Tag Archive for: #vancecountyboardofcommissioners

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Vance Commissioners to Hear on Proposed Budget, Senior Center Relocation

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, June 3, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Rhonda Pulley, South Henderson Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Agenda items:

1. Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – each speaker is limited to five minutes)

2. Budget Hearing FY 2019-20 Economic Development Appropriations

3. Budget Hearing FY 2019-20 Proposed Budget

4. Water District Board

a. Public Hearing – FY 2019-2020 Water Budget

b. Monthly Operations Report

5. Committee Reports and Recommendations

a. Properties Committee – Eaton Johnson Renovation – Architect Contract, Inclusion of Senior Center

b. Public Safety Committee – Fire Contracts, Fire Association Concerns

6. Finance Director’s Report

a. Surplus Property

b. Fiscal Year-End Closeout Authorization

c. Reimbursement Resolution – New DSS and Senior Center Facility

7. County Manager’s Report

a. Fireworks Permit – City of Henderson

b. Henderson Vance Industrial Park Phase 3 – Land Swap

c. County Zoning in Middleburg Town Limits

d. Volunteer Fire Department Contracts

8. Consent Agenda Items

a. Budget Transfers

b. Tax Refunds and Releases

c. Monthly Reports

d. Minutes

9. Miscellaneous

a. Appointments

b. Voting Delegate and Alternate – NACo Annual Conference

10. Closed Session

a. Legal Matter

b. Economic Development Matter

Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

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Proposed Vance Co. Budget Includes Increase in Fire Tax, New Deputy Positions

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the County’s proposed FY 2019-2020 budget.

Presented to the Vance County Board of Commissioners at their May 6 meeting, the General Fund Budget is proposed to be $48,362,611, a figure that includes all tax-supported governmental activities and represents a 0.4% increase over the current budget.

According to the 247-page proposal, the budget provides sufficient funds to improve the current level of services in several areas and addresses many of the priorities and goals established by the board of commissioners during their annual planning retreat.

In summary, the budget:

  • Includes no increase in the general fund property tax rate with a continued pattern of minimal revenue growth.
  • Includes an increase of 2.3 cents per $100 in value in the fire tax rate to provide part-time positions to the volunteer fire departments which will assist with improving response times and lowering ISO ratings.
  • Includes no increase in the solid waste household fee and includes no increase in the water usage rate while reducing the amount transferred from the general fund to cover water system debt service.
  • Improves the current level of services and maintains the county’s healthy financial condition. The general fund balance is projected to be 31.2% by the end of FY19 down from 37.8% in FY18 due to the purchase of land for economic development. The fund balance appropriated to balance the budget is $1,192,442 with a total of $500,000 expected to be spent on non-school and non-debt capital projects.
  • Addresses salary compression, retention and employee pay by funding a salary progression plan to move employees along the pay scale on a regular basis.
  • Focuses on improving rural fire protection and enhancing overall public safety. This includes providing funding for part-time positions at volunteer fire departments and the rescue squad, replacing a portion of viper radios for public safety departments, and providing staffing increases for the sheriff’s office.
  • Includes 2 new deputy sheriff positions, 1 new building codes enforcement officer Ill position, 2 new telecommunicator positions, 2 position upgrades (DSS and tax office), and 2 part-time custodian salary adjustments.
  • Prioritizes citizen health and continues working to improve the county’s substance use disorder challenges through increased funding for the health department.
  • Advances economic development opportunities for residents and businesses while supporting distance learning opportunities for students by funding initial efforts to deploy affordable wireless broadband in the county with a focus on unserved and underserved areas.
  • Includes a major investment in school capital providing $5,252,000 to Vance County Schools to support redesigns for the middle and high schools, multiple HVAC replacements, parking lot redesign and paving at the middle school, ADA upgrades, replacement of the high school boiler system, and other requested school capital needs.
  • Implements the FY20 CIP which includes renovations for a new DSS/Senior Center facility as a major debt project and several smaller pay-go (cash) funded projects from fund balance.

“I was pleased with how the budget came together this year,” said McMillen. “Going into it, we were wary of the fact that there wasn’t going to be a lot of additional revenue. We were able to maximize the County services and add some new services with very limited additional revenue growth.”

Of note, McMillen said the proposed fire tax rate increase of 2.3 cents per $100 in value will allow the County to fund two part-time positions at each volunteer fire department, a proposition that has been much-discussed in recent Board meetings and work sessions.

According to McMillen, this rate increase would amount to approximately $23 annually for the average Vance County household.

“This tax increase will help improve response times for citizens and will also allow those departments to lower their ISO (insurance) rating, which translates into real dollar savings for citizens,” explained McMillen.

McMillen also noted that he was pleased the proposed budget provides the Vance County Sheriff’s Office with two of their requested four new deputy sheriff positions.

In total, $1.9 million in additional requests were unable to be funded, according to McMillen, including a request for four new positions at the Vance County Detention Center.

Board of Commissioners will meet in work sessions at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 to discuss and review the proposed budget.

A public hearing regarding the budget will be held at the Board’s next regularly-scheduled meeting on Monday, June 3 at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson.

The final, approved version of the FY 2019-2020 budget will be effective July 1, 2019. To view the proposed budget, please visit the Vance County website at www.vancecounty.org.

To hear the Town Talk interview with Jordan McMillen in its entirety, click here.

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County of Vance: FY 2019-20 Budget Presentation on Board’s May 6 Agenda

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, May 6, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Jennifer Sawyer, Gillburg United Methodist Church.

Agenda items:

Public Hearings

Angie Blount, County Planner – Rezoning Request – Case RZ20190214-1 Between US 1 Hwy and Edwards Road Parcel 0456 06008; Case RZ03212019-1 Bullocksville Road/Jacksontown Road Parcel 0587 03004; Case RZ03212019-2 Kittrell College Road; Parcel 0468 01016; Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments Accessory Structures; Zoning Ordinance Amendment RV/Camper Use Regulations

Public Hearing

Jordan McMillen, County Manager – Addressing Ordinance

Appointment

Porcha Brooks, Tax Administrator – Untimely Exemption Applications

Water District Board

a. Phase 3 – Change Order #1

b. Monthly Operations Report Agenda May 6, 2019

Finance Director’s Report

a. Surplus Property

b. Audit Contract for FY 2018-19

c. Capital Improvement Plan 2020-2024

County Manager’s Report

a. Award of Service Weapon and Badge

b. Demolition – County Owned Property

c. Fireworks Permit

d. Presentation of FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget

Consent Agenda Items

a. Budget Amendment and Transfers

b. Tax Refunds and Releases

c. Monthly Reports

d. Minutes

Miscellaneous

a. Appointments

Closed Session

a. Property Matter

Click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

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Vance Co. Commissioners’ Meeting: Rezoning, RVs & Former Middle School Buildings

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Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen provided WIZS News with a summary of the Vance County Board of Commissioners’ meeting held on Monday, April 1, 2019. McMillen’s reported highlights from the meeting include:

“We didn’t have any public comments but did have one individual who came back from last month to voice their opinion against the discussed rezoning. Their basis was not wanting commercial activity in a traditionally residential area. The commissioners tabled this matter one additional time and requested that the applicant provide a valid survey of the area to be rezoned with the idea of keeping half of the property on the Edwards Road side as Residential and rezoning the half facing US 1 bypass as General Commercial. It appears the board is open to the rezoning once this is provided, but they have made no decisions. I would anticipate a decision on this at the May 6 board meeting if a survey is provided.”

The board set two public hearings for the May 6 meeting for potential amendments to the zoning ordinance to allow accessory structures in front yards and also one concerning RV/Camper Regulations.

“I believe the bigger one may be the RV/Camper Regulations and I could anticipate some board discussion on this next month. For the most part, the question concerns regulations vs. property owner rights. The proposed amendment would eliminate the temporary use of RV/Campers outside of RV Parks. The state already prohibits permanent living in RVs/Campers. This will most likely have an effect on someone who owns a vacant lot and brings their camper/RV for a weekend or during the summer.”

In regards to moving the Vance County Department of Social Services to the former Eaton Johnson Middle School building:

“We are continuing our negotiations with the school system and I believe this will move forward very soon. Our board did proceed last night to authorize me to negotiate a contract with Oakley, Collier Architects to get the ball rolling on this project.

Regarding Henderson Middle School, the board declined the school systems offer to provide the building to the county at a fair market or negotiated price. For the most part, our board felt it would be difficult financially to take on both Eaton Johnson and Henderson Middle School at the same time. Our commissioners did offer to assist the school system with any costs to ensure the building is added to the historical register to ensure the architectural character is maintained.”

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Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting – April 1

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, April 1, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Carolyn Roy, Plank Chapel United Methodist Church.

Agenda items include:

Recognition of Leadership Vance Participants

1. Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – speakers are limited to five minutes)

2. Public Hearing 6:00 p.m. Planning Board Ordinance Amendment Jordan McMillen, County Manager

3. Appointment 6:15 p.m. Angie Blount, County Planner Rezoning Request – Case RZ20190214-1 Between US 1 Hwy and Edwards Road Parcel 0456 06008

4. Appointment Angie Blount, County Planner Text Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Accessory Structures

5. Appointment 6:30 p.m. Terri Hedrick, Appearance Commission Roadside Litter

6. Water District Board a. Monthly Operations Report

7. Committee Reports and Recommendations a. Planning/Environmental Committee – RV/Camper Use Regulations – Zoning Amendment b. Public Safety Committee – Addressing Ordinance c. Properties Committee – Farmer’s Market Rental Rate – Selection of Architect – DSS Relocation – Henderson Middle School – Asbestos Abatement/Demolition – County Owned Property

8. County Attorney’s Report a. REO Property – Bid Acceptance Resolutions – Lot 38 Freedom Lane – Parcel 0541D01034 – Lot 6 Big Ruin Creek Lane – Parcel 0404 03029 b. REO Property – New Offer – 435 N. Chestnut Street – Parcel 0098 07016

9. County Manager’s Report a. Fireworks Permit – Tourism b. 2020 Census c. FY19-20 Budget Update

10. Consent Agenda Items a. Budget Transfers b. Tax Refunds and Releases c. Monthly Reports d. Minutes

11. Miscellaneous a. Appointments

12. Closed Session a. Economic Development Matter

Please click here to view current and prior Board agendas.

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Commissioners Eyeing Former Eaton Johnson Bldg. for Vance Co. DSS

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On Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 2:30 p.m, the Vance County Board of Commissioners Properties Committee consisting of Dan Brummitt, Archie Taylor and Gordon Wilder will meet in the Administrative Conference Room of the Vance County Administration Building at 122 Young Street in Henderson.

These commissioners will meet with an architect to discuss the potential move of the Vance County Department of Social Services. Currently located at 350 Ruin Creek Rd. in Henderson, the department has expressed the need for a larger space to better accommodate their services and the number of people they serve.

As to the potential DSS move, Brummitt said, “We are contemplating it and still looking at options. Right now we are focusing on [the former] Eaton Johnson Middle School site. As with everything, we’ve got to look at the cost. No time table has been established.”

“Social Services is very crowded and spread over several locations,” said Wilder. “We want to move into the [former] Eaton Johnson building and are working with architects now to make that happen as soon as possible.”

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

More Food Trucks on the Way for Farmers Market

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The Vance County Regional Farmers Market will be opening on Saturday, April 27 for the season, according to market manager Tracy Madigan.

Following a decision made by the Vance County Board of Commissioners at their Monday night meeting, there will be a greater presence of food trucks at the market this year.

Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen told WIZS News, “The popularity of food trucks is undeniable. They are beginning to gain notoriety in this area as they’ve already done in the triangle, and ultimately they can serve as a good way of drawing people to the market who may have never visited.”

“Specifically, at the farmers market, they have experimented with a food truck already and it has added an exciting and different dimension to the market. As individuals become familiar with the local food trucks this should improve the overall attendance at the market and introduce new patrons to the market. We see food trucks as a compliment to the market and believe it may also open up opportunities to push products from the farm to the table, complimenting the existing vendors as well.”

Food trucks, in general, have been in the news in our area in recent months, specifically when Gavin’s Grub Hub, owned and operated by Gavin Jackson, was looking for a semi-permanent location and wound up receiving a six-month approval from the City of Henderson to operate. We’ve also seen Backyard BBQ, which typically locates in the old Armory parking lot on Dabney Drive.

These additional approvals may indicate that our local leaders are getting more comfortable with food trucks and keeping in tune with what consumers have been enjoying for at least a decade or more in other larger urban areas.

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Vance Co. Properties Committee to Discuss Architect for DSS Relocation

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners

The following committee meeting will be held in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC:

Properties Committee (Brummitt, Taylor, Wilder)

Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 2:30 p.m.

– Architect for DSS Relocation

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Vance Co. Planning & Public Safety Committees to Meet Wed., March 13

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Executive Assistant/Clerk to Board, Vance County Board of Commissioners

The following committee meetings will be held in the Administrative Conference Room, Vance County Administration Building, 122 Young Street, Henderson, NC:

Planning/Environmental Committee (Faines, Kelly, Wilder)

Wednesday, March 13 at 3 p.m.

– RV Regulations

– Planning Board Ordinance

 

Public Safety Committee (Wilder, Brummitt, Faines)

Wednesday, March 13 at 4 p.m.

– 911 Addressing

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Vance Co. Board of Commissioners to Hold Monthly Meeting – March 11

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-Information courtesy Kelly H. Grissom, Clerk to Board/Executive Asst., County of Vance

The Vance County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, March 11, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 122 Young Street, Henderson. The Invocation will be given by Pastor Joel Beckham, New Life Baptist Church.

Agenda items include:

1. Public Comments (for those registered to speak by 5:45 p.m. – speakers are limited to five minutes).

2. Appointment – 6 p.m. – District Attorney Mike Waters, Sheriff Curtis Brame, Police Chief Marcus Barrow – Law Enforcement Update.

3. Appointment – 6:15 p.m. – Paul McKenzie, Cooperative Extension – Appointments to Farmers Market Committee – Changes to Vendor and Facility Use Guidelines.

4. Public Hearing – 6:30 p.m. – Angie Blount, County Planner Text Amendments to Zoning Ordinance.

5. Public Hearing – Angie Blount, County Planner Rezoning Request – Case RZ20190214-1 between US 1 Hwy and Edwards Road Parcel 0456 06008 Rezoning Request – Case RZ20190214-2 Warrenton Road; Parcel 0456 06008.

6. Appointment – 6:45 p.m. – Benny Finch, Downtown Development, Downtown Development Activities Update.

7. Water District Board – Water Committee – Phase 3 Construction Update – Phase 1B Engineering Services Agreement – Phase 1B Waterline Easements.

8. Committee Reports and Recommendations.

9. Finance Director’s Report – a. Surplus Property b. Financing Agreement – New Fire Truck.

10. County Attorney’s Report – a. REO Property – Bid Acceptance Resolution – 175 Freedom Lane (Lot 37) – Parcel 0541D01033 b. REO Property – New Offer – 175 Freedom Lane (Lot 38) – Parcel 0541D01034.

11. County Manager’s Report a. Spring Litter Sweep Proclamation/County Employee Cleanup Event b. Resolution – Designation of Agent for Tropical Storm Michael Declaration c. Local Records Retention Schedule d. Semi-Annual Jail Inspection Report e. Planning Board Ordinance Amendment f. Generator at Animal Shelter.

Please click here to view current and prior Board agendas.