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081318 bond refAugust 13, 2018 Special Meeting/ Public Hearing to Consider the Bond Order Authorizing the Issuance Of $58,000,000 Agricultural Center Bonds of the County of Randolph The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in a duly advertised special session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC. Commissioners David Allen, Darrell Frye, Kenny Kidd, Maxton McDowell, and Hope Haywood were present. Also present were County Manager Hal Johnson, Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton, Clerk to the Board Amanda Varner and Deputy Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco. The purpose of this meeting was to hold a public hearing to consider the "Bond Order Authorizing the Issuance Of $58,000,000 Agricultural Center Bonds of the County of Randolph." Bond referendum for Agricultural Event Center County Manager Hal Johnson said for at least the past 20 years, there has been discussion of the possibility of constructing an agricultural center in Randolph County. The purchase of a 104 acre tract located on Highway 64/Dixie Drive provided adequate acreage and location for the County to begin seriously considering the feasibility of such a project. Mr. Johnson said the Randolph County Board of Commissioners has been faced with more capital improvement projects at one time than has ever faced any previous Board of Commissioners. A county government is responsible for school construction (Asheboro High School expansion and renovations, Trinity Middle School) and the provision of jail/correctional, courthouse, and department facilities. Each of these projects is financially interconnected and impacts the County's ability to long-term finance without a property tax increase. "Through careful management the county has been able to provide these required capital improvements without a property tax increase in our current budget as was mandated by the Board of County Commissioners." He explained that the proposed Randolph County Agricultural Event Center is different from schools, jails, courthouses, and County facilities because the County is not mandated to provide such a facility. One of the consistent development themes expressed by citizens during the design and input phase was the importance of developing the entire project at the same time. The current cost of the fully constructed Randolph County Agricultural Event Center is estimated to be no greater than $58 million dollars. Randolph County does not have the ability to construct a facility of this size and scope without an increase in property tax. Mr. Johnson stated that the Board of Commissioners has expressed interest and adopted the required resolutions that are necessary to place a bond referendum on the November 2018 ballot. This referendum would seek voter approval to issue General Obligation Bonds which is a method of using debt to Finance major capital projects with the necessary taxes to pay the interest and principal for a $58 million dollar agricultural center project. The public hearing being held at 8/13/2018 this meeting is the final step in the legal process necessary for the Board of Commissioners to place this question on the ballot. Mr. Johnson gave a history of the development of the project. In August 2017, the Magellan Strategy Group, utilizing funding provided by the Tourism Development Authority, completed a feasibility study for Randolph County that explored the economic viability of a new agricultural event center to be located on this 104 acre tract. The study highlighted the economic impact of agriculture to the Randolph County economy and the positive impact an agricultural event center might have on Randolph County. Based on the findings of the feasibility report, Randolph County selected HH Architecture, Raleigh, N.C., and its project consultant team to begin a preliminary design of the proposed facility. The team assisting HH Architecture included Priefert Complex Designs, Stanford White, Lynch Mykins, SME Traffic Engineering, and Benesch Civil Engineering. Beginning in November 2017, the design team and County staff met with numerous groups to gather information and input regarding spaces and goals for the Randolph County Agricultural Event Center. The proposed master plan, presented in detail by HH Architecture at the June 4, 2018, Commissioners meeting, reflected the 74 acres of campus out of the 104 acre tract to be a central hub for the agricultural community in Randolph County and across the state. The campus would consist of an arena with the capacity to seat 2800 persons and additional spaces for livestock housing, livestock sales, and livestock warming up. The complex would also include space for County agricultural related offices as well as a community event center designed to hold a variety of community functions and provide flexibility in seating up to 2286 occupants. The total facility would be supported by 1,900 parking spaces, some of which will be exclusively for trucks and trailers to better serve the farming community. The proposed facility is designed to provide opportunities for farm -based education programs; enhanced opportunities for residents to buy local foods at a centralized Farmer's Market; office space for agricultural support agencies; meeting space; hosting of graduations, county fairs, and 4-H youth educational activities; and event space for livestock, equestrian, rodeo, and trade shows. The entire agricultural complex would attract overnight visitors. A unique feature of the site plan allows for future public/private partnership development reserving commercial spaces that will add jobs and taxable activities possibly from a private hotel, restaurants, and related commercial businesses. Randolph County has options as to the size, cost, scope, and timing of this project which would impact final costs and the County's ability to pay for the project. The proposed master plan provides a guide, but once a decision is made on the final size and scope of the proposed Randolph County Agricultural Event Center, more accurate information can be provided on operating cost and revenue can be calculated. In June 2018, County Finance Officer Will Massie filed an application with the Local Government Commission requesting its approval of the issuance of bonds in the amount of $58 8/13/2018 million dollars based on taxes sufficient to pay the interest and principal annually on capital costs of providing an agricultural center subject to the approval of the voters during the referendum. Then on July 9, 2018, the Board of Commissioners adopted the appropriate Bond Order Resolutions necessary to pay capital costs of providing the funds necessary for construction of an Agricultural Event Center if approved by the voters of Randolph County in the maximum aggregate amount of $58 million dollars. If the Board of Commissioners choose to move forward after this public hearing and with voter approval at a November bond referendum, the County would pursue all other funding opportunities that may be available through low interest loans (Rural Economic Development Loans currently being pursued by Randolph Electric Membership Corporation), grant funding, and private financial contributions. The feasibility study identified potential revenue sources, in addition to the property tax, for both agricultural center development and operational support. In addition to event rent and ticket sales, these included naming rights, office rent paid by outside agencies, private fundraising, grants, possible occupancy tax increase, and potential State support as given to centers in Asheville and Lumberton (none in central N.C.). Mr. Johnson reported that the required Report on the Bond Order and Notices from the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners were included in the agenda packet and he read the report. Report from the Clerk The Clerk to the Board of Commissioners reported to the Board of Commissioners that the bond order entitled "BOND ORDER AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $58,000,000 AGRICULTURAL CENTER BONDS OF THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH" which had been introduced on July 9, 2018, had been published in a qualified newspaper on or before July 26, 2018, with notice that the Board of Commissioners would hold a public hearing thereon on August 13, 2018. The Clerk also reported that the County's Assistant Manager/Finance Officer had filed in the Clerk's office a statement of debt complying with the provisions of The Local Government Bond Act and that such statement showed the net indebtedness of the County to be 1.12% of the assessed valuation of property in the County subject to taxation. Public Hearing on Agricultural Event Center Bond Referendum At 6:14 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to proceed to hold a public hearing on the bond order. Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton read the rules established for the public hearing. Chairman Allen announced that the Board of Commissioners would hear anyone who wished to be heard on the questions of validity of the bond order and the advisability of issuing bonds. Ms. Scotton called the list of persons signed up to speak in favor and then against. Alan Ferguson, 4794 Troy Smith Rd., Liberty, said he was happy to see the subject of the proposed Agricultural Event Center have its own hearing before the Board and before the citizens of the County. 8/13/2018 Mr. Ferguson said the agricultural community has been examining the possibility of an agricultural event center for some time. The Voluntary Agricultural District has long believed that a center dedicated "to the future success of agriculture in Randolph County is a good thing... because agriculture is Randolph's largest economic driver and its success and growth is important as an economic development engine." He said Randolph's agriculture sector of the economy is run by local people investing their time, money and energy in creating value for themselves and their fellow citizens. The project has evolved into a substantial one and questions have arisen regarding the costs and even the scale of the design. The agriculture community does not want the extensive efforts gone into the planning "to go forward without the assurance of broad and deep public support." He said the supporters of the project have struggled with how to best move forward and concluded that the Board should determine one of two courses at this meeting. First would be to put the referendum on the fall ballot, but only if the Board believes that a bond is the best way to finance the construction of the ag center and that the current design is the most suitable for the County. The second option favored by the Agricultural Event Center Action Committee, which might be "the more prudent one," would be for the Commissioners to determine that the design, financing, and business plan for the operation of the Center needs further refinement. On behalf of the Agricultural Event Center Action Committee, Mr. Ferguson requested the Commissioners continue their long-standing support of agriculture by adopting a resolution stating that commitment. He said the next speaker would present a resolution that they support. He said they would work hard to assist County staff in moving forward with the development of the ag center. Ken Austin, 3458 New Salem Rd., Climax, Chairman of the Randolph County Agricultural Event Center Action Committee read the following proposed resolution by the Action Committee and asked the Commissioners to consider its adoption at their September meeting. RESOLUTION For the Completion of a Site and Facilities Plan, and the Development of a Business and Promotional Plan for a Randolph County Agricultural Event Center WHEREAS, Agriculture is one of Randolph County's primary economic drivers; encompassing 1,500 farms, employing approximately 8,000 people, and generating 13.5% of the total dollar value produced by county businesses in the amount of $569 million in 2017; and WHEREAS, Randolph County agriculture ranks in the Top 10 of North Carolina counties in the production of eight essential agricultural categories; and WHEREAS, the agricultural industry is a vital part of Randolph County's continued economic well-being and development; and WHEREAS, during the 2017-2018 school year, a combined total of 6,025 8/13/2018 students from Asheboro City Schools and the Randolph County School System participated in agriculture -related classes and programs, and 9,910 students participated in 4-H programs; and WHEREAS, Randolph Community College is developing an associate's degree in agribusiness technology, with plans to begin offering the degree in the fall of 2019; and WHEREAS, The Randolph County Strategic Plan, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in 2016, identifies a Well -Being goal to "Enhance the ability of farmers to produce and market their products through organizational networks and infrastructure" benefiting the county and all nine of its municipalities; and WHEREAS, the Strategic Plan identifies a strategy designed to "study the feasibility of a countywide agricultural center to host events, support and enhance agricultural education, activities and business development"; and WHEREAS, the development of an agricultural center would attract participants and overnight visitors to attend multi -day regional and state-wide events, activities, and conferences; and WHEREAS, these overnight visitors, together with the other activities generated by the agricultural center, would enhance one of Randolph County's other main economic drivers, the tourism industry, that attracts more than 1.5 million visitors per year, supporting more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, and generating $140 million annually; and WHEREAS, as a result of the Strategic Plan, and in cooperation with the Randolph County Voluntary Agricultural District Board, the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority contracted with Magellan Strategy Group to conduct and complete a feasibility study regarding the economic viability and economic impact of an agricultural center, and presented it to the Board of County Commissioners; and WHEREAS, the feasibility study concluded that an agricultural center would provide a "significant" impact to the competitiveness of the County's agricultural industry and was subsequently adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in September 2017; and WHEREAS, the site of the proposed Randolph County Agricultural Event Center (RAEC) is particularly suited to its purpose because it is centrally located in North Carolina and is close to visitor amenities such as hotels, restaurants, MAJOR transportation routes, and other business operations; and WHEREAS, Randolph County purchased approximately 104.623 acres located 8/13/2018 on the southern border of Dixie Drive (identified in the deed as "U.S. Highway 64") in Asheboro Township, a deed to which was recorded on December 12, 2016, for the purpose of developing an agricultural center; and WHEREAS, this property currently bears a sign identifying it as the "Future Home of the Randolph County Agricultural Center"; and WHEREAS, beginning in November 2017, HH Architecture and County staff began meeting with numerous groups regarding the design and purpose of the facility, including the Ag Center Advisory Committee, Cooperative Extension Service, Soil and Water Conservation, Rural Development, County Facilities Committee, Livestock Arena Sub -Committee, the U.S. Forest Service, the Farm Service Agency, the City of Asheboro, and the Randolph County Tourism Development Authority; and WHEREAS, the land purchased by the Board of County Commissioners, as well as considerable efforts by public, private, and volunteer organizations have been devoted to the development of the RAEC. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Randolph County Board of Commissioners shall undertake the following in support of the further development of the goals and strategy as expressed in the adopted 2016 Randolph County Strategic Plan: 1. Continue to hold title to, and dedicate the use of, the property located on Dixie Drive (and currently identified with signage), for the development of the RAEC. 2. Direct the County Manager to complete the following by February 1, 2019: a. Continue working with and expand the representation on the Ag Center Advisory Committee to complete the Site and Facilities Plan. b. Commission the professional development of a business and promotional plan that identifies a timeline and key performance indicators for measuring the financial success and sustainability of the RAEC. c. Work collaboratively with community partners to seek funding opportunities, such as grants, donations, and naming rights of the RAEC facilities in order to lower the County's financial investment to construct the project. d. Communicate with and leverage community partnerships to educate the public throughout Randolph County as to how this project supports the 2016 Strategic Plan and benefits all citizens of the county and its municipalities. 8/13/2018 e. Report back to the Board of County Commissioners at the February 4, 2019, regularly scheduled Commissioners meeting with an update and recommendations regarding the construction and funding options for the RAEC. David Johnson, 3934 Old Courthouse Rd, Sophia, stated that he had been involved in the horse industry for nearly 50 years and agriculture is important to everyone. It teaches about self- confidence, planned parenthood, life and death, hard work, and winning and losing. It is important to the young people of Randolph County and surrounding areas. He was in support of moving forward with the Center and referendum. Kemp Davis, 6168 Branson Davis Rd., Randleman, Chairman of the Voluntary Agriculture District Board since its inception, said they have come a long way to get to where they are in this project and carry a theme that an agriculture center is needed in Randolph County. He asked that the parties take another look at a way to move forward with a plan that is acceptable to the citizens. "This should be a place of purpose. I feel these considerations can be used to determine that purpose and that is education and awareness of agriculture, participation, recreation and a place to unify the citizens of this county and a place to build on those relationships. We can do this and we can do it right. It may just not be right now." Mr. Davis asked those in the audience in support of the ag center to stand. It was estimated that 3/4 of those in attendance stood. Brodie Smith, 2718 NC -49 N., Ramseur, FFA Vice President at Eastern Randolph High School, said he is one of many agriculture students in nine high schools and seven middle schools in the county and representing 1,200 Randolph County students that are members of the local, state and national FFA organization that want to further their education in order to make some field of agriculture their lifelong career. He urged the Commissioners to proceed forward with plans to build an Agriculture Event Center so that agriculture education students can gather to learn, grow, and develop skills and knowledge to further their advancements toward an agriculture career and ensure that there is a future for agriculture in Randolph County. Erin Wills, 6065 Old Hwy 421 N., Staley, is member of the Randolph County Super Sharp Shooting Stars Club, a senior at Eastern Randolph High School, and the President of her 4-H Club and FFA Chapter. Ms. Wills will also be attending the NCACC Youth Voice conference next week. She said this center will not only be beneficial to the livestock show 4-H members but to all the 4-H Clubs such as sewing and community outreach. It can be used as a meeting location for the shooting club and for the hosting of other statewide meetings since it is centrally located. Ms. Wills said she feels the event center could compete with the Greensboro Coliseum for some of the same events to bring in money as well as bring travelers back to Hwy 64 that the bypass will take away. The proposed hotel on the site will allow visitors to stay near the Center which means they would eat in restaurants and shop in stores bringing in more money and creating more jobs. This ag center is committed to growing agriculture opportunities for not only those who live here but for the whole state. She said organizations are already willing to commit to holding statewide events there if built. Laura LeGlue, 1464 Luck Rd., Asheboro, thanked the Commissioners for their continued support of 4-H and other youth organizations. She also thanked the ones who "braved the mud last Saturday to attend the livestock show." Ms. LeGlue said she has shown cattle for the last five 8/13/2018 years and grown so much as an individual. "Five years ago I wouldn't have been standing here. I would have been so scared to do it." Through showing livestock, it has given her more opportunity to become more confident in who she is as a person. She said her first calf taught her patience, kindness, how to lose graciously and how to branch out and talk to others. It gave her confidence to help others and become a leader within her 4-H Club. She said she started out with a borrowed truck, trailer and cow. Ms. LeGlue said she feels the ag center would help to break down barriers and give the opportunity to more individuals who need the support of the ag community, like she received. She said 4-H is not just livestock; it is community service, citizenship, and leadership all intricately tied together. The ag center would be the heart of it all, a place for everyone and everything to come together. "Together we lead. Together we serve. Together we grow. Together we live." David Jones, 1688 Sylvan Way, Asheboro, (retired Director of the NC Zoo) said he fully supports the project and thinks it is a wonderful idea. He said in reading the consultant's report many questions came up that he felt need explaining before moving forward. It doesn't show how the $55 million rises from the estimated $14 million. He questioned the operational cost figures and the number of staff that would be needed to maintain and operate the facility. He said a large staff will be needed to handle multiple events and asked how much the Board was willing to cover. He said he felt like the projected income was underestimated but operational costs will be higher than estimated. He said he agrees the project needs more research and recommended obtaining advice from people who know how to run events. Rylee Schofield, 6253 Kennedy Rd., Trinity, member of the Trinity 4-H Club and Vice President of the Trinity High School FFA Chapter, said she'd been involved in agriculture for as long as she can remember. She said she had been involved with rodeos and horse shows since the age of three. She said she'd also shown livestock since she was eleven years old. More recently she has started judging livestock and doing public speaking through her 4-H Club. Ms. Schofield said she felt that a facility that could hold so many different types of events would be an asset to the community. Mike Hansen, 2857 Parks Cross Roads Church Rd., Ramseur, said he just became a new American citizen and this was his first public meeting. He said he has lived in Randolph County for four years. He and his wife moved here to start a farm with zero experience but found they had a huge community of support, more than anywhere else they have lived including five other countries. Mr. Hanson said having a Center would benefit others who want to learn about agriculture and could bring more businesses and people to Randolph County. Mr. Hansen said Michael Walden, Professor and Extension Economist in NC State's Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, has said farming and retirement will be economic drivers, especially in rural regions. North Carolina is already a top farm state but with advances in nutrition, control of animal waste, and growth in foreign food demand, agribusiness in North Carolina could increase some 80 percent, becoming a $150 billion annual industry by 2050. Mr. Hansen said no one likes taxes. He called the Tax Department to inquire how much his taxes would go up if he had a three cent increase and was informed it would be around $30 a year. He said he could give up two trips to Bojangles to support the project. 8/13/2018 Kyle Richardson, 2435 Mill Creek Rd., Ramseur, a senior at Faith Christian School, said his showing career began quite simply. His ag teacher asked him if he would like to attend the Asheboro Fall Festival cow show and he has shown ever since. He now has his own cow and shows have become part of his family's life. After showing at the NC State Fair, he said it has been a dream of his to see a building dedicated to not only showing but agriculture events in Randolph County. Mr. Richardson said he is supporting the need for an ag center to benefit agriculture now and in the future. In closing he gave this quote: "Future generations will not have a future if the present continues to live in the past." Jeff Cain, 5959 Hwy 22/42, Ramseur, said his two children are involved in church, 4-H, FFA programs and sports. He said they have traveled all across NC and bordering states to show livestock and have been to many county ag centers. He hoped the Commissioners had visited many of those to draw from the pros and cons of each. Although many are beautiful architecturally, they are of little use for horticulture, vegetable, or livestock showing. Mr. Cain said the agriculture people who have confided in him desire the priorities toward promotion of locally grown animals, produce and home goods. The kids have shown livestock on farms in Chatham County that have been loaned for use and in Stanley County under a 30' x 90' tent 80' from a four lane highway. Chatham County built a meeting space as their ag center and planned to phase in other parts but nothing more has been built. In closing, Mr. Cain stated that if an agriculture center for showing livestock and for vegetative education "had been built 25 -35 years ago, we could have probably taught more kids some life skills and appreciation for being stewards of God's creations rather than having to build a larger jail." Lacey Allen, 3861 Osborne Mill Rd., Asheboro, said she lives on a dairy farm and shows dairy cows. Ms. Allen spoke of weather situations that caused problems for past shows in tents and supports the construction of an agriculture facility where weather wouldn't be a factor for shows. John Rogers, 1001 Kildare Rd., Asheboro, said he liked the concept of the ag center and that it would be good for the County, but he is against the referendum. He said he also has questions that he has been unable to get answers to. He questioned what hotel would lease land and build on a side street. Secondly, he questioned "the narrow mindedness of calling it an ag center when maybe it ought to be the Randolph County Event Center." He said his impression from research is that planning committees have not been inclusive enough of all the segments of the county to see countywide benefit. "It needs more input from people, the Community College, the schools, even in the design phase." Third, he questioned was what it would look like to someone looking at the megasite for a location of their business if the Center was turned down because of a property tax increase. Mr. Rogers said he liked the proposed resolution and encouraged the Board to be more "inclusive with input" and not "be narrow-minded." He suggested using some out of the box thinkers in the process so they go beyond the scope of an ag center. Such an investment could serve the entire community. 8/13/2018 Walter Krasuski, 122 W. Pritchard St., Asheboro, believes Greensboro, Raleigh and Charlotte will come together here in Randolph and taxes will go up and be tough for farmers. He said 90% of the population should be targeted to get everyone excited and the money will come in. Mr. Krasuski said the site should be 300 acres instead, should have shade for people to enjoy, and have a restaurant located there. People would come to the site for fun. He suggested showcasing all the things grown and produced in Randolph County. He also suggested a garden on top of the hotel where people could sit and watch the sun set over Randolph County. He said more agriculture means more water and we need to watch water use. Carol Kivett, 1208 Foxfire Rd., Asheboro, Secretary of the Randolph County Beekeepers Association, said they have 80 members and growing and spoke on their behalf. She said the Association would like to see the Agriculture Event Center approved and built as shown. It is their goal to host a spring NC State Beekeepers Association event that will bring in 1,500-2,000 people which would generate revenue for the Center, hotels, restaurants, area businesses and the three local beekeeping suppliers. She said they would also like to see a small area dedicated to an aviary to teach people about the importance of honeybees and their impact to the food supply and farming. Dr. Brent Scarlett, 3207 Doris Acres St., Asheboro, a local large animal veterinarian, said he grew up in the 4-H program and recently showed a goat himself. His kids also are showing in 4- H. He said Randolph County is number one in beef cows, number two in beef cattle, number two for cattle overall, number one for goats, and the top ten in equine. He said we are fortunate to have the NC Zoo in Randolph County to generate tourism and revenue, we are also fortunate to have natural assets with animal agriculture that are a big revenue stream for the county and surrounding areas which could also increase tourism. Dr. Scarlett said he likes to call it the Ag Development Center. It could be an important leveraging tool to stimulate and support the development of the county's assets in the Central Piedmont before one of our neighboring counties relieves us of that opportunity. He said he supports the Center and sees it as an investment in the youth. Alan Pugh, 1124 Westover Terrace, Asheboro, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. He said he admires and respects farmers. He opposes the project because of the scale of it. He referenced sites in Hickory and Chatham County that are already used for agricultural meetings. He restated that he is opposed to this project. Tom Jordan, 645 Holly Grove Dr., Randleman, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. He is originally from Cedar Falls. He said he read all he could about the center and he is not sure if the people supporting this project are wrong. He asked that the Commissioners give it more thought before proceeding. Jay Hubbard, 1391 Church St., Ramseur, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. He supports agriculture. He said he was not sure about the proposed size of the facility and the operating costs. Because of that, he did not want a tax increase. Lynn Small, 4807 Walker Mill Rd., Sophia, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. He said he opposes a tax increase and did not feel it was fair because "Randolph County currently has $509 million in farm agricultural deferred property. No property taxes or fire department 8/13/2018 taxes are paid on this property each year." "This is a subsidy for the agricultural community. If you go forward with this project, with three cents on my taxes, they won't even be paying that." He commented on the County buying the land for an agricultural center and the use of taxpayer dollars. He stated since this facility would benefit the agricultural community, they should come up with the substantial capital contributions before asking taxpayers to pay. He stated that a three cent tax increase would create higher tax rates than surrounding counties except for Guilford County. He suggested other methods of funding instead of using property taxes. He agreed with Commissioner Kidd's remarks in the newspaper that the project needed to slow down and urged the Commissioners to make wise choices that affect all taxpayers. William Dula, 1320 Randolph Tabernacle Rd., Asheboro spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. He said he was in 4-H and raised livestock himself. He said an agricultural center needed to be inclusive of all agriculture, not just showing livestock. He stated that Randolph County is currently 58h in tax rate in the state but would move even higher with a three cent tax increase. He questioned if businesses would come. He said not to put the tax burden for years to come on people who will not see a benefit to this. He did not want to include this on the ballot. Faye Cox, 1211 Grantville Ln., Asheboro, spoke in opposition to the bond referendum. She stated that she is a farmer and works another job herself. She asked if the $58 million included interest and was told no. Next, she asked how many years to pay back this money and twenty years was the response. She said she sees so many people struggle with basic needs and a tax increase would make it worse. She said just because students join 4-H and FFA does not mean that they will be farmers. She said that people who have farms usually have been given land and have had help. She stated that a tax increase will hit everyone. She does not want a tax increase. She mentioned that the mega -site did not have an occupant and money had been spent on it. She would like taxes lowered. Tiffany Cox, 4113 Young Rd., Asheboro, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. She said she already has trouble paying the taxes on the land she has. She is a student and has a part- time job. She doesn't want to give up what she is working so hard to keep. Kate Pruitt, 4464 Buffalo Ford Rd., Asheboro, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. She has farmed and knows how hard it is to make a living on a farm. She appreciates the support of agriculture given to the farmers by the Board. She questioned the difference between the feasibility study estimate and the $58 million being asked for on the bond issue. She said she read the economic impact model in the feasibility study and does not feel that it is accurate. She asked if there were commitments for leased spaces. She inquired about performance measures and what happens if they are not met. She said her son is a teacher and he struggles to provide for his students out of his pocket. She stated that the schools had serious infrastructure problems and those should be fixed instead of building an agricultural center. She mentioned the investment of the megasite. She talked about other agricultural centers in the state supported by NC Department of Agriculture being paid out of our state taxes. She said she did not see any quotes on the upkeep of the facility or salaries to support it. She said the concept of an agricultural event center is good but the Commissioners need to find another way to build it. Neal Robbins, 720 Oakmont Dr., Asheboro, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. He said he was a former 4 -Her, a Southwest Randolph High School and NC State graduate, all of 8/13/2018 which have leading agriculture programs. He is in favor of agriculture. He is always against a tax increase and quoted Barry Goldwater from his book Conscience of a Conservative. "We have been led to look upon taxation as merely a problem of public financing: How much money does the government need? We have been led to discount, and often to forget altogether, the bearing of taxation on the problem of individual freedom. We have been persuaded that the government has an unlimited claim on the wealth of the people, and that the only pertinent question is what portion of its claim the government should exercise." Mr. Robbins said, "That is what the question is. What portion of its claim the government should exercise?" Robert Morrison, 1735 Viewmont Ct., Asheboro, spoke in opposition of the bond referendum. He wants to support the farmers who feed him. He has concerns about the project and urged the Commissioners to continue their research. His list of concerns was as follows: • The budget in the feasibility study shows an operating loss of approximately $100,000 but doesn't include principle or interest to be repaid. He estimated that to be $4 million each year until the loan was repaid. • Depreciation was not considered in the feasibility study. He estimated that the long term maintenance and renovation costs may be as much as $1 million per year. • Does the County have commitments to rent the extra office space? • Redirecting several years of taxes from RCC could be viewed by the taxpayers as "a breach of trust" while he did understand the Commissioners had that authority. • The Strategic Plan was adopted in 2016 and the Implementation Committee was formed. He stated that this committee had not met in quite a while and should be meeting regarding this project in conjunction with the Strategic Plan. • Foundations and government agencies had been listed in the feasibility study for potential funding. Have any of them made a commitment? • The economic benefits in the feasibility study appear to be for hotels and restaurants, not agriculture. • The land is already purchased and the architectural fees are paid. He stressed that the Commissioners should think about the questions raised and said that money may be better spent for public safety, education, or quality of life improvements for the citizens of Randolph County. Craig Frazier, 2051 Lake Lucas Rd., Sophia, said he is 100% in favor of an ag center but that this hearing is about whether the citizens support a tax increase to pay for it. He referred to a comment made earlier that farmers don't pay property taxes and suggested dedicating a portion of the Center to education on the subject. Mr. Frazier said if he buys farm equipment, he pays 100% of the tax on it, he pays fire tax, and even pays Asheboro City School tax on property that doesn't have a building on it. "So yes, I pay taxes and why I'm in opposition of this tax increase." Mr. Frazier said he has no problem with the residents of Asheboro also helping pay for the Center since they would also be benefiting and probably using it. Mr. Frazier said he and his wife have not had health insurance since January and that dairy farming is tough. The tax increase would cost his family an extra $600 a year. He asked the Board to consider not putting this on a bond referendum. 8/13/2018 Mr. Frazier added that he was told that the current layout of the site would not be able to handle Randolph County's number one industry's annual conference according to the executive director of the NC Cattle Association. He suggested the Commissioners appoint an oversight committee to make sure nothing gets missed in the design going forward. Marylene Johnson, 3929 Old Courthouse Rd., Sophia, said she's been paying taxes for 65 years and may not agree with all of them. She commended the Commissioners for everything they are doing for the citizens and especially the youth of the county. She commented that if others have the opportunity to get involved with agriculture through this center then maybe less youth would have been lost to drugs or wouldn't be getting in trouble. John York, 913 Patterson Grove Rd., Ramseur, said he and others are excited about this project. "No one wants to raise taxes, but the truth of the matter is sometimes you have to and take a risk" to fund things that would benefit a community. He compared it to buying a car saying you have to finance it to pay for it because it isn't just given to you. Mr. York said he's been on steering committees and attended a lot of meetings. He commended the Commissioners saying they had really thought this project through and continue to do so. and that everyone in the room needed to know that. Mr. York said he's asked other agriculture centers what they would have done differently in building their center. He said most replies were to build it all at one time and not in phases because the second phase would never come and costs would increase. The advice that he said he took back to the committees from those centers is one of the reasons the price went up. Randolph County didn't want to make the same mistakes. Naming the facility the Agriculture Event Center keeps the buildings fully usable for multiple types of functions so it will be used at all times to bring in revenue. Daryl Farlow, 1338 Mack Rd., Asheboro, said he isn't against an agriculture center but can't afford to pay any more in taxes like many other of his elderly neighbors. He suggested getting private industries to help pay for it and to check into other options. Jerome Davis, 5667 Elmer Beeson Rd., Archdale, (former professional bull rider) said that he was in favor of the project and that he has a one -day rodeo event each year at his facility (Davis Ranch Arena) that brings in 500 youth. He said he wasn't sure how to pay for the project but that an Agriculture Event Center is needed. Anne Evans, 4901 Lambeth Mill Rd., Bennett, said she thinks this is an awesome project and has had "outside the box" thoughts put into it. She said she used to be an area manager for Nestle Purina. They took a chance and built an event center. She said at first it did lose money but eventually began making money and so will the Agriculture Event Center. At 8:04 p.m. the public hearing was closed and Chairman Allen asked Associate County Attorney to advise the Board regarding the next steps. Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton stated that now that the public hearing to consider a bond order authorizing the issuance of up to $58 million in bonds for an agriculture center had taken 8/13/2018 place, if they wish to proceed with holding the bond referendum in November, they would need to do the following: 1. Pass a motion to adopt, without change, the bond order entitled "Bond Order Authorizing the Issuance of $58,000,000 Agricultural Center Bonds of the County of Randolph" that was introduced at the meeting of the Board of Commissioners on July 9, 2018. 2. Adopt the enclosed Resolution Authorizing Bond Election calling for this to be submitted to the qualified voters of the county at an election to be held in the county on November 6, 2018, and directing the Clerk to publish a notice of that election Discussion Chairman Allen stated that there had been good discussion with valid points during this meeting. He said he has visited other ag centers during the last three years to gather information. He was glad to see so many in attendance interested in the project. Although the Agriculture Event Center has been discussed many times during the last two years, Chairman Allen said it wasn't until the last three weeks that there were comments when discussion began about how to pay for it. He said the task tonight is for the Board to decide if it will be put to a vote by the citizen on the November ballot. Commissioner Frye said he felt there is strong support present at this meeting for the agriculture community and the Center, especially from the Commissioners. Land was purchased specifically for an Agriculture Event Center. He said there has been good input all through the process but some legitimate questions have been raised during this meeting that need to be studied. The motion Ms. Scotton referenced says "without change" and having heard comments "the last three weeks and tonight, I'm not ready to vote to hold a bond referendum without change." It has been well documented that building all of the facility at one time is the best way as opposed to phasing "so we want to give the best project" that we can. Commissioner Frye said the Board was presented with a very thoughtful resolution to consider and made a motion not to proceed with a bond referendum in November and to place the resolution presented by the Agricultural Event Center Action Committee on the agenda for consideration at the September meeting. Commissioner Kidd seconded the motion. He said he thought the most significant thing about this meeting was the turnout of citizens and that the consensus was that most were for it but not as is. Commissioner Kidd said he had been vocal about slowing the process and doing more research and maybe by the next time it could be on the ballot (May 2020), more details would be refined to present a product that we all can be proud of. Commissioner Haywood said she had read all the minutes of committee and Commissioner meetings where this project had been discussed. Her concern was whether other funding had been pursued and whether they have had time to look for any. She said waiting could give the Board time to research that and bring more specific information to the public. Commissioner McDowell said he agreed. He commented this facility is not only for the agriculture community because it is also an event center where other activities could take place 8/13/2018 that involved others in the community. He said he felt the theme tonight was to slow down but to keep moving forward and see the project completed. He said he wants citizens to see that the County and Board are exhausting any and all avenues for the scope of the project and the funding. Chairman Allen said the site beats any other event center site in NC due to the location. He said there is risk in delaying such as completion from other counties and the escalating costs of construction and interest rates. He said there is probably some funding available but not likely enough to cover the full project so there would have to be some kind of bond referendum or a tax increase. The County can do almost $20 million without a tax increase; $30 million would be a one cent tax increase; $40 million roughly would be two cents; and $55 million would require a three cent increase. He said they are likely to have more information in 18 months but doubted there would be a donor giving the kind of money needed and the County would still be in the same situation on funding. "There is strong support for it. It is just a matter of how to pay for it." He thanked the Action Committee for their resolution for the Board to consider. Chairman Allen called for a vote on the motion made by Commissioner Frye and seconded by Commissioner Kidd. The Board voted unanimously not to proceed with a bond referendum in November and to place the resolution presented by the Agricultural Event Center Action Committee on the agenda for consideration at the September meeting. Adjournment At 8:19 p.m., on motion of Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. David Allen, Chairman Kenny Kidd Hope Haywood Darrell Frye Maxton McDowell Amanda Varner, Clerk to the Board 8/13/2018