him from the conference were opioids , farmland preservation , and fire service and how they are applicable to what is going on in Johnston County He stated it is always good to speak with fellow County Commissioners from around the State and for them to hear the good things happening in Johnston County Chairman Lawter thanked the staff for their hard work 13 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege and NCGS 14331811 a 4 – Economic DevelopmentPage0745 September 5 , 2023 – 10 00 am Continued Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Tony Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board recessed regular session to sit in closed session for the purposes of consulting with an attorney employed by the Board in order to preserve the attorney - client privilege pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 3 and to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area , pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 4 No action was taken Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Commissioner Tony Braswell seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Commissioner Tony Braswell moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 11 41 am RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage