1-31-19 Planning Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

operating cycle (i.e. taxes collected in December), and to have a reserve for emergencies, unforeseen events, or unexpected opportunities. The majority of the County's liability is associated with debt. Liability can be managed through vesting requirements, closed plans, capped benefits, and benefits after participants are eligible for Medicare. Healthcare costs can be managed through on site health clinics, measuring biometrics, pharmacy, and high deductible plans and HSAs. B. Report from the Sanford Area Growth Alliance—Sanford Area Growth Alliance CEO Michael Smith introduced Chamber Executive Director Meg Moss who provided an update regarding Chamber membership. Ms. Moss stated that the Chamber currently has 575 members, some of which are outside of the County but desired the local contact. The Chamber Membership dues paid in 2018 was $171,338. New businesses include three new air B and B's, Edward Jones, and Miracle Ear. The Chamber holds about 50 networking events a year. On April 30, 2019, the Business Showcase will take place at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center. The Small Business Center has started a seven-part webinar on how to start a business in Lee County. In 2017 there were 94 new jobs representing 11 businesses just through the ribbon cuttings done through the Chamber. In 2018 there were 54 new jobs representing about 13 new businesses. Economic Development Executive Director Bob Joyce then provided an update on activities. For the last quarter of 2018 and the first month of 2019, the volume of large projects is strong. The types of projects include mostly manufacturing. Projects also include food and beverage that is more highly automated. Conveyor Technologies, near the Innovations Center, is in the automation business with picket place robots that are specialized in the circuit board industry. Mr. Smith and Mrs. Moss mentioned the Leadership Sanford program, which has educated citizens throughout the community. SAGA is currently at the end of their five-year capital funding campaign and are currently exploring ideas for phase two of the campaign. C. 2019 Reappraisal and Property Tax Update —Mary Yow, Lee County Tax Administrator and Michael Brown provided information regarding the 2019 reappraisal process. February 15, 2019 is the date scheduled to mail out reappraisal notices. The real appraisal process is the taking of all property and establishing a value for the property as of January 1, 2019. All property will be reassessed using the sales, cost, and income approach to value. Data is gathered through street level photography, pictometry, and Tyler Verify. In 2018, there were 800 valid sales to assist with the reappraisal. After notices are sent out, people may submit appeals informally through tax department staff. Beyond that, the appeals are sent to the locally appointed Board of Equalization and Review. After the Board of Equalization and Review makes their decision, an individual will have 30 days to appeal to the Property Tax Commission. Mary Yow also stated that a recent complaint had been received from someone who had mailed his tax payment through the box at the post office. Due to recent theft from the mailboxes at the post office, the payment was never received. The issue is interest on late payment. The Board requested that the County Attorney check with the postal service to see if there is any available information regarding the mailbox thefts. For this fiscal year 3,123 Gap Bills were billed amounting to $97,230 of which $4,185 was released due to incorrect data. $36,048 was collected. Currently Lee County has 5,112 RMV bills that remain uncollected totaling $253,928.97, which includes county, district, and interest. For the current year, $37,814 has been collected. Under GS 105-373 after five years, the bills may be relieved as insolvent. The minimum tax has stayed the same in Lee County at $1.00 for many years. Across the state, the amount varies from $1.00 to $5.00. To change this, a resolution is required by June 15th of the year you want it to be effective. Mrs. Yow said she is also required to provide the Board with a list of unpaid taxes on the first Monday in February. This will be posted to the Commissioner's site and distributed to the Board prior to the Board's issuance of the order. Page 415