Being no one present to address the Board, Chair Sharitz closed Citizens Time.

Transcription

1 The Wythe County Board of Supervisors held its regularly scheduled meeting at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday,. The location of the meeting was in the Board Room of the County Administration Building, 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville, Virginia. MEMBERS PRESENT: Wythe B. Sharitz, Chair Martha P. Umberger James E. Hagee, Vice Chair Charles S. Dix (present 9:26 a.m.) B.G. Gene Horney Danny C. McDaniel MEMEBERS ABSENT: Margaret O. Maggie Poole STAFF PRESENT: R. Cellell Dalton, County Administrator Stephen D. Bear, Assistant County Administrator Scot Farthing, County Attorney Martha G. Collins, Administrative Assistant OTHERS PRESENT: Alan Wilder Nate Hubbard Sam Crockett, Treasurer Mary Sis Cassell, Commissioner Sheriff Doug King Gary Houseman CALL TO ORDER & INVOCATION The Chair determined that a quorum was present and called the regularly scheduled meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. The invocation was given by Mr. Alan Wilder of Sunny Hills Church, and the Chair led in the Pledge of Allegiance. CITIZENS TIME Chair Sharitz welcomed the guests and citizens present at the meeting, and inquired if there was anyone present who wished to address the Board. Being no one present to address the Board, Chair Sharitz closed Citizens Time. PUBLIC HEARING JUVENILE & ADULT FACILITIES ORDINANCE REPEAL Chair Sharitz announced that the Wythe County Board of Supervisors would conduct a public hearing to consider repealing Ordinance No entitled, Juvenile & Adult Facilities Ordinance of Wythe County, Virginia. The public hearing would be held at 9:05 a.m., Tuesday, for public comments to be heard regarding the rescinding of the ordinance. Chair Sharitz opened the public hearing for comment.

2 With no citizens present for comment, Chair Sharitz closed the public hearing. Vice Chair Hagee made a motion to rescind Ordinance entitled, Juvenile & Adult Facilities Ordinance of Wythe County. Supervisor McDaniel seconded the motion. The roll call vote is as follows: MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The Board was presented with the August 2009 minutes for adoption. Vice Chair Hagee made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Umberger, to approve the August 11, 2009 minutes as presented. The roll call vote is as follows: Vice Chair Hagee made a motion, seconded by Supervisor McDaniel, to approve the August 25, 2009 minutes as presented. The roll call vote is as follows: PAYMENT OF COUNTY INVOICES Supervisor Dix made a motion to pay the invoices submitted for approval on September 22, 2009 for the various departments of County government. The invoices for September 11, 2009 and were paid on General Warrants as follows: EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT 2

3 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHECK # ISSUE DATE VENDOR TOTAL /11/09 DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION $40.00 TOTAL FUND $ /22/09 AFTON COMMUNICATIONS CORP $ /22/09 ALSCO $ /22/09 APPALACHIAN JUVENILE COMMISS $1, /22/09 APPALACHIAN POWER $28, /22/09 ATKINS TIRE $ /22/09 BRENNTAG MID-SOUTH INC $1, /22/09 CARILION HEALTHCARE CORP $ /22/09 CATRON, G W $ /22/09 CITIZENS TELEPHONE COOP $ /22/09 COCKERHAM TIRE & AUTO #2 $3, /22/09 CONSOLIDATED PIPE & SUPPLY INC $ /22/09 CROCKETT, WALTER S $ /22/09 DAVIS MARTIN POWELL & ASSOC $1, /22/09 DEPT OF CONSERVATION & REC $ /22/09 DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY $ /22/09 DEPT OF MOTOR VEHICLES $ /22/09 DEPT OF VIRGINIA STATE POLICE $ /22/09 DLB INC $41, /22/09 ECONOMY QUICK LUBE $ /22/09 ELBERTS REPAIR SERVICE $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMBARQ $ /22/09 EMS INC $1, /22/09 FERGUSON ENTERPRISES $ /22/09 FLEETONE LLC $ /22/09 FOOD COUNTRY $ /22/09 FOWLKES MACHINE CO INC $ /22/09 GALLS $ /22/09 HARPO'S HARDWARE & BLDG SUPPLY IN $ /22/09 HOPKINS TOWING $ /22/09 HUFF FORD SUBARU INC $ /22/09 J & B FARMS INC $3,

4 /22/09 KANGAROO FUEL SOLUTIONS $12, /22/09 KAYS OF KINGSPORT INC $1, /22/09 KIESLER'S POLICE SUPPLY, INC. $1, /22/09 KING, DOUGLAS W $ /22/09 KING-MOORE INC $ /22/09 KMART $ /22/09 LEE'S GARAGE $ /22/09 MATTHEW BENDER & CO INC $ /22/09 MCI $ /22/09 MEDIA GENERAL TRI-CITIES $ /22/09 MEDIA GENERAL TRI-CITIES $ /22/09 MEREDITH'S GARAGE $ /22/09 MUSSER FARMS $ /22/09 NEW RIVER REGIONAL WATER AUTH $12, /22/09 NEW RIVER VALLEY JUVENILE DET $13, /22/09 NEW RIVER VALLEY REG JAIL $110, /22/09 NEXTEL $ /22/09 NTELOS $ /22/09 OWEN G DUNN CO $5, /22/09 PAPER CLIP $ /22/09 PEED & BORTZ LLC $27, /22/09 PEED & BORTZ LLC $24, /22/09 R & R SEPTIC $ /22/09 ROANOKE PUMP SALES & SERVICE $ /22/09 SELECT AUTO PARTS $ /22/09 SENTRY SERVICES $ /22/09 SPEEDWAY SUPERAMERICA LLC $ /22/09 STATE ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY $ /22/09 STEVE'S AUTO SALES & REPAIR $1, /22/09 THOMPSON TIRE $ /22/09 THREE RIVERS MEDIA CORP $ /22/09 TOTAL BILLINGS $ /22/09 TOWN OF WYTHEVILLE $ /22/09 TREASURERS' ASSOC OF VA $ /22/09 TWO WAY RADIO $ /22/09 UNDERWOOD, DANNA M $ /22/09 UPS STORE 5065 $ /22/09 USA BLUE BOOK $ /22/09 VERIZON $ /22/09 VIRGINIA BUSINESS SYSTEMS-VA $ /22/09 VUPS $ /22/09 WACHOVIA $68, /22/09 WASTE INDUSTRIES $ /22/09 WASTE MANAGEMENT OF $1, /22/09 WEST PAYMENT CENTER $ /22/09 WYTHE COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD $

5 /22/09 WYTHEVILLE OFFICE SUPPLY $ /22/09 XEROX $ TOTAL FUND $378, TOTAL REPORT $378, Vice Chair Hagee seconded the motion and the roll call vote is as follows: INDUSTRIAL PARK Supervisor Umberger inquired if the Industrial Park had been cleaned up yet. Mr. Dalton indicated that it has been worked on. Supervisor McDaniel asked about the problem with thistles. Mr. Dalton stated that the County had cut down the thistles on Lot 1, and Mr. Davis worked on his leased property near the Coalfield Services area. Mr. Dalton also informed the Board that the lights are now up at the north entrance of Progress Park. PUBLIC HEARING WATER RATES SCHEDULE CHANGE Chair Sharitz announced that the Wythe County Board of Supervisors would conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, beginning at 9:10 a.m. to allow for public comments on a proposed change in residential minimum usage and water rates. The new rates listed below are proposed to take effect on October 16, Current Proposed Residential Rate $20.00 (First 3,000 gallons) $11.00 (First 2,000 gallons) Each additional 1,000 gallons $9.00 per 1,000 gallons Chair Sharitz opened the public hearing for citizen comment. Mr. Dalton explained to the Board the impact of lowering the water rates. He stated that the County currently has around 350 customers using less than the 2,000 gallon minimum. He stated that those service addresses would benefit from the rate change. Vice Chair Hagee inquired if the proposed rate would encompass the fee charged to non-users. 5

6 Mr. Dalton stated that the minimum water payment would be $11, and this would include the mandatory non-user fee. Chair Sharitz closed the public hearing. Vice Chair Hagee made a motion to approve the proposed water rate schedule change as advertised. Supervisor Dix seconded the motion. Mr. Dalton stated that this rate change would address many of the concerns brought to the Board. He referred to customer complaints about using less than the minimum and having to pay for water not being used. The roll call vote is as follows: PUBLIC HEARING EXERCISE OF JOINT POWERS FOR THE WIA Chair Sharitz announced that on at 9:15 a.m. in the Board Room of the Wythe County Board of Supervisor, a public hearing on its intent to propose an ordinance authorizing the exercise of joint powers under an agreement between the Counties of Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pulaski, Smyth, Washington, and Wythe and the Cities of Bristol, Galax, and Radford, Virginia. The purpose of the agreement would be to fulfill its responsibilities under the federal Workforce Investment Act of This ordinance will rescind the Charter Chief Local Elected Officials Agreement entered into by the governing bodies February 15, The ordinance is available for review at the Wythe County Administrator s Office, 340 South Sixth Street, Wytheville, Virginia. Chair Sharitz opened the public hearing for citizen comment. Vice Chair Hagee asked what this proposed ordinance would do for Wythe County. Mr. Dalton responded that approval of the ordinance would bring Wythe County into compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations and allow the CLEOs Board and the Workforce Investment Board to act in compliance with the current laws. Chair Sharitz commented that all jurisdictions within the two planning districts of Mount Rogers and New River would be involved. Chair Sharitz closed the public hearing. 6

7 Vice Chair Hagee made a motion to approve the proposal of Wythe County Ordinance , Exercise of the Joint powers for the Workforce Investment Act. Supervisor Horney seconded the motion. The roll call vote is as follows: TREASURER S REPORT Mr. Sam Crockett, Wythe County Treasurer, appeared before the Board and presented the Treasurer s Report as follows: 1. Trial Balance & Revenue Statement - The Board reviewed and accepted the Bank Statement, Trial Balance and Revenue Statement as submitted for the month ending August 31, Supervisor Umberger inquired why machine and tools went up. Ms. Cassell explained that businesses have purchased new equipment. 2. Local Government Investment Pool Supervisor McDaniel inquired if the Treasurer had moved the County funds out of the LGIP. Mr. Crockett stated that he had closed out the account with the LGIP. He commented that Wythe County would gain approximately $85,000 per year in interest from the new account. SHERIFF S REPORT 1. HEAT Award Sheriff King informed the Board that his department won the HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Award for the ninth year in a row for the fourth division. 2. GrahamFest Festival The Sheriff stated that the GrahamFest Festival went smoothly with no major incidents or arrests. 3. Heritage Day Festival Sheriff King noted that the Heritage Day Festival at Max Meadows went well with no incidents. 4. Exit 80 Traffic Light The Sheriff referenced Supervisor Hagee s previous complaints on the traffic lights at exit 80. He asked that the Board discuss this problem with VDOT again. He commented that it is presenting a safety issue and causing traffic to be backed up. 7

8 5. Fatalities The Sheriff informed the Board that fatalities for Wythe County are down 50% this year as compared to last year. Chair Sharitz congratulated Sheriff King on the awards and accomplishments for this year and asked that he pass along the compliments from the Board to his department. COMMISSIONER S REPORT Ms. Sis Cassell stated that the exact figure was $680,156 in Machinery & Tools Revenue Sharing money discussed in the Treasurer s Report. Mr. Dalton explained that this money is transferred directly to Crossroads Regional Industrial Facility Authority for WTI, BAC, and Atsumi Car. SUPERVISORS REPORTS 1. ASAP Meeting Supervisor Umberger informed the Board that she and Keith Dunagan attended an ASAP meeting in Marion. She stated that Wythe County would need to arrange a class at the college. Supervisor Umberger informed the Board that 119 people still needed to enroll in this course. She commented that there have been issues with employers excusing the people from work for the class. 2. Water Treatment Plant Open House Supervisor Umberger stated that she went to the open house for the Water Treatment Plant. She complimented the facility. 3. Jail Meeting Vice Chair Hagee stated that he attended the meeting for the NRVRJ. He noted that there has been much progress on the jail expansion. He complimented the efficiency of the project. 4. FRA Meeting Vice Chair Hagee informed the Board that he attended the Fire and Rescue Analysis Committee meeting. He said that the Fire and Rescue Association assembled after the committee. 5. Dog Complaints Supervisor Horney stated that he had received some complaints regarding dogs. He asked Mr. Dalton and Mr. Bear if they had any updated information regarding the Schoolcrafts. Mr. Dalton commented that the trial had been delayed until December. Vice Chair Hagee added that he had citizen complaints on the Animal Shelter and its cleanliness. Mr. Dalton noted a part-time employee has been hired to work Tuesday Saturday from 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 8

9 6. Transfer Station Fees Supervisor Umberger informed fellow Supervisors that there have been complaints regarding fees at the transfer station. Mr. Dalton explained that the fees were raised due to increases in the disposal fees and gas/diesel required for transportation. He noted that on October 1, 2009, Wythe County would enter into an agreement with the New River Resource Authority. He commented on his expectations that this will reduce the disposal fee and haul fee, therefore lowering the rates at the JPSA. 7. Grayson County Chair Sharitz stated that Grayson County is considering starting an Agri-Tech Center in their locality. He reported that the Grayson County Board of Supervisors is supporting the project with a $50,000 feasibility study. WATER COMMITTEE REPORT 1. Independence Drive - Supervisor Horney made a motion, as recommended by the Water Committee, to install a 2 line at Independence Drive and to require a $350 connection fee for anyone on Independence Drive and Lansworth Drive. Also recommended is for the application to be made within 30 days of receipt of the connection letter or the fee would be $1,000. Supervisor Horney added, with a second from Vice Chair Hagee, that $6,900 (estimated cost) be amended and appropriated to the water department budget. The roll call vote is as follows: 2. Promissory Note Supervisor Horney made a motion, as recommended by the Water Committee, to update the current promissory note to reflect a $100 minimum down payment and adjust the interest rate to 12%. The roll call vote is as follows: Danny C. McDaniel James E. Hagee 9

10 RECESS The Board recessed for a short break at 10:05 a.m. RECONVENE Chair Sharitz reconvened the meeting at 10:21 a.m. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR S REPORT 1. Paradigm Mr. Dalton reviewed a letter from Paradigm that served as an invitation to attend a free pipeline safety emergency response program. The letter listed the dates and locations of meetings that would be held in Virginia. 2. Solid Waste Collection & Recycling Sites Mr. Dalton reviewed a memorandum requesting the Board of Supervisors study adjusting the days and operational hours for the Household Solid Waste Collection and Recycling Centers. He suggested consideration of the centers being open Tuesday Saturday for twelve-hour shifts beginning at 7:00 a.m. Vice Chair Hagee commented that it could be helpful if V&M Recycling emptied the trash containers on Thursday or Friday to allow more trash to be disposed on the weekends. Chair Sharitz asked that the three Board members appointed to the JPSA Board serve on a committee to review this as needed. 3. VA Cooperative Extension Mr. Dalton discussed a September 9, 2009 letter from Duane Farthing with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office. The letter served as Mr. Farthing s resignation, effective September 18, 2009, from the position as the Wythe County Extension Agent. 4. VA Office of Emergency Medical Services Grant Awards The Board reviewed a letter from the Office of Emergency Medical Services announcing that Wythe County was awarded funding from the Financial Assistance for Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. The September 8, 2009 letter stated that the funding was awarded to the locality for purchasing surgical masks to be used during a state declared pandemic event and to receive reimbursement for the purchase of the equipment. Mr. Dalton stated that the grant amount was $2,340 for 3,900 surgical masks for the OEMS licensed agencies identified in the grant application. Vice Chair Hagee made a motion to amend and appropriate $2,340 to the Emergency Services budget. Supervisor Dix seconded and the roll call vote is as follows: 10

11 5. Homestead Living History Festival Mr. Dalton discussed an announcement that the 2009 Homestead Living History Festival would be held Saturday, September 26, Supervisor Umberger noted that September 26 is also Hazardous Waste Day. 6. Max Meadows Heritage Day Mr. Dalton reported that he attended the Max Meadows Heritage Day Festival. He stated that the Ruritans may use the proceeds to assist with upgrades to the ball field in the community. 7. Mt. Rogers Community Services Board Mr. Dalton reviewed a September 10, 2009 letter from the Mt. Rogers Community Services Board. The letter disclosed information about the needs of consumers in the service area. 8. School Board Annual Report of Expenditures Mr. Dalton discussed with the Board the annual report of expenditures from the Wythe County School Board. 9. Lots Gap Pressure Reducing Valve Bids Mr. Dalton reported to the Board that bids were received the previous Friday for the Lots Gap pressure reducing valves that would allow the County to connect with the regional water system. He requested the Board accept the proposal from Atlantic Utilities Solutions, Inc. with the low bid of $13,810 for the project. Supervisor Umberger made a motion to accept the proposal from Atlantic Utilities Solution, Inc. in the amount of $13,810. Supervisor Horney seconded and the roll call vote is as follows: COUNTY ATTORNEY S REPORT 1. Rescue Personnel Agreement - Mr. Scot Farthing advised the Board that he is currently working on an agreement or ordinance with rescue personnel about reimbursement costs. He stated that he hoped to have a draft or proposal by the next Board of Supervisors meeting. 11

12 CONSENT CALENDAR Supervisor McDaniel made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar for September 22, 2009 as follows: 1. Salaries for August 2009: Water Department $ 19, Wythe County Wastewater Fund 7, Police Activity Fund 61, Courthouse Security Fund 12, General County Fund 404, TOTAL: $ 504, Check Numbers: ; Voucher Numbers: V V915152; V V Status Reports: Animal Control Arlan Dunford Building Inspection Kenny Hurst Parks and Recreation Raymond Kohl Planning Commission Michelle Cassell 3. Personnel: A. Bren, Maresa Gail (35041 E911 Wireless Grant) Hired Full-time Grant 911 Communications Operator, Annual Salary $20,129, Effective August 24, 2009 B. Gross, Harrington (4402 Wastewater) Hired Full-time Wastewater Operator, Annual Salary $21,606, Effective August 17, Budget Amendments: A. E-911 Wireless Grant ( ) - $90.00 Pre-Employment Physical B. Building & Grounds ( ) - $90.00 Pre-Employment Physical C. Water Department ( ) - $90.00 Pre-Employment Physical D. Wastewater Department ( ) - $90.00 Pre-Employment Physical Vice Chair Hagee seconded the motion and the roll call vote is as follows: 12

13 FOSTER FALLS HOTEL RENOVATIONS AND ASSOCIATED IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Dalton reviewed with the Board the September 2, 2009 Environmental Impact Report from the Department of Environment Quality. He explained that the Department of Conservation & Recreation is proposing to upgrade the hotel at Foster Falls and to install a wastewater treatment plant by the river for the discharge. Mr. Dalton suggested that the Board send comments back to the State regarding the project. He said that the discharge point in the river should be large enough for community growth. Supervisor McDaniel inquired about the status of Jellystone Park. Mr. Dalton noted that the PER work was finished, but he has not been made aware of any further progress. Supervisor McDaniel asked where the funding would come from for this project. Mr. Dalton responded that money for the project would come from Capital Improvement Bonds. The Board of Supervisors concurred to draft a letter with suggestions for a discharge system that would allow for community growth. HIGHWAY MATTERS Mr. Matthew Cox, Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation, appeared before the Board to discuss Highway Matters. 1. Resident Engineer s Report A. Route 619 Mr. Cox informed the Board that he is still planning to address the issues on Route 619, but the weather has made it difficult. B. Exit 80 Traffic Lights Mr. Cox referenced the traffic lights at exit 80. He stated that they were supposed to be correcting the problem today. Mr. Dalton explained the complaints that the Sheriff had discussed with the Board earlier. 13

14 C. Chaney Branch Road Mr. Cox informed Chair Sharitz that the washed out area on Chaney Branch Road would be worked on this week. 2. Supervisors Requests A. Sally Run Supervisor Umberger thanked Mr. Cox for addressing the problem on Sally Run with the added sign. B. Peppers Ferry Speed Study Supervisor McDaniel inquired about the results from the speed study conducted on Peppers Ferry Road. Mr. Cox responded that the report was on his desk this morning, and he would review it and report back. C. Ward Branch Road Supervisor Horney informed Mr. Cox that the culvert on Ward Branch Road has an area that is collapsing. He stated this should be repaired. CLOSED MEETING - CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL A motion was made by Supervisor Umberger to enter into Closed Meeting under Section A.7 (Consultation with Legal Counsel) of the Code of Virginia. This was seconded by Supervisor Dix, and the motion passed unanimously with Supervisor Poole being absent from the vote. Upon returning to open meeting, a motion was made by Supervisor Umberger to adopt the following resolution certifying the business conducted in closed meeting as follows: RESOLUTION CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING WHEREAS, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors has convened a closed meeting on this date pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, Section of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Wythe County Board of Supervisors that such a meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Wythe County Board of Supervisors hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the closed meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such 14

15 public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the closed meeting were heard, discussed or considered by the Wythe County Board of Supervisors. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Dix and the roll call vote is as follows: BUDGET WORK SESSION Mr. Dalton reported to the Board of Supervisors on the State budget reductions. He reviewed the cuts that would be made to each Constitutional Officer s department. Mr. Dalton explained the impact these State reductions would have on County government. He recommended the Board pay the difference to the Constitutional Officers through the end of this fiscal year. He suggested requiring the offices to adopt the County personnel policy, work 40-hour weeks, and have the same leave policies as the County Administration Office. RECESS The Board recessed until 1:00 p.m.. RECONVENE Chair Sharitz reconvened the Board of Supervisors Meeting on, at 1:15 p.m. Supervisor Poole and Supervisor Horney were absent from the reconvened session. Nate Hubbard, Mike Hall, Sam Crockett, Sis Cassell, Hayden Horney, Doug King, and Jerry Mabe were present. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER DISCUSSIONS Chair Sharitz invited the Constitutional Officers to speak regarding the budget cuts from the State. Sheriff King addressed the Board. He reviewed the Comp Board figures and stated that the Constitutional Officer salaries were not to be cut. He stated the current reductions are for staff salaries for a total of $83,478. He recommended the Board consider using the Policy Activity Fund to cover the budget reduction. The Sheriff affirmed that he could not afford a force reduction of three deputies. Mr. Sam Crockett spoke to the Board regarding the cuts to the Treasurer s Office. He stated that, according to the Comp Board, his funds would be cut 17.6% or $10,

16 He suggested shutting his office one day a month to make up for these cuts. He stated that he would need to speak with his staff before considering a 40-hour workweek. Mr. Hayden Horney addressed the cuts being made to the Clerk of Circuit Court s Office. He stated his belief that there was to be a 10% cut in salaries for his department. He stated that he would be faced with losing one full-time position and possibly a part-time person. He commented that he might be able to make up some of the lost funds from recording deeds. He expressed displeasure with his office being asked to work a 40- hour workweek. Mr. Jerry Mabe stated that the Commonwealth Attorney s Office is facing a cut of $32,852 in State funding. He commented that his office is fortunate because it does have a State component to the office expense budget and a State component to the part-time money. He stated this money could be applied toward his budget shortfalls, but there would still be a remaining balance of $24, He commented on the number of hours currently worked by his attorneys and stated that he could not afford to lose a staff member or attorney. Mr. Mabe stated his office would be willing to work 40-hour workweeks. He noted that he would not be able to close his office one day per month to cover the cuts in funding. Ms. Sis Cassell addressed the Board regarding the budget cuts to the Commissioner of Revenue s Office. She explained that she is facing approximately $10,000 cut from her department. She reiterated that her office does a great deal of County work. Ms. Cassell gave examples of the items performed by her office that eliminate the need for the County to fund any additional staff. She commented that she would rather not have her office go to a 40-hour workweek. She stated that she does not understand why this is an issue when there is enough money in the bank to cover the funding cuts. She referenced a request to use the $4,000 her office has allotted for part-time personnel to cover some of the funding cuts. Mr. Mike Hall spoke to the Board regarding the Department of Social Services. He stated that his office is sustaining some program reductions. He discussed the longterm effects of cutting these programs. He commented that, fortunately, DSS is not receiving any direct budget cuts to operations or staffing. Chair Sharitz asked Mr. Dalton to discuss the options that the County is considering. Mr. Dalton discussed the County budget. He informed the Constitutional Officers that he is in favor of funding the offices, but he stated he would ask for concessions from each of the Officers. He explained that the Constitutional Officers would still be in charge of operations and staff for each of their departments. Mr. Dalton commented that all the offices should operate equitably. He asked that the Constitutional Officers and County Officials work together and come to a fair compromise. 16

17 Ms. Cassell stated her disappointment that the County did not fund any raises to the Constitutional Officers and their staff when requested several months ago. She commented that the offices have not received a raise in two years. Supervisor McDaniel responded that the Board did consider that request, and that he had intended to vote in favor of a bonus for those offices. He stated that those discussions would probably not go any further at this point due to the State cuts, but he informed her that the Board had been planning to compensate the Constitutional staff for their hard work. Mr. Farthing inquired if the Constitutional Officers had any other issues with the County personnel policy other than the work hours. Most Officers indicated that they had not reviewed the personnel policy. Mr. Dalton indicated the big difference in the policies would be the work hours and the standards for leave that is accrued. The Board and Constitutional Officers concurred to exchange personnel policies for review. ADJOURNMENT With no other business to come before the Board, Chair Sharitz adjourned the meeting. Wythe B. Sharitz, Chair F:\Catrina\Minutes\090922Minutes.doc 17