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071122 July 11, 2022 The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. in the 1909 Randolph County Historic Courthouse Meeting Room, 145 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC. 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 Michael Trogdon 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. Public Comment Period Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-52.1, Chairman Frye opened the floor for public comment and closed it after everyone wishing to speak had done so. County Attorney Ben Morgan read aloud the Public Comment Rules of Procedure. Jane Ledwell-Gant, 2713 Ledwell Road, Asheboro, said she would like to discuss respect and disrespect. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has been respectful to the Board. She feels that the Board has treated the NAACP with disrespect. She said that the Board should care for more than just the 90% of the citizens who voted for Donald Trump in the last presidential election. They have not asked for the Confederate monument to be destroyed; simply removed. A whole community of people would like this issue to be addressed. Franklin Suggs, 412 Ivy Rock Court, Randleman, said the term “southern heritage” is often used when discussing the monument in front of the Historic Courthouse. The monument only celebrates the heritage of those associated with the Confederate cause. There were many others involved in the true heritage of the South, and their influence is still felt in Randolph County. African American history is woven into southern heritage as well. He suggested commemorating all groups who truly contributed to southern heritage rather than glorifying a group who excluded so much of history. He asked the Board to remove the monument. Kevin Price, 1819 Old Cedar Falls Road, Asheboro, read an excerpt from the book of Luke from the Bible, including the phrase “love your neighbor as yourself.” He shared the story of the Good Samaritan. He asked the Board to consider if they would like to be treated as a black person in America. Consent Agenda Chairman Frye asked that David Allen be approved as the voting delegate for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners annual conference. Chairman Frye will be the alternate. Vice-Chairman Allen said an item is being added to the Consent Agenda, approving authorized banking institutions. Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie explained the need for approving authorized banking institutions. 7/11/22 On motion of McDowell, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, as follows:  approve Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes of June 6, 2022, Special Meeting Minutes of May 31, 2022, June 9, 2022, and June 13, 2022;  reappoint Zeb Holden to the RCC Board of Trustees;  appoint Ken Austin to replace Keith Slusher on the Planning Board;  reappoint Lydia Walton to the Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board;  appoint Pam Webb to replace Cathy Hayes on the City of Randleman Planning Board;  elect David Allen as the Voting Delegate and Darrell Frye as the Alternate for the NCACC Annual Conference;  approve Budget Amendment – Public Health ($221,416) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #2 Revenues Increase Decrease Restricted Intergovernmental $221,416 Appropriations Increase Decrease Public Health $221,416  approve Budget Amendment – P Card Encumbrances ($362,025) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #1 Revenues Increase Decrease Appropriated Fund Balance $362,025 Appropriations Increase Decrease Administration $16,100 Information Technology $12,000 Tax $14,000 Elections $7,000 Register of Deeds $4,000 Public Buildings $148,000 Sheriff $28,700 Animal Services $9,000 Emergency Services $17,700 Building Inspections $4,500 Adult DRC $500 Juvenile DRC $3,000 Planning and Zoning $1,300 $8,875 Cooperative Extension Soil and Water $1,500 , Public Works $2,000 Public Health $37,100 7/11/22 Social Services $15,500 Veteran Services $500 Child Support Services $1,000 Public Library $29,750  approve Budget Amendment – Strategic Planning Grants ($725,000) 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #3 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Well-Being Reserve $725,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Other Human Services $225,000 Other Cultural and Recreational $500,000 Appropriations  approve Budget Amendment for TDA ($120,000), as follows: 2021-2022 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #67 Revenues Increase Decrease Occupancy Tax $120,000 Appropriations Increase Decrease Salaries and Marketing $120,000  establish StRAP Grant Project Fund ($422,194), as follows: RANDOLPH COUNTY StRAP GRANT PROJECT ORDINANCE BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners that, pursuant to section 13.2 of Chapter 159 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following grant project ordinance is hereby adopted: Section 1. This ordinance is to establish a budget for projects and programs to be funded by the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP), intended to improve waterways in the County. Section 2. The following amounts are anticipated to be available to complete this project: StRAP Grant $ 422,194 Investment Earnings 106 $ 422,300 Section 3. The following amounts are appropriated for expenditures for the grant project: Streamflow Rehabilitation $ 422,300 Section 4. The officers of Randolph County are hereby authorized to proceed with approved project costs in accordance with all General Statutes of North Carolina and within terms of the contracts approved by the Randolph County Board of Commissioners. Section 5. The Finance Officer is hereby directed to maintain within the Project Fund sufficient specific detailed accounting records to satisfy the requirements of General Statutes of North Carolina and of the grantor agency and the grant agreements. 7/11/22 Section 6. Funds may be disbursed from the Project Fund for the purpose of making payments as due. Section 7. This Project Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of the Randolph County Commissioners and after adoption copies of this Ordinance shall be filed with the finance officer, the budget officer, and the clerk to the board. Section 8. This Project Ordinance is adopted on July 11, 2022 and expires two years following receipt of the grant distribution.  authorized Banking Institutions. Request from Bordeaux Construction Paxton Arthurs, County Engineer, said recently, the County received approval from the State to move forward into Phase 3 of the Detention Center construction/renovation. Unfortunately, the Contractor needs more time than they anticipated and they have realized that the project will take longer to complete now that the Maintenance building needs to be postponed until Phase 4. Additionally, the Contractor has funded multiple expenses from their contingency and are requesting a change order to replace these funds. John Witcher, Bordeaux Construction Project Manager, said Bordeaux is requesting $322,796 in additional funding, as well as a four-month time extension on project completion. He described the funding request and explained the need for additional funding. Chairman Frye explained what the funding is needed for and where it would come from. Vice-Chairman Allen reminded the Board that this project is seven years in the making. Chairman Frye said members of the Board had met with the architects more than once to share concerns about this project. Major Philip Cheek had also brought up some issues. Chairman Frye said some of the issues started when the project began. Commissioner McDowell asked where the funding is coming from. Chairman Frye said there is additional contingency money available. Mr. Massie said there will be an associated budget amendment. Vice-Chairman Allen said this is not approving any additional money; the funding has already been allocated to the project. Mr. Witcher said the most difficult part of the project is the part that is about to be undertaken. Chairman Frye said there have been turnover issues at the State inspections level that have also caused delays to the project. Commissioner McDowell said he wants the public to know that some of the changes and required costs are beyond the control of Bordeaux. 7/11/22 Chairman Frye recognized Mr. Arthurs for his work with this project. Commissioner Kidd said the meetings to get to this point have been difficult but he appreciates the contributions of all involved. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) award a change order to Bordeaux Construction to add $322,796 in funds and a 4-month time extension to the contract, 2) authorize the County Manager to sign the change order, and 3) approve the associated budget amendment to the Detention Center Capital Project Fund in the amount of $322,796, as follows: Randolph County Detention Center Capital Project Fund Budget Amendment #11 Revenues Increase Decrease None - Appropriations Increase Decrease Construction $322,796 $322,796 Contingency Consider Public Health Space Needs Study Mr. Arthurs said at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was made aware of space needs at Public Health. Public Health Director Tara Aker hired Smith Sinnett Architecture to complete a study. Robert Carmac, Principal Architect with Smith Sinnett Architecture, gave an overview of the original health department building which is approximately 40 years old. It has had minor renovations to its 35 offices, 2 dental exam rooms, 10 traditional exam rooms, pharmacy, laboratory, and storage areas. The pandemic has brought to light new needs for Public Health (PH). Mr. Carmac showed a layout of the PH building and described several traffic and security challenges presented by the layout. There are several outdated exam rooms and several rooms have been repurposed. There are privacy concerns and more exam space is needed. The dental area is in a remote location with no organized traffic flow. The existing Women Infants and Children (WIC) program will be moved to a different location. Storage space is limited and spread out; there is no centralized storage location. Offices are spread out and disconnected with public and private spaces being intermixed. There is no conference space. Mr. Carmac described the proposed renovation that includes relocation and expansion of the dental area, renovation of the waiting/triage area, centralized and enlarged storage, renovation of an existing training/conference area, addition of a new conference and break room, and partial renovation partial to exam rooms and vaccine storage areas that are non-compliant. He showed five “alternates” to the proposed renovation and gave an overview of the stages of project completion. 7/11/22 An estimate for the total construction costs will add up to $2,163,000. The project is projected to be completed in late 2023 or early 2024. Chairman Frye said PH received federal recovery funds. Mr. Massie said those funds will cover the costs of the contract. Commissioner Haywood said the building appears structurally sound and well maintained. It is fortunate that the County can address these space concerns. There are renovations that definitely need to be done. Mr. Carmac said PH staff have done the best they can with the space they have. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to 1) approve an Addendum to the contract with Smith Sinnett to add $185,000 for the Design, Bidding, and Construction Administration of the Health Department, and 2) authorize the County Manager to sign the contract addendum. Historic Courthouse Museum Design Addendum Mr. Arthurs said the Board awarded a contract to Hobbs Architects in 2021 for Design, Bidding, and Construction Administration for the Historic Courthouse Museum. Since that time the designers have been working on developing the design. Due to the age of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit in the attic, the architects have been asked to give a proposal to include the replacement of this unit in the design. Additionally, the area of the proposed elevator addition was surveyed. After the survey, it was discovered that the new addition would cause the need for relocation of an existing drainage catch basin and modification of the existing parking area. Those changes will require a Civil Engineer. Mr. Arthurs displayed anticipated costs for the design amendment. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if the HVAC unit services the entire top floor and Mr. Arthurs said yes. Commissioner Haywood said she appreciates the work that has been completed in the Historic Courthouse to allow a great meeting place. It was a wise decision to use this space and the renovations will only make it more accessible. Mr. Arthurs said if the original budget for renovations had not been so tight, these updates would have been completed at that time. Chairman Frye commended the County’s maintenance staff for their work on renovations. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve an addendum to the contract with Hobbs Architects for the Historic Courthouse to add $44,950 for designing the replacement of the upstairs HVAC as well as including Civil design to the contract, and authorize the County Manager to sign the contract addendum. 7/11/22 Lancaster Customworks, Inc. Kevin Franklin, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President, explained that Lancaster is a high-end upholstery manufacturer currently located in an 18,000 square foot (sf) facility in Archdale. The 30+ year old company has enjoyed multiple consecutive years of double-digit sales growth and has outgrown the current facility. There is no room at the current location for expansion, so the company is considering construction of a new building on a greenfield site. Two locations have been shortlisted for the project: a site on Archdale Road adjacent to the Archdale Industrial Park and a location in Virginia. If the Archdale Rd site is selected, the full investment in the project is anticipated to exceed $5 million, including $4.295 million in real property and $731,000 in new machinery and equipment. The company will retain the current full-time workforce of twenty-five employees and plans to create twenty-seven new jobs over a five-year period related to the expansion project. The average annual wage of the new jobs will be at least $46,000, exceeding Randolph County’s average annual private sector wage of $40,522. The company has requested consideration of local incentives from Archdale and Randolph County to aid in the decision between the Archdale and Virginia locations sites. Based on the incentive calculation equivalent to 60% of anticipated tax revenue over a five- year period and additional considerations by the City of Archdale, Lancaster is eligible for a total cash incentive from the City of Archdale and Randolph County of up to $120,700 over five years. Because of the differing tax rates, Randolph County’s portion of the incentive would be $79,000 and Archdale’s would be up to $41,700. The EDC believes that this is a good economic development project, promoting retention of jobs, reinforcing a legacy industry, supporting the creation of new high-quality jobs and generating new taxable investment in Archdale and Randolph County. Therefore, the EDC requests that Randolph County approve the above-stated incentive offer as an enticement for Lancaster to expand in Archdale and Randolph County. Public Hearing Chairman Frye opened the floor for a public hearing and closed it after no one wished to speak. On motion of Frye, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Resolution Authorizing the County of Randolph to Enter into an Economic Development Incentives Contract for Lancaster Customworks, Inc., as follows: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY OF RANDOLPH TO ENTER INTO AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES CONTRACT 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 Board of Commissioners of Randolph County has held a public hearing to consider whether to participate in an economic development project that will result in the County of Randolph (the “County”), the City of Archdale (the “City”), 7/11/22 and Lancaster Customworks, Inc. (the “Company”) approving an economic development incentives package whereby the County would contribute up to seventy- nine thousand dollars ($79,000.00) and the City would contribute up to forty-one thousand seven hundred dollars ($41,700.00) for a total expenditure of up to one hundred twenty thousand seven hundred dollars ($120,700.00) to or on behalf of the Company to offset the costs of the Company’s acquisition and expansion of manufacturing operations in the City of Archdale, Randolph County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, upon the completion by the Company of this expansion project, the Company will have generated new value/investment in real and personal property and equipment associated with the project in an amount equal to or in excess of five million twenty-six thousand dollars ($5,026,000.00) and created a minimum of twenty-seven (27) new full-time jobs in the County and City while retaining twenty-five (25) existing full-time positions; and WHEREAS, this economic development project will stimulate and stabilize the local economy, promote business in the County and City, and result in the creation of a significant number of jobs in the County and City; and WHEREAS, the County has in its General Fund available revenues sufficient to fund this economic development project; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of th Randolph County, this 11 day of July, 2022, as follows: Section 1. The County is authorized to expend up to seventy-nine thousand dollars ($79,000.00) of County funds for the Lancaster Customworks, Inc. economic development project. Section 2. The appropriation outlined in Section 1 above will be paid to or on behalf of the Company pursuant to a performance-based incentive contract. In addition to the standard terms found in contracts that the County routinely executes in the ordinary course of business, the economic development incentives contract entered into by and between the County, the City, and the Company must contain the following essential terms and conditions: a. The total payment made to or on behalf of the “Company” under this contract shall not exceed one hundred twenty thousand seven hundred dollars ($120,700.00). b. Up to seventy-nine thousand dollars ($79,000.00) of the contract amount will be paid by the County, and up to forty-one thousand seven hundred dollars ($41,700.00) of the contract amount will be paid by the City. c. The contract amount will be paid over a period of five (5) years to coincide with the Company’s satisfactory completion of certain performance requirements. The said performance requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: i. The Company must deliver to the County and the City written certification that, the actual value of new investment by the Company in real and personal property and equipment in connection with this project equals or exceeds five million twenty-six thousand dollars ($5,026,000.00), at least four million two hundred ninety-five thousand ($4,295,000.00) of which shall be in real property and seven hundred 7/11/22 thirty-one thousand ($731,000.00) of which shall be in personal property, machinery and equipment. The written certification of the actual value of the new investment shall further certify that said new investment is located within the corporate limits of the City of Archdale in Randolph County; and ii. The Company must provide Employment Security Reports to the County and the City evidencing the creation of twenty-seven (27) new full-time jobs having an average annual wage of forty-six thousand dollars ($46,000.00), while retaining the twenty-five (25) full-time jobs that existed before the start of the project. d. The contract must provide the County and the City with a means of recouping a portion of the contract amount if the Company’s facilities, as expanded, do not remain in full operation, maintaining the newly created jobs referenced above, for a period of five (5) years immediately following the date on which the final installment of the contract amount is paid to the Company. e. If the Company does not remain in full operation during this five (5) year period, a portion of the incentive money must be returned. The amount to be returned shall decrease on a pro-rated amount for each year of said period that the Company remains in full operation in the City and County. Any amounts returned by the Company in this manner shall be divided proportionately between the County and the City based on the payments made to the Company by the County and the City. Section 3. The Chairman of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the County of Randolph a contract drafted in accordance with Section 2 of this resolution and any other documents necessary for the implementation of this economic development project. The County’s participation in this economic development project is expressly contingent upon participation by the City as outlined herein. Tax Assessor/Collector Matters Debra Hill, Tax Assessor/Collector gave a report on the 2021-2022 tax collection, as follows:  The 2020-2021 overall collection percentage for all tax districts was 99.24% for real estate, business, and individual personal property. The collection percentage for the County was 99.18%.  2021-2022 delinquent tax is $823,331.62. Total delinquent taxes for all years is $2,271,521.79. These amounts include $116,526.33 due to bankruptcy.  The Registered Motor Vehicle collection percentage was 99.72%. This percentage is for the taxes at the time of tag renewal.  The average statewide tax collection percentage from the Local Government Commission for annual taxes for 2019-2020 was 99.10%.  The amount of discount given for early payment was $1,517,439. This represents 69.65% of annual taxes paid during the discount period.  The total amount released for $3.50 or less original principal amount tax bill was $4,558.  Total number of property tax bills for 2021-2022 was 101,287 and Property taxes were paid on 154,665 registered motor vehicles at the time of tag renewal. 7/11/22  A total of 50 properties were posted for foreclosure sale but only 10 actually sold. The remaining were paid before their sale date.  The net levy was $108,940,683. Total collections were $108,749,909. Commissioner Haywood asked how long can a property be delinquent on taxes before a sale is imminent. Ms. Hill said the time varies; after the property is advertised in the newspaper the process can begin. Due to the legal process, it can take three years. Commissioner McDowell said a collection rate over 99% is amazing. In his prior work auditing towns and cities, he has seen some local governments with rates as low as an 80% collection rate. Chairman Frye administered Ms. Hill’s oath as Tax Assessor/Collector. On motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell the Board voted 5-0 to reappoint Debra Hill as the Tax Assessor/Collector for a new four-year term ending in July of 2026 and to charge Debra Hill to collect the FY2022-23 Taxes per NCGS 105-321(b), as follows: To Debra P. Hill, Tax Collector of the County of Randolph: You are hereby authorized, empowered and commanded to collect the taxes set forth in the tax records filed in the office of the County Assessor and in the tax records herewith delivered to you, in the amounts and from the taxpayers likewise therein set forth. Such taxes are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all real property of the respective taxpayers in the County of Randolph, and this order shall be a full and sufficient authority to direct, require, and enable you to levy on and sell any real or personal property of such taxpayers, for and on account thereof, in accordance with law. Human Resources Updates Human Resources Director Jill Williams requested the Board’s approval of the 2022-2023 Randolph County Classification Plan to be effective July 1, 2022. The Board’s approval is required pursuant to the Randolph County Employee Policies and Procedures Manual and in order to be in compliance with the Office of State Human Resources requirements for filing the County’s Pay Plan under G.S. 126 provisions known as the State Human Resources Act. Five (5) unique tables make-up the complete classification plan: Emergency Services, General Employees, Law Enforcement, Medical, and Tourism Development Authority (TDA). The Emergency Services portion of the plan is currently called the Emergency Medical Services Classification Plan because it consists only of classes/positions in Emergency Medical Services, including Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and such. All other Emergency Services classifications are included with the General Employees. In order to efficiently implement the 7% Cost of Living / Market Adjustment for Emergency Services, all Emergency Services classifications that are in the General Employees portion of the plan are being moved to the Emergency Services portion of the classification plan and being assigned new grade numbers effective July 1, 2022. The following positions were added and/or removed:  Added: 911 Assistant Shift Supervisor, Grade E213  Added: Digital Content Coordinator, Grade 313 (TDA) 7/11/22  Added: Emergency Services Office Assistant, Grade 209  Added: Emergency Services Office Manager, Grade E216  Added: Fire Plans Examiner, Grade E220  Added: Lead Child Support Specialist, Grade 116  Added: Reporting Specialist, Grade 119  Removed: Emergency Intake Specialist, Grade 111 Ms. Williams explained the changes to the Emergency Services table. All positions are being assigned a new grade number. Two of these positions are being assigned a new grade number and job title. The following reclassifications/grade reassignments were approved for the FY22/23, effective July 1, 2022:  Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer – Grade 132 to Grade 135  Child Support Services Director – Grade 120 to Grade 123  ES Logistics Coordinator – Grade 114 to Grade E214  Extension Support Specialist – Grade 110 to Grade 111  Juvenile Day Reporting Center Program Director – Grade 119 to Grade 125 Ms. Williams requested that the Board approve the 2022-2023 Randolph County Classification Plan effective July 1, 2022. On motion of Allen, seconded by Haywood, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt the 2022-2023 Classification Plan as presented. Ms. Williams said the Randolph County Board of Elections is requesting approval from the Board of Commissioners to reclassify its part-time Office Assistant III position to full-time Elections Program Specialist. The former employee announced her retirement on June 7, 2022, following the May 17th Primary Election. This did not allow time to request reclassification for the 2023 budget. This position now requires a higher skill set than in year’s past, needed to handle Airtable databases, TextMyGov voter communication and notification system, social media and the website, and our State Elections Information Management System. The position will be responsible for managing the campaign finance reporting requirements for all candidates, the Multi-partisan Assistance Team program that coordinates voting in nursing and assisted living facilities, and polling place management and ADA compliance. This reclassified position will also allow for cross training and will serve as backup for the absentee balloting program, precinct official training and preparation, operation and maintenance of voting equipment – hardware and software (tabulators, high-speed tabulators, laptops, ballot on demand ballot-marking machines, etc.). Over the past several years, Elections has experienced an increased reliance on computers and other technology, increasing voter turnout, and the need for improved physical security and cybersecurity. The work of elections is no longer administrative but very technical in nature, 7/11/22 requiring a higher skill set than ever before to efficiently and successfully conduct up to three elections and as much as 54 days of voting a year. If approved, the Board of Elections has the needed reclassification funding in the fiscal year 2022 budget, if it is possible to carry over that funding to FY 2023. This reclassified position may also free-up funding usually needed to hire some additional part-time employees during election season. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the reclassification of a part-time Office Assistant III to full-time Elections Program Specialist. Fire Protection County Service Districts Associate County Attorney Aimee Scotton said several years ago, the Board created county service districts for fire protection and first responder, rescue and emergency services. These districts were created with a fifteen-cent cap on the tax rate in order to mirror the rural fire protection districts that they were replacing. Recently a few of the fire departments servicing these districts indicated the need to request a tax rate in excess of the fifteen-cent cap, and it is expected that others will need to do so in the future. In order to remove the fifteen-cent tax cap, the current districts need to be abolished and replaced with districts that do not have the cap. The abolishment of the current districts is fairly simple. The Board will need to set a public hearing to consider the matter, and at the close of the public hearing, the Board can pass a resolution abolishing the district. Notice of the public hearing must be published at least one week before the date of the hearing. The creation of the new uncapped districts is slightly more complicated. For each of the requesting districts, the Board will be creating a new county service district for fire protection and for first responder, rescue and emergency services pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 153A-301(a)(2) and (7). The process for the creation of these districts is found in NCGS 153A- 302. The Board has already followed this process for four fire districts. Ms. Scotton requested that the Board begin this process for East Side, Level Cross, Randleman-Sophia, and Tabernacle. The process is outlined below: First, the Board will need to consider the following for each proposed district: a. the resident or seasonal population and population density of the proposed district; b. the appraised value of property subject to taxation in the proposed district; c. the present tax rates of the County and any cities or special districts in which the district or any portion thereof is located; d. the ability of the proposed district to sustain the additional taxes necessary to provide the services planned for the district; and e. any other matters that the Commissioners believe to have a bearing on whether or not the district should be established. Fire Marshal Erik Beard has provided a fact sheet for each district containing the items that are required to be considered. The Board may also consider any other item deemed relevant to the matter. 7/11/22 Resolutions may be passed if the Board finds that the following apply for each respective district: a. there is a demonstrable need for providing fire protection services in the district. For each of these districts, we have provided the number of calls received during the past year, so that you can see the need; b. it is impossible or impracticable to provide these services on a countywide basis; c. it is economically feasible to provide the proposed services in the district without unreasonable or burdensome tax levies; and d. there is a demonstrable demand for the proposed services by persons residing in the district. The number of calls in the past year is also information that can indicate the demand for these services. The resolutions make certain the findings, call for the creation of a report that must be made available for public inspection and set public hearings on the creation of the respective new districts for the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on September 6, 2022. The resolutions also set the public hearing for the abolition of the current districts. Notice of the public hearing must be published at least one week before the hearing and must be mailed to property owners within the affected district at least four weeks before the hearing. The resolutions also direct the County Associate Attorney to oversee these mailings. Chairman Frye noted that this process does not include a tax increase. Commissioner Kidd said none of these four departments requested a tax increase for the FY22/23. On motion of Kidd, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt a Resolution Making the Required Findings, Setting a Public Hearing on the Matter, and Directing the Associate County Attorney to Oversee the Publication and Mailing of Required Notices and Preparation of Required Reports for the East Side Fire District, as presented, as follows: RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED EAST SIDE FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND THE CREATION OF A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the East Side 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, it has become necessary for the fifteen (15) cent cap on the tax rate in the district to be removed; 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 7/11/22 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 has considered the current or future need for the Current 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 have 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 intends to pursue the abolition of the Current District and the creation of the Proposed New District and therefore sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2022; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice of the public hearing shall be published at least one week before the hearing and that notice shall be mailed to the owners of property in the district at least four weeks before the hearing, and the Board directs the Associate County Attorney to oversee and certify the mailing and publication of said notice; and BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that a report shall be prepared containing a map of the Proposed New District, a statement that the Proposed New District meets the findings contained herein, and a plan for providing fire service to the Proposed New District, said report to be available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board at least four weeks before the date of the public hearing referenced above. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt a Resolution Making the Required Findings, Setting a Public Hearing on the Matter, and Directing the Associate 7/11/22 County Attorney to Oversee the Publication and Mailing of Required Notices and Preparation of Required Reports for the Level Cross Fire District, as presented, as follows: RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED LEVEL CROSS FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND THE CREATION OF A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Level Cross 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, it has become necessary for the fifteen (15) cent cap on the tax rate in the district to be removed; 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 has considered the current or future need for the Current 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 have 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 7/11/22 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 intends to pursue the abolition of the Current District and the creation of the Proposed New District and therefore sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2022; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice of the public hearing shall be published at least one week before the hearing and that notice shall be mailed to the owners of property in the district at least four weeks before the hearing, and the Board directs the Associate County Attorney to oversee and certify the mailing and publication of said notice; and BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that a report shall be prepared containing a map of the Proposed New District, a statement that the Proposed New District meets the findings contained herein, and a plan for providing fire service to the Proposed New District, said report to be available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board at least four weeks before the date of the public hearing referenced above. On motion of Haywood, seconded by Frye, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt a Resolution Making the Required Findings, Setting a Public Hearing on the Matter, and Directing the Associate County Attorney to Oversee the Publication and Mailing of Required Notices and Preparation of Required Reports for the Randleman-Sophia Fire District, as presented, as follows: RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED RANDLEMAN-SOPHIA FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND THE CREATION OF A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Randleman-Sophia 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, it has become necessary for the fifteen (15) cent cap on the tax rate in the district to be removed; 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 7/11/22 WHEREAS, the Board has considered the current or future need for the Current 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 have 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 intends to pursue the abolition of the Current District and the creation of the Proposed New District and therefore sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2022; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice of the public hearing shall be published at least one week before the hearing and that notice shall be mailed to the owners of property in the district at least four weeks before the hearing, and the Board directs the Associate County Attorney to oversee and certify the mailing and publication of said notice; and BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that a report shall be prepared containing a map of the Proposed New District, a statement that the Proposed New District meets the findings contained herein, and a plan for providing fire service to the Proposed New District, said report to be available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board at least four weeks before the date of the public hearing referenced above. On motion of McDowell, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adopt a Resolution Making the Required Findings, Setting a Public Hearing on the Matter, and Directing the Associate County Attorney to Oversee the Publication and Mailing of Required Notices and Preparation of Required Reports for the Tabernacle Fire District, as presented, as follows: RESOLUTION MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE CURRENT FIFTEEN CENT CAPPED TABERNACLE FIRE PROTECTION COUNTY SERVICE DISTRICT AND THE CREATION OF A NEW SERVICE DISTRICT WITHOUT THE CAP WHEREAS, the Tabernacle 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 7/11/22 dollars ($100) valuation, said district hereinafter referred to as the “Capped District”; and WHEREAS, it has become necessary for the fifteen (15) cent cap on the tax rate in the district to be removed; 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 has considered the current or future need for the Current 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 have 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 intends to pursue the abolition of the Current District and the creation of the Proposed New District and therefore sets a public hearing on the matter for 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2022; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that notice of the public hearing shall be published at least one week before the hearing and that notice shall be mailed to the owners of property in the district at least four weeks before the hearing, and the Board directs the Associate County Attorney to oversee and certify the mailing and publication of said notice; and 7/11/22 BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED that a report shall be prepared containing a map of the Proposed New District, a statement that the Proposed New District meets the findings contained herein, and a plan for providing fire service to the Proposed New District, said report to be available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board at least four weeks before the date of the public hearing referenced above. Consider Ambulance Purchase Donovan Davis, Emergency Services (ES) Chief, said pursuant to G.S. 143-129 (e)(3), which authorizes the County’s participation in a competitive group purchasing program, ES is requesting approval to purchase two (2) 2022 Type I Ford F-450 4x4 Trauma Hawk ambulances through the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s (HGAC) competitive bidding program. The HGAC is a formally organized program like the contract program through the State of North Carolina. The HGAC has competitively bid this ambulance type as required for the lowest available pricing. Other competitive bid organizations like the NC Sheriff’s Association and the Savvik Buying Group have been researched. In comparison to other contracts, the HGAC contract is at least ten percent cheaper, or the other contracts only offer bids for chassis, not including the patient compartment and specialized medical equipment. The most cost-effective price found that met our requirements, after adding the patient compartment and specialty equipment, is $286,541 per ambulance, from Northwestern Emergency Vehicles. The funds are allocated in the current ES budget and Northwestern is an authorized dealer through the HGAC. Total price has increased $41,767 per ambulance since last year. Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie said the US Treasury Final Rule for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allowed local governments to treat up to $10 million as Revenue Loss, available for any government purpose. However, any use of this designation of ARPA funds is still subject to federal rules, such as Uniform Guidelines. If the Board wishes to purchase two additional replacement ambulances, the County can claim additional public safety salaries with Coronavirus Recovery funds and use General Fund monies for the ambulances. In the adopted FY23 budget, the Board originally planned to transfer $500,000 for public safety salaries. The addition of the ambulances will make the transfer $1,100,000. When the Coronavirus Recovery Fund was established, the Board provided an initial budget of $4 million for future County health responses. The $1,100,000 will be out of that portion, leaving most of the ARPA funding available as previously discussed. Chairman Frye asked how long it will take for the ambulances to be available. Chief Davis said due to economic issues, it will likely be early 2023. Chairman Frye asked if ES is capable of staffing four ambulances. Chief Davis said every year two ambulances are retired. Three ambulances have already had to be taken out of service due to wrecks this year. This request is to maintain a regular service rate. Commissioner Haywood said it would serve the County better to purchase four ambulances. There is not much to be accomplished by waiting. 7/11/22 Commissioner Kidd said it makes sense to transfer ARPA funds to allow the purchase of these ambulances using the General Fund and Vice-Chairman Allen agreed. On motion of Kidd, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to move $1,100,000 from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund to fund public safety salaries, as follows: 2022-2023 Budget Ordinance General Fund—Budget Amendment #4 Revenues Increase Decrease Transfer from Coronavirus Recovery $600,000 Fund Appropriations Increase Decrease Emergency Services $600,000 Coronavirus Recovery Grant Project Ordinance Budget Amendment #6 Revenues Increase Decrease - Appropriations Increase Decrease Transfer to General Fund $1,100,000 $1,100,000 Public Health On motion of Haywood, seconded by Allen, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the purchase of four 2022 Ford F-450 4x4 Trauma Hawk Type I ambulances from Northwestern Emergency Vehicles, Inc., of West Jefferson, NC, for the total amount of $1,146,164 under HGAC contract AM10-20. Proposed USDA/REMC Loan for the Farm Food and Family Education Center Assistant County Manager/Finance Officer Will Massie said during the initial planning phases for the Agricultural Center, Randolph Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) had applied for two United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development loans for the project ($2 million each): one for the arena facility and one for the event center. The County has received approval to move forward to use these proceeds for the revised Farm, Food and Family Education Center. The loans are expected to be repaid to REMC over ten years, with zero percent interest. There is an administrative fee of one percent each year of the outstanding balance. The proceeds can be used for soft costs such as architectural fees, equipment, and other project expenses. These debt contracts must follow the regular statutory approval processes. Mr. Massie asked the Board to approve submission of applications to the Local Government Commission (LGC) for both $2 million loans. He also requested the Board set a public hearing on the proposed debt for st the August 1 regular Board of Commissioners meeting. 7/11/22 nd The LGC will consider these applications at its September 22 meeting. The loans could close soon thereafter. Vice-Chairman Allen requested that HH Architecture come before the Board in September with an update. Commissioner Kidd said REMC is a very eager partner in this project. On motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to set a public hearing on the st proposed debt for the August 1 meeting and approve submission of applications to the Local Government Commission for both $2 million loans. County Manager’s Update th County Manager Hal Johnson said there will be a Special Meeting on July 25. This meeting will concern updates to the Unified Development Ordinance and will address realignment of the Workforce Development Board. Mr. Johnson introduced RJ Williamson as the new director of Information Technology. Commissioners Update Chairman Frye said there was a State Board meeting a few weeks ago. Vice-Chairman Allen said the annual conference is upcoming in approximately one month. Chairman Frye said options are being reviewed in order to use federal recovery funds most efficiently and effectively in the county. The first meeting has been held for the opioid settlement funding. Options for use of that funding are being explored as well. Commissioner Haywood said the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners has a course in August to train commissioners for emergency response. This will help commissioners to be assets to emergency response teams. Commissioners who participate will get training credit. Closed Session At 7:56 p.m., on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to enter into closed session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4) to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations. Resume Open Session At 8:36 p.m., open session resumed. Adjournment At 8:36 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by McDowell, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. 7/11/22 ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Sarah Pack, Deputy Clerk to the Board 7/11/22