Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC Commissioners in attendance: Chairman Ivey, Vice Chair Frizzell, Commissioners Edge, Williams, O'Neal, Shelley and McPhatter (arrived at 9:16 a.m.). Staff present: April Snead, County Manager and Dorothy B. Tyson, Clerk to the Board. Call to Order Chairman Ivey called the Recessed Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Approval of the Agenda Chairman Ivey presented the following changes to the Agenda: Adding the Rescue Squad Request as Agenda Item #3 and moving the EMS Operations up to Item # 7. Also adding Closed Session as Agenda Item #15 for the following reason: NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. Motion made to approve the amended Agenda by Commissioner Williams and was duly seconded by Commissioner O'Neal. Vote to approve: Unanimous. I.Ellis Johnson Presentation Nicole Priest and Terence Williams of ROC INC (Reaching Our Children in need of Choices) presented their vision for I. Ellis Johnson and thanked the Commissioners in advance. ROC is a local, not-for-profit organization. Their vision is to place the management of the IEJ Community Center in the hands ofROC INC, as the Executive Agent. ROC, Inc will assume all programming, maintenance for facility and fiscal management. This placement will ensure that decision-making and programming are aligned with the needs and priorities ofthe Scotland County community. Also stating that this approach empowers residents and fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the facility. (Proposal attached) Discussion Chairman Ivey: Part of the building is committed to SECAP and the Annex is on hold until survey can be completed. County Manager Snead: The Annex Building cost to increase due to having to bring it up to code, cost may exceed $1,000,000.00. Also that the property can'tbe deeded or anything else done due to NCOR doing the environmental study. To upgrade the cafeteria, classrooms and the bathrooms would cost about $500,000.00. Question from Chairman Ivey regarding asbestos in the cafeteria flooring. County Manager stated that there is no plan to pull up the floor. Vice Chair Frizzell stated that some of the flooring has been taken out. Chairman Ivey stated that a small amount of the floor was taken out due to repairs. County Manager Snead stated that the plan was to repair the cafeteria floor, 1 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC paint and spruce it up, but it can't be used without the bathroom expansion. Commissioner Williams questioned the parking and its usage. The County Manager answered that we are still waiting on NCOR for the environmental study and that the funding for the project will come through the County to go to SECAP. Commissioner Williams stated that there has not been any activity at the Corona Street Headstart Building for months. Chairman Ivey stated that they are normally very active and Comm. Shelley stated that he has an upcoming board meeting. Comm. O'Neal asked how we engage a community resource? Comm. Williams stated that he would rather have it in the hands ofa local person. Comm. O'Neal also stated that if we are thinking about changing the model, then we need to bring it to the community and have other non-profits come forth also for them to compete for the management ofI.E.J. Comm. O'Neal asked the following questions: Where is the dialogue for other non-profits? How to make sure we can use the facility? How did you make the decision for the Executive Agent? Chairman Ivey stated that this is a big chunk. County Manager Snead stated that information relative to the cost of upkeep ofI.E.J. be shared with all interested parties. Mr. Williams stated that they are not looking to change the I.E.J. Community Center. They are looking to add more programs, are prepared to do more studies to identify other needs and environmental studies as needed. They see that the facility is being underutilized and would like to increase the utilization. He informed the Board that ROC, INC is located in three counties, 1500- 1700 kids served yearly, and wants to bring this to Scotland County. Is not closing out any other non-profits. He also stated that he wants to be progressive and is willing to make a full investment in the community he lives in. Comm. O'Neal stated that this is not problematic, but needs an open competitive process and to invite others with full disclosure as to what you are getting to. County Manager Snead stated that due to being a recipient ofNCOR funding, the property can not be deeded. Comm. O'Neal also stated that the County Attorney would need to be consulted, the person would need to know whether they are a renter or an owner, and conceptually this is a good idea. Chairman Ivey stated that he feels the same. Comm. Williams asked how we would go about doing this? Advertising? County Manager Snead stated a request for proposals. Chairman Ivey mentioned an open forum. County Manager Snead mentioned that in the proposal to include the funding source, how the facilities would be taken care of, a due would be established, etc. Chairman Ivey stated that people would show up for a forum as the room was packed when they were discussing a Rec Center. Comm. O'Neal stated that we would have to table this request, get expectations and open up to other non-profits. Chairman Ivey asked how many days for advertising? County Manager Snead stated 10 days, but would check with Attorney Johnston.. Chairman Ivey stated that it could be done as a special meeting if all Commissioners will be present, the location will be at I.E.J. Comm. O'Neal said to invite all non-profits. Mr. Williams stated that he would want the Board to give their expectations. Also stating that when we keep kicking the can down the road lives are on hold and are not able to move on. Chairman Ivey 2 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC stated that the intent of the Board was to fully use the building, but several things have to be done 1) to repair the HVAC, heat, air and bathrooms and 2) even ifthose things are done, you have a parking space requirement and are still waiting on NCOR SO that the permit can be obtained. Comm. Williams stated that the basketball court and the baseball fields will have houses by SCEAP. Chairman Ivey stated that we stopped because we don't have the required permit. County Manager Snead stated that if we are planning to go this way then we need to make sure that interested parties are aware of what they will be getting, as the only usable space is the gym, library and single persons bathrooms. People may think there is a lot of space available, but there is no usage oft the classrooms, bathrooms or cafeteria. Mr. Williams stated that they are ready to move forward and upon the Board's decision, they are ready to make investments, classrooms, offices, etc. Ifyou need information from them, they will need information from you and your Attorney. Chairman Ivey stated that initially, a lot of state money was involved. Comm. O'Neal stated that we need to take the time and do this right, also that I.E.J. is a fabulous asset. Comm. Williams asked ifl he knew the history? Comm. O'Neal stated that's why we need to involve the community and do it right. Comm. Shelley asked ifwe are restricting to Scotland County non-profits? Chairman Ivey responded that we need to check with Attorney Johnston and if state money is involved we may not be able to do this. He also asked Mr. Williams to give us some time. Vice Chair Frizzell asked if he had visited I.E.J. and he replied that he visits it twice weekly. Comm. Williams asked ifhe had viewed the cafeteria and he replied yes and that the cafeteria is an asset. Chairman Ivey stated that we are limited. Vice Chair Frizzell stated that we like what you are proposing, to make sure that we are covering all bases, making it look right and work right. Comm. Shelley asked if you wind up with this, I only see local kids. What about the kids in Laurel, Wagram and Gibson? Mr. Williams stated that they have a fleet of about 46 vehicles and will provide transportation, also that they have had between 300- 500 kids at the Highlands summer program and they are prepared to do this. Comm. Williams asked how long has this program been going on? Mr. Williams replied, since 2000 in Scotland County and summer programs since 2003. Motion made by Comm. O'Neal to table the request for ROC INC. to become the Executive Agent ofI.E.J. Community Center. Motion was duly seconded by Vice Frizzell. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Mr. Williams and Ms. Priest were thanked for their presentation. Scotland County Arts Funding Ms. Ellen Smith, Board Chair ofSACS presented to the Board. She provided the Board with activities that SACS has provided for the community. She also discussed some programs such as the artist of the month, exhibits and celebrations for Black History and Native American History months. She also mentioned the Big Cheese Theatre group, the Art Camp, Theatre Camp and the Chris Fore Music program. She stated that funding is an issue with federal funds being 3 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC cut, the two year grant expiring and the rental of the building. Chairman Ivey asked if she was requesting $8000.00. She replied yes. Chairman Ivey asks what is the history? Finance Director Hobbs stated that they were given $7500.00 two years ago. County Manager Snead stated that the funds were taken out of the Parks and Recreation and Library budgets because SCAS was to work with them. She also mentioned the Fiscal Control Act where there may be a contract for services that the county is required, but cannot provide. Mrs. Smith stated that they are striving to do more than what is required by partnering with agencies, such as schools, the library, the Rotary Club, City of Laurinburg, etc. Chairman Ivey stated that this is an Attorney Johnston question. Unanimous consent to table this request. Rescue Squad Request County Manager Snead mentioned that this funding request would be a split between the City of Laurinburg and the County. Fire ChiefMcQueen stated that part of the budget is for maintenance. The location will be the old Fire Station on North Main Street. It flooded and can be used for storage. They will be able to store rescue boats, ATVs, Fire Trucks, etc. Would want to keep items out of the elements. Chairman Ivey stated that we would pay half and the City the other half, and the total cost would be approximately $73,000.00. Comm. Williams asked what would be done cosmetically to the building. Chief McQueen stated that FEMA would not allow usage of the building as a fire department without building a dam. The asbestos has been abated, and there is no mold.They just want to use the Bay Area. The City would have to have flood insurance, but not for a non-profit. Everything in the building would be insured. Comm. Williams questioned the $42,000.00. ChiefMcQueen stated that the funds would be used for a new: roof, to fix bay door issues, heat, utilities, lights, and day to day operations. No one will be there 24/7. The rescue trucks would be kept at the North Station and grass cutting would get done. ChiefMcueen stated that they have met with the City and that's why they are coming to the County, a partnership. Chairman Ivey stated that there is a $13,000.00 increase. Chief McQueen stated that $35,000.00 would be for air bags on both trucks and air packs, and $7,000.00 for a Bus and Truck kit which will save time in emergencies. Comm. McPhatter asked if this request would be ongoing each year and ChiefN McQueen replied, no. He also stated that there are miscellaneous grants and through the Office of the State Fire Marshal where three are available. The grants will have to be matched and will need a budget amendment. This is put in here to keep from having to have a budget amendment. It is not listed for 2025. Chairman Ivey stated that this would go into our regular budget discussion, but he wanted all to know that we would only be responsible for 50% of the cost, not the entire amount. 4 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC RCC Funding Request County Manager Snead reported that RCC is requesting $34.678 due to utilities and landscaping increases. She asked if the Board wanted to fund the entire amount or a portion ofi it? Comm. O'Neal asked if this request was for all campuses? County Manager Snead replied yes, it is for Peden Street, SEarCh, and the Honeycutt Center. Chairman Ivey stated that they asked for an increase last year and we gave the entire amount. Also, nothing that has been asked for is outrageous, the percentage increased, but not a large dollar amount. To discuss when we get into the budget. Edwards Wood Products County Manager Snead reported that Edwards Wood Products failed to make an incentive report for 2023, and is now wanting funds for years 2023 and 2024. She stated that the contracts read that the company is to report to us, and we are not obligated to check their progress. She asked if we wanted to do a good faith effort, to give half now during the current budget year in the remaining in the next budget year, FY 26. The total amount is $382,671. Discussion: Comm. Williams: They missed the deadline. Comm. O'Neal: Did they make the deadline for 2024? County Manager Snead: Yes, they made it. County Manager Snead: This will have some effect on the EDC. Comm. Williams: I propose giving half this year and the other half next year. Comm. We have a tough year and this should have been addressed. Chairman Ivey: Is it budgeted? Ifso, the budget would have had an overage. Comm. O'Neal: Could the EDChave assumed that they did not reach their goal? Chairman Ivey stated that you are setting a precedent. Comm. McPhattter stated that other businesses may not know the business of others. Chairman Ivey: half payment now and the other half over a two year period, there must be some kind of penalty. Comm. McPhatter voiced that we do not want to lose Edward Wood Products. Comm. Williams stated that this is on them and then made a motion to give them one fourth this year ($90,000) and one fourth ($90,000) next year. Motion died for a lack of a second. Comm. O'Neal asked what does the contract say? He also stated that we need to behave consistently with the contract. Comm. Shelley stated that people have to be accountable and two years ago is a long time. He also asked why did they wait SO long? Motion made by Comm. O'Neal to follow the contract. Motion was duly seconded by Vice Chair Frizzell. Vote: Onanimous. Opioid Funding Request- All Rise Conference Travis Brooks spoke on behalf of the Family Treatment Court and their request for funding to attend the All Rise Conference in Tallahassee, Florida and that some attended the conference last year. He introduced himself and the staff (not present), Lisa Freedman, Shannon Hammonds, Opioid Outreach SW, DSS, Judge Amanda Wilison. He informed the Board that there are 3-4 providers for the clients and they come from Charlotte and Rockingham to provide treatment. 5 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC Currently there are four participants, their goal is to have 10-15 client referrals from DSS Court. Their goal is to improve the lives oft the clients whether through intensive treatment or in patient treatment. They are seeking guidance on how to go to the training and getting the budget approved for the conference. Discussion: Comm. Williams stated that he thought that criminal Judges Layton and Futrell were training. Atty. Freidman stated that they need additional training. Comm O'Neal asked ift there would be other people or participants from other countries? Atty. Friedman replied no, just providers. Chairman Ivey: So you are here today to request money from the Opioid Settlement to go to this conference? County Manager Snead: This is a large request being brought before you and the Opioid Collaborative will not be meeting this month. Vice Chair Frizzell: How many went to California last year? Atty. Friedman: Four went last year. Vice Chair Frizzell: What is the cost? County Manager Snead: the cost for registration is $800.00 - $ 900.00 per person for registration. Atty. Friedman: This is in our budget. County Manager Snead: The cost will be about $2100.00 per person and DSS Opioid Outreach wants to go to. Comm: Williams: Can't three go and then report to the other? County Manager Snead: We seek guidance from NCACC and approval on how to run our programs. NCACC held an Opioid Conference here in NC in March 2025. Vice Chair Frizzell: Why do you need training? Atty. Friedman: We will learn about more resources, medications, answers to questions, ideas and know what others are doing with their programs. Chairman Ivey: If already budgeted, then why are you here? Comm. Shelley: Is there a place closer to train? Mr. Brooks: He and Ms. Chavis went to the AOC conference in Winston Salem. Comm. O'Neal: It is the optics. How much goes to the client and how much goes to the overhead? We want to get the best value, and train others. County Manager Snead stated that we must report back to NCACC and that a new resolution would have to be done for July 2025. Vice Chair Frizzell stated that this seems to be a waste of money and that people want a vacation. Comm. Ivey responded that this is not the tax payor's money. Per Atty. Friedman, the proposed attendees will be herself, Judge Amanda, Brandi Jones-Bullock and Travis Brook who received an AOC scholarship to attend After continued discussion. The Board and attendees were informed by the County Manager that when the Opioid Settlement funds end, they will end. County staff can't go, having to make tough budgetary decisions and must stretch the budgets because eventually the funds will end. Motion made by Comm. O'Neal to approve three people for travel and attendance to the Opioid Conference with money coming from the Opioid funds. Motion was duly seconded by Comm. D. Williams. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Chairman Ivey stated that a change was made to the agenda to move Robert Sampson from item #13 to item #7. He also called for a ten minute recess, with the meeting to start back at 10:50 a.m. 6 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC EMS Operations Robert Sampson, EMS Director presented to the Board the EMS, its structure, how and why we operate, and where we came from. He gave the history of the EMS beginning with the 1990's. Also discussed was the call schedule and how it has changed to prevent fatigue and give personnel more down time, call volume, the number of ambulances, and part-time employees. Questions regarding part-time employees and the number ofhours worked since working over 1000 hours in a year would equate to being a full-time employee and would require the offering ofinsurance which would cost the county $10,000.00. Manager Snead explained a model was created that required at least 6 part time staff at all times, each shift, to run four ambulances. Mr. Sampson stated that the new model is working and that within six months ofmoving to this model, they were fully staffed. He does still need part-time staff, about 30 - 40, but their presence does not cost a dime until they work. Comm. O'Neal stated that they need to see numbers, absenteeism, etc. He also said that they would like to see management of the part-time workers. County Manager Snead stated that EMS had 5-6 people making more than full-time personnel and the offering ofinsurance to 7-8 employees, although only three accepted. Mr. Sampson stated that they are monitoring the situation. In conclusion he stated that the things they do well are vehicles, training and EMS Director duties. Comm. Williams and McPhatter stated that they support him in saying that EMS does things well! Mr. Sampson responded that he gives the credit to his staff. FY 2026 Health Insurance Estimates HR Direct English informed the Board that health insurance will increase. They were presented a chart with the carriers, and other information such as deductibles, coverage cost for employee only and other employee combination scenarios, the cost per year and the overall percentage increases. Discussion: The discussion included the number of employees being covered, 322. There is no guarantee to keep the same coverage ifwe go with the lower cost plan. Self-funded insurance and the fact that it is brand new, information about only ten counties and there are risks involved, playing a game, some good years and some bad years. Questions and More Discussion: Is this the cost for just the County? Yes, the county pays it all. It only costs the employee if they add family and/or child. Cost goes up. just to add to add on? Yes. It was stated that we may have to start looking at employees participating in their health insurance. It will be hard to explain to someone working at Wendy's, paying $300.00 per month for their insurance that their increase in taxes will pay for someone else's. This is not sustainable for the county, we have to get our minds around this and a decision is needed because open enrollment starts in 1-2 weeks. Motion made by Comm. O'Neal to go with the Blue Options HD, the current carrier. Motion duly seconded by Comm. Edge. Vote to approve: Unanimous. 7 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC FY2 2026 Budget Projections Finance Director Hobbs updated the Board on the budget process and where the budget is at this time. Question regarding the sales tax tax decrease and told that the numbers came from the state FD Hobbs informed the Board that we are not going to meet our budget for sales tax collection this year and that she doesn't see it happening next year. The Ad Valorem taxes at $26,545,030.00 and a 96% collection rate. Tax Administrator Butler stated last year we were able to budget 97% because you are budgeting from the prior year collection rate. FD Hobbs stated that she has to shore up DSS's numbers. Question regarding $9.25 million being listed on the sheet for the school when they were told $9.75 million and to use capital however they wanted. Discussion about county turnover rate, and this mattering because you do not have to pay for employees that you do not have. A question was asked as to what is Miscellaneous and the was school lease and debt service. Chairman Ivey stated that the $192,000.00 for Edwards Wood Products is out, to decrease Miscellaneous by $100,000.00, add $100.00 per employee for insurance and then your $1.6 million is filled. The Board was asked how comfortable they are with increasing 401K and lapse salary? Questioned the decrease in the Sheriff's deal and asked if it included the drug? The reply was no, and that was an error on their part. Departmental Capital Plan Requests County Manager Snead presented the Capital Requests and stated that these items are not included in the budget draft. EMS remounts discussed, surplusing a van from the landfill and giving to another department, also the same for a SCATS van. EMS has backup radios, but were advised to keep the old ones in case the Vipers go down. Two cars requested for DSS, asked if necessary? Informed that DSS could use more vehicles, but with the Consolidation a fleet of vehicles will be available. Asked to let FD Hobbs And Landfill Director work on their budget since it is an enterprise. Question about whether the Landfill could lease equipment and the answer was yes. Library and the need to replace bookmobile as it needs to be fixed and the model is changing. Agreed to move Landfill van to the Library, allow $2500.00 for branding and small modifications, and removal of the seat. The field at the Morgan Complex has not been reworked since the initial planting, but can be pushed back. The amount listed for the SCATS vehicles is our cost as they are 90% federally funded. Sheriff Office to use drug money received. The GPS is county wide, but does not include the Sheriff's Office. Chairman Ivey stated that he is trying to stay out of the Fund Balance and that next year will be different due to the revaluation. (Commissioner Frizzell out at 12:20 and McPhatter out at 12:05) 8 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC Departmental Personnel Requests County Manager Snead presented the departmental personnel requests. No cost to move position from Parks & Rec to Landfil. Tax Dept. just a reclass, all other requests are for new positions. The question was asked if we were go Motion made by Comm. Ed O'Neal to approve the reclass of Parks and Recreation and Tax Department positions. Motion was duly seconded by Comm. Williams. Vote to approve: Unanimous. After discussion, Comm. O'Neal stated to hold the requested $3000.00 for Soil and Water Director until the parameters are known, and to put it on the next agenda. Sheriff's Office request for two Deputy Sheriff Transportation positions. Numbers are needed regarding this request and they have been asked for. The Solid Waste employee has been taken from Solid Waste and moved to another position in the Sheriff's Office.. The position can not be kept and if he is not doing the program then the money and the truck will go to wherever the program is. Statement made that this is a tough year to add new positions/personne. reclass. Questioned about the fleet mechanic at the Landfill? It is not being recommended at this time and there is already a mechanic at the Landfill. EMS Director Sampson updated the Board on the new EMS Building, stating that he has met with Alliance, they are one month ahead, they will finish up their piece by July and then will work with the County person for the RFP. County Manager Snead informed the Board that they can take their time to review the fee schedules. Chairman Ivey informed those present that the Board will go into Closed Session for the following: NCGS 143-318.11 (a)(6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions ofa appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. Motion made by Comm. O'Neal to go into Closed Session. Motion duly seconded by Comm. Edge. The Closed Session ended and the Board returned to the Budget meeting. Commissioner O'Neal made the motion to allow a temporary pay increase of 10% to County Manager Snead and to not exceed six months, this is effective May 1, 2025. The motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Shelley. Vote to approve: Unanimous. Motion made by Commissioner Shelley to adjourn the meeting and duly seconded by Commissioner Williams. Vote to approve: Unanimous. 9 Scotland County Board of Commissioners Budget Meeting April 30, 2025 517 Peden Street Laurinburg, NC Tim Ivey, Chairman oleeébhpns Dorothy B/Tyson, Clerk 6 CA 10