County Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Okay, we got one change on the agenda. We need to add the ET ETJ recommend for the nominee for the planning board, the town of Sparta. So, we'll put that on down here. It needs to be for action and general information, general business. So, I need a motion to approve. Motion to approve. Second.

Motion and second. All in favor? 50. Okay, we got minutes before us from March the 2nd, 20 26. I trust everybody's looked over that. Seeing no corrections, open the floor for a motion. I make a motion to accept the minutes uh from 3226. Second. Motion and second. Any discussion? All in favor? 5. Okay. Okay. At this time, we'll open floor for public comment. Citizens are courageous comment on any items. Okay.

Good afternoon. Got an update for the board and citizens that didn't come in in time for me to get it in the agenda packet. And it's on the tax foreclosure sale being conducted by KA law firm on March the 26. And they have set the opening bid for those sales. We didn't have that information. So the property in the Frer Creek Township, Topia Road, that opening bid is set at 11,600. Property on Fulier Road, that sale has been cancelled. Property um in Rogers Green Mountain off of Bobcat Lane. uh bid is 4,470 and there's two lots of Murphy Bend Road and Laurel Lake Drive in the Glade Creek area. That opening bid has been set at 4,900. Got the information the tax office if anybody needs it.

All righty. We appreciate that. Anybody else have anything? Seeing no further movement, we'll close the public comment section. Move on down to presentation of the board. Miss Miranda RP, register of deeds. Good afternoon. Good evening.

So, I was asked by Mr. Shepley to come and give you guys a department [snorts] update. So, in the last few months, we have been very busy. As you know, we went through a conversion from our previous vendor to our new vendor. That conversion has been fully complete and we have transferred all of our data over. It was very successful. It was very smooth. Um, we've had positive feedback on all the new software, website, and so forth. Um, we have also just wrapped up a bag indexing project that took us back to 1982. In the old, um, before this, you can only search back the attorneys [clears throat] and anybody who was searching title can only search back to 1988 in our current index. And we took that back so they could have a full 40-year chain of title. And now it is back to where they can do in the current index back to 1982. Uh we have also implemented where marriages and assumed business names can be filed online. Um so people can do it from their home. They can file for their applications for their marriages and do their assumed business names whether they're sitting in a bank um or at their home. They can actually apply online and then come to the [snorts] office to finish things up. So it makes things more time efficient um for them as well. Nicole completed her certification back in September. She was recognized at our INC card um annual conference and she is now a certified assistant registered feat. Claudia is currently working on hers and we hope to have hers completed and she'll be certified [snorts] by the conference in 2027. The only other thing that I have is um I thought I would give you kind of an update on where we are as far as um the sales in the county. December through January was very busy. We've now kind of slacked off a little bit. It's not as

busy um as it has been. February and March really slowed down, but it sounds from what I'm getting info from realators and attorneys, it's about to start picking back up again. So real estate did kind of slack off there for a couple months, but given the weather and everything and it's normal for here for us to slack off here in um February and March. [clears throat] The other thing that's kind of big right now in our office is we're getting a lot of information on defraud. It's a big question within the communities within the state nationwide actually. So um we've had a link on our website where you can sign up for deferral [snorts] alerts. uh we've been encouraging a lot of people to go on and sign up for that. So, we continue to encourage the public to do that. It gives the first line of defense should something happen with your property. [clears throat] And the last thing that I have is I just wanted to give a shout out to Mindy Hall, Susan Miles, and Darlene W. Reers meeting with myself and some of the other departments within the county, and it was a great meeting. I [snorts] thought it was very beneficial for us, for the realators, for it was some great community involvement. So, I just want to tell them thank you for that. Answer any questions you have?

Only question I got is uh like for the veterans, there's no way for the family to come in and get their military records. Ain't nothing we can do about that? No, unfortunately not. The um veteran services, they guard those and that is the one thing in our office that is fully confidential. So unless they are [snorts] deceased, no. So So if I die tomorrow, my daughter couldn't come in getting that they she has to be appointed by she has to be like your executive and we have to have court documentation. Okay. Yeah, they're strict on that.

On the on the deed transfers, do you see that picking back up? I'm sure a good portion of January and February is probably weather. It was we we are starting to see an increase. Again, it's not nearly as busy as it has been. Um but we've been in communication after I spoke with several of the realators um last week and then speaking with the attorneys. It seems like they've got a lot of stuff coming. It's just another process, but we'll pick back up. It's just right now it's always a slow time till the weather turns pretty again. [snorts] There you go. Any other questions, comments? Y'all y'all do a good job up there. I'm proud. Thank you. Thank you.

Yeah. I think what she's done since she's become the register deeds is all the trying to get up everything updated. It's made life a lot easier for folks coming in because it didn't used to be that way. It was tough to dig in the big books and all that good stuff. But thank you for what y'all do. Absolutely. I echo the same thing. Y'all do a great job up there. You hear a lot of comments out in the community about it. We try. Thank you. Pride in it. Thank you. Thank you. [snorts] Moving on down, general business, Mr. Davis Spicer, operations project manager.

Thank you, uh, Mr. Chairman, board. Um, we've had, uh, some foul weather, so we've used about 10 tons of salt this winter so far. Uh, we do still yet have some. we came across uh came across some and had the ability to buy that. So, um we're ready if it was to freeze up one more time in the month of March. Our transfer facility, we had four loads of coingle, which was 15.04 tons. Cardboard was six loads at 26.64 tons. We took uh 24.46 tons of scrap metal, which yielded the county $5,21.60. [snorts] So, we've been working with TRC and they are about 95 98% done on um all of the plans for the new Tiffen board. So, we have been talking with them and meeting with them and uh certainly they're just before being ready to send this out for RFP. Um, as you know, and we talked about last meeting, a little bit of damage that took place over at the transfer facility in the last round of earthquakes. So, we do now have a detailed drawing, an engineer drawing of uh how that's going to u be fixed. Um, we still [snorts and clears throat] yet do not have a price from Block Lane who um is going to give us a price on what it's going to cost to fix it. So, we're still waiting on that. Um but we have been um working towards doing all those things. It's just taking a little bit of time. Of course, we're still playing it safe over there and our employees are uh certainly um not wasting any time about moving trailers and doing those kind of

things. We had a little bit of damage at the front steps of 90 South Main. Uh the pavers that's on the steps in the wintertime, uh they came loose. Uh I think there was some moisture that got up underneath them and when it froze it lifted those up off of that. So we have uh talked to those folks at the school. Mark Purdue went and talked to them and they have agreed to come back and fix that. But we'll have to have some um fire weather to be able to do that and then we'll get those steps fixed. It's it's made safe. we have that folded off so that nobody um is injured from those things that's non-existent there. So, we'll get that fixed pretty soon, we hope. Um was able to get the jail roof done. Kelly got that finished up. Uh that payment was made, so he's all complete. So, we have a new roof on the jail. So, um we're thankful for that because it was becoming um pretty much in disrepair. So that's all taken care of. Um for animal control this time we had one call where we assisted the sheriff's department. Four well checks. We had five dogs andor cats picked up. We had 13 running at large. We had 79 hours, 22 calls, 471 miles. So, it picked up just a little bit this past month, but uh uh hopefully it'll slow back down, but the weather's the weather's getting better, so who knows? So, at this time, then I'll answer any questions that you might have.

Any questions, comments? I got one question. How's the uh inspections and so forth coming out animal control? Is that going along pretty good? Yes, just had one not long ago and everything come out just fine. Real good. Yeah. Good, Bill. It's always good to hear. Always. Yes. All good. B. How about the septic tank at the at the animal rescue? Is it working now? Where? How many times do we still have to pump it?

It's not had to be pumped out very much in the last little while. They finally did. They they was able to track down a busted water line and that's what was filling it up. So, they fixed that. That's been corrected. So, it's not had to be pumped out anymore. [clears throat] That saves us a lot of money. Dang, right? I remember a time we was doing a lot of pumping out there. Yeah. A lot. Yes. No further questions. We appreciate you, Dave. Thank you. Okay. Up next, April Hand, CFO of the finance department. Good afternoon,

David. passed out the financial update just prior to the meeting. So you should have year revenue 18,423,3765 which represents 77% of our approved general fund budget. Year-to- date expenditures, 17,626,468.71, which represents 74% of our approved general fund budget. Bank balance as of today in the checking account 7,282,286.65 [clears throat] in the savings account 9,11,17.65 65 for a total of 16,383,3430. Uh the town Sparta grant savings account balance as of today 13,895,664.78. The transfer investment with the North Carolina Capital Management Trust, we have gained $21,616.91 [snorts] over on that $1.5 million investment. And on the general fund, North Carolina Capital Management Trust investment, we have gained $73,31.33 on the 5 million that we have listed. Total funds as of today, 36,873,617.32. [snorts] and our net financials take into account the revenue and expenditures $796,97.34. So any question about that portion of

the report? Okay. For sales tax, the local option sales tax July through January, $910,326.96 as compared to the same period last year. Uh we're in the positive $31,465.61 for the quarter cent sales tax. $253,996.32 and that is for the same period and we're ahead $8,421.14 [snorts] as compared last year and that the last report is January's income just for the board's information. Your second sheet is just a print out of all expenditures and where each department is in their spending for the year. Any questions, comments?

Looks pretty good. Yeah, it's very respectful. Sure is. Keeps gaining. Thank you. [clears throat and cough] Thanks. Okay, next. Melissa Recctor, director, Aliggonian motion. Hey, Melissa. Hey, good afternoon. So, I'm here today because of the title six plan I think [snorts] that was sent to each and it's up for renewal. I compliance review got it finally approved. So, we just need to get it approved. Today is [clears throat] just for information.

Okay. All right. We will take care of that. Approving next meeting. Yeah. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Next. Heather the Klein County Attorney Settlement. Sounds good.

Yeah. Every time I come and say [clears throat] we might get some more money. Um so I'm sure you're all aware of the opioid settlement. Um, I've received a couple emails in regards to six additional defendants um who are in talks right now for a settlement. So, I don't have a dollar figure that we might receive um yet. The the total amount I think that they're settling for is somewhere around 57 million. Now, you have to remember that that's national. That's not just for North Carolina. So, for right now, I put it on for information because every time we have additional defendants that we're settling with, then we have to agree that we're going to sign on to the settlement. So, for right now, it's just information additional six. Don't know the exact terms for how much it might be that we would receive. um the dispersement when you look at the attachments um in the litigation, it's the same percentage that we've received in every single one of the settlements just on different amounts of money. So, right now, I don't know exactly what that'll end up being. It's just a proposal to settle and they're asking for us to sign on. So, that's what I'm presenting.

Shall we vote on it the next meeting? Yeah, it's spread out over a number of years when the settlement comes. They haven't said exactly how long it's going to be spread for this one yet, but I assume it'll be the exact it'll be the same amounts that we've had before. Um I think uh we've had 10 and 15 years. So I'm not sure exactly. They haven't explained the exact terms. They just want the uh municipalities, counties, cities that are already part of the settlement to agree to sign on with the additional six defendants. [clears throat] Okay. Any other questions, comments?

All right, moving on down. Mr. Bill Shepard, the county manager.

Yes, [clears throat] Mr. Chairman. Just wanted to make sure that thank you that everybody on the board knew that we had we had a meeting um I guess it's been about a month ago. Um and it Bill was there and David was there. Um I don't know if there was anybody else from our team. We were invited uh by the school our you know by the high school to uh to to participate. It included the community college, the high school and the county. And it was hosted by Appalachin State. And the reason they asked us to come was they have been given grant money to reach out to the counties that are in their general vicinity uh to look at uh putting some money into upgrading buildings that can serve a purpose that would meet the needs of the community college, the school, the high school, and the county. And so in our that was we didn't really know what we were getting into until we got in there which was real a real positive meeting. Um but they were saying uh did we would do we have any interest in trying to do anything additional to the black building expanding the black building expanding what could be in the black building. And um there was discussion about that. Um, that was really the only building that was discussed in detail and then they paid a a visit to it and David took them through and can you fill them in on what happened in that?

Sure. So, we met out at the black building, myself and Missy and um, Appalachin State University had a representative there. I forget what his name [clears throat] is, Dr. J. But anyway, uh we met out there. We had some questions that they had posed to us. So, we got those questions answered. Um they had talked about different things about the footprint of the building, if we can expand, if we can go out farther, if we go up with it, put on the second floor. Um so, all those things are in works and of course engineered plans would have to be done for that building, especially if we went up because of the foundation. So, we want to make sure that we um covered all those bases and and but it was a very productive meeting, a very good meeting. And then the Appalachin State and Telina Popps from WCC was there as well. And her and and the the Appalachian State and Missy Weaver went back to one of their offices and uh discussed some other things that would be potentially good for that. um they talking about culinary arts and cosmetology and all kinds of things that that the kids here need and and wants to learn. So that this would be an educational opportunity and a place for that to to happen. So that's how that began and it it doesn't have to be the black building. It's just that's what the discussion started with and nothing you know tangible has happened other than basic discussions about what what buildings would be uh helpful what building opportunities would be helpful for all three of the entities. And one of the things that the Appalachian State emphasized to us, unless I misunderstood, is that the primary uh group in the in this grouping is the community college.

The the community college has to say we really need this and this is going to really enhance our our students opportunities. And so we're just brainstorming. The reason I wanted you to know about it is I wanted I mean if you all have ideas so we could expand the barn out there. Yeah, we sure could. Okay. Yep. Yeah, I think it'd be a good idea.

Yeah. I mean, there could be some classrooms there. There could be an expanded kitchen. Um there's all kinds of things that could be done there. And we just again, we're just brainstorming at it's a brainstorming piece, but we don't want to miss out on I think it's $5 million. I think the entire thing was 10 million, but it would be three different counties that would receive that.

So, uh, you know, we have an opportunity to do something that would enhance education, educational opportunities in the county, then I think we need to at least consider it and go through the process, see what we think. Uh, I mean in in this presentation it says black buildings, but you said it could be any of the buildings. It was just that's what came up to all three entities. And

well, we're wondering about the showb and you mentioned the community college, the high school, and the county. Well, it was about two or three years ago, Timmy and we were discussing expanding the show barn where Wilks community could put on different uh different classes that they teach at the main campus. They could teach at our showb. The high school was very interested in using it as a uh area to have competition come in from other counties along with the 4 where now we have to travel to different counties. We don't have the facility here and at the same time it would help with the uh expand economic development for the county.

Sure. I so I think that's just one building that might meet those three okay different entities and uh I think the black building is certainly worth looking at and the showborn would uh I think increase a lot of interest in using the fairgrounds especially showing small animals having occasional uh auctions for cattle pigs tree, goats, whatever. Okay, good idea. Thank you. Any other questions? Okay. Yeah, just to add to that, um [clears throat] the black building itself needs some work done on it.

Yeah, it does. Absolutely. I mean, it's the doors are hard almost impossible to get in and out. And then we got those big and I don't know if that's if that could be part of the plan. I guess if they were working on it like closing up the big doors, fixing [clears throat] it more secure about heating and and and cooling it. Absolutely. Um but yeah, I mean that, you know, if you had an opportunity to ex, you know, to do something even if you could expand it, that'd be great. But we got a good building there. if we could just get it to where I know that there was a there was a chance [cough and clears throat] or maybe thinking about using it for a a shelter. Yeah.

And really couldn't found out they had some we got some stuff we got to do there to even you to do use it for that. We couldn't get the temperature up above 58. So part of that is because those big doors and just not re very weather proof weather tight. But and then we still got siding that we need to do on the cables that we've been trying to work on for the last few years. But yeah, I mean I mean it goes back to that like you know if we get opportunities like that that might be a possibility at least talk about it. Yeah. So yeah, I think it's a great idea.

Well, I think it's a great opportunity for the county and uh I would like to see us push this along and with the school and the college to try our best to make something happen. Uh we'll do I don't know where it's at if there's any future meetings been planned already or not yet or not but uh we need to need to be a driver in that plan right there. Well, we told Appalachian State, you know, count us in. You have a follow up, do some do some phone calling and see where we are. Okay. And when we're going to get some meetings going and that's been [clears throat] that's been a month. How long has it been? It's been a month or better. Yeah.

When was Dave you remember? I I think it's been about six weeks and then about three weeks ago was when we met black building. Okay. And discussed those things. So it's about time we can check with and see. And I think what what's happening is they went out to to the counties that they that are eligible for this to get basic information for them to put together and come back to uh the grant providing entity to say here's what we've heard. Are you okay with us pursuing these? I think that's why there's a little bit of a delay. Good. [clears throat] Sure does sound good. We need to Yeah.

stay with that. Okay. Moving on down. Consent agenda. Let's read a Miller [clears throat] and consent agenda. Anybody have any questions, comments? I'd make a motion to accept the consent agenda as presented. Second. Got a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All in favor? I vote. Thank you.

Thank you. Reading. Appreciate it. Moving on down general business. All this is for action to be taken. Randy Murphy Parks and Recreation. [clears throat] I'll take that. Ry's not able to make it today due to some doctor's appointments, but um we [snorts] had talked about the contract for the mowing and in your packet I believe 56 through 58 is the contract. Uh so Heather has looked over that there is ample spaces for signatures for all parties involved. Um we've come back with the with the bid and now the contract. So I'll make a motion to approve.

Second. I got a question. Got a motion, a second. I got a question here. Bobby and part of the contract under item one. Mhm.

It says mowing and landscaping. What does landscaping include? Um, that will probably include the mulching, the weeding of the the flower beds and the banks. The banks need to be weeded uh ever so often. So, we're going to include those things in that contract so that we can make sure that things around the sign up by the road, all those things are are nice and appealing. Um, [snorts] we have a a very nice place out there that that needs to look good when people come to visit. So, that's going that's going to be part of that. And it it will provide us a way to keep that up better.

Okay. Will it also include trimming those bushers along the the uh wooden fence that goes up and down from the Yes. side to the and will they put down uh herbicide or will they just do weed eating or trimming? They they [snorts] are supposed to spray for us as well. Okay. They had to have they had to have their license and all those things. Yes. Before we could accept their bid. Okay. And the only place we looked at was the fairgrounds. [clears throat] You didn't consider the uh courthouse or anything else? [clears throat]

Not right at the moment. Um, we went by the board's directions just to do the fire grounds at this time and then we'll look at the other portions at a later date and may still yet look at it in in the budget cycle, but we'll have to we'll have to see where we come up with that as far as you know get get one thing at a time and we maybe we can get back to where we were before. Okay. And who's doing it now? Um, wow. L is going but we are doing maintenance is that's what I'm asking. Which department's taking care of the other maintenance? Okay. Thank you.

Any other questions? We got a motion and a second on the floor. If no other questions, all in favor. Thank you, Randy. [cough]

Okay, [clears throat] next up, Mike Wagner. Thank you gentlemen for allowing me to come and speak with you again today. Thank you staff Lisa and Mr. Chef. We appreciate being able to come before you. Um as you're aware I come to you last meeting with a request for assistance with and I believe you call it the tipping field. Is that tipping? Is that what you call it?

Tipping fee. Um, and there was a couple of questions and I have those answered here today for you. Uh, I emailed immediately when I got back, uh, emailed my insurance person to ask if the insurance company was paying for any of the, uh, this type thing that we're doing out there with this building. and he said that uh the debris removal on a policy is limited to $50,000 and bottomless loss would be more than the building limit and debris removal in it. And of course, as you well know, running that uh trackillo out there for a month and then paying we have to pay uh Darren Cranford and Jake Cranford to haul the stuff up there. That's not what we're asking for. We're just asking for a little more relief from the landfill tipping fee. The other question was uh how much and um I think the landfill folks were um holding the tickets and I got our copies of tickets from Jacob Cranford and we total them up and uh Lisa I imagine totaled the ones up from the landfill and knows what that bill was. But I have 251175 is what we've been charged so far.

Re I got a question. Go ahead. Do we have an estimate on how much you think you might be asking the county to uh to weigh at the transfer station? 2511 75. That is the total from the the weight. What uh my Yeah. My question is is what kind of garbage is this? Is this cement or is it is it uh like inside debris, insulation, all that stuff? I don't think it was the metal. I think it was just the debris inside the building. I got a question here. Are y'all selling the metal? I can't answer that. I don't know. But I'm pretty sure you are. So why did you take that money and pay for I'm pretty sure it's been hauled off and sold.

I'm not sure. I was Has anybody in the community took up money for you or churches took up any money for you? Not tonight. You might want to check on that, too. Is this 25 what you're asking for? Yes, sir. 2500. And the 50,000 wouldn't cover that. Well, it's already been spent. That's what he said in in the letter that I just Does this finish it up? Yeah, I think so. Everything's cleaned out after out there. [cough] So you saying Saddle Mountain Church ain't took up no money for bodies? I don't know. I have no clue.

I'm pretty sure I've had two or three members call me and told me they have. Okay. Uh so this this finishes everything up out there totally. That's what Darren said. And they going to build it back in the same spot? I don't know. Going to build it back here in the county. that I don't know either. I have no idea. I don't I don't know if it's legal for us to weigh that or not. Bill, my thought is this is just a [clears throat] quick thought just to postpone this a couple of weeks so we can check in some things and and maybe have a work session. Uh that suit me.

Would that suit you? What about Garrison? What about you? Motion to table. Motion to table. I'll second it. Second. Any further discussion? All in favor? Five. We will have a solid answer. If you will check on that, what's out of Mount Church took up that? Oh, yeah. Here you go. Yeah. I'll just leave it in the follow. Do you all want me to come back in at another time or what's I would say it'd be all right to be here at work session. We'll we'll uh let you know when we set the point with that unless we've got all the information we need. What you got? What's legal saying over

if you guys want to have a work session then that's fine. But he's he's brought all the information he's got. That's true. He doesn't need to be here unless he wants to. We got everything totals. Well, um Lisa No and Bill I know have my cell phone number. Anybody wants to write it down? It's 5722408. Say that again. 336572 2408. If anybody needs to call or question, I'll try to check on that pre. I don't know who I would ask, but ask the preacher out there. Okay. Hugh Miller asked them. They took up money for him.

Okay. I don't I'm not aware of that, but we can find that out. That's your number, Mike? That is my personal cell phone. answer. Y'all feel free to call me anytime. I won't be back unless I hear from you and I'll be glad. Thank you, Mike. Thanks. Appreciate it. Thank you. [clears throat] Okay, moving on down. Item three, David Spicer, senior operations project manager. Tiffany Bger, human resource. April. We got the whole crew here. One microphone. That's bad.

Yeah. So, uh, at the last meeting, uh, we discussed the, uh, possibility of EMS being able to change or shift from a 2448 to a 2472. Um, we have asked for this so that we can come back up to full staff hopefully to provide the very best service EMS could to him. So, if you have any questions, um, I know I know that we're working on budget. Um we're working through some of those things and and uh I I gave you a number um last time and that number is actually come in a little bit less than that. So it's going to be 137494.

Repeat that would you? 137 494. And of course April is here to discuss the spreadsheet and He's here to answer your questions as well if we need to. Um, and my myself and Justin back there too, but u we just ask the board's pleasure on this. Well, I think it's a good plan, a good work plan. I think it's a popular pretty popular plan if that the workforce would like.

I have a couple of questions before we move forward. So, [clears throat] are we are we just looking to amend the salary grade today and we're making a budget amendment or a change to the budget in our new fiscal year in a in the amount of $137,000 or or what's the ask today? And then after that, I'd like to know what the original amounts were for 69A EMT paramedic RSI, what the original hiring amount was and what the original maximum amount was, please. Okay. So, um, that April, I'm refer to her.

Yeah, I'll go over the the budget spreadsheet actually and kind of explain because I've highlighted a few things. So, the adopted budget for EMS is the first quarter, the 1.753 million. That was what was adopted this current fiscal year. Expanded year to date is your next um line there. and it's 1.68 million. So that's our balance left in the EMS budget right now with being down three and four paramedics and all the benefits that go back then. There's quite a bit of budget left um to expend if needed. Your next line, the proposed for 5126, um that was our estimated date if if the board um approves this plan today. We were proposing 5126 to get a couple of new paramedics started, but that's actually we changed it to the first of the pay period 28.

It would be April 28th is when hopefully we get a couple more paramedics started. So, in that balance, we have a couple of needs in the budget right now. The needs now um the part-time um staff that budget line is in the hole. There's a little bit of longevity in the hole and we're going to have to have some more with the third party contract biller. EMS is billing out more for services and we had a delay on some Medicare uh applications and things. So those things are called up now. So they are billing out more. So we need to fix those few lines. We have we have enough money to to transfer that firm from the hospital insurance to fix those few lines. And then that last line I know uh Commissioner Wagner you to ask about the last line. That is the proposed budget for next fiscal year. That is what it's going to look like. At the last meeting, David said probably going to be about 150,000 if you take out the ambulance cost and they have we have staff that has applied for a grant for an ambulance for next year. Just take out that 217,000 as that is your personnel and your operating cost for EMS not counting that. So that's what the budget would look like for next year. So the ask today is is really to move that money around where we need it this year. That's the proposed amounts and where it needs to be moved to. You can see we still have about $100,000 to play with and just that's what your budget would look like for next year. I think that was all your questions, Mr. Wagner.

Yeah, I think that's it. Um, except for in the pay scale. I just had one question on the pay scale. What was the former? Did it used to match like the deputy sheriff rate? Was it around $40,000? What was the original rate for the 69A EMT paramedic? And I'm going to let our HR officer. So it was 40,952 and the maximum was 55,53.

Okay. Um I mean I I support the plan that that we're putting forth today, but I would also ask that HR and finance staff consider in budget presentations. you know, I'm trying to wrap my mind around, you know, what what qualifications and what education is required for for 69A EMT paramedic. And then we looked at and then we look at 72A chief deputy sheriff, it's $53,000 for the starting rate. There's like a $4,000 [snorts] difference there. I'm not saying that we shouldn't [clears throat] start the EMTs out at $49,000, but I'm saying maybe we should look at re-evaluating our pay structure as a whole. So to clarify that as a basic a basic EMT is a BLS certification. So EMS has those levels for certification from a basic to an advanced to a paramedic. So what we have here at Alageney EMS is mostly paramedics. We have um a couple of basics that now have signed a contract. They signed a contract to go to paramedic school. So it is a higher level of certification and takes a lot longer to receive about about two years or a little over to receive a full paramedic certification. And then at at they are um they go through RSI training but we put them through another training course and put them through a difficult airway class. So it is additional training that they have to go through in order to receive their RSI certification. So what RSI is is rapid secret innovation. So those patients who may have head injuries or stroke or something of that nature where they're not able to protect their airway [clears throat] but they are still what somewhat semi-concious uh they will still have a gag reflex. They would not be able to be

innovated without some help. So we use drug assistance uh to knock these people down to paralyze them and to innovate them to protect their airway. Otherwise, if they aspirate, they would [snorts] probably have aspiration pneumonia. Uh, this could be detrimental to the patient. So, they have the patient's best interest in mind. We put them through the difficult airway class that consists of being able to innovate and innovate different kinds of uh airways as well as as surgical airways. So, we are trained in all of those things at Alagany. So to come from a a basic there is quite a bit of difference between a basics uh certification and a paramedic RSI certification.

I got a question. You you sign these employees up on a contract two-year contract some what's going to keep them there after they get all the training done? What what guarantee we're going to stay with us? Okay. So that they have 30 months to complete their training and then they have to stay with us for two years after the 30 months after after they receive their certification and if they break that contract if they breach the contract then they have to pay the county. Okay. So what I want to know any further question

is the training done here locally? Uh is the community college involved in any way? The community college is involved and that's how we run our classes is through the community college. All of our continuing ed classes, we have one a month for ALS, we have one a month for BLS and all that's done through the community college. The community college runs certification classes for certificates. They also have a a curriculum class that's taught at main campus at Harren Hall. um that is starting out with no certification and two years later they have a degree and a paramedic certification. So I mean we use the community college in a lot of ways.

Absolutely. With the county government and it's uh I mean for what we put into the community college financially it's a small amount compared to what we get back especially in the training. That's right. So, how how much if they break the contract, they got to pay the county back?

It depends on it. It's a it's the time that's spent away um where we've had to bring part-time help in to cover their shift. Um from start to finish, um however long it takes, we figure that out as to whether we was able to do a basic or whether we was able to have or had to have a paramedic cover for them that day. So it it varies in the time frame that all that is uh accomplished. So that we if if a basic makes less than a paramedic. So it doesn't cost the county as much to have them cover for them. But for a paramedic to cover and sometimes that's you know you might be able to get by with a basic but there's only one paramedic that that one person and they're a paramedic that can come and cover that shift. So we have to take those things into account and figure that. So it there it could be um quite substantial

20,000 40,000 less than that. Less than that or less than that. Yeah, it'd be 10 or less. I got you. Has that is that example happened in the county if there somebody had to had to pay back? Unfortunately. So the county paid for all their education, right? Yes. So I could be working over 40,000 a year and go for South get a $70,000 a year job and just owe the county 10,000 basically. I got you. Yes. Okay.

I don't disagree with your presentation on on amending the starting pay and maximum pay. I'm not disagreeing with that. All I'm asking for is for when we look at other departments in the Yes, sir. in the budget year that we we consider them as well because when you start looking at, you know, key positions further down that salary grade, you know, we need to try to retain them as well. That's I I I don't disagree with your plan. I just want to make that clear. But, you know, our deputies are in that same pay band as well, and you know, we want to keep them, too. Absolutely. So, that's my only comments.

Okay. We need a motion and a second to I make a motion to approve the EMS shift change. I'll second it. Got a motion in a second. Go ahead. Want to just clarify one thing. This is a realigning of the way these folks are being paid. So the hiring rate is going up so we can be competitive with the counties that are around us like the [clears throat] example you just gave. Yeah. And the overtime is going down. And if you look in that budget, you can see that. So, we're realigning their salaries. We're trying to recruit, but we're trying to retain what we have also. So, I just wanted to clarify that.

Thank you. Thank you. That's a good good [cough] look at. I mean, every other counties go up. We got to maintain our pay grade. We ain't going to nobody. It's pretty simple for all of our So, that's and our our citizens deserve it just as good as anybody. you know, the better better qualifications and stuff. Okay, we got a motion, got a second. Any further discussion? All in favor? 5. Thank you. Thank you

very much. [clears throat] Okay, April, you're back up. Transfer workman's comp. U we actually got pulled for a workers comp audit about six weeks ago. So the result of that audit is the county owes more on our workers comp. Unlike Glad Creek Fire Department. So um we have a line item transfer. It's $20,150 and we're actually taking it out of our unappropriated fund balance. Okay. Because we do not have enough budgeted to pay. So come out the unappropriated.

Okay. We've asked the card. Do I hear a motion? So move. Second. Most in a second. Any further discussion? All in favor? 5. All right. Go right ahead. Okay. Next one I have is we needed some additional capital purchases for PAP 911 center. We do have a fund balance in that 911 fund. So, we just need to add $10,000 out of the fund balance of that fund for capital. [snorts] Okay. Do I hear a motion? So, move it. Second.

Motion. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? Five.

Okay. Thank you. Okay. Next is the nominee for planning board. As y'all know, we sent a name down two weeks ago, Mr. Casey Jones and it's a bit confusing. They go by your residence and somebody can have two or three partials of land that shows up. It makes you think that there they qualify, but they don't based on where they live. So, we had to go back to the drawing board and come up with another gentleman that's agreed to serve on the planning board for the town is Mr. Drew Edwards. Lives out past Sparta Cemetery. So it entertain a motion to accept that. So move

second. Motion second. Any discussion? All in favor? 5. Okay. Next up, county manager's comments. Mr. Shepley.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, first I just want to compliment Tina that runs the community colleges. had a chance to interact with her recently uh primarily due to that grant opportunity and I've been impressed with the work she's doing and support the kinds of things she's trying to do for the future. I think they'll they'll help connect the community college with other organizations within the county so that they're all we're all thinking about how do we turn on the best citizens here and citizens that can have a a career and stay here in the county. So, just wanted to do a shout out to her. Um, also want to thank Rita. Um, we had, as you all know, we we've, you know, Wes, our Veterans Administration person, you know, has had an injury and, um, so we needed to make sure that there was the veterans did not fall between the cracks during this period of time. So, I asked Rita to take this, you know, by the horns and try to get it under control. and she had set up uh connections with other groups within 24 hours of the time that I asked her to to do this. I was just amazed at how quick you did it, Rita. And uh can the counties that we're connected with? What can you just fill us in on how it works [snorts] right now? I know you didn't I didn't you didn't prep for this, so I'm putting you on the spot, but you can do it. we um worked with Wes and then the gentleman that was um actually doing Wes's training, Martin Short, I believe is his name, is uh the gentleman that's coming and opening up the veteran [snorts] service office. So, he he's been here twice. He will be here one more time next week and then I guess

we'll go back, you know, when things get back. So, he's been coming, opening up the office, um, being there to take phone calls, and he does ask [clears throat] that, you know, he people can make an appointment before he comes so he can be prepared. Where is he from, Rita? I want to say Yagen County, but I'm [snorts] not for sure. Ser one, I know. I talked to Wes about it. Yeah. But, um, he's had each time he's been here, he's had he's had veterans in um, getting the things they need. So, it's worked very well for Well, good. our neighboring counties have really

stepped up and said, you know, we'll help you. We want to our goal is to take care of the veterans. So, you know, [snorts] we'll do what needs to be done so you don't lose any any ground here. Yeah, that's that's been great the way everybody's willing to step up and help everybody else out. Can't ask for better than that. Well, that's great. Yeah. Thank you, Rita.

We appreciate all your help. Um, another thing that we've done is we had a group of uh concerned citizens that came in and talked to us about uh the parks and recreation area and you know they were concerned about um making sure that their interactions were as organized as they could as they could be as far as payment and how the teams are formed and and we could see that there were some things that needed to be improved. Um and we promised them that we would uh look into that in more detail and we've done that. And what's happened is we have um we have hired for a six week period Steve Mason uh from the the Renzo Wellness Center to help us sort of do an assessment of all that's being done in the parks and recreation area. And he start it was supposed to start today, but I think that he's starting tomorrow on in the project. and um we are uh we've [snorts] met with him several times to say what we're looking for from him and you know the overall the report on how things are going and where improvements need to be made and um and we're looking forward to that report. It's about a six-w weekek project that he's going to do for us. Um, and we are scheduled to meet with the people that were concerned, the concerned citizens again in what?

This week. This week. Okay. Which day of the week is it? Is it Thursday? I think it's Thursday at 4. 3:30. 3:30. 3:30. Okay. It's at 4 o'clock. Now it's 4. It's 4. Okay. They requested four o'clock. So, and you know, our parks and recreation people have welcomed the opportunity to, you know, get some advice about how they can get things uh cleaner and much more efficient.

We're always looking to do that with every department, but um so that's that's going on. Um let's see. Uh, I think that we had a I I agree with Miranda that we had a great meeting with the uh realators. Um, and I'll pass this around. I should have probably made a copy of it, but um we had Travis Dalton and Mary from GIS, Miranda Rita and her uh assistant Teresa Dodson, myself and Blue Ridge Energy. And what we did was just, you know, there's lots of questions from realtors about how do you go about this, how do you go about that? and and enough so that Mindy Hall uh said, "Well, how about if we get everybody together and we give you a chance to answer questions from the realtors in one, you know, one sitting." So, I think the meeting lasted about three hours. Is that about right? I think it was three hours total. Um, and we had 45 realators come to the meeting and it sort of triggered us to to start thinking, Arita talked about this today about maybe we should do over the course of the year do go out to the public and say we're going to do an educational session on different things that the county does. um and help people to understand the things that they have to interact with the county on like this and how we can be of we can be more transparent as to how the processes work and how we can enhance their ability to interact with us and we're going to explore that. We just talked about this was it today? Yeah. Today. Um, and you know, we always need to be sometimes the public, you know, like one of the things that I think came out of

this was the uh there were lots of things that the realtors didn't know that they could do or that they had access to that was taken care of all at one time because people asked questions and everybody got to hear it. So that's just a was a good good meeting, good concept, something we're going to follow up on. Yeah.

Something else that I haven't done anything with other than just thought about this over the last week and is I think we really need to do a survey of the of the citizens. I know they've been done before, but I'd like to do a survey and sort of see what the citizens want to tell us that that they'd like for us to be doing, especially, you know, as we go through the next year. Um, and so I'm going to be looking at opportunities to uh work with someone to some group to help us in the formation of a of a comprehensive survey that can help us to hear what the people have to say. And you guys have been great on on uh interacting with the public and letting us know, but you know, it' be nice to have not everybody talks to, you know, a county commissioner to me or to any of the [snorts] people here. So, let's let's get a solid assessment of what the citizens are looking for us to do.

How are you going to get a solid assessment when half the people in the county, you know, that they don't mingle with you is what I'm saying. Well, and that's a good question. In Grayson County, I did a survey and we had 600 people complete it. It takes a lot of lot of effort on our our part. You have to really push. You have to go to the places where the people are. Um, you have to go to the churches. You have to go to wherever people are congregating. And you got to con constantly remind them. And when you get an opportunity to to have a meeting with a group of people on a different subject, you try to say while you're when you get done, would you all mind filling out the survey that we had?

I took a good answer. Yeah, that's what I was wondering how you going to do that. Yeah, it's a it's a great question because like you would typically in a population of our size maybe a couple hundred people might might fill it out. Um and that would be about it. But if you push and you know six I think Grayson County has somewhat similar population to what we've got. um if you really push what we we saw we were the people at the state level that helped us with the survey said you know you won't get more than a couple hundred people and that we took that as a challenge you know let's make it happen you know let's let's understand what the people are thinking that we should be doing in this county you know there's interest in growth but there's an interest in control growth you know they don't want it to get out of control well growth in what particular areas and let's get dive a a little deeper in and we know some of the things that will come out of it. There's no child care and housing is expensive and it's it's not affordable for young people and but if we those surveys help you in the grant process. If you're able to do a survey and you're and you're trying to get money for ball fields or or or whatever the thing is, then it's helpful to be able to say, "We surveyed the population and we got, you know, more than 2% of the people filled out the survey and or 5% did." And it helps you in that in that grant process. So, we're going to be looking at doing that. Um, does anybody have a questions about that? Okay, let me see what else. I think that that's that's all I've got, Mr. Chairman.

Okay. Okay, moving on down here.

Oh, Mr. Chairman, I'm sorry. I got there's one more thing. Um, so every once in a while, we get I get information from our senators um and our uh you know, our congressman. And I got this um information from Tom Tillis's office that I made copies of for for all of you. And they're talking the reason I thought it would be interesting for you to see is the money that uh could potentially be available to us um and the types of things that they they're interested in helping to fund. Although the money is greatly restricted um from what they're saying in this letter, but I just wanted to see if it generates anything that you can think of that you want to reach out to us and say, "Why don't you explore this? It might fit in that category."

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair. All right. Thank you. Moving on down. County Commissioner comments. Where I guess we'll start. Just everybody stay warm the next couple of days, especially cold again. Spring will be here before long. It's all I got. All right. Thank you, Tim.

Um, not a lot, but I did want to take a moment to as he was talking about education, educational type stuff. I think the something we need I think people need to understand like how the system works for our landfield um or our not really landfill anymore. It's our transfer station. And I I use this a lot. So I know because in my business I I I have to send a lot of commercial debris there. Um and I know I pay so much a ton. But I think a lot of people need to understand that just like David does a report and he tells how much you know they he doesn't give all the details but um you know whatever trash goes over there we had to pay for it. [snorts] We have to pay for it by the ton. We have to pay for it being transferred. So,

so any so anything goes in that's not paid for by the people or by whoever's putting it at taking it to transfer facility the enterprise fund if it runs low we have to transfer money from the general fund to support that. So basically anytime we have these things that come up and I learned this over the last three or four years now and how all that system works and what happens is if we for whatever reason the purpose is um wave a large sum of money that is going to be t taken to the um transfer station. It has to be paid for by the rest of the taxpayers of Alageney County. So that's the reason, you know, it's it's a [snorts] it's not a free service, you know, we it's like we all understand that like as I say in my commercial debris, you know, I pass the cost down to my customers. Uh but um the thing is if and and it also goes back to what I had a conversation with one of the lawyers down at [clears throat] uh UNCC school of government and uh again I go back to that every time I have this this transfer station thing come up whether it's a individual's trash whatever um I I I heard them do a presentation I sat down there for eight hours and at the end of the day I asked one of the ladies that did the presentation and I knew we had a situation here in the county where somebody had a big burnout a house and I didn't know all the details. I didn't know if they had insurance or not, but I did see where the county commissioners waved that fee because it was a disaster, you know, and that and everybody, you know, we all want to try

to help what we can, but I was talking to her about that and I said, "So, what if that case comes up, you know, because she was saying you can't give anything away? You cannot do anything for free." Uh, as it as it has to do with county funds, it's public funds. Um, and I asked her about that, you know, to be more um, specific about it. And she said, "Anytime you wave a fee that is a levy that's in the laws of our county, um, that fee that your budgeting was planning on has to be spread out and you're making a decision to say that the all the rest of the people pays that fee uh, to give that one person a break." and she said it is not legal. That's what she told me and I it sticks there. So it it's it's one of those things it's you know it's not a it's not one of those things that's really you know cuz we all want to help people every time we get a chance that we that's I mean I think a lot of people in Alageney County we we're we're that natured people but when it comes to this and you dealing with public funds we have to be careful about that and I hope the public understands why we have to make those decisions so when it comes down to it to why that you know it's not that we don't care about them. It's it goes back to the you know this is what the reality is of cost and this is how we have to do this and I just want to educate people like that's the way that [snorts] that process works over there. But anyway, I do so for sure look for spring coming and I look for a lot of fun things coming in the county. Um I know we got the fiberfest coming sometime in the future.

Pie festival's first I believe the pie festival comes first this time. Fiberfest I think. So anyway, we got a lot of things that's going to start taking place and um I [clears throat] you know, we just had a we we've been in a couple [snorts] uh meetings where uh you know, there's some things going to change in Alageney County this coming year and and for most part I think it's going to be good. So I look forward to all that all the positives that the year will bring us. And that's that's all I got. All righty. Thank you.

Uh in in last week I had the the privilege or the honor of going to Alagany Memorial Hospital to the ER room. I cannot tell you how satisfied I was with that trip. Everybody in the ER room was 100% professional. Uh, I sort of questioned the pain relief. It took a little longer to to happen than I wanted it to, but but it finally uh after three different doses, they finally got it where I could tolerate what was going on. But I [snorts] I just it was so happy to see so many people that live in Alagany County that were working at the hospital. And I guess it shows my age, but a lot of the nurses at the hospital. I used to coach them in softball years and years ago and now their children have grown up and playing softball. So, I just wanted to brag on our hospital, [clears throat] especially the ER room. I got to meet this new doctor that was there. He has a place in Pony Creek that he lives when he comes up here, his main home is in Winston, but he spends so many days a month up here as the ER doctor. He was topnotch. So, I just wanted to say give a plug to the hospital.

All right. Thank you, Bobby Garrison.

Just reiterate [cough and clears throat] what uh what I said during the meeting. Um I don't disagree with with the decision that we made today to to revamp our EMT pay structure and uh you know the budget to to make that happen. But I think while we're in that same vein, [clears throat] I think we need to not forget our other departments at the same time. Um, just looking at these numbers here, I noticed that the the chief of police uh had an opening for the town of Sparta and the salary range was 71 to $73,000. And you look here at sheriff for law enfor the top law enforcement official for our county starts out at $63,532. So that's got to be changed. Um, we need to make sure we're competitive across the board for all of our departments. Um, not just I mean I I understand that we have a growing need here and you know our people need EMTs in the county. I get that. I respect that. But I think we need to make sure that all of our employees are uh are treated fairly in this in this compensation and classification plan here.

[snorts] also see a couple positions that are not included and [clears throat] a couple of positions that we don't have. We don't have an assistant county manager, but the county manager is not on the classification uh materials here. So, just a little bit of homework there on that I think would would behoove all of us to make sure we're in line and can retain all the employees that we have. [snorts]

I think the I think the uh use of a of a survey for all the citizens to provide their input. I think that's a great idea. I think uh a multimedia approach would would probably be the best way to to capture the most uh amount of responses uh digital and in person or even mail in some cases. I think that's great. But while we're take while we're gauging citizen uh responses, I think we should probably go somewhere um in that same avenue and maybe conduct an employee uh survey and see how satisfied our employees are in the county with their jobs at this point with their compensation, with their with their management, with their department, things that they [snorts] might not feel that they could bring to their supervisor but would that might be a good idea for their department to change. Um, and while maybe while we're taking input from the from the citizens, we also consider taking some input from our employees as well.

All right. Thank you. Well, I ain't got much I can add to follow this group. I tell you, they get right down to the bullets. But high festival's coming up. Uh, I do have a little plug here I'd like to put in about the educational foundation. I think it'd be a good good thing and a good idea for the county to get [snorts] in on a few scholarships to uh help the county just like what Mr. Spice was talking about paying for the EMDs education. I think that's a good thing. And you've got a if you do that every year, you soon have a supply of two or three whatever signs up coming off every year to to get in the workforce. And I think we need to look at that myself for the uh maybe a manager's position or assistant manager position or finance [snorts] or whatever. Uh get those gals come down from the education foundation sometime and and talk with us. It's a very doable, very flexible uh way to do things on on that on the education foundation for scholarships. I mean, if you if you designate a scholarship and and you don't have anybody that qualifies or don't don't put in for that, you can move that to something else. You do that. That's how flexible it is. But I think it'd be good investment for the county to uh to try to get in on some of that and help the foundation out, too. I don't think the county sponsors any scholarships to my knowledge. Is the April

We have some folks that do. Uh [snorts] I think it's something for us to think about since the budget's coming up and and uh get it worked in the budget somewhere and decide how much we want to spend so forth. And I want to welcome and congratulate Sheriff Clay and I understand everything switched over and everything's a smooth transition up there and moving right along and that's that's great to hear. We appreciate appreciate him and all his staff. That's all I have for that being said. Anybody else? Bill uh Heather, anybody? Bill, go ahead.

Yes. Um I just wanted to um assure um Garrison that um I've been I agree with what you're saying and that they're I've been looking for the last few months at comparisons of our managers and our employees overall with what we're seeing with similar size counties. Um, and I've made some changes to that so far, but um, there's a lot more that needs to be done. And I think one of the most glaring ones is in the sheriff's area. I agree with you. Uh, and I've already done the done that comparison there. And that's something that we need to probably address in this upcoming fiscal year. But, um, I think this was what what was done here was kind of a not an emergency. I hate to use that in that that department, but it was sort of an emergency situation where you got to take some action and you got to you've got to u uh make sure that we are making sure that the people are getting with the the services that they need and that we can keep a steady workforce here. The same thing when I was in uh hospitals, same thing happened in hospitals where people would jump from one hospital to another. the nurses would. And it it's a it's as long as you can make it as long a period of time before the jumps occur, it gives you a little bit more stability and you can you can keep your people some of the core people. But rest assured, we're we're looking at the salaries across the board and there'll be some changes that we'll be recommending to you. But thank you for bringing up

bringing that up. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Nothing else. Entertain a motion to adjurnn. Make a motion to adjurnn. Second. All in favor? Thank y'all. Thank you. Thank everybody for coming. One.