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061223 Budget Public hearing Special Meeting - June 12, 2023 - Outside Agencies, Fire Departments, Public Hearings on Budget The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special session at 4:00 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, Clerk to the Board Dana Crisco, and Deputy Clerk to the Board Jenny Parks. The meeting was livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. Chairman Frye explained the purpose of the meeting was to hear requests of outside agencies, fire departments, and hold Public Hearings on the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) allocation and the Proposed Budget. City of Asheboro Mayor David Smith gave some updates on McCrary Ball Field and the Fourth of July fireworks. He said the City appreciates the partnership with the County on many projects. He spoke of the City working with the Seagrove-Ulah Metropolitan Water Authority to provide sewer for a new truck stop and some existing and new customers of the Authority. City Manager John Ogburn stated that he has asked Kevin Franklin, President of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, to come up with a plan to market the remaining 80 acres of property behind the upcoming truck stop. Vice-Chairman David Allen asked Mayor Smith about the sewer to the agricultural center. Mayor Smith assured him that the City was still planning to extend sewer to the site and also add more customers in that area. Mr. Ogburn said he had seen the plans for the pump station and they will continue to work with County Engineer Paxton Arthurs and HH Architecture to have that project move forward. Randolph Senior Adults Center Mark Hensley, Senior Adults Center Executive Director, thanked the Board for their commitment to Senior Adults. Mr. Hensley asked for a 10% increase to help with the cost of meals for seniors. This amounts to $30,258. The meals are purchased from Golden Corral in Asheboro. Senior Adults has a new three-year contract with them that has increased due to elevated costs of all food. All centers are active and seniors are coming back in person to these centers. RCATS transportation has stayed busy. They have applied for grants to increase their routes. They continue to work with Toyota on a shuttle service to the Megasite. He stated that the population of people 65 years of age and older in Randolph County has now surpassed the number of children being born. Commissioner Haywood said her parents reviewed their insurance every year at the Senior Center. 6/12/23 Communities in Schools Paula Owens, Communities in Schools Executive Director, said that their programs have grown past the levels before COVID. She gave updates on volunteers and the numbers of children who they assisted. She discussed the many programs they have been involved in. She also shared the successes of students. She spoke of new funding from Toyota. Toyota wanted to institute the Jobs After Graduation (JAG) program with Communities in Schools. It was started in Asheboro City Schools this year and will begin in Randolph County Schools this fall. She stated that the participants in the JAG Program were far behind where they needed to be to graduate on time. Some had GPAs as low as 1.6. She gave examples of things taught by the program. Commissioner Haywood asked how many students participate in the JAG Program. Ms. Owens said there are 19 students. Commissioner McDowell questioned what GPA is an “A”. Ms. Owens responded 4.0. Graduates from High School need to have at least a 2.0. Community College also requires a 2.0 to apply. The JAG students did make up their credits to be Juniors. Commissioner Haywood said she liked the accountability and the direction of the program. Ms. Owens thanked the Board for their continued support. Shelter of Hope Paulette Handy, Administrator, introduced Executive Director Pastor Jeff Looney. Pastor Looney explained their entrance program. He stated that there is a serious problem with substance abuse. While the Shelter of Hope does not allow individuals with substance abuse disorder to stay at the Shelter, they do try to direct the individuals to services for treatment. Once these men are substance free, they can stay at the Shelter. He also explained different services they provide to the men needing help. He spoke of wanting to hire a Case Worker to help with programs for each of the men. The service of the Shelter of Hope is to help these men get back on their feet and start a new life. The men have to want the help. Chairman Frye asked if many of the residents at the shelter were from somewhere else. Pastor Looney said most are from town. Some have come out of incarceration. Commissioner McDowell asked how these men get to the shelter. Pastor Looney stated that it varies. Some come on their own, sometimes family members want them to have a place to stay. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if they had been seeing more alcohol or opioid abuse. Pastor Looney said most are on opioids. Some have been mixed with fentanyl. Chairman Frye inquired what the men did during the day. Pastor Looney stated the men must get employment within two weeks. When someone wants the help, the staff tries to get them the resources they need. This is where a Case Worker would be helpful. Chairman Frye questioned if the shelter also feeds the men. Pastor Looney said they do feed them. Once a month, the shelter will also take meals to the homeless in the camps and community. 6/12/23 Commissioner Haywood spoke of the funds for opioid use disorder that may be used for counseling. Pastor Looney said a Case Worker is not a Counselor. The Case Worker will put them in touch with the appropriate services. Commissioner Haywood asked if the men pay rent. Pastor Looney stated they did. The rate is $100 per week or $400 per month. It helps to show the men responsibility. Commissioner Haywood stated that some facilities charge the clients but save the money to give to them once they leave. Pastor Looney replied that was not the case at the Shelter of Hope. Rent funds are used for operating the shelter. Commissioner McDowell asked how many beds were at the Shelter of Hope. Pastor Looney replied 32. Twenty-nine are currently filled. Commissioner McDowell questioned how long a man can stay. Pastor Looney said it depends on the individual. If someone is trying to get back on their feet, they will let them stay longer. Chairman Frye asked if they give the men syringes. Pastor Looney replied no. Commissioner Kidd inquired about men having trouble paying rent. Pastor Looney stated they want to help the men who are trying Commissioner Kidd asked about those who are currently addicted. Pastor Looney said the individual has to want the help and the Shelter will hold a space for him while he is in rehabilitation. Commissioner Kidd questioned if the services were in-house or outside. Pastor Looney stated it would good to be in-house to monitor the individuals, but most are outside the Shelter. Pastor Looney thanked the Commissioners for the support. Family Crisis Center Dare Spicer, Executive Director of the Family Crisis Center, thanked the Board for their support. This year, the construction of the multipurpose room at the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is progressing. This will allow the entire advocacy team to meet together. The Shelter renovation is moving along. It will add one bedroom, one bathroom, and a first-floor laundry for disabled clients. The Human Trafficking team has met three times. The cases are heartbreaking. The staff continues to work with victims in support groups and therapy to begin helping clients immediately. Ms. Spicer reminded the Board that the $75,000 from the County helps with matching funds. Commissioner Kidd inquired what the capacity is at shelter. Ms. Spicer said 18 people. It stays full. 6/12/23 Commissioner Kidd asked the ages of the children who are helped in the CAC. Ms. Spicer responded that the ages of the children are between 3 and 17. They have been physically or sexually abused or have witnessed a violent crime. Commissioner Kidd commented on the large number of human trafficking cases. Ms. Spicer stated that many victims are brought to Randolph County through the Highway 85 corridor. Commissioner McDowell asked if the number of child abuse cases was increasing. Ms. Spicer said that the number isn’t increasing but the abuse is getting worse. Lydia’s Place Alexis Coleman, Executive Director of Lydia’s Place, stated that Lydia’s Place is the only women and family shelter. Ms. Coleman gave statistics of the guests that have been at Lydia’s Place. The goal of the shelter staff is to get individuals into secure housing. There is a Case Manager on staff to connect guests with the appropriate services and resources. She listed the associations they participate in to help their guests. The Shelter building is in Phase II of the renovations to add 32 additional beds to help eliminate a waiting list. The money that is being requested is for outfitting the new rooms. Chairman Frye asked how long people have been on the waiting list. Ms. Coleman said some call weekly but folks living in their cars or in camps are prioritized. Some have been on the list as long four months. Commissioner Kidd asked if the shelter housed just women. Ms. Coleman stated that they assist women and families. Commissioner Kidd questioned if the shelter allowed those with a drug problem to stay. Ms. Coleman responded that they will not allow drugs or alcohol into the shelter. Vice-Chairman Allen asked about major funders for Capital expenses. Ms. Coleman said the Board of the Shelter is planning now for sustainability. Randolph Arts Guild Grace Moffitt, Treasurer, introduced the new director, Rose Longuello. They appreciate the funding they have received in the past. They would like to hire a Program Coordinator who will plan new events to expand art experiences. The Guild currently employs one full-time and three part-time people and has many volunteers. Ms. Moffitt highlighted the programs they were able to offer in the past year and some of the grants they secured. She stated appreciation for the support of the Board. Commissioner Kidd asked how much funding comes from the Fall Festival. Ms. Moffitt said that for the past 3 years, it has been cancelled. Generally, the Guild receives approximately $25,000 from the revenues. 6/12/23 OE Enterprises Amy Miller, the new Executive Director of OE Enterprises, gave a brief history of OE Enterprises. OE Enterprises serves disabled adults by teaching them work skills and helping them get jobs. Some clients are in-house employees. Some clients are placed in other community jobs. She said they want to increase production in the Asheboro facility. She introduced Angela Holder. Ms. Holder has worked for three years at OE Enterprises. She loves her work and has made friends there. She has four supervisors that help everyone do their job. She appreciates the supervisors and her opportunity at Bojangles. Commissioner Haywood stated that the Board saw Ms. Holder last year. She inquired about her transportation to work. Ms. Holder stated she lives in a group home and gets transportation from them. Ms. Miller gave some statistics about their clients. They want the clients to succeed in the jobs in which they are placed. Therefore, a worker is assigned to the client to help them get accustomed to their job duties outside the agency. Ms. Holder will have someone with her at Bojangles. Vice-Chairman Allen asked if Medicaid Transformation would affect OE Enterprises. Ms Miller stated that it will impact an array of services offered. Fire Department Presentations Chief Eric Hoffman, President of the Fire Chiefs’ Association, introduced the Executive Board: Kyle Dixon, Vice-President; Luke Richardson, Secretary; and Troy Powell, Treasurer. This year they are giving one presentation. The departments face similar challenges. Personnel is now hired instead of being volunteers. Capital improvements are needed. Most stations were built in the early 1970s. Some departments have multiple stations. Aging equipment needs to be replaced. The radio mandate affects smaller departments differently than larger departments. The cost of supplies has doubled and, in some cases, tripled. With Toyota and Wolfspeed coming to this area, exponential growth will occur. The departments wish to remain at the current tax rate so they do not continue to get behind on their requirements. Without being in compliance, the department rating will go down and insurance rates will go up for the citizens. A water/sewer system will help so water trucks will not be needed. He thanked everyone for the time they have devoted to the Fire Departments. He liked the open communication between the departments and the Commissioners. Commissioner Haywood has had many calls and conversations with citizens. Most don’t realize that the departments are not just responding to fire calls. They could involve response to an accident or an illness. Chairman Frye thanked the departments for making the Board aware of existing and ongoing issues they face. Commissioner Haywood inquired about turnaround time for turn out gear. Chief Hoffman stated some manufacturers are as far out as one year to provide delivery. Vehicle are even harder to obtain. They may take two or three years to get. 6/12/23 Commissioner Kidd thanked the Chiefs for the information and education provided. Chairman Frye thanked all firefighters for their service and being in attendance tonight. Public Hearing for Randolph County Economic Development Corporation Allocation Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m. and closed it when everyone who wished to speak had done so. Kevin Franklin, President of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, and gave some statistics on the different projects that occurred in the county. There were over 800 new jobs created this year. The EDC was awarded some grants to keep the Board from having to fund more. For future development, another person was hired in their office. His name is Brantley Craft. He is the Existing Industry Director. Mr. Franklin said the County is the largest funder for the EDC. He is hopeful that the funding in the future will be less for the County and Municipalities. He also reported that they invested in new technology at the office for better reporting. Chairman Frye stated it is exciting to see existing businesses in Randolph County expanding. Commissioner McDowell commented that he sees Mr. Franklin in the news frequently. Mr. Franklin said his team deserves the recognition because without them, none of the progress made could have been possible. Public Hearing for the Proposed Budget At 6:20 p.m., Chairman Frye opened the Public Hearing and closed it after everyone wishing to speak had done so. Faye Cox, 1211 Grantville Ln., Asheboro, stated she was glad that taxes are not being raised. She asked about the potential for a Rock Quarry. Chairman Frye and Vice-Chairmen Allen said no one has applied. Ms. Cox inquired about a one-mile radius for zoning around the Megasite. Chairman Frye responded that the Board did not vote to do that. That will not be upheld by the County. Ms. Cox asked if Toyota is going to have their own fire department. Chairman Frye said yes, but the local fire departments will still have to get trained on fire procedures on the Toyota site. Ms. Cox commented on the large increase in property values and questioned if the revaluation cycle would go to eight years. Chairmen Frye said it will remain at four years. Ms. Cox did not understand why new housing was being built in the county if Toyota was hiring Randolph County citizens. Chairman Frye stated that people will live where they want. He mentioned that a large development will be built and annexed by the City of Asheboro. Commissioner Haywood reminded everyone that the next Northeast Growth Management Plan th Public Input session will be held at the Elections Department on June 29 at 5:30 p.m. 6/12/23 Commissioner McDowell asked Chairman Frye to explain more about the new development of 400 houses being annexed into the City of Asheboro. Chairman Frye explained that they would be annexed to be served with water and sewer from the City of Asheboro. Dr. Parks, Boys and Girls Club Board member, came to speak on the behalf of the agency. The Club is now serving 230 kids and moving in the right direction with good staff and participants. He is no longer the Chairman. Mr. Floyd Johnson, President and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of High Point, told Dr. Parks that he didn’t receive any notice from the County about tonight. Commissioner Haywood asked what are the ages of kids served. Dr. Parks stated that children stth from 1 through 12 grade can be members of the Club. Commissioner Kidd inquired about the site in Ramseur. Dr. Parks said the schools were not able to take the students to the location so it fell through. th Chairman Frye reminded the audience that the Budget will be adopted on June 19. Adjournment At 6:35 p.m. on motion of Allen, seconded by Kidd, the Board voted 5-0 to adjourn. ________________________________ ________________________________ Darrell Frye, Chairman David Allen ________________________________ _________________________________ Kenny Kidd Maxton McDowell ________________________________ _________________________________ Hope Haywood Dana Crisco, Clerk to the Board 6/12/23