BURNSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL Budget Work Session Thursday, May 30, 2024, 9:30am  On Thursday, May 30, 2024, the Burnsville Town Council with Mayor Russell Fox, and members Judy Buchanan, and Randy Ollis present held a special meeting at the Burnsville Town Hall. Councilor Denise Collier and Bill Wheeler were unable to attend. Also in attendance were Town Manager Heather Hockaday, Finance Officer Leslie Crowder, Town Clerk Chad Fox, Chris Sutton and several residents of Moonshine Mountain and Guilders Creek. Mayor Fox called the meeting to Adoption of the agenda Judy Buchanan moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Randy Ollis  order at 9:37am.  seconded the motion, which carried. Presentation- - Mountain Biking Opportunities  Mayor Russell Fox gave background on the Buzzard Rock project, saying that the land was donated by ai family with thei intent of doing something recreational, specifically biking. He introduced Chris Sutton who was available to present a slide presentation on biking opportunities called Buzzard Rock Bike Park. Mayor Fox also introduced Loren Deyton, Yancey County Park and Recreation Mr. Sutton, an avid mountain biker and director of a non-profit called Yancey County Outdoor Association introduced himself and began his presentation, saying that his vision is to have a recreation area near town on the nearly 300 acres property near Philips Knob. He spoke about the economic impact, number of potential visitors, and types of activities that could occur, as well as the park's ability to give the area a healthier impression. Hei feels that there is al lack of access to Mr. Sutton. talked about access through. Cat Briar Lane, a parking area, and bow there will be no access from Guilders Creek Road, except for emergency vehicles. He mentioned that there will likely be four phases of park development to include areas for biking, hiking, disc golf, birdwatching, and Mr. Sutton mentioned local companies that could help develop a master plan and the phases of development. AI master plan could address topics such as fundraising, accessing private funds, There was further discussion on the prohibiting of motorized vehicles, buffer zones, signage, logging, leaving the brush to break down naturally, easements, access for EMS and other emergency  director, saying that he is hopeful that the County willl be involved.  outdoor activities near Town.  picnics. The hours would be from sunup to sundown.  grants, public meetings, and the creation of a committee. organizations, expected attendance, and traffic.  Budget Work Session  Finance Officer Leslie Crowder began the work session talking about which taxes should cover certain services. She said that sales tax has been too heavily relied upon as it has been reduced Mrs. Crowder presented a series of spreadsheets containing several scenarios that show projected property tax revenues out five years at different tax rates.These revenues were compared to the expenses of all required services with all other expenses paid for with sales tax and miscellaneous Department specific revenue was discussed such as Powell Bill and Fire Tax. The Fire Tax, while restricted to departmental expenses, is expected to passively increase as property values increase.  recently and is typically volatile.  revenues.  May 30, 2024  1    Mrs. Crowder talked about the increasing costs of special separation, health care, and upcoming Mrs. Hockaday reiterated that the ad valorem taxes should be able to cover the primary services of Police, Fire, Streets, and Sanitation. She said that the vehicle tax should focus on street  retirements. maintenance.  Mrs. Crowder reviewed the projected cost of a 3.7% COLA. Mrs. Hockaday mentioned new agreements for solid waste services.  There was a discussion on the Town's tax rate. Mayor Fox and the Councilors mentioned several factors that would need to be considered including the increased cost of goods and services and fewer revenue sources. The Council agreed to discuss several items in greater detail at the next Mrs. Crowder informed the Council of what the revenue neutral tax rate would be along with other With there being no further business, Randy Ollis made a motion to adjourn at 11:40am. Judy  regular meeting. tax rate options.  Buchanan seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.  OFBURA  Thf  T.F Russell Fox, Mayor  aGx  May 30, 2024  2    YANCEY OUTDOORS ASSOCIATION  Buzard Rock Bike Park  "Embracing the Great Outdoors: Our New Park Initiative Promotes Active Lifestyles, Community  Well-being, and Economic Growth. I    Chris Sutton  Dirererounder ofYancey OutdoorAssoe er Sutton Electric Company  Igrew up in Mt. Oliye NÇ, I graduated high school then went on to College for a degree in Industrial electrical following in my Grandfather and father's footsteps. After my father retiring, Itook over Sutton Electric, specializing in food production controls and robotics, until 2009, When I wanted to ski more leading me to Colorado. Iworked as the head electrician in lift maintenance. for Aspen Ski Co. This job let me follow my love for skiing and found a love for rock climbing and Mountain biking. Imoved back to NC in 2017 where Imeet my now. wife. My love for the outdoors and for all things fast, quickly made MTB riding my hobby of choice. Caroline and Imoved to Burnsville February 2020, we fell in love with this small town that reminded me of wherel grew up and we knew this was home for us and our two started YOA last year to help bring outdoor rec. to this area including MTB, climbing, hiking, etc.  pups.  2    The Property  Where is this park going to be and how did we end up with this property?  250 Acres on the North side of Philips Knob Property wasgiyen tothe Town of Burnsville by Kimand-Sam Young, forthe purposeofbeingi park for Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Hiking and the enjoyment of the community. They had faith in a vision I laidourtolhem,ana they both seen theneed for this in theirtownand county they havelived in theirentire lives.    "Empowering our community to embrace active lifestyles and connect with nature, our mission 1S to establish a vibrant public biking and hiking park. By providing accessible and well-maintaned trails, we am to promote physicalwel-being foster a love for the outdoors. and enhance economie Vitality through tourism and local business support. Together, we'll create a space where individuals ofallages can thrive, finding Joy,health. and economc opportunity inour  shared natural resources.    Economic Impact  HCW  Cisan oCE men to Burnsville and ancey  County?  Outdoor enthusiast spend money in the communities they Mountain bikers' appreciation for quality amenities prompts them to invest in the communities they explore. Users of the park will shop in our community and havea a reason to stay in the area for a longer period while visiting Our residents will have a place to go enjoy the outdoors, putting them in town for activities after like shopping, eating or grabbing drinks at many of our business. Future projects like greenways, pedestrian and bike lanes, town enhancement can all be helped from the money this  visit.  Yancey county  park will bring to our area.    Who Will Benefit  Economically  Restaurants/FO0d trucks/Coffee  shops  Bars/laprooms/Brewcries Motels and Short-term rentals  000000  Retail stores  Town of Burnsville County of Yancey    RECOMMENDEDRONUTE KesselslazyW.. 32mi-74Up-860D. ***** Cheiokee, NC RECOMMEN ENDEDROUTE MFire Onl The! Mou... 52mi-37Up:737 ***** Cherokes,NC RECOMMENDEDROUTE Uktenals Dream... 35mi-59UP-858D. ***** Cheokes, NO e Skilly 05mi-0'Up-140D Do.. ***** Cherokee. NC e Kessel Run 2imi-1 120' Up-642. ***** Cherkow NC Spearfinger 20mi-53TUP-62D.- ***** Cherokes, NC LazyEk 1.0mi 113 Up- 232-  Fire Mountain Park Cherokee, NC  Fire Mountain Trails'11,000 annualvisitors yieldeda conservative economic ofS1.9million  impact  Oconaluttee IndianVillage  Multiple new business have opened due to this park (BCO outdoors Motion Makers andal brewery and restaurant  Bikes,    Rocky Knob Bike Park Boone, NC 24 trails 11miles oftrail Pump Track Playground Restrooms  Accordingto the High-Country Press, visitors to Rocky Knob contributed $2.8 million dollars to the local economy and approximater 4ofe every 10 visitors to the park came from  outoftown  appox    Help oject  Enter coordinates or a location name  Settings 973 2991 UT 976 LT 24 LT LT 33 2085 LT LT LT Apost59 60 91 L LT 85  Close Your Data  29199  1266  9689  Parking  Jumparea  2199  Phase2  STATE  GILDERS  Secondgreen trail  STAR  BlackDiamond area  STATE  Phases  Greentrail  STATE  RoCky GA SGA L MIGA 80 918 L,  ABRADOR  Parking ER MapBuilder Topol Info  $80  PMTIPS  CalTopo. OpenStreetMap contributors. Parcels (c)LandGrid: com Nt MN7 Keyboard shortcuts Imagemay    What Will This Park Offer?  MTB trails for all skill levels  Hiking trails  - Skills building area for MTB Progressive jump line - Picnic areas, Disc Golf  - Educational signage and areas I Boulders for climbing  A place for locals and visitors to enjoy the outdoors in many ways    USER GROUPS  Mountain Bikers  - EMS Training  NICA school bike teams  Bird/Wildlife Studies Family Picnics Church Groups  Gravel Bikers Hikers Climbers Trail Running Dog walkers School Classes    Health of our  County  According to a study by the Healthy Yancey Health Partnership, a growing percentage of respondents have been diagnosed with heart disease and more than 15% have been diagnosed with diabetes or borderline diabetes. Seventy percent ofYancey County respondents had calculated BMIs in the overweight or obese range. 20% got no leisure-time physical activity in the last  When key informants were asked to describe what elements, they felt would contribute to a healthy community in our county, they reported.  Access to care Recreationaloutdor activities Awareness and Education Access to healthy foods  month.    This park can help with most of these health  issues facing our area.  Safe place to Exercise Good way to clear your mind Kids have a place to stay out of trouble and find new hobbies Promotes Healthy living in our area Park will work with PATH on healthy  living ideas      How Will We Make This Happen?  YCOAMIRSPaamge all Planning, building and funding nconjuinctionvite: (he TowrofBumsville and  Yancey,County  Funding will be gathered by-fundraising, stateandfederal grants,private funding, local groups Elevated Trail Designs out ofMarshall, NCwill help pmein a master Plan and managing the builds. The building will be done by YOA,ETD, other trail building companies and help of volunteers and local  groups  Support from the Town and County  14    M  Park/Loçation  BURNSVILLE  With your help and support, this dream ofapublic park canbecomea: redlity-logether, we can makeit  happen!    THANK YOU!  Chris Sutton, YOA  Phone  919-221-2669  Email  yanceyouidoorassociationc@gmail.com    Budget Highlights  Property Tax should cover the bulk of basic services promised from a town, which is Police, Fire, Sanitation, and Streets. We have relied too much on sales tax the past few years, knowing that is very unpredictable. Ijust! heard from the League Tuesday that sales taxi is slowing and will see very little Preliminary estimates of the town's assessment is 263,184,450.. lam just trying to calculate values based on that less 10% for adjustments, the current exemptions which will be more based on values and the collection rate which is normally around 98%. This still has Sales Tax and other revenues Ihave included a very informative sheet called New Taxi Rates for you to get an idea of what revenues lam also including a sheet with a pie chart that shows what it looks like if property tax covers required services. That sheet also has ai forecast for the next five years with 5% growth and how proposed taxi rates fall out revenues VS expenses. As well as sheet with examples of what a property tax bill would like for two homes at the different rates. There is also a rate and revenue forecast that allows you to look at the all general fund revenue projections, restricted and unrestricted VS The last pagei is projected COLA increase for employees, based on the, NCLM, South East CPI, the We are trying to allocate the vehicle taxi fors street repair and improvements, since Powell is simply  growth if any.  picking upt the: short fall on the promised services.  would be based on different rates. The Town's current tax rate is 52 cents.  expenditures.  County and other estimates. not enough to coveritall.  Expenses continue to rise, as well as retirement continuing increase.  Itold Heather that this is like trying to guess the showcase on the Price is Right, it is as good an estimate as we can come up with on the revenues, but the expenses are pretty conservative.  Water/Sewer  There is some options on water/sewer rate increases.  Just need to decide if we are going with McGill's recommended 7% increase. We need to keep up with thei increases in contracted services. (WTP,SCADA)  There is the possibility of us having to supplement for grant shortfalls, and having to upfront cash for  grants SO we need to keep a healthy fund balance.