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240603 Regular Meeting June 3, 2024 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. at the Randolph County Office Building, 725 McDowell Rd., First Floor Meeting Room A, Asheboro, NC. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice-Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Zeb Holden, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, Assistant County Manager William Johnson, County Attorney Ben Morgan, Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Chaplain Michael Mabe from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on YouTube. Special Recognitions Senator Dave Craven recognized and commended Deputy Cody Jordan for his diligence in having the 50-B restraining order law clarified to better serve victims. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. §153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and closed it after everyone wishing to speak had done so. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud the Public Comment Rules of Procedure. Dwain Roberts, 4654 Rainbow Trl, Ramseur, read a verse from Proverbs that spoke of not removing ancient monuments. Franklin Suggs, 412 Ivy Rock Rd., Randleman, said that leaving the Confederate monument in the current location is not necessarily the right thing to do. He suggested to try and satisfy all parties involved by taking care of them with love. Consent Agenda On motion of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2024 and Special Meeting Minutes of April 29, 2024 and May 20, 2024;  approve Darrell Frye as Voting Delegate for the Annual NACo Conference in Tampa, Florida;  approve 2025 Holiday Calendar Schedule, as follows: Holiday County* Library New Year’s Day 1/1 (Wed.) 1/1 (Wed.) M. L. King Jr.’s B-day 1/20 (Mon.) 1/20 (Mon.) Easter / Good Friday 4/18 (Fri.) 4/18 (Fri.) Memorial Day 5/26 (Mon.) 5/26 (Mon.) Independence Day 7/4 (Fri.) 7/4 (Fri.) Labor Day 9/1 (Mon.) 9/1 (Mon.) Fall Festival (Asheboro Library Only - 10/4 (Sat.) CLOSED) Veterans’ Day 11/11 (Tues.) 11/11(Tues.) 6/3/24 Celebration of Seagrove Potters (Seagrove 11/TBD (Sat.) Library Only CLOSED) 11/27 & 28 11/27 & 28 Thanksgiving (Thur. & Fri.) (Thur. & Fri.) 12/24, 12/25, 12/24 (Wed.) CLOSED 12/26 Christmas 12/25 (Thur.) CLOSED (Wed., Thur., Fri.) 12/26 (Fri.) CLOSED  approve Randolph County NC DPS - Community Programs - County Funding Plan for JCPC;  approve Budget Amendment-Library Trust Fund ($5,000), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #73 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous Revenues $5,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Library Support $5,000  approve Budget Amendment - Trail Coordinator ($8,920), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #74 Revenues Increase Decrease Sales and Service $8,920 Appropriations Increase Decrease Cultural and Recreational $8,920  approve Contract with Randleman for Fire Inspections;  appoint Susan Thompson to the Randolph County Planning Board as an Alternate;  appoint Michael Swails, Jessica Adams, Regina Brewer, and Christy Byrd to the EMS Peer Review Committee;  approve Budget Amendment - Permit Fees ($18,695), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #75 Revenues Increase Decrease Permits and Fees $18,695 Appropriations Increase Decrease Building Inspections $18,695  approve Budget Amendment - Scrap Tire Tax ($90,000), as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #76 Revenues Increase Decrease Other Taxes $90,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Works $90,000  adopt Resolution Accepting State Water and Sewer Grant, as follows: 6/3/24 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING STATE WATER AND SEWER GRANT WHEREAS, Randolph County received a state earmark for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funded from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund established in S.L. 2022-74 to assist eligible units of government with meeting their water/wastewater infrastructure needs; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality offered American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to Randolph County in the amount of $2,500,000 to perform work detailed in the submitted application, specifically, the construction of a needed pump station and force-main; and WHEREAS, on February 5, 2024, the Randolph County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution accepting the ARP funding and assuring the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that the conditions and assurances contained in the Award Offer would be adhered to; and WHEREAS, bids for the construction of the pump station and force-main came in lower than anticipated; and WHEREAS, Randolph County submitted a revised request for funding to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to expand the scope of work covered by the Award Offer to include improvements to the wastewater treatment plant; and WHEREAS, on or about April 23, 2024, Randolph County received a revised Award Offer from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality including the additions to the scope of work; and WHEREAS, Randolph County intends to perform the project in accordance with the newly revised and agreed upon scope of work as contained in the Offer and Acceptance document that accompanied the April 23, 2024, Award Offer letter. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RANDOLPH COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: That Randolph County does hereby accept the American Rescue Plan Grant offer of $2,500,000. That Randolph County does hereby give assurance to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality that any Conditions or Assurances contained in the newly revised Award Offer will be adhered to. That Zeb Holden, County Manager, and successors so titled, are hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the appropriate State agency may request in connection with this project; to make the assurances as contained above; and to execute such other documents as may be required by the Division of Water Infrastructure. Randolph County Schools Growth Plan Dr. Stephen Gainey, Superintendent for Randolph County Schools, said at the meeting on April 1st, he presented a document entitled: "Phase 1 of the Growth Plan for the Randolph County School System." Item #4 of the document identified the need to demolish Braxton Craven School and retain that school site for use in the future by the school system as needed. In addition, item #5 of the document noted the need for the school system to engage with a consulting group to assess the school system's current attendance zones and identify needed adjustments to attendance zones per 6/3/24 school. Item #5 of the document also identified the need for the consulting group to assess the school system's current student assignment processes and identify needed changes. Dr. Gainey stated during the months of April and May, he and his staff members explored cost options for those items. As a result of this work, he requested $550,000 to cover the expenses of both items with the understanding that any funds not used will be returned. He expressed that he greatly appreciated the support of the Board for the school system. He also said the positive relationship and partnership with this Board is highly valued by the members of the Randolph County Board of Education, staff members, and him. Assistant Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie said in order to account for all costs related to the construction and demolition of facilities for the Randolph County Schools, a multi-year capital project fund should be established, separate from the General Fund. G.S. 159-13.2 states “a project ordinance authorizes all appropriations necessary for the completion of the project and neither it nor any part of it need be readopted in any subsequent fiscal year.” The County can fund the initial request through a transfer of available resources from another capital project. Future revenues and expenses will be budgeted as the projects develop. Once the design and bidding phases for new schools are complete and actual contractor bids are in hand, the Randolph County Schools will select the contractor and the Commissioners will approve an amendment to this ordinance to authorize the financing for the construction. On motion of Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) fund the demolition of Braxton Craven School and the cost of engaging a consulting group to evaluate attendance zones in the amount of $550,000 and 2) approve the associated Budget and Project Ordinance, as follows: Historic Courthouse Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #6 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $550,000 Transfer to Randolph County School $550,000 Facilities Capital Project RANDOLPH COUNTY CAPITAL PROJECT ORDINANCE Randolph County School Facilities BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners that, pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project ordinance is hereby adopted: 6/3/24 Section 1. In order to provide adequate facility space for students in the school district, the construction and demolition of facilities by the Randolph County Board of Education is hereby authorized as a capital project with revenues and expenditures to be projected for the duration of the project. Section 2. The officers of Randolph County and the officers of the Randolph County Board of Education are hereby authorized to proceed with the capital project in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners and the Randolph County Board of Education. Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the capital project: Demolition $ 490,000 Professional Services 60,000 TOTAL: $ 550,000 Section 4. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this capital project: Transfer from General Fund $ -0- Transfer from Historic Courthouse Capital Project 550,000 TOTAL: $ 550,000 Section 5. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Capital Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of General Statutes of North Carolina. Section 6. Funds may be advanced from the General Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Reimbursement should be made in an orderly and timely manner. Any advances between fiscal years must be approved by the Board of Commissioners. Section 7. This Capital Project Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners and after adoption copies of this Ordinance shall be filed with the finance officer, the budget officer, and the clerk to the board. Section 8. This Capital Project Ordinance is adopted on June 3, 2024 and shall continue in effect until the project is completed. Trillium Health Resources Annual Update Anthony Ward, Trillium Health Regional Vice President, presented the Annual Report for Trillium Health Resources. The Sandhills Center was consolidated with 45 other counties to form the current area served by Trillium Health Resources. The change became effective January 1, 2024. Since that time, a Regional Advisory Board with 2 members per county has been formed. Vice-Chairman David Allen and Ann Shaw represent Randolph County on that board. Chairman Frye asked if being one of forty-six counties was to balance population. Mr. Ward responded that increasing the membership will increase buying power and spread costs over a larger number of participants. 6/3/24 Chairman Frye wondered if Randolph would get lost being one of forty-six counties. Mr. Ward disagreed saying that with Commissioner Allen on the Advisory Board, Randolph County is well represented. Vice-Chairman Allen commented that the transition from Sandhills to Trillium has been made easier with the same staff but Randolph County still had no choice. There are many departments that rely on mental health services. Fee Updates Tonya Caddle, Planning and Zoning Director, stated that fees in her department had not been changed since 1987. The costs associated with conducting business have increased a great deal since that time. She had evaluated fees from comparable counties and tried to propose new fees that were not the highest but not the lowest. Vice-Chairman Allen said that the Zoning Appeal fee seemed high at $400 when the Zoning Fee was $250. Ms. Caddle stated that $100 does not cover the costs. Commissioner Haywood said it would be interesting to know how many appeals are from individuals versus businesses. Chairman Frye commented that he read an article in the paper and the municipal fees he saw were no less than $1,000. Commissioner Kidd said the original intent of the $100 was for the appeal to be affordable for the average taxpayer. Vice-Chairman Allen stated that the zoning appeal cost should not be more than the original rezoning fee. County Manager Zeb Holden said the goal of fees is to help subsidize the cost of the process. Commissioner McDowell stated that the fee was originally set to be something that was at a reasonable level but not exceptional. Vice-Chairman Allen suggested that both the zoning and appeal fee should be $250. Commissioner Kidd said departments within the County serve the citizens. He sees fees as additional taxes. He will not be “voting for a $300 tax increase.” Commissioner McDowell made a motion to keep the Zoning Appeal Fee at $100. It was seconded by Commissioner Kidd. th Vice-Chairman Allen suggested tabling the vote on the fee until June 17. Commissioner Haywood agreed. 6/3/24 On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 3-2 with McDowell and Kidd th opposed to table voting on the Zoning Appeal fee until June 17. David Bryant, Building Inspections Director, explained a few fees that he had changed in the fee schedule. On motion of Haywood, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Permit Fees effective July 1, 2024, as follows: BUILDING PERMITS Minimum Permit (up to and including $20,000.00) $ 60.00 $20,000.01 and above $ 3.00 per thousand ELECTRICAL PERMITS Commercial / Residential Electrical Services: 000 - 200-amp service…………………………………………………………… $ 60.00 201 - 400-amp service…………………………………………………………… $ 120.00 401 - 600-amp service…………………………………………………………… $ 240.00 601 - 800-amp service…………………………………………………………… $ 480.00 801 - 1200-amp service…………………………………………………….…….. $ 960.00 1201 - 3000-amp service…………………………………………………………. $ 1920.00 3001 - 5000-amp service…………………………………………………………. $ 3840.00 5001 - amp service and above………………………………………………….... $ 7680.00 Commercial Buildings over 100,000 square feet will be charged an additional fee of $ .02 per square foot in addition to the amp service fee. Commercial low voltage and load control base permit fee $ 60.00 for buildings 6,000 square feet or less and $ .003 per square foot on buildings greater than 6,000 square feet plus base fee. Residential low voltage fee……………………………………….…………………… $ 60.00 Other residential inspections (duplex, multi-family residence, etc.) …. $ 60.00 per unit Farm buildings: If multiple farm buildings are fed from a single electrical service, the fee shall be $ 30.00 per farm building plus amperage fee. PLUMBING PERMITS Minimum Charge/Base Fee: ………………………………………………………. $ 60.00 Commercial / Residential 0 – 15 fixtures……………………………………………………………..................... $ 60.00 Over 15 fixtures……………………………………………. $ 20.00 per fixture plus base fee 6/3/24 Other residential inspections: (duplex, multi-family residence, etc.) $ 60.00 per unit. HEATING & AIR-CONDITIONING PERMITS Minimum Charge/Base Fee: ………………………………………………………...$ 60.00 Commercial / Residential Up to 2 units……………………………………………………………….….………… $ 60.00 Over 2 units ………….………………………………………... $30.00 per unit plus base fee Other residential inspections per unit: (duplex, multi-family residence, etc.).$ 60.00 per unit. MOBILE HOME SETUP PERMITS Single family residence (includes all trade permits, decks, and porches of any size) $ 150.00. MOVED HOMES Single family residence (includes all trade permits, decks, and porches of any size) $ 500.00. MODULAR HOME SETUP PERMITS Single family residence (includes all trade permits, decks, and porches of any size) $ 500.00. AFTER HOURS, WEEKEND, and HOLIDAY INSPECTIONS Residential *Base Fee/After Hours…………………………………………….. $ 75.00 per inspection *Weekend & Holiday …………………………………… Base fee + $ 75.00 per inspection *** Depending on inspector availability *** Commercial *Base Fee/After Hours………………………………….……..…. $ 150.00 per inspection *Weekend & Holiday…………….……………………Base fee + $ 150.00 per inspection *** Depending on inspector availability *** OTHER FEES Re-open expired permit (Up to 6 years old) ……………………….... $ 30.00 per permit *** New permits and fees required if older than 6 years *** Residential Certificate of Occupancy with no change of use…………………………………. $ 50.00 Temporary power …………………………………………………………………….$ 50.00 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Max 90 days………………………………. $ 50.00 Saw service……………………………………………………………………………$ 30.00 Demolition permits…………………………………………...…….…………….......$ 75.00 6/3/24 Plan review without permits……………………………………………………… $ 100.00 Failure to obtain finals after Temporary Certificate of Occupancy…………… $ 100.00 Rejection fee…………………………………………………………………...…….... $ 30.00 Commercial Rejection fee……………………………………………………………………………$ 60.00 Certificate of Occupancy with no change of use……………………………………$ 100.00 Temporary power …………………………………………………………………… $ 100.00 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Max 90 Days…………………………… $ 100.00 Saw service……………………………………………………………………………. $ 30.00 Demolition permits……………………………………………………………… ….. $ 150.00 Plan review without permits………………………………………………………..$ 300.00 Failure to obtain finals after Temporary Certificate of Occupancy……………. $ 200.00 Consultation Inspections (Daycare, ABC License, Change of Occupancy, etc.) $ 100.00 BASIS FOR DETERMINING CONSTRUCTION VALUATION FOR BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED IN RANDOLPH COUNTY New construction valuation shall be based on the most recent version of the International Code Council Building Valuation Data. All other permits for renovations, alterations, or special circumstances may be determined by other methods upon approval by the Director or Deputy Director of Inspections. FOR PERMITS ISSUED AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF WORK, PERMIT FEES SHALL BE DOUBLED. Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA) Mark Hensley, Executive Director of RSAA, said at the May 2, 2022 Randolph County Commissioners meeting, the Board accepted the Aging Services Planning Committee's (ASPC} recommendation to award the Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) for a three-year period that commenced on July 1, 2022 and will run through June 30, 2025. FY 2024/2025 will be the last year of this three-year period. This memo confirms the funding amount approved for Randolph County and the amounts to be allocated to the two service providers, Randolph Senior Adults Association (RSAA) and Regional Consolidated Services (RCS). The services provided for year three will remain the same as in the current Fiscal Year. The categories of services are: 1. Adult Day Care, Congregate Nutrition, Home Delivered Meals, Information & Options Counseling and Transportation 2. In-Home Aid - Levels I, II, and III and Housing & Home Improvement The state of NC has recently announced the county allocations for the HCCBG and therefore, this recommendation is made using the new Randolph County allocation amount of $975,245.00. As a reminder, the HCCBG allocations are a pass-through source of funding to Randolph County for the provision of services to the Senior Adult population. The Randolph County fiscal year allocation for FY 2024/2025 is as follows: 6/3/24 $975,245.00 (an increase of $18,705.00 over the current Fiscal Year allocation) As we commence year three of the three-year agreement, the Aging Services Planning Committee recommends RSAA to provide the Category 1 services listed above and that RCS be approved to provide the Category 2 services. Further, the ASPC unanimously recommends that the FY 2024/2025 allocations be split between the providers as follows: RSAA $686,514.00 RCS $288,731.00 Total Randolph County Allocation $975,245.00 The above allocations were unanimously approved by the ASPC at their May 28, 2024 meeting. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the third-year bids with RSAA and RCS and the allocation of $975,245 for FY 24-25. Detention Center Medical Contract Chief Deputy Aundrea Azelton stated the Randolph County Sheriff's Office has completed the review process of the medical services that were bid out in April. After careful evaluation and consideration, it is the recommendation of the Sheriff’s Office to renew the contract with Mediko, Inc. for the upcoming budget year, 2024-2025. The evaluation process involved a thorough assessment of all medical providers, considering factors such as quality of care, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with organizational needs. Please find below a summary of the providers and their associated costs: Medical Provider: Cost: IMS Correctional Healthcare $1,395,000 Mediko, Inc. $1,670,578 Vital Medical Services $1,850,000 WELLPATH $3,834,390 Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. $4,411,690 Based on this evaluation, Mediko, Inc. emerged as the preferred choice. They have consistently provided a high standard of medical care that aligns with our requirements, ensuring the health and safety of our inmate population. Their track record demonstrates their commitment to delivering quality care and their ability to meet our standards. The proposed cost to renew the contract with Mediko, Inc. for the upcoming budget year is $1,670,578, equivalent to $139,214.83 per month. This cost includes all current services and maintains the existing staffing levels. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the renewal of the Mediko, Inc. contract for inmate services in the amount of $1,670,578. City of Trinity Strategic Planning Funding 6/3/24 Stevie Cox, City of Trinity Manager, said Randolph County Board of Commissioners approved a Strategic Planning Fund request in the amount of $80,000 in November 2023 for the creation of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Trinity has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a qualified firm. The RFQ calls for a project inventory and analysis, site evaluation, community engagement and needs assessment, development of the master plan, which will include recommendations and implementation guidance, and an application for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant. The result of the RFQ was $17,000 over the initial Strategic Planning funding request. The City of Trinity asked the Board of Commissioners for an additional $17,000 to cover the cost of the study for the Parks and Rec Master Plan and the initial Scope of Work. They would also like another $17,000 to pay for a promotional video to advertise the master plan and for any additional professional service costs that arise. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if the Trinity Board supported the project. Mr. Cox said the Park is supported by the majority of his Board and they will possibly create a Veterans Memorial and add a permanent site for the Farmer’s Market. Commissioner Haywood asked Mr. Cox if he did not get the second $17,000, what would it affect. He responded that he would prefer to receive half of it for the video so he can get invaluable citizen feedback. On motion of Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve 1) $25,500 to complete the initial Scope of Work and an informational video for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan using Strategic Planning Funds and 2) the associated Budget Amendment, as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #77 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Well-Being Reserve $25,500 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services Appropriations $25,500 VIPER Tower and Emergency Power Equipment Purchase Deputy Chief Jared Byrd said Randolph County Emergency Services is requesting the approval to purchase a turnkey concrete equipment building, generator, and emergency transfer switch in the amount of $218,151 from VFP, Inc of Roanoke, VA. The building and equipment were put out for bid by the State of North Carolina Department of Public Safety in accordance with the statutory formal bid process and the State awarded the contract to VFP, Inc of Roanoke, VA. North Carolina General Statute 143-129(g) allows the County to take advantage of that pricing. This equipment will be installed at the new Randleman VIPER tower site on Commonwealth Rd. to increase public safety radio coverage in the northern sections of Randolph County where radio coverage lacks along the Deep River valley. Once completed, this project will provide critical radio coverage to law enforcement, EMS, fire departments, and more. 6/3/24 The equipment specifications included in this purchase are uniform with the current NC VIPER tower construction model. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of the Randleman VIPER Tower Building and Emergency Power Equipment from VFP, Inc. of Roanoke, VA in the amount of $218,151. 911 Dispatch Radio Console System Purchase Deputy Chief Jared Byrd stated Randolph County 911 uses two Motorola MCC5500 radio console systems, one each at the primary and backup 911 centers. This equipment serves as the interface for communications between the 911 Center and field responders. The MCC5500 was purchased in 2015 (backup center) and 2017 (primary center) and has reached its end of life in 2021 from the manufacturer. The highly specialized nature of this equipment dictates that replacement equipment must be compatible with the Motorola system currently in use. Because of this, only Motorola equipment should be used. Both the State and Federal procurement statutes provide an exception to formal bidding for the procurement of sole-source equipment. The State exception is found under N.C.G.S. 143-129(e)(6) and the Federal exception is found under 2 C.F.R. 200.320(c)(2). Randolph County Emergency Services is requesting the Board of Commissioners authorize the purchase of replacement equipment, which is the Motorola MCC7500e, for both locations. The Motorola equipment was selected because it is the only equipment that can be connected directly to the core of the VIPER system allowing for more reliable access and system priority during heavy usage events. The total cost of the project is $1,863,257.54, of which $975,256.62 may be used from the Emergency Telephone System Fund (ETSF) and the remaining $888,000.92 will be funded through the General Fund. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to approve 1) the purchase of the Motorola radio console system for a total cost of $1,863,257 of which $975,257 may be from the Emergency Telephone System Fund (ESTF) and the remaining $888,001 will be funded through the General Fund and 2) the associated Budget Amendments, as follows: 2023-2024 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #78 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from NW Randolph Human $888,001 Services Center Capital Project Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $888,001 Northwest Randolph Human Services Center Capital Project Ordinance Amendment #7 Revenues Increase Decrease 6/3/24 Appropriations Increase Decrease Furniture and Equipment $20,275 Contingency $25,000 Transfer to General Fund $45,275 Employee Healthcare Update Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie said for many years, Randolph County has implemented programs and initiatives designed to create a culture of wellness for the employees. We are grateful that the majority of our employees take advantage of these programs and pursue healthy lifestyles. We rely upon their dedication and focus to perform required services for the citizens. He was happy to report that the 2023-24 fiscal year has seen the benefits of these strategies. The County Health Plan is currently running very favorably, and we anticipate actual costs significantly below the amount budgeted. These savings, if not used, will improve the fund balance of the General Fund at year end. These lower costs are already reflected in the departmental budgets. We also waived the May retiree contribution and the family coverage premiums. We did this in order for them to share in the plan’s success. In order to recognize those of our employees who have participated in biometric screenings, health coaching and other wellness initiatives, we request that the Board consider a one-time bonus to reinforce the County’s promotion of employee wellness. We could use half of the health plan savings for a $600 bonus to those participating employees, which would cost around $450,000 including fringe benefits. Since the funds are already in departmental budgets, no budget amendment would be necessary. In addition, we cannot expect all years to be this successful. Some periods will have unexpectedly high claims. To establish a reserve for future claims that might exceed the annual plan budget, we recommend that the Board of County Commissioners officially commit $500,000 of the fund balance to the General Fund toward the employee health plan. If a portion of that reserve was needed in a difficult year, the reserve would be restored automatically from a subsequent year’s savings, with the reserve not to exceed $500,000. Chairman Frye said the Medical Clinic has been benefitting employees. Commissioner Haywood spoke of the wellness programs being created by Sam Varner from the ground up and how many employees and their families this has helped. Commissioner McDowell stated that the bonus would help supplement employees who may leave for better pay. He also noted that the $500,000 was not being spent just put aside. Vice-Chairman Allen commended Mr. Massie for thinking about the reserve. In bad years you use it, in good years you replenish it. 6/3/24 On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) authorize the County Manager to provide a one-time $600 bonus to eligible employees participating in wellness programs and 2) commit $500,000 of the General Fund balance for employee health plan claims to be maintained with future savings. County Manager’s Update Mr. Holden complimented the Board on the bonus and mentioned the opening of Northwest Randolph Human Services Center Ribbon Cutting that would take place soon. Tara Aker, Public Health Director, and Tracie Murphy, Social Services Director, were very excited the building was ready. Mr. Holden and Chairman Frye spoke of high school sports teams that had won championships. Vice-Chairman Allen reminded the Board of Advocacy days on Wednesday in Raleigh. Commissioner Haywood recognized the Bumgarner donation to the Seagrove library, Susan Thompson appointed to the Planning Board, and all those that volunteer on any board. Adjournment At 7:48 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 6/3/24