1-27 - 1-28-22 BOC Planning Retreat

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five correctional officers that passed. The low-income tax threshold was raised from $20,000 to $25,000. The personal income tax rate was modified to 3.99%. The income tax on military pensions was eliminated. Representative Sauls provided an update on the bill related to vehicle inspections. The bill allows the Department of Environmental Quality time to notify all maintenance shops in NC prior to going in effect. HB 473 turned to SB 473 was discussed concerning Board members serving on non-profit boards as voting members and potentially having to recuse themselves before approving budgets with funding allocated to those non-profits. When asked whether the Council of Government Board was included, the opinion is that they do not qualify because they serve as a function of the state. The issue with the legislation is whether there is a true conflict of interest for these Board members. To get around this, Boards may have to pass various budget ordinances to break out the budgets for the non-profit ordinances. If a board member had to recuse on the current Lee County Board of Commissioners, there could be a split vote of 3-3 and a non-profit may not receive funding as a result. Most votes on the budget have been unanimous. The members are trying to serve and help non-profit groups. Staff is now investigating whether the boards any of the Board of Commissioners currently serve are 501(c)(3) organizations. Counties are working with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners to address this issue because it is statewide. Chairman Smith stated that Fentanyl is coming across the border by the tons, which is really affecting the community. Chairman Smith voiced that we (Lee County) are in dire need of treatment facilities locally. He said he has discussed this issue with the new CEO of the hospital and for them it is not financially feasible. Rockingham and Davidson County have FirstHealth facilities that help with treatment. Representative Sauls said it is unfortunate that the Legislature pushed the mental health issue back on the counties. Individuals are held in emergency rooms for a number of weeks because of the unavailability of beds in the treatment facilities. When law enforcement administers Narcan and the individual walks away, they don't usually receive the help they need. County Manager John Crumpton said when the opioid settlement funds are received, there needs to be a regional collaboration to address getting people to places with treatment, along with providing better education. The opioid lawsuit may provide $4.6 million over a course of time. Adding the City of Sanford to the Memorandum of Agreement in the settlement would add an extra 10% to Lee County's settlement. The hospital and Sandhills Center will need to be a part of the equation. Commissioner Knecht arrived at 6:33 p.m. STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE Deputy County Attorney/Clerk to the Board Jennifer Gamble provided the Board with an update on changes to the Strategic Plan and presented the annual schedule for reporting, review and annual adoption. When reviewing objectives, Dr. Crumpton addressed whether the objectives within Goal 1 of the Arts and Culture focus area "to create a new building to grow spaces for affordable entertainment"are still a priority, referring to the existence and the Mann Center. He noted the second objective does not currently align with the Capital Improvement Plan adopted by the Board, which sets forth plans for capital projects over the next five years. Commissioner Lovick indicated the farmers'market will also include a featured arts section. The Board came to the consensus that the two objectives under the first goal for the focus area of Arts and Culture should be removed. The Board also agreed to add an objective for the focus area of Education under Goal 2 stating "Assess opportunities to expand broadband access in Lee County to increase accessibility to virtual learning opportunities." The Board 2