OXFORD, NORTH CAROLINA January 17, 2017 The Members of the Honorable Board of Commissioners of Granville County, North Carolina met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium, Granville Expo and Convention Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South, Oxford. Present were: Chairman: Timothy Karan Commissioners: Tony W. Cozart Sue Hinman Zelodis Jay Owen T. Roberts, Jr. David T. Smith Edgar Smoak County Manager: Michael S. Felts County Attorney: James C. Wrenn, Jr. Assistant County Attorney: Gerald T. Koinis News Reporters: Chris Harris Butner-Creedmoor News David Murray Oxford Public Ledger MEETING CALLED TO ORDER At 7:00 p.m., Chairman Timothy Karan called the meeting to order and recognized Commissioner Zelodis Jay for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, seconded by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the consent agenda as follows: (A) Approved the Summary of Contingency and Use of Fund Balance report which showed the following balances: General Contingency Balance $ 84,127 Environmental Disaster Contingency $ 10,000 General Fund Appropriated Fund Balance $ 1,733,778 (B) Approved Budget Amendment #5 as recommended by the Finance Director: Budget Amendment #5 1/17/2017 Be it ordained, the FY 2016-2017 Annual Budget Ordinance is hereby amended as follows: GENERAL FUND Expenditures: Increase/(Decrease) General Government Board of Election 70,000 Public Safety Addressing / GIS 8,000 Community Services 4-H Best 1,373 Construction Projects (8,000) Human Services Social Services (8,028)
HCCBG & Transportation 8,544 Area Projects and Other Appropriations Non-Departmental 302,000 Pass Thru Funds and Transfers 10,036 Contributions to Other Funds Contingencies (71,373) Total Expenditures 312,552 Revenues: Increase/(Decrease) Restricted and Intergovernmental 10,552 Appropriated Fund Balance 302,000 Total Revenues 312,552 (For reference only) Budget Amendment #5 Balance General Fund/Board of Elections Expenditures: Increase/ (Decrease) 10-4170 122 Overtime $12,000 $16,000 10-4170 125 Part - Time ($37,000) $8,000 10-4170 126 Pollholders $5,000 $65,605 10-4170 199 Contracted Services - Labor $40,000 $42,731 10-4170 260 Supplies and Materials $23,000 $27,000 10-4170 312 Travel $8,000 $14,500 10-4170 325 Postage $7,000 $12,969 10-4170 341 Printing $3,000 $22,500 10-4170 352 R & M - Equipment ($20,000) $5,458 10-4170 360 Dues and Subscriptions $2,000 $2,989 10-4170 399 Contracted Services - Equipment $27,000 $45,025 10-9910 991 General Contingency ($70,000) $84,127 Description : To fund expenditures for Board of Elections, due to Presidential election record turnout causing increased workload, increased absentee ballots and postage, changes in forms and procedure due to court rulings. General Fund/Pass Through and Transfers Expenditures: Increase/ (Decrease) 10-5300 314 Work First Transportation ($8,028) $7,349 10-5859 505 EDTAP - Transportation Grant $8,544 $65,495 10-8580 140 KARTS $10,036 $89,985 Revenues: Increase/ (Decrease) 10-3327 333 ROAP Grant $10,552 $173,329 Description : To adjust funding for the final allocation of the Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP) by the NC Dept of Transportation - Public Transportation. Division General Fund/GIS - Addressing Expenditures: Increase/ (Decrease) 10-4396 339 Street Signs $6,000 $36,000 10-4396 260 Supplies $2,000 $3,700 10-4251 620 Renovations - Animal Control ($8,000) $12,000 Description : to reallocate funds from Animal Control to GIS Addressing to fund street sign expenditures. General Fund/Non-Departmental Expenditures: Increase/ (Decrease) 10-8540 125 Revaluation Reserve Allocation $302,000 $400,000 Revenues: Increase/ (Decrease) 10-3990 991 Appropriated Fund Balance $302,000 $1,733,778 Description : to fund the County property revaluation project. Note that as of June 30, 2016, $591,041 was reserved in General Fund balance for this expenditure. General Fund/ 4-H Best Expenditures: Increase/ (Decrease) 10-5831 220 Agricultural Food ($100) $1,400 10-5831 231 Education & Medical $400 $400 10-5831 251 Gas, Oil & Tires ($241) $759
10-5831 260 Agricultural Supplies ($50) $800 10-5831 290 Other Supplies ($100) $300 10-5831 312 Travel & Transportation $1,635 $1,800 10-5831 399 Agricultural Other Service ($171) $1,829 10-9910 991 General Contingency ($1,373) $84,127 Description : to adjust the funding for the final allocation of the JCPC 4-H Best program. (C) (D) Approved Minutes of the December 5, 2016 meeting as recorded. Approved the following Tax Releases as recommended by the Tax Administrator: Tax Releases January 17, 2017 ACCOUNT OWNERS NAME AMOUNT REASON FOR RELEASE 15085 112 Dorothy Marrow 88.95 Duplicate billing 15085 113 Dorothy Marrow 90.13 Duplicate billing 15085 114 Dorothy Marrow 90.13 Duplicate billing 15085 115 Dorothy Marrow 89.30 Duplicate billing 15085 201 Dorothy Marrow 94.80 Duplicate billing 78040 301 Julian & Amanda Kos 8.14.19ac Billed in Durham Co 48661 302 John & Karen Thompson 300.66 10.94ac Billed in Durham Co. 38570 301 Ray & Emma Sherron 134.99 3.25ac Billed in Durham Co. 24094 306 Iola Williams 90.89 Billed in error house was removed 24094 306 Iola Williams 51.56 Billed in error house was removed/cty TAX 41722 301 Kenneth Ray Persinger 3.52 Billed boat & trailer in error/sold 14525 303 Travis Loftis 139.94 Correction to previous release 14525 115 Travis Loftis 131.99 Correction to previous release 14525 114 Travis Loftis 131.99 Correction to previous release 14525 113 Travis Loftis 131.99 Correction to previous release 14525 112 Travis Loftis 126.42 Correction to previous release 14525 111 Travis Loftis 126.42 Correction to previous release 14525 110 Travis Loftis 126.42 Correction to previous release 14525 109 Travis Loftis 62.65 Correction to previous release 14525 108 Travis Loftis 62.65 Correction to previous release 14525 107 Travis Loftis 62.65 Correction to previous release 14525 302 Travis Loftis 7.92 Correction to previous release 14525 115 Travis Loftis 7.47 Correction to previous release 14525 114 Travis Loftis 7.47 Correction to previous release 14525 113 Travis Loftis 7.47 Correction to previous release 14525 112 Travis Loftis 7.15 Correction to previous release 14525 111 Travis Loftis 7.15 Correction to previous release 14525 110 Travis Loftis 7.15 Correction to previous release 14525 109 Travis Loftis (43.20) Correction to previous release
14525 108 Travis Loftis (39.54) Correction to previous release 14525 107 Travis Loftis (39.54) Correction to previous release GRAND TOTAL $2,075.69 INTRODUCTION OF SHARON BROOKS-POWELL GRANVILLE COUNTY TAX ADMINISTRATOR Human Resources Director Wendy Pennington introduced Ms. Sharon Brooks-Powell and announced that she has been hired as the Tax Administrator. Ms. Brooks-Powell is a graduate of Vance-Granville Community College and brings over 15 years of experience in county tax offices. She began employment with Granville County on January 16, 2017 and will take the oath of office at the February 6, 2017 meeting. Ms. Brooks-Powell made comments. The Board welcomed her and wished her well in her new position. GRANVILLE COUNTY VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE UPDATE Ronnie Boyd, Chairman of the Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee, updated the Board on the Veterans Affairs Committee from the following report: Accomplishments include: Granville County Veterans Affairs Committee 2016 Services and Activities Report Assisted in hiring process of full time Veterans Service Officer, Dr. Doug Vaughan, to serve needs of Granville County Veterans and families. Total served to date: See monthly report by VSO. Annual Veterans Appreciation Event. Buffet style luncheon, recognition and pinning of Vietnam Era Veterans. Keynote speaker Ms. Tracy Crow, retired military and nationally recognized author. Total attended: 130 First, Granville County Stand Down/Military Resource Fair. A Stand Down is an event to serve the needs of Veterans and families, especially in rural and underserved communities. Veteran groups attended from all over the state as well as many local organizations who came out to support our Veterans, provide assistance with claims and benefits, health and other free resources. The event included food, entertainment by Vance Granville Community College Band, door prizes, etc. All branches of the military were represented as well as the North Carolina National Guard. Total attended: 200 GCVAC Resource table at multiple community events distributed military resource materials and information, contact with Veterans and families to provide support, awareness and referral to local Veteran Service Officer. Events attended included: Oxford Heritage Days, Central Children's Home Day, Butner Chicken Pickin, Hot Sauce Festival, Lord Granville Harvest Days, Military History Event, Veterans Day Parade, Veterans Day Breakfast, Veteran Memorial Services, and multiple Christmas Parades. Promoted various programs and events for Veterans and families through email distribution list and dissemination of flyers regarding events such as: First, Granville County Military History and Reenactment event, claims clinics, health fairs and screenings, Stand Down's in surrounding counties. Continued development of Veteran support/talk group and community outreach.
The group continues to meet every Monday at the Granville County Senior Center from 2pm 3:30pm. Informal discussion and support to any Veteran or spouse of Veteran a. Outreach to local nursing homes Visited local nursing homes, once in July and once in December. Sang patriotic songs at July visit to around 30 residents. Visit included giving handmade patriotic thank you for your service cards and flags to Veterans. December event included singing Christmas carols and music, with assistance by the Orange Street Senior Choir (Veteran members), distributed hygiene items, stuffed animals and other gift items to around 30 residents. b. Developed collaborative effort between Granville County Sheriff, Brindell Wilkins and support group to identify any Veterans that pass through the county jail. Assist with providing support and resources for these Veterans. Distributed hygiene products (donated to Committee) to local homeless shelters, soup kitchen, nursing homes, and other Veterans in need. Additionally Volunteer List GCVAC members have enlisted the assistance of many community volunteers both Veterans, spouses and community members who have approached our Committee members asking how they could be of assistance. Many of the events would not have taken place without this community collaboration. Newspaper and Media Local newspapers have been extremely supportive by providing free advertisement, article and flyer placement to promote community activities and programs for Veterans. Local radio stations have granted committee members and volunteers air time to bring awareness to the needs and services available locally to Veterans. NCACC VIDEO UPDATE The Board watched a video presentation from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) updating commissioners on Association activities. PRESENTATION OF FY 2015-2016 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR) The audit firm of Winston, Williams, Creech, Evans & Company LLP completed the financial and compliance audit of the County s operations for the year ending June 30, 2016. Chairman Karan introduced Mr. Jim Winston, CPA, to provide an overview of the firm s work and findings. Commissioners Smith and Smoak met with County Manager Felts on January 13 th to review the audit. Mr. Winston then reviewed with the Board the following highlights of the report: The report presented is a final report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2016. The County received an unmodified opinion. Total assets - $94,073,360. This is affected by the Granville Central High School project. Liabilities are $104,958,395. The net position is -$9,380,841. The number is negative due to Granville County carrying the debt for the school system, which is common in North Carolina. Revenues were up to $59,818,970. Expenditures were $56,148,192. Cash was down to $40,539,408. This was due to restricted money from school project. General Fund actual revenues for the fiscal year were $62,706,414 and actual expenditures were $49,667,756. Granville County had 55.93% of unassigned fund balance. The Local Government Commission requires counties to maintain at least 8%. The adjusted tax levy for Granville County for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 was $36,220,241. The County s overall tax collection percentage rate was 99.18%. The State average was 97.75%.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board accepted the FY 2015-2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) as presented and explained by the County s outside auditing firm. DURING PUBLIC COMMENTS, ONE SPOKE ABOUT VOLUNTARY AG DISTRICT Sandy Gabel, 7609 Sam Young Road, Oxford, NC, made the following comments and presented a copy to the Clerk: My name is Sandy Gabel, and my wife Laura and I live at 7609 Sam Young Road, between Oxford and Stovall. I am here tonight to address you not only as a farmer, but also as the duly authorized representative of the Granville County Cattlemen s Association. I served on the Working Committee chaired by Paul Westfall to craft the VAD ordinance for your review. And now I urge you to adopt it as the law of the land. This being done, Granville County would become the 88th County to adopt similar legislation in North Carolina. The primary focus of this effort is to preserve both farmland and farming in our county. As cities grow and suburbs expand, people who may be unfamiliar to agriculture and its ways find themselves neighbors or near neighbors to farmland and all that happens on a daily basis. I raise beef cattle, and while I find the smells associated with cows something akin to Chanel #5, others may not agree with me. A voluntary ag district designation would alert any person wanting to settle near me to the agricultural pursuits nearby. A VAD would also provide a buffer for me from nuisance lawsuits that others may bring as a result of my routine farm operations, from smells emanating from my farm to early morning sounds of machinery. Agriculture is the Number 1 industry in Granville County it must be protected and fostered where possible. The VAD program is completely voluntary it does not compel anyone to act, other than listing enrolled farms and their locations so that potential buyers of real estate can be made aware that the property they are considering is in a Voluntary Agricultural District. The program also serves to alert D.O.T. as it plans road changes, additions, etc. It is rare that a program is a 100% win, but this one is. Thank you for your time and consideration of this very important legislation. You will not only be protecting your largest industry but also your citizens. BOARD APPOINTED LAURA KEITH (DISTRICT 7) TO THE KERR-TAR REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL ON AGING Upon a motion by Commissioner Sue Hinman, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Laura Keith (District 7) to the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments Advisory Council on Aging. BOARD REAPPOINTED HARVEY BISHOP TO THE CREEDMOOR BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Harvey Bishop to the Creedmoor Board of Adjustment.
BOARD REAPPOINTED DELORES LYONS (DISTRICT 4) AND VERNESTINE BANNERMAN (DISTRICT 6 APPOINTED BY DISTRICT 1) TO THE ADULT CARE HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, seconded by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Delores Lyons (District 4) to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Vernestine Bannerman (District 6 appointed by District 1) to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee. BOARD REAPPOINTED NEIL GRESHAM (DISTRICT 1), FRANK MCKAY (DISTRICT 5) AND PAUL WESTFALL (EX-OFFICIO) TO THE GRANVILLE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Neil Gresham (District 1) to the Granville County Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs. Upon a motion by Commissioner Owen T. Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Frank McKay (District 5) to the Granville County Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs. Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Paul Westfall (Ex-Officio) to the Granville County Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs. BOARD REAPPOINTED SARAH MAYFIELD (DISTRICT 1), NANCYLEE CURRIN (DISTRICT 3), JEAN EVANS (DISTRICT 4) AND TONI ANN WHEELER (DISTRICT 7) TO THE SENIOR SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Sarah Mayfield (District 1) to the Senior Services Advisory Committee. Upon a motion by Commissioner Sue Hinman, seconded by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Nancylee Currin (District 3) to the Senior Services Advisory Committee. Upon a motion by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Jean Evans (District 4) to the Senior Services Advisory Committee.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, seconded by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Toni Anne Wheeler (District 7) to the Senior Services Advisory Committee. great job. Commissioner Smith mentioned that members on this committee are active and do a BOARD REAPPOINTED PHYLLIS STARK (DISTRICT 2) AND ROBERT CURRIN (DISTRICT 2) TO THE GRANVILLE-VANCE DISTRICT BOARD OF HEALTH Upon a motion by Commissioner David T. Smith, seconded by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Phyllis Stark (Registered Nurse- District 2) to the Granville-Vance District Board of Health. Upon a motion by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Robert Currin (Licensed Optometrist- District 2) to the Granville-Vance District Board of Health. BOARD REAPPOINTED GWEN BULLOCK (DISTRICT 1), JASON JENKINS (DISTRICT 5) AND VIRGINIA ADCOCK (DISTRICT 7) TO THE NURSING HOME COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Gwen Bullock (District 1) to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. Upon a motion by Commissioner Owen T. Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Jason Jenkins (District 5) to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. Upon a motion by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Virginia Adcock (District 7) to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. BOARD REAPPOINTED KENNETH MOSS (DISTRICT 1) AND NEENA NOWELL (DISTRICT 5), AND APPOINTED PAM MUELLER (DISTRICT 6) TO THE GRANVILLE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Kenneth Moss (District 1) to the Granville County Library System Board of Trustees.
Upon a motion by Commissioner Owen T. Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, and unanimously carried, the Board reappointed Neena Nowell (District 5) to the Granville County Library System Board of Trustees. Upon a motion by Commissioner Timothy Karan, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board appointed Pam Mueller (District 6) to the Granville County Library System Board of Trustees. BOARD APPOINTED MEMBERS TO THE GRANVILLE COUNTY FIRE SERVICES COMMITTEE At a regular meeting on November 21, 2016, the Granville County Board of Commissioners voted to establish an ad hoc committee to study the Granville County Fire Services for the purpose of making discoveries and recommendations to the Board in matters of financing, contracts, response districts, insurance ratings, and overall capabilities to provide adequate fire protection. The Board requested that members of the committee consist of representatives from the Fire Services, one each from the North, Middle and South, two citizens at large, the Granville County Fire Marshal s Office, the County Manager, and County Commissioners Zelodis Jay and Tim Karan. Upon a motion by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, seconded by Commissioner David T. Smith, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following members to the Granville County Fire Services Committee: BOARD RECESSED Ralph O. Murray, Jr., Virgilina Fire Dept. (District 1 area) Clifton Peace, Antioch Fire Dept. (District 4 area) Bryce Mendenhall, Brassfield Fire Dept. (District 5 area) Doan Laursen Citizen Appointment (District 2) Mike Butler Citizen Appointment (District 6) Zelodis Jay Commissioner (District 1) Timothy Karan Commissioner (District 6) Michael Felts County Manager Doug Logan Fire Marshall Robin Edwards County Staff (ex-officio) At this time, Chairman Karan called for a brief recess. BOARD APPROVED VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT ORDINANCE Chairman Karan recognized Paul Westfall, Director of Cooperative Extension. Mr. Westfall spoke from the following notes regarding a Voluntary Agricultural District Program and presented a copy to the Clerk:
Voluntary Agricultural District The Voluntary Agriculture District Program was authorized by the North Carolina Legislature through the Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Enabling Act in 1985. By 2004, there had been 39 Voluntary Agricultural District programs established by counties. Since then, more North Carolina counties have established Voluntary Agricultural District programs, so that today, there are 87 counties that have established VAD programs. The VAD program was established to be a tool that counties can use to preserve farmland. These programs recognize the importance of agriculture to the economic and social well being of counties and the state of North Carolina by encouraging the voluntary preservation and protection of farmland from non farm development. There have been efforts to establish a VAD program in Granville County over the years. My predecessors began an effort to establish a VAD program back in 2005 2006. We discussed the possibility of establishing a VAD program in 2011. These efforts did not gain traction for various reasons, including lack of interest by the Agricultural community, lack of interest elsewhere, and the perception that the economic slowdown slowed the loss of farmland to other land uses. More recently, members of the Agricultural community have asked questions about preserving farmland and the VAD program in particular. In October, 2014, the Granville County Commissioners authorized forming a committee with the purpose of drafting a Voluntary Agricultural District ordinance for future consideration. Following that meeting, the committee was formed. This committee included farmers, rural landowners, and county staff. Members of the committee were: Keith Harvey of Harvey Hills Farm Sam Crews of Crews Farms Brad Coley, President of Granville County Farm Bureau Robert Lawrence of Lawrence Brothers Farms Randy Guthrie, Forest landowner Sandy Gabel, Beef Farmer and currently President of the Granville County Cattleman s Association Warren Daniel, Granville County Soil and Water Conservation District Rob Montague, NC Forest Service Barry Baker, Granville County Planning Judy Stovall, Granville County Tax Office Tim Karan, Granville County Commissioner Paul Westfall, Granville County Cooperative Extension Service The Committee received assistance from Brandon King of the Agriculture and Resource Economics Department at NC State University. The committee discussed the importance of Agriculture to Granville County and began drafting an ordinance that would: Best fit our county by using a template that had been developed and modifying it to best meet the needs of Granville County Incorporate changes in the legislation. Be used as the model for other counties to use for drafting their own VAD ordinance or modifying existing ordinances.
That draft was completed and submitted to Granville County government in December, 2015. Since then, the draft ordinance has been reviewed by the County Attorney and County Manager, and has been reviewed by the County Planning Board before coming before the Board of Commissioners. Why is farmland preservation important to Granville County? According to the US Census of Agriculture, Granville County had: 2002 146,544 acres of farmland 2007 128,366 acres of farmland 2012 100,822 acres of farmland Over the 10 year period from 2002 to 2012, Granville County lost 45,722 acres of farmland converted to non farm uses. That was a 31% loss. The loss of acreage per year was 4,572 over that 10 year period. From 2002 to 2007, we lost 18,178 acres before the great recession. From 2007 to 2012, Granville County lost another 27,544 acres. Instead of the rate of farmland converted to other land uses slowing down during the recession, the loss rate actually increased during the recession. If that trend has continued since 2012, Granville County will have lost at least another 18,288 acres. Currently, direct sales of agricultural and forest products total over $54 million per year according to the NCD&CS Agricultural Statistics Division and the NC Forest Service. In 2012, the value added impact from Agriculture in Granville County was calculated to be over $493 million, over 18% of the total Granville County value added impact. That same report showed that Agriculture provided almost 10% of the jobs in Granville County that year. These numbers show that Agriculture is an important economic driver in Granville County. If the loss of farmland continues, the ability of Agriculture to contribute to the economic well being of Granville County will deteriorate accordingly as this priceless resource is diverted to other uses. VAD programs help to slow the trend of losing farmland. Granville County is currently one of 13 counties across the state without a VAD ordinance. Twenty seven counties have enacted Enhanced VAD programs, and 55 counties have developed Farmland Preservation Plans. These are some of the tools used for farmland preservation. The most frequently asked question about the VAD program is how will farmers and rural landowners benefit? Some ways that farmers and rural landowners will benefit include: A voluntary way for landowners to preserve and protect farmland from non farm development. Provides increased protection for farmers from nuisance lawsuits. Provides notice to purchasers of land that they are adjacent to or near farms (1 mile) and related farming activities. Provides a 30 day moratorium and requires a public hearing for eminent domain proceedings targeting enrolled land. Suspend/waive water and sewer assessments if land is in VAD but not connected to the utility. Signage publicizes land enrolled in the program. Benefits for Granville County include: Putting a tool in the farmland preservation toolbox. Later, we may want to consider adding other tools such as the Enhanced VAD, and a Farmland Preservation Plan.
Recognizes the importance of Agriculture to the county and provides greater public awareness of the agricultural community and agriculture s contribution to the county economy. Provides eligibility to access grant funds from the Farmland Preservation Trust Establishes a County Agricultural Advisory Board Public benefits: Provides a voluntary way to support the conservation of rural communities Conserving rural lands without adding significant expenses to local government or impacting the tax base Supporting each community s rural heritage and economy, and providing local jobs and tax income Maintaining scenic views Providing fresh food and farm products for residents and visitors Supporting clean air and water Providing wildlife habitat Maintaining lower levels of traffic and noise Minimizing the infrastructure burden on county and local government To enroll property in the VAD program, a landowner must complete an enrollment form, and must agree to a 10 year conservation agreement. The requirements are that a parcel must: Be engaged in agricultural production as defined by state statute. Be managed according to NRCS guidelines for highly erodible land, if so designated. Be subject to a conservation agreement that prohibits non farm use or development for a period of 10 years. Be located in an unincorporated area of Granville County unless there is an agreement authorizing the County to exercise the VAD program on behalf of the municipality. The application is reviewed by the Agricultural Advisory Board, which determines compliance with the requirements of the VAD program. The VAD program is not zoning and does not change or supersede zoning laws. However, for local issues that involve or affect Agriculture, the Agriculture Advisory Committee should certainly weigh in on those issues. There have been many Cost of Community Services Studies conducted across the state. All conclude that even considering land enrolled in Present Use Value tax programs, Agricultural land is a net contributor to the county budget, generating between $1.69 and $1.72 in revenues for every dollar of public services received. As a comparison, the residential sector contributes between $.68 and $.87 in revenues for each dollar of public services received. This is another way that keeping land in agriculture is good for Granville County. With Agriculture and Forestry being important contributors to the Granville County economy, and with the alarming rate that farmland is disappearing, Granville County needs to gain tools to preserve the one resource that Agriculture cannot do without. That resource is land for agricultural and forestry uses. Once farmland is converted to another land use it very rarely goes back into agricultural use.
Thank you for considering this proposed ordinance to establish a Voluntary Agricultural District program for Granville County. When asked about the large amount of reduction in the amount of farmland, Mr. Westfall clarified that land is being converted to other land types of land use such as residential or commercial use. County Manager Felts explained that a Granville County Agricultural Advisory Board will be formed as outlined in the proposed ordinance and a member from each County Commissioner District will be appointed. He said if approved, a recommendation for the Granville County Agricultural Advisory Board will be brought back to the Board. Upon a motion by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board approved the Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance as presented and approved establishing the Granville County Agricultural Advisory Board in accordance with the Ordinance. this matter. Chairman Karan thanked Mr. Westfall and the committee members for their work on BOARD PRESENTATIONS Commissioner Hinman said she attended the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Goals Conference and Budget Training Workshop. She said she enjoyed meeting other commissioners and spending time with Board members who attended and looks forward to upcoming conferences. Commissioner Cozart thanked Board members that attended the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast at Oxford Baptist Church. He said he enjoyed hearing the students read their essays and also the feeling of unity at the event. He also attended another session the same day and enjoyed the healthy conversations that were held with Sheriff Wilkins, Oxford Police officers and citizens and encouraged continuing the dialogue. Commissioner Roberts thanked Commissioners Cozart and Smith on their presentations at the Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast. He said he enjoyed the event. Commissioner Jay said he attended the small business session for the Leadership Granville program today. He mentioned that small businesses are vital to Granville County and encouraged Board members to take Leadership Granville. Commissioner Smith said that the Granville County Human Relations Commission established the Robert Blackwell award which was presented to Helen Amis at the Martin
Luther King Jr. breakfast. The award is named after Mr. Blackwell who served as a deputy in Granville County for 35 years. Chairman Karan announced that NC DOT finished the bridge on Lawrence Road ahead of schedule and it is now open. He mentioned that on February 13 th at 6:00 p.m., the Granville Cluckers 4-H Club will hold a session on raising backyard chickens. He said that the NCACC Legislative Goals Conference and Training last week was outstanding and that 87 out of 100 counties were represented. He noted that 22 legislative goals were voted on and they will be sent out soon. BOARD WENT INTO CLOSED SESSION Upon a motion by Commissioner David T. Smith, seconded by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, and unanimously carried, the Board went into closed session as allowed by G.S. 143-318.11(a)(3) to consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged. Upon a motion by Commissioner Sue Hinman, seconded by Commissioner Tony W. Cozart, and unanimously carried, the Board returned to regular session. COMMISSIONERS ADJOURN Upon a motion by Commissioner Zelodis Jay, seconded by Commissioner Edgar Smoak, and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Debra A. Weary, NCCCC, CMC Clerk to the Board