5-20-2022 BOC Budget Work Session

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Budget Discussion County Manager John Crumpton presented a memo summarizing input that was provided related to the non-profit organization funding, a copy of which is attached and included in these minutes. The Board placed a cap on non-profit funding in the amount of $65,000 and also a onetime allocation to NC Veterans Memorial of$20,000. If this is approved by the Commissioners in the FY 2023 budget, the Manager's Recommended Budget will go down $145, 115. A market adjustment is needed for the negotiation of the County Attorney's Contract. Funds were recommended in the amount of$20,000 to address issues with staffing at the Animal Shelter. Chairman Kirk Smith also requested a .5-cent reduction in the tax rate. To achieve this, a correction was made to EMS reducing the budgeted amount by $33,145, deducting incentives in the amount of$123,475 based on the timing of pay outs and a reduction of$77,280 related to General Services insurance were made. To lower the rate to 72.5 cents, the Board could allocate $5,156 to the fund balance appropriated. $150,000 was recommended to add to the Health Department for the Health Wellness Program. Dr. Crumpton reminded the Board that by statute, there are eight items the Board is required to provide funding for in regards to the Lee County Schools System and Central Carolina Community College. The primary responsibility to the schools and the Community College is for the facilities. This includes funds for salaries related to positions that are dedicated to maintaining the facilities. Regarding teacher supplement, Dr. Crumpton said that it is a Board decision and is based on affordability. Commissioner Sharpe departed the meeting at 11:45 a.m. Dr. Crumpton reminded the Board that with the tax revaluation that will occur next year, the Board may be able to address several things, including consideration of another reduction in the tax rate and the Board will also need to consider additions to the budget for the new facilities that will come online. Commissioner Reives requested to send the document including breakdown of what the Board is required to fund related to the schools, in addition to a request for the ESRI information provided to the School Board. Motion: Motion to request the ESRI report from the Lee County Schools Superintendent that was provided to the School Board. Mover: Robert Reives For: 5 - Arianna Lavallee, Dr. Andre Knecht, Bill Carver, Mark Lovick, Robert Reives Absent: 2 - Kirk Smith, Cameron Sharpe Motion Result: Passed Motion: Motion to incorporate changes included in the County Manager's Memorandum dated May 20, 2022 as an update to the County Manager's Recommended Budget. Mover: Dr. Andre Knecht For: 5 - Arianna Lavallee, Robert Reives, Bill Carver, Mark Lovick, Dr. Andre Knecht Absent: 2 - Kirk Smith, Cameron Sharpe 4