THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS met in regular session on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 beginning at 6:00 P.M. in Courtroom #1 located in the Anson County Courthouse.
Commissioners present:Anna Baucom, Chair
Ross Streater, Vice Chair
Bobby Sikes
Dr. Jim Sims
Harold C. Smith
Claude Spencer
Jarvis Woodburn
Staff members present:Andy Lucas, CountyManager
Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC, Clerk to the Board
Holly Berry, Finance Officer
Rita James, Data Processing Manager
Vance E. Gulledge, Utilities Director
Larry Crandell, DSS
Marvin Deese, Building Inspector
Rodney Diggs, Emergency Management
Chairman Baucom called the meeting to Order, welcoming those present. Reverend Teddy Lawson, LilesvilleBaptistChurch, delivered the Invocation.
Approval of the Agenda by Commissioners: Vice Chair Streater asked to add Mayor Carr under Appearances. Commissioner Smith asked the Board to add a young lady with information he wants the Board to hear stating that people conducting business ought to do so in a manner to not terrorize black folk or any folks. Commissioner Smith asked to add under Commissioner Concerns a discussion of the hospital. Commissioner Sikes asked to place under Commissioner Concerns an update on restrooms at Little Park. CountyManager Lucas added under Administrative Matters the purchase of a print of the courthouse available through June Rollins. CountyManager Lucas also added a discussion of Morven water and sewer. Motion by Commissioner Woodburn, seconded by Commissioner Sikes, to approve the Agenda with the additions. Motion carried unanimously.
Recognition: Chairman Baucom recognized the Food Stamp Unit of DSS for their recent State recognition on maintaining 100% accuracy rate with respect to food stamp processing with the 9th highest participation rate in the State for FY 2006. Members of this unit are: Debbie Goodwin, Supervisor, Joyce Hardison, IMCWII, Penny Beaman, IMCWII, Crystal Robinson, IMCWII, Cathy Baker, IMCWII, Laura hasty, IMCWII and Ross McKenzie, Investigator II. Chairman Baucom presented the following certificate:
Certificate of Appreciation
We hereby present
The Food Stamp Unit
of the Anson County Department of Social Services
with this certificate acknowledging your
100% accuracy rate with the 9th highest participation rate in the State of North Carolina for FY 2006
Awarded on this 5th day of June 2007
Chairman Baucom then recognized Lykesia Lilly, a young high school student who saved her six year old nephew, Adrian Clark when he fell into an abandoned well. Chairman Baucom then asked Ms. Lilly to come forward as well as Rodney Diggs, Emergency Management Director, Linda Yow and Bret Blalock of EMS. Chairman Baucom then read the following Resolution.
RESOLUTION OF HONOR
RESOLVED, that like Newton’s apple, or Handel’s swordfight, there are those times when the elements come together and the unknown product of that intersection can either be great calamity of horrific proportion, or Grace incarnate, leaving all the observers to wonder how it came to be before them, and
RESOLVED, that in this one instance, while playing outside, young Adrian Clark fell into an abandoned well; and
RESOLVED, that fear did not rule the day, but the clear thinking of his Aunt Lykesia Lilly, a young high school student herself and thinking not of herself but set to her work of freeing her nephew from the well shaft, with extension cord in hand anticipating the worst, but finding that on this occasion, the cord was strong enough to enable her to be lowered into the well and bring her nephew to safety, and
RESOLVED, that attending personnel, knowing what to do, administered first aid to the victim immediately after his rescue to avoid damage from the events and other anticipated harm, and
RESOLVED, that the efforts of Lykesia Lilly, should, and by right ought to be, recognized for the valor that was displayed and the courage that still lives within.
THEREFORE, the Anson County Commissioners, meeting in Regular Session, are hereby resolved to honor the one that displayed such courage, devotion to family, honor and integrity, who saw a clear and present danger, and did not hesitate to answer that call, that the said Lykesia Lilly shall always have a place in our honored memory, lest we forget.
This the 5th day of June, 2007
Ms. Lilly received a round of applause from those in attendance and a standing ovation from the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Sims asked the depth of the well with Mr. Diggs answering it was about twenty-feet to the top of the water but was not sure of the total depth. Commissioner Woodburn asked Rodney Diggs the status of the well with Mr. Diggs answering that it had been covered up.
Public Hearing: Motion by Commissioner Woodburn, seconded by Commissioner Sims, that we open the Public Hearing for the 2007/08 budget. Motion carried unanimously.
In the Public Hearing, County Manager Lucas stated that the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year Manager’s recommendedbudget was presented on May 21 and copies wereavailable at the library, on-line and in the CountyManager’s office. CountyManager Lucas stated that the 2008 recommended budget was a funding plan based on goals and priorities set by the Board. CountyManager Lucas shared that the proposed budget establishes directions and aligns resources to achieve short-term objectives but also resources to achieve long range goals. CountyManager Lucas shared that the 2020 vision set by the Boardwas funded as follows:
to retain a qualified workforce by a recommending a 3% COLA and a 1% supplemental retirement increase
begin the implementation of a performance appraisal system within the next budget year that would not be linked to financial rewards this FY
maintain an affordable tax rate with the budget recommending no tax increase
attract and maintain industry by using lapse salaries from the Economic Development position to fund the remaining portion of the Economic Development Action Plan as well as setting aside $5,000 to increase the Economic Development reserve to give flexibility for matching grants or work in collaboration with the Towns on Economic Development efforts once the plan is approved
provide adequate facilities by recommending close to $500,000 for capital projects
to promote and assist public education by recommending $261,000 for operational and capital outlay increases in the education system to include SPCC and ACS and recommends a teacher supplement grant, year one of a five year grant with the intention of bringing our teachers and the local supplement up to 80% of the market to include Union, Montgomery, Scotland, Stanly and those considered in our market. CountyManager Lucas explained that this would be a grant and we would work with the school system to set parameters to reward this on an annual basis and at the end of the five years this could be added to current expense or do away with the grant based on results.
Improving community health and wellness – increasing by $70,000 funding to the health department to achieve goals especially reducing disparities in the community.
Insuring financial stability – no fund balance appropriated for the third straight year
Focus on maintaining our assets
Improve the utility service delivery by installing radio read meters to free up resources for more waterline extension and maintenance
Enhance cultural and recreational opportunities - $20,000 to repair Library roof, bathrooms at Little Park
Ensure a safe community – new positions for 911, jail and Sheriff’s office, new ambulances, radio repeater and other emergency equipment
Maintaining a green AnsonCounty – recycling grant match and commitment to work with Planning Board on long range planning subcommittee
CountyManager Lucas stated that the recommended budget is 26.09 million in total funding which is a one million dollar increase from the adopted budget last year or roughly 4.3%. CountyManager Lucas shared that the budget requires 15.97 million in county dollars and there is roughly $890,000 in growth revenue from taxes. CountyManager Lucas noted that 88% of the general fund or 23.05 million of the 26.09 million is for mandated services such as debt, Medicaid, jail, health, social services and education. CountyManager Lucas explained that the Board must fund these services and they have control only on the amount. County Manager Lucas stated that 77% of the 15.97 million or 12.2 million goes for health and human services, public safety and education. CountyManager Lucas stated that capital improvements include jail enhancement to reduce liability, replacing HVAC systems, bathrooms at Little Park, bookmobile and annualization of vehicle replacement from prior fiscal year. CountyManager Lucas stated there was also an increase in capital outlay for AnsonCounty schools as well as SPCC to maintain their assets. CountyManager Lucas shared that the budget also includes $90,000 to begin repairs to the courthouse and address issues with the tunnel between the jail and the courthouse. CountyManager Lucas stated two positions were recommended in the jail and Sheriff’s office with staggered hire dates and contracted services for courthouse security. CountyManager Lucas noted a part time position was recommended for HR/Veterans for six months, a SRO/deputy that is 17% county funded and safety and wellness initiatives. CountyManager Lucas feels it important to strike a balance between affordability and progress towards goals. CountyManager Lucas feels that reducing the tax rate or keeping it the same is not helping us to achieve goals and we must strike a balance. CountyManager Lucas feels we must say no to certain request as we can’t be all things to all people. CountyManager Lucas shared that the budget increases the level of public safety services with new positions and capital outlay, increases resources for education and targets resources towards capital expenses. CountyManager Lucas feels it recognizes the importance of human capital as well as maintaining the current tax rate. Chairman Baucom then called for comments from the public.
Dr. McKay, President of SPCC, thanked Board members for the proposed increase for the college. Dr. McKay shared that capital funds would be utilized to help repair a twenty-six year old roof that is beginning to leak and allow them to replace a twenty-six year old HVAC system. Dr. McKay commented that while this was a small start it was a start and they were appreciative. Dr. McKay thanked Board members for their support.
Harry Sherwood from Health Quest was next to address the Board. Mr. Sherwood presented a handout of information to Board members. Mr. Sherwood stated that HealthQuest of Union County services Union, Anson and Chesterfield counties. Mr. Sherwood stated that in 2006 the value of prescriptions dispensed to their service area was $4,237,616 and of that $423,762 was dispensed in AnsonCounty. Mr. Sherwood noted that it was their intention to increase the percentage of those served in AnsonCounty and was the reason for establishing the Anson-Union Partnership. Mr. Sherwood stated that the partnership was a partnership between them and rural Churches in both counties and they feel this will provide them with an in-road to finding the names of people needing their services. Mr. Sherwood asked the Board to consider a $15,000 grant to help them with emergency expenses as they increase their client base in AnsonCounty. Mr. Sherwood stated that they are supported by the Union County Commissioners and they asked them for the same percentage of what they anticipate spending in UnionCounty. Mr. Sherwood shared that they also requested the same from Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Mr. Sherwood explained that HealthQuest was a non-profit organization providing prescription maintenance medicines to people who cannot afford them and who do not have prescription insurance. Mr. Sherwood shared that the household income must be less than 175 percent of the federal poverty level and a valid Social Security card or other valid identification is required. Commissioner Smith asked if this was associated with what was seen on TV and the Monteil Williams bus that goes around giving money or prescription. Mr. Sherwood said they were not associated with this and they were a 501-C-3 non-profit. Commissioner Sims asked how they obtain the drugs with Mr. Sherwood answering that medications are acquired from local physicians and pharmaceutical companies provide samples. Mr. Sherwood shared that they also access the patient assistance programs of pharmaceutical companies whose policy is to assist uninsured and underinsured patients. Mr. Sherwood shared that they accessed almost five million dollars of these drugs last year. Mr. Sherwood explained that some medications must be purchased by HealthQuest and because they are funded by grants and contributions from businesses and individuals, funding does not stretch to provide all maintenance medications to clients. Mr. Sherwood explained that almost all new clients require emergency prescriptions to get started and they spent approximately $200,000 on this last year and last month they spent almost $10,000 purchasing emergency drugs. Chairman Baucom thanked Mr. Sherwood for coming and for what they were doing for citizens of Anson, Union and Chesterfield counties. Commissioner Smith asked if this would tie into DSS and what they should be offering with Chairman Baucom feeling this should be a part of the discussion.
Chairman Baucom asked if there were other comments from the public. Hearing none, motion by Commissioner Woodburn, seconded by Commissioner Sikes, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Smith asked to add under Commissioner Concerns a discussion of the school board.
Appearances:
LawrenceSmith - Mr. Smith presented a water bill problem. Mr. Smith explained that November 2005 his water bill went up to $103. Mr. Smith said he personally cut his meter off and on February 28, 2007 his bill was $391. Chairman Baucom asked if it was still turned off with Mr. Smith answering yes. Mr. Smith explained when the lady moved out heleftthe water and the lights on and the light bill remained the same but the water bill was sky high. Mr. Smith offered that there was no one living in the house. Mr. Smith shared that he and Mr. Gulledge went to the house and crawfish had covered the meter with mud and he had to dig through this to the cut off. Mr. Smith offered that maybe his hand cut it on part of the way but it was cut partially off from 2005 to 2007 and the water bill remained $10 during this timeand then on February 28, 2007 it jumped from $10.82 to $391. Mr. Smith feels if it had been leaking from 2005 to 2007 the bill should have been more than $10. Commissioner Smith asked if the regular bill was $10 a month with Mr. Smith answering yes. Mr. Smith shared that the water department cut the water off and now wanted to charge him a $50.00 reconnect fee. Mr. Smith also shared that even after the adjustment the bill was $209. Mr. Smith did state that the house had been vandalized by kids but there was no water leaking in the house and asked where the water went. Mr. Gulledge explained that there were two cut offs on this service with one being on the county side and a t-handle on the customer side. Mr. Gulledge stated that when Mr. Smith received the $105 water bill he informed the utility department that he wanted the water left on and that is when he cut if off on the customer side. Mr. Gulledge stated that the water remained on from the county side. Mr. Gulledge explained that when the meter readers went to read the meter they found the dial spinning and they cut it off on the county side. Mr. Gulledge shared that he did not know if someone cut it back on or what happened but that the house had been vandalized. Mr. Gulledge reminded Board members that if you burst out a light bulb it doesn’t make your light bill go up but if you burst a water spigot off it can make the water bill go up. Mr. Gulledge attributed the meter being cut on to vandalism. Mr. Gulledge stated that Mr. Smith wants the service on so he can work on the house and asked if it was vandalism what was to stop them from going back and running up another $250 bill. Chairman Baucom asked Mr. Gulledge if the water was running when he got there with Mr. Gulledge answering no but it was when the meter readers were there and they cut if off on our side. Mr. Smith shared that Mr. Gulledge was there when he dug the mud off the t-handle. Chairman Baucom asked where the water went with Mr. Gulledge answering that information he received was that someone came and turned it on and then turned it off. Mr. Smith asked if they could put the mud back on. Mr. Gulledge explained that you can have a water meter that is fine today and be leaking tomorrow. Commissioner Sims asked if the house was unoccupied unless it was occupied at some time bytrust passers with Mr. Smith answering that it was unoccupied. Chairman Baucom stated that the Board would discuss this and figure out what to do. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Vice Chair Streater, that we let him pay the $10 regular fee that he is used to paying and that the reconnect fee be taken from his bill. Motion carried unanimously.