Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting July 8, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard, Laurinburg, NC  Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Ivey, Vice Chair D. Gibson, Commissioners Alford, McPhatter, Williams and W. Gibson. Staff in attendance: County Manager Snead, Attorney Johnston and Dorothy B. Tyson, Community Relations Specialist/Deputy to the Board.  Commissioner Frizzell absent. Call to Order  Chairman Ivey called the regular meeting to order.  Vice Chair Gibson offered the Invocation and all recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  Approval oft the Agenda  Chairman Ivey requested to amend the agenda and add School Funding as Item #2 and move the other items down. Motion to approve the amended agenda by Vice Chair Gibson and duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. Vote to approve: unanimous.  Public Forum  Brian Gibson of 11280 Troon Circle Laurinburg, NC. Mr Gibson spoke about the report he shared via email with the Commissioners and that this information can be found at NCForum.org. He stated that this is the same information the school system has obtained, but are presenting some erroneous data. He referenced some data from the report regarding Scotland County as compared to other counties in the State: rankings during the 2023 - 2024 year, Funding #1, Affordability #97, Property Values #99. He wanted to commend the Board for being ranked #1 for the effort to fund this county's school system. He mentioned the continual decrease in students due to attending private schools in Scotland and Marlboro counties. He stated that he did not come to bring problems, Isay to bring solutions. He stated that he would like to leave them with two recommendations if he could. These are to give the school the $200,000.00 due to the Liaison Committee meeting with them, and to have new members on the Liaison Committee that have not previously served on the school board or have a business relationship with them; he is not questioning their integrity, as one board member stated there is erosion in the trust of the committee, due to the perception it creates. He then asked two questions of the Board: Do you ever see a line by line item budget from the school system and did you ever get the true value of I.Ellis Johnson School when it was turned over to the Board? He thanked the Board for allowing him to speak. Chairman Ivey stated that he received the Scotland County 4-Her Gage Garrison and Angela Galloway, 4-H Agent/Youth Gage Garrison is a participant in the Youth Voice Event for NCACC, which will be held in Winston Salem, NC during the month of August. One of the criteria was to sit with the Commissioners during the event and discuss 4H, he is here to present since our Commissioners will not be in attendance at the event. Gage stated that he has been involved in 4H since the age of five and that it has impacted his life and he has learned a lot. Currently, he is working with AgTech and teaching a class to help farmers incorporate drones in their operations, ie. watching over the fields and beekeeping and also working with Richmond County on a livestock project involving goats. He has participated ini record books and gardening, and won medals. Last year  report as well as other commissioners. Development Specialist Scotland County  1    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting July 8, 2024, EOC Building he won a gold medal at District Day and at the State competition he won Silver. Gage was thanked for his presentation, the Commissioners thanked him and wished him the best. He was also photographed with the BOCC, County Manager and 4H Agent/Youth Development  1403 West Boulevard, Laurinburg, NC  Specialist. Consent Agenda  Motion was made by Vice Chair D. Gibson to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion was dulys seconded by Commissioner W. Gibson. Vote to approve consent agenda: unanimous. Vice Chair Gibson wants to offer a conversation in the form of a motion as well. Budget amendment to the give the funds to the School System for the following reasons: 1. Cost incurred in mediation process, will possibly exceed $200,000.00 2. In the March 4, 2024 meeting if correct, the Board by a majority vote made the commitment. There have been some things miscommunicated, the Liaison Committee did not make the commitment. We should honor the commitment as not doing sO will not Moving forward we, those who serve on the committee or new members know that we want to do something different. Motion made by Vice Chair Gibson to give the Scotland County School System for this year's budget $10 million for Operating and $300,000.00 for Capital improvements. Motion duly seconded by Commissioner W. Gibson. Commissioner McPhatter asked where the money will come from. County Manager Snead stated the Fund Balance. Commissioner Alford asked is it was possible to come from someplace else. He also asked what is the current percentage in the Fund Balance, 14% - 15%. County Manager Snead stated approximately 14%- 15% as given previously by Finance Director Hobbs.stated He also stated that he is against giving the $200,000.00, but in talking with others and the Fund Balance being 14% - 15%, we will honor our commitment. Also stating that the information was brought back to the Board and the Board voted to approve it. We will still be at a great place with the Fund Balance being where it is and he can recall when it was at 8%. He states that he will support it. Commissioner W. Gibson states that he has paid attention to the statistics in Mr. Gibson's report and 2nd is Gates County. Scotland County has always been #1. If we gave $1 million less, then what we give now, our percentage we would still be #1. I don't believe that anyone can say that this Board and this county does not do everything they can to support education. We take pride in trying to fund our school system the best that we can. Our percentage ofwhat we could spend is 59%. We take pride in funding our school the very best we can, to do that it demands more of you and me, our other departments and sometimes we have to make sacrifices. Iappreciate your comments, and your recommendations to go forward are well taken. As a discussion point, Chairman Ivey stated that we have the meeting scheduled on. July 18th, a joint Board meeting. Atty. Johnston stated that if the Board agrees to do this, he will call their board attorney in the morning to not have the meeting. Chairman Ivey states that they will have to drop the mediation too. Attorney Johnston states that you might need to make a motion  School Funding  make for a good relationship..  contingent upon them  2    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting July 8, 2024, EOC Building dropping the mediation. Vice Chair D. Gibson made the motion of the budget amendment to bec contingent upon them dropping all the mediation. Commissioner W. Gibson duly seconded the motion. Vote to approve: unanimous. Chairman Ivey stated that they (the School Board) are meeting right now. Attorney Johnston stepped out to contact the Board while  1403 West Boulevard, Laurinburg, NC  they are currently meeting. Recognition of Susan Sanders  Susan Sanders recognized for thirty-seven (37): years ofs service to the County and her impending retirement. She was presented with a plaque and Chairman Ivey read the inscription. He also highlighted some history about Mrs. Sander, for instance she has served under every County Manager, quite a few Sheriffs and Register of Deeds. She was thanked for her service and a photograph was taken ofl Mrs. Sanders, the Board ofCommissioners, County Manager Snead and  her family. Trillium Presentation  Ms. Cecelia Peers, Regional Vice President of the Southern Region presented a powerpoint of Trillium Health Resources and the Annual Report for Scotland County, copy attached. In 2020 the General Assembly worked to align all health plans under one umbrella and Trillium was formed. Questions from the Commissioners: Trillium, not service providers? Also, where does the payment come from? Ms. Peers, Trillium contracts with the service providers and Trillium provides the payment. Commissioner Williams, Has local providers reached out yet? Ms. Peers, We are amending the contracts and providers, open office hours, providing Monarch and Easter Seals and also providing a directory on the website. Commissioner W. Gibson, Is this mainly to Scotland County? Ms. Peers, No, you can go to the Scotland County listing for immediate help and the website address given, www.tilumhealtnresources.org: Ms. Peers was thanked for coming and providing information for the Commissioners and the citizens of Scotland County. Commissioner Williams and Mrs. Carol McCall are the Scotland County representatives on the  Regional Board.  Kroger Opioid Settlement Resolution  County Manager Snead presented and stated that the Settlement is finished, companies are settling at different times and you must decide whether or not you want to receive the funds. If you choose to accept, then we will have to send a Resolution. Motion made to accept and approve the Resolution by Commissioner Williams and duly seconded by Commissioner W.  Gibson. Vote to accept and approve: unanimous.  Opioid Exhibit C Approval  County Manager Snead informed the Board that the Opioid Collaborative has been meeting. This is for prevention funding for the Scotland County School System for them to provide prevention at the schools. She mentioned that an Option C form had tol be done and it is attached. Itis required in order for them to receive funding in 2025. She is asking for Board approval of Opioid Exhibit C. Motion made by Commissioner W. Gibson to approve Opioid Exhibit C and was duly seconded by Commissioner Alford. Vote to approve: unanimous.  3    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting July 8, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard, Laurinburg, NC FY2025Opioid Strategy Resolution Approval County Manager Snead presented the FY 25 resolution request: Strategy 1 $150,000.00 (Family Court) Strategy 2 5,000.00 (Narcan)  Strategy 3 90,000.00 (Opioid outreach program from any entity in the county, connecting to Strategy 4 $260,000.00(Safe Choices bringing prevention Opioid education to all students in  services) Scotland County)  Total $505,000.000  Questions: Vice Chair D. Gibson, asked about the Outreach Program and County Manager Snead stated that this would be through DSS. Commissioner W. Gibson asked about the Court Program and County Manager Snead stated that it is in Strategy A. Motion made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to spend the money as allocated and motion dulys seconded by  Commissioner Alford. Vote to approve: unanimous.  Upset Bid Resolution  County Manager Snead presented a Resolution for the upset bid process for surplus and foreclosed properties. Request received from a citizen regarding the process. Attorney Johnston said as long as there is no usage for the County. Commissioner W. Gibson asked if this would have to be done every time. County Manager Snead replied no, ifit is a relative requesting to purchase property. Attorney Johnston stated that you can have a group as well ifs several requests are made at the same time. Motion to approve the Resolution by Vice Chair D. Gibson and  duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. Vote to approve: unanimous.  Boards and Committee. Appointments  Vice Chair Gibson stated that there are no applications for Board or Committee appointments this month. He informed the Board that the Scotland County Reentry Board does not have a Commissioner on the Council and he would like to nominate himself. Motion to approve made by Commissioner Ivey for Vice Chair Gibson to represent the Board of County Commissioners on the Reentry Council and motion duly seconded by Commissioner  Alford. Vote to approve: unanimous. County Manager's Report Currently, no movement. North Turnpike Water Line  Laurinburg Maxton Airport/ / Scotland County Land Swap  Continuing to accept payments for deposit. County Manager Snead states that phone calls have been made to all residents. People will have to pay once lines start, over $2,000 after the fact to connect Vice Chair Gibson asked how to determine a minimum number of people. Chairman  4    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting July 8, 2024, EOC Building Ivey stated that participation will go up when the project starts. He also asked by what date we need to make line connections. Commissioner Whit Gibson stated that you cannot run at a cost that we lose a couple of million dollars. He also asked what is the minimum number ofhomes neeed to make the project financially worthwhile. Commissioners made a recommendation to  1403 West Boulevard, Laurinburg, NC  continue toj push the information out.. East Laurinburg Properties sign on site. County IT Services  There has been some new interest in property but no offer has been made.. There is still a for sale  County Manager Snead states that we continue to make progress in the network rebuild. The Sheriff's Department is 95% up and running, the Tax office, Finance, Register of Deeds Parks and Recreation and Public Buildings have received new equipment. Three departments are waiting on. DIT to approve the network IP address as this is affecting them and their operations. Survey for 2-3 acres on Dixie Guano Road to begin this process if you are okay. The owner may ask the county to pay, ifso, then we can subtract the survey cost from the total cost. The County Attorney recommends that before we spend any money, we need to find out what the area is  East Laurinburg Recycling Center  zoned for.  Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program Funding Consideration  Have applied for six locations throughout the county. Has applied through Soil and Water Conservation, but can apply through several departments. This is the first year of receiving  funds. This will help with backup and drainage issues. Southeastern Community Action Partnership Request for Offices  SCAP's interest in using Scotland County office space. No offices are ready right now if we do open this up. There will be other terms to work out and this will set a precedent for other  non-county entities to use the county properties. L.Ellis Johnson Assistance Request  Letter to request assistance was delivered and it was addressed to both the City Manager and the Council. On 6/18/24, the Council agreed to support the utility cost at I. Ellis Johnson, up to  $50,000.00 each year for the next two years.  New Business  Notice ofTermination of] InterLocal Water Agreement.  This agreement with the City is scheduled to end 11/6/2025 and the letter received is a formality. As this time gets nearer, the City will go into negotiations for ai new agreement.  5    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting July 8, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard, Laurinburg, NC Eagleview Pictometry and) New Tax Billings improvements and not reported them. Reevaluation Option  This is a new technology that provides 360 degree aerial photos of properties. This allows the Tax Department to overlay these images over the previous ones and helps to see who has made  The next real property reevaluations are on a 8-year schedule and would affect real property tax collections in fiscal year 2027 through 2028. With this Pictometry, we can move this up. New values can be assessed beginning in July 2025. The tax department has two vendors that can work with this. It was asked of Ms. Butler, Tax Administrator ift the tax department has enough staff. She stated that yes, with the assistance of Eagleview. It will be a hard task, but doable if you want them to do it. If you want them to move tax revaluation up one year, then a Resolution must be approved. Chairman Ivey and Commissioners present stated that this is a good idea. Motion made by_Commissioner W. Gibson to approve Resolution moving tax revaluation up one year to be effective FY 2027 and motion duly seconded_by Vice Chair Gibson to Note: Four commissioners present, and voting.(Ivey, W. Gibson, D. Gibson, and D.Williams) County Manager Snead presented a list of possible projects. There are studies to do things, ie. feasibility study for North Turnpike Road. She was encouraged to review and to bring back  approve the Resolution.  C2Implementation Grant some examples.  Laurinburg Presbyterian Park  The park is owned by Laurinburg Church and is no longer used for Park and Recreation activities. County maintenance continues to cut grass, make repairs and maintain the parking lot. Scotland Co. Parks and Recreation continues to pay the utility bill for field light. The agreement needs to be updated, due to not being used by P&R. Practice teams from Parks and Recreation use the fields, and the Hut is not maintained by Parks and Recreation. David Harling of Laurinburg Presbyterian is present and states that there are no official operations of Parks and Recreation there and all changes made in cooperation with Parks and Recreation. There's no water in the restrooms or electricity and all light poles are down due to inability to pass the test requirements. You may request use of the park through the Church and people are welcome to use the Park. Commissioner Williams reminisces about his days at Presbyterian Park. Motion made by Vice Chair D. Gibson to continue the lease with the church for Laurinburg Presbyterian Park and motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. Vote to  approve: unanimous. County Commissioner) News  Chairman Ivey states that since we have not heard from the School Board's Attorney he is recessing this meeting until July 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., at the EOC Building at 1403 West  Boulevard unless something is heard from the School Board's Attorney.  6    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Regular meeting July 8, 2024, EOC Building  1403 West Boulevard, Laurinburg, NC  m  Dorothy B. Tyson Deputy to the Board  Tim Ivey Board Chair  Seal  7