THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS convened for their
regular monthly meeting Tuesday, March 6, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at Cooperative
Extension, McLaurin Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
Commissioners present:
Michael Livingston, Vice Chair
Blake Hildreth
Steve Lear
Dr. Jim Sims
Ross Streater
Staff members present:
Chris Wease, County Manager
Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC, Clerk to the Board
James Bennett, Human Resource/Asst. Co. Manager
Dorothy Tyson, Finance Officer
Rita James, Data Processing
Vance Gulledge, Utilities Director
Vice Chair Livingston called the meeting to Order. He reported that Chairman
Thacker had taken a trip to Washington DC and returned sick. Pastor R. J. White of
Greater St. Matthews in Wadesboro delivered the Invocation.
Approval of the Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by
Commissioner Lear, to approve the Agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Vice Chair Livingston asked if there were any additions or
deletions to the Consent Agenda. County Manager Wease advised that we needed
more information before approving the Dan River release and asked the Board to pull
that from the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Streater asked to add a discussion of
911 under Commissioner Concerns. Commissioner Hildreth asked to add a discussion
of water service under Commissioner Concerns. Motion by Commissioner Hildreth,
seconded by Commissioner Streater, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with
the additions and deletion. Motion carried unanimously.
Consent Agenda:
Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes of regular meetings on February 6, 12, 13, 23, 27 and
28 and closed session minutes of February 6, 23, 27 and 28, 2001.
Tax Releases:
Vehicle Tax Releases:
Austin, Joyce lavonne
2000
8.19
Proration
Bennett, Demetris B
2000
11.00
Proration
Benton, Charlie Hildreth
2000
6.75
Situs
Britt, Rudolph Dale JR
2000
6.96
Proration
Burns, Ollie L
2000
20.40
Proration
Burr, James R
2000
66.87
Proration
Carpenter, Christy
1999
2.42
Proration
Colling, John H. JR
2000
54.33
Proration
Delp, Roger Dale
2000
25.12
Proration
Gaddy, Steven M
Gainey, Hope E
Gladden, Gwendolyn
Gulledge, Sarah R
Hatfield, Deborah Lynn
Henry, Roman J
Horne, Gracie Mae
Huntley, Pansy Deloise
Lewis, Shannon
Lowery, Lonnie Ray Jr
Martin Brothers Equip
Massonery, Oliver DR
Ratliff, Elizabeth M
Sherrin, Donald E
Sikes, Bobby Hill
Smith, Harold Cornelius
Spencer, Anthony
Thomas, Emily Maske
Thomas, Jonathan L
Thomas, Jonathan L
Thomas, Jonathan L
Tillman, Winfred
Tyson, Kayla
Venator, Rick
White, Charles
White, Charles
Wiestling, Harold Ray
Wilkes, Marsha Ann
2000
2000
2000
2000
1999
2000
2000
2000
1999
2000
2000
2000
1999
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
1999
1999
1999
1999
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
20.48
37.90
63.54
30.80
26.37
74.51
145.45
21.26
175.39
19.47
39.96
120.31
17.14
81.68
26.68
1,531.26
16.49
28.39
49.20
3.90
19.62
3.50
14.08
71.48
73.15
47.17
38.64
82.94
$ 3,082.70
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
0.63
0.73
37.80
10.90
1.71
4.34
8.45
64.56
Situs
Situs
Situs
Situs
Situs
Situs
Situs
11.58
17.16
7.38
29.56
5.45
61.00
32.80
5.94
13.15
98.90
81.27
13.17
5.16
12.75
3.43
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Value
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Total
Vehicle Tax Adjustments:
Benton, Charlie Hildreth
Britt, Rudolph Dale JR
Huntley, Pansy Deloise
Massonary, Oliver DR
Spencer, Anthony
White, Charles
Wilkes, Marsha Ann
Total
Vehicle Tax Refunds:
Bennett, Betty A
Bennett, Demetris B
Bennett, Ella Cheri
Brown, Cynthia M
Deese, Donald
Edwards, Mamie I
Faires, James Timothy
Galloway, Alice E
GMAC
Harrington, Joseph Thomas
Harris, Walter L
Hasenmayer, Wayne J
Holmes, Elmer JR
Holmes Elmer Jr
Johnson, Angela
$
2000
2000
2000
1999
1999
1999
1999
2000
1999
2000
2000
2000
1999
1999
2000
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Situs
Proration
Situs
Situs
Situs
Value
Proration
Situs
Proration
Proration
Value
Situs
Situs
Value
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Situs
Value
Situs
Johnson, John
Johnson, Stanley Freeman
Little, Addie McNair
Maree Claude
McQueen, Marietta Ingram
Mull, Charles L
Overcash, Gloria
Parker, Herman Todd
Shaw, Gary
Tillman, Priscilla
White, Stella B
Williams, Richard
Total
Property Tax Releases:
Anson Machine Works
Anson Machine Works
Christie Real Estate
Estridge, Ann T
Harward, Charles
Harward, Charles
Harward, Charles
Horne, Bland
Howard, Wade H JR
Howell, Tony Glenn
Moses, Harland Daniel
Rebel Lumber Co
Ross, Howard E
Waddell, Robert & Sharon
White, James
Williams, Kathy
Total
2000
1999
1999
1999
1999
2000
1999
1999
2000
2000
2000
2000
2.58
32.80
6.84
5.21
58.62
55.51
8.92
22.34
25.12
13.35
9.66
15.20
654.85
1999
2000
2000
2000
1998
1999
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
1,194.44
837.77
29.69
431.89
228.06
216.83
177.90
72.12
1,047.42
41.00
89.09
409.67
245.33
17.06
41.82
374.76
5,454.85
$
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Proration
Double billed
Double billed
Mapping error
Double billed
Listing error
Listing error
Listing error
Situs
Value
Listing error
Value
Clerical Assessor
Listing error
Post mark date
Listing error
Listing error
Budget Amendments: This amendment reflects a change in the Youth Services state office
budget (5830) but does not change county dollars. It also increases funds for court facilities (4160) to
reflect $20,000 additional revenue, a $30.000 adjustment to the Sheriff’s department to receive the
Governor’s Highway Safety Grant and $6,097 Senior Center grant.
AMENDMENT
ANSON COUNTY BUDGET ORDINANCE FY 2000/01
BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the 2000/01 FY Budget
Ordinance be amended as follows:
Section 1. Expenditures:
Decrease
11-5830
$ 26,596.
Increase
11-5830
22,629.
Increase
11-4160
20,000.
Increase
11-4310
30,000.
Increase
11-5880
6,097.
Total Increase
$ 105,322.
Section 2. Revenues:
Decrease
11-5830
$ 26,596.
Increase
11-5830
21,069.
Increase
11-4130
1,560.
Increase
11-4160 (Fund Bal Approp)
20,000.
Increase
11-4310
30,000.
Increase
11-5880
6,097.
Total
$ 105,322.
This amendment allows for additional reimbursements from DSS to ACTS for transportation
services.
AMENDMENT
ANSON COUNTY BUDGET ORDINANCE FY 2000/2001
BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the 2000-2001 FY Budget
Ordinance be amended as follows:
Section 1. Expenditures:
Increase
11-4521-4523
$ 8,000.00
Total Increase
$ 8,000.00
Section 2. Revenues:
Increase
11-3452
$ 8,000.00
Total Increase
$ 8,000.00
This amendment accounts for the projected absorption of the inventory tax that is presently being
withheld by the State.
AMENDMENT
ANSON COUNTY BUDGET ORDINANCE FY 2000/22001
BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the 2000/2001 FY Budget
Ordinance be amended as follows:
Section 1. Expenditures:
Decrease
11-4110
$ 3,500.00
Decrease
11-4125
1,000.00
Decrease
11-4130
2,000.00
Decrease
11-4140
1,500.00
Decrease
11-4141
2,000.00
Decrease
11-4180
500.00
Decrease
11-4120
20,000.00
Decrease
11-4266
3,500.00
Decrease
11-4267
1,000.00
Decrease
11-4330
7,000.00
Decrease
11-4350
500.00
Decrease
11-4371
500.00
Decrease
11-4720
235,900.00
Decrease
11-4920
2,000.00
Decrease
11-4960
3,000.00
Increase
11-4110
283,900.00
Net Change
- 0 Water and Vehicle Write-offs: Many of the vehicle bills are from the years 1993-1997 and it has
been determined that many of these cannot be collected. Many of the water accounts are more than
eighteen months old and cannot be collected. It was noted that even though these accounts are being
written off, we would still take any opportunity available to collect these bills. A list of the vehicle and
water write-offs is attached and is by reference made a part of these minutes.
Salary Schedule: The salary schedule was recommended by the Personnel Advisory
Committee and does not change existing salaries at this time. The new schedule eliminates grades 51
through 55 which are rarely used since our minimum salary is over $15,079. It also increases the number
of steps within each grade from 16 to 25. When advertising for a position, the advertised range and room
for growth will appear more competitive with surrounding jurisdictions and other similar employers. It will
also offer existing employees room for growth over time. The salary schedule is hereby attached and by
reference made a part of these minutes.
Water Position: A request was made by the water department to add an additional heavy
equipment operator to the staff in the distribution department. They currently have a part time position
open but anticipate hiring additional employees during the coming budget year. They are asking
permission to add a position for a heavy equipment operator for the balance of this budget year and to
move Wilber Wilhoit into that position.
Economic Development Report: Accepted as presented
Budget Report: At this point, the revenues and expenditures should reflect 66% of the year’s
activity. The report shows the General Fund revenues exceed expenditures by $1.5 million dollars and
the water fund revenues exceed expenditures by $380,000. The sewer fund has regained a slight
advantage with revenues now exceeding expenditure for the first time in a few months by $20,000. This
fund has been plagued by lower use and some of the decrease in usage can be attributed to the Town of
Wadesboro’s sewer project to reduce inflow and infiltration.
Anson County State of Emergency Ordinance: This Ordinance was approved on first reading
in February but because the full Board was not present, requires a second reading. The Ordinance was
approved as follows:
ANSON COUNTY STATE OF EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PROCLAMATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY AND THE
IMPOSITION OF PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY
Section 1.
State of Emergency; Restrictions Authorized
(a)
A State of Emergency shall be deemed to exist whenever during times of public crisis, disaster,
rioting, catastrophe, or similar public emergency, for any reason, public safety authorities are
unable to maintain public order or afford adequate protection for lives, safety or property, or
whenever the occurrence of any such condition is imminent.
(b)
In the event of an existing or threatened State of Emergency endangering the lives, safety, health,
and welfare of the people within Anson County or any part thereof, or threatening damages to or
destruction of property, the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners for Anson County is
hereby authorized and empowered under Section 14-288.13 and 166A-8 to issue a public
proclamation declaring to all persons the existence of such a State of Emergency, and, in order to
more effectively protect the lives and property of people within the county, to place in effect any
or all of the restrictions hereinafter authorized.
(c)
The Chairperson is hereby authorized and empowered to limit by the proclamation the application
of all or any part of such restrictions to any area specifically designated or described within Anson
County and to specific hours of the day or night; and to exempt from all or any part of such
restrictions, while acting in the line of and within the scope of their respective duties, law
enforcement officers, fire department personnel, and other public employees, rescue squad
members, doctors, nurses, employees of hospitals and other medical facilities; on-duty military
personnel, whether state or federal; on-duty employees of public utilities, public transportation
companies, and newspaper, magazine, radio broadcasting, and television broadcasting
corporations operated for profit; and such other classes of persons as may be essential to the
preservation of public order and immediately necessary to serve the safety, health, and welfare
needs of people within the county.
Section 2.
Proclamation Imposing Prohibitions and Restrictions:
(a)
The Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of Anson County by proclamation may
impose the prohibitions and restrictions specified in sections 3 through 8 of this ordinance
in the manner described in those sections. The Chairperson may impose as many of
those specified prohibitions and restrictions as he/she finds are necessary, because of an
emergency, to maintain an acceptable level of public order and services, and to protect
lives, safety, and property. The Chairperson shall recite his findings in the proclamation.
(b)
The proclamation shall be in writing. The Chairperson shall take reasonable steps to give notice of
the terms of the proclamation to those affected, and shall post a copy of it in the County
Courthouse. The Chairperson shall send reports of media, which serves the affected area. The
Chairperson shall retain a text of the proclamation and furnish upon request certified copies of it.
Section 3.
Evacuation
The Chairperson may direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population of
the County of Anson, to prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destination in the
connection with evacuation; and to control ingress and egress of a disaster area, the
movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein. Details of
the evacuation may be set forth or amended in a subsequent proclamation, which shall
be well publicized.
Section 4.
Curfew
(a)
The proclamation may impose a curfew, prohibiting in certain areas and during certain periods, the
appearance in public of anyone who is not a member of an exempted class. The proclamation
shall specify the geographical area or areas and the period during each 24-hour day to which the
curfew applies. The Chairperson may exempt from some or all of the curfew restrictions classes
of people whose exemption the Chairperson finds necessary for the preservation of the public
health, safety, and welfare. The proclamation shall state the exempted.
(b)
Unless otherwise specified in the proclamation, the curfew shall apply during the specified period
each day until the Chairperson, by proclamation, removes the curfew.
Section 5.
Restrictions on Possession, Consumption, or Transfer of Alcoholic
Beverages
The proclamation may prohibit the possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage;
including beer, wine, and spirituous liquor other than on ones own premises, and may
prohibit the transfer, transportation, sale or purchases of any alcoholic beverage within
the area of the County of Anson described in the proclamation. The prohibition, if
imposed, may apply to transfers of alcoholic beverages by employees of Alcoholic
Beverage Control stores as well as by anyone else within the geographical area
described.
Section 6.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Restriction on Possession, Transportation, and Transfer of Dangerous
Weapons and substances
The proclamation may prohibit the transportation or possession off ones own premises, or the sale
or purchase of any dangerous weapon or substance. The Chairperson may exempt from, some or
all of the restrictions, classes of people whose possession, transfer, or transportation of certain
dangerous weapons or substances is necessary to the preservation of the public’s health, safety, or
welfare. The proclamation shall state the exempted.
“Dangerous weapon or substance” means:
(1)
Any deadly weapon, ammunition, explosive, incendiary device, radioactive material or
device as defined in G.S. 14-288.8 (c) (5), gasoline, or other instrument or substance
designed for a use that carries a threat of serious bodily injury or destruction of property.
(2)
Any other instrument or substance that is capable of being used to inflict serious bodily
injury or destruction of property, when the circumstances indicate that there is some
probability that such instrument or substance will be so used.
(3)
Any part or ingredient in any instrument or substance included above when the
circumstances indicate a probability that such a part or ingredient will be used.
If imposed, the restrictions shall apply throughout the jurisdiction of the county or such part
thereof as designated in the proclamation.
A violation of this section shall be punishable as provided in G.S. 14-288.7.
Section 7.
Restrictions on Access to Areas
(a)
The proclamation may prohibit obtaining access or attempting to obtain access to any
area, designated in the manner described in this section, in violation of any order, clearly
posted notice, or barricade indicating that access is denied or restricted.
(b)
Areas to which access is denied, or restricted, shall be designated by the Sheriff and his
subordinates, or other law enforcement officer when directed in the proclamation to do so by the
Chairperson. When acting under this authority, the Sheriff and his subordinates, when directed in
the proclamation to do so by the Chairperson, may restrict or deny access to any area, street,
highway or location within the county if that restriction or denial of access or use, is reasonably
necessary to promote efforts being made to overcome the emergency or to prevent further
aggravation of the emergency.
Section 8.
The proclamation may prohibit or restrict:
(a)
Movements of people in public places;
(b)
The operation of offices, business establishments, and other places to or from which people may
travel or at which they may congregate; and
(c)
Other activities or conditions the control of which may be reasonable necessary to maintain order
and protect lives or property during the state of emergency, within the area designated in the
proclamation.
Section 9.
Removal of Prohibitions and Restrictions
The Chairperson shall by proclamation terminate the entire declaration of emergency or remove
any of the prohibitions and restrictions when the emergency no longer requires them, or when
directed to do so by the Board of Commissioners.
Section 10.
Superseding and Amendatory Proclamations
The Chairperson in his/her discretion may invoke the restrictions authorized by this
ordinance in separate proclamations, and may amend any proclamation by means of a
superseding proclamation in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.
Section 11.
Termination of Proclamation
Any proclamation issued under this ordinance shall expire five days after its last
imposition unless sooner terminated in writing under the same procedures set forth in
Section 2 for proclamations.
Section 12.
In Case of Absence or Disability of Chairperson
In case of the absence or disability of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of
Commissioners, or such other person as may be designated by the Board of commissioners, shall
have and exercise all of the powers herein given the Chairperson.
Section 13.
Penalty for Violation
Except as provided in Section 6, any person violating any prohibition or restriction
imposed by a proclamation authorized by this ordinance shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) or
imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, as provided by F.S. 14-4.
Section 14.
Repeal of conflicting Ordinances
All ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.
Section 15.
Territorial Applicability
This ordinance shall NOT apply within the corporate limits of any municipality, or within
any area of Anson County over which the municipality has jurisdiction to enact general
police-power ordinances, unless the municipality by resolution consents to its application
or the Mayor of the municipality has requested its application, in which event it shall apply
to such areas as fully and too the same extent as elsewhere in the County of Anson.
Section 16.
Validity
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason
held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this ordinance. The Board of Commissioners hereby declares that it would have passed
this ordinance and each section, subsection, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of
the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be
declared invalid.
Section 17.
Effective Date of Ordinance
This ordinance shall take effect on the ______ day of __________________________,
20___.
DOT Reimbursement Agreement: This agreement will govern our relationship regarding the
road relocation portion of the airport project. After the agreement is signed by DOT and we receive the
Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit, we will be ready to begin the road relocation construction. We hope
this will be around the first of April. Approved the following resolution:
RESOLUTION PASSED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF ANSON COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
A motion was by Commissioner Hildreth and seconded by Commissioner Streater for the
adoption of the following Resolution, and upon being put to a vote was duly adopted:
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the County of Anson propose
to make certain street and highway improvements consisting of the relocation of SR1627 (Pinkston River
Road) from the intersection with SR1645 (Airport Road) eastward 1.20 miles; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation and the County of Anson propose to enter into an
agreement for construction of the aforementioned highway improvement whereby the County of Anson
agrees to design the project plans, acquire the right of way and adjust utilities, award the construction
contract, and supervise project construction; and
WHEREAS, said agreement provides for the County of Anson to be responsible for the costs of
design and preparation of plans for the entire project, for the costs of engineering and supervision of
construction of the entire project, and for administrative costs incurred in the acquisition of right of way of
the project; and,
WHEREAS, said agreement further provides for the Department of Transportation to reimburse
the County of Anson a maximum amount of $766,305.00 for the construction costs of the project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Project 6.652249 is hereby formally approved by
the Board of Commissioners of the County of Anson and that the Chairman of the Board and the Clerk of
this County are hereby empowered to sign and execute the Agreement with the Department of
Transportation.
CJP Funding Application: Approved the Application for continuation of Implementation Funding,
job description for CJPP Director, contract with Sandhills Mental Health, budget summary, budget line
item justification, Advisory B Board and MOA’s with ACSD and NCCC.
Smart Start Resolution:
Proclamation by
Anson County Board of Commissioners
for
Anson County Partnership for Children
Where as, the mission of the Anson County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) is to provide the
Anson County children and families with opportunities and resources for a positive quality of life.
Where as, the goals of the Anson County Partnership for Children (ACPC) are:
 To ensure that all children in Anson County start to school healthy and ready to learn.
 To empower parents with the education and information to support strong families.
 To ensure that services and activities in Anson County are accessible and affordable for families.
 To improve the quality, affordability and availability of child care in Anson County.
Whereas, by calling attention to the need for high-quality early childhood services for all children and
families within our community, these groups hope to improve the quality and availability of such
services; and
Whereas, the future of our community depends on the quality of the early childhood experiences
provided to young children today; and
Whereas, high-quality early childhood services represent a worthy commitment to our children's future;
and
Whereas, the first three years of a child’s life are the most important for future development and success.
The experiences a child receives during those first critical years will make a difference for a lifetime; and
Whereas, the primary focus of Anson County Partnership for Children is to ensure that Anson County
continues to make childhood issues a priority; and
Whereas, the Anson County Partnership for Children has established a network of early childhood
advocates who support for early childhood issues; and
Whereas, the Anson County Partnership for Children empowers community members to improve the
lives of young children in their community;
We, the Board of Commissioners for Anson County, North Carolina, do hereby support the Anson
County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) and urge all citizens to recognize and support the needs of
young children in our community.
Appearance: Michael Watson, Area Director of Sandhills Center, spoke to the
Board. He announced that effective January 2001, the Council on Accreditation has
awarded Sandhills Center a three-year accreditation for Children and Family Services.
The accreditation award was the culmination of a yearlong self-study process during
which Sandhills Center’s staff and Board evaluated each of their services against
national best practice standards. He stated this was the first time in their thirty-year
history they have been nationally accredited. The accreditation award clearly reflects
the center’s commitment to the delivery of high quality, well-managed services. An area
of concern is that for the past six months the joint Legislative Oversight Committee on
Mental Health, Development Disabilities and Substance Abuse has been conducting a
detailed review of the North Carolina Community Service System. The goal of this
subcommittee is to increase accountability in the Community Service System by tying
the management and oversight of these services more closely to county government.
The draft legislation prepared for submission to the 2001 General Assembly proposes
an extensive rewrite of Chapter 122C-the legislation that created the Area Program
System. The proposed rewrite would dramatically change the current system and
includes the following major changes:
The proposed draft legislation would abolish the current status of Area programs as entities of
Local Government.
The draft legislation would require that all community mental health, developmental disability and
substance abuse services be delivered under the control of an “Administering County”. That county
would have direct authority over current area program operations. The program director would report to
the County Manager of the administering county and the County Commissioners of that county would
have budget and contract approval authority over Area Program operations. The administering county
would then contract with other counties to provide community services. For the Sandhills service area,
this would mean that one of our counties would have to serve as the administering county and take over
management of the center’s $24 million budget and 325 employees. The administering county would
then assume the risk and liability associated with the delivery of these services.
The draft legislation would require that community programs have a minimum service area of
350,000 people. Given that Sandhills Center serves a five county area of approximately 210,000 people,
we would be required to combine with another community program.
It would also place such critical Area Board functions as hiring the Program Director, approving
operating budgets and contracting with the administering county. Mr. Watson feels this reallocation of
management functions serves to disenfranchise advocates, consumers and family members who now
serve on area boards. The local Board would serve in an advisory capacity under the proposed
legislation.
At the request of Sandhills Board, Mr. Watson is appearing before all five sets of
County Commissioners and presenting a draft resolution for consideration. The
resolution asks that the current organizational structure remain the same. Board
thanked Mr. Watson for coming and will consider the resolution at a later date.
At this point, Vice Chair Livingston recognized Retired County Manager Dr.
Taron Jones. James Bennett explained that at the recent City/County Manager’s
conference, Dr. Jones was one of twelve managers recognized by the Association. In
appreciation of his service to Anson County and on behalf of the Association, Mr.
Bennett presented Dr. Jones with a life membership in the North Carolina County
Commissioners Association. He was given a membership pin and a pewter cup. Dr.
Jones was appreciative of the recognition and thanked everyone present.
Commissioner Sims referred back to the Consent Agenda, asking a question on
the Emergency Operations Plan. He noticed the penalty for violation was $50.00 or
thirty days in jail and felt this ought to be tougher. Roger Fall replied there were limits
on this class of misdemeanor.
Administrative Matters:
Presentation of Audit & Audit Contract: Prior to this meeting, each
Commissioner was presented a copy of the Audit. Deneal Bennett of JBWatson &
Company was here to answer any questions. Mrs. Bennett noted that the county used
$927,000 of fund balance last year and they don’t like to see that. The prior year we
used $820,000.00. Mrs. Bennett also pointed out that DSS was over budget but that
was due largely to child support enforcement. There were no findings with federal and
state grant monies. She cautioned the Board that GASB 34 will take effect in 2003 and
that is when we will have to account for and depreciate all general fixed assets. She
feels we need to start addressing this issue now. All in all we had a good audit.
Commissioner Lear thanked Mrs. Bennett for making them aware of the problems with
fund balance and commented that according to what he sees, if we keep the same
budget as far as expenditures, the first $927,339 of growth would be needed to balance
the budget. Mrs. Bennett answered yes. Mrs. Bennett stated she had expected LGC to
say something about our fund balance but their response letter was not bad. Vice Chair
Livingston commented that we need to put more back in our savings rather than
spending all our savings. Motion by Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner
Lear, to accept the audit and approve year two of our contract. Motion carried
unanimously.
Water Rate Demonstration: Due to technical difficulty, Vance was unable to
present his power point demonstration. A copy of the power point presentation was
included in each Commissioner’s packet. The mission of the Anson County Water
Department is to efficiently serve the residents of Anson County and the surrounding
communities by providing a superior quality and adequate quantity of potable water at
an economically feasible cost. They plan to do this by maintaining a dominant position
in water production and distribution and by installing ten miles of new water lines per
year. The water department serves approximately 75% of all residents with 650 miles
of water lines. He reminded Board members that tax funds are not used to construct
water lines. Vance touched on the priority list, stating they hope to have the Pee Dee
line completed by mid April and 109 North by the end of summer. Commissioner Sims
referred to the request in the Agenda to hire an additional part time employee and
asked how many people would it take to speed up progress on water line construction.
Vance Gulledge answered they anticipate hiring three additional employees plus the
one approved today but that they can’t fund the material needed to speed up water line
construction. Vance said they would probably use $100,000 of material a month on full
time construction and they can’t generate enough revenue for that amount. There was
much discussion of water line construction and the priority list.
Presentation of Emergency Operations Plan Draft: County Manager Wease
reported a copy of the draft Ordinance was included in each Commissioner’s packet.
Roger Fall prepared the document from looking at previous drafts and talking with other
counties. Also on the agenda is the appointment of an Emergency Planning Committee
and that committee will review the draft Ordinance and recommend a final draft to the
Commissioners. Roger Fall asked Board members to review the plan and submit any
suggestions to him. Roger explained the draft presented is only a plan and is not
disaster specific. As we grow and situations change we can expand or shrink as
needed. He also noted that duties of each department will vary very little from disaster
to disaster. This document will serve as a guideline to be used by various departments
to write internal protocols. Vice Chair Livingston asked if we should have mock
disasters on a regular basis with Roger answering there are no requirements but we will
have drills once we are comfortable with the plan. Commissioner Sims mentioned he
heard the Volunteer Fire Departments say they had difficulty moving around in the
county because we did not have a countywide policy for them. Roger said most
departments intermix well and when called upon by another area Fire Chief will respond
to work under that Chief. Vice Chair Livingston asked about EMS backing up Burnsville
first responders with Roger noting that was now in transition for a quick response.
County Manager Wease asked Roger to brief Board members on the current fire at the
cotton gin. Roger noted the fire started about a week ago and they thought they had it
under control until today. One of the problems has been not having access to a water
line. The cause of the fire was spontaneous combustion in piles of cotton waste stored
on site. Roger is working on drafting an Ordinance that will prohibit the storage of
materials in that quantity. Air quality control is involved and has said they can no longer
keep this large amount of cotton waste on site after the season.
Roger noted there was the State of Emergency Ordinance and another one they
are working on called the Emergency Management Ordinance. These are referenced in
the Emergency Operations Plan and seem to be closely related but again, since the
plan is not law, we need the Ordinance in place to give it the legal standing.
County Manager Wease reported that Chairman Thacker had asked him to draft
a letter to the state urging them to consider the impact that withholding revenues is
having on county budgets. We have drafted a letter and Resolution for Board approval
based on one recently adopted by Catawba County. The Resolution asks the General
Assembly and the Governor to consider alternative revenue sources including but not
limited to a one-cent sales tax. County Manager Wease is hoping the state will refund
the inventory tax and he will not have to use money set aside to cover this shortfall.
Copies will be sent to the Governor, Pryor and both Senators. Motion by Commissioner
Sims, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to approve. Vice Chair Livingston suggested
the entire Board sign the letter rather than just the Chairman and Board members
agreed. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION REQUESTING GOVERNOR MICHAEL F. EASLEY TO REMIT OBLIGATED
FUNDS TO CITIES AND COUNTIES AND THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO
ENACT LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING A MENU OF REVENUE SOURCES FOR LOCAL
GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, A LOCAL SALES TAX OF UP TO ONE (1%)
PERCENT
WHEREAS, North Carolina cities and counties have a tradition of promoting the highest ideals of good
government and accountability to the citizens of this state; and
WHEREAS, fiscal responsibility is consistently demonstrated by each unit of local government developing
and adhering to a budget balanced between revenues and expenditures for the services demanded by the public; and
WHEREAS, a major revenue source used to maintain these balanced budgets has been the reimbursement
of revenues lost due to actions of the North Carolina General Assembly that have consistently eroded the tax bases
of these local governments; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of North Carolina has acted to deprive the cities and counties of
North Carolina of rightfully obligated revenue from the inventory tax reimbursement as well as other revenue
sources, thus penalizing local governments for the State’s fiscal problems; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly has refused to allow cities and counties the ability to
raise revenues from a broad-based menu of sources, mandating that local governments rely on the property tax as
their main source of revenue and thus continually burdening homeowners with ever increasing property tax bills,
while others pay little of the cost of protecting, preserving and promoting public health, safety and education.
THEREFORE, THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HEREBY RESOLVES to
respectfully request that the Governor of North Carolina, Michael F. Easley, immediately release any and all funds
previously obligated to North Carolina’s cities and counties, pledge never again to act to deprive the citizens of this
state of the local governments’ services or to promote higher property taxes, and further, that members of the North
Carolina General Assembly act immediately to authorize each and every local government in North Carolina the
authority to enact a broad-based approach to financing necessary public services by enacting a menu of revenue
sources, including, but not limited to, a local sales tax of up to one (1%) percent.
This action will restore balance to the state and local partnership that has served the citizens of North
Carolina for the past 225 years and restore the faith of city and county officials, as well as our citizens, in the
Governor and the North Carolina General Assembly.
This the 6th day of March, 2001.
Vice Chair Livingston called for a five-minute break.
After the break, County Manager Wease called on Mary Beck to give an update
on current projects. The triangle brick project hit rock and to date we have spent
$41,700 on rock removal. The contractor hit rock again after installing manhole #3. The
force main portion of the sewer has been installed with the exception of the railroad
bore. Both pump station sites are in process. In the State Revolving Grant Project for
the highway 74 corridor, we have received funding in the amount of $3-million. We
have requested the State to accelerate the review of this project in order to bid it out as
soon as possible. It seems the earliest date for this project will be late spring or early
summer of 2001. The original cost of this project was estimated to be around $4million. To date, we have received the $3-million from the State Revolving Grant Funds
and the county has acquired three sand filters from the Town of Falcon which will cut
the cost of the sand filter system around $100,000.00.
Mrs. Beck explained that the Rural Center has a Supplemental Grant Project up
to $400,000.00 for sewer improvements, which will be due on March 30, 2001. While
the grant is competitive, additional points are awarded to grant projects, which have
already acquired partial funding, and projects that have a local commitment. Due to the
fact that Anson County has already received $3-million in grant dollars from NCDENR,
and the county has participated with a local commitment of $569,791.36, our chances of
receiving funding for this grant project would be good. Mrs. Beck asked the Board to
approve applying for $330,208.64 in supplemental grant funding from the Rural Center
to go towards the Highway 74-corridor project. This funding will be used to install the
20” PVC force main portion of the project from the Goulds Fork pump station to the new
Triangle Brick pump station which is to be located on top of the force main line at the
railroad tract behind Mauney’s Food Center.
Mrs. Beck further explained that the North Carolina Rural Center administers
three programs to help rural communities develop the water and sewer systems to
support local economic growth and ensure a reliable supply of clean water. The
Capacity Building Grants Program provides funding for local governments to undertake
planning efforts that support strategic investments in water and sewer facilities. Funds
typically are used to prepare preliminary engineering reports, master water/sewer plans,
capital improvements plans, water/sewer feasibility studies, rate studies and grant
applications. The maximum grant amount provided by the Rural Center for this program
is generally $40,000.00. This is a competitive grant application, which provides
additional points to communities who participate with local commitment dollars. She
asked permission to complete a Water Feasibility Study for Anson County and to
complete an application for this study under the Capacity Building Grant in the amount
of $40,000.00 in grant funds and a $10,000.00 local commitment from the County.
Motion by Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Streater, to apply for
water/sewer grants. Motion carried unanimously.
Appointments:
Town of Wadesboro Planning Board: Motion by Commissioner Hildreth,
seconded by Commissioner Lear, to approve the reappointment of Henry Morton, Daisy
Sowell and Pat Forbes and the new appointment of Lawrence Gatewood and Steve
Roberts to this board. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Lear asked if the motion to apply for water/sewer grants included
the feasibility study. If so, he wants to change his vote to being against the motion.
County Manager Wease explained our portion would come from the water fund for
engineering. He noted the grant would allow us to look at several areas in the county
with low water pressure. Instead of paying $50,000 for this we would only pay $10,000.
Commissioner Sims thought we were saving money we would have to spend if we did
not get the grant. Commissioner Lear stated for the record that he opposed the motion.
Local Emergency Planning Committee: This committee would work in an
advisory capacity to Roger Fall relating to emergency planning. Motion by
Commissioner Lear, seconded by Commissioner Hildreth, to approve the following
appointments:
Local Official:
State Official:
Law Enforcement:
Civil Defense:
Fire Department:
Health Department:
Emergency Medical Svc:
Environmental Health:
Transportation:
Media:
Industry:
Community Group:
Chris Wease, County Manager
Woody Mashburn, NCEM
Ronnie Jarman, Sheriff’s Office
Roger Fall, Emergency Management
Eddie Pope, Fire Chief’s Association
Jim Roosen, Health Director
Steve Teeter, Anson EMS
Carol Ann Gibson
Mike Warwick, NDCOT
David Deese, Anson Record
Lavon Tyson, CP&L
Bonnie M. Huntley, Anson Women’s League
Commissioner Concerns: Commissioner Streater mentioned that over the
week-end he received calls from 911 employees concerned that overtime pay had been
suspended. County Manager Wease explained that a memo had been issued to all
departments that in light of the state budget crises, all overtime had been frozen.
County Manager Wease has also removed $280,000 from certain line items in the
budget in case we do not get our reimbursement from the State. He has talked with the
911 Supervisor and feels through schedule changes overtime could be eliminated.
Another issue is the number of folks available to work that department, stating James
Bennett has some creative ideas from talking with other 911 departments. County
Manager Wease feels the real issue is the impact this is having on the take home pay of
the operators. Sheriff Sellers was present and asked to speak to the Board on this
issue. He looks at this issue from the point of getting the job done. The schedule was
set years ago and approved by the Labor Board and Steve Carpenter. Sheriff Sellers is
afraid the cut in pay will result in some of the dispatchers leaving and he needs to keep
competent people in that department. Sheriff Sellers invited each Commission to sit in
dispatch for a while and see just what all they have to do. The job is not easy and is full
of stress and crazy hours. County Manager Wease feels because of the stress, the
operators do not need to work more than forty hours in one week. County Manager
Wease commented that he and James Bennett were available to meet with the Sheriff
and the 911 supervisor anytime. There was much discussion of this issue and
problems with the department. Commissioner Streater suggested the County Manager
and James Bennett meet with Sheriff Sellers and the 911 Supervisor and see if they
can’t smooth out the problems. Vice Chair Livingston asked County Manager Wease to
keep Board members informed.
Motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Commissioner Streater, to go into
closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the
location or expansion of business in the area served by this body and N.C.G.S. 143318.11(a)(6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance, condition of
appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee.
Motion carried unanimously.
In regular session, there was a discussion of the county applying for a
water/sewer CDBG grant for an elderly housing project to be located near Grace Senior
Center. Commissioner Sims was of the impression that the Town will decide whether or
not they will have this project and we just decide whether or not to help get the grant.
County Manager Wease explained we would be doing CDBG grants for water/sewer
and curb and gutter for this particular project. Commissioner Sims asked if this project
was specifically for the elderly with County Manager Wease answering it was for lowincome elderly and only for one person. They feel like the majority of their population
will be elderly females. Funding will be tied to the project based on all inhabitants being
over fifty-five years of age making under a certain income level. The guarantee we
have that that happens, is their thirty-year mortgage. County Manager Wease stated
this would be a two million-dollar project added to our tax base. There was a short
discussion of this issue.
Vice Chair Livingston asked if anyone had any comments on the 911-overtime
issue. Vice Chair Livingston stated the 911 employees serve at the pleasure of the
Sheriff and favors this department being broken out into a separate group working for
the County Manager. This represents all the emergency services of the county and not
just the Sheriff. He feels this may be an alternative to what we are facing today.
Commissioner Sims asked if these are difficult jobs and require special training, why we
don’t advertise for the positions. James Bennett noted in the four years he has been
employed with the county, he has not advertised for 911 positions. The Sheriff has said
he wants at least two people per shift working in that department and in checking back
he has an average of 5.5 people for a shift. James noted that in Hoke County, they
have 1.5 persons per shift running 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the half person coming on
from Noon to midnight. County Manager Wease noted another problem outside the
intangible reimbursement is the entire department has a problem with overtime. Since
July they have used $23,000 in overtime salaries and $4600 in part -time salaries.
Their emphasis in not on being creative and using tax dollars wisely but in
supplementing salaries. There was much discussion of this issue.
Being no further business, Vice Chair Livingston declared the meeting recessed
until 5:00 p.m. March 12, 2001.
Respectfully submitted:
Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC
Clerk to the Board
Meeting time: 3-hr. 45 min.