TOWN OF RANLO BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MARCH 31ST 2022 SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING  RANLOTOWN HALL  1624 SPENCER MOUNTAIN ROAD, RANLO, NORTH CAROLINA 28054  THURSDAY, MARCH 31ST, 2022 6:00 PM  MINUTES  Governing Body Present: Mayor Black Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell Commissioner Hay Commissioner Fowler Commissioner Morton Staff Present:  Town Manager Jonathan Blanton Finance Director- Amanda Ellzey Chiefof Police Jimmy Lunsford Public Works Director Jason Green I. Call to Order and Roll Call  Mayor Black called the meeting to order and Town Manager Jonathan Blanton conducted  the roll call. All members were present.  II. Adoption of the. Agenda  Commissioner Moore motioned to adopt the agenda for the March 31st Special Budget Meeting. Commissioner Fowler seconded the motion. The vote was: 5-0,  III. Comments from Attendees  The Town Manager reported that there were: no comments from attendees wishing to  address thel Board.  IV. Approval of the March 7th 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes  Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell motioned to approve the March 7th Regular Meeting Minutes.  Commissioner Hay provided the second. The vote was. 5-0.    V.  Continued Discussion of] Fiscal Year 2023 Budget  The' Town Manager presented thel Board with the first draft of thel budget for fiscal year The Town Manager noted that ChiefLunsford had worked with Ford Credit to get financing quotes for police vehicles under Capital Outlay. The financing saves $11,000 in Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell inquired about air cards for Public Works. The' Town Manager responded that the administration intends to implement the Work Order Software and make the switch to remote work orders after a year when Public Works becomes  2023. He then gave ai review ofhow each department is budgeted.  the budget.  acquainted.  Commissioner Hay asked how much was put into the fund balance in fiscal year 2022. The' Town Manager responded that $183,000 was budgeted, but there will be a final number once the year is over. Commissioner Fowler inquired about the' Town being on track and the' Town Manager responded that at the! last check in with the State Treasurer's Commissioner Hay inquired about the 13th police officer being included in the draft budget. The Town Manager responded that iti is included. Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell asked what the budget would look like ifthel Police Department kept only 12 officers. The Town Manager responded that it would make a difference of around $65,000: in salary Commissioner Moore added that the 4% raises to be evaluated inl December could be taken out and puti into the Fund Balance until then. The Town Manager responded that the total would be around $85,000 for ai full year. $42,500 would be the total for raises issued halfway through the fiscal year. Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell added that the raises Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell suggested that the Police Department be budgeted for 121 full time officers and one police car. Commissioner Moore noted the lack of ability for grant funding for police departments compared to others. Commissioner Fowler suggested the hiring of an officer halfway through the fiscal year. The' Town Manager added that accommodations for the vehicle would need to be made as well. Commissioner Morton highlighted the need for an additional officer due to growth. Commissioner Hay requested a comparison ofc officer VS. populations for nearby towns. The Town Manager  Office, all concerns were adequately addressed.  and benefits line items.  should be evaluated in December and tol budget for half.    responded that Lowell has 11 officers, citing the Police Department's budget proposal. He added that Dallas has 16 including the chiefand administrative assistant. Commissioner Hay asked about ai target time that the Town will be offt thel Unit Assistance List. The Town Manager responded that ideally aj petition could be submitted after two fiscal years under the adjusted tax rate. He added that the importance oft the rate increases is due to the State's high area of concern in the' Town's Utility Fund. Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell suggested adjusting the budget for meter replacements. The Town Manager responded that there are direct allocations to replace the Town's water meters, but the installation will take time. Thel Public Works Director added that the Commissioner Moore proposed leaving the officer and two cars in the budget. Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell added that she would prefer two cars on a five-year replacement, but The Board discussed decreasing the salary line item by $42,500 and evaluating raises at the 61 month mark. Commissioner Morton noted that there should be no raises until the Mayor Pro Tem Cordell motioned to decrease the salary line item by $42,500 and evaluate raises at the 61 month mark. Commissioner Fowler provided the second. The vote Commissioner Moore motioned tol budget for a five year replacement plan for two police vehicles and Commissioner Morton provided the second. The vote was: 5-0. Thel Board reached consensus on 5% water and sewer rate increases.  department needs backup meters in case ofmalfunctioning.  she was noti ini favor of the additional officer.  Town is offt the Unit Assistance List.  was 5-0.  Commissioner Moore made a motion to move forward with the 13th police officer. Commissioner Morton seconded the motion. The vote was. 3-2 with Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell and Commissioner: Hay opposed. Commissioner Fowler voted in favor of the The Board reached consensus to send the draft budget to the State Treasurer's Office in  motion.  order to have a budget message prepared for thel May meeting. VI. Review of Ford Credit Financing Quote for Police Vehicles    The Board voted to approve the five-year financing option through Ford Credit during the budget discussion. Commissioner Moore made the motion to approve with Commissioner  Morton providing the second. The vote was 5-0.  VII. Adoption of Resolution Accepting ARPA Funding from the NCDEQ  Commissioner Fowler motioned to adopt the resolution accepting ARPA funding from the NCDEQ in the amount of $2,824,200.00. Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell provided the  second. The vote was 5-0.  VIII. Adjournment  Commissioner Moore motioned to adjourn the March 31st Special Budget Meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Cordell seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0.  ATTESTED1 TO:  RecorderAnd transcriber oft the minutes for the Special March 31st 2022 Budget Meeting  E