Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin Commissioners in attendance: Chair Ivey, Vice Chair Gibson, Commissioners Alford, Frizzell, Staff in attendance: County Manager Snead, County Attorney Ed Johnston, and Deputy to the  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  Williams and Gibson.  Commissioner not present: Clarence McPhatter, II. Board Dorothy B. Tyson. Media present. Call to Order and Approval oft the Agenda  Chairman Ivey called the reconvened meeting to order and asked for a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes, Item 5 Public Hearing - Special Use Permit moved to Item 3, and Item 3 Senior Tar Heel Legislature moved to Item 5. Motion was made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to approve the agenda with the said changes. Motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Alford. Vote to approve the agenda: unanimous.  Consent Agenda  Motion was made by_Commissioner Alford to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion was duly seconded by Vice Chair Gibson. Vote to approve consent agenda: unanimous.  Public Hearing - Special Use Permit  Special Use Permit request by B. Breeden for private cemetery.  Zoning Chair McMillan - Zoning has been presented with a unique situation. Family did not have adequate time to prepare and request a permit. He was contacted by a friend of a County Commissioner regarding the situation. There are some preliminary criteria that must be met, site plan, surveying, receiving permission from Zoning Board, permission from the Board of County Commissioners, and it is a timely process. To date, there is no process available to expedite the overall process, there are no specific fees, as the family agreed to pay double the fees. The County may need a waiver to help families in their time of grief. There was a previous circumstance with Clayton Homes not following protocol. The family did come to the Zoning Board and request information. There should be a penalty for those not abiding by the rules and  regulations.  See attachment, notes from Zoning Chair McMillan.  Chair McMillan recommends that the Special Use Permit be approved by the Board. Public Hearing Opened by Chairman Ivey for those to speak in favor of or against: :  Jim Blackmon of 12860 McColl Road in Gibson, affirmed by Commissioner Whit Gibson. He is asking for consideration to approve the Special Use Permit. States that there have not been any complaints from the neighbors and he respectfully requests that the Special Use Permit be Trey Thurman, Attorney in Pender County (Burgaw and Jacksonville) affirms himself based upon his oath as an attorney. He asked Zoning Chair McMillan if all criteria was met for the home cemetery and McMillan responded yes. He continues stating that the deceased, Mr.  approved.    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin Breeeden, left his blood, sweat and tears on the property and wanted to bel buried there. He also suggested that if you meet the criteria, that the permit be approved without a Special Use Permit. He respectfully requests that the permit be approved because the family has done all that needed to be done and complied with. This is a time sensitive/timeline, all criteria met and the family is Zoning Board Chair McMillian stated that there has been another circumstance with the City and the deceased was stored several weeks until the burial site was approved. He also mentioned that Melanie Bumgardner affirmed by Commissioner Whit Gibson and speaking on behalf of Bumgardner Funeral Services. She stated that they served the family in good faith, and that Mr. Sherrill Bumgardners spoke with the family about this and they should have waited until all this was done. Her concern is that the Board made a formal complaint to the State Board and that they were blatantly failing to go by guidelines. She asks that in the future, the Board will wait BOCC Attorney Ed Johnston responded that he wrote the letter on behalf of the Board and that it was providing information, not a complaint. Ms. Bumgardner replied, "The Board", a willful desire to not comply with the guidelines. We strive to provide service to families in ai respectful manner and to respect their grief. Zoning Board Chair Jim McMillian stated that at that time the Zoning Board asked if anything had been sent to the funeral homes. He informed them that a letter had been sent to all funeral homes with the new ordinances. Mr. Sherrill Bumgardner, Owner was affirmed by Commissioner Whit Gibson. Mr. Sherrill Bumgardner stated that in reference to the information brought by Brooke (Zoning Officer) a few years ago that there was There being no opposition present to speak against the Special Permit, the Public Hearing was closed by Chairman Ivey. Chairman Ivey responded that he has no problem with the burial on their property as it's everybody's right. As a County, we were facing the prevalence of other cases and the wheels don'tmove fast. The issue is the precedence. There have been some ideas proposed by Chief Inspector Thomas Milligan such as a temporary permit being issued if all criteria has been met. Zoning Chair McMilian stated that he was not aware of anything being Commissioner D. Williams offered his condolences and stated that he would not want to be in the position they are in. He also stated that going forward, we need to do something, to be ina a better place as a government, as this is a new age. Commissioner Alford wants the Board to accept the recommendations on the book now, and do not want to take this family through more. Zoning Board Chair McMilliam stated there are ordinances, but nothing to accommodate a burial in two (2) days. Commissioner Alford spoke again, saying that he has been on the board for 20 years and what we have has been working, but we can create something else going forward. Also  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  willing to do anything else that you request.  the Zoning Board has a meeting on tomorrow, June 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.  until everything is resolved.  not an effective date listed.  worked on, but they have had some off the cuff conversations.  2    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin that we do not want to put the family through more and/or drag this further. Commissioner Frizzell stated that around 1965, Mr. Breeden moved to the farms and spent his entire life on the farm. He has been a great help to the community, church, etc. The family was trying to do the right thing, as Mr. Bumgardner contacted him and he in turn contacted Chair Ivey, Commissioner W. Gibson and others regarding the situation, and that he would have done the same thing ifhe was in this situation. Due to his closeness to the family, Commissioner Alford recused himself. Motion made by Commissioner Frizzell to approve the Special Use Permit and_duly seconded by Commissioner D. Williams. Motion passed. Chairman Ivey reiterated that the Ordinance is not being changed, but working to expedite the procedure/process.  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  Paid Volunteer Fire Calls See Attachment  Proposal from Mac McDougald, Chairman of the Scotland County Fire Commission. He states that the proposal is a revised plan from three (3) weeks ago.. He informed the Board that five (5) of the six (6) departments are under $50,000.00 in funding, with Gibson being the lowest, followed by Springfiles, Wagram, Laurel Hill and then Laurinburg. The duties of a volunteer firefighter, the agencies assisted, services provided to each one and the amount of training were discussed. Proposed that in December, a list will be sent to B.Hobb, Finance Director with the names of the firefighter and the number of calls (this information is already listed on their fire reports). If they use up the maximum funds of $10,000.00, then the Fire Chiefs will have to stop paying for calls. The budgeted amount will be $108,000.00 ifa all departments go for it. Gibson and Laurel Hill have opted out due to losing a $25,000.00 grant if they participate. Two (2) fire trucks have been sold for $95,000.00 and this will pay for the first year of this program, therefore not touching the Fire Fund. Three (3) fire trucks will be sold in July 2024, with reserves of $80,000.00, $60,000.00 and $50,000.00, ift these amounts are received, they can be used to pay for the program for three (3) years. Mr. MacDougald continues to inform the Board that trucks cannot be over twelve (12) years in age and that currently, trucks are being replaced every twelve (12) years. They are ready to put this program in place on July 1, 2024. He responded to comments made about fundraising for money and stated that with everything they are responsible for, it is impossible. Over 4000 calls were answered last year and they do not need to be out doing fundraisers to buy equipment that the County is responsible for providing. Fundraisers are used to buy things to boost morale, help those who are down and to help the community and reference made to a Laurel Hill event. Giving $8000.00 and $10.00 per call will Discussion of the matter ensued. Commissioner Frizzell questioned the reimbursement of $10.00 per call as gasoline costs more and may only get two gallons of gas. Fire ChiefNeil Shaw asked where do you stop. The departments have a limited budget. Commissioner Williams asked what ist the current pay and how many calls in Wagram. Fire Chief Shaw responded zero and the calls in Wagram were 162 and 294 calls daily helping Robert Sampson, Public Safety Director and EMS. Fire Chief Shaw said that $10.00 may not sound like much, but it may change someone's idea, and increase morale. They are firemen, not here to get rich, but to help the community. There have been increases in the cost of turnout gear, years ago it cost about $1,500 per fireman  boost morale and provide fuel for the calls.  3    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin for turnout gear now it's about $3,500. Pagers cost $475 and air packs $30,000. Chairman Ivey stated about 38 cents per hour. Commissioner Whit Gibson stated, but we do not want to risk our own lives. Mr. McDougald states that they did receive a $10,000 increase for operating expenses, but that was five years ago. Chairman Ivey asked, $8000.00 increase and $10.00 per call and questioned the 1099 with the limit being $600.00. Mr. McDougald said that they are willing to fill out the 1099 forms if the amount exceeds $500.00. Chairman Ivey stated that in reality, they could make $800.00 and the fire department completed the 1099 form. He asked about a federal tax ID number. The Finance Director stated that they already have one. Commissioner Alford asked to do this separately and move on. Chairman Ivey responded yes to doing this separately and to then have more information. Chairman Ivey stated that his one comment was to not let anyone cheat. Mr. McDougald said that you have to trust the chiefs. Commissioner Williams asked if the CAD system kept up with attendance? 911 Director Samantha Dutch replied no, and that it keeps up with equipment, no calls. Also that she would have to come for money to do that. Chairman Ivey reiterated that the quickest way for a program to end fast is cheating. Mr. McDougald stated that the chiefs will handle this and ifa problem comes up, they will handle it. Motion made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to approve $8000.00 per station for operations, $10,000.00 maximum per participating station for the volunteer calls at $10.00 per firemen, up to 50 calls. Motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Alford. Vote to approve:unanimous. Mr. McDougald stated that they can carry this with their budget for about 5 years. Also that in eleven (11) years they will be  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  purchasing pumpers and they will not have the money to purchase. Chairman Ivey stopped the meeting for ai ten minute break.  Senior Tar Heel Legislature  Ruth Miller spoke as the alternate for the Senior Tar Heel Legislature, appointed in February 2024. She thanked the Board and told them that she was sO impressed by the first Board of County Commissioners meeting she had attended in years. She has attended two meetings in Raleigh, the first one was a blur but now that she can ask questions and set up meetings she has learned a lot. She now knows the needs of the seniors of Scotland County and also those resources to help with the needs. She stated that she was an end of life doula and is a retired geriatric nurse. She learned about people standing in line and watched people stand asking for food, which is hard. Another concern is medication, because she has insurance she paid $1.11 for a prescription, but there are others without insurance. She stated that you need to be at the right place at the right time and observe the needs. She stated that those residing at Scotia Village can meet their needs, but those outside cannot afford to. She has learned a lot in the past months and she thanked the commissioners for meeting with her. She again thanked them for their time and  stated that she was glad that the application was submitted. Public Hearing- FY25 Budget Ordinance  County Manager Snead gave an updated water schedule and is waiting for the City ofLaurinburg to have their meeting. County Manager Snead stated that they are still getting calls from North Turnpike, County Manager Snead stated 15 people the first time then tapered down the second  4    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin time. They're still paying here and still receiving payments here. Commissioner Alford mentioned 2000 gallons of water usage and asked what if we up it to 2500? Chairman Ivey stated that this fee schedule is based on what the City ofLaurinburg is sharing with us. Chairman Ivey opened the public hearing and asked if there were any speakers for or against the He asked if we should have a new copy of the budget. He questioned the increased 401k, insurance, and retirement savings and stated that this looks like a credit. Finance director Hobbs stated this is just one lump sum she did not spread throughout the departments but will do SO. County Manager Snead stated that the ambulance had been removed from the budget, but they will repair it. She also stated that the fund balance amount may not all be used, but has it available. Also, she stated that the City ofLaurinburg did approve the request for up to $50,000 for the next two (2) years in utilities at I. Ellis Johnson Community Center. Commissioner Frizzell questioned the 401k amount. County Manager Snead stated there are: no changes to the 401K benefit.. Commissioner Whit Gibson had a question regarding other sources. Finance Director Hobbs stated this was a reduction of the fund balance transfer of $500,000. Chairman Ivey mentioned the School System and their $9.8 million dollars. He also stated that the School Board Chair Singletary was meeting with their board today at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Alford stated that he explained our position and that they are in the same position. He also stated that Mr Singletary is not authorized to make a decision. Commissioner Alford then stated that he told Mr. Singletary that $9.8 million would be put in the budget and they could come back later in the year. He stated that both he and Mr. Singletary agreed that they would do the best for this county. Chairman Ivey asked if the budget was based on the amount of $10.3 million for the school system. Finance Director Hobbs stated yes. Chairman Ivey stated that he received a message from the School System Board Chair Singletary during the meeting, and the School Board members agreed to not have any decreases, and to agree to the amount agreed upon of $10.3 million. Commissioner Alford stated that we don't have money to give 48% of our ad valorem tax to run the county, also that they have lost enough students to be equivalent to one school. Also, if we went by the formula, the amount would be substantially less than what we. are giving. Commissioner Williams stated his issue is that we agreed upon a number and we sent our members Gibson, Ivey and Gibson as liaison members to the meeting with the School Board, going forward we should have a better view of our assets before going to the board. This is a touchy situation, if there's a need for the additional $250,000 then he is all for it. Honest, fair, and clear with each other as boards. He will vote for what we agreed upon. Commissioner Alford stated that in order for the liaison committee to be more informed, that would mean that wel have to crunch numbers at least three (3) months earlier, in April or May, which is not doable. The liaison is an ad hoc committee, not a standing committee. Chairman Ivey stated that it is part of the mediation. Commissioner Alford stated that he does not think thel liaison committee should commit this board to a number without having the information before them. There are 200 line items to be funded and you are giving 48% of the ad valorem tax. The state pays for education, with about 8% from the federal government, this money can be used for assistant  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  Budget, there being none, the public hearing was closed.  5    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin principals, personnel, etc. Commissioner Williams stated, we agreed to this amount. Commissioner Whit Gibson, the liaison is an advisory committee, sometimes at odds as to meeting the request. We came back to this board to recommend $10 million for operations and $300,000 for capital, and it was up to the board to accept or not. He is in support of the amount we agreed upon since he told them he would. If the Board goes with $ 9.8 million then he will support the board. Commissioner Alford stated that he helped to make the spill for South Johnson to be built despite opposition, he represented the Board. He also worked to sell the bond referendum for Wagram. Iam a big supporter of Scotland County Schools. We have to balance the budget, if not then we will have to do it on the backs of our employees. He wants to get toa balanced budget and suggests suspending the board members' stipends, to lead by example. Vice Chair D. Gibson asked if the budget proposed today was a balanced budget and not having raised taxes? Finance Direct Hobbs stated yes. Commissioner Frizzell states that he agrees with Commissioner Alford, three people making decisions for the Board should not occur. Chairman Ivey replied that the committee members brought it back to the Board. Commissioner Frizzell again questioned Cola and 401K, and said that the school system added three (3) new positions and is that not a slap in the face? We are putting off things that saves people's lives, ie. the ambulance. It would have been ok without the adding of three new positions. Chairman Ivey stated that we were in agreement with $10 million dollars. Would like to do what we agreed upon this year. Cutting will possibly jeopardize their low wealth funding and maybe other funding. The Budget is balanced without raising taxes and hopefully not have to use the Fund Balance. Commissioner Frizzell said that there's no way to run this county and keep doing what you are doing. Other counties are paying more. Chairman Ivey replied that is not true, that some positions may be more, but we have improved and that we always start the budget process with less. Commissioner Williams, our employees understand that they are our greatest assets, we need to do better going forward, seeing what we are doing and committing ourselves to. Commissioner Alford, if this trimming down stays in effect we will be okay. must stop giving out money, giving out money after the budget is approved. After the approval of this budget, unless there is a departmental error. Commissioner Whit Gibson, we've never had luxury revenue streams to do things. We made a conscious decision in the last 3 to 4 years to do things for our employees. Increases of 4 to 7 million dollars. I do not know how we can expect to do this without the revenue to do this, the ad valorem tax. Question regarding the revaluation funds. Miki Butler, Tax Administrator stated that the funds would be in the 2027-2028 budget. Commissioner WIlliams, we must be better stewards. Commissioner Whit Gibson, it will take more than being better stewards. If we went to the formula for funding, we would probably be giving less than $10 million for the schools. Commissioner Alford asked if the $200,000.00 was still in the budget and Finance Director Hobbs replied, yes. Commissioner mentioned not going to conferences and stipends. Commissioner Frizzell suggested suspending national conferences, travel and stipends. Commissioner Alford replied that it would not bother him one bit. Commissioner Whit said that he would do this for our employees, not the school system. Robert Sampson, Public Service Director states that he has been in meetings, tough for the community. The stress to satisfy the needs of this Board have been overwhelming. The  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  Chairman Ivey reminded them that the $10 million is already in the budget.  6    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin department heads were given a number in February/March to operate our departments. We knew that we didn't have the funds to operate our departments efficiently. We were asked to cut that number by another 10%. Robert Sampson stated that there are concerns about not having the funds to operate their departments, providing the same level of service without the proper funds. Support the school system, but you have an obligation to the citizens, when someone needs help and ifI don't get there then I have failed. Robert Sampson, asking as a county employee, please hear us. Tightening belts should not just apply to us, it should apply to everyone. Commissioner Frizzell, adding three new fat positions to their budget $300,000 in salaries if not close to it. Agreeing with Commissioner Alford 100% and agreeing with Mr. Sampson. We must work at this thing with all eyes. Motion from Chairmanlvey to fund General Budget proposal $54,821,549 million dollars. Budget to be enacted with the following changes: reduce school funding to$ 9.8 million and move remaining funds for a 2% cost of living increase for employees, still balancing the budget and doing better for our employees. Finance Director Beth Hobbs states that she would take the other $200,000 for COLA as far as it goes. Commissioner Frizzell asked if we can suspend the commissioner's stipend? Chairman Ivey stated a lot ofstuff goes with it, association dues and other things need to be considered. The motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Alford with the vote being 4 to 2 passing the budget, White Gibson and BJ Gibson being dissenting votes. Commissioner Frizzell stated travel reimbursement and yearly salary to be suspended. County Manager Snead stated that you can't totally wipe out the travel budget without wiping out your memberships. Commissioner Whit Gibson asked can you just remove the stipends. County Manager Snead replied yes. Commissioner Frizzell stated just take it off for this year. Vice Chair D. Gibson said that it does not make sense to be a member and not attend the meeting. There are lots of benefits to Commissioners. County Manager Snead stated that you receive more from your state associations than the national associations. HR Director Susan Butler stated that there are lots of free trainings through NACO. Finance Director Hobbs mentioned amounts being paid $723.00, $4900 for the School of Government, $4,500 for NACC. County Manager Snead stated that she did not realize that dues were paid to the School of Government. Chairman Ivy states that he is fine with suspending travel. Commissioner Frizzell proposed a motion to suspend Commissioners pay for next 12 months and suspend travel reimbursement for next 12 months. The motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Whit Gibson. Commissioner Gibson states that his second will be withdrawn if motion is amended to just suspend all reimbursement for travel for the next 12 months. Motion amended by Commissioner Frizzell, motion amended to the following: motion to suspend all reimbursement for travel for the next twelve (12) months, no travel. Motion was dulys seconded by Commissioner Whit Gibson. Commissioner Frizzell moves to suspend commissioners' pay Motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Whit Gibson. Discussion: Chair Ivey not sure. Commissioner Frizzell, a sign of good faith. Chairman Ivey, making $.38 per hour. Commissioner Frizzell, it should be a privilege Chairman Ivey, it is a privilege, but the time spent going to other meetings, Vice Chair Gibson to Wilmington at least two times and he travels to Cumberland County at least four (4) times. Commissioner Frizzell it's such a small amount, we will not miss it. Chair Ivey called for a voice vote: Chairman Ivey- No, Vice Chair D.  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  for the next twelve (12) months to be used for COLA.  7    Scotland County Board of Commissioners Reconvened meeting June 25, 2024, Edwin Gibson No, Commissioner Williams No, Commissioner Frizzell- Yes, Commissioner Alford- Yes, and Commissioner W. Gibson Yes. Chair Ivey states that the motion does not pass due toa 3-3 tie. Commissioner Frizzell said that he thought the Attorney broke the tie. Commissioner WIlliams to Robert Sampson, "T hear you loud and clear!" Robert Samspon responds that he was speaking on behalfofd department heads. Chairman Ivey, ifwe can play this out until revaluation then we will be alright. Finance Director Hobbs asked registration costs and  Morgan Center 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC  Chair Ivey responded that registration costs were no issue.  Amended Holiday Schedule  County Manager Snead recommended amending the 2024 government holiday schedule. With July 4th being on a Thursday she is recommending that the employees be given Friday July 5th off as a holiday also, for this year only. Motion made by Commissioner Frizzell to make July 5th 2024, an additional holiday for this year only and duly seconded by Commissioner  Alford. The vote: unanimous. One Quarter CentSales' Tax  Commissioner Frizzell asked why just one quarter of a cent increase. County Manager Snead stated that is the limit for our county. Commissioner Frizzell states there is sO much beach traffic and they're swiping those cards, that he likes the idea of a one quarter of a cent sales tax. He states that he knows we can't advertise. Chairman Ivey states the money would go back into the General Fund. Commissioner Frizzell asked if we could advertise. County Manager Snead stated we can have a campaign, but that it cannot be tied to a particular purpose and hopes that people will understand this one quarter of a cent not a quarter. We'll have to put together information, a quick one pager for people to understand. Motion made by Commissioner Frizzell to place a 1/4 of a cent sales tax on the ballot in November 2024. The motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Whit Gibson. Vote to approve: unanimous. Chair Ivey that we need to instruct Dell Parker to prepare for the November ballot. There was no commissioner news. The next meeting will be the Regular Meeting on Monday, July 8, 2024 at the EOC Motion made by Commissioner Whit Gibson to go into closed session and duly seconded by  Building. Date change due tol holiday week.  Commissioner Williams.  Wozo Dorothy B. Tyson Deputy to the Board  dpn  POTLAND  Board Chair  E6  Seal  R  8    The Zoning and Inspections Department, and the Zoning Board, were presented with a circumstance surrounding this application that is relatively unique, and one that created some head scratching. The death of Mr. Breeden was so unexpected that the family did not have adequate time to think about, nor plan for, his burial in advance. Upon his death the family decided to request this SUP to create a cemetery near the deceased family's home. The family contacted the Zoning Department, contacted one of the Commissioners who was a close family friend, and through that Commissioner contacted me as well. It was their desire to do the proper procedure for establishing a However, due to the length of time that the approval process for a Special Use Permit takes, including site plan, surveying, completing the forms and paying for the application, receiving approval from the Zoning and Planning Board, and the County Commissioners, the family chose to proceed with the establishment of the cemetery without having been approved to do sO. This created distress on all the parties involved int the process. Also, this was, for the most part, unprecedented. There is no established process to expedite the creation of a family cemetery this quickly. The family of the deceased was aware at the time that they were not abiding by the process. In all fairness I am not sure that I would not have done the same iflwere in their shoes. And as there are no written specific penalties that apply to circumstance the family and the Zoning and Inspection Department agreed that the family would pay a double fee for the permit. As a result, and understanding that the County has both a responsibility to apply our ordinances fairly and equitably but also respect our citizens in ati time of grief and loss, and not having any written and established process to access penalties, the Zoning and Planning Board chose to vote on the approval of the SUP without additional considerations. The Board voted unanimously to approve the permit knowing that all parties understood that the process had not been followed, but the family was accommodated as best possible under the circumstances. As result of this circumstance, and one previous similar circumstance that ultimately fell within the cities jurisdiction, the Zoning and Planning Board has created an ad hoc committee to study 1) a process that would allow for some type of waiver, or as yet undefined temporary permitting, sO that a family would not be penalized in their time of grief, and 2) considering that the Board and Commissioners have no formal and written penalties for ordinance non-compliance, to begin to work on a general proposal to submit to the County Commissioners for your consideration, possible amendment, and hopefully subsequent approval. Itis not the intent of the Board to penalize those who acknowledge their non-compliance as they attempt to co-operate with the Zoning and Inspections Dept, but to be in a position to penalize those who willfully and knowingly ignore or by-pass our ordinances. This was mentioned at a prior County Commissioner's meeting when the rezoning request for allowing special storage of manufactured homes at the Elmore crossroads. believe Mr. Alford was adamant that this situation needed to be rectified. We hope that our efforts will do just that. At this time, having been voted on and approved by the Zoning and Planning Board, ,I would like to present the approved Special Use Permit for a family cemetery for Mrs. Betty Breeden to the County Commissioners for your consideration.  "family cemetery".  1    6/20/24  To help the Scotland Fire Departments with their operating expenses due to the rising cost of operations, l'am requesting a $8,000.00 raise for each department. It has been 5 years since there was an increase and thinking of how much everything has gone up since then, this is a much needed raise. Idoubt there is any other emergency agency that has gone that long without an operation increase.  Second, the volunteers willl be paid $10.00 a call for all fire calls they respond to. On the first of December and first of May, the Fire Chiefs will submit to the County Finance Officer the names, number ofc calls responded to, and amount owed to the volunteer. There willl be a cap of $10,000 dollars to any department to pay volunteers in one year. The Finance Officer will issue a check to the Fire Department for the amount submitted for those 6 months. The Fire Chiefs willi issue a check to the volunteers for their  responses. The Fire Departments willl be responsible for the 1099 forms.  Any Department can opt out of this program, which two Departments probably willl because they receive State Grants. They have the option to opt in at any time, in writing, to the Fire Commission Chairman who will inform the Finance Officer to budget them int the program to begin July 1. w't Ihave been to three oft thet four Fire Departments that want this to be puti in place as of. July 1, 2024. The fourth station the Chief presented it to his volunteers since there was a conflict with date and time. The volunteers are very excited to get this passed and in place by. July 1, 2024 since it will help to get equipment and make ite easier to operate their department. The per call pay will help volunteers help  na fhbapt  with their gas and travel expenses.  respectfully ask you, the Scotland County Commissioners, to pass this today sO the volunteers and Fire Departments know where they stand with you and all of their free services to the citizens of  Scotland County. Mac McDougald  Chairman Scotland County Fire Commission    DUTIES OF AV VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER  WHO IS AY VOLUNTEER? Al PERSON WHO PERFORMS OR OFFERS TO PERFORM A SERVICE OF HIS  OR HER OWN FREE WILL. 1.ANIMAL CONTROL: THE ROADWAY. 2.TRAFFIC CONTROL: ROADWAY.  GETTING. ACAT OUT OFA ATREE, CORRALING LIVESTOCK, SOMETIMES REMOVING DEAD DEERI FROM  DUTIES OF AV VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERI  PROVIDE TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. AT ACCIDENTS, AND: REMOVING TREES FROM  DUTIES OF A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERI  3. NCDOT:  PROVIDING ASSISTANCE AND REMOVING TREES ANDI DEBRIS FROMI ROADWAY.  DUTIES OF Al VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERI  4.POWER LINES DOWN:  ASSISTING POWER COMPANIES WITHL LOCATING POWER LINES DOWN AND GETTING POLE NUMBERS  AND REPORTING TO POWER COMPANIES.  DUTIES OF THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERI  5. LANDING. ZONE:  SETTING UPALANDING ZONE FOR INCOMING MEDICAL HELICOPTERISAT THE REQUEST OF  SCOTLAND CO EMS.  DUTIES OF AVOUNTEER! FIREFIGHTERI  6. EMS:  ASSISTING EMS WITH CARDIC. ARRESTS, LIFTING, ASSISTANCES, OVERDOSES.  DUTIES OF AVOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER!  7.RESCUE:  ASSISTING RESCUE WITH ACCIDENTS. AND SOMETIMES SEARCH ANDI RESCUE OPERATIONS.  DUTIES OF A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERI  8. FIRE PREVENTION:  INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS AND GIVING OUT MATERIALS AT COMMUNITY EVENTS.  DUTIES OF AY VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER!  9.7 TRAINNING:  AMINIMUM: 36 HOURS PER YEAR PER' VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER. DUTIES OF AY VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER  10. FIRE CALLS:  RESPOND TO FIRE ALARMS, STRUCTURE FIRES, VEHICLE FIRES, ASSISTING NCI FORESTRYWITH  WOODS FIRES.