County commissioners heard a number of reports and updates on ongoing projects, as well as taking action on several items at their April 21 meeting.
During the afternoon work session, Public Utilities Director Jason Caviness reported that work on rebuilding the failing water filters at the water plant is under way, with KM Machine planning to install lines for the new air scour filter systems this week and work on rebuilding the filters is scheduled to start May 15.
Caviness said he is investigating options to mitigate erosion at the raw water intake plant on Lake Tillery. He has put in a request to reallocate $500,000 in federal stimulus funding for a new water tank at Wadeville to go toward the seawall need and is awaiting word on whether that will be approved. Drilling at the lakeshore will have to be done to determine the most suitable option. Other work at the site, including replacing valves and rebuilding pumps is either done or under way.
Installation of the previously approved automatic read water meters is also expected to begin in mid May.
Caviness also presented preliminary information on GPS/smart phone and software systems that would allow water staff to retrieve and return work orders from the field by mobile phones, eliminating paperwork and trips back and forth from work sites to the plant. The change would require seven smart phones for department employees.
“The public thinks we’ve got too many cell phones,” said Commissioner Dolon Corbett, adding that he has requested records of county cell phone use. However, Corbett also pointed out advantages of GPS systems in Sheriff’s Office vehicles and felt they could also save on insurance costs.
County Manager Lance Metzler will put together information on costs, advantages and disadvantages of Caviness’ request for the next meeting.
With the current fiscal year 75 percent complete, Finance Officer Lisa Rolan reported that general fund revenues are at 69 percent of projections and expenditures, including the 15 percent reduction put in place in January, are at 71 percent of budget.
Rolan said real estate tax collections are going well but sales tax revenues, as well as fees from several county departments are significantly below projection. Looking ahead to the upcoming budget year, Rolan said the state is projecting sales tax revenues to be 6 percent below this year. Noting that with Troy taking over the golf course and Hotel Troy, as well as some property in Mt. Gilead being turned over to non-profit status, along with increased foreclosures, ad valorem taxes will likely be down next year.
Central Park NC Director Nancy Gottovi provided the board with an update on programs at StarWorks, noting that approximately half of the agency’s $1.2 million annual budget for the eight counties it covers is expended at the Star facility, where 40 new jobs have been created since the facility opened. Among new programs in the planning stages are a graphics design studio proposed by a Charlotte firm, that will include internships for high school students. Gottovi said three investors have committed to starting a micro brewery, to be called Black Ankle Brewery, but funding will have to be found to replace the old water piping before that program can move forward.
Sheriff Jeff Jordan spoke to the board about a $22,900 federal stimulus grant for his department. Jordan had previously planned to put the funds toward additional in-vehicle computer equipment. After discussions with Emergency Management Director Alan Griffin, however, Jordan said he will instead put his funding toward 911 communications upgrades and the new VIPER system that will provide better communications coverage for law enforcement and other emergency responders across the county.
In other business, the board:
• Reviewed updates to the county zoning map to more accurately reflect past rezoning and make zoning boundaries fit existing property lines, as recommended by the planning board. Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the new map and vote on it at the May meeting.
• Approved a new tobacco use policy that prohibits tobacco use in county vehicles as well as within 50 feet of the county administration building.
• Approved a $10,000 appropriation from fund balance for RCATS, to provide matching funds allowing RCATS to draw down federal and state grants.
• Reviewed bids for the annual county audit and agreed to grant the contract to Martin Starnes & Associates at a cost of $53,000, with stipulation to one change in contract language.
• Appointed Star resident Richard Johnson as the citizen member to the Sandhills Mental Health Board.
• Approved waiver of the minimum water bill for nine Correll Road residences unable to receive county water due to pressure problems.
• Learned that jail construction is 92 percent complete and staff training at the new facility is under way. The county is negotiating with the architect and the state Department of Insurance regarding a smoke evacuation system in the booking area.
• Learned that Pfeiffer University will not renew its contract with the county to operate the Beth Haltiwanger Retreat Center and heard a recommendation to hire a consultant to review the facility and make recommendations for the facility in the Uwharrie National Forest.
• Got updates on Base Realignment and Closing (BRAC), economic development and Sandhills Mental Health.
