County Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Welcome everybody to the May 18th Carter County Board of Commissioner meeting. Commissioner Walder, will you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? Stand if you are able. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisibley and justice for all.

Commissioner Moore, will you give the invocation? Father heaven, we thank you for this day. We thank you for each and everyone that has joined together this evening. Ask you to be with the speakers and be with us for that everything. We ask you now to just bless each and every one of us. Bless the whole everything that's going on tonight and we ask you Lord to just be with us and we ask you and thank you Lord for all that you've done.

Amen. Everyone will silence their cell phones. In accordance with the state government ethics act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts. Does any board member have any known conflict of interest or the appearance of conflict with respect to any matter coming before the board this evening? If so, please identify the conflict and refrain from any undue participation in a particular matter involved. Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? Second.

Motion by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Quinn. All in favor? Is there a motion to adopt the consent agenda? Motion by Commissioner Wal, seconded by Commissioner Moore. All in favor? Now, we have the distinct pleasure and honor of presenting a proclamation, resolution, and plaque honoring Sheriff Asa Buck for his 28 years of service to Carter County, including marks from the board and Sheriff Buck, although he's already told me he's going to be brief tonight. We got a full agenda and followed by a board action adopting the uh resolution. So, we going to come down front neck or press conference. All right. County Sheriff Sheriff book served County, professionalism, and commitment to public safety. Whereas a reser's office sheriff in 2006 sheriff agency safety service

agencies and citizens he serves whereas he has served at state level. Sheriff is a past president of the association helping policy and guide law enforcement efforts across North Carolina. Sheriff has worked to address the crisis abuse drug collection program in North Carolina later. Whereas under his leadership enforcement efforts illegal drugs progress investigation prosecution drug related crimes including death by while working closely with local, state, and federal partners. Whereas Sheriff has also supported and balanced response to substance abuse, recognizing the importance of both strong enforcement and meaningful efforts on recovery, treatment, and support for individuals and families impedunication, helping keep informed duries and other critical public events. has served as a mentoring train of future law enforce service. Therefore, commissioner 28 years of service appreciation for his leadership dedication all citizens to join recognizing him for his service and leadership.

the same thing. Now, my uh semi retirement state, I've been doing some crystal work, engraving on crystal, making an excellent job train of 28 years dedicated service to the citizens of Florida County from the service of deputy sheriff to his leadership his commitment publiculations. You got the floor.

Never said that to you.

Ding ding ding ding ding. Nick said that I could go stand behind the lect. So I'm known for always asking for a lot. Usually when I come and folks almost 30 years in the sheriff's office and as far as running the sheriff's had to engage in first and foremost I like everybody county administration always try to do the very best I do from our sheriff's office everybody in the county when it comes to law enforcement local police department here police officers here in our county great relationship with our chiefs, state, federal partners. And I certainly want to thank women sheriff's office. Sheriff's office can only be successful with adequate funding. And I want to thank this board, all the boards that didn't come before. I've had

to come up there many times and ask for things, ask for resources to be able to run the sheriff's office so that I and our office can be responsive to the needs of the citizens of Carter County, all various issues we've had to deal with over 20 years. This board has done a fantastic job funding the sheriff's office to provide the resources that we need so that we can serve you citizens. And my good buddy Scott Thomas is sitting here in the audience. And I really like to thank Scott. He's our retired district attorney and he and I work for almost 20 years together. We came in the same year. Scott had a little bit of jump on me. started in the first part of 2006. I started at the end of 2006, but our mindset with regard to law enforcement, public safety and Scott that effort and we've worked very hard to tackle any number of different challenges over that time and I think we all everybody working together as a team said all the agencies working together and whenever any group comes here and I get the opportunity to go and welcome somebody and talk to long like I'm doing right now no matter what group that is that comes here whether they're a law enforcement group whoever comes here outside the county I never fail to mention the fantastic working relationship we've had here this And the reason is for the people. No matter what color uniform you wear, no matter what your station in life, we all have to work together all these

issues that we deal with in order to make things better for the people. Everything I've done in nearly 30 years has always been for the people. This county born and raised in this county. THANK YOU ALL. APPRECIATE YOU.

Thank you. I will have comments from the board about Asa and his service to the county. Start with Commissioner Wald. I can't imagine having to uh fill the shoes of Sheriff Asa Buck. You're my one and only. And uh I appreciate uh being broken in as a commissioner with you as the uh as the north star for what a sheriff's office is supposed to be. So I appreciate it. There's plenty of other people that have a lot more time uh in in engaging with you. Um, but I will forever remember the bar that was set and I look forward to uh maintaining if not exceeding what you've the foundation that you've given us. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner W. Commissioner Moore.

Sure. I u I enjoyed working with you in the beginning and then working for you as we went on. You became sheriff and did some great stuff for Carter County and I just want to thank you personally as one of your employees in the past and for all the good training and all the good guidance that you gave me that I could do what need to be done in the county so things would go the way it should go when you went to that individual and uh the guidance that you gave us made that happen but again I thank you and appreciate all you've done and enjoy your retirement and that next chapter that you're getting ready to go to time. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Quinn.

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. tickled and I've only had to deal with Asil on this side the law but uh been thinking about uh his service here and certainly the the words that he had to say this evening um it reminds me of America's favorite sheriff Andy Taylor who said when enforcing the law it's important uh to use your head and your heart and the way in which you have cared for and had compassion for the people of this county shines through that badge you're wearing isn't just a a symbol of your position. I've I've always thought that you wore it because you were looking out for the people who gave it to you. Thank you so much for your service.

Thank you, Commissioner Quinn. Commissioner Clark,

I uh first encountered Sheriff Buck in 2018. Um, and I was just a a curious citizen asking questions and he took the time to answer my questions. He didn't cut me short. He didn't know me from Adam, but that's the kind of person that you want serving in that capacity. someone that makes the time to spend the time to honor the citizenry. And I I knew who my sheriff was at the time. Obviously, I've lived in Carter County since ' 82. But that day was when I knew my sheriff, and I felt like, well, this this is a good man, and he'll take the time to answer my questions. And it it means a lot and it still does. And uh that type of interaction, you know, leads to more uh friendship and uh intimacy in a in a in a sensible use of the word. And I just I just want you to know, sheriff, that even almost, you know, eight years ago, it was a short amount of time, but it was impactful. And I just I appreciate you then and I appreciate you now. Hope our next sheriff can be half as good as you. So I appreciate you a lot. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Commissioner Clark. Commissioner Shen.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, I think all would would have to agree with all the comments that have been made this evening. Sheriff, this it's amazing the the dedication and and the love that you actually have to have for this county and community to do and serve uh in the capacity that you have for for so many years. and uh we all the county owes a debt of gratitude for what you've done. I think I've said it several times in different forms. Um we're truly blessed as far as from a law enforcement standpoint in Carter County and it's all due to AC's leadership. You don't have to look too far to see other counties that are pretty close to us that got some pretty significant issues going on with drugs and violence and all sorts of crime and uh of course we have some here in Carter County but not nearly like in surrounding communities. So for that sir um we appreciate everything you've done and wish you well and whatever the future holds and if I or I'm sure any of this board can be of service to you please don't hesitate. Thank you.

Thank you Commissioner Shim Vice Chairman Mansfield. I mean I don't think you can say enough about all the good things that AC has done during his life and his career. um we would if I tried to talk about those things, we would be here longer than he could ever speak. And I I definitely don't want to be breaking any of I don't want to be breaking any of his records. I

I don't think we've seen the end of Mr. Buck. Uh he's been a great servant to our community. You're an honor to the children that have grown up here. You know, a role model and a leader that people ought to aspire to emulate. Um, I think that you along with a lot of people in the law enforcement community from the federal law enforcement to the state law enforcement to the the military. You guys exemplify we have a huge debt of gratitude to all of you guys. But I think you've taken the bar and raised it and you have worked as a team person whether it is with the DA's office or the clerk's office or the county administration or the commissioners. And nobody can ever challenge you or fault you for not doing what you thought was the best for your people. Um, and that's whether that's the people that work for you or the people who lived here in this county. And for that, I think you ought to be commended way more than we can do. Um, I thank you very much. I wish you were going to be our next US Congress person, but I'm hoping you will run again. Um, and I think you would be great. Um, and I can't say enough good things. Um, it's it's good to see people who grow up here and stay here and contribute to the community and are a blessing to the people they live with. Thank you.

Thank you, Vice Chairman Mansfield. Mine might be a little bit longer, but uh I think it's probably 20 21 years ago. We were sitting in the Huntley's parking lot and Asa told me he was going to run for sheriff. For those of you who don't know where Huntley's is, it's where the uh Roland's Barbecue and the Buffford Ace is now. And I said, I'm going to help you. Said I'm kind of going to do it behind the scenes because we had eight men in the race back then. And I left there and I got to thinking. I said, if you're going to do anything, you need to do it all the way. And I made some phone calls to folks and got back with Asa the next day, told him all the people I'd called. He said, "Well, I thought you were going to be behind the scenes." I said, "Well, I decided to go. You got to go for it." And uh Asa was well known in the eastern part of the county and uh I delivered tires to Cape Carter and Stella and all those places. and he would ride with me every Tuesday and we'd deliver tires and talk to the Paige boys and Parkers and Bill Blackman. We'd all have lunch up there in Cape Carter and Pelleteer and I told him if the sheriff gig didn't work out, he'd be a good tire man. He could roll the tires off the back of the truck, but we all know how that turned out. But our goal was

I'm glad your back probably don't hurt as bad as mine. But it uh you know, the goal was to get 40% that night. We were there at Doug Raymond's Cubbies in that same shopping center and was it 42% 44%

and a six-man Republican race plus two uh Democrats and uh John you got it a lot easier just uh just one man one or two people to beat. But uh Asa worked hard knocked one over 5,000 doors. uh we would go to the banks and go on hunting trips uh most weekends and once he became sheriff and his phone was constantly ringing and no matter who it was he answered the phone he dealt with him whether it was 10 11 o'clock at night 2 o'clock in the morning or 600 7 o'clock in the morning and uh the sheriff's office you get a lot of special people calling you I I was going to say something else but I'm trying to watch myself you're growing

I'm I'm improving A lot of special people call you and some of them are right and some of them are not quite right. But ASA always took the time to explain the situation to them. Whether it was a DSS situation or whatever, they always called ASA and he always took care of it. So the county is going to miss you and we certainly proud of you. So, all right. I do need a motion to pass the presentation of the proclamation and resolution and plaque for honoring Sheriff Asa Buck for 28 years. Chairman, I'll make a motion to pass the presentation of proclamation for the best sheriff we ever had. I'll second that.

Motion by Vice Chairman Mansfield, seconded by Commissioner Shen. All in favor? Thank you. Appreciate it. dismissed. And anybody here for the presentation, you don't have to stay for the whole meeting. You guys are free to get up and go, right? Yeah. We don't want to punish you. This one could be a long one.

Thank you for coming. Next we have public comment. Payton Williams.

If you will state your name and address and you have three minutes. Um Peyton Williams on the matter of West Carter bands and ensembles budgeting. Okay, go ahead. You're good.

Um, good evening y'all. Um, I don't know how I could quite follow that up, but um, my name is Payton Williams. I'm a freshman at West Carter High School. Um, I'm here to speak on behalf of our program today. Um, I would like to start off by saying that a young adult's education is what gives them the opportunities to explore what they are passionate about. And I am eternally grateful for not only this county has done for my education, but also the educators who are guiding me through life. About a year ago now, um I was having to adapt to a whole new band program at West and I was really nervous. I thought I would never be good enough for West Band, but that turned out wrong. I It just took some time and a great deal of practice. Um and now I can play multiple instruments fairly well. I'm the section leader of uh my trombone section. Um, I'm the second chair in the district for concert trombone and I'm 10th chair in the district for jazz trombone. Um, and I want to go to college for music education because of the band programs in this county. Um, this band program is going through an adaptive phase, one that will greatly determine the success of music education across the eastern side of the state. This band is going through an adaptive state just like I did many moons ago. Um, I believe once we come out of this adaptive state, we will be one of the programs that is innovating in the nation, not just emulating anymore. This is all to say that we need as much support as we can get educator-wise and moneywise while not forgetting all the support that we currently have. Uh, Mr. Andrew Wright is a once in a-lifetime kind of educator. He gives so much to this program and all of its ensembles, including Carter Collective Sounds outdoor and indoor groups. I would like to estimate that he has about a 70 hour work week every week. He's a devoted man to his craft and he has more experience than anyone in probably I would like to say in this

county um with running a program like this. And on the topic and on top of that he balances uh his time with his family and I think I can speak on behalf of the program for this one but we need someone to lighten the load for him. Someone who can step in when he isn't there. someone who can take his place. I will speak for myself when I say this, but I'm so lucky to have him as my director and I appreciate him so much. That being said, I'd like to recommend the commissioners the consideration of uh approving and finding an assistant director and more funding for our ensembles in the budget as we move into this next fiscal year. I love this program and would love to see it grow, but that can only happen if we get more help. Thank you all for your time and I hope I offered some insight to what we need as a program coming from the perspective of a student.

Thank you. Next we have Norma Hall.

Um Normma Hall and 1904 East Fort Mon Road in Atlantic Beach. And I am speaking on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Carter County to advocate for the Board of Elections staff by respectfully requesting that the Board of Commissioners give serious consideration to providing the Board of Elections full-time staff adequate and comp um comparable salary increases. My husband Ralph petitioned this board to provide salary increases consistent with the duties and responsibilities of these individuals in June of 23, 24, and May of 25. Compared with other departments, the board of elections staff salaries are still not comparable. Our elections director is still one of the lowest paid department heads in the county and is subjected to intense scrutiny and bound by substantial legal responsibilities. The league has been observing the board of elections for the past five years. During this time, the board of elections and their staff have consistently demonstrated solid knowledge of the constantly changing statutes, procedures, and requirements that surround North Carolina elections. They have painstakingly performed v voter role maintenance, election preparation, pole worker training, pre and post election testing and audits, and handled all protests and issues that are as they are dictated by NC statutes, just to name a few of the the many requirements they have. The Carter County Board of Elections staff have consistently, diligently, and professionally demonstrated an extreme knowledge while providing the citizens of Carterette County elections that are safe, secure, and accurate. We thank the board for providing the

funding to improve physical security um to the board of um for the board of elections office and funding to update the elections technology in time for the November elections so the new software updates can be implemented. Um, and in closing, we appreciate the board taking its stewardship of taxpayer money seriously in considering proposed budget requests, but urgently recommend that they finally provide the long requested salary increases for the board of elections. Thank you very much. Thank you, Miss Hall. Next, we have Brian Nicolo.

Good evening. I'm Brian Nicolo at 1502 Salt Path Road, Indian Beach. Good to be with you all here tonight. Congratulations to Asa. Young man did a great job. And I have a solution for the elections. Um, paper ballots, single day voting, ID card, make life easy. But here today, I'm here to talk to you about Jewish American history month. It's May is all month Jewish American history. And for 372 years, Jewish Americans have been at the top of every facet of our of our beginning. um you know the entrepreneurs, the financial leaders, they own the you know top of media companies and and they've done that from the beginning and even till today. So even though they're 2% of our population, they make up 14% of our governors. Uh they make up 10% of our senators and they make up 5% of our representatives. So of those uh representatives are Jewish, American and our elected leaders, 30 of them are Democrats. And you'd say, "Well, that why is that?" But anyway, two are Republicans, probably rhinos, and one's an independent. Um, it's ironic also that some of our Jewish Americans are a rabbi founded a an adult site. I won't say what it is, but anyways, it's kind of ironic that that would be the case, right? uh also a Jewish American or uh excuse me a Jewish billionaire turned over to his wife who now owns a majority stake in uh something called Only Fans and she's just donated 11 million to a group called Apac which is a heavy lobbying group in our in our nation's capital but they are good they are good and that they're 1% of our incarceration rate so that's either they're really good or they're really connected um we have other populations that are 13% of population they make up 55% of of our incarceration rate. Uh, Jewish Americans have been at the forefront of every

civil rights movement in our country. Uh, they founded groups like the ACLU, NAACP, the S Southern Poverty Law Center. They were top uh operators in our immigration resettlement programs. So also some of the notable uh Jewish Americans in our that have been impactful is Jeffrey Epstein Gizlane Maxwell, Robert Maxwell. He's a Mosad agent and he owned McMillan Publishing which produced our education products when I was in school back in the 80s. So you need to dig into your history folks. Also George Shoros he was o open society and he developed something called smartmatic with his friend of open society Mr. Malik Brown. So why would they be involved in election voting machines? So it's time to start recognizing things that we are forbidden to talk about. You need to do your research. And I'm not demonizing anybody. It's not anti-Semitic to criticize because we are beaten over the head as uh white Americans of our history. And we're told that we're whitewashing when we try to learn real history. And when you find out who the players are, um you might start learning your history. And I ended on that. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Nicolo. That's all the folks have signed up tonight. Is there anyone else that would like to speak on anything?

All right, that concludes public comment. Next, we have a public hearing on the proposed amendments to chapter 6, fire prevention and chapter 14, solid waste of the Carter County Code of Ordinances regarding outdoor burning revised following the April 20th, 2026 public hearing. Mr. Eddie Lewis, our fire marshall, will be presenting that. Eddie, you want to come on up? And while Eddie's coming up, uh, want to congratulate you, Eddie. Not only have you done a great job for the county for many years, but you just received the Order of the Guardian award. You and Mr. Steve Gould. I was unable to attend the Mike Cy present you that, but we're very proud of you and thankful for your service for throughout the county and for many years of service to the county. Well, thank you and I appreciate every member of the board that supports the fire marshall's office along with our county manager and staff. Um, we've kind of gone into the fire marshall's office as um try to leave it better than we found it and one day when we step out of that we hope we have done. I appreciate that comment. So the uh the last meeting that we had uh you asked us to uh strike the five homes out because that ordinance had been written in to mirror the uh the shooting ordinance. So we took the five out. Um we did allow uh and added a agricultural or prescribed burning for our farmers so our farmers can burn when they need to burn the crops. And we had uh the North Carolina Forest Service look over and read uh the ordinance and they sent it up to their legal folks and um so they to mirror uh the law or section 78 in North Carolina codes for burning outdoor burning uh they said instead of just using the word buildings to add occupied dwelling instead of a

building. So that if someone's burning and they're burning next to somebody's shed or pump house, this would not apply. It's only for the occupied. So to make it and to also be in line with the North Carolina forestry regulations. U so we did modify the ordinance for that. I can tell you as the fire marshal and my staff, we always go and we try to educate the folks and warn them if you do this this will happen. Don't do that. Uh we try to try to do education and warning. This is u before we write a citation before we get down this path. We have probably been several times and tried to educate the folks what they're doing, how they're harming so that that it doesn't happen again. And typically, most of the time that that uh suffices. Uh there are times when we have to get them through the citations, but we can honestly say that any citation we've ever written, they the person has had ample.

Thank you, M. Lewis. I entertain a motion to go into public hearing. Make a motion to go to public hearing amendment chapter 14. All right. Motion by Vice Chairman Mansfield. A second. Second. Seconded by Commissioner Quinn. All in favor. We are now in public hearing. Is there anyone here that would like to speak on this matter?

Yes sir. If you'll come to the podium and state your name and address. You have three minutes. Yes, thank you board. My name is Kurt FAF. I live at 116 Breakwater Drive in Newport. Um, I have an analogy for the board to this evening. It's much definitely much warmer than it was last month when I was here at the meeting presenting uh with for this ordinance. So, it's a hot summer evening. You want to go get a drink of cool water. You go get your water and West Carter pumps out of your faucet. Brown brown water that smells like phosphorus, rotten eggs wouldn't be acceptable, right? Not acceptable to anybody to have nonclean drinking water. Well, much like water, clean air is also a god-given right. Um, this ordinance that is being proposed isn't really to take isn't proposed to take the rights away from people to burn legally. We've had issues with folks, I'd say 99% of the folks follow the rules and the law and also the time in which to burn. Um, but there are those that do not. There are those that don't seem to have the respect for neighbors or people in general. And make it worse, have complete disregard for the law. I can honestly say u there have been times when we've had burning close to our homes. It's been scary. Um there have been within 50 feet flames as high as 20 feet um high 50 feet from our homes. Um there's been so much accelerant poured onto fresh and green wood that it was actually a mini explosion that made me jump out of bed and call the police. And that's in my October 2025 call for record. Um it's so much so it rattled our windows and

really made us kind of fearful of what was going on. There was also times when fires were burning in the morning when I left for work, knowing full well they were left unattended overnight with prevailing winds, dry conditions, you can honestly see and kind of take the next step of where it might go. So again, this is this ordinance is to provide law enforcement the tools to educate first, then site, you know, potentially citate uh people um later, and also to protect the folks of Car Carter County for having the similar experiences that we have shared amongst my neighbors. So, I I plead with the board in the few minutes, a few seconds I have left. Um, we don't want an otherwise healthy person to get sick from having their homes enveloped in smoke where you feel prisoner in your home. We don't want a a person who may already have some sort of respiratory disease, succumb to that disease because of this. Nor do we want, you know, a home to catch fire because of irresponsible people that don't really care for others in their neighborhood or their county. With that, I leave you and thank you for your consideration on this ordinance.

Thank you. Anyone else would like to speak? All right. Hearing none. See none, there's a motion to close public. Chairman, I'll make a motion to go out of public hearing. All right. Motion by Vice Chair Mansfield, seconded by Commissioner Walder. All in favor? All right. This is a special type of vote. Has to be unanimous. Uh if it is unanimous, it takes into effect tonight. If it's not unanimous, it'll come back next month and uh be presented again. Is there any discussion?

I'll make a motion to approve the proposed amendments to chapter 6 fire prevention and chapter 14 solid waste of the Carter County code of ordinances regarding the outdoor burning as revised following the April 20th, 2026 public hearing. Motion by Vice Chairman Mansfield. Is there a second? Seconded by Commissioner Walbert. All in favor? unanimous. Guess we skip discussion.

Mr. I hope this helps you. We didn't just do it just for you though. We did it for all the citizens of Carter County. And Mr. Lewis, we thank you for taking care of all those people. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. All right. Next, we have the county manager recommended budget for 2026 2027. Thank you, Miss Michaw and Miss Griffin.

Thank you, chairman and commissioners and all of our citizens who might be listening. Um, tonight is the night that we talk about the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Unlike um our federal government and our state government, counties are required by law to pass a balanced budget every year. And we're very proud of the strong tradition that we have for fiscal responsibility here in Carter County. I would like to thank sincerely um our board for their direction and how engaged they've been throughout the process. And I'd like to thank De Michelle who will present to us in just a moment, but also some other folks that are over here, Kelly Woodruff and Cindy Mintz. Go ahead and wave or stand up guys from our finance department. also the rest of our finance department, um, Ashley and Satie and the other folks who had to work extra hard to make sure that we got this budget in the hands of our commissioners and in the public so that everyone could review it. To give you the overview, this is a 190 million budget. 147 million of that is the general fund. This is a very conservative budget this year based upon the economic factors that we're seeing and also based upon the guidance of our board of commissioners. The important bottom line for everyone is there are no tax increases proposed in this budget. This budget is designed to carry out our board's goals for an effective service

focused government. and to also preserve the safety of our citizens, our quality of life, and to do so while improving the efficiencies of government. At this time, I would like to recognize our deputy county manager and finance officer, Deashaw, who's going to provide the highlights of our proposed budget and give us an overview.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Um so, um as our county manager said, we're pleased to present to the board of commissioners our FY27 recommended budget. Um Miss Griffin had really nice compliments to say about the finance department, but the finance department uh doesn't put this budget together alone. Matt, our assistant county manager, and his team and the other department heads worked really hard, provided a lot of additional clarification, and helped us work through and get a finished product completed. So, with that said, we'll move to the budget. As our county manager said, the recommended budget maintains current level of services. uh maintains the current property tax rates for the general fund as well as our special taxing districts and revenues are budgeted conservatively for the general fund. Um it's the only time I get to talk well two times in the year I get to talk about governmental accounting and this is one of them. So everything goes in the general fund unless it's a special revenue that's dictated by a um statute or a law like fire and EMS taxes or occupancy tax or if it's something like debt proceeds for geo bonds for school referendum for school construction. So we spend most of our time on the general fund. As Miss Griffin said the recommended general fund budget is 147.42 42 million. Um, based on the

amendments that were approved by the board tonight, that is a 2.05 million decrease from our current amended budget. And I interrupt you. Can you explain for just for the general public and for everyone how that there's a decrease when we're saying everything's going to stay the same?

Well, we had Even though the board adopts the budget, you make amendments during the year either for projects that come up or grants or programs you want to take advantage of or our revenues come in higher than anticipated so we can catch up on some capital. And that's what we did tonight. We had some revenues that were coming in a little bit higher than anticipated. And so y'all approve to um replace a chiller that's needed at Bowford Elementary School. that increased school capital. We did um for some building needs emergency operations center. We've approved $4 million for that. So that's how so as it changes during the year and then we don't have these extra capital projects in the FY27 budget. There's a decrease.

So I just wanted everybody to understand. I mean I I understand but it wasn't clear when you people can take the wrong thing when they read the decrease. And can you also speak to before we move on to the next slide that Sharon talked about $190 million budget but it's only 147 in the general fund. Can you speak to that other 42 plus million dollars so the public understands what that money is being used? Yes. And we'll see a few slides closer to the end of the presentation. We can wait till

No, no, that's fine. Um I mean I love talking about government. I'm more than happy to stand and discuss. Um, but like I just said, occupancy tax, that's over a $15 million budget. It's about almost 10 million for fire districts, for special taxing districts for them. Almost se over seven million, I think, for the rescue districts. Um, school capital is required to be in a separate fund. That's a little over three million. Uh, it's different things like that where So, so, so basically statutoily all those things are required as that money comes in. It doesn't go into our pot. It specifically goes to pay for the things that is designated for.

Correct. And sometimes we have capital funds we'll see on the county capital improvement fund. Instead of making the general fund look like this every year uh from year to year, we kind of like the general fund stay more level and stable because when we go to rating agencies is a lot easier on our bond rating and explain variations with that. And so if we have a big county maintenance project will pay for it out of a capital fund so that the capital funds that are not in the general fund the main operating budget that can go up and down.

Okay. So can you elaborate just for one second so that everyone understands in layman's terms. So when we talk about bond ratings for the agencies that if we were at home and we're going to credit karma.com or transunion or Equifax it has to do with our credit score and how we as far as the the credit agencies,

right? So, so on your individual, you get numbers over 800 is ex excellent credit for an individual. For counties, they're letters. And so for um local government and state government, AAA is the highest you can have. We have um one AAA rating that's with Fitch rating services. And then the other two are one step down. Money is double A+ and S&P is double A1 and we are one of the smallest counties in the nation to have these high credit ratings. So when we go borrow money for debt, it's just like getting interest rates for your car, your home that hope you can get a better interest rate.

Can I can I ask one more question and I'll let you move on. I apologize, but just for the general public and I hope I mean I've said it for I don't know how many years. This is my 12th year serving on this board and will be my last budget to be uh making some of these statements. But I mean, so statutoily as far as schools go, the only thing that the county is was supposed to have to pick up was the capital needs. Correct. Operational is is a state issue, not a county issue. It should be.

But we we we rank in the top 10% of the state. If you take our $147 million budget and you look at how much we appropriate percentage-wise towards education, community college and the schools and the debt service that it's close to 40% of our budget and we're we're in out of 100 counties and there's other leas here to help me out. But but we're in the top 10%. So that means we're better than the top 10 because there's 112. Uh but as far as the amount we fund towards education. Yes sir.

And just it gets lost if it never makes it out in the news the correct way. So I just wanted to make sure I say it one more time before I don't get a chance to say it again. We'll let you come back. Say and that number is about 32 million that we send to the school system locally. Yes. And that's just for operating and then capital and capital debt on top of it. Okay.

Yes sir. So on the pie chart, this is a pie chart you're familiar with um you can see as to be expected. Avalone property taxes are our largest percentage of revenue is of almost 50%. That's followed by sales tax which is over 16%. And then intergovernmental is money we receive from the federal and state government to help support programs that are predominantly human services programs such as um public health and social services. But we also receive a lot of federal funding for our transportation program. Um on the chart um it shows the recommended budget the change from the prior year and then the percentage of the change. So property taxes is about 73.48 million. It's a $1.5 million increase. Um sales taxes the other taxes bottle tax. So that's just about all sales tax is just about 24 million. It's a $250,000 projected increase from the prior year. Um we're hoping that we'll actually realize a little more growth than $250,000, but we were with legislation pending and being discussed in committee at the state, we took a conservative approach. um permits, fees, sales and services is about 13.6 million. It's about $800,000 increase that in um includes registered deeds. Um building inspections, environmental health fees, solid waste fees that we collect. Um the positive note on this is when interest rates were

really increasing, our register deeds fees have been um regressing. But not only have they stabilized, they're growing again. So we're seeing positive growth. So there was a fair amount, not all of that 800,000, but a fair amount of growth is coming from the registered deeds office. Intergovernmental is a slight decrease um about 900,000. Part of that is the state dictates when our CCATs vans can be replaced. So that number changes from year to year. So um we're not we don't have as many vehicles to be replaced on the state plan. The other thing is is that DSS and public health have to prepare their budget so early ahead of what's coming out from the state um a lot of times and you're used to seeing changes through the year above of increased funding and budget amendments. So that will probably continue for FY27 as well. investment earnings is flat. At the time that the budget was prepared, we were projecting a slight decrease and the with the Federal Reserve decreasing the rate. It looks like that's going to be held stable and not be a decrease. So, but that's basically flat. other sources or transfers in of occupancy tax for um for beach nourishment and fund balance appropriations and miscellaneous and that kind of thing. So the total revenue is 147.42 million decrease of just over 2 million or about 1.37%. If you look at our property tax revenue our projected assess values is 32.32 billion. 1 cent equals about 3.19

million. And again, the tax rate remains the same at 22.5 cents. Sales tax is about 23.8 million and 16 a little over 16%. We talked about that was conservative projections. intergovernmental. We discussed that in the programs that it supports. And then for other financing sources, I mentioned that briefly, one note that I really want to point out is when we adopted the budget for FY26, we appropriated $2 million of fund balance. This budget appropriates $4 million of fund balance. Um, and then we have, you know, we continue to have a healthy unassigned fund balance. And then we have do have a little bit of restricted fund balance appropriatives. It's $140,000 and that is for um restricted funds for some public health programs. If you look at our expenditures, there are just a few things on the pie chart I would like to point out. As um commissioners pointed out earlier in the discussion, education is our largest percentage of the um general fund budget. The 26.63% includes capital and operating for the community college as well as the public school system. Our second largest um segment or percentage of the budget is public safety. It used to be human services, but public safety is slightly larger now than human services used to be and that's 17.8% and human services is 17.65%

with the bulk of that funding being for public health and DSS and those mandated programs. D can we back up real quick just to to slide number nine real quick? This one or the one before? Yeah, right there. Okay.

So, just so I make sure I do understand and for everybody else So, we're showing that the recommended fund balances of $4 million and then you say unassigned fund balance for FY 2026 was $2 million, 2 million more than was adopted in the budget. So, out of the $2 million that we appropriated in the budget last year, did we we take that money out of fund balance this past year? Um, we may, it depends on how final projects come in because we are trying so desperately hard to catch up on some building needs and some building problems that we have. So, if we spend any of that money that is appropriated, it's going to be for catching up on some building maintenance. I don't show spending all the appropriated fund balance right now. And then in some years, you know, so we plug in a recommended fund balance for the budget because as Mrs. Griffin pointed out earlier statutoily, we have to approve a balanced budget. It's not like in business where you may develop a budget and you have a target of a 12% profit margin for your business and you're projecting that you're going to grow your sales by the 3% and you don't hit that. Well, then you make as much money. But we we we don't we can't do that. We have to have a balanced budget. So if you don't hit any of these projected revenue numbers, we have to have that cushion to make sure that budget equals

correct. If if on the the recommended budget, if every single revenue came in as budgeted and every single dollar was spent as budgeted, then we spend $4 million out of the savings account.

Yeah. Once again, I understand. I just want to make sure sometimes this is very confusing and unclear to people. Um and I know she also mentioned the registered deeds income is starting to go back up but the 10-year Treasury bond hit four and a half% today which is going to push mortgage rates back up which could curb some real estate sales again. So we could go back that direction to be determined to see where this conflict or whatever you want to call it in the Middle East is going. Okay. Thank you. You're right. The um the other thing is um consumer price index came out for April at 3.8%. The Fed's targets 2%. So I mean we'll just have to see. They're definitely not cut.

Okay. For the table that is similar to the um revenue table, it has the amount rounded to in millions for each function of government. And you see for um in general government it's 15.19 million and it's a $1.1 million decrease um of 6.74% that has to do with some maintenance items that were budgeted in FY26 and some capital for vehicles that were in FY26 that are not in 27. Public safety is um is shows a slight increase of 44 million. Its recommended budget is 26.81. And remember, public safety includes the sheriff's division, which includes the detention center, emergency management, um paramedics, and animal control. Transportation has a slight decrease that's tied to grant funding. Environmental protection at 6.44 million. And that is um mostly our solid waste operation that we have. Uh economic and physical development is 5.75 million with a um 39 million decrease. Human services has a.7 million decrease. Their recommended budget is 26.55 million. Education is 40.06. 06 that includes school capital, community college capital, and public and operating funding from both entities. It shows a decrease here. Um you'll see later that both entities are getting increases in their operating funding.

The community college had some major capital projects we were doing. You remember they had a lift station that had significant problems that we had funded. um and trying to get them caught up on some major is maintenance deferred maintenance issues. So there you will see their capital funding is returning back to their traditional level and that's why you see an overall net decrease in education. Um cultural and recreation or our libraries and our civic center and our parks and park programs. They're 6.8 8 million in the recommended budget. Debt service is 5.64 million and nondep departmental is almost 12 million that is transfers to other funds such as for capital um school capital and those type of items. So, one more question. I know you're going to be tired of me by this meeting, but for a point of clarification so the public understands what those debt service payments are on.

They are we and and you're just so far ahead of me that you will see that almost all the debt service is for public schools. It's um geo bonds that have been voted on by the public. Um, and then we have a little bit of county debt for leases and IT subscriptions for some Gazsby st accounting standards we have to do.

And then one more small point you you talked about earlier about the um uh human services and as we make it further in the budget and we talk about the schools. We only show for the schools all we show is the local funding whereas their budget far exceeds the local funding as far as what they require. In our budget here for human services, we're showing 26 and a half million dollars, but the state provides a good portion of that money because we have a consolidated health and human services. Correct. That the state is funding about um 11

which when you go back to that pie chart several slides earlier when you talked about income coming from intergovernmental transfers, that's where that money is coming from. That's how we're getting money from the government because the state is providing funding for health and human services along with some other items. Yes, sir. You are correct. Make sure everybody see you could you could you could do this. Come back to the presentation.

You got a second career. Um so with education as commissioner Mansville was discussing that includes public school community college the capital and the operating combined is over 40 million and when you add debt service it um it goes up to almost 45 million 44.78 million which is over 30% of the general fund budget. If you break this out to public schools, there is a million dollar increase in operating funding. Bring brings public schools recommended budget to 32.09 million. And capital has a $200,000 increase increasing capital funding to three million. And I we had we included a chart for um a 10-year trend of what the commissioners had funded for um operating funding. You can see there's several years that there were just some slight increases that is during the COVID time period and where they were received some additional federal revenues. And then you see the recommended budget for FY27 is 32 9 million

which was basically the Esther's money which made up the difference because of the all the issues with school being from home. Correct. Yes, sir. You're correct. And and to mitigate HBA systems and to provide to lessen the transfer of any type of viruses.

Correct. Yes, sir. For the community college, um recommended operating funding is 3.77 million. It's a little bit over. almost a 3.3% increase or 120,000. The capital is returning down to the traditional level of 1.2 million for debt service. Total debt service to the county is 5.64 million and um most of this Oh, there's there's a typo. It should be 5.64 minus 93 million. for the school geo bonds and then for the leases and the subscriptions is 93 million.

One more important point just so that everybody as they watching this video home pointed out that the during the audit presentation just recently while back now we're required any type of leases we have is considered which used not to be but the Gazsby standards changed. So, these long-term leases are considered debt, whereas actually they're not really debt, but they are obligations that we have over the time period of that lease. Yes.

To pay for that. And in multiple locations, whether it be the old Roses building over in Bowfort or whether it be some of the other office space that we lease, it's much cheaper to lease that space than to go out and spend what construction costs are today and what real estate costs in this county. It's actually cheaper for the taxpayer to lease property than to to actually go out, purchase property and build something. Yes, sir. It definitely was at the time when we entered those leases

and and and my pardon shots. Um any anytime that you're an individual or a group and you want to invest in something and buy property and rent it out or whatever you choose to do with it, run your business. If you choose to pay it off early, that is a benefit because it benefits you or you and your partners. But when we borrow money, it's the citizens of Carter County that are responsible for it. And we have a lot of people here that are age 55 and up. And it's unfair to go out and encumber stuff and borrow tons of money and make people that are have a short period of time to be here to pay for it and pay it off early when it should be spread out over longer periods of time. So that's equally distributed amongst all the people that live here today and tomorrow. As we live off of the people, our predecessors who made great decisions, they pay stuff off early. So, there's not a lot of cost to operate other than maintenance and keeping things up. But if we purchase new stuff, it's going to take more money for this budget to operate.

Correct.

Um, for staffing, we placed emphasis on just a few employees. There were a lot of requests and um this was a conservative budget. So the recommended budget um recommends two real property appraisers and then in the senior center it converts a part-time custodian to a full-time position for staffing. it this budget continues um funding the board's merit um performance pay plan pay program and then um we also fund a cost of living adjustment it was based on the February CPI which was 2.8% 8% at that time. We're just going to look at a few of our most significant other funds that impact our funding. Um we'll look at just three special revenue funds and one capital projects fund. Um if you look at occupancy, we've already discussed this a little bit um earlier and it is 15.32 million. is about a five and a half percent increase from FY26. Just like um we have been seeing a little bit of regression in occupancy tax and now we are seeing growth in occupancy tax again. Uh the our special legislation which is dictated by the North Carolina General Assembly and and as you know any changes would have to go to the North Carolina General Assembly. So to stay in compliance 50% of that um is mandated to go to the TDA which is about $7.6 million projected. The other

comes to the general fund for 7.74. There's a little bit of administrative money in there for handling the program and the rest is restricted and mandated for beach nourishment.

Can I bring up one more thing? So when we talk about TDA funed % of the occupy tax. So if we were to look at a chart um you when you look at that it's been great that we have funded schools over the level over the last 10 years that we've increased that funding $10 million but one of the ways we've been able to pay for that because we have not increased the tax rate by that percentage. It's because of sales tax growth. So that money is dictated as that 15 50% comes in from money who come and stay here. Not anybody out of the county pays that. And then it's taken and advertised more to attract more people to come here which not only raises the occupancy taxes. Now the beach commission and the TDA have more money to be able to take care of those things but as they spend more money it brings more money here which has driven increases in sales and sales tax that enabled us to fund the schools, which during my tenure, we tried to get a quarter cent sales tax in order to pay for some things that are much needed in our county to not pass on the burden to the local residents because about 50% of the sales tax dollars are paid for people who come here and visit every year who use our services, take up our space, require the the sheriff's office to come out, all the different things that they do. And we're paying more of it when we could have people visit here. So, I encourage there to be a referendum to increase sales tax going forward to help fund education, to help fund law enforcement, to help fund waterways dredging because if you have a deep water and somebody can afford to put a big boat on their waterfront property, they will pay a lot of money which makes the valuation of that 32 billion there earlier if the property values go up.

So, we have taxes too. So there are ways that we can spend our money that are more efficient so that the b the burden is not put on the citizens of Carter County people come here and use our crystal coast who don't pay for Yes sir. And it be nice to see that occupancy tax be able to broaden the things it's able to pay for like waterway dredging not just beachour advertising. They need to be able to pay for other things. I think if it's limitations but if you do if you take away too much of that advertising dollars, you are not feeding the goose that lays the golden egg that has got you those sales tax increases. So I caution everybody to be careful with that and that would have to be done statutoily and state

but I mean I do agree with what you're saying in principle but I would rather do it with the course sales tax where people that come and use extra stuff and provide the extra stress on services pay their fair share. not robbing Peter to pay Paul where the money's already coming to.

Okay. Um rescue district fund that recommended budget is 7 a little over 7.6 million and the fire district special taxing district fund is just under 10 million. If we look at these are some of our pay as you go capital improvements to capital improvement fund is 2.3 million 1.6 is recommended for some county capital and large maintenance projects. We continue transferring 100,000 for waterway dredging and we have um we're able to leverage and get matching state funds to go with that. Um this we also have funds that have accumulated over gosh at least a decade you know for um for waterway dredging and then park improvements is approximately $500,000. In summary, the total recommended budget for all funds is just under 191 million. It's 190.78 million. It's 5.93 million than our amended budget tonight of 196.71 million. And then we discussed earlier that a lot of the decrease is due to school and county capital and maintenance projects that we've approved during the years um during this fiscal year. So also tonight is scheduled our public hearing on the budget um Statutoily, we cannot adopt the budget tonight. Um, but we can have the public hearing. So, that concludes our presentation.

Thank you, M. Mishaw. Is there a motion to go into public hearing? So, moved. Motion by Commissioner Quinn, seconded by Commissioner Clark. All in favor? We are now in public hearing. Would anyone like to speak on the 2026 2027 budget. Everybody go at once. All right. Is there a motion to close public hearing? Second.

Motion by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Walter. All in favor? Closed. Is there any comments from the board? you were you were on the road there for a while. I didn't know if you

I just want to make a simple comment. One is we are the lowest tax rate county tax rate in the state at 0.25. That is a blessing and a curse because what comes from that although we brag about that and I'm going to simplify it and if I'm wrong deed please chime in but we brag about that a lot but it also inhibits our ability to go get grants and federal funding and state funding because they say if you want it you could raise your taxes. You're the lowest in the state. So just keep that in mind. We're really proud that we are, but not everybody looks at that the same way in the state of North Carolina when we go after in the future um money uh that the state and feds uh have to give us. So although I'm proud of our lowest rate, it comes with um some drawbacks.

Thank you, Commissioner W. Commissioner Moore. I just want to uh all the hard.

Thank you, Commissioner Moore. Commissioner Quinn, I'll just uh echo my fellow commissioners comments here. Just gosh, all the hard work that that y'all do. Matt, Sharon, D, your de's entire team. Thank y'all so much, you know, for putting together a budget and presentation that makes it digestible that we can really understand. Thank you so much. Thank you, Commissioner Quinn. Commissioner Clark, not excellent, Commissioner Sheen. I reserve comment. Thank you, Vice Chairman Mansfield.

So, I wasn't going to say anything, but Commissioner Wald Commissioner Walder brought up some key points to um elaborate on. So, I mean, what she told you is that part is correct, but there's a whole another piece of that equation. Taxes is is an equation, and it's it's X time Y equals the Z. And you have property value times the property rate, which equals the amount of money that you collect. Yes. Right now after that re-evaluation, we got a good property value increase that we were those values went up. So we were able because of those values going up from all those investments and the things we did to get people to you use our airport more to base their aircraft here to collect taxes on them to spend that occupancy tax to get people to come vacation here raise those sales tax dollars that all that stuff that that value. So those values go up so the rate can come down. We only have we don't have the lowest budget in the state. We're we're quite significant for a county our size the budget we have. That's how we spend as much as we do on education um percentage-wise of it because how we've invested the money. So it's it's sometimes when we talk about taxes, everybody wants to talk, oh I didn't raise your you raise your taxes and and they do it in fees and other indirect ways. And you know if If you're going to sit in these positions and serve, I think the public should have a true understanding of what's going on. And it's not the low tax rate that doesn't get us the money. It's because we actually do operate the way you're supposed to operate. Somehow in this country, it's become acceptable to spend more money than you make to go ask or try to get it somewhere else. And we can't afford to do that because if there is a hurricane, we we didn't talk about what is in that fund balance. But if we do have a hurricane

and we have to pay for all that money, the federal government willing reimburse you for a good portion of it. But it it takes a period of time. During Hurricane Florence in 2018, it was almost 22 2022 before we got all of our money back. Five years.

Five years. And then on top of that, there were two municipalities because they didn't have enough money that we had to help they could make their bills because owed them money but had not paid them. So because we save money and plan for the future and do things correctly, we get dinged and we're rated because of somewhat of the tax value, but somewhat of the reserves we have. They classify them in a tier one, tier two, and tier three county. And unfortunately, we rank at the top. We're considered a rich county. But I I haven't been on the board of education for 12 years. I don't I don't I hate to quote a percentage because it's probably not right. When I did serve on the board of education, over 40% of our kids in schools are on free and reduced lunch. So, we are not a rich county. There are people that are rich that choose to be a part-time resident here, and we're very thankful for all you retirees who wish to retire here and bring your pension funds that you come retire here. We we thank you very much for moving here, and we appreciate you. Um, but those are the things that go into that thing. we can't necessarily get the grants. So, it's not doesn't have anything to do specifically with the tax rate. And the tax rate is not the key. I mean, it's it's fun if you're a commissioner to brag and say you got lowest tax rate. You sound like you've done something good. But unless you actually manage the money and balance the fund and and put the money in the right places to grow the other money, none of that makes a difference.

Thank you, Vice Chairman Mansfield. Uh I would add a couple of things. We had some departments that requested additional employees and we didn't feel like we were able to do that this year because the state legislators, they're talking about capping our tax rate or uh and just like to Mark's point, we we've done the right things here. We've kept the taxes lowest and they may want to target somebody like Wake County that has a 55 or better cent tax rate, but we're down here at 22 and a half cent. They need to have a floor. we've done the right thing. We've kept a tight uh grip on the pocketbook of the citizens of our county and to hamstring us or not, you know, I think that we would only be able to go up like a half a cent on the tax rate with their current formula, which is about what one and a half uh

1.6 million. So, if something catastrophic comes along, that's not not a whole lot of money in today's dollars. So, that's one piece p piece of it where we had to felt like we had to hold the line this year. Uh, and people are struggling with gas if you go to the gas pump. And we buy the same gas y'all buy. We when we when our patrol cars fill up, when our fire trucks fill up, you know, we're feeling the same pain as everybody else. And we wanted to keep the the taxes low for the citizens. And uh my philosophy, and I think the majority of the board agrees, I'd like to have as few of county employees as possible and I'd like to pay them more money. And we've done that. This board has uh really stepped up and done that with our county employees. A very significant raise last year and we're we're going to have a nice one here. We are still continuing with a pay study and waiting for the results of that. So, we're uh we're trying to juggle all. We have a lot of people that come to us. A lot of departments have needs and we're trying to do the best we can by all of them. But it's it's uh it is a balancing act and we're we're uh trying to keep the tax, you know, the money is just not sitting in the account. The money comes from the taxpayer. So, we're we're all keep that in the back of our online. So, anyone else have anything? All right. Next, we're going to go to the manager's report.

Thank you. Just three quick dates. Um, most county offices will be closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day so that we can all reflect and remember those their lives and service to our country. Storm night 2026, which is co-hosted by Carter County Emergency Services, will be Thursday, May 28th at Coround Waterfell Museum. And that begins at 400 pm with an open house. And uh there's also a free supper, please RSVP to Core Sound. And the Down East community will have a round table on storm planning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28th. And finally, our Carter County Hurricane Preparedness Expo will be Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 100 p.m. at the Civic Center. And that's all we have for this evening, unless you have questions.

Well, thank you. Next, we have board appointments. Next is the 911 Communication Advisory Board, Mr. Billy Matus. Appointment to a perpetual term. Thank you, Billy. Next is the Carter County Area Transportation System Advisory Board. Again, Mr. Billy Mus appointment to a perpetual term as the county emergency service director. Next is the Carter County Transportation Committee, Mr. Ben Warren. He's our planning director. He's appointed to a perpetual term as the economic development representative. Thank you, Ben. Fire and EMS Commission. Billy Matias appointment to ex officio member serving as a county emergency service director on a perpetual term. Next is a highway 70 corridor commission. Ben Warren planning director appointed to a unexpired term for the economic development council representative term ending December 31st, 2026. That's all the appointments. All in favor of all those folks. Thank you. Next is Commissioner comment. Commissioner W.

Congratulations to Sheriff Asa Buck on his uh successful career and many more years in his next phase. and I appreciate everybody being here and uh good job on the fire um ordinance change. Thank you very much. It looks like we made at least two people very happy in the room. Um and that's all I have tonight. Thank um uh please remember what Memorial Day is. It's not a happy day. It's a day of remembrance. And please there's lots of things going on in the county. uh Emerald Isle to Bowfort to um the VFWs around. So, please make sure you uh acknowledge your Memorial Day in some meaningful way. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Walder. Commissioner Moore. Yes. Really quick, I'd like to congratulate Sheriff again for great job well done for the past 28 years and Memorial Day weekend. be safe on the roads and whatever. Thanks, Commissioner Moore. Commissioner Quinn.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'll keep mine brief as well. Again, thank you and congratulations to Sheriff Asa Buck on his time uh serving us as sheriff and and certainly a much muchdeserved retirement. Uh little bit of a a sort of a public safety announcement. I came across a statistic that was rather troubling today that uh boating uh related fatalities this year have already surpassed uh the number from all of last year. And so uh Memorial Day sort of kicks off the summer. So please uh while out on the water, if you're going to be consuming alcohol, please designate someone to operate the boat for you. Wear your personal flotation device. Just be careful out there on the waterways. And and I do like what Commissioner Waldrip said, uh, Memorial Day should be meaningful as we honor those Americans that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our liberties and for our freedoms. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Commissioner Quinn, Commissioner Clark. Thank you, Chairman. Um, I also shall strive to be brief, which is my norm, isn't it? You're getting good at it.

So, uh, I I want to, uh, you know, occasionally get to the applaud people that, you know, really have a an impact to us. And um he's probably downstairs right now, but before I was even in an elected position, um the gentleman downstairs by uh by uh Sheriff's Deputy Chris Bennett, um he's always there at the door and he's always very professional and he's always very friendly. Friend or foe, he's he's a he treats people decent and whenever I don't get to see him when I come in this building for whatever reason sometimes if I'm running behind I'll sneak in a different means of ingress and I and I don't get to see him it's it's a little disappointing and so he's not up here tonight but I just wanted to let everybody know that uh Officer Bennett he means he means a lot to me and perhaps the rest of us too he's just a a quality man and uh really um beneficial at what he does and so I appreciate him so much So, Officer Bennett, thank you. Um, the other thing is real quick, um, I've been looking over the budget and as we I'm sure we all have and it's big. There's a lot there to look at. Um, and one cent of the property tax at Valorum equates to about $3.2 million. And I would personally like to see and I we'll dig into it and see what can be done. But if there's some way to trim even $3 million off this budget, we can give the taxpayers back a cent on their property tax and that would bring us down to 21 and a half. So that's that's my personal goal. Um and we'll that'll complete my presentation for tonight. Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner Clark. Commissioner Shen.

Thank you, Mr. Um, also I'd follow up with another thanks, final thanks to Sheriff Buck for his service. His family's gone now, but sincere thank you to to him and for all he's done for the for the county over the years and John got a big roller field. I'm sure you're up for up with a challenge. So, and also fire marshall, I'd like to the changes that she made to that ordinance. I think it it serves much better now rewritten with you know not limiting the number of homes that are protected and I think it's just I thank you for your effort on that and all that the fire marshals office I too I'd like to follow up on commissioner Clark's comments thank first of all thank and your team for all your hard work and they spend a portion of the first half of the year working on the on the budget. It's a it's a huge task. It's a lot of money. I've gone I haven't certainly haven't gone through the entire proposed budget yet, but I'm working on it and I would like to I'm still not done. I'd like to see if again if there's a way we can shave some of that off. the last several years we've increased the tax rate by a cent or two cent respectfully and u and I'm just convinced that it wasn't entirely necessary but uh anyway maybe we need it this year but at a minimum we're not increasing it again which is an absolute plus there's a way we shave that back down a little bit and

give a little bit back to the taxpayers. And something to consider in this whole thing is something that this board has zero control over and that's your homeowners insurance. And that's going to go up in several increments over the next couple of years. in about three years if projected if it goes as projected your homeowners insurance is going to be better than double. So it's it's our responsibility to keep that as tight as possible and not try to limit the expense and the burden we put on our citizens. I agree with what Commissioner Wal said. does kind of hog tie us somewhat and going after grant money, federal grants, state grants and things like that. But you know, if my my thought process is it's more important to save the taxpayers in the long run and do our due diligence and really scrutinize that entire budget, not he hadn't already done that for us and I thank you again for that not trying to make light work but anyway that's that's my thoughts that's all I've got thank you

thank you commissioner Shen Vice Chairman Mansfield

um like everyone up here in this commission um I I send out my sincere thanks and just gratitude and admiration for Sheriff Buck and I was glad for all his family and friends that were able to come and be with him tonight as he's given his accolade accolades which still they're a ton. He's done he served as the sheriff's association president for years. He's respected across the state. Um and he is very compassionate and loyal to his staff. Um and I I think that he's been a good leader. and I think he will continue to step up and serve and lead in some capacity for our county or at least I'm hopeful. Um I'd like to thank Peyton Williams for coming and speaking tonight. Um it's a lot more complex situation um than the simple request unfortunately um and it's duly noted. Um we have in our budget to give the schools a million dollars more again this year. Um we don't have any control um as to how that money once we appropriate them their money. Um, and that's their job. The schools are facing tremendous pressures. Um, as technology increases, artificial intelligence and all kinds of other things along with the factor of on the postcoid uh you have much more virtual school and different methods for receiving education. And like I mentioned earlier in the budget presentation, it it is incumbent and it's the requirement for the state to pay those operating costs. And too many times they sher their responsibility and they keep continue to pass on funding down to the local government to pick up the the the costs. And we're having to do it with local taxpayer money that should be coming with the state taxes

that you pay. you know, they ought not to get paid if they don't pass a budget. Plain and simple. I mean, and then they care about the budget. I mean, it's it's a it's a political gamemanship that should not be accepted by the citizens of North Carolina. Um, and them not funding like they should should not they put us in bad situations and now they're trying to limit what we can do. Government was founded the way that it was founded by our forefathers. I mean to have the less resources to come up with the system that we have today. It's amazing how smart those gentlemen were. But there is federal government, state government, and local government. And it's set up that way for a reason. And they all have their different responsibilities. The county government is not in charge of roads. We don't maintain roads or ditches. Now, we get asked that a lot, but that's not part of our statutory authority of what we take care of. I I very much like my commissioners to the left of me here don't I believe in being responsible and a good steward of taxpayer money but I can't advocate for lowering the tax rate not knowing that that legislation is going to be passed and what future needs could come and also I mean I thank all the commissioners that served before me because they cut a majority of the fat out there can tell you if you go sit down with our office there are some areas that there's some money that spent a little bit extra, but I still have a hard time when we sit up here tonight and you have people that live in our county that go to work in Enslo County and Craraven County because they can make more money being paid by those counties than they can get paid in Carter County. And to cut tax rates and not give them the raises they deserve is a disservice and would be dishonorable. And I I say it as most meetings as I can, I'm thankful for the employees we have here. I value them just like Sheriff Buck does is you are members of our team and the taxpayer you are a

customer. So just like you were talking about Debbie, I I like that he treats the people that walk in the door like the customer. And I I I wish all the department heads would make that incumbent upon their departments. And when that person comes in to complain, listen to them, be nice, apologize, and if we can help in any way we can. I'm not asking you to bend the rules anywhere. Follow the law, follow statutes, follow the rules, but we can be polite, we can be respectful, we can educate, and we can try to help people and be good community members. I I just I think I think you reap what you sow in life and I think that you should try to help people in any way that you can. Not that I'm asking you to serve as a county commissioner because that's a big that's a big ask. Um, but uh we we'll we'll work through the budget. I've said it many years over the last 12 years. When people come and ask more the money has to come from somewhere and it comes from one of two places. Well, really maybe it's several but you you either have to do something to grow that sales tax. You either have to raise the abort tax rate to get the money or we have to decide which one of our children is the most important. Do we take money from social services of the health department to give to the sheriff's department? Do we take money from the sheriff's department to give to the schools? Do we cut money senior citizen center which is underfunded in my opinion also but I mean we could I could argue with both sides of all the different things about the spending or the cutting um I'm a person that values money so I've tried to treat the county's dollars while I've been up here like they're my dollars and I will take our tax rate over the last 12 years we've served with commissioner and if you compare it to any bill in your house there is nobody nobody We we we've raised your amount of money you pay the least and we've tried

to give you better services and provide a better workplace for our employees. And I agree with Commissioner Chad. I would rather not have people to have people and have the people that we have that do all the work anyway because the other person standing around not doing anything pay that person more do for doing their job because they're doing it now in some cases. Not in every case, but it does happen. Um, so I mean we we'll look at the board of elections request we do every year. We we The other thing is is it gets spun out in the news cycle through the media that we cut something. We've not cut over the last 10 10 years. We've not cut anybody's money. And generally most cases we've given more people more money each year. Now during the year as I asked D money comes in that we're able to get from a grant or we're able to get somewhere else and we make or we take it out of fund balance which is our savings and we appropriate to spend more money in that year than was actually passed in the original budget. So when she gives you those numbers and she talks about it's less than last year's budget that's the amended budget. So we chose to give money in certain instances because we want to help and want to do the best. But at the same token if we give money away us not getting grants doesn't have anything. Just want to make sure everybody understands that it it doesn't have any it is a factor. It's one factor. That's only one factor. We were a tier two county at one point and everybody said, "Okay, well, we're considered a rich county. We're tier three. We're going to get better chances of getting grants." Unless we become a tier one county, a poor county who's doing all the wrong things, we're not going to get any more grant money. We have you. We have to be able to pay for it oursel, take care of ourel, and ask the state to do the job that they're supposed to do and quit piling on on us. So, please reach out to Norm Sanderson and Celeste Karens and oppose that

legislation to limit what local government can do and press them to pay for education the way they are supposed to. If you want to come, if you want, if you want help, they're the ones who have all the money. You need to go to the right person. Right now, you're asking your brother or sister for the money. You need to go to one of the parents. I mean, that that's and I said my soap boxes. I mean, I have been so concerned over the years to make sure that you get treated fairly and and good. You're not always going to get what you want. I don't I don't always get what I want. I mean, and I I've always described this position as kind of like being a parent. You know, as everybody comes and asks, you know, you you've got you've got to decide which child is more important and you love all of them. You don't want to do anybody any less than the other. We take that seriously. Um it doesn't seem that way. And that's why I pointed out all these points sometimes because in order not to take so much time and I apologize for taking the time, but I think it's incumbent that the public knows how hard these other six individuals work, how hard D and her team works, but not only their team, every department head in here sitting here tonight. They started at the beginning of the year preparing their budget to submit it to D. And you know, unfortunately, they talk about what can make their department better and they come with some legitimate good requests sometimes that D has to say we don't have the money available to spend this year on that. And that's hard because then she's the the bad word.

That may start with bad, but she she's she's trying to do her job the best she can do. And she's one of the best things that's happened to this county is her being our finance director. and I plead for her not to retire anytime soon or Eddie or any of our other department heads. We love you and we want all of you to stay. And I'll end it with that. Thank you, Vice Chairman Mansfield. Uh in a recent week or last week, I think it's been police week and EMS week and uh veterans week. We have two veterans here, Colonel Maryanne Waldrip and Corporal. You didn't pay attention like Maryanne did on the drill. Anyway,

certainly we are thankful for our veterans that serve up here as county commissioners. Uh Asa, uh what a distinguished career. Always taking people's phone calls, always looking out for folks and good times and the bad. And uh he's seen a lot of bad things. You know, most most incidents law enforcement deal with, you got one good person and then one not so good person. you're always having to and most time you deal with repeat people, the same people over and over. He has to deal with the jail and of course his growing staff and John will be sworn in probably next month as a new sheriff, John Nyberg. So, we're thankful that you're here tonight, John, and participating in the first budget process as soon to be sheriff. U you know, our our county employees have done a great job working through the budget. They got, you know, they have seven bosses each person. We all want to get to the same place, but some of us have different ideas how we get there. And we do want to to cut the uh rate as much as possible, but at the same time with what's going on in the state legislator legislature, you know, that would really handicap local u ability to determine what's best. And the best government is the government that's closest to the people. Uh and the state the state needs to quit handing down tasks for us to do without the money to do it just like the school system. So it's unfunded mandates. And uh you know we just approved this consent agenda. Nobody mentioned it. But in that consent agenda was about $914,000 for a chiller at Bowfort Elementary or Bowfort Middle. You know that's that's in addition to the 35 million that were given to schools. I mean, the school, everybody talks about the schools because it's the biggest chunk of the money, but uh you know, the sheriff's office, EMS, 145 million dollars. I mean, it just it takes it. And uh I

think it's going to be hard to cut one cent personally, but I'm open to all suggestions. Uh I do want to thank Vice Chairman Mark Mansfield. This is his last budget. Mark is uh very very smart. He knows the inner workings of the county uh very well. Great. guy here in the county. He he spent many years uh coaching ball across the bridge there, whatever. I forget the name of the school over there. But uh anyway, on the western side of the county. Uh but Mark Mark is uh very tedious. He he his budget, he wants to do the right thing. He wants to help the most people. And certainly I want to I know you're going to be around for many more months, but I want to I want to say uh that in my tenure here, six years, uh Mark has been a very honest and very uh thoughtful person, conservative, and very wanted to just look out for as many people as he could. And so he's going to be missed when it comes time next budget time. So there's nothing further to come before the board. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. Motion by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Vice Chairman Mansfield. All in favor? Thank you'all for coming.