MINUTE BOOK. XXX, PAGES 42-47  BUDGET WORKSHOP OF THE TROUTMAN' TOWN COUNCIL  May 11,2021  A Budget Workshop oft the Troutman Town Council was held in the Troutman Town Hall, 400 North Eastway Drive, Councilmembers Present: W. Paul Henkel; Sally P. Williams; Felina L. Harris; Edward R. Nau; George W. Harris- Staff! Present: Ronald Wyatt, Towni Manager; Kimberly H. Davis, Town Clerk; Steve H. Shealy, Finance Director; Adam  North Carolina on May 11,2021 at 9:00 a.m. with the Mayor Teross W. Young, Jr. presiding.  arrived at 10am  Lippard, Public Works Director; Darrin Payne, Interim Police Chief; Emily Watson, Parks and Rec.  Director; Jonathan Wells, Interim Planning Director  Others Present: See Sign-in Sheet Press Present: Debbie Page, Iredell Free News  ITEMI. MAYOR TEROSS W. YOUNG,JR. CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER ITEM2. DISCUSSION OF THE: 2020/2021 FISCAL YEARI PROPOSED: BUDGET  Town Manager Ronald Wyatt presented a general overview commenting that department heads have worked with Finance Director Shealy and himself streamlining budget request. He highlighted changes in personnel, and heldabrief Finance Director Steve Shealy presented the' Town'ss $4,842,8691 budget stating that there are very few out ofthe ordinary budget request from department heads for the upcoming budget year. There are a couple of large ticket items: sewer jettert truck for public works and a concession stand for the ballfields. Staff was very cognizant of not asking for al lot of In review of the Town's General Fund Revenues, Finance Director Shealy stated that he tries to budget more conservative in revenues highlighting that the' Town's. Ad' Valorem tax base is growing. He stated that there is no water and sewer rate increase nor tax rate increase (currently $.52 per $100) proposed in this year's budget unless Council advises otherwise. Mr. Shealy explained that sales tax received under Utility Franchise Tax for electric and gas along with Sales' Tax: from telecommunications: and video programing: are down across thes state therefore projections arel lower. Ani increase is projected inl Local Sales Tax as it is anticipated to continue to climb. Although the Town is expected to receive funds int the: amount of $810,000 from the American Rescue Plan, iti is noti included in the budget at this time. It depends on how Council chooses to use the funds as to where it will go in the budget. Ifthe funds are used for a capital project such as water or sewer, it would be more appropriate to put the funding into a capital project ordinance. Mr. Shealy explained that there is no revenue proposed for Occupancy Tax stating that the line item was established years ago when a hotel was once proposed at Exit 42. Funds collected from occupancy tax are supposed to go toward promoting travel and tourism; something the Town does not have. Therefore until the Town has a reliable stream of income coming in, he does not feel it is worth budgeting. Mayor Young asked ifthe Town receives direct gas tax. Mr. Shealy explained that the town does not get direct gas tax stating that the Powell Bill was once based on gas tax revenue but that changed a few years ago. Thel Powel! Bill is now straight appropriation: from the statet to be spent on: streets and is based on population and town maintained street mileage. Planning Review Fees are projected at a $15,000 increase  discussion in regards to police vehicles.  changes in this budget. Most oft the proposed changes are inj personnel.  from last year due to the number of projects on the books.  Finance Director Shealy presented highlights from the following individual departments.  Governing Body:  Professional Services - Proposing an increase by approximately $15,000 due to the anticipated increase in work  volume of the Town Attorney.  42    Contracted Services - Proposing an increase of approximately $15,000 for codification ofminutes and ordinances, and proposed re-codification oft the Code of Ordinances through Municode. Discussion was held regarding the Town's filing system and records retention policy. Mayor requested that staff look at additional funds for file Training - Proposing $5,000af $3000 increase from last year budget for Elected Officials raining/contferences, etc. Special Events - Include funds given yearly to the library, volunteer appreciation dinner, etc. Mayor Young requested an increase from the proposed $4000 to $6,000 for aj potential team building exercise for Town Council. Contracted Services - $2,000 budgeted for the upcoming 2021 election. Town Manager Ron Wyatt stated that itis not official yet, but thes statel has advised that the 2021 election willl bej postponed until year 2022 due to not receiving census information in time to allow cities and towns that have districts to realign their districts. Finance Director Shealy suggesting leaving the funding as proposed. Ifthe funds are not used it can be moved into Fund Balance. M& R Buildings & Grounds Proposing an increased from $20,000 to $26,000 for the additional upkeep oft the Contracted Services Tax Collection - Proposing an increase of approximately $7,000. Mr. Shealy explained that money from this line item is what the Town pays to the county and state explaining that the more taxes thet town ITE Expense- - Proposing $25,0001 fora arotation system ofupgrading/rplacing the' Towns computers. Mayor Young Salaries - Moved Danielle Upright salary into Planning and Zoning Department. Anabel Hernandez-new Salaries & Wages - Proposing $109,625 for two personnel in Planning and Zoning: PlannerI I position-$60,000; and Danielle Upright who was recently promoted to thel Planning and Zoning Department-549,000. Contracted Services- - Linei item increase ofapproximately $76,000 from $83,704 to $160,000 to continue with the contracted service of an Interim Planner, Code Enforcement, on-call planning services, and the opportunity to implement some oft the specialized studies that were mentioned ini the' Town's Strategic Plan. Councilmember Paul Henkel asked if the Town benefited from the contracted services with Kimley Horn regarding transportation. Interim Planning Director Well responded that Kimley Horn worked on the Bikel Ped application for prior Planning Director George Berger that awarded the Town $50,000 through the NCDOT with a match of 10% costing the Town only $5,000. Mr. Wells continued to state that the Town would benefit having someone with transportation expertise. Town Manager Wyatt commented that he is not certain ifthe Town will continue with contracted Code Enforcement. Staffi is looking into other options. A brief discussion was held regarding future expectations in a Code Enforcement with enforcement not only being complaint driven, but also being pro-active. Mayor Young asked ifthe amount proposed would handle compliançe and over all work, Manager Wyatt replied that he doesr not due to Council expectations of being pro-active due to increasing hours and mileage needed. Manager Wyatt commented that in hiring a Plannerl I with experience or hiring additional staff would allow the Town to handle code enforcement in-house. Manager Wyatt stated that he would have conversation with In-Focus regarding cost to continue with a contract to include the Town's expectations. He suggested that the Town could continue with contracted services on a month to month basis until a second person is hired in planning, at which point code Departmental Supplies- - Proposing $18,000 of which the majority would be for purchase ofa state-of-the-art GIS workstation including software, monitors, etc. Interim Town Planner Jonathan Wells commented that the Towni is  purging.  Elections:  Administration:  new town properties located on Wagner Street. collects thel higher the cost to get them collected.  asked that staff do a cost comparison of leasing computers verses purchasing computers.  employee. Planning and! Zoning:  enforcement could bel handled in-house. behind the times in GIS technology.  Police Department:  Salaries and Wages - Finance Director Shealy stated that the Police Department is working to fill vacancies which madei itl hard tol budget salary amounts. Interim Police ChiefDarrin Payne stated there are three vacancies at this time. Town Manager informed Council that the Iredell Statesville School Board approved an additional  43    School Resource Officer (SRO) position for Troutman Elementary School last night providing 10 months of salary. He requested Councils permission (by vote) to add the position either today or Thursday night (no action Capital Outlay-Equipment - No funds are proposed in the budget as of yet, but the department is looking to purchase a new radar unit for Wagner Street (cost $4,500) to replace the existing worn out unit; a mobile radar trailer that would also be used as a message board with the addition of a flock camera mounted to it. (Flock camera-approximate.y $2,500 per: year and $250 fori install; Kustom Signals Radar' Trailer with message board- $14,770 or Speed Alert 24. All Traffic Solutions-s15,850 depending on the choice between two items). Interim Chief Payne recommended purchasing the Kustom Signals Radar Trailer with flock camera. He also recommended a new pole mounted radar on Wagner Street. Mayor Young commented that there is concern across the state of increased speeding that impacts safety suggesting staff looking into signage to assist in reducing speed in Town. Councilmember Henkel suggested getting rid oft the old radar and trailer and purchase new. Town Manager Wyatt requested Council's permission to purchase the radar trailer with the messaging in Capital Outlay-Vehicle- e-Interim Police ChiefPayne requested an addition to the budget for purchase ofap patrol vehicle and an investigator vehicle. Manager Wyatt presented performance reviews and ratings of seven potential patrol vehicle options and options of three investigator vehicles. Captain Tony Sharpe of Cornelius Police Department is bringing two trucks to Town Hall today (one marked and one unmarked) as examples for Council to view. He also explained the pros of purchasing a truck verses a vehicle. Manager Wyatt recommended trucks which willl benefit the department for various means plus the resale value and gas mileage being a major factor. Interim Chief Payne'srecommended purchasing the option ofa Ford F150 Responder for the patrol vehicle and investigator vehcleCosapproaimaely $49,300 each (in Capital Expenditures). Departmental Supplies - Requested amount 2,000 for purchase of six 8 Reflective A Cade Barricades ($800 Salaries & Wages- - Paxton Hix has moved to thel Public Works Department, therefore % ofhis salary ($21,316) Council heldadiscussion: regardingt towns streets ands streetl lines. Mayor Young commented' thati itr may be something Council may want to consider and suggested that staff establish a plan with classifications and standards in lining Patching/Paving Contracted - Mayor Young commented that currently the' Townl has $18,0001 budgeted and are proposing int the upcoming budget $15,000. He asked if staff feels the town will have to do less patching and paving in the upcoming budget year. Finance Director Shealy responded that his thought process is that the Town has already taken care of the major street problems, but if council thinks the proposed $15,000 is insufficient, he will increase the line item. Mayor Young stated that there are probably some areas that will Councilmember George Harris expressed safety concems regarding the school crossing at Thomas Street recommending crossing flag. Staffadvisedi that crossing flags do not work well. Mayor Young suggested: stafflook Debt Service - Finance Director Shealy stated that upcoming year debt service includes the Inglewood Street Project that still has 4 years left on the loan; Lytton Street loan; the 2018 street project and this year's property Sanitation includes three line items: leaf and limb pickup, garbage pickup, and recycling. Finance Director Shealy stated that he has built in growth in the garbage and recycling pick-up line items by approximately  was taken at this time).  this year's budget ifthere is remaining funds. Council was in agreement.  total) and tenl Reflective Cone Bars ($400t total).  Street Maintenance Department:  falls under Street Maintenance and the other % isi inl Maintenance-Ultility.  town streets. Council was in agreement.  continue to need patching.  into flashing pedestrian crossing signs.  acquisition totaling $554,942.  Sanitation:  $25,000. There is noi increase proposed in leaf and limb pickup.  44    Upon motion by Councilmember Sally Williams, seconded by Paul Henkel, and unanimously carried, approved to Upon motion by Councilmember Sally Williams, seconded by Councilmember George Harris, and unanimously carried,  suspend the workshop forl lunch. Time: 12:00 pm. approved to reconvene the Budget Workshop. Time 1:15 pm.  Parksand Recreation  Salaries- - Part-time position request ($30,000 proposed). ast the' Town continues to: add more facilities.  M&R Buildings and Grounds - Increased from $17,000 to $25,000 due to the addition oft ballfields. Departmental Supplies - Proposedi increase of$ $5000. Finance Director Shealy stated additional funds are needed Special Events - Requesting to maintain funding of $23,240 for events such as Party's in the Park, Front Porch Park Upgrades - Proposing $40,000. Approximately $20,000 for additions or upgrades to the park and an equal amount ($20,000) for additional Christmas decorations. Parks and Rec. Director Emily Watson expanded on park needs commenting that the park needs additional shelters. She also stated that new and improved banners are needed for the greenway. Ms. Watson recommended purchasing 3 sets requesting Council'sadvicer regarding design. Council wasi in agreement that Ms. Watson bring back design options for their consideration. Mayor Young asked the condition of the Town's Snapper. Ms. Watson commented that Parks & Rec. use iti to drag ballfields. Town Manager Wyatt led al briefdiscussion regardingi items proposed tol be: surplus on GovDeals one of which is the blue Golf Cart purchased from. Janice Larew. Mayor Young suggested to surplus the Snapper Downtown Enhancement- - Proposedi increase from $15,000 to $20,000. Councilmember Henkel asked next steps for the town owned Wagner Street building. Manager Wyatt responded stating that a commercial contractor is working on a quote. Staffwill need Council's direction on how to proceed following the quote. Estimated cost to up-fit the downstairs units for commercial use is approximately $60,000 to $75,000. The upstairs tenant has moved out and the upstairs is int the process of being up-fitted to continue to rent as residential. He explained that there is commercial interest in the downstairs unit. The town can rent it out as retail space or use as a community center holding different type of classes and/or events. Mayor Young asked to make sure that the downstairs unit is appropriately wired for technology. Council was in agreement to add $75,000 for up-fitting. Emily Watson, Parks and Rec. Director recommended upgrades to the downtown landscaping and repaving of the' Town parking lot on Wagner Street. Mayor Young asked that staff research the cost; the more the Town can  Fest, etc.  along with the golf cart and purchase something decent.  Economic Development  do downtown the more it will encourage others. Dues-IEDC- - Increased from $17,738 to $24,000.  Tax Grant Incentives - $23,000i is for CR Onsrud who has three more years ofi incentives. Director Shealy to research ridership to seei ifiti is worth the cost to1 the' Town.  Bus Service - Proposed $10,000. Conversation was held regarding the number of people that ride. Finance  Capital Expenditures  Police Vehicle - Requesting $100,000 for the purchase of 2 vehicles. Manager Wyatt commented that he recommends purchase oft the Ford F150 crew cab for use ofa marked vehicle and a Ford F1501 for an unmarked vehicle. He advised that the Town is not going to order the vehicles until we have the materials that go ini the vehicles. He also requested Councils input regarding markings of the marked vehicle. Discussion was held  45    whether one vehicles çould be purchased in this year'sb budget. Manager Wyatt stated that he will check and see Requested amount of$95,000 is thes same amount as last year's budget request. Finance Director Shealy stated Transfer to Other Funds - Requesting $325,000- - Proposing to move into thel ESC Park Fund for the concession Transfer to Facilities ($70,000), Economic Development ($70,000), and Industrial Recruitment ($10,000) all remaini thes same as previousyear with Financel Director Shealy stating that these are: funds established! by Council Greenway Fund = Proposing $100,000 for the two sidewalk projects (Talley and Downtown) to assist with design and engineering ofthe projects. The Town will need tol borrow the funds for construction (estimated cost Contingencies - Zero dollars proposed. Finance Director Shealy commented that he does not feel the needs for Finance Director Shealy commented that based on current rates, projected revenues is going to be a struggle to balance. Inj presenting a general overview he stated that the total utility fund budget is almost 3 million dollars; Statesville has announced a 20% rate increase in the Town's sewer treatment; ai half ofa position/salary has been added by moving Paxton Hix to Public Works; addition of Debt Service due to the Mill Village project; and the  ifthere is one on the lot.  Insurance & Bonds  that workers compi increased slightly but property and liability came down.  Transfers to Other Funds  stand at the baseball fields. for future needs. ofl million dollars).  Contingencies  funds in contingencies at this time with the' Town having: al healthy fund balance.  UTILITYFUND  purchase ofequipment is proposed. Utility Fund Revenues  Transfer From Other Funds - $233,220 will come out ofcapital reserve with an offsetting expense ift the Town  needs to buy another block of capacity from Mooresville.  Lease-Purchase Proceeds-F Proposing $286,550 for purchase ofaj jetter truck.  Administration-Ulilnty  Salaries and Wages Finance Director Sealy explained the proposed increase in salaries stating that he proposing a pay scale adjustment of 2% with a 2% COLA across the Board and up to a 2% merit increase proposed January 01 (not retro active) proposing an average of 5% per employee for the annual budget, He advised that the Town has been steadily falling behind the county and surrounding municipalities and it shows  when trying to recruit/attract employees. Councilmember Sally Williams left the meeting at 2:30 pm.  Capital Items- Utility  Purchase of Sewer Capacity -$233,220  Capital Outlay-Equipment: -R Requesting an increase from $74,314 to $286,550 for aj jetter truck. Debt Payment-Jetter Truck-1 Requesting $105,260 for annual financing ofa combination unit (truck andj jetter pump with vacuum system). Public Works Director Adam Lippard presented the pros and cons of the combination unit stating that it is more efficient and cost effective. Finance Director Shealy stated that the loan would be for three years. Councilmember Henkel asked if the Town could purchase the jetter truck outright from capital reserves rather than borrowing the funds; savings would be approximately $30,000. Mr. Shealy responded yes it could come from utility funds capital reserves (balance $700,000) but keep in mind the Town also has al Iot of needs as discussed at Council's planning retreat such as pump station upgrades, sewer issues,  etc. Council was in agreement to purchase outright from utility funds capital reserve.  46    Sewer Treatment! Fees-I Requesting $565,000. Anincrease of$65,000 overl last year's request duet tos ani increase  ins Statesville's sewer treatment fees. Old projector from Council Chambers 2old projector screens from Council Chambers Gray Crown Vic used as an Admin vehicle Blue GolfCart-purchased from Janice Larew Mayor Young ask that an inventory list be provided. approved the above proposed items for surplus.  Town) Manager Wyatt presented the following items to be listed on GovDeals as surplus property:  Printer Snapper Front Porch prop  Upon motion by Councilmember Eddie Nau, seconded by Councilmember George Harris, and unanimously carried, Parks and Rec. Director Emily Watson informed Council of the rocking chairs in the Town Hall lobby from Troutman Chair Company. Mayor Young asked staff to see ifTroutman Chair Company would be willing to raffle rockers at Mayor Young: also asked that the leather chairs int the Council Chambers at some point be updated and that staff make a Mayor Young commented that the Town still lacks artwork that is noti in the budget as well as entryway signage on the Town Manager Wyatt informed Council that Dean Swain, son-in-law of Jackie Overcash, has purchased the T-Town Jewelry and Pawn! Shop from Kevin Palmer and has donated space on top wall for a town mural. Ideas were discussed as to how to come up with a mural and who makes the final decision. Holding a contest was suggested with Council having the final approval. Parks and Rec. Director Watson commented that she will check with other communities in  OTHER:  events as ai fundraiser project for the park.  recommendation for replaçement chairs in Council Chambers that is used by the public.  south end oftown.  search of options. ADJOURNMENT  Upon motion by Councilmember George Harris, seconded by Councilmember Felina Harris, and unanimously carried,  thel May 11,2021 Budget Workshop was adjourned at 3:25 p.m.  laos W. Teross W. Young, Jr.,  EDN GETRO SEAL COND ACAROLN  A  Kimberly H.I Davs, Town Clerk Luk  47