June 1, 2015 · 2015-2016 Proposed Budget This was the time scheduled to hear public comments on the proposed 2015-2016 budget. County Manager Angela L. Harris stated the current

June 1, 2015 Minutes

June 1, 2015

The Board of Commissioners of Franklin County, North Carolina, met for a Special Called

Meeting at 4:00 P.M. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room located in the County

Administration Building with the following Commissioners present: Chairman Sidney E.

Dunston, Vice-Chairman E. Shane Mitchell, Commissioners John M. May, Cedric K. Jones, Don

Lancaster and David T. Bunn. Commissioner Harry L. Foy, Jr. arrived after the start of the

meeting at 4:18 P.M.

Chairman Dunston called the meeting to order for the purpose of conducting a budget work

session with a focus on education requests. He called on Dr. Lisa Martin, Franklin County

Schools Superintendent who introduced present members of the Board of Education and

Franklin County Schools staff.

County Manager Angela L. Harris introduced Mitchell Robinson, Franklin County Finance

Director, to offer a global view of the proposed budget for 2015-2016. Mr. Robinson’s

presentation follows.




Dr. Lisa Martin offered the following presentation to share information regarding the schools’

budget proposal. Dr. Martin stated she wished to bring clarity to some of the numbers provided

regarding debt service, operating fund as well as the capital improvement fund.











Following the presentation, Chairman Dunston adjourned the meeting at approximately 5:14

P.M.

The Board of Commissioners of Franklin County, North Carolina, met for its Regular Meeting at

7:00 P.M. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room located in the County Administration

Building with the following Commissioners present: Chairman Sidney E. Dunston, Vice-

Chairman E. Shane Mitchell, Commissioners John M. May, Cedric K. Jones, Don Lancaster,

Harry L. Foy, Jr. and David T. Bunn.

Chairman Dunston called the meeting to order and asked the Board to consider removing Item 4

(Franklinton Water Line Project) from the agenda. Commissioner Lancaster made the motion to

remove Item 4, seconded by Commissioner Bunn. The motion duly carried approval with all

present voting “AYE.”

Chairman Dunston then asked the Board to consider approval of the consent agenda.

Commissioner Jones made a motion to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Commissioner

May. The motion duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

The items approved are as follows.

1. CONSENT AGENDA

A. May 13, 2015 Minutes B. Consider TDA (Tourism Development Authority) request to fund a $7,500 grant for

the 2015 Tar River Festival C. Authorization for Hale Artificier Fireworks to discharge pyrotechnics on July 3, 2015

at Lake Royale for upcoming July 4th celebrations D. Authorization for Hale Artificier Fireworks to discharge pyrotechnics on July 3, 2015

at Louisburg High School for upcoming July 4th celebrations E. Budget Ordinance Amendment #6 (Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 159-

15, the County Finance Officer is requesting a budget ordinance amendment in the amount of $859,579 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 to amend the General Fund and other funds for additional revenue and expenditures where needed.)

F. Budget Ordinance Amendment #7 (Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 159-15, the County Finance Officer is requesting a budget ordinance amendment in the amount of $3,935,070 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 to amend the Water and Sewer Fund budget for the Town of Franklinton system purchase and for additional


revenue and expenses related to that purchase as well as amend the budget for Water and Sewer project.)

2. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

This was the time set aside by the Board of Commissioners to allow individuals five minutes to

address the Board on issues concerning the county.

Steve Trubilla, 1707 Sid Mitchell Road, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Trubilla spoke relative to accountability and responsiveness. He said at a meeting

held March 27, 2014, Annette Goyette asked questions relative to the destruction of

historical records and said those questions have yet to be answered. Mr. Trubilla said he

would like to know when the answers would be forthcoming and felt the issue should

not be left to linger. Chairman Dunston suggested Mr. Trubilla address the staff or one of

the commissioners following the meeting.

3. PUBLIC HEARING

2015-2016 Proposed Budget

This was the time scheduled to hear public comments on the proposed 2015-2016 budget. County Manager Angela L. Harris stated the current budget proposal is the eighth proposal she has prepared since returning to the County in 2007 and said by far it has been the most difficult. She said although her prior budgets did not include a tax increase, it was imperative a tax increase be proposed for 2015-2016. She commented on one of the worst recessions in her lifetime and noted Commissioners have been sensitive to the fact citizens lost employment or were underemployed and struggling. She recognizes there are still people looking for jobs and not at full employment. For seven years she said the County has been mindful of the financial climate and reduced budgets where possible, eliminated services and scaled back. She said the County has also taken advantage of a very competitive market and been able to construct much needed school facilities with a funding plan to pay the debt on those facilities. Unfortunately she said some of the funding we were counting on will not come to fruition. She said some state funds have been taken “off the table” and so more of the debt service has now fallen back on the shoulders of the County and local taxpayers. As a result, in order to pay the debt for school construction, she said we have been unable to keep up with the demands and requests the school system has requested for their current expenses or their capital. She said dollars have been stretched and commented on competitive bids received on school projects. Mrs. Harris feels the next step is to take funding concerns to Raleigh as help is needed at the local level. She said the County cannot continue to pick up the tab for education. Mrs. Harris said the budget proposal for 2015-2016 includes approximately $2.4 million more in County dollars that are needed in order to fund the services outlined. About 37% of the $2.4 million is for education. The remainder is for changes in elections laws and other necessary expenses. She said had the County not had fund balance, we would have already had tax increases over the last seven years. She said the Board has been adamant about trying to maintain fund balance and avoid tax increases, but at some point it could not continue to do so. She said growth enjoyed during 2004-2006 is different than the amount of growth we are currently experiencing. She said the amount of growth expected in the upcoming year is not sufficient to manage the extra cost of doing business. She said there is hope, but it has taken a while to come out of the recession. She said the County has no choice about the debt it must pay for. She commented on the priorities of the budget proposal and prior budgets including education, public safety, health and human services and a host of other services. She said the County has made great investments for the long-term but said it is at a difficult juncture. She said we must continue to work together to promote Franklin County as a place for people to do business so that people will want to locate


here. She said if we don’t have a good education system, no business or industry will want to locate in Franklin. Franklin County Finance Director Mitchell Robinson presented the following PowerPoint presentation.













Mr. Robinson noted the proposed budget did not include a cost of living adjustment for employees. Chairman Dunston declared the public hearing open at 7:31 P.M.

Glen Bradley, 144 Ridgewood Road, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Bradley encouraged the Board to avoid a tax increase. He said citizens (like

him) continue to struggle from the recession and felt an increase would force him

to move out of his house and out of the county. He suggested the County could

save money by electing not to increase the budget. He suggested the county delay

park funding until there is a funding surplus.

Patsy Boyles, 1208 Old Halifax Road, Zebulon, NC

Ms. Boyles is a new citizen to the County who says she is discouraged she may

have to pay higher taxes. She left Wake and Johnston Counties because of

increases there. She is in favor of recreation, but also encouraged delays in park

funding. She asked the Board to consider other solutions and avoid a property tax

increase.

Bruce Allen, 992 Mays Crossroads Road, Franklinton, NC

Mr. Allen stated he too was concerned about an increase in property taxes. He responded to an earlier request by Chairman Dunston for citizens to share suggestions for avoiding an increase while maintaining services. He made the following presentation in the form of an alternate budget plan specifically for the Triangle North Executive Airport (TNEA), where he was formerly employed. Within the presentation, Mr. Allen noted there are aircraft at TNEA that are not on the tax record. He also suggested tenants are late paying rent and feels all tenants should be required to pay utilities. Additionally he highlighted some deferred maintenance concerns and suggested some hangars are not compliant.
























Linda Aycock, 3911 NC Highway 581, Louisburg, NC

Mrs. Aycock is a member of the Justice community also concerned about a possible tax increase. Even though she said the economy is on the upswing, she said citizens of all age groups are struggling to make ends meet financially. She said the Board must look at other sources of revenue rather than personal property taxes. She encouraged the Board to take a look at redistributing revenue and to “do more with less.” She also encouraged hiring local contractors in order to keep money in the county. She suggested eliminating programs and positions that are no longer productive. She said government must be smaller and less controlling.

Missy Atkins, 120 Fox Drive, Lake Royale, NC

Ms. Atkins commented on the most recent tax revaluation and said her taxes have already increased. Relative to funding for education, she commented her dismay that school buses do not travel to her home.

Elizabeth Keith, 612 Massenburg Baker Road, Louisburg, NC

Ms. Keith asked the Board to consider fully funding the request of the Board of Education.

Rosemary Champion, 1168 White Level Road, Louisburg, NC

Mrs. Champion commented on the need for education funding, specifically for preventive maintenance of schools and for the recruitment and retention of quality teachers.

Richard Wainwright, 945 Sagamore Drive, Lake Royale, NC

Mr. Wainwright encouraged the Board to vote against a tax increase and commented on the increase already imposed during the last revaluation. He said he retired 12 years ago, but now works harder than ever before to afford the county’s tax increases. He commented on his service as Chair of the Lake Royale Board of Directors and stated during that time he was able to cut its budget considerably. He suggested someone must audit the budget to ensure we are not paying for items/services that are not needed. Mr. Wainwright said Franklin should invite more industry into the county rather than turning them away via unreasonable tax rates.

Chris Neal, 822 Kenmore Avenue, Louisburg, NC

Mr. Neal asked the Board to consider appointing a citizen task force charged with reviewing spending and making recommendations about lowering taxes. He understands services must be maintained but said services can be refined, changed or reduced. He feels more citizen input would be helpful.


Mike Gerbos, Lake Royale, NC

Mr. Gerbos commented on a meeting held by the Board on November 3, 2014. Mr. Gerbos was escorted out of the room by law enforcement after becoming disruptive. Mr. Gerbos said the incident cost him a trip to the hospital and thousands of dollars. Subsequently he said he is taking his case to the U.S. Courts.

Annette Goyette, 9905 Highway 39 South, Henderson, NC

Ms. Goyette is a Franklin County citizen of the Hayesville Township. She conducted research surveying nine nearby counties to determine Franklin has the highest tax rate and ranked sixth in per capita income. She stated Wake had the lowest tax rate and was number one in per capita income. She asked how Franklin County’s tax dollars are being spent. She said citizens should stand firm for proper management of county funds without an increase in the current tax rate. She said the Board should be accountable with full public disclosure. She said the mistakes, misuse and abuse of tax dollars should not be at the expense of taxpayers. She said a tax increase is neither good management, nor a good business decision.

Donnell Adams, 110 Forest Lakes, Louisburg, NC

Mr. Adams moved to Louisburg four years ago, built a home and has enjoyed living in Franklin County. He understands taxes are a way of life, but feels local government is asking for a lot of money. He expressed concerns for retirees and asked the Board to consider every possible venue to reduce the burden on citizens.

Jeremy Neal, 2859 White Level Road, Castalia, NC

Mr. Neal commented there are $1.4 million in delinquent taxes owed to Franklin County. He said that would equate to approximately 3.25 on the tax rate if collected. He does not understand why the County is recommending four new jail positions when there is a projected loss in revenue in jail fees for the upcoming year. Mr. Neal said he is not concerned for himself as much as those who are disabled or retired and may lose what they have worked for because they are unable to pay the amount of taxes required of them. He commented county employees would not be granted a cost of living adjustment (if the budget proposal is approved), but that they too would be asked to pay more in taxes. He suggested the County must learn to live within its means.

Roger Lytle, 571 Williams White Road, Zebulon, NC

Mr. Lytle stated many of the concerned citizens in the room are on fixed incomes and will suffer from a tax increase. He commented on problems at Triangle North Executive Airport and stated the Board has the power to put an end to concerns there. He suggested selling the airport. He questioned the creation of an Assistant County Manager position and said it was not needed. He said the County spent money it did not have. He suggested the county should no longer be responsible for parks and felt a local board should take over parks and raise money to maintain them. Regarding Economic Development, he said the county pays hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries and questioned the return on investment. He suggested getting rid of the Economic Development department altogether.

Jack Mizzelle, 1222 Old Halifax Road, Zebulon, NC

As a senior citizen, Mr. Mizzelle said he cannot afford a tax increase and suggested commissioners continue to cut the budget.

William Mitchell, 128 Edgewood Drive, Louisburg, NC

Mr. Mitchell understood the current fiscal year is over budget $3.1 million. He asked which department overspent and as a former employee of the Sheriff’s Department, he stated the department came under budget for the last four years. Mrs. Harris stated funds were needed because fund balance had to be appropriated for items that were unforeseen. He understands a tax increase is


necessary and asked the Board to keep the increase at a minimum. He suggested each department can find areas of waste.

Steve Trubilla, 1707 Sid Mitchell Road, Youngsville, NC

Mr. Trubilla said he noticed the proposed tax increase comes at an off-election year. He suggested an independent inspector general be tasked to examine each county department and expose inefficiencies.

Reverend P. Burt, 318 Vaiden Road, Louisburg, NC

Reverend Burt encouraged the Board against increasing taxes and discussed the hardships it would bring to her household.

Dina Erikson, 656 Sledge Road, Louisburg, NC

Miss Erikson is a recent graduate of Franklin County Public Schools. She commented on the lack of funding to buy new books for students. She understands more funding is needed for education and that counties do not necessarily have adequate funding sources. She encouraged citizens to reach out to their legislative representatives and to encourage investments into grants and education.

Chairman Dunston closed the public hearing closed at 9:10 P.M.

4. FRANKLINTON WATER LINE PROJECT Bids for the Franklinton water lines project were received and opened on April 9, 2015. Four bids were received. The bid price for the base bid (excluding alternates) was above the available funds. Engineers began negotiations with the low bidder (Central Builders, Rocky Mount, NC) to reduce the scope of the project to get the work within the available funds. The low bidder declined the negotiation. Engineers then moved to the second low bidder (Ralph Hodge Construction Co., Wilson, NC) which accepted the reduced scope at the negotiated price of $997,318.75. Staff recommends awarding the contract to Ralph Hodge Construction Company.

ACTION REQUESTED: Consider awarding contract to Ralph Hodge Construction Company in the amount of $997,318.75.

5. OTHER BUSINESS

No additional business items were discussed.

6. APPOINTMENTS

A. Jury Commission The Board was asked to consider reappointing Jenny Edwards to the Jury Commission for a two-year term. Commissioner May made a motion to reappoint Jenny Edwards to the Jury Commission, seconded by Commissioner Lancaster. The motion duly carried with all present voting “AYE.”

B. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

Commissioner Jones nominated Clarence Walker as his representative on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Mitchell and duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

7. BOARD, MANAGER AND CLERK’S COMMENTS

This was the time set aside for the Board of County Commissioners, the County Manager, and

the Clerk to the Board to report on various activities. The Board may also discuss other items of

interest.


County Clerk Kristen G. King: Mrs. King asked the Board to schedule its next budget work session. The Board is expected to recess and reconvene on June 11, 2015 at 4:00 P.M.

Commissioner Foy: Commissioner Foy stated he hopes the Board can move forward and

approve a budget without a tax increase.

Commissioner Bunn: Commissioner Bunn encouraged the Board and staff to “sharpen its

pencils” when examining the proposed budget. He too suggested avoiding a tax increase if

possible.

Commissioner May: Commissioner May attended the recent State of the Region meeting in

Raleigh. He stated he too is concerned about a tax increase.

Commissioner Jones: Commissioner Jones attended the recent State of the Region meeting in

Raleigh.

Commissioner Mitchell: Commissioner Mitchell addressed comments made by the public that

commissioners do not listen or respond to their suggestions. He stated the Board does in fact

listen to each comment even though it may not engage in a dialogue during the meeting. He said

the public may not favor solutions decided upon by the Board but reminded citizens that

commissioners are also citizens and taxpayers of the County. He said any decisions made by the

Board are not taken lightly. He said commissioners serve because they love the County and its

citizens and feels the decisions they make are meant to better the county. He said

commissioners do not serve for financial reasons as the pay is small.

Commissioner Dunston: Commissioner Dunston stated he too is concerned about the budget

and possible tax increase. At the same time, he said the Board has been warned for the last seven

years there would be a need to raise taxes if fund balance continued to be used to balance the

budget. He said no one, including Commissioners, desire a tax increase but said services must be

paid for or services must be cut. He thanked Bruce Allen for the suggestions he made earlier in

the evening and said his concerns will be examined.

Commissioner Lancaster: Commissioner Lancaster attended the State of the Region Address

in Raleigh. He also commented there is much work to do in order to balance the budget.

County Manager Angela L. Harris: Mrs. Harris noted the following:

County Manager Angela L. Harris addressed comments made earlier in the evening to

suggest the county may not conduct business locally. She stated the county does in fact

transact business locally to the extent allowable by law.

Mrs. Harris asked Cooperative Extension Director Charles Mitchell to make comments

about a recent event held at Franklinton High School the weekend prior. Mr. Mitchell

stated approximately 500 youth (ages 5-18) attended a 4-H district activity day

representing 22 counties in the northeast.

Chairman Dunston asked for everyone to understand the Board of Commissioners operates at

the pleasure of the North Carolina State Legislature. He said there is nothing the Board can do in

terms of raising money other than what the legislature allows which is to adjust ad valorem

taxes. He said there are no other resources to raise money. He also asked citizens to understand

county commissioners have no effect on electric rates within the Town of Louisburg. He said

there are simply some things the Board has no control over.


At 9:23 P.M., Commissioner Bunn made a motion to recess the meeting until June 11, 2015 at 4:00

P.M. in order to conduct a budget work session. The motion was seconded by Commissioner

Lancaster and duly carried approval with all present voting “AYE.”

Sidney E. Dunston, Chair Kristen G. King, Clerk to the Board


(blank page)

Documents

June 1, 2015 · 2015-2016 Proposed Budget This was the time scheduled to hear public comments on the proposed 2015-2016 budget. County Manager Angela L. Harris stated the current