120511December 5, 2011
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909
Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC.
Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Haywood, Kemp and Lanier were present. Rev. Jeff Garner,
Sawyersville Wesleyan Church, Asheboro, gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Public Comment Period
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Holmes opened the floor for public comment. No
one spoke.
County Employee Service Awards Presentation
Chairman Harold Holmes and Vice Chair Darrell Frye, assisted by Human Resources Director
Stacy Griffin, presented County employee service award certificates and a piece of pottery to the
following honorees: 15 years of service: Raphael W. Beech,Emergency Services; Janet C. King,
Emergency Services; Nancy G. Kirby, Health; Jennifer C. Parks, Soil & Water Conservation District
(unable to attend); Tamara L. Richburg, Social Services; Julie P. Trotter, Social Services; David R.
Troutman, Social Services; Kevin S. Brady, Sheriff, Judy V. Brown, Sheriff, Joel R. Coe, Sheriff,
Bobby E. Garner, Sheriff, Betty A. Goins, Sheriff, Gena S. Harris, Sheriff, Serina G. Hussey, Sheriff,
Thomas S. Immel, III, Sheriff, Darren L. Johnson, Sheriff, Tim R. Owenby, Sheriff, Margaret A.
Person, Sheriff, Ryan W. Scherer, Sheriff, Stephen D. Trogdon, Sheriff, Robin G. Ward, Sheriff, 20
years of service: Timothy M. Rowland, Information Technology; Sherry B. Barbery, Health (unable
to attend); James S. Chriscoe, Public Buildings; Karen K. Saffell, Public Buildings; Sandra J. Reid,
Sheriff, Traci H. Williams, Sheriff, Kathy C. McGowan, Social Services; Kimberly L. Scruggs, Social
Services; 25 years of service: Philip A. Pearman, Public Health (unable to attend); Linda R. Smith,
Information Technology; 30 years of service: Thomas M. Wassack, Information Technology; Sherry
D. Saunders, Social Services (unable to attend).
Reorganization of the Board
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
following appointments: Chairman, Harold Holmes; Vice Chair, Darrell Frye; County Attorney, Ben
Morgan; Associate County Attorney, Aimee Scotton; Clerk to the Board, Cheryl Ivey; Deputy Clerk to
the Board, Amanda Varner; Representative to the Board of Health, Stan Haywood; Representative to
the Social Services Board, Arnold Lanier; Representative to the Consolidated Mental Health Board
Darrell Frye; Representative to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Phil Kemp; Representative to
the High Point Transportation Advisory Board, Darrell Frye; Alternate Representative to the High
Point Transportation Advisory Board, Stan Haywood; PTRG Delegate, Darrell Frye; Piedmont Triad
Partnership, Phil Kemp; Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation, Darrell Frye; Regional
Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Committee, Stan Haywood; Tourism Development
Authority Liaison, Phil Kemp.
Approval of Consent Agenda
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent
Agenda, as presented, and as follows:
0 approve minutes of regular meeting of 11/7/11;
approve surety bonds for elected and appointed officials: Finance Officer Will Massie
($500,000); Deputy Finance Officer Suzanne Dale ($500,000); Tax Collector Debra Hill
($300,000); Deputy Tax Collectors: Sallie Cheek ($200,000), Revonda Cox ($200,000); Deputy
Finance Officersfor Jail Commissary: Phyllis Calloway ($10, 000), Judy Brown ($50, 000), JoAnn
Sapp ($10,000); SheriMaynard Reid ($25, 000), Register of Deeds Krista Lowe ($50,000);
designate Board of Commissioners Chair (Chief Elected Oficial) to the Regional Partnership
Local Workforce Development Area Consortium Chief Elected Oficial Board;
approve letter of support for Randolph's inclusion within the service area of Foreign -Trade Zone
(FTZ) No. 230, such that the Piedmont Triad Partnership may apply to the FTZ Board for
authority to serve sites located within Randolph County based on businesses' trade -related needs
and that the zone will be made available on a uniform basis to companies within this county, in a
manner consistent with the legal requirement that each FTZ be operated as a public utility;
approve Budget Amendment #16 for Aging Services (Additional HCCBG Funds for In Home
Assistant Respite services and RCA TS transportation program) & Form DOA -731, as follows:
2011-2012 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #16
Revenues
Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental
$24,674
Appropriations
Increase Decrease
Other Human Service Appropriations
$24,674
• approve Budget Amendment #17for Public Health (additional funding from CDIS/Cancer
Prevention & Control Branch for screenings for income -categorically -eligible women for early
detection of breast cancer), as follows:
2011-2012 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #17
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $12,750
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Public Health $12,750
• approve Budget Amendment #18 for Juvenile Day Reporting Center (additional funding from NC
Dept. of Juvenile Justice), as follows:
2011-2012 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #18
Revenues Increase Decrease
Restricted Intergovernmental $10,000
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Day Reporting Center $10, 000
approve Budget Amendment #19 for Emergency Services (previously approved 24 -hr. Trinity
Ambulance and 2 PT Paramedic Positions), as follows:
2011-2012 Budget Ordinance
General Fund—Budget Amendment #19
Revenues Increase Decrease
Sales and Services $84,134
Appropriations Increase Decrease
Emergency Services $84,134
• reappoint Christine Caviness to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee;
• reappoint Tom White to Asheboro Planning Board as an extra territorial member;
• reappoint Eddie Causey, Beverly Nelson & Edith Reddick to Guil-Rand Fire Dept. Commission
Addition to New Business
Chairman Holmes announced that Item I Status Report on MERCE Clinic MiMi Cooper &
Teresa Shackleford had been added to the New Business agenda.
Approval of Loan to Medical Resource Center for Randolph County (MERCE)
MiMi Cooper, Public Health Director and MERCE board member and Teresa Shackleford,
MERCE's new CEO, said that MERCE was established in 1992 as a medical and dental clinic
for citizens of Randolph County who could not afford care. It has evolved over the years into a
full service primary care medical and dental practice with federally qualified health center
(FQHC) status that accepts all patients and forms of insurance. FQHC designation means that
MERCE receives an enhanced Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement. For example, a private
medical practice might be reimbursed $50 for a basic service, whereas MERCE would receive
$100. This designation also means that our health center cannot turn anyone away regardless of
ability to pay.
Ms. Shackleford said that for a number of reasons, but primarily due to poor management in
the past and issues with productivity, billing, collections and marketing, MERCE is experiencing
a financial crisis that has resulted in a cash flow deficit, which leaves MERCE with insufficient
funds to meet expenses after December 12, 2011. She said that people still see MERCE as a
"free clinic," but in actuality, MERCE is a family practice and dental clinic that needs enough
paying customers to help offset those who cannot pay. She said that MERCE has never asked the
County for funding for operations. However, given the current financial position, she feels
compelled to reach out to all sources of possible support. She asked the Commissioners for a
loan in the amount of $215,000.
According to Ms. Shackleford, Randolph Hospital has provided assistance to MERCE in the
form of loans and resource development. The Hospital has currently committed to loan MERCE
$150,000. The City of Asheboro is also considering a $40,000 grant to MERCE. In addition,
MERCE currently receives grant funds from United Way. Local physicians, as well as local
agencies, have assisted MERCE by donating time and supplies. This important community
institution serves nearly 4,500 patients, helping them meet their medical and dental needs.
Ms. Shackleford said that MERCE has enlisted HRSA (Health Resources and Services
Agency) and the NC Association of Community Health Centers for assistance in overhauling
MERCE's operations plan. In addition, MERCE has sought specific guidance via a study paid
for by Randolph Hospital, from Dan Miles, a health care consultant with considerable experience
in FQHC community health. Mr. Miles states in his final report to the MERCE Board that, "The
net result of comparing expected revenues and expenses shows an operating deficit that can be
erased through increased productivity and improved collection performance, both of which are
believed to be within the demonstrable capabilities of MERCE." Both Ms. Cooper and Ms.
Shackleford said that the MERCE Board will be discussing a change of name and a complete
rebranding of the organization. They both assured the Commissioners that in a worst-case
scenario, MERCE would sell off their $1.1 million in assets (mostly in the two buildings it owns)
in order to repay the County. Ms. Shackleford and Ms. Cooper said that they feel confident that
this crisis can be turned around in order to make this medical and dental clinic operate with
integrity.
Ms. Shackleford and Ms. Cooper answered questions from the Board, spearheaded primarily
by Commissioner Haywood.
After lengthy discussion, on motion of Kemp, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 4-1,
with Frye opposing, to extend a line of credit up to $215, 000 to MERCE, with the terms to be
negotiated by MERCE, the County Finance Officer and Associate County Attorney.
Approval of Care Coordination for Children and Pregnancy Care Management (CC4C) Grant
Funding, New Position and Budget Amendment
MMi Cooper, Public Health Director, said that this fiscal year, the NC Medicaid Office made
some changes in how it pays for care coordination services. The services previously called Child Care
Coordination and Maternity Care Coordination are now titled CC4C (Care Coordination for
Children) and PCM (Pregnancy Care Management). In the past, the services were paid on a fee-for-
service reimbursement schedule. Recently, the Medicaid Office changed the payment method to a per -
member per -month schedule. Under this payment method, the Health Department will receive more
funding than was received under the old method of payment. The Health Department will receive
funds in the amount of $312,480 for the CC4C program, and $288,582 for the PCM program.
Consequently, the number of individuals able to receive these services will increase and the need for
support staff will increase. Ms. Cooper requested approval for the funds listed above. She also
requested the approval of a new clerical support position to assist the nursing staff in serving children
and pregnant women in these new coordination programs.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to accept grant funding for
the CC4C programs, to approve the requested clerical position for these new programs and to
approve BudgetAmendment #20, as follows:
2011-12 Budget Ordinance
General Fund — Budget Amendment #20
Revenues
Increase
Decrease
Restricted intergovernmental
$ 601,062
Appropriations
Increase
Decrease
Public Health
$ 601,062
Public Hearing on Guil-Rand Fire Service Districts Establishment & Adoption of Resolutions
Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney, reminded the Board that at their October meeting,
they officially considered moving forward, via resolution, to create county service districts for fire
protection mirroring the existing rural fire protection districts for Guil-Rand and Climax. For each
district, the Board considered the resident or seasonal population and population density of the
proposed district, the appraised value of property subject to taxation in the proposed district, the
present tax rates of the County and any cities or special districts in which the proposed district or any
portion thereof is located, the ability of the proposed district to sustain the taxes necessary to provide
the services planned for the district and the desirability that all districts for fire protection in the
County be capped at a tax rate of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation. After
carefully considering these matters, the Board passed resolutions, respectively, declaring its intent to
create the proposed districts, calling for a report to be prepared for each district in accordance with
North Carolina General Statutes, and providing that, if the proposed districts are indeed created, their
tax rates would be capped at fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation. These
resolutions also set public hearings on the creation of these districts for 6:30 p.m. on December 5,
2011. At this meeting, the Board needs to hold the following public hearings:
• Public Hearing to Consider the Creation of the Guil-Rand County Service District for Fire
Protection
• Public Hearing to Consider the Creation of the Climax County Service District for Fire
Protection
At the close of each public hearing, if the Board finds that there is a demonstrable need for
providing fire protection services in the proposed district, that it is impossible or impracticable
to provide fire protection services on a countywide basis, that it is economically feasible to
provide fire protection services in the proposed district without unreasonable or burdensome
annual tax levies and that there is a demonstrable demand for fire protection service in the
proposed district, then the Board may pass resolutions creating the district. If the resolutions
are passed creating the county service districts, it will then be necessary to pass a second
resolution for each district, adding emergency medical services as a permitted service in the
district. This must be done as two separate resolutions.
At 7:12 p.m., Chairman Holmes opened the public hearing for the proposed Guil-Rand Fire
Service District.
Beverly Nelson, Chair of the current Guil-Rand Fire Protection Commission and President of the
Archdale -Trinity Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the creation of the Guil-Rand Fire
Service District, saying that the Fire Commission annually reviews Guil-Rand's budgets. She has seen
examples of the fire department cutting expenses wherever possible, and she trusts Chief Cox's
budget figures. She is concerned that if a mechanism is not put into place so that Guil-Rand's tax rate
can increase, the fire department will suffer and force the insurance ratings down, thereby causing big
increases in property owners' insurance rates. She said that the Archdale -Trinity Board passed a
resolution in support of the creation of the Guil-Rand Fire Service District.
Bob Cottam, United Furniture Industries Consultant, spoke in support of the creation of the Guil-
Rand Fire Service District, saying that United Furniture employs about 460 people in the northern
Randolph County area, and the protection of lives and property is very important and needs to be well
funded. He said that United Furniture has a good relationship with Guil-Rand Fire Department, adding
that the department has always been very supportive and helpful, especially during emergency
situations.
Janet Pate, 3901 Hillsdale Park Dr., Sophia, spoke in opposition to the establishment of the Guil-
Rand Fire Service District, saying that she opposes a fire tax rate increase. She said that the fire
department should be taken over by the City of Archdale and run as a municipal fire department.
Citizens are having to make cuts in their own finances. The County should figure out a way to cut tax
rates, not increase them. Citizens can't be expected to take care of everything. She added that it was
time to become conservative and make cuts.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution
creating the Guil-Rand Fire Service District, as follows:
RESOLUTION CREATING GUIL RAND SERVICE DISTRICT FOR FIRE PROTECTION
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 allows a county to establish a county
service district for fire protection services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred
dollar ($100) valuation; and
WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners create a county service
district for fire protection for the Guil-Rand Fire Protection District; and
WHEREAS, the Board has passed a resolution limiting the tax rate of the proposed service district to
a maximum of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation and has held a public hearing
on the matter in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Board has considered the population of the proposed district, the appraised value of
property in the proposed district, the present tax rates in effect in the proposed district, the ability of the
proposed district to sustain the taxing of the proposed district, the comments made at the public hearing,
and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and
WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings:
1. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection services in the proposed Guil-Rand
service district; and
2. It is impossible or impracticable to provide fire protection services on a countywide basis; and
3. It is economically feasible to provide fire protection services in the proposed Guil-Rand service
district without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and
4. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection services in the proposed Guil-Rand service
district.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby creates a county service district
for fire protection in the Guil-Rand area effective July 1, 2012, with boundaries as shown on the map
included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties currently included
in the Guil-Rand Rural Fire Protection Tax District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that property taxes for fire protection within said county service
district may not be levied in excess of a rate of fifteen (15) cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) of
property subject to taxation.
This the 5"' day of December, 2011.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution
permitting emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services to be provided in the Guil-Rand
Fire Service District, as follows:
RESOLUTIONPERMITTING EMERGENCYMEDICAL, RESCUEAND AMBULANCE SERVICES
TO BE PROVIDED IN THE GUIL-RAND SERVICE DISTRICT FOR FIRE PROTECTION
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute
153A-309.2, has established a county service district for fire protections services with a tax rate limitation of
fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation in the Guil-Rand area; and
WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Randolph County Board of County Commissioners authorize
the provision of emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in said district and that property taxes may
be levied for such purposes; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-309 allows a board of county commissioners to permit,
by resolution, the service district to provide emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services and to provide
that property taxes are levied for such purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does
hereby authorize the provision of emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Guil-Rand Service
District for Fire Protection and does hereby resolve that property taxes may be levied for these purposes,
provided however, that the rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation
continues to apply.
This the S"' day of December; 2011.
Public Hearing on Climax Fire Service Districts Establishment & Adoption of Resolutions
At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Holmes opened the public hearing for the proposed Climax Fire Service
District.
Steed Griffin, 8877 Racine Rd., Pleasant Garden, said that he was on the Climax Fire Department
Board of Directors. He relayed a personal experience with his own property insurance whereby the
insurance bill came showing a significant increase. After investigation, most of the increase was due
to an underwriting error that claimed the fire department's insurance rating had been downgraded. He
said that the fire department worked really hard to get their current rating of 9.
Buddy Reddick, Climax Fire Department Board Chair, said that he was the department's first fire
chief. He said that Climax has gone from nothing to what it is today; it has great firemen, who are all
EMTs. He asked the Commissioners to level the playing field so that all the fire departments in the
county are capped at 15 cents.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution
creating the Climax Fire Service District, as follows:
RESOLUTION CREATING CLIMAX SERVICE DISTRICT FOR FIRE PROTECTION
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 allows a county to establish a county service
district for fire protection services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (1 S) cents per one hundred dollar ($100)
valuation; and
WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners create a county service district
for fire protection for the Climax Fire Protection District; and
WHEREAS, the Board has passed a resolution limiting the tax rate of the proposed service district to a
maximum of fifteen (1 S) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation and has held a public hearing on the
matter in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes; and
WHEREAS, the Board has considered the population of the proposed district, the appraised value of
property in the proposed district, the present tax rates in effect in the proposed district, the ability of the
proposed district to sustain the taxing of the proposed district, the comments made at the public hearing, and
other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and
WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings:
1. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection services in the proposed Climax service
district; and
2. It is impossible or impracticable to provide fire protection services on a countywide basis; and
3. It is economically feasible to provide fire protection services in the proposed Climax service district
without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and
4. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection services in the proposed Climax service district.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby creates a county service district for fire
protection in the Climax area effective July 1, 2012, with boundaries as shown on the map included as
Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties currently included in the Climax
Rural Fire Protection Tax District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that property taxes for fire protection within said county service district
may not be levied in excess of rate offrfteen (15) cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) ofproperty subject
to taxation.
This the 5h day of December; 2011.
On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted unanimously to approve a
resolution permitting emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services to be provided in the
Climax Fire Service District, as follows:
RESOLUTIONPERMITTING EMERGENCYMEDICAL, RESCUEAND AMBULANCE SERVICES
TO BE PROVIDED IN THE CLIMAX SERVICE DISTRICT FOR FIRE PROTECTION
WHEREAS, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, pursuant to North Carolina General Statute
153A-309.2, has established a county service district for fire protections services with a tax rate limitation of
fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation in the Climax area; and
WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Randolph County Board of County Commissioners authorize
the provision of emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in said district and that property taxes may
be levied for such purposes; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-309 allows a board of county commissioners to permit,
by resolution, the service district to provide emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services and to provide
that property taxes are levied for such purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners does
hereby authorize the provision of emergency medical and rescue services in the Climax Service District for Fire
Protection and does hereby resolve that property taxes may be levied for this purpose, provided however, that
the rate limitation offrfteen (15) cents per one hundred dollar ($100) valuation continues to apply.
This the 5h day of December; 2011.
Recess
At 7:40 p.m., the Board took a short recess.
Meeting Resumed
At 7:55 p.m., the meeting resumed.
Proposed Regional Landfill Requests
David Townsend, III, said that the Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Golder
Associates for a Phase 1 Cultural Resources evaluation in the spring of this year as part of the
permitting process of the proposed regional landfill. Since some arrowheads were found on the site
during the evaluation, a Phase II evaluation has been required in order to meet NC DENR permitting
requirements. Mr. Townsend said that Golder has provided a proposal for not to exceed $60,000 to
accomplish this requirement, and funds are available in the landfill post -closure fund.
The Commissioners expressed concern that the amount for this second study was too high. They
instructed Mr. Townsend to prepare an updated budget on this proposed project. The Commissioners
also decided to postpone setting a public information meeting in January.
Contract Award for DSS Roof Repairs
David Townsend, III, Public Works Director, said that the Public Works Department is in the
process of completing the Energy Efficiency Conservation Grant to improve the HVAC (Heating,
Venting and Air Conditioning) and roof repairs at the Department of Social Services building. He said
that the original contractor unfortunately filed bankruptcy before the project was completed. The
Public Works Department presented proposals to the Board of Commissioners on November 7, 2011
to complete the work as noted on the punch list provided by our consultants, Milliken Engineering, for
the remainder of the HVAC work. In addition, repairs to the original roof needed to be completed.
The following proposals were received for the roofing work:
McRae Roofing $ 34,655.00
Beseecher Inc. $ 38,000.00
Mr. Townsend requested that the Board award the contract for roofing repairs at the DSS building to
McRae Roofing in the amount of $34,655 and to authorize the County Manager to sign the contract.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Lanier, the Board voted unanimously to award the contract for
roofing repairs at the DSS building to McRae Roofing in the amount of $34,655 and to authorize the
County Manager to sign the contract.
Study Overview & Results of Employee Classification Study
Stacy Griffin, Human Resources Director, said that in September 2010, the Board voted to
proceed with the County's first comprehensive classification study since October 1989. The results of
that Study were received in late October 2011. Ms. Griffin noted that the Executive Summary, which
provides great detail as to how the study was conducted and the methodology used, had been included
in each of the Commissioner's agenda book. Ms. Griffin presented highlights of the study:
• 12 local government entities responded to the survey and participated in the study, thus giving
us a very solid foundation for our data collection.
• On average, the study found that our current salary range minimums are 6.29% below market,
our mid -points are 7.43% below market and our range maximums are 8.18% below market.
• 128 job descriptions were updated and rewritten and fully ADA compliant
• 25 FLSA Exemption status corrections were made, affecting 43 employees
• A recommendation to go to an "open range" compensation plan versus the traditional
step/grade program we currently have in place, in order to focus more clearly on performance
rather than longevity and to allow for more "flexibility" in pay structure. In this system, the
organization defines the midpoint, the maximum and the minimum of the range. Any one
employee may be paid anywhere within this defined range. Unlike the step system, the
person's wage is not automatically adjusted when the wage structure is adjusted, unless the
person falls below the minimum of the range. At this point, the person's performance is
reviewed and adjustments are made in relation to that performance. It allows for individual
based compensation and does not mandate increases to the 2.5% amount as defined by the
current step system. The traditional step system does not provide incentive to "be great," but
rather tends to treat all employees the same in terms of compensation.
• 434 employees participated, representing all departments with the exception of the Sheriffs
Office, who declined participation.
Out of the 434 employees in the study, only 134 (31%) fall below the new recommended
minimum on the proposed pay grades ranges. Considering that it has been over 21 years since
a comprehensive study was completed, this is wonderful news and a testament to the work
that the Board of County Commissioners, Human Resources and County Administration have
done throughout the years to address compensation issues and needs.
The total annual amount needed to move the 134 County employees, plus the current 28 vacant
positions to the minimum of the proposed ranges, is $175,649 ($73,187 for the remainder of this fiscal
year). This averages to about $1,000 annually per employee that is below the new proposed
minimums.
Considering the length of time since the last comprehensive study, the immediate financial impact
to the County in order to adopt this new pay plan and move the employees to the minimum of the
range is minimal. However, by doing so, it allows Randolph County to implement an updated and
market driven pay plan and compensation structure.
Of the 434 employees participating in the study, 99.5% fall between the minimum and midpoint
of the proposed ranges, with the average distance from the minimum being 11%. What this means is
that the overwhelming majority of employees, regardless of performance or years of service, are
clustered around the minimum of the new salary ranges. Thus, as funding permits, the County needs
to look at these employees that are clustered around the minimum and make adjustments accordingly
(with competence, performance and years in the position as factors to consider). Failure to take this
second step as funding permits will certainly create a salary compression issue and most likely create
an employee morale issue. Compression will also be created if new employees are hired into the new
ranges at the same pay level or at a potentially higher pay level than existing employees with the same
level of competence and experience.
Ms. Griffin asked the Board to approve the 2012 Randolph County Pay Plan, as presented,
effective immediately, which includes:
New Open Range Pay Grades for both General Government and Emergency Medical Services
Updated/Revised job titles
Updated Randolph County Law Enforcement Classification Plan (no salary information has
been changed). Since the Sheriff's Office did not participate in the study, all Sheriff Office
positions were simply incorporated in to one pay plan (they currently had some in the County
pay plan and the Law Enforcement pay plan) and added the incorporated positions to their
step/grade salary sheets.
Upon approval of the 2012 pay plan, Ms. Griffin asked the Board to approve the classification
study recommendation to move the 134 current employees (plus 28 vacant positions) to the minimum
of the new pay grade effective February 1, 2012, and to approve the necessary budget amendment to
effect this change for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Following discussion, the Board decided to table this item until a later meeting.
Approval of Allocation of 3 Part-time Telecommunicator Positions
Donovan Davis, Emergency Services Director, said that staffing the 9-1-1 Center has been
difficult to maintain over the past two years due to several vacancies. In 2010, one employee resigned
because she had a child, one passed away, one resigned for another position, and another returned to
school. In addition, the NC Retirement System imposes an hours -worked limitation of 999 hours or
less per year for part-time employees, unless they are enrolled in the NC Retirement System.
Emergency Services currently has 15 approved part-time telecommunicator positions for the 9-1-1
service area; however, none of these positions are approved for NC Retirement benefits, thus meaning
that their work hours are limited annually to 999 or below. Employees have been hired over the past
year to fill the vacancies mentioned above, but due to the required skill level needed in the 9-1-1
Center and the complex responsibilities of the position, most have not been able to complete the
required training satisfactorily and thus, have been let go.
Mr. Davis requested approval to change three (current) part-time auxiliary positions to part-time
benefitted positions, thus making these positions eligible to work up to 1,508 hours per year, versus
the currently capped hours of 999. With approval of this request, the County will contribute to the
cost of retirement for three part-time employees at a maximum cost of $6,218.89 (and that is only if
the employees choose to maximize the 401(k) match [Eligibility in the NC Retirement System =
automatic eligibility for the NC 401(k) plan]). Mr. Davis said that funds are available in the current
Emergency Services budget.
On motion of Frye, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to change three current
part-time auxiliary Telecommunicator positions to part-time positions by making them eligible for
retirement benefits, and thereby making them eligible to work up to 1, 508 hours per year.
Regional Update
Vice Chair Frye reported that the Sandhills Mental Health Board would be meeting with Guilford
County representatives on Thursday to discuss the proposed merger.
Closed Session—Economic Development [N.C.G.S.143-318.11(a)(4)1
At 9:00 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to go into
closed session to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of business in the area,
pursuant to N. C. G. S. 143-318.11(a) (4).
Regular Session Resumed
At 9:25 p.m., the Board returned to regular session.
Adjournment
At 9:25 p. m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye
Phil Kemp
Stan Haywood
Arnold Lanier
Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board