Board Minutes

May 31, 2006

The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room of the Courthouse with the following members present:

Chairman Taylor called on Sheriff Steve Bunn to present information regarding his budget requests.

Sheriff Department - Sheriff Bunn reviewed additional requests to his original requested budget: 1 drug investigator, 1 gang intelligence analyst/investigator, 1 patrol car, protective equipment for total additional expenditures of $137,460. Sheriff Bunn discussed information regarding additional Sheriff Revenue from expanded agreement with Social Services: ½ deputy child support, 2 ½ patrol cars, protective equipment for total revenue increase of $105,110. He further indicated that DSS will receive additional federal reimbursement of $68,320. Sheriff Bunn advised that the net cost to the County for these additions is $69,140.

Computer Operations Department - Mr. Bill Settlemyre addressed the Board on behalf of Computer Operations Director Diane Merritt. Ms. Merritt was absent due to a family emergency. Mr. Settlemyre advised that when the Archer Pay Classification Study was done, employees were led to believe full implementation would be done over a two year period. He further advised that employees who are nearing retirement will be affected most if full implementation is not done this year. Mr. Settlemyre concluded his remarks and asked the Board to consider implementation of the remaining 50% of the Archer Pay Study this year.

Register of Deeds – Ms. Charity Lewis addressed the Board with two concerns. The first matter Ms. Lewis discussed was the need to make a part-time employee full time and to hire a part-time position. Ms. Lewis indicated that one staff member has intentions of retiring in December, 2006 and with the addition of a part-time person, adequate training could occur with little customer service interruption through the transition period.

The second matter Ms. Lewis discussed was the fact that employees who are nearing retirement will be adversely affected financially without full implementation of the Archer Pay Classification Study during FY 07. She asked the Board to consider full implementation of the Pay Classification Study during FY 07.

Ms. Koenig discussed six new requested positions, Social Services budget summary (Form 1047), budget revenue summary, and budget revenue statement. She answered questions from the Board and provided explanation of budget requests.

County Manager Greg Martin was asked to explain a $66,464 difference shown on the budget summary provided by Ms. Koenig. Mr. Martin indicated that he would check on the matter and provide information at the June 5, 2006 meeting.

Commissioner and Social Services Board member Delilah Blanks discussed the dilemma facing the employees of Social Services. She discussed how much the agency has grown and continues to grow, and the fact that applicants must be served in a timely fashion to avoid payment of penalties. Dr. Blanks requested consideration of Ms. Keonig’s requests as the budget is studied and finalized.

Social Services Board member Ann Weeks asked the Board of Commissioners to consider full implementation of the Archer Study for the employees.

County Manager Greg Martin advised that Ms. Koenig is doing an outstanding job in securing reimbursements for Social Services and asked the Board to refer to the Power Point presentation provided when the proposed budget was presented for consideration.

Chairman Taylor expressed appreciation to Ms. Koenig for the presentation.

Revenue Department – Ms. Marguerite Coble addressed the Board and advised that the Tax Department needs a position, but she felt the need to care for the current employees. Ms. Coble advised that the County trains good employees who move to higher paying positions in surrounding counties. Ms. Coble further advised that she is concerned that the balance of the Archer Study is not proposed for FY 07. She concluded her presentation and asked the Board to consider implementation of the balance of the Archer Pay Classification and Study. Ms. Coble expressed appreciation to the Board for its support of the Bladen County employees.

Health Department – Mr. Wayne Stewart addressed the Board and advised that implementation of the Archer Study has been an issue for employees of the Health Department. He advised that the employees are counting on the balance of the study in the FY 07 budget. Mr. Stewart updated the Board regarding the status of an Animal Control Shelter and provided an update regarding employee turnover at the Health Department, particularly nurses. Mr. Stewart expressed appreciation to the Board for its support of the Bladen County employees.

Bladen Community College Update – Mr. Martin advised that he recently met with Bladen Community College officials, and he discussed the campus needs submitted by the college. Mr. Martin discussed the request to lease two additional mobile units and the associated costs. He indicated that college officials will attend the public hearing scheduled for June 5 at 6:30 p.m.

One NC Fund – Flanders Project: Mr. Martin advised that Economic Development Director Chuck Heustess has requested consideration of the request for funding from the One North Carolina Fund regarding Flanders Project. A motion was made by Lewis Tatum, seconded by W. D. Neill, Jr. to approve the One North Carolina Fund Application regarding Flanders Project. The vote was unanimous.