062298Budget Meeting - June 22, 1998
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met in special session at 6:00 p.m. in the
Commissioners Meeting Room, County Office Building, 725 McDowell Road, Asheboro, NC.
Commissioners Frye, Kemp, Davis, Holmes, and Mason were present.
School and Fire District Tax Rates
Neil Allen, Emergency Services Director, reported that 3 fire departments are requesting an increase in
their fire tax rate: Fairgrove, from 4¢ to 7.5¢; Farmer, from 7¢ to 8¢; and Randleman, from 9¢ to 10¢.
Scott Rudsill, Fairgrove Fire Chief, stated that they need additional funds to hire full-time paid
positions (2 during the day, 1 at night) at the fire station and to be able to contract with Thomasville Rescue
Squad for emergency medical and rescue services.
Dean Spinks, Mayor of Trinity, said there is a disparity between coverage provided by Guil-Rand and
Fairgrove. Part of Trinity is in Guil-Rand's district and part is in Fairgrove's district. He said that since
Trinity incorporated after the Fairgrove fire tax district was created, Trinity cannot control the rate. Only
the County Commissioners can. He added that the proposed increase had been published in local
newspapers and that he felt most people know about it.
Reid Craig, Farmer Fire Department Board member, advised Commissioners that Farmer is requesting
their increase to pay debt service on a new pumper being purchased to replace a 1961 pumper.
Marty Leonard, Randleman Fire Chief, said their requested increase is for adding 1 truck and 2 bays.
Also an unfunded federal mandate from OSHA, "2 in, 2 out," which affects all city fire departments, will
require them to add more personnel.
Bruce Moore, Randleman Mayor, spoke to support Randleman's increase. He said the tax started out
at 10¢ and dropped back to 9¢ in the 80's, where it has remained until now.
Chairman Frye directed Neil Allen to provide the fire department budgets and requested increases to
the County Commissioners earlier in coming years. He said they will need them each year prior to the
budget public hearing.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously adopted fire tax rates as requested:
Bennett, 8¢; Climax, 10¢; Coleridge, 8¢; Eastside, 6¢; Fairgrove, 7.5¢; Farmer, 8¢; Franklinville, 8¢;
Guil-Rand, 10¢; Julian, 10¢; Level Cross, 9¢; Northeast (Liberty), 7¢; Randleman (Rural), 10¢; Seagrove,
10¢; Sophia, 10¢; Southwest (New Hope), 10¢; Staley, 10¢; Tabernacle, 9¢; Ulah, 6.5¢; and Westside,
8.5¢.
On motion of Holmes, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously adopted school district tax rates
unchanged from last year: Archdale/Trinity, 8.5¢; Asheboro, 14.5¢.
Discussion and Actions on Proposed 1998-99 Budget
Hal Scott, Jr., Personnel Director, explained that the $12,000 County Commissioners contingency
account component of his proposed salary and benefits package for 1998-99 is for Commissioners'
discretion in increasing the County Manager's salary (including fringe benefits). Mr. Scott said that on a
competitive basis, Mr. Willis' salary is low, and he is also the Finance Officer. Randolph is the only county
in North Carolina with a population over 100,000 that does not have a separate finance officer.
Chairman Frye presented for the Board's consideration the following amendments to the proposed 98-
99 budget:
Description
Additional 2% pay increase for EMT's
Additional 2% pay increase for deputies/jailers
Airport fencing (4 years @ $41,650 each year)
Bailiff position at the Courthouse
City Schools Current Capital (.2081)
County Schools Current Capital (.7919)
Appropriated Fund Balance
FICA Savings from Section 125 Plan
TOTALS
Expenses
Revenues
$ 24,318
Total Unit Cost
143,546
Total Cost
41,650
$500.00
26,200
$2,000.00
25,247
Sequoia Pacific Systems
96,075
NO BID
NO BID
$335,000
22,036
357 036
357 036
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Holmes, the Board voted unanimously to approve all the proposed
amendments to the proposed budget, as itemized above.
On motion ofMason, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved the budget as amended and
set the property tax rate at 46.5¢.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Kemp, the Board voted unanimously to keep all fee schedules at the
same rate.
Bid Award - Voter Tabulators
Jane Leonard, Deputy Finance Officer, presented formal bids received on changing the County's current
voter tabulators to tabulators with modems for the Board of Elections. The bid package was proposed with
two options: installation of 45 modems in the current tabulators or replacement of all 45 tabulators with
new tabulators that have modems already installed. The second option offered the current tabulators as a
trade-in for the new machines. The following bids were received:
OPTION #1
Company
Unit Cost
Total Unit Cost
Installation
Total Cost
Election System & Software
$500.00
$22,500.00
$2,000.00
$24,500.00
Sequoia Pacific Systems
NO BID
NO BID
NO BID
NO BID
OPTION #2'
Company
Unit Cost
Total Cost
Trade In
Net Cost
Election System & Software
$5,100.00
$229,500.00
$112,500.00
$117,000.00
Sequoia Pacific Systems
$5055.00
$227,500.20
$198,000.00
$29,500.20
Ms. Leonard made the following recommendations: award the bid to Sequoia, with trade-in, for a net cost
of $29,500.20; declare the 45 current tabulators surplus and offer them as a trade-in; and make the
necessary budget amendment.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously awarded the bid to Sequoia Pacific
Systems for $227, 500.20, with a trade-in adjustment of $198, 000, making $29,500.20 the net cost for the
County; declared the 45 tabulators as surplus property, offered as trade-in for the new tabulators; and
approved Budget Amendment # 65 to the FY 1997-98 Annual Budget to reflect the total surplus allowance
on the trade-in, as follows:
REVENUES
INCREASE'
Miscellaneous Revenues
$198,000
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE'
Elections
$198,000
Bid Award - Roofing Proiects
Ms. Leonard presented informal bids received on replacing roofs on the old administration building on
Worth Street that houses Probation and Parole and on the old Treasure World building on North
Fayetteville Street that will be used by Social Services, as follows:
Vendor
Worth Street Bldg.
N. Fayetteville Street Bldg.
McRae Roofing, Inc.
$15,983
$16,685
Folger Carter, Roofer
$10,895
$14,750
Davis Roofing Company
NO BID
NO BID
Ms. Leonard stated that although Folger Carter is the lowest bidder, his quote included only 1/2" insulation
on the roof and a 5 -year material warranty. McRae Roofing quoted 1'/z" insulation and a 10 -year material
warranty. Therefore, it is recommended that McRae Roofing receive the contract.
On motion of Mason, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously awarded roofing contracts to
McRae Roofing, Inc., for $15,983 and $16,685.
Retirees Health Insurance Benefit Policy/Amendment to Personnel Ordinance
Hal Scott, Jr., Personnel Director, submitted for the Board's consideration a retirees health insurance
benefits policy to be added to the County's Personnel Ordinance.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved this policy as presented and
amended the Randolph County Personnel Ordinance to include this policy, as follows:
In recognition of service rendered to Randolph County a health insurance program has been established,
under the following criteria, for persons retiring after July 1, 1998. This program is not retroactive. This
program is subject to all applicable federal and state insurance laws and regulations. All of the service
statements below assume the employee's continuous service in a benefits -eligible position in Randolph
County Government and that he/she ultimately meets the North Carolina Local Government Retirement
System for early, full, or disability retirement; and that he/she has applied for and will begin receiving
retirement benefits at the time of his/her termination with Randolph County.
The County will, upon application by the retiree, provide health insurance to retired Randolph County
employees as follows:
1. Those retiring with at least ten (10) but less than twenty (20) years of continuous service in Randolph
County government and who are 50 years of age or older shall be eligible to continue to be covered by the
County medical plan until the individual reaches the age of 65 years or becomes eligible for Medicare. The
full cost of premiums will be paid by the retiree.
2. Those retiring with at least 20 years, of which the last ten (10) were continuous, but less than twenty-
five (25) years of service in Randolph County government and who are 50 years of age or older shall be
eligible to continue to be covered by the County medical plan. The County will pay 50% of the County's
current contribution to the monthly premium until the individual reaches the age of 65 years or becomes
eligible for Medicare.
3. Those retiring with at least 25 years, of which the last ten (10) were continuous, but less than thirty (30)
years of service in Randolph County government and who are 50 years of age or older shall be eligible to
continue to be covered by the County medical plan. The County will pay 75% of the County's current
contribution to the monthly premium until the individual reaches the age of 65 years or becomes eligible for
Medicare
4. Those retiring with at least 30 years, of which the last ten (10) were continuous service in Randolph
County government and are of any age shall be eligible to continue to be covered by the County medical
plan. The County will pay 100% of the County's current contribution to the monthly premium until the
individual reaches the age of 65 years or becomes eligible for Medicare.
5. Those retiring with a disability retirement will have 100% of the County's current contribution to the
monthly premium paid for a maximum of two (2) years. The premium payment will cease if the retiree
becomes Medicare eligible during the two (2) years.
6. A retiree's spouse, who were enrolled in the plan at least six (6) months prior, may continue in the plan,
at the retiree's expense, until he/she becomes 65 years of age or Medicare eligible, whichever comes first.
All retirees and their spouses, qualified by the above conditions can participate in other group life, medical,
and dental plans which they are participating in at least six (6)months prior to retirement, at their own
expense, until they reach the age of 65 years or become Medicare eligible Spouses of deceased retirees lose
their privilege to remain insured under this policy upon remarriage. Dependents may be covered by the
retiree's plan, under the above conditions, for as long as the insurance program recognizes their dependency,
subject to all applicable federal and state laws.
7. Any insured person who is over 60 days delinquent in payment of his/ her insurance premiums
shall have his/her insurance terminated without notice and shall not be eligible for reinstatement.
8. This program stands as offered and does not obligate the County to provide like services or monetary
compensation for those who choose to seek other medical plans.
9. This program may be modified or terminated at any time by Randolph County.
Placement of State Grant Funds in Library Trust Fund
Richard Wells, Library Director, reported that in November of 1997 he had applied for a grant for
$250,000 from the Department of Cultural Resources in order to purchase the attorney building adjacent to
the library (230 East Salisbury Street) for the Randolph Room. The State awarded $20,000 of the
requested amount. He said that since $20,000 will not purchase a $250,000 building, he asked Cultural
Resources if he could deposit the check in the Randolph Public Library Trust Fund and was given approval.
Since that time he has learned that the building's owners have received an offer and are close to selling the
building. Mr. Wells said that if a property suitable for the Randolph Room becomes available in the future,
he will make a request to the State that the funds be used for its purchase or renovation.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved the placing of this $20, 000
grant into the Library Trust Fund.
Budget Amendment - Fire Districts
On motion ofMason, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #66 to
the FY 1997-98 Annual Budget, to reflect additional taxes received and remitted for fire districts, as
follows:
GENERAL FUND - 966>
REVENUES
INCREASE
Taxes: Current Year -- Seagrove Fire District
$4,000
Budget Amendment - State School Bond Fund
Ms. Leonard explained that State bonds for public school capital needs are budgeted each year as
projects are approved by the Department of Public Instruction. Randolph County Schools currently have 9
projects underway and the City Schools have 4 projects started. She said our budget needs to be amended
to include the total amount of anticipated expenses to be incurred in this fiscal year for these projects.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved BudgetAmendment #67 to
the FY 1997-98 Annual Budget, as follows:
GENERAL FUND - #67'
REVENUES
Taxes: Current Year --Southwest Fire District
$550
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE
Tax Collections Remitted -- Seagrove Fire District
$4,000
Tax Collections Remitted -- Bennett Fire District
$450
Tax Collections Remitted -- Southwest Fire District
$550
Budget Amendment - State School Bond Fund
Ms. Leonard explained that State bonds for public school capital needs are budgeted each year as
projects are approved by the Department of Public Instruction. Randolph County Schools currently have 9
projects underway and the City Schools have 4 projects started. She said our budget needs to be amended
to include the total amount of anticipated expenses to be incurred in this fiscal year for these projects.
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved BudgetAmendment #67 to
the FY 1997-98 Annual Budget, as follows:
GENERAL FUND - #67'
REVENUES
INCREASE'
Restricted Intergovernmental
$5,093,258
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE'
County School Building Bond Fund
$2,676,408
City School Building Bond Fund
$2,416,850
Budget Amendment - TMA Audits
Ben Chavis, Tax Assessor/Collector, stated that audits performed by TMA had resulted in the collection
of extra taxes through discoveries and that they had discovered a few accounts due refunds. Revenues
collected on finalized accounts so far total $374,647.08. He said a budget amendment is needed to show
the total amount of money spent due to TMA audits, including refunds and fees paid or due to TMA.
On motion ofKemp, seconded by Mason, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment #68 to
the FY 1997-98 Annual Budget, as follows:
GENERAL FUND - #68'
REVENUES
INCREASE'
Ad Valorem Taxes
$194,552
Sales & Service
$24,000
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE'
Tax
$218,552
Budget Amendment - Public Works
David Townsend, III, Public Works Director, explained that with the new transfer station this year,
he had estimated that the tonnage received would decrease some; in actuality, it increased. They also
experienced an increase in scrap tires. Therefore, a budget amendment is needed to increase funds in
their revenues to cover their increased appropriations.
On motion of Davis, seconded by Holmes, the Board unanimously approved Budget Amendment
#69 to the FY 1997-98 Annual Budget, as follows:
tt n V r.1N Ur.3
11V t,1Cr,H3r;
Sales and Service Revenue
$130,000
Other Tax
$11,500
Investment Earnings
$10,500
APPROPRIATIONS
INCREASE'
Landfill Operation
$130,000
Other Operations
$22,000
Increase in County Manager's Salary
On motion of Kemp, seconded by Davis, the Board unanimously voted to increase the County
Manager's salary, with a maximum of $12, 000 to be used to cover the salary increase and the
accompanying increases in fringe benefits.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Darrell L. Frye, Chairman
J. Harold Holmes
Robert O. Mason
Phil Kemp
Robert B. Davis
Alice D. Dawson, Clerk to the Board