October 16, 2023 - 6:00 PM - Board of Commissioners Minutes

10 812 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners October 16 , 2023 6 00 pm The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , October 16 , 2023 at 6 00 pm in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , and April Stephens Absent Commissioner Richard D Braswell Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington , and Paralegal Danielle Fletcher Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 6 00 pm Commissioner Ted G Godwin opened the meeting with a prayer Commissioner April Stephens 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 Chairman Lawter noted that Commissioner Richard D Braswell was recovering from surgery and would be absent 1 Recognition of Joshua Daniel Braswell – Eagle Scout Achievement The Chairman recognized Commissioner Tony Braswell for this item Commissioner T Braswell stated Joshua Daniel Braswell , of Boy Scout Troop 19 – Neusiok District – Tuscarora Council , has been in scouting for many years and he spoke on Joshua’s dedication , commitment , and sacrifice Commissioner T Braswell reported that Joshua recently achieved the outstanding rank of Eagle Scout , which has been historically recognized by the County Commissioners Commissioner T Braswell commented that he has personally never known an Eagle Scout that has not been successful or committed to their endeavors Commissioner T Braswell read a letter of congratulations aloud and presented the letter along with a Certificate of Achievement to Joshua from the Board of Commissioners At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Joshua stated the Eagle Scout Court of Honor would take place sometime in January 2024 The Board applauded Joshua for this achievement followed by a photo with the Commissioners 2 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Tony Braswell , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda with the addition of a Municipal Funding Agreement with the Town of Selma to Consent Agenda Item D 3 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – September 18 , 2023 – 6 00 pm B 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 Vadar Street , Chinook Street , Berg Street , Headwind Lane , Jetstream Court , and Tailwind Lane – Fairwinds – Smithfield Township Hillmont Drive – Mason Park , Phase 3 – Cleveland Township Landfall Lane and Delta Place – Landfall – Smithfield TownshipPage813 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued C Finance - ARPA Policies to Aid in Administering the CSLFRF The American Rescue Plan Act ARPA provides Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds CSLFRF to state and local governments to assist with pandemic rescue and recovery efforts The US Treasury is responsible for implementing ARPA CSLFRF and has enacted a Final Rule outlining eligible uses of these funds The use of these funds is subject to the provisions of the federal Uniform Grant Guidance , 2 CFR Part 200 UG and requires the governing board to adopt certain policies and procedures to comply with the UG rules adopted by US Treasury , and other federal rules and regulations These policies provide for the proper planning , management , and completion of ARPA funded projects and will mitigate the risk of non - compliance and potential recoupment of grant funding Per the request of staff , the Board adopted the following County ARPA policies as fully set forth herein to aid in administering the CSLFRF from ARPA , authorized staff to take all reasonable actions to comply with federal compliance requirements , and that when federal compliance requirements change , these policies shall be deemed to automatically incorporate those changes Page814 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage815 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber5816 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber6817 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber7818 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber8819 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber9820 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage0821 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage1822 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage2823 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage3824 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage4825 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage5826 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage6827 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage7828 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage8829 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage9830 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage0831 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage1832 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage2833 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage3834 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage4835 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage5836 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage6837 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage7838 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage8839 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage9840 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage0841 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage1842 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage2843 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued D Bulk Wastewater Agreement and Municipal Funding Agreement with the Town of Selma , adopted as follows Page3844 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage4845 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage5846 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage6847 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage7848 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage8849 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage9850 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage0851 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage1852 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage2853 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage3854 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage4855 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage5856 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPage6857 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued E Parks , Greenways , and Open Space - Open Space Grant Change of Scope Request The Board approved the Town of Archer Lodge’s request to reconfigure their awarded project funding that was originally planned to assist in capital improvements for a parking lot for the town park to instead be used towards another project to assist in the cost of four dugout shelters F Solid Waste Services – Request to Surplus Equipment Resolution , adopted as follows RESOLUTION DECLARING PERSONAL PROPERTY AS SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY BY ELECTRONIC PUBLIC AUCTION WHEREAS , Johnston County owns the following equipment , hereinafter referred to as “ surplus property ” , that is either obsolete or no longer needed for any governmental use by the County ; and 1 2008 John Deere 850J Dozer Asset # 13277 Serial # JX164339 2 2005 Volvo EC240BLC Excavator Asset # 18719 Serial # 12056 WHEREAS , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners is desirous of declaring the equipment as surplus and selling at an electronic public auction as authorized by NCGS 160A - 270 ; andPage7858 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED , by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners as follows 1 The equipment as listed above is hereby declared to be surplus property ; 2 The County Manager or his designee is hereby authorized to sell by electronic public auction the surplus property described above to the highest bidder The auction will begin on November 1 , 2023 at 8 00 am and end on November 15 , 2023 at 5 00 pm via electronic public auction on GovDeals – wwwgovdealscom , said electronic address being where the information about the property to be sold can be found and where electronic bids may be posted ; 3 Surplus property will be sold “ as is ” , all sales final , cash , certified check , or money order only Johnston County makes no express or implied warranties of merchantability of any surplus property , or part thereof , or its fitness for any particular purpose regardless of any oral statements that may be made concerning the surplus property or any part thereof and that Johnston County reserves the right to reject any and all bids or remove the property from auction at anytime ; and 4 A notice summarizing this Resolution and the sale of the surplus property by electronic public auction shall be published solely by electronic means by the Clerk to the Board on the County’s website at wwwJohnstonNCcom at least ten 10 days prior to the public auction th Adopted this the 16 day of October , 2023 G Public Utilities – 4 MGD Expansion Central Johnston County WWTF 210 WWTF DWI Project No CS370560 - 18 – Offer & Acceptance for a Clean Water SRF Loan On September 26 , 2023 , the County received the formal revised loan offer from the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality for the 4 MGD Expansion Central Johnston County WWTF 210 WWTF project The loan offer totals 91,686,69600 11 for 20 years The Board of Commissioners previously approved the project budget based on this revised loan offer Per the request of staff , the Board adopted the following resolution formally accepting the loan RESOLUTION BY GOVERNING BODY OF APPLICANT WHEREAS , the North Carolina Clean Water Revolving Loan and Grant Act of 1987 has authorized the making of loans and grants to aid eligible units of government in financing the cost of construction of wastewater treatment works , wastewater collection systems , and water supply systems , water conservation projects , and WHEREAS , the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has offered a State Revolving Loan in the amount of 91,686,69600 for the construction of the 4 MGD Expansion Central Johnston WWTF 210 WWTF – Project No CS370560 - 18 , and WHEREAS , the County of Johnston intends to construct said project in accordance with the approved plans and specifications , NOW , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF JOHNSTON That the County of Johnston does hereby accept the State Revolving Loan offer of 91,686,69600 That the County of Johnston does hereby give assurance to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that all items specified in the loan offer , Section II – Assurances will be adhered to That Rick J Hester , County Manager and J Chad McLamb , Deputy County Manager , and successors so titled , are hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with such application or the project ; to make the assurances as contained above ; and to execute such other documents as may be required in connection with the application That the County of Johnston has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all Federal , State and local , laws , rules , regulations , and ordinances applicable to the project and to Federal and State grants and loans pertaining thereto th Adopted this the 16 day of October , 2023 at Smithfield , North Carolina H Appointments , approved as follows Johnston County Heritage Commission – The Board reappointed Carolyn Ennis , Pearl Blackmon , Charles Creech and Catherine Gutierrez for two year terms to expire on October 31 , 2025 and granted waivers in the length of service policy for Ms Ennis , Ms Blackmon , and Mr Creech Wilson’s Mills Firefighters Relief Fund Board – The Board reappointed Ben Youngblood for a two year term to expire on October 31 , 2025 and granted Mr Youngblood a waiver in the length of service policy Page8859 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued 4 Public Comment A Johnston Community College Johnston Community College President Dr Vern Lindquist informed the Board that formal invitations th for the ribbon cutting on November 14 for the Wood Building Engineering Building would be going out soon Dr Lindquist introduced Mr Vic McCormick , Vice President of Continuing Education , to the Board Mr McCormick spoke to the Board on the partnership with 4 - H at Howell Woods and he thanked the Board for their continued support of the College Mr McCormick stated he has been working with 4 - H Extension Agent Meredith Woods to find a space for their shooting sports club He reported that beginning March 16 from 9 00 am to 3 00 pm , the shooting team will move their shooting schedule to the JCC Howell Woods Learning Center He stated staff is currently working on moving the fence to allow for clay shooting and they will need to hire a Range Master to be present during the times of the shootings Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr thanked the College for working with 4 - H and for allowing them to stay in Johnston County He noted 4 - H was displaced when work began at the landfill site and the wastewater treatment plant and he knows they will be excited to go to Howell Woods Commissioner Tony Braswell commented that Chairman Lawter put in a lot of work towards this effort which is to be commended Commissioner T Braswell also thanked the College for their willingness to help Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris agreed stating this is one of many topics that the Chairman is passionate about 5 Proclamation – Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month Johnston County Registrar of Deeds Craig Olive requested the Board to adopt a proclamation for November 2023 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated Mr Olive has been instrumental in making sure the Board recognizes this proclamation and observes it each year Mr Olive stated this year’s ceremony will be held Thursday , November 2 , at 6 00 pm in the atrium of the Courthouse Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris read aloud the following proclamation and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease of the brain causing deterioration in memory and thinking , as well as judgment and reasoning ability ; it also affects behavior , emotions and the ability to perform self - care ; and th WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease is the 7 leading cause of death in United States , killing more people than breast and prostate cancer combined ; and th WHEREAS , it is also the 6 leading cause of death in North Carolina and also right here in Johnston County ; and WHEREAS , one in three Senior citizens dies with Alzheimer’s or another dementia and more than half of all Americans know someone who has or had Alzheimer’s ; and WHEREAS , more than six million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s disease with over 180,000 residing in North Carolina ; and WHEREAS , Alzheimer’s disease affects whole families since it is a long term illness that requires long term care ; andPage9860 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued WHEREAS , over eleven million family members and friends are serving as their unpaid caregivers nationwide , 358,000 of those giving care are North Carolinians ; and WHEREAS , an estimated 153 billion hours of care valued at nearly 257 billion dollars will be provided to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in 2021 ; and WHEREAS , in 2021 Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation 355 Billion , that figure could be as high as 11 Trillion by the year 2050 ; and WHEREAS , with early detection and diagnosis , individuals and families can gain access to treatment medications , enroll in critical research trails , and fully participate in planning for the future ; and WHEREAS , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners recognizes individuals , families , friends and caregivers dealing with the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease , the researchers who are seeking a cause or causes and cure , and the educational programs and support services provided by Alzheimer’s organizations NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 2023 as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregivers Month in Johnston County and urges our citizens to commend its observance th Proclaimed this the 16 day of October , 2023 6 Finance – Resolution Declaring Official Intent to Reimburse Expenditures for County Facilities Projects 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 DECLARING OFFICIAL INTENT TO REIMBURSE EXPENDITURES WITH PROCEEDS OF DEBT PURSUANT TO UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY REGULATIONS BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Johnston County Section 1 The Board hereby finds , determines and declares as follows a Treasury Regulations Section 1150 - 2 the “ Regulations ” , promulgated by the United States Department of Treasury on June 18 , 1993 , prescribes certain specific procedures applicable to certain obligations issued by the County after June 30 , 1993 , including , without limitation , a requirement that the County timely declare its official intent to reimburse certain expenditures with the proceeds of debt to be issued thereafter by the County b The County has advanced and or will advance its own funds to pay certain capital costs the “ Original Expenditures ” associated with the County’s i acquisition , construction and equipping of one or more new buildings or other structures to be used by the County or other County departments as , including , but without limitation , facilities for the operations of the County Department of Social Services , office facilities for the County and or other County departments , warehouse space for the County and or other County departments or as facilities used in any other governmental activities of the County and or other County departments , including acquisition of necessary land and rights - of - way , ii any related improvements and iii any “ preliminary expenditures ” related to the foregoing architectural , engineering , surveying , soil testing , reimbursement bond issuance and similar costs that are incurred prior to commencement of acquisition or construction , but excluding land acquisition , site preparation and similar costs incident to commencement of construction the “ County Facilities Projects ” c The funds heretofore advanced or to be advanced by the County to pay the Original Expenditures are or will be available only on a temporary basis , and do not consist of funds that were otherwise earmarked or intended to be used by the County to permanently finance the Original Expenditures d As of the date hereof , the County reasonably expects that it will reimburse itself for such Original Expenditures with the proceeds of debt to be incurred by the County , and the maximumPagePage pageNumber50861 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued principal amount of debt to be incurred with respect to the County Facilities Projects is expected to be 150,000,000 e All Original Expenditures to be reimbursed by the County were paid no more than 60 days prior to , or will be paid on or after the date of , this declaration of official intent The County understands that such reimbursement must occur not later than 18 months after the later of i the date the Original Expenditure was paid ; or ii the date the County Facilities Projects are placed in service or abandoned , but in no event more than 3 years after the Original Expenditure was paid Section 2 This resolution shall take effect upon its passage Upon motion of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , the foregoing resolution entitled “ RESOLUTION DECLARING OFFICIAL INTENT TO REIMBURSE EXPENDITURES WITH PROCEEDS OF DEBT PURSUANT TO UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY REGULATIONS ” was passed by the following vote Ayes Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and Commissioners Tony Braswell , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr and April Stephens Noes None 7 Johnston County Emergency Services – Ordinance Amendment – Chapter 10 EMS County Attorney Jennifer Slusser explained that on October 2 , 2023 , the Board held a public hearing to receive public comment on ordinance amendments to Chapter 10 EMS She stated there were no public comments received at that meeting and no additional public comments have been received regarding the proposed amendments Ms Slusser stated the changes are related to the removal of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee and are necessary due to the transition of emergency medical services from contracted agencies to Johnston County as well as updates to the provider information Ms Slusser stated staff requests the Board to approve the proposed ordinance amendments to Chapter 10 EMS Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board approved the following ordinance amendments for Chapter 10 EMS PagePage pageNumber51862 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber52863 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber53864 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber54865 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber55866 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber56867 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued 8 Johnston County Emergency Services – EMS System Franchise Recommendation Emergency Services Deputy Director Josh Hollman reported staff has reviewed a franchise application request received from Priority Care Ambulance to provide non - emergency transport within Johnston County He explained that Priority Care Ambulance is a medical transport provider based out of Raleigh with current services provided in Wake and Orange Counties Mr Holloman stated approval of this request would allow Priority Care Ambulance to operate within Johnston County Mr Holloman stated as the County continues to grow , there is an increase in demand for services and this would be the third non - emergency transport within Johnston County if approved He stated the local hospital system will also benefit as they have a need to transport patients within the County Mr Holloman stated Priority Care Ambulance CEO William Masone is present to answer any questions by the Board He stated Priority Care Ambulance provides transport at the Basic Life Support BLS level and plans to expand to Advanced Life Support ALS Mr Holloman stated staff recommends approval of the request Mr Masone addressed the Board and stated Priority Care Ambulance has been operating in Wake County for seven years and they are expanding Mr Masone spoke on the need for more services in Johnston County especially for the hospital facilities to assist with patient transports At the inquiry of Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , Mr Holloman confirmed this additional franchise would help with wait time issues with non - emergent transports and he feels it is needed at this time Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony Braswell , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried unanimously , the Board approved the request to grant the franchise to Priority Care Ambulance Recognition of Emergency Management Division Chief Sandy Wood Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr recognized and commended Emergency Management Division Chief Sandy Wood for her accomplishment in being elected as the Second Vice - President for the State organization and noted if she continues on this path , she will be President in two years Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris echoed the Chairman’s comments stating Johnston County is in good hands and Ms Wood will bring a lot to the State Association Ms Wood stated the work of Emergency Services would not be possible without the support from the Board of Commissioners PagePage pageNumber57868 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued 9 Solid Waste Convenience Centers Presentation Vance Moore with Garrett and Moore presented the following information as it relates to the County’s Solid Waste Convenience Centers PagePage pageNumber58869 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Moore stated the map indicates that all the current sites are located in a manner such that access is provided to the entire County PagePage pageNumber59870 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm ContinuedPagePage pageNumber60871 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Mr Moore concluded his presentation and offered to answer any questions Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr reminded everyone that the County will begin phasing out the decals for elimination effective July 1 , 2024 Commissioner Tony Braswell commented that conversations need to occur with the Finance Department because 13 million in revenue will be eliminated once the decals are phased out Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated citizens have expressed to him their aggravation with the decal system and he believes the system is broken because it restricts access to trash disposal Commissioner Godwin expressed concerns that the decal system makes the current disposal system too inconvenient Commissioner Godwin stated with regards to the convenience center sites across the County , he is satisfied with their current locations Chairman Lawter noted that a road crew would help to alleviate trash and litter along the roadways Chairman Lawter expressed his appreciation for the report from Mr Moore and indicated the Board needs to determine the next steps Chairman Lawter requested County Manager Rick Hester and staff to meet with Mr Moore to work on recommendations for the next steps in this process County Manager Rick Hester noted that in order to be prepared for the next year’s tax bills , the Tax Office will need to know the numbers sometime in February 10 Manager Reports and Comments County Manager Rick Hester and Human Resources Director Lu Hickey updated the Board on the status of this years pay study Mr Hester stated last year the Board approved a pay study with the intent to continue the study on an alternating basis by evaluating half of the employees one year and the other half the next year to stay competitive in the marketplace Mr Hester confirmed that funds were budgeted for this year’s study He stated transparency is important ; therefore , staff wanted to update the Board Mr Hester stated next year staff will have information earlier in the year so it can be discussed and reviewed with the Board along with the budget process PagePage pageNumber61872 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued Ms Hickey reported that last year’s discussion was about implementing an alternate year pay study and this is the first year of that alternation process Ms Hickey stated there are approximately 400 position titles in the County and staff looked at 200 of these She noted that the first 200 of the positions equated to two thirds of the County’s employees in those positions ; therefore , this year’s totals and adjustments will be higher because it covered so many employees She noted that some classifications need adjustments while others do not and not everyone will receive an adjustment Ms Hickey stated there were classifications that crossed multiple departments such as the Department of Social Services and the Health Department as it relates to administrative , technology , and accounting positions She stated the departments included in this year’s study were 911 - Communications , Child Support , EMS , Public Health , the Sheriff’s Office , the Department of Social Services , and Technology Services Ms Hickey stated after discussions with Mr Hester , staff also included the Human Resources Department because there have been staffing challenges in this department Ms Hickey stated the total cost for implementation , not including reimbursements , would be approximately 14 million effective st November 1 She stated that taking into account Federal reimbursements , the net cost would be approximately 896,000 and this does include vacant positions Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked what kind of time cycle is anticipated with the reimbursements Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb responded the reimbursements would be within the fiscal year Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he appreciates the work on this effort because it is important Vice Chairman Harris indicated that the Department of Social Services has had struggles hiring to offset the Medicaid expansion , but he thinks this may fix that problem and he welcomes the change Vice Chairman Harris asked what is needed to move forward Mr Hester stated if there are no objections , staff will move forward with implementation in November He stated each year staff can provide an update and share information with the Board earlier in the budget process He noted there may be years where no adjustments are necessary Vice Chairman Harris stated if the study is maintained , then the County will not get far behind again with compensation He stated as the Chairman reminds everyone each month , County employees are one of the Board’s six priorities and the service delivered to the citizens is very important , which relies on good County employees doing the jobs There were no objections by the Board Mr Hester stated Ms Hickey will begin meeting with the department heads 11 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin along with Parks and Greenways Coordinator Adrian O’Neal shared information about the Walk & Talk About Trails event with the Friends of Johnston County Parks on October st 21 from 4 00 pm to 8 00 pm starting at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatic Center SRAC Mr O’Neal encouraged everyone to come out for this event Commissioner Godwin also spoke on the pay study and how it appears to be working He noted that some time ago there had been a long wait time for services in one of the departments ; however , they now have more staff in place who are properly trained which has eliminated that wait time Commissioner Godwin took a moment to encourage everyone to display a green light to support Veterans through Veterans Day At the inquiry of Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , County Manager Rick Hester stated the County is th planning to begin displaying green lights at its facilities beginning October 26 through Veterans Day Chairman Lawter reminded the Board to look at their calendars and provide feedback on dates for next year’s work session to be held sometime in February 12 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege , NCGS 14331811 a 5 – Acquisition of Property , and NCGS 14331811 a 6 – Personnel Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , 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 toPagePage pageNumber62873 October 16 , 2023 – 6 00 pm Continued North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 3 , to establish or instruct staff concerning the negotiation of the price and terms of a contract concerning the acquisition of real property pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 5 , and for the purposes of personnel pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 6 No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Commissioner Tony Braswell moved the Board adjourn Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 7 27 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage