Loading...
120522 December 5, 2022 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in a special meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC which rescheduled the regular meeting of December 6, 2021. Chairman Darrell Frye, Vice- Chairman David Allen, Commissioner Kenny Kidd, Commissioner Maxton McDowell, and Commissioner Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Hal Johnson, Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie, County Attorney Ben Morgan, Deputy Clerk to the Board Sarah Pack, and Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. Chaplain Bill Hatfield from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office gave the invocation and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting was livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Administration of Oaths of Office Oaths of Office were administered by The Honorable James (Jimmy) Hill to Commissioners David Allen, Darrell Frye, and Hope Haywood, and Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors William T. Alston, Carrie Guess-Slatosky, and Brian Ward. Reorganization of the Board On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 4-1 with Haywood opposing to elect Darrell Frye as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. On motion of Frye, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to elect David Allen as Vice- Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Ben Morgan as the County Attorney. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Dana Crisco as Clerk to the Board. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to appoint Sarah Pack as Deputy Clerk to the Board. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve all Commissioner appointments as follows:  Hope Haywood Representative to the Board of Health;  Maxton McDowell as Representative to the Social Services Board;  Kenny Kidd as Representative to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;  Darrell Frye as Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization (HPMPO);  Maxton McDowell as Alternate Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the High Point Metropolitan Planning Organization (HPMPO);  Maxton McDowell as Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization (RPO); 12/5/22  Hope Haywood as Alternate Transportation Advisory Committee Representative to the Piedmont Triad Rural Planning Organization (RPO);  Darrell Frye as Delegate to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council;  Darrell Frye as Representative to the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation;  Kenny Kidd as Tourism Development Authority Liaison;  David Allen as Representative to Sandhills County Commissioner Advisory Board;  Hope Haywood as Corporate-Municipalities Wellness Coalition and Healthy Communities Liaison;  David Allen as Voluntary Agriculture District Board Liaison;  David Allen as Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation (PTRDC) Liaison;  Darrell Frye as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners to the Regional Partnership Local Workforce Development Area Consortium Chief Elected Official Board;  David Allen as Liaison to the Animal Services Advisory Board. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and closed it after fifteen minutes. Alan Pugh, 919 Parkview St., Asheboro, NC, spoke of opening the Public Library on Sundays. Tim Saunders, 1402 E. Allred St., Asheboro, NC, said his mother was a Librarian and he agreed that the Library should open on Sundays. He praised the employees of the Elections department. He also stated that there was a need for poll workers. Lastly, he asked for members of different parties need to talk to each other. Lester Rivenbark, 2771 Danny Bell Rd., Asheboro, NC, proposes that the Board take a stand on removing drugs, especially marijuana. DeAnna Hurley-Chamberlain, 8445 New Hope Rd., Denton, thanked the Board for the allocation from Senator Dave Craven. The tax distribution is not enough to sustain the operation of New Hope Volunteer Fire department. Tammie Coley, 2619 Mountain Lake Rd., Asheboro, spoke in favor of moving the Confederate Statue. She brought a Resolution from the Methodist Church that stated such. Kenny Ramsey, 840 Murraytown Rd., Burgaw, is the North Carolina Division Lieutenant of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans. He commended the Board on the quick reaction to cleaning the statue. Charlie P. Lyons, 1729 Shepherd’s Way, Asheboro, of First United Methodist Church, is wanting the Confederate Monument moved. He started to read a resolution (Attachment A) from the church. Ann Hoover, Ann Ct., Asheboro, read the remainder of the resolution started by Mr. Lyons. 12/5/22 Eli Harman, 822 Highridge St., Asheboro, was opposed to moving the Confederate Statue. He stated that Randolph County has become more conservative since 2016. Consent Agenda On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2022, Special Meeting Minutes of September 27, 2022, and Closed Session Minutes of November 7, 2022;  approve Budget Amendment – TDA #6 ($150,000), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #40 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $150,000 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Marketing $150,000  appoint Joanne N. Scott as a Deputy Finance Officer for the Jail Commissary;  approve Surety Bonds for Elected and Appointed Officials: Finance Officer Will Massie ($500,000); Deputy Finance Officer TBD ($500,000); Tax Collector Debra Hill ($300,000); Deputy Tax Collectors: Sallie Cheek ($200,000), Sharon McMasters ($200,000); Deputy Finance Officers for Jail Commissary: Phillip R. Cheek ($10,000), Joanne N. Scott ($50,000), Phyllis Calloway ($10,000) and Velvet Davis ($10,000); Sheriff Greg Seabolt ($25,000); Register of Deeds Krista Lowe ($50,000);  approve Budget Amendment for Public Library ($16,146), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #41 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $16,146 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $16,146  approve Budget Amendment for Insurance Reimbursement ($127,039), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #42 Revenues Increase Decrease $127,039 Miscellaneous 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Buildings $13,578 Information Technology $45,242 Emergency Services $68,219  appoint Karen Long and James Bittle and reappoint Julia Bowman, Jamie Brown, Bryan Davis, Donovan Davis, and Christie McCorquodale to the Randolph County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC); 12/5/22  appoint Michael McKenzie to the Randolph County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council;  approve Budget Amendment – Juvenile Day Reporting ($42,100), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #43 Revenues Increase Decrease Miscellaneous Revenues $37,100 $5,000 Restricted Intergovernmental 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Juvenile Day Reporting Center $42,100  approve Budget Amendment – Sheriff ($22,198), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #45 Revenues Increase Decrease $22,198 Restricted Fund Balance Appropriated 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $22,198  approve Budget Amendment – Sheriff ($38,064), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #46 Revenues Increase Decrease $38,064 Restricted Fund Balance Appropriated 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Sheriff $38,064  approve Budget Amendment – Juvenile Day Reporting Center ($246,400), as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #47 Revenues Increase Decrease $ Restricted Intergovernmental 4245,154 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Library $  reappoint John Cable to the Randolph County Planning Board. Public Health Dental Services Update Public Health Director Tara Aker said for several years, recruitment and retention of a full-time dentist has been a challenge for our department. To remedy this issue, Randolph County Public Health and Kintegra Family Dentistry (KFD) have entered into a discussion regarding a partnership that will create a sustainable option for consistent dental services. Ms. Aker introduced Dr. William Donigan, Chief Dental Officer with KFD, gave an update of plans for the future of dental services at Randolph County Public Health. He mentioned some other counties in North th Carolina that use their services. Randolph County will be their 11 county that they serve. 12/5/22 Kintegra will support the uninsured and underinsured citizens of Randolph County. Kintegra has brick and mortar sites as well as mobile units. Commissioner Haywood stated how important this serve will be. Children with healthy teeth and gums do better in school. Chairman Frye asked if the employees would be County employees or Kintegra employees. Dr. Donigan stated that they would be Kintegra employees. Commissioner Kidd asked how the process at schools worked. Dr. Donigan stated that the children are already picked out by the school nurse and consent forms must be completed by the parents before they will be seen. Historic Courthouse Museum Plan Update County Engineer Paxton Arthurs said the design of proposed renovations to the Historic Courthouse is in its final stages. This project includes:  An elevator addition to the building to comply with ADA requirements.  Removal of the existing elevator and fire safety upgrades to the stairway exits.  Electrical and mechanical system upgrades.  Provisions for drainage and waterproofing in the basement.  Upgrades to the first floor for a future museum and exhibit space. Mr. Arthurs introduced Chevon Moore with Hobbs Architects. She presented the details of the final design along with an updated budget estimate and schedule timeline. If agreeable, it is asked that the Board authorize this project to be advertised for bidding. Chairman Frye asked where the handicapped parking would be. Ms. Moore said that it would be in the back of the building. Additionally, potential bidders will be prequalified to ensure the best outcome for the County. State law requires that the Board approve of the grading matrix used to prequalify bidders. A template from the State that we plan to use was included in the agenda packet. If agreeable, please approve of this document for use in the selection process. Chairman Frye asked if the additions were necessary. Ms. Moore said that these additions are critical. Vice Chairman Allen inquired if the building could be used during construction. Ms. Moore said once the stairs in the rear of the building are demolished, the building cannot be inhabited until there is a compliant egress in place. Vice Chairman Allen asked about the air conditioning units. Ms. Moore said that three options are required for a public building. 12/5/22 On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 4-1 with Kidd opposing to 1) authorize the Historic Courthouse Museum project be advertised for bids and 2) approve the prequalifying document for use in the selection process. Public Hearings and Resolutions for Fire Tax Districts Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton said many of the current fire protection tax districts have a fifteen-cent cap on the tax rate. At the October meeting, the Board officially considered moving forward to abolish the current capped county service districts for fire protection for Bennett Fire Department, Seagrove Fire Department, Southwest Fire Department, and Ulah Fire Department and replacing them with districts that do not have that limitation on taxation. The proposed new service districts contain the same properties currently contained in the capped districts for those areas. For each district, the Board determined that the current cap on taxation has rendered or will soon render the district obsolete for providing the necessary protection to citizens in the area. The Board also 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. After carefully considering these matters, the Board passed resolutions, respectively, declaring the intent to create the proposed districts and calling for a report to be prepared for each district in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes. These Resolutions also set public hearings on the creation of these districts for 6:00 p.m. on December 5, 2022. Notice of those public hearings was mailed and published in accordance with statutory requirements. At this meeting, four public hearings will be held. At the close of these hearings, if the Board finds that the current district is insufficient to provide the required protection and that there is then a demonstrable need for providing fire protection services in the proposed districts, 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 districts without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies and that there is a demonstrable demand for fire protection service in the proposed districts, then the Board may pass resolutions abolishing the current districts and creating the new uncapped districts. The changes, if made, will go into effect on July 1, 2023. At 8:20 p.m., Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearings and closed them when everyone had the opportunity to speak. Bennett Fire Protection District No one spoke. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Bennett Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED BENNETT FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP 12/5/22 WHEREAS, the Bennett Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet the needs of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for December 5, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 12/5/22 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the Bennett Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new Bennett Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Seagrove Fire Protection District No one spoke. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Seagrove Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED SEAGROVE FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Seagrove Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet the needs of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the 12/5/22 district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for December 5, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the Seagrove Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and 12/5/22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new Seagrove Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Southwest Fire Protection District No one spoke. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Southwest Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED SOUTHWEST FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Southwest Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet the needs of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for December 5, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and 12/5/22 WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the Southwest Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new Southwest Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Ulah Fire Protection District No one spoke. Chairman Frye closed the public hearings at 8:22 p.m. 12/5/22 On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve a Resolution Abolishing the Current Fifteen Cent Capped Ulah Fire Protection County Service District and Creating a New Service District Without the Cap, as follows: RESOLUTION ABOLISHING THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED ULAH FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND CREATING A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Ulah Fire Protection County Service District was formed under 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, increases in the costs of providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and first responder/ambulance services have rendered the current service district insufficient to meet the needs of the district with the fifteen (15) cents cap in place; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-306 allows for the current Capped District to be abolished upon a finding that the need for the district no longer exists and a public hearing on the matter; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 153A-301 allows a County to establish a county service district for the provision of fire protection services and for the provision of emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services within the district that has no cap except for the general rule that all tax rates in the district, taken together, cannot exceed one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation, hereinafter the “Proposed New District”; and WHEREAS, it has been requested that the Board of County Commissioners abolish the current Capped District and create the Proposed New District, said Proposed New District having the same boundaries and containing the same properties as the current Capped District; and WHEREAS, the Board caused a report to be prepared and available for public inspection pursuant as required by North Carolina General Statute 153A-302; and WHEREAS, the Board set a public hearing on this matter for December 5, 2022 and instructed the Associate County Attorney to mail notice of the public hearing, at least four weeks before the date of the hearing, by any class of U.S. mail which is fully prepaid to the owners, as shown by the county tax records as of the preceding January 1 of all property located within the proposed district; and WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was also published in accordance with statutory requirements; and WHEREAS, the Associate County Attorney certified the publication and mailing of the notice of public hearing as referenced above, and the public hearing was held; and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Capped District to be able to request a tax rate in excess of its current limitation, the population of the Proposed New District, the appraised value of property in the Proposed New District, the present tax rates in effect in the Proposed New District, the ability of the Proposed New District to sustain the taxing of the Proposed New 12/5/22 District, the call history of the Proposed New District and other matters that the Board deemed relevant; and WHEREAS, the Board, having considered such matters, makes the following findings: 1. The limitation on the tax rate of the Current District has rendered or will soon render it obsolescent to the provision of fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the district; and 2. There is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District; and 3. It is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; and 4. It is economically feasible to provide these services in the Proposed New District without unreasonable or burdensome annual tax levies; and 5. There is a demonstrable demand for fire protection and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services in the Proposed New District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the Ulah Fire Protection County Service District that was formed under North Carolina General Statute 153A-309.2 for the provision of fire protection services and emergency medical, rescue and ambulance services with a tax rate limitation of fifteen (15) cents per one hundred dollars ($100) valuation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby creates a new Ulah Fire Protection County Service District for the provision of fire protection and emergency, medical, rescue and ambulance services pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 153A-301 and 153A-302 effective July 1, 2023, with the boundaries shown on the map included as Attachment A to this Resolution and containing the exact same properties that were included in the district being abolished. Mid-State Trailers Economic Development Project Crystal Gettys, Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Business Recruitment Director, said Mid-State Trailers was recently acquired back in the spring by ITZ NC Inc. who will continue to do business as Mid-State Trailers. ITZ Inc. owns the operating assets while BWR NC LLC will own the real estate, both companies are owned by Thomas Disch. Denton is the company’s first location in NC for ITZ, Inc. who took over the manufacturing of the trailers from Mid-State and will be adding their HandiRamp line to their production. HandiRamp manufactures handicap ramps as well as industrial material ramps which will require adding approximately 26,000 SF to their current facility in Denton to accommodate the increased demand for both their handicap ramps and their wide range of material handling ramps. HandiRamp has been headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, since 1958. HandiRamp manufactures industrial ramp products, cargo van ramps, pet ramps, yard ramps, accessibility products and home and safety products. The company also created a non-profit organization called the HandiRamp Foundation that works to provide funding to assist qualified candidates in their purchase of accessibility equipment. 12/5/22 The company anticipates investing $527,829 in real property and will be creating 19 new jobs paying an average wage of $46,967. The company is seeking a building use grant in the amount of $100,000, there is no anticipated match for Randolph County however, the company’s investment will certainly cover the traditional 5% match. The EDC believes that ITZ NC Inc. dba Mid-State Trailers is an exceptional economic development project for the County by generating significant investment in a building addition and upgrades, increasing the value of the property, and result in the creation of 19 quality new jobs. The EDC requests that the County approve the Resolution supporting the Building Reuse Grant for Mid-State Trailers. Commissioner McDowell commented that it would be an important development for the County. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if a Deed of Trust or something like it would be drafted. Ms. Gettys said that At 8:29 p.m., Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Resolution Authorizing the County of Randolph to Apply for a Building Reuse Grant for the Mid-State Trailers Economic Development Project, as follows: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING REUSE GRANT FOR THE MID STATE TRAILERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WHEREAS, Section 158-7.1 of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes a county to undertake an economic development project by extending assistance to a company in order to cause the company to locate or expand its operations within the county; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly has authorized funds to be used for stimulating economic development and job creation; and WHEREAS, Mid State Trailers, located in Denton, Randolph County, was recently acquired by ITZ, NC, but is continuing to be operated as Mid State Trailers; and WHEREAS, ITZ, NC owns the operating assets of Mid State Trailers, while the real property it occupies is owned by BWR NC LLC, and both entities are owned by Thomas R. Disch (Mid State Trailers, ITZ NC, BWR NC LLC and Thomas R. Disch hereinafter referred to collectively as “Company”); and WHEREAS, the Company has stated its commitment to invest five hundred twenty-seven thousand eight hundred twenty-nine dollars ($527,829.00), in real property, adding approximately twenty-six thousand (26,000) square feet to its current facility in Denton, Randolph County, in order to add the manufacture of handicap ramps and industrial material ramps to its production line; and 12/5/22 WHEREAS, the Company has further stated its commitment to create nineteen (19) new full-time jobs with an average annual salary of forty-six thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven dollars ($46,967.00) in Randolph County; and WHEREAS, the County of Randolph has been asked to file an application with the North Carolina Department of Commerce for a Building Reuse Grant on behalf of the Company; and WHEREAS, said Grant is structured as a forgivable loan to be administered by the County; and WHEREAS, in the event that the Company does not meet the requirements of the Grant, the County is responsible for ensuring that Grant funds are repaid; and WHEREAS, the Company has agreed to secure the Grant funds through granting a deed of trust or similar financial instrument to the County; and WHEREAS, the amount of the Grant that the Company is eligible for is up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00); and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County has held a public hearing to consider whether to participate in this project by applying for the grant and administering the grant if awarded; and WHEREAS, upon the completion by the Company of this expansion project, the Company will have expended five hundred twenty-seven thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine dollars ($527,829.00), in real property investment, and will have created a minimum of nineteen (19) new full-time jobs with an average annual salary of forty-six thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven dollars ($46,967.00) in Randolph County; and WHEREAS, this economic development project will stimulate and stabilize the local economy, promote business in the County, and result in the creation of a number of jobs in the County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, this 5th day of December 2022, as follows: The County is authorized to apply for a North Carolina Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce for the Mid State Trailers expansion project as detailed herein. Consideration of Adoption of Orders Concerning 2023 Reappraisal Debra Hill, Tax Administrator, said the final step in the process leading up to the 2023 Reappraisal is the adoption of the Orders adopting the true value and present use schedules, standards and rules, pursuant to NCGS 105-317. These documents were presented to the Board on October 3 ,2022 and all required notices have been published, and the public hearing was held at the Board’s November 7, 2022 meeting. Following adoption of the Orders, a notice will be published, as prescribed by NCGS 105-317, on December 7, 14, 21, and 28, stating that the Orders were duly adopted and are available for public inspection in the Office of the County’s Assessor. The notice will also state that any property owner who asserts that these schedules, standards and rules are invalid may appeal them to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission within 30 days from December 7, 2022. 12/5/22 Ms. Hill requested the Board adopt An Order Concerning the Present Use Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules to be used in appraising Real Property at its True Value for the January 1, 2023 Reappraisal, and An Order Concerning the Market Value Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules to be used in appraising Real Property at its Market Value for the January 1, 2023 Reappraisal. The schedule has been available for public viewing since October 2022. Vice Chairman Allen is on the Present-Use Value Advisory Board. The Board met in the spring of 2022 to plan for the 2023 year and adjust the process to determine present use value. Chairman Frye asked if properties still had to produce a minimum level of income in order to qualify for present use. Ms. Hill said the amount works out to $100 gross profit per acre for open agricultural land. The profit must be obtained from production directly from the property. Ten acres is the minimum. On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve an Order Concerning the Present Use Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules to be used in appraising Real Property at its Present Use Value for the January 1, 2023 Revaluation. On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to approve an Order Concerning the True (Market) Value Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules to be used in appraising Real Property at its True (Market) Value for the January 1, 2023 Revaluation. Opioid Update Jennifer Layton, Assistant Health Director, gave an update on progress in preparing the funding application package regarding opioid settlement funds. This process began in July with the following goals in mind:  Ensure use of evidence-based programs & resources to address substance use disorders, specifically opioid use disorder.  Build infrastructure to measure the impact of programs.  Strengthen community partnerships to improve access to care related to substance use disorders. In October 2022, the NC Association of County Commissioners assigned a staff member to assist us in the preparation & implementation of the funding package. Leia Gearhart has a Master’s degree in public affairs and brings experience in developing and implementing large funding packages for local government. She has assisted in streamlining language and document flow, alignment with NC Memorandum of Agreement and legislation, and assuring all County reporting requirements are included. As a result, the document is nearing completion. Additionally, Leia has met with Randolph County’s attorney, finance director, contracts/purchasing agent, and IT to assure all County policies/auditing requirements are considered in this process. Per general statute, a records retention of five (5) years of all opioid settlement related documents is required. Leia and I have met with IT to develop a system to retain all required documents for the 18-year span of settlement fund dispersal (applications, grantee reports, data collection, etc.). Ms. Gearhart spoke of the changes made for the reporting of the Opioid Settlement Funding. 12/5/22 An appointed Executive Committee will evaluate funding applications. The Executive Committee will use a standardized scoring matrix for reviewing applications. Using a scoring matrix will ensure a fair and transparent process of evaluating proposals. Through careful review of each proposal for alignment with NC Opioid Settlement MOA strategies and requirements, the committee will make recommendations to the Board for consideration of funding. Chairman Frye asked if Commissioner Allen would be serving on this Committee. He also stated that Ms. Gearhart could act as staff during this project. County Manager Hal Johnson explained how difficult the rules are to report on this money. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the formation of the Executive Committee of Opioid Settlement Funding and appoint the JDRC Director, DSS Director, RCEM Chief, ADRC Director, a Sandhills Center representative, a Sheriff’s Office representative, the Assistant Health Director, and the Health Director as voting members and the County Manager as an Ex Officio member. Veterans Services Update Veterans Services Director Elizabeth Wood said Randolph County Veteran Services is working on a new project for homeless and at-risk veterans. After collaborating with Krista Lowe, this new program will be operated out of the old Veteran Services Office through donations and volunteers. The previous office is getting cleaned out and ready to stock. These donated supplies will be everyday items that Veterans in need can use such as nonperishable food, cleaning and hygiene products, and miscellaneous items. It is a hope to use this as a Resource Center so that Veterans may find and use other local resources in their time of need. There are a number of local organizations and people extend offers to help with his mission. It is the hope to have this space opened up sometime in January and would like to thank all of those who have supported this program. County Manager Hal Johnson asked about the number of Veterans in Randolph County. Ms. Wood said there are approximately 8,500 veterans in Randolph County, and during the COVID- 19 pandemic approximately 15,000 additional veterans from surrounding counties were served in Randolph County. Chairman Frye asked if there were issues with veteran suicide in Randolph County. Ms. Wood said there are always issues with suicide when it comes to our veterans. Recently, several veterans in the county were admitted to an inpatient treatment center for suicide prevention treatment. Set Planning Retreat On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to set the Planning Retreat for February 23, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A in the Randolph County Office Building. County Manager’s Update County Manager Hal Johnson had no updates. Commissioners Updates 12/5/22 Vice-Chairman Allen thanked Mayor AC Hurley from Franklinville for attending the meeting. Chairman Frye asked how the Franklinville Library was opened on Sunday. Public Library Director Ross Holt said that it had always been that way. Adjourn At 8:58 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 12/5/22