5-23-16 Budget Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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BK -00028 PG -0277 LEE COUNTY Committed Today for a Better Tomorrow BUDGET WORK SESSION OF THE LEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 106 HILLCREST DRIVE SANFORD, NORTH CAROLINA 27330 MAY 23, 2016 The Budget Work Session of the Lee County Board of Commissioners for the County of Lee, State of North Carolina, convened at 5 p.m. in the Commissioners' Room, First Floor, Lee County Government Center, 106 Hillcrest Drive, Sanford, North Carolina, on said date. Commissioners present when the work session was called to order was Amy M. Dalrymple, Dr. Ricky D. Frazier, Dr. Andre Knecht, Larry "Doc" Oldham, Timothy S. Sloan, and Robert T. Reives. Commissioner Kirk D. Smith was absent for the meeting. Staff in attendance included County Manager John Crumpton, Assistant County Manager/Finance Director Lisa Minter, Clerk to the Board Gaynell Lee, and Deputy Clerk Danielle Mahoney. Chair Dalrymple called the work session to order. Commissioner Frazier delivered the invocation. The pledge of allegiance was recited. County Manager John Crumpton stated that SAGA had pulled their request for additional funding in the amount of $40,000.00. Their request for the upcoming year will remain at $190,000 as recommended. The Board next discussed fire district budgets. County Manager John Crumpton stated the Fire Advisory Board presented the Fire District recommended budgets to Commissioners at the May 16th meeting and scheduled a public hearing for the June 6th meeting. Several questions arose in reference to the proposed tax rate increase at Northwest Pocket and how to implement a flat tax in the County. It was noted a flat tax could not be implemented for the upcoming fiscal year. Staff and the Fire Advisory Board would need at least six to 12 months, if not longer, to research and allow the Board time to receive input from the fire departments. In addition, there are many changes anticipated with the City of Sanford due to annexation, etc. The County will need to understand their future plans before any changes are made as how to operate the fire service in the unincorporated areas of the County. It was also noted that three years ago the Fire Districts were converted to Service Districts so the legal cap on the fire tax rates could go above 15 cents due to the issues around the City serving Clear Water Forest. Emergency Services Director Shane Seagroves stated he was working with Moore County and Wake County who have implemented a flat tax. Mr. Seagroves stated he would be meeting with the fire chief's on Wednesday, May 25th and this matter would be discussed. Commissioner Reives once again asked that fire departments submit their concerns in writing to the Board. He also asked Mr. Seagroves to check and see if any counties implemented a flat tax and changed back because they didn't like it or it didn't work. No action taken.