2008 - 11-03-08 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOOK 22 na 499 Aye: Brown, Lemmond, Paschal, Quiggle, Reives, and Shook Nay: Kelly The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted by a six to one vote. Commissioner Reives stated that at the last Finance Committee meeting, steps were taken to address needs for Lee Senior High School. He stated there was a lot of bad information going around as to how much available money the county had. County Manager John Crumpton and Tax Administrator Dwane Brinson discussed financial issues. Mr. Crumpton stated he had met with department heads to discuss the year to date financials, FY 2008-09 budgets, and the development of financial contingency plans for the remainder of the year if revenues fall short. He has also started looking at next year's budget. Mr. Crumpton stated he also has concerns with the excise tax receipts, environmental services fees, other fee revenue, and revenue from the City's building inspection fees. All of these revenues are critical to the operation of the Register of Deeds, Environmental Health and the City's Inspection offices. Any loss in revenue will require either a reduction in expenses or an increase in fund balance appropriated. He will continue to work with departments to limit the financial impact to the County. Cost cutting measures have been put in place by freezing all open employment positions, eliminating out of state and overnight travel where possible, and holding back the purchasing of some capital items. All departments have been asked to develop two and four percent expense reduction plans. During the budget process this year, $1.2 million in expenses were cut from County operations to balance the budget. These reductions, along with savings from the Medicaid swap, went to increase the School's current expense funding by $2.1 million. Most departments are already lean with fat previously cut. To produce a two to four percent cost reduction plan would require the permanent elimination of all open positions plus an additional reduction of force for current positions and reduction of programs/hours. These cuts would have an adverse effect on the County's ability to provide basic core services to our citizens. Tax Administrator Dwane Brinson stated a major concern is the automobile tax base that is declining rapidly due to the fact that people aren't trading for new vehicles and the value of existing vehicles is declining. The loss of vehicle tax revenue will be offset by increases in prior year tax collections, conservative budgeting in the real property tax collections and under- estimating business personal property taxes. Mr. Brinson stated even though it is projected we will meet our ad valorem tax budget; there is a major decline in personal property values (including individual and corporate values). This year the County will experience releases and refunds from the revaluation appeals. The Property Tax Commission is scheduled to hear two large-value cases for Lee County - Wyeth and Central Carolina Hospital. No action was taken on this matter. County Manager John Crumpton stated the Health Department had requested that an Animal Control Officer position and Physician Assistant position be filled as soon as possible in lieu of hiring a new Nursing Director. Commissioner Reives moved to approve the above request from the Health Department. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Brown, Kelly, Lemmond, Paschal, Quiggle, Reives, and Shook Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. Mr. Michael Watson, Executive Director of the Sandhills Center completed the required paperwork to appear before the Board and present the Quarterly Mental Health Report. Mr. Watson stated the major responsibilities of the Sandhills Center include: 3