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parks. This would not be added to the annual regular budget increases since it is a one-time <br /> expenditure. Members of the Board expressed that they would like to lower the tax rate and the <br /> Manager stated in order to do that the County will need to keep head count down. <br /> Outside of the schools, the County's largest expense is its employees which is an important <br /> County asset. The Civic Center does not have a lot of revenue due to the pandemic and <br /> since the financial responsibility for the Civic Center is virtually on the commissioners, the <br /> occupancy tax may be able to help make up for the lack of revenue. There is also a fund <br /> balance associated with the occupancy tax fund that has about$173,000 which could be <br /> used to cover expenses. David Foster has reported that the Civic Center has made <br /> adjustments to bring in revenue. The County Manager turned the meeting over to the Board <br /> of Commissioners to discuss budget priorities. <br /> Commissioner Discussion on FY 21-22 Priorities <br /> Commissioner Reives requested to add the pool and splash pad to Phase I of the Parks <br /> Improvement Project. Dr. Crumpton stated that an RFQ would be needed to pick a consultant to <br /> do a design. He also requested that basketball courts at Temple Park be added to Phase I. This <br /> would address the community concerns about improving the area. The main topic of the <br /> discussion is to do a pool and splash pad at Horton Park. The pay study is in year 2 of its <br /> implementation. The people that were significantly below market rate have been increased at <br /> about 2.4%. The second year is a pay increase of about 2.4% for people that are eligible. The <br /> basketball court at Temple is estimated to cost about $40,000. To make the change the action <br /> could take place at Monday's meeting to do a budget amendment to move the money from the <br /> general fund to the capital fund. Last year and this year the County has used conservative base <br /> numbers to perform estimates related to tax revenues. The Manager estimated that the increase <br /> .will likely be around$3,000,000. About$ 1.2-$1.8 million will be needed to decrease the tax rate <br /> two pennies. Commissioner Reives asked that Human Resources take a look at a recent benefit <br /> city council has implemented related to health insurance. Commissioner Lovick stated that he <br /> would like to see using the reserve that County employees possibly receive an increase. The <br /> Manager stated that if the Board funds the COLA and pay plan and plan to keep this <br /> commitment some of the issues related to turnover will be addressed and will give employees an <br /> incentive to stay. Commissioner Sharpe stated his number one priority is to lower the tax rate 2- <br /> 3 pennies and supports the pay plan and speeding up the process at Horton Park and <br /> somewhere in the next 2-3 years another 1% supplement for the teachers to remain competitive. <br /> Commissioner Lavallee stated that she would like to see the tax rate lowered along with the debt <br /> and doing a grant program for small businesses that continue to hurt due to the pandemic. <br /> Commissioner Carver asked about mental health services. Dr. Crumpton stated that with the <br /> Sandhills Center the County has provided the same amount in funding for a number of years and <br /> the County also provides a building for free. He suggested that if the County requested <br /> something specific like doing a service related to opioid issues we could do that separate from <br /> the LME. We would want to establish a memorandum of understanding related to the specific <br /> services the County would like to see provided. Commissioner Carver stated that he also would <br /> like to further discuss the issue of homelessness and the ability to finance something to leverage <br /> by identifying the people they can actually help. Dr. Crumpton stated that Brick Capital is <br /> separate from S3 Connect and would need to address each organization separate. Dr. Crumpton <br /> added that the Board may be able to look at possible economic development opportunities to <br /> address the issue through Golden Leaf and there is probably at least $500,000 in the Golden <br /> Leaf Fund. Commissioner Reives suggested that they could get Sandhills Center involved in <br /> situations related to the domestic violence to have someone trained involved in the response. <br /> 12 <br />