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HARNETT COUNTY BOARD O F COMMISSIONERS

Minutes of Regular Meeting

May 6, 2013

The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, May 6, 2013, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 102 East Front Street, Lillington, North Carolina.

Members present: Jim Burgin, Chairman

Beatrice B. Hill, Commissioner

Joe Miller, Commissioner

C. Gordon Springle, Commissioner

Member absent: Gary House, Vice Chairman

Staff present: Tommy Burns, County Manager

Joseph Jeffries, Deputy County Manager

Tony Wilder, Deputy County Manager

Jennifer Slusser, Staff Attorney

Sylvia Blinson, Finance Officer

Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk to the Board

Chairman Burgin called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Chairman Burgin led the pledge of allegiance and invocation.

Chairman Burgin called for additions and deletions to the published agenda. Mr. Jeffries requested the addition of a Solid Waste Fund Budget Ordinance Amendment in the amount of $739,763 to purchase a new compactor and wheel loader with lease revenue. Mr. Jeffries also requested removal for discussion at an upcoming special session the North Harnett Property Rights Association’s request that the County absorb the costs of providing the hearing transcripts. Commissioner Hill moved to approve the agenda as amended. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion which passed 4 to 0.

Commissioner Miller moved to approve the items listed on the consent agenda. Commissioner Springle seconded the motion which passed 4-0.

1. Minutes: April 15, 2013, Regular Meeting

2. Budget Amendments:

372 Tax Department

Code 110-4500-410.33-45 Contracted Services 64,162 increase

110-0000-311.10-00 Ad Valorem Taxes 64,162 increase

373 Highland Middle School Project CP1301 Fund 331

Code 331-8300-480.90-10 General Fund 20,000 increase

331-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 20,000 increase

375 Good Hope Mental Health Renovation Project CP1005

Code 323-8300-441.90-10 Other Financing – General Fund 166,470 increase

323-0000-356.76-90 Reimbursement/Good Hope - Engineering166,314 increase

323-0000-361.10-00 Interest Earned 156 increase

376 Transportation Facility Design Project CP0306

Code 312-8300-410.46-01 Residual Equity Transfer 5,172 increase

312-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 5,172 increase

377 Airport Overlay Zoning District CP1004

Code 398-8360-465.46-01 Residual Equity 30 increase

398-0000-361.10-00 Interest 30 increase

378 CAMPO Project CP1006

Code 324-8300-465.46-01 Residual Equity Transfer 30 increase

324-0000-361.10-00 Interest 30 increase

379 State Aid to Airports for Storm Water Pollution and Spill Prevention 2011 CP1202

Code 359-8300-465.46-01 Residual Equity 2 increase

359-0000-361.10-00 Interest 2 increase

382 Regional Jetport 2011 Vision 100 Hanger Development CP1201

Code 358-8300-465.46-01 Residual Equity Transfer 1 increase

358-0000-361.10-00 Interest Earned 1 increase

383 Public Utilities Buffalo Lakes Road & Wild Horse WW Ext Project PU0802

Code 571-9100-431.46-01 Residual Equity 19,147 increase

571-0000-361.10-00 Interest 967 increase

571-0000-314.30-00 Sales Tax 18,180 increase

384 Public Utilities East Central Water Improvements PU0703

Code 567-9100-431.45-70 Interest During Construction 114,913 increase

567-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 113,866 increase

567-0000-361.10-00 Interest 1,047 increase

385 Public Utilities South Central WW Project PU1001

Code 573-9100-431.45-22 Issuance 60,325 increase

573-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 59,096 increase

573-0000-361.10-00 Interest 1,229 increase

386 Public Utilities Erwin WW Improvements PU0604

Code 564-9100-431.45-70 Interest During Construction 195,059 increase

564-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 193,044 increase

564-0000-361.10-00 Interest 2,015 increase

389 Public Utilities Fund PU0704 Ft Bragg WS&WW Project

Code 568-9100-431.33-48 American Water 446,088 increase

568-9100-431.46-01 Residual Equity 709,276 increase

568-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 1,147,599 increase

568-0000-356.90-02 Miscellaneous 1,165 increase

568-0000-361.10-00 Interest 6,600 increase

390 Public Utilities Brightwater Infrastructure Project PU1003

Code 575-9100-431.45-80 Contingency 22,925 increase

575-0000-361.10-00 Interest 1,150 increase

575-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 21,775 increase

391 Public Utilities South Central WW Project PU1002

Code 574-9100-431.45-22 Issuance Cost 21,400 increase

574-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 21,200 increase

574-0000-361.10-00 Interest 200 increase

392 Public Utilities South Central WW Phase 1C-1 Project PU1005

Code 577-9100-431.45-22 Issuance Cost 9,293 increase

577-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 9,273 increase

577-0000-361.10-00 Interest 20 increase

398 WIA Youth Program

Code 234-7406-465.58-14 Staff Travel 750 increase

234-7406-465.35-26 Other Participant Cost 1,750 increase

234-7408-465.35-26 Other Participant Cost 1,750 increase

234-7408-465.58-14 Staff Travel 750 increase

234-0000-331.74-06 Sampson In-School 2,500 increase

234-0000-331.74-08 Sampson Out-School 2,500 increase

399 WIA Youth Program

Code 234-7405-465.32-26 400 increase

234-7407-465.12-02 Participant Wages 3,100 increase

234-7407-465.32-26 Incentives 500 increase

234-0000-331.74-07 Sampson In-School 3,600 increase

234-0000-331.74-05 Sampson Out-School 400 increase

400 Library

Code 110-8100-450.32-78 Special Programs 325 increase

110-0000-353.81-05 Library / Friends of the Library 325 increase

402 Emergency Services Building Renovation Project CP1001

Code 396-8300-420.46-01 Residual Equity 5 increase

396-8300-420.45-20 Legal 1 decrease

396-8300-420.45-33 Materials & Supplies 1 decrease

396-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 1 increase

396-0000-361.10-00 Interest 2 increase

403 Solid Waste

Code 580-6600-461.74-74 Capital Outlay Equipment 30,000 increase

580-0000-354.01-00 Sale of Other Assets 30,000 increase

404 Cooperative Extension

Code 110-7399-465.32-32 Community Rural Development 3,365 decrease

110-0000-344.13-00 Community Rural Development – Revenue 3,365 decrease

408 Emergency Telephone System

Code 240-5900-420.74-74 Capital Outlay – Equipment 90,000 increase

240-5900-420.30-04 Professional Services 3,000 decrease

240-5900-420.33-45 Contracted Services 17,000 decrease

240-5900-420.41-11 Telecommunication & Postage 25,000 decrease

240-5900-420.43-16 Maintenance & Repair 20,000 decrease

240-5900-420.58-01 Training & Meetings 9,000 decrease

240-5900-420.58-14 Travel Administration 5,000 decrease

240-5900-420.60-33 Materials & Supplies 11,000 decrease

409 Johnsonville Elementary School CP0907

Code 321-8300-480.45-25 Sewer 75,526 decrease

321-8300-480.45-30 Engineering 28,839 decrease

321-8300-480.45-33 Materials & Supplies 24,926 decrease

321-8300-480.45-20 Architect Fees 1 decrease

321-8300-480.46-01 Residual Equity 51,721 increase

321-8300-480.90-10 General Fund 109,293 increase

321-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 16,133 increase

321-0000-361.10-00 Interest 45 increase

321-0000-361.50-00 First Citizen 15,544 increase

410 Johnsonville Elementary School Project CP0906lementary School Project

Code 110-0000-378.00-00 Residual Equity 51,721 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance 51,721 decrease

411 Harnett Central High School Project CP0906

Code 320-8300-480.45-21 Architect Fees 1,500 increase

320-8300-480.45-40 Engineering 1,500 decrease

320-8300-480.90-10 General Fund 52,454 increase

320-8300-480.45-01 Construction 1 decrease

411 Harnett Central High School Project CP0906 continued

Code 320-8300-480.45-20 Legal 1 decrease

320-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 12,806 increase

320-0000-361.10-00 Interest 80 increase

320-0000-361.50-00 US Bank (FC) Interest 39,566 increase

412 General Fund

Code 110-0000-378.00-00 Residual Equity 52,454 increase

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance 52,454 decrease

413 Planning Services

Code 110-7200-465.33-45 Contracted Services 18,000 increase

110-0000-322.72-01 Cell Tower Fees 18,000 increase

415 Administration

Code 110-4150-410.11-00 Salaries & Wages 108,725 increase

110-4150-410.11-11 Car Allowance 4,000 increase

110-4150-410.21-00 Group Insurance 3,500 increase

110-4150-410.22-00 FICA Tax Expense 4,640 increase

110-4150-410.23-00 Retirement 7,034 increase

110-7200-465.11-00 Salaries & Wages 50,000 decrease

110-7200-465.21-00 Group Insurance 3,000 decrease

110-7200-465.22-00 FICA Tax Expense 10,000 decrease

110-7200-410.23-00 Retirement 8,000 decrease

110-7200-465.26-08 Worker’s Compensation 1,000 decrease

110-0000-399.00-00 Fund Balance Appropriated 55,899 increase

417 Public Utilities South Central WW Phase 1C-2 Project PU1005

Code 578-9100-431.45-22 Issuance Cost 2,020 increase

578-9100-431.45-70 Interest During Construction 9,065 increase

578-0000-314.50-00 Sales Tax 9,500 increase

578-0000-361.10-00 Interest 30 increase

578-0000-361.90-03 NC Cash Management 1,560 increase

3. Tax refunds, rebates and releases (Attachment 1)

4. IT Department, E-911 Division, requested permission to purchase Dispatch Console Workstations from Russ Bassett for $61,829.55 using sole source. This purchase will replace 4 consoles that were purchased in 1998 and is needed because some of the consoles are broken and not functioning properly. Currently there are 2 Russ Bassett consoles in our center, this purchase will make all consoles the same. This is a 911 eligible expense and will be paid out of the Emergency Telephone System Budget.

5. IT Department, E-911 Division, requested permission to purchase an Alpha-Numeric Paging System from Amerizon Wireless for $71,822.86 using sole source. Amerizon Wireless is the vendor handling our current Paging System Upgrade Project. Purchasing the Alpha-Numeric Paging System will give us a paging backup plus it will give us additional credit during Fire Departments ISO Ratings. This is a 911 eligible expense and will be paid out of the Emergency Telephone System Budget.

6. IT Department, E-911 Division, requested permission to purchase a Trimble GPS unit from Duncan-Parnell for $12,386.00. This unit will replace our current GPS unit that is outdated and not working properly. The GPS unit is primarily used in 911 Addressing to map road centerlines and address points. The GPS is a 911 eligible expense and will be paid out of the Emergency Telephone System Budget.

7. Director of the Harnett County Libraries requested permission to change the hours of the Anderson Creek Library from 12 hours a week to 20 hours a week from June 17 to August 17 to allow for day time hours and summer programming. This request was approved by the Library Board of Trustees and the Principal of Anderson Creek Primary School. The Library will be open Monday and Tuesday 3 pm to 7 pm, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

8. Administration requested approval of the quote and recommendations, provided by the IT Department as requested, for equipment to video and upload the Board of Commissioners meetings to the internet.

9. Sheriff’s Office requested permission to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Justice for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant. This grant will provide funds for the Sheriff’s Office to receive reimbursement for fifty percent of the cost of bulletproof vests purchased for the next three years.

10. Sheriff’s Office requested permission to submit an application to the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program. This program provides funds to partially reimburse localities for the costs of incarcerating certain criminal aliens during a one year period.

11. Sheriff’s Office requested approval of resolution authorizing disposition of personal property to allow them to transfer six (6) county owned vehicles to Central Carolina Community College for training purposes. (Attachment 2)

12. Cooperative Extension requested adoption of the Resolution in Support of the Sale of the assets of Townsend/Omtron to a Bidder Interested in Operating the Facility. (Attachment 3)

13. Cooperative Extension requested permission to accept grant funding from the Harnett Juvenile Crime Prevention Council in the amount of $33,662. This funding will provide salary and benefit for a 4-H Program Assistant to coordinate the 4-H Teen Court and At-Risk Youth Development Program. The grant requires a 10% match and will be met with in-kind contributions.

14. JobLink requested approval of Contract Amendment No. 2 for services provided for Youth Programs under Title 1 of the Workforce Investment Act which will allow them to receive an additional $9,000 from Triangle South Workforce Development; $4,000 for the Harnett County Youth Program and $5,000 for Sampson County Youth Program.

15. Public Utilities requested approval of the West Central Transmission Project Ordinance in the amount of $4,983,435 and Resolution to exempt project from the requirements of North Carolina General Statute 143-64.31. This project consists of the construction of approximately 58,000 linear feet of 16 inch ductile iron water transmission line on US Hwy 421 from Lillington to Seminole. It also consists of the construction of a new water booster station on US Hwy 421. This project is needed to improve the hydraulic ability to move water to this area of the County and will be financed through a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund administered by NC DENR and also partially funded through HDDPU reserves. (Attachment 4)

16. Public Utilities requested approval of an engineering services agreement for Marziano & McGougan PA in the amount of $350,000. This agreement is for the West Central Transmission Project. This agreement calls for the engineering firm to provide design, bidding, construction administration and observation services. Also per Agreement and Release between Harnett County and M & M dated July 12, 2012.

17. Approval of Resolution Adopting an Agreement with Harnett County for the Sanford Housing Authority to Manage and Control of all Operations of the County Section 8 Housing Program in Harnett County (Attachment 5)

18. County Engineer requested approval of the Scape Tire Recycling and Disposal Contract with Central Carolina Holdings, LLC.

19. Solid Waste requested approval of budget ordinance amendment in the amount of $739,763 to purchase a new compactor and wheel loader with lease revenue.

419 Solid Waste Fund

Code 580-6600-461.74-76 Capital Outlay – Lease $739,763 increase

580-0000-370.20-00 Capital Lease Revenue $739,763 increase

Chairman Burgin opened the floor for informal comments by the public, allowing up to 3 minutes for each presentation up to 30 minutes.

- Cecil McNeill of 165 Mema’s Lane in Lillington submitted a petition and letters to commissioners asking them to allow the tax payers to decide on the merger being discussed between the Harnett County Fire Marshall’s Office and the Flatwoods Community Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. McNeill said he believes the petition is a good cross-section of taxpayers in the district and they contest the merger with the Town of Lillington Fire Department that was approved by the majority of and Flatwoods Fire Department Board of Directors.

- Sonya Holmes of 305 Page Road thanked the commissioners for adopting the Resolution in Support of the Sale of the assets of Townsend/Omtron to a Bidder Interested in Operating the Facility. Ms. Holmes shared a copy of a similar resolution she said had been adopted by Chatham County. Ms. Holmes noted the total economic impact for Harnett County is $64.2 million per year and requested that commissioners support anyone willing to operate the facility.

- Kent Jeffries of Chalybeate Springs requested the commissioners’ help addressing shooting ranges which he said is an on-going issue that is a danger to residents and property owners in communities throughout the county. Mr. Jeffries reported that two homes were recently struck by bullets from the Anderson Creek Hunting Preserve and distributed an incident/investigation report from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Jeffries said the Anderson Creek Hunting Preserve uses the agritourism exemption to excuse itself from the conditional use process. Mr. Jeffries asked the Board of Commissioners to absorb the cost of providing the written transcript required by the appeal. Mr. Jeffries also asked that the Board to direct county legal staff to discontinue its defense of the Zoning Administrator’s ruling as he believes the continued defense is at odds with the Board’s official position regarding shooting ranges as an agritourism activity.

- James Brumley, 129 Mossburg Court in Bunnlevel, said his house was recently struck by a bullet. Mr. Brumley, who has lived in his home for 3 years and wasn’t aware the shooting range was near when he purchased it, said he can’t let his kids play outside when the shooting range is active. His family is looking to relocate due to this incident and asked the County to consider these issues and regulate this going forward.

- Drew Byrd of 707 West Ivey Street and Assistant Chief of Flatwoods Fire Department asked commissioners to consider giving the fire department, who has been operating for 48 years, one year to get the fire department where it needs to be with a six month evaluation.

- Joe Langley, 298 Kirk Adams Road in Angier, distributed a handout to commissioners and requested clarification related to the pending application for the Anderson Creek Charter School. Mr. Langley discussed a letter sent from an individual commissioner supporting the application for the charter school. Mr. Langley noted another commissioner had expressed concern that the applicant for the charter school was delinquent in payment of Harnett County property taxes in the amount of $211,796.87. He noted the taxes are currently under protest by the applicant.

Commissioner Hill said this Board has never discussed charter schools and asked if there were any minutes to show that the Board supported charter school. Chairman Burgin said the Board has discussed charter schools at many work sessions. Mr. Wilder confirmed that the applicant has appealed their property taxes to the Property Tax Commission based on qualifying for exemptions which will be heard in September. Mr. Wilder said some of the taxes due are from 2009 and interest is being earned.

- Howard Penny of 1500 Old Stage Road spoke in support of the resolution commissioners adopted supporting the poultry processing plant.

- David Brown of 55 Flatwoods Lane in Lillington and Chief of the Flatwoods Fire Department said he believes there is some confusion. He said he spoke to their Corporate Attorney and confirmed that the Flatwoods Fire Department cannot merge with the Town of Lillington however the County can issue the Town of Lillington a contract to run the fire department and district and collect the taxes and service their area for them. Mr. Brown said if they had decided to go with Summerville Fire Department he understands they would have had to merge. Mr. Brown said if they get some growth in the area and five or ten years down the road they would like to open their own fire department back up it would be a whole lot simpler to come to the Board and ask to reinstate their contract and reorganize their fire department than it would be getting out of a merger and reorganizing. Mr. Brown said a merger is like a marriage.

Commissioner Hill told Mr. Brown said she believes what they feel is best should be done because they operate that station. Commissioner Hill noted that Chairman Burgin carries insurance on five fire departments in the County. Chairman Burgin noted he disclosed this information at a previous meeting.

- Frank Stump, 4757 Ross Road, said he obtained a copy of both proposals submitted by the Town of Lillington and Summerville. Mr. Ross said he read the proposals carefully and came to the opinion that the Town of Lillington Fire Department had the edge for fire protection for several reasons including the fact they are already providing day time coverage during the week in the Flatwoods Fire District. Mr. Stump asked commissioners to support the Flatwoods Fire Department’s Board of Directors decision.

- Dave Earp, 155 Troy Eason Farm Lane, said he is for freedom and Flatwoods can take care of themselves.

- Tommy McNeill of 46 Flatwoods Baptist Lane said he believes in less government and the Flatwoods area is capable of running their own fire department and just need a little time to resolve some personnel and attitude problems.

Chairman Burgin moved to approve the appointment listed below. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

BOARD OF HEALTH

Lynda Miller (nominated by Chairman Burgin) was reappointed to serve on this Board for a term of 3 years expiring March 31. 2016.

Mr. Burns announced and introduced Claire Jones as the new Director of the Harnett County Board of Elections.

Chairman Burgin recognition Kimberly A. Honeycutt’s achievement of becoming a Certified Local Government Finance Officer.

Buren Fulmer, Harnett County Ranger, delivered the 2012 Summary of Accomplishments in Harnett County. Mr. Fulmer reported forest management and reforestation activities added nearly $2.4 Million dollars to the Harnett County economy during 2012. He said these efforts also provided seasonal work for site preparation contractors, logging crews, planting crews and pre-commercial thinning crews. Mr. Fulmer stated continued management of reforested areas should result in estimated future economic benefits of nearly 2.2 million dollars.

Mr. Fulmer reported in 2012, 170 landowners were assisted by the N.C. Forest Service and 130 Forest Management Plans were prepared, placing an additional 5,629 acres under active forest management. Based on Forest Service recommendations 761 acres were planted with trees and 1,337 acres of timber were harvested on NCFS projects. Mr. Fulmer also reported in 2012 the NCFS in Harnett County responded to 90 wildfires that burned 334 acres. Thirty five warning tickets were issued to burning offenders, along with 1 court case. Mr. Fulmer also reported that 103 Harnett County landowners have planted 1348 acres of longleaf pine trees through the Conservation Reserve Program and the 2012 annual rental payment is $78,925.

Mr. Fulmer discussed problems with the Red Bay Ambrosia Beetle and Cogan Grass which has been found in Pender County. He mentioned special projects of NCFS in 2012 included their upcoming 6th Annual Harnett County Environmental Field Day for over 350 fifth graders, Fire Wise Community USA at Carolina Lakes, Harnett County Forestry Association, West Area Park Fuel Mitigation Grant Burn, assisting Harnett County Fire Marshall with searches, and Longleaf Pine Landowner Workshop.

Mr. Fulmer reported the N.C. Forest Service’s 2013 budget request from Harnett County is $114,849 which is an increase of $1,514 which reflects the 1.2% pay increase for the 2012-2013 fiscal year and the 1% potential projected for this year. This request also includes county contribution toward the purchase of a new truck.

Victoria Whitt, Chief Executive Officer, presented a program update and county general budget request for Sandhills Center in the amount of $199,679. Mrs. Whitt noted that the Center was not requesting an increase in funding from Harnett County and had not requested an increase in the past nine years. Mrs. Whitt reminded the group that all funding the county gives remains in the county for services for the county. Sandhills Center devotes its entire County General funding allocation to the support of our County Walk-In/Crisis Unit.

Mrs. Whitt reported two state initiatives have been completed and have been successful which included the return of management of Medicaid dollars to the local communities LME, and the merger with Guilford County.

Chairman Burgin noted that Harnett County falls next to last in county general per capita contribution and believes they should discuss raising that amount in upcoming budget discussions.

Mr. Lee “Richie” Hines, Jr., P.E., NC Department of Transportation (DOT), presented for approval by resolution the proposed 2012-2013 Secondary Roads Improvement Program for Harnett County. Also present from NC DOT were: Division Maintenance Engineer Ken Murphy, Assistant District Engineer Troy Baker and Harnett County Maintenance Engineer Keith Anderson,

Mr. Hines explained the emphasis this year, a one-time directive, to do a statewide priority rating for all the roadways in the state. Mr. Hines said no dirt roads were improved this fiscal year. Out of a total allocation of $919,727.89, Mr. Hines reported $500,000 was used for spot improvements which included crack sealing, short pavement overlays, and pipe replacements. He reported $321,081 was used to cover overruns in previously approved projects with the remainder of the funds going into the Contingency Reserve which is used for unpaved road surveying and right of way acquisition, unpaved road additions, property owner participation, paving driveways of rural fire or rescue departments, and overdrafts.

Mr. Hines said there are approximately 21 miles of unpaved roads in Harnett County with 11 of those miles on the right-of-way hold list which meant they are waiting for right-of-way donation by landowners. Mr. Hines also explained the road rating system used every four years to prioritize the paving of secondary roads.

Commissioner Hill asked about the status of Ernest Lane. Mr. Hines responded that they had staked the road to show what the right-of-way would look like and provided residents with a cost estimate and had not heard back from them.

Commissioner Springle moved to approve the resolution approving the proposed NC DOT 2012-2013 Secondary Roads Improvement Program for Harnett. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion which passed unanimously. (Attachment 6)

Mr. Hines responded that the he believes the bridge project is about 90 days out. Regarding a four-lane road from Harnett County into Wake County, Mr. Hines believes there is a conceptual plan but no funding and said if it is funded he believes it will go on the TIP and most likely be done in sections.

Mr. Burns presented the following reports:

- Public Health Activities Summary March 2013

- Veterans Affairs Activities Report April 2013

Mr. Burns reminded commissioners of upcoming meeting dates in May and June including County Assembly Day on May 22. Regarding a budget update, Mr. Burns said staff is assembling all of the requests and starting to attach revenues to those requests and should have a general idea soon of what direction we need to go as far as reducing those expenditure numbers.

Chairman Burgin called for any new business. Commissioner Miller shared concerns regarding the funding of Good Hope Mental Hospital in Erwin and when or if they will be able to become self-sufficient. Chairman Burgin noted the County only approved operating money for the hospital, no loan or construction money. Mrs. Whitt confirmed that Sandhills Center gave Good Hope $96,000 for operating funds to match the County’s $96,000 contribution. Mrs. Blinson confirmed Good Hope had reimbursed the County $197,000 for the design phase and estimated the County has contributed approximately $300,000 to Good Hope.

Mrs. Whitt said this area in considered an area in need of psychiatric services which is a good thing. She said she is not aware that Medicaid dollars will be cut for hospital stay as it is such a priority. She also said she understands that group is talking to the State about money diversion and those 3-way dollar contracts are pretty secure and she doesn’t believe will be cut.

Good Hope has applied for accreditation but no one was aware of the status of their application. Commissioner Miller requested a balance sheet from Good Hope. Mrs. Blinson noted she had not been able to get a financial statement from them. Commissioner Miller also requested to know the average number of people they are servicing. Mrs. Whitt noted there are rules for retroactive payment for Medicaid or Medicare once the hospital is accredited but she is uncertain of how far back they would be able to go.

Commissioner Springle said he attended the recent exercise at the Emergency Operation Center and it was awesome to see everybody working together and handling the program. He said he was very proud of staff and they should be too.

Commissioner Hill said she is concerned about the fire departments. Mr. Burns explained the County prepare a service contracts for the rural fire districts. He reported Flatwoods contacted our folks to let them know they were discussing their operational capabilities. He said they have since sorted through some proposals, their Board voted on a proposal and at some point they will have to come to the County to work out the details of that. The County’s service contract does not allow any subcontracting but Mr. Burns said we respect the decision their local board made. Mr. Burns said there will be fire protection in that district with the day-time protection already being provide by the Town of Lillington.

There was no closed session.

At 10:40 am Commissioner Miller moved to recess the meeting. Commissioner Hill seconded the motion which passed 4-0.

____________________________________ ____________________________________

Jim Burgin, Chairman Margaret Regina Wheeler, Clerk

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