Scotland County Board of Commissioners reconvened meeting May 22, 2024, Edwin Commissioners in attendance: Chair Ivey, Commissioners Bo Frizzell, Whit Gibson and John Alford. The Vice Chair, Darrel 'BJ' Gibson arrived at 10:15a.m. Commissioners not in attendance: Commissioners Clarence McPhatter, II and Darwin Williams. Staffi in attendance:  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  County Manager April Snead, County Attorney Ed. Johnston. Call to Order and Approval of the Agenda  Chairman Ivey called the reconvened meeting to order and asked for ai motion to approve the agenda. Motion was made by Commissioner Alford to approve the agenda. Motion was dulyseconded by Commissioner W. Gibson. Vote to approve the agenda: unanimous.  JCPC Funding Request  Rogena Deese of the Scotland County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council presented a request for funds in the amount of $6,000.00. This amount is requested due to a shortfall in funds received from the State, for the two programs serving Scotland County, these programs being Scots for Youth and Partners in Ministry (PIM). PIM was given the requested funds of $50,535, but Scots For Youth was $6000.00 short of the funds requested for its four programs. Chair Ivey asked if Jason Robinson will stay on the Board and will this be a Commissioner replacement or a County Manager replacement. The answer was no since he is not a county employee, he was a County Manager appointee and the position to remain vacant for now until a new employee is hired. The County Manager stated that she and Mrs. Deese spoke about this and that for now Mrs. Tyson is filling in and serving a dual role, and that she is okay with that until a new employee is hired. Commissioner W. Gibson asked if we need to take this request into consideration now. Mrs. Deese said that she hoped that this was not an improper question, but asked when funds would be available. She asked because they (JCPC) can not send anything up to Raleigh unless they know that we are getting money from you. Commissioner Ivey asked when do you need to let Raleigh know. Mrs. Deese stated that they will hold their budget up until we get something, meaning their. July 1st budget would be held up. Chair Ivey stated that it would be before July Ist, it has to bel because the County budget has to be done before then. He stated that he would guess around the 3rd week in June, which is our scheduled time. Mrs Deese stated that actually their information was supposed tol bel May 21st but, because of their particular situation, they were given permission to extend their period. Mrs. Deese thanked the Commissioners for their  consideration.  Funding Requests (additional) Southeastern Family Violence Center  The County Manager presented an additional ask for funding, this being the request from Southeastern Family Violence Center for $30,000. Stating that there is not a shelter in Scotland County and an office in Scotland County that opened during the past year. They are providing  1    domestic violence rape crisis services to our citizens. Their request is through a letter presented in the Commissioner's 's packet. Chair Ivey asked ift there were any questions and Commissioner W. Gibson asked if there was anyone from the agency present? The answer was no.  Town of Wagram  The County Manager stated that she met with the Mayor, Mrs. Barbara Pierce and other representatives yesterday. They are interested in the county doing work to Murray Park in Wagram and anything to improve the park. Specifically, they mentioned resurfacing the basketball court, and aj piece of playground equipment. They also stated that the facilities outside oft the Wagram Active Living Center have been condemned. Chair Ivey asked ifthis (Murray Park) was the park that they toured a while back. It was answered, yes. Mrs. Snead has spoken with Mr. Graham, P&R Director, emailed him yesterday, and information received was that our parks are in good shape. She stated that she asked Mayor Pierce if they wanted to go in with the county for the repairs. Mayor stated that they are working on the other parks that the Town of Wagram owns and reminded them that Murray Park is county owned. Director Graham stated that none oft the equipment at Wagram Active Living Center (WALC) is commercial grade equipment and is therefore unsafe. It was declared unsafe by Parks and Recreation Certified Playground Inspector, JeffMaley. Also stated that he walked Murray Park several months ago with our County Commissioners and Town Manager and that past updates have been safety oriented, ie. lighting and walking trails, no other updates have been done. Mr. Graham also stated that hel had quotes and was told tol hold, he also asked Town Manager Henegan if Wagram would like to add some money for us to enhance a bigger picture, in terms of layout, ideas.. Commissioner Frizzell asked how far apart are these facilities and Director Graham answered, about a mile. Director Graham stated that the equipment outside of the Wagram Active Living Center (WALC) is newer and that there are two sites, Murray Park and the Wagram Active Living Center. The Town of Wagram is responsible for everything outside of the building (WALC) and Scotland County is responsible for the operations. County Manager Snead said that she proposed that they work together on one park versus working separately on two. Chair Ivey stated that the one outside of WALC is not really a park. There are only two parks, Murray and outside of the WALC. Director Graham asked by Commissioner Frizzell ifhe could bring pictures, information, etc. about the parks back to the Commissioners. Director Graham stated that hel has proposals from the meeting that they had and could submit to the County Manager and she could share with the Commissioners. County Manager Snead stated that this is not a capital project that has been budgeted for. Chair Ivey asked ift there was any equipment at Murray Park and Director Graham said yes there is equipment, a walking trail baseball field, exercise equipment and a shelter that is rented out to the public. Commissioner W. Gibson asked ifanything, we needed to coordinate a plan, and participate in whatever it would take to improve any facility or these facilities, but Id don't think we know enough right now to do anything. Mike McGirt, Director of Public Building and Grounds stated that there is a lot of vandalism (tearing county signs down)to the park over the past several months, once items are: repaired and put back  2    up, they are damaged again. He has talked to the Town and since they have a new Police Chief maybe they can step up patrol in this area, as someone is actively doing damage tol Murray Park. Chair Ivey informed commissioners that a sample of the Resolution isi in their packet. County Manager Snead introduced Tax Assessor Miki Butler to discuss the purpose of the Resolution. She stated that the Resolution was passed in 2019, and discussed the purpose, which is to allow the business owners to submit their business and personal property reports online. She stated that we have to have the Resolution according to statute. She stated that she received a call from the DOR as they were cleaning up and they found that we had submitted back in 2019 an unsigned copy of our Resolution and they needed a signed copy. Unfortunately a signed copy has not been able to appear in her hands, and since she could not find one, she created a new one and itr needs to be signed sO that the service can be offered to the citizens of the County. Commissioner Ivey asked ifall we: needed was a motion to approve. Motion was made by Commissioner W. Gibson to approve the Resolution. Motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Frizzell. Vote to approve the Resolution: unanimous.  Tax Resolution  Fire Commission Presentation and Proposal  Fire Commission Chair Mac McDougald stated initially that he was not asking for extra funding as they can do this with the funding provided. He stated that the proposal was two-fold in that it would help with fire departments operational expenses and it would assist with fuel cost for these volunteers. He asked Mr. Skipper to have the fire chiefs come together and to discuss how they would work this out. He felt when he left the meeting that it wasn't going to fly, they never came tol him, sO he started working on the proposal which is in front of you. He, County Manager Snead, one fire chief, a fire chief at large and Robert Sampson, EMS Director met in March 2024. In this meeting they discussed the ins and outs for employees. He continued to say that the volunteers are the fire departments and without them there would not be any rural fire departments. The fire departments have an ISO: rating of 6, which has resulted in lower homeowners insurance premiums. In eleven years the County will have to buy pumpers again with a cost of $700,000.00 each. At that time there will not be sufficient funds in the fire fund for this, therefore we have to look at increasing the fire tax. In the year 2023, the volunteers and the fire departments with EMS responded to 4655 calls. The seven fire departments receive funds in the amount of $369,000.00 yearly from the fire fund. If passed, the volunteer firemen will receive $10.00 per call, for 50 calls only due to tax regulations. The funds will be received in May and December as the fire departments receive half oft their funding then. The fire chiefs will write the checks in May and December for the firefighter for the past 6 months. This proposal has been passed unanimously through the Fire Commission and County Manager Snead has approved it also. "Proposal is attached" Mr. McMilliam would like for this program to begin July 1, 2024. The fire chiefs will send an audit to the Finance Officer twice a year when they make the payments corresponding to the firefighter and the number of calls and the amount  3    paid tol have a record ofit. The County will draw up a contract for the Chiefs to sign stating that they would pay the firemen $10.00 a hour, not any more or any less. Any fire department with a state grant and receiving county funding of less than $50,000 a year will get tol keep 100% oft the grant. Ifthe county funding is $50,000.00 )- $75,000 then they will keep two-thirds the grant and ift the funding is $75,000.00 or more from the county, then they will get 50% oft the grant funding. Two fire departments have opted out due to their state grant, but they have the option to opti in at any time in writing to the Fire Commission by April of the year, and they will inform the County Finance Officer to budget them in the program to begin July 1st oft the next fiscal year. Chair Ivey asked which two fire departments opted out. Mr. McMillian stated Laurel Hill and Gibson. Commissioner Ivey stated that it seems that we are giving another $18,000.00a year, per department, that's what it feels like, instead of an award tol help those guys making the calls. He also asked how this will be policed to make sure that someone is not given credit for something that they shouldn't because they are someone' 's buddy? For those pulling out because they don't want to do it, the $18,000 will put them over the $50,000.00 mark. Chairman Ivey asked how much are they funded now? Mr. McMillan stated that they are funded currently at $42,00.0-548.000. Chairman Ivey stated that it does not seem fair with all five departments getting the same amount whether they answer the same amount of calls or not, with an example being Springfield and Wagram. Fire Departments will have to keep a log of the firefighters and the firet that they answered the call for. Commissioner W. Gibson asked does $18,000.00 cover all of the money going to the firefighters. The answer was yes. Commissioner Frizzell stated that the: fire departments are losing money, but firefighters are getting money. Commissioner W. Gibson asked if the departments will keep up with the number of volunteer calls and hours. Mr. McMillan replied that the Fire Report Incident will have the names listed but changes will have to be made to the report to include all necessary information. Comm. Whit Gibson asked ift the money would be taxed. Mr. McMillan stated ift the amount is $599.00 or less per person, then it is not taxed. He also mentioned that Laurinburg and Wagram get calls from Hoke, but Wagram would pull out the Hoke calls. Regarding funds, he mentioned that grants can end fast and monies not taken out of the fire fund ($3 million currently) will remain in the bank account. He stated that OSHA is coming down on fire departments and if there is any compensation to fire departments then they would come under OSHA. Iti is difficult to get volunteers, and this amount will supplement their gas. As far as the $18,000.00, the fire departments need the money, as it costs $4000.00 - $5000.00 per pair oft turnout gear. Also the State (NC) with their requirements are costing the departments, possibly coming from the State soon will be that fire trucks can not be over 20 years old. Commissioner Frizzell stated that some of the volunteers are not available during the day because they work. He also stated that he is the only commissioner living in the county and could see the fire department from his home, but the problem is having volunteers available during the day to respond. Commissioner W. Gibson stated that the problems have been identified, getting volunteers to the fire and having enough volunteers. He then asked if this proposal will help these problems. Mr. McMillian responded that this proposal would boost morale, the volunteer firemen would have money in  4    their pockets and he emphasized that the employers are not restricting them from their jobs because they are volunteer firemen. Commissioner Alford asked ifthe amount could be doubled. Therefore increasing the amount for calls from $10.00 to $20.00. Mr. McMillian replied that they do not want to fill out 1099: forms and want to try this on a trial basis for now. Chairman Ivey stated that they cannot increase the firet tax for three years from now on today. Mr. McMillian stated that he just wanted the commissioners to be aware oft the possibility and that they are very responsible with the taxpayers money. Commissioner W. Gibson stated that the longer you wait to do this, the higher the cost. Mr. McMilliam said maybe a 5% increase per year for equipment. Commissioner Frizzell stated that the Gibson fire department did not need the four door fire truck that they purchased. Mr. McMillian stated that this was a mistake by the Fire Commission and the County Commissioners in regard to the Gibson truck as it was $30,000.00 over budget. This was presented to the Commissioners by the former County Manager. The process now is for specs to be brought in, and at the next Fire Commission meeting three months later, the vote will be taken regarding the purchase. Chairman Ivey asked how many calls were answered from the Rescue Squad. Robert Sampson answered 50-50 split, County and City. County Manager Snead stated that she has not received anything regarding Rescue Squad volunteers and paying them. This may increase your budget as Rescue Squad cannot be paid out of the fire tax fund. Robert Sampson, Emergence Services Director mentioned that it is very important that everyone knows that the volunteer fire departments have an ISO rating of 6 and that it is very important to know the requirements tol keep the rating at 6. He explained that ift there is a fire, the State ofNC requires that at least four members from their department be present with the volunteers and that an engine from their department has to be an operating apparatus. Commissioner Frizzell asked ifit is possible to have an ISO rating better than six. Mr. Sampson answered that it is hard for rural volunteer departments to get below 6 because oft the five mile radius required, and that was the reason that the substations were built. He also stated that once aj person is paid for being a fireman (a salary) that they must havea Class B license to drive the truck. Commissioner Alford thanked Mr. McMillan and Mr.  Sampson for the information presented and their presence. IEllis Johnson Annex Occupancy Needs  County Manager Snead informed the Commissioners that I. Ellis Johnson will not pass the occupancy permit when inspected by the County Inspection Department in its present state. Chairman Ivey stated that the commissioners agreed to give the Annex to SCAP and did not agree to do anything to the building, also stating that they do not plan to do anything to the building. County Manager Snead stated that she sent an email to NCCOR reminding them that the County gave the Annex and 10 acres to SCAP. Asked ifv we/the County could deed this and it not affect the funding? They responded that the County should not deed the. Annex to SCAP until an environmental study was completed for the NCCOR Grant. Commissioner Alford recommended disconnecting the utilities. County Manager Snead stated that they would pay 17% oft the cost ofutilities.. Chief Inspector Milligan stated that if we deeded the property to  5    them then they would have to have their own utilities services, and that we would have to disconnect them from ours and run a new service to their building. Chairman Ivey said to wait on NCCOR. Chairman stated that our problem revolves around their problem. She then asked why can't we get the survey as coordination between John McLean, surveyor and SCAP. Chairman Ivey asked can we get the survey done now? Mike McGirt, County Grounds and Buildings Director stated that there have been conversations, but he will contact John McLean the surveyor and report back. He then stated that the cost should be minimal. Commissioner Frizzell stated that we are giving it to them and they should pay for the survey. County Attorney Johnston interjected that the Board must determine the boundaries. Mike McGirt mentioned survey, easements,etc. Chairman Ivey said not including the driveway. County Manager Snead said to survey the property lines and then tell them what you want to give them. Mr. McGirt stated that you might want to keep some for easements and look at the future for Scotland County. Commissioner Alford asked ift the survey could be done next week. County Manager Snead stated that we are at his mercy, but hopefully soon because hel has some of the information  already.  North Turnpike Water Discussion  Discussion regarding North Turnpike water project. County Manager Snead reminded the Board that they had already approved the current scope ofwork, that we are looking at other areas and information put out to approved areas about the $25.00 deposit. She presented the following questions: What about expanding? What are we accepting? Vice Chair D. Gibson stated those homes outside oft the scope and the $25.00 deposit for connection. Commissioner Frizzell asked where do we want to start and stop. He also mentioned getting quotes. Vice Chair Gibson stated that we did this in the last meeting. Commissioner Frizzell replied, get bids for the current scope. Vice Chair D. Gibson mentioned working simultaneously and still looking at the other areas. Attorney Johnston asked if deposits were accepted outside of the scope of work, will they get deposits back if we don't work those areas. ChairI Ivey asked how many had paid deposits to date. Inspector Milligan stated 8 - 101 had paid. Chairman Ivey stated that we do not want to make exceptions for any roads. Vice Chair Gibson stated that we are not promising anything beyond the scope of work. Commissioner Frizzell questioned whether we were giving false hope. Commissioner Alford mentioned Harris Road to Horseshoe Road,and asked, can't wej put out both bids for what we would like to do. Commissioner Frizzell replied only bids for the scope ofwork now and see what the numbers are and we can'tbid on the other properties without the additional information; engineers are expensive. Commissioner Alford asked, not Ace Drive or Ester Drive, as he is getting more calls, can'tt they be included.. Chairman Ivey stated the approved scope quote, but in addition can we get those five houses included. County Manager Snead stated that the engineer is to go up to those five houses which are not already included. Commissioner Frizzell stated that now is the time to bid out because it is less expensive and that we need to get quotes on the current scope, see where we are and then look at the other roads. The County Manager stated that it was voted and we are: moving forward with  6    the understanding of accepting deposits from any road connecting to North Turnpike. Ifso, we will get the message out that we are accepting the $25.00 deposit for the water connection forl N.  Turnpike Road and any roads that connect to N. Turnpike.  Parks and Recreation Splash Pad Fee  Parks and Recreation Director Bryan Graham stated that they are not making major improvements to the Splash Pad right now and that it is not in great shape. Also that the $2.00 fee only brings in $5000.00 or less each year and that it would be nice to offer to the public for free. It would still be available for rental. Motion made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to go from $2.00 admission fee to $0.00 admission fee. Motion was duly seconded by Vice Chair Darrel B.. J. Gibson. The vote was 5 tol with Commissioner Alford in opposition.  Budget Discussion  Chairman Ivey stated that it is not unusual for us to come at this point in the budget request to have a deficit. We will need to find $4.3 million to balance the budget. Also that this is the first year without ARPA funds to have our back. He commented that IT will go up this year, insurance reimbursing but may level off next year. He referenced the increases in the budgets for Revaluation Reserves, Health Dept., DSS, RCC, Sheriff's Dept. and EMS. Beth Hobbs Finance Director stated the following: In the Sheriff's Office. ARPA money was used as a supplement and we are now feeling the effects oft this in the payroll. EMS new 12 hour shifts and added a new shift which called for an increase in funds. Two personnel added with fringe benefits, salaries for 2023-2024 were unbudgeted, overtime and PT at EMS impacts our budget, new ambulance and also ambulance to the north side of town. Chairman Ivey asked what was the actual spending YTD for EMS. The Finance Director replied that $3 million spent YTD and there are still three pay cycles remaining which will increase the $3 million. Public Safety Director Sampson then stated that in collections, EMS brings in $1.8 million. Chairman Ivey stated that this shows that we will need a budget amendment for EMS. County Manager Snead stated that the projected number in the Budget includes a 2% COLA for employees. Commissioner Alford stated the following: this is a working session, go to each department head and ask them to cut their budgets due to the $1 million dollar deficit. The first go around isa a wish list. We don'tneed to raise taxes. I've been on the Board for 20 years, raised taxes 101 times and one time @ $1.10, not to raise taxes, but to manage better. County Manager Snead stated that Dept. Heads have cut two times already and are looking at drastic means for operating. Commissioner Alford stated that we are down to the lean now. Commissioner W. Gibson said that he is not advocating for increasing taxes, and we knew that the payroll would be significant. We were aware when we did this that the day of reckoning would come. We will be undoing the good work we have done. At the Sheriff's Office we have used funds to obtain quality staff. We chose to take this path, subjected ourselves to this. Chairman Ivey said that the ARPA money made it easy. Commissioner W. Gibson said to take a look at EMS due to a $1 million dollar increase. County Manager Snead stated that there are lapse salaries in EMS. Finance Director  7    Hobbs stated that there is $50,000.00 in lapse salaries for EMS. County Manager Snead stated that she and Finance Director Hobbs have a spreadsheet for each department with every fringe benefit, taking out lapse salary and abolished positions. FD. Hobbs stated that the IE. Johnson Community only ran for six months, but will be twelve this FY. Also with the Health Dept., the $500,000.00 increase is operational and that several grants (3)gave large lump sums, also that grant revenues are expected for the Health Department. Regarding DSS, all lapse salary ($700,000.) has been taken out and the overage is all personnel. Chairman Ivey mentioned sales tax and that it would come in higher than the 5% increase due to inflationary rate, sales and other taxes. FD Hobbs stated that a 5% increase adds a half million dollars. Chairman Ivey questioned the decrease in permits and fees (inspections and fees from the Sheriff's Office) being down $130,000 and asked why. FD Hobbs said that she would get the information. Chairman Ivey then questioned the decrease in interest revenues? The question was asked, what are non-essential part time jobs? County Manager Snead stated that these are those that we can go without, but this is subjective. She also stated that they are looking at ways that hurt the least and that the Board may want to look at these positions. Commissioner Alford stated that we might want to rethink the $10 million for the school, this was prematurely agreed, we need to go back, we don'twant to raise taxes. Chairman Ivey stated that we are not raising taxes, we may have to dip into the Fund Balance. Commissioner Alford stated that no one is to come to the board with a request after approving this budget. Chairman Ivey reminded the Board that we are at taselfimposed 14% Fund Balance, but the state (LGC) recommended amount is 8%. He asked FD Hobbs exactly where we are at? She replied at 14.87%. Commissioner Alford asked when is revaluation. Tax Assessor Miki Butler stated January 2027. Commissioner Alford stated that we have been balancing the budget on the backs of our employees, and we fixed that. Chairman Ivey asked what personnel costs in 2018. FD Hobbs stated she couldn't go back that far because ofN Munis, but it was $20.9 million in FY 2022and 2018 was less than that Chairman Ivey stated that FY 2024 is up $7 million and FY 2025 is up $9.5 million, we've done it in COLA, steps, etc., but no increase in personnel. We don't have any money. promised to anyone other than county operations. We have got to make up that $2 million inj payroll over two years. We can't do it all on the backs oft the employees or the citizens. He then stated that maybe with some of the Fund Balance, I think that we will be okay. Commissioner W. Gibson asked how many dollars in the Fund Balance that 15% represent. FD Hobbs stated that that is around $6-$7 million. Vice Chair Gibson said that he would like to see the non-essential part time employees. County Manager Snead stated that she would make ai note to send them the list and how they came up with the list. Chairman Ivey then asked ifs she was clear and she stated that she is not clear how to find $1.61 million? Chairman Ivey mentioned sales tax revenue and finding $300,000. in expenditures due to the decrease in permits and fees (Register of Deeds and Inspections), and that this fluctuates. FD Hobbs asked what is the limit for balancing the budget using money from the Fund Balance? Chairman Ivey answered al half million or less ($500,000. or less). County Manager Snead asked about the school funding and Commissioner Frizzell stated that we need to do that. Both the Chairman and Vice Chair asked what about the school  8    board? They both then stated that we will have a fight on our hands. Commissioner Alford suggested that the Board ask Supt. Dr. A. Baldwin to come before this board. Vice Chair Gibson stated that it is not Dr. Baldwin. It was our Chair and Vice Chair to meet with them, but I don't think we have the time. Commissioner Alford said that we can give them $200,000.00 less and they can accept it or reject it. Wel have to give them what we have, we can'tgive them what we don't have. County Manager Snead stated that the schools get all forfeitures from the Sheriff's Dept., the lottery money and all court fines. It was asked what willl happen if we don'tgive them the money? Vice Chair Gibson responded that they will sue us. Commissioner said to get rid of the liaison committee and let them come to us as everyone else does. We committed prematurely, and are cutting our own people. Commissioner Frizzell states that he agrees with Commissioner Alford, we: need to reconsider what we are giving. County Manager Snead mentioned the RCC increase and that we budgeted their entire amount. Chairman Ivey stated that we are not broke, Scotland County is just coming off the back of ARPA funds, salary studies, etc. Elections Department Chair Dell Parker stated that she is speaking as an employee and that she was here in 2011 with the furloughs, etc., and they survived. II know that some oft these things will hit the employees. The era is different now, and may lose some good employees because other groups are giving more. Before you hit us as employees please look at those organizations that you promised funds to, not to cut them out completely but to lower the amounts. Chairman Ivey said on the other side that the employees have to look at the 30% increase that wel have given over the past 2 years and that no money has been promised to anyone other than the county. Commissioner Alford expressed that he will not support giving income to other organizations versus not giving to the employees. Chairman Ivey thanked her for her comments. Vice Chair D. Gibson asked the county manager to look at organizations which are asking for money. County Manager Snead stated that she is looking at the list with two organizations having asked today, but from this meeting she takes it as a no go and that the funding for the Humane Society is still the same because Animal Control is dependent upon having somewhere to take the animals. Commissioner W. Gibson stated that it is hard tol look at monies spent on personnel two three years to the numbers of dollars being spent today, it is hard to do that without tax increase. Vice Chair Gibson stated that we are going to be in the same place next year with the chopping and moving this year, because the numbers will only increase as far as salaries and progressions, today or next year, we must do something to bring in more revenue. Commissioner Alford stated that as people retire and move on to look at management staff, as we did at the Landfill and a full time engineer not replaced, but contracted, sometimes you don't need as many employees as you have had in the past, especially since Scotland County is not growing, and we may need to do this in order to continue toj provide the increases/perks for our staff. County Manager Snead said to Commissioner Alford that's at every level and that it is time to dig deep. Do we need the level of staffing that we have? It's hard to say no, but we have tol be objective, and we can keep going like we are going and all lose or we can be objective and with fewer numbers keep our benefits, but that is easier said than done. FD Hobbs informed the Board of the amount of sales taxes collected from 2022 to YTD. FD Hobbs gave the numbers for  9    sales tax collections to date: 2022 collected $20.2 million, 2023 collected $21.1 million and YTD  $21.1million.  Chairman Ivey recessed until 12:30 p.m.  Discussion continues regarding the Budget. FD Hobbs stated that there is an increase in the school line item, as the schools pay us their lease payment. She also stated that the Auditor suggested that we show this as al lease payment. Chairman Ivey stated that we have our hearing on the 3rd and June 25th will be the next meeting to approve the Budget. There is a meeting on the calendar for June 5th and after discussion, the County Manager stated that she is not sure where this date came from. Attorney Johnston asked if there is a requirement that you have a 10 day publication before the vote occurs. FD Hobbs stated that she thinks there is, and she will find out. County Manager Snead agreed and stated that we will have to get the information in the newspaper quickly, which is fine. FD Hobbs stated that the Budget will be presented on. June 3rd, then a 10 day notice for a Public Hearing and then approved on June 25th. Also that the Commissioners will get the final budget with the possible cuts already included and also a note page to say this is what we' ve done to finish this out. Vice Chair D. Gibson asks, sO these things have already been done and will be made active soon? County Manager Snead replied yes, that unless you mark some things out, then yes. Vice Chair Gibson stated that some conversation needs to happen with the School before this goes public, just to save our face. Chairman Ivey stated that he could have that conversation with Mr. Singletary tomorrow, SO what I'm hearing is that will it be approved, and he is hearing $9.8 million instead of$ $10 million. Commissioner Alford stated that we don'tneed to do all on the back of our folks. Vice Chair Gibson asked ifv we were. leaving RCC as is. Chairman Ivey said that was a $50,000.00 increase and asked if that included the $30,000.00 that was given already. Commissioner Alford said that we may not be able to give that whole $50,000 and we may have to look at that again. County Manager Snead stated that that was extra. She asked if the Board was only giving them permission to only cut the School Board by $200,000.00. County Manager Snead stated that when you get down to this point that those are very important numbers and $200,000.00 goes a long way. Commissioner Alford stated that it is agreed, $9.8 million, and that he would rather look at the School Board like this versus our employees. Commissioner Frizzell yes, they don'twork: for him, the employees work for him. Chairman Ivey said there will be a fight and just be prepared for some meetings in July. Commissioner Alford, replied sure and that we don'thave it folks. Commissioner Frizzell asked sO we are cutting them al half million dollars ($500.000.) to which Chairman Ivey and County Manager both replied no, $200,000.00, just 2%. Commissioner W. Gibson replied $9.8 million in operating and $300,000.00 in capital for the School. He then asked them to look at the other numbers also, because the Liaison Committee made a commitment to support the $10 million, ift this Board votes and decides to give $9.8 million or what the Board decides. He encouraged them to look at all things, and that you don'tg get any better value for your dollar than with RCC and that he would consider a tax increase before taking from our employees. It goes back to that same statement ofi increasing your payroll by  10    $9 million dollars in three years and expect to do without your major source ofincome. Miki Butler, Tax Assessor addressed the Board and was speaking as an employee. She is struggling with this because she does not want to see the tax rate go up and our (Scotland County) evaluation is low according to other areas in North Carolina, we are 40% - 65% lower according tod documentation put out by the Department of Revenue. She continued that ift the economy/market stays where it is now, when we do the revaluation and values increase significantly, then people are going to get sticker shock ifs something is not done incrementally before. She knows that people are going to come in and have a field day with her, but she is concerned that ift the market continues like it does then our valuation is going to goup significantly. You are not going to be able to keep the $.99 rate when your valuation is up higher. She said the thing is tol keep the tax bills steady and you can move the rate up and down. She encouraged the Board to be proactive to slowly inform people that their tax bill is going up with one big jump and that is her concern as your Tax Assessor, of the shock when the citizens receive that 2027 bill. She then stated that she is appreciative of all that they are doing to keep the tax bills low. Susan Butler, HR: Director reminded the Board that with their approval the tax rate had been reduced for the last three years by the former County Manager and that was also during the time oft the salary study. Chairman Ivey said that there was a 2 cents decrease recommended last year and that he said that it would be too big of a jump. He then asked if there is a way to make a soft landing and say now without anything other than we're pretty sure that we start an overall tax valuation increase say 10%, I don't! know. Attorney Johnston said I don't think you can do that legally. Tax Assessor Butler said that she agreed with the County Attorney. Commissioner Frizzell asked if we had considered a sales tax increase versus property taxes. Chairman Ivey replied that that is another discussion, a quarter cent sales tax. Commissioner Frizzell said that if we raise the sales tax then that would take a lot of the burden. FD Hobbs stated if this is done, that this will help you in 2026, not this year. County Manager Snead asked what this would look like to the taxpayer, what is a 1% increase going to look like, not revenue. Chairman Ivey stated about $20.00 or more on your bill and you can'tsell that because that is not what is going to be heard. He also stated that he is not one of them, but there are four people on this board that are running for office and I don't know ift they want to stand up and say that they were the ones that did this. The question was asked ift there are any other areas or ways to cut and the County Manager replied RIF (reduction if force), and that will depend on whether we are overstaffed or not. Chairman replied that the hiring freeze will take care oft that. We are only freezing what positions become available at this time. It was asked by a commissioner ifit was deemed that in a department that you had more employees than you needed, would you have the authority to reduce the department. County Manager Snead replied that she could abolish an empty position but only the Board could impose a Reduction in Force for ap position that was filled.  11    Vehicle Use Policy  The vehicle use policy as proposed by the Policy Committee was presented and recommended changes were highlighted ini red. Suggestions included that the Sheriff would be able to determine who would get cars in his department and that they are not budgeting cars this year. Discussion continued and it included the following: some vehicles are taken out ofcounty and that they can not respond immediately ift they are out of county, the EDC vehicle and that is was purchased by EDC and the County paid aj portion, also that vehicles taken home are seenasa benefit and are taxed, and the purpose is to firm up the the take home policy only. Discussion regarding the types of vehicles purchased and going forth all vehicles must be presented to the Finance Officer and approved by the County Manager before purchase. Question was asked ifwe have a luxury vehicle policy because we have al lot ofluxury vehicles in Scotland County and that we: need to get a rein on this. Also that the vehicle's purchase price should be state contract price and any excess would have to be approved by the Board ofCommissioners. Questions were asked regarding the usage of take home vehicle by the 911 Director. Itwas suggested that the policy be passed and to not just pick out one or more users. Chairman Ivey stated that the other 11 people be brought in and to ask them the same questions as the 911 Director.. It was stated that ify you hire out of the county and their job responsibility requires them to have a car, then you have a decision to make. Attorney stated that the insurance policy may need to be reviewed and County Manager Snead said she would check on this, and information regarding luxury cars  would bel brought back on June 3rd. City ofLaurinburg Shared Costs 911 Communication Agreement Inspection Staffing  County Manager Snead informed the Board that the shared cost funding of911 by the City of Laurinburg ends June 30, 2024, with the City not providing any additional funding. When the agreement with the City was signed in 2014, the funding amount was $100,000.00. The question is, does the agreement signed then still apply? County Attorney Johnston replied that you can ask for a renegotiation. The Commissioners asked what can we do? The answers included hopefully going back and being able to do another 10 year contract, with another Commissioner adding, with a 50% shared cost. The 911 Director informed the Board that in 2023 the total percentage of calls for service (combined) for the City was 51%. The County Manager stated that she can speak with the City Manager and he will speak to his board. The other questions were whether it should be talking or a letter, what are our options ifthey don'tagree? Attorney Johnston stated that he would research that and that it should be discussed later in closed session. Discussion continued that the County is providing all the inspections for the City because they do not have an inspector, and we only get the fees paid for the permits, no mileage is paid. The County also does inspections for Wagram, Laurel Hill, Gibson, etc. The Chief Inspector replied  when asked that the permit cost for a new house is $1000.00.  12    Trillium MOE Designation  County Manager Snead stated that there is $22,000.00 left to be allocated. The amount can be used or they will reallocate for the region. Several programs were presented by the County Manager. Motion by Commissioner W. Gibson to use the $22.000.00 for Mental Health 1st Training. Motion duly seconded by Commissioner Alford. Vote: unanimous.  Commissioner Comments  Vice Chair Gibson- Regarding IEJ, the City ofLaurinburg had some discussion at their meeting regarding IEJ and utilities. It was stated that they did not make ai recommendation because they didn't receive one from the County. County Manager Snead stated that she did talk with the City Manager after our meeting weeks ago and that he said he would take it to the Board and if they need a formal letter then she is willing to draft one. The consensus is to write a letter to the City Commissioner W. Gibson- St. Andrews is making a request through the Scotland Development Corp. to the legislators to ask for funding to repair their dining facilities. The EDC Board has been asked to write a letter in support and we are considering it. He's asking ifthis Board would consider doing the same? It has been mentioned to Chairman Ivey earlier sO that he would not bel blindsided. A letter of support from the County for St. Andrews' request would be great ifno Vice Chair Gibson - Stated that hel has no objections, but is wondering is there a particular reason for going through this group rather than them making a request themselves? Commissioner Whit Gibson- The Scotland Development Corporation owns the St. Andrews property and this will be a capital improvement for the University. There was some concern as tov whether the university could make the request on their own. The consensus is to write a letter Motion by Vice Chair Gibson to go into closed session. Motion was dulyseconded by  ofLaurinburg in preparation for the 6/18/24 meeting.  onel has any objections..  ofs support for St. Andrews University. Commissioner Whit Gibson.   Dorothy B. fyson Deputy to the Board  B4 Tim Ivey Board Chair  (Seal)  13