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THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS convened for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 beginning at 6:00 P.M. in Courtroom #1 located in the Anson County Courthouse.

Commissioners present: Anna Baucom, Chairman Ross Streater, Vice Chair Bobby Sikes Dr. Jim Sims Harold C. Smith Claude Spencer Jarvis Woodburn

Staff members present: Andy Lucas, County Manager Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC, Clerk to the Board George C. Bower, Jr. County Attorney Holly Berry, Finance Officer Rita James, Data Processing Vance Gulledge, Utilities Administrator Kevin Gullette, Economic Development Director

Chairman Baucom called the meeting to Order, welcoming those present to the first meeting of the County Commissioners for 2007. Chairman Baucom thanked those present for their interest in county government. Reverend Tommy Ross, Jr., New Home Baptist Church, Peachland, delivered the Invocation.

Approval of the Agenda by Commissioners: Chairman Baucom called for any additions or modifications to the Agenda. Commissioner Sims asked to add under Commissioner Concerns a discussion of Angela Chambers and the need for water on Tice Road and SR1003. Commissioner Sikes added a water issue under Commissioner Concerns. Commissioner Streater added the sewer line for Dr. Cash to Commissioner Concerns. Commissioner Smith added under Commissioner Concerns a discussion of a water line in the Pee Dee Section near the Church where we recently laid a waterline. Commissioner Spencer noted this was Blewett Falls Road. Chairman Baucom added the Mental Health Board to Appointments. Chairman Baucom reminded Board members that Commissioner Woodburn would be representing Anson County at the upcoming Legislative Goals Conference. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Woodburn, to approve the Agenda with the additions. Motion carried unanimously.

Appearances: Deneal Bennett-Presentation of Audit: Ms. Bennett of J.B. Watson & Co. stated that a detailed report had been presented to the Audit committee a few weeks ago. Ms. Bennett then proceeded to cover certain areas with the Board. Commissioner Smith asked Ms. Bennett to specify the audit committee members. Ms. Bennett stated

the audit committee was Commissioner Sims, Commissioner Streater, County Manager Lucas, Holly Berry and Rita James. Ms. Bennett stated that this was a clean audit. Ms. Bennett pointed out that the unrestricted deficit showing is not that of the county but the debt that relates to the schools. Ms. Bennett stated that the school system has the asset relating to the debt. Ms. Bennett pointed out the net change in fund balance of $779,941, stating that last year the number was 454,000. Ms. Bennett stated that page 42 of the notes shows the federal and state benefits that are paid directly to the recipients, stating this was basically food stamps, Medicaid and special assistance to adults. Ms. Bennett stated that the county was responsible for these monies but they are not paid to the county for the county to disburse. County Manager Lucas offered that the county was not the fiduciary agent for these funds. Ms. Bennett stated there were no items to report that were over budget this year. Ms. Bennett shared that the total levy collection percentage for the year they were auditing was 94.99% and at June 30, 2005 it was 95.01% and June 30, 2004 it was 95.55%. Commissioner Streater asked if this rate included towns with Ms. Bennett answering it was only for the county and did not include fire districts or towns. Ms. Bennett shared that the county received or was responsible for $37,792,639 of federal money, $16,274,331 state money and had to disburse $4,958,151 in local money to administer these programs. Ms. Bennett stated that last year they had to report that fund balance available for appropriation was too low and they do not have to report that this year. Ms. Bennett stated that she sees great improvements and this year there were no expenses over budget. Ms. Bennett again stated that they enjoy working with staff and appreciate the opportunity to be the auditors for the county. Commissioner Sims commended Mark and Deneal not only for their great efficiency and audit skills but also for their public relations and people skills. Commissioner Sims stated that the audit committee was told of the great job staff had done and if they were given a grade it would be a grade of A. Commissioner Sims stated that 2.2 million for Medicaid was a lot of $500 tax bills. Commissioner Sims voiced that North Carolina was the only state left in the United States that does not help with the Medicaid situation. Commissioner Sims urged everyone to talk with our State Representatives about this and vehicle tax collections. Ms. Bennett stated that by 2010 the State will collect vehicle taxes. County Manager Lucas stated that legislation was introduced last year to do away with this but it didn’t go any where. County Manager Lucas stated that there are funds going into a pool to create a new automated system to help track this and during last year’s legislative agenda the state wanted to pull the plug. Commissioner Streater asked the proposal with County Manager Lucas stating that the state did not want to pick this up. Chairman Baucom thanked staff for the work they do. Chairman Baucom commented that we walk by here everyday and never notice it but they would notice if they didn’t.

Sheriff Allen – Annual Report: Annual Report to the County Commissioners Madam Chairman, Madam Clerk, Commissioners: I have addressed you at this time of the year for each of the past four years. My first appearance was to give you a picture of what I inherited upon being sworn into this office in December, 2002. The next appearances were to give you an idea of what we had accomplished, new programs we had added, a lot of numbers for you to think about of “how many of what when and where,” and some new programs I encouraged you to look at.

This year I am doing things a little different. First, instead of all the numbers, I will leave with you a spread sheet of the calls, arrests, jail numbers, programs and such over the past four years. You can look them over and ask me questions later.

But there are a few things you do need to hear from me now:

In 2006, we answered 9,991 calls, compared to 9,438 in 2005, 8,884 in 2004 and 7751 in 2003. This is almost a 30% increase in four years.

Our 60 bed jail had an average daily jail population last year of 55, down three from the previous year. Why? I believe we are doing about every thing we can to get people to court in a timely fashion; see that reasonable bonds are set; and our pre-release program is doing all it can to help speed individuals to court. But I think we are about at our limit on all of this.

I have 54 inmates in jail awaiting trial as of today. FIVE have been in jail over two years, several over three years, awaiting their trial. We have just recently met with the District Attorney concerning this issue and I believe we have made our concerns clear to him.

Our jail medical costs would have been excellent, except for the three high risk inmates we have in safe keeping in Raleigh. Locally, we have farmed out a lot of services with individual health care providers; saving a lot of money and avoiding the use of the hospital ER whenever possible.

Our vehicle rotation program continues to save us tremendous amounts in vehicle maintenance, gasoline, and operating costs; and at the same time provide reliable vehicles for our operations. A JAIL is your highest liability operation in the county. We have made a number of operational changes in the Jail, including having an outside consultant help us look at the Jail operations and how we can improve it for the better safety of our staff and the inmates. A number of changes have been made already. Some other issues will have to be addressed at budget time.

2007 brings in new training requirements for jail detention staff. Mandatory 18 hours of in-service training for each detention officer this year. Deputies have been under this mandatory in-service since 2006, for 24 hours of annual in-service training.

HERE ARE FOUR ISSUES I ASK THAT YOU HELP ME ADDRESSS THIS COMING YEAR, TO BETTER PROVIDE OUR SERVICES TO THE CITIZENS, THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED EACH OF US:

1. Officer development and professional career plan. Purpose: Hiring the best officers; providing the training and opportunities for professional growth; and keeping them for the long term. We must make positions within my agencies competitive (salary wise) with those other jobs and other agencies, with whom I compete. REMEMBER, it is always far more expensive to continue to hire and replace, than it is to keep seasoned officers. We must have adequate staff to have the time to provide the training. This will be the number one priority in my upcoming budget.

2. Staffing Issues. We are very understaffed in the Sheriff’s Office and Jail. Understaffing leads to inefficiencies. Inefficiencies lead to public dissatisfaction. Both state jail inspectors’ reports and a recent outside consultant recommends additional jail staff, just to comply with the current state mandated and statutorily required minimum jail standards. The county manager and I have met on this issue and will continue to address it and bring recommendations to the board. The Sheriff’s Office staff has the lowest officer-to-citizens ratio of any county in the surrounding area, or of a county of similar size. We patrol 553 square miles and over 500 miles of paved roads. Remember, it takes five positions to keep one position working 24/7. Staffing will be the number two priority in my upcoming budget.

3. Certain areas for “call response” continue to be an on-going problem. This is generally poorly supervised mobile home parks; or in some cases, poorly maintained housing areas, where landlords care only about that monthly payment, and little for the quality of life and safety of the residences. We will target several of these areas this year, and with your cooperation, and that of other county agencies, and the District Attorney’s Office, we will actually try to close down these crime-infested sites through regulations and civil procedures.

4. Community Meetings with the Sheriff and Staff. Beginning in the next few months, the Sheriff’s Office will hold several open meetings around the community. The purpose is to allow citizens to meet the Sheriff and his staff and to hear about c, ask questions about happenings in their community and what they can do to help. I will be asking each commissioner for that specific community to be present at the meeting.

In just four years we have taken an organization on the verge of collapse and brought to an efficient and very effective county operation. We have reviewed, changed, adjusted or re-worked each area of our operation during this time. Our goal has been to 1): Make sure we are doing it right; and 2): to make sure we are doing it the best the best it can be done. Some things we cannot control; we control those we can. But you must know that you now have a dedicated, accountable and effective run operation, running as close to 100% as possible, at the current level of funding.

But we cannot continue operate on past year’s levels. We have to look ahead and have a strategic plan to grow the department to meet the needs of this county. If we do not, then we are doing a great “dis-service” to those people who elected me and you. We have to begin adding some staff positions each year in the Sheriff’s Office. We have to meet the staffing requirements in the Jail. I can only recommend what needs to happen. It is your responsibility to see that it happens.

Sheriff Allen shared a copy of the activity report with Board members. ANSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 2006 ACTIVITY REPORT

CATEGORY 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 SHERIFF Total Calls for Service 7751 8844 9438 9991 Criminal Arrests 1086 1889 2252 2159 Drug Arrests 127 302 200 216 Civil Processes 5477 4566 4047 Det. Felony Invest. 250 300 350 449

Handgun Permits 349 391 383 425 CCW Permits 37 51 37 53

JAIL (60) Beds Inmates Booked 1920 1954 2119 2027 Av. Daily Pop. 51 54 58 55 Male 48 50 52 49 Female 3 4 6 6 Transports 381 394 400 448

Awaiting Trial Murder 8 11 Court Days 365 329

Continuing Programs:

 Reserve Deputy Program  DARE for all 5th grades classes  Scout Explorers Post  Operation Gun Lock/Child Safe  Crime & Drug Hot Line 704-695-3111  Safe Kids Halloween  Chaplin program/Quarterly Prayer Breakfast  K-9 Program  Governor’s Highway Safety Program  Citizens Academy – 75 graduates in two years (next class begins March 8th)  New Firing Range  Sheriff’s Color Guard  Lunch with Kids Program  Web Page: [email protected] or sheriffusa.com  Continuing In-service Training Program – 24 Hrs for Deputies/16 Hrs. Jail (2007)  COPS Grant Program for MDTs  Mobile Data Terminals in Vehicles

Commissioner Sims commented that Sheriff Allen and his officers were doing a superior job and even though they were overworked and under paid he appreciates it very much. Chairman Baucom thanked Sheriff Allen for all he does, noting he was like the rest of the staff in that people notice more when you don’t do your job then when you do.

Public Addresses to the Board: Mayor Theodore Carr of Morven asked to speak to a mild crisis facing the Town of Morven. Mayor Carr explained that an average sewer bill for the Town is around $6,000 a month and about two months ago during the time of heavy rains attention was called to the fact that the Dan River pump station was over flowing. Mayor Carr shared that they found the entire top of two manholes broken off and feels it was done by the State with grass cutting equipment. Mayor Carr stated that he called the septic people to see if they could pump it out but it was too heavy and consequently they received a bill for the month of November that was over $10,000. Mayor Carr noted that the bill for December was over $10,000 for a total in excess of $20,000. Mayor Carr explained that they have exhausted their emergency money and are near to not being able to pay their bill. Mayor Carr stated this was the first time in his experience that he has had to do this and respectfully asked the Board to give them help with the amount over their normal monthly payment. Mayor Carr shared that he talked with Mr. Gulledge within minutes of finding this problem and is satisfied the damage was done by the state. Mayor Carr stated that they have had substantial work done on their sewer and water system through grants. Chairman Baucom asked if the problem had been resolved with Mayor Carr stating that they paid to have the manhole tops repaired and raised. Commissioner Streater asked if a normal bill was $6,000 and it increased $4,000 for December with Mayor Carr answering yes. Commissioner Streater asked if December was the first time for the large bill with Mayor Carr answering November and December was in excess of $20,000. Mayor Carr stated that a normal bill for the two months would be around $11 or $12,000. Mayor Carr stated that they spent another $3,000 to have all manhole covers sealed to guard against infiltration. Commissioner Smith asked Mayor Carr if he contacted the State with Mayor Carr answering no as he would not have much luck making a case that they did this. Mayor Carr stated that the

manholes belong to the Town and it was their responsibility to maintain them but feels when the State knocks one over they should notify the town. Commissioner Spencer feels if it was caused by the State’s equipment they should be liable with Mayor Carr feeling it might be hard to prove it. Mr. Gulledge stated that the state hires contractors to handle the mowing and they have had problems with them damaging fire hydrants and if they don’t see them damage the hydrants they can’t get them to pay. Commissioner Smith feels they could be caught. Mr. Gulledge was of the opinion that Mayor Carr was asking the Board to adjust his bill to a normal bill for those two months. Commissioner Streater asked how this could be done with Mayor Carr stating that with the Board’s approval he could work out the mechanics with the collection folks. Commissioner Smith asked why the state was mowing by the manholes with Mayor Carr sharing that they were responsible for maintaining the right of way. Commissioner Streater asked Mr. Gulledge how this would affect his budget if it were written off with Mr. Gulledge answering that on this particular case it would not be much of an impact. Chairman Baucom questioned the cost to the enterprise because of the excess flow. Mr. Gulledge stated that we had to pump it and treat it. Mr. Gulledge explained that we have a 3.5 million gallon a day plant and during heavy rain and because of things like this sometimes it flows ten and twelve million gallons a day. Mr. Gulledge stated that other than the cost of power during that particular time it is just primarily the cost of pumping. Commissioner Streater stated that he realizes that during this time of the meeting a motion cannot be made and asked for a point in time where he could make a motion for this with Chairman Baucom placing this under Commissioner Concerns.

Consent Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Sims, to approve. Motion carried unanimously.

Minutes: Approved minutes of the regular meeting dated December 4, 2006 and closed session minutes of the same date and the Special Meeting dated December 15, 2006.

Tax Releases: Approved for the month of January as follows:

Property Tax Releases/Refunds/Adjustments 01/09/07 17372 Capel, Juanita 2006 72.77 067-DF25253 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17373 Capel, Juanita 2005 78.64 067-DF25254 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17374 Capel, Juanita 2004 85.06 067-DF25255 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17375 Capel, Juanita 2003 80.45 067-DF25256 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17393 Goodwin, Marvin 2006 173.52 067-6335 Real Taxes Release Value Adjustment 17377 Gregory, Vivian 2004 42.00 045-6221 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17378 Gregory, Vivian 2005 36.97 055-6333 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17379 Gregory, Vivian 2006 32.51 065-6467 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17369 Head, Stella E 2006 622.03 067-7209 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17380 Ingram, Robert D 2006 29.60 063-8644 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17394 Kiser, Michelle 2006 90.93 062-9574 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17395 Kiser, Michelle 2006 56.48 062-9575 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17387 Little, Vickie Beecher 2006 708.14 064-10765 Real Taxes Release Situs/Billing Error 17368 Lowe, Mark 2006 1,143.30 067-10941 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17390 McCormick, William 2006 72.84 065-11726 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17385 The Hair Designer 2005 34.00 057-16637 Real Taxes Release Billing Error 17386 The Hair Designer 2006 29.48 067-16925 Real Taxes Release Billing Error $ 3,388.72

17381 Ingram, Robert D 2005 30.54 053-8486 Real Taxes Refund Billing Error 17371 Head, Stella 2004 614.01 047-6938 Real Taxes Refund Billing Error 17370 Head, Stella 2005 614.01 057-7061 Real Taxes Refund Billing Error 17388 Little, Vickie Beecher 2005 696.38 054-10573 Real Taxes Refund Situs/Billing Error 17389 Little, Vickie Beecher 2004 696.38 044-10465 Real Taxes Refund Situs/Billing Error $ 2,651.32 16770 Allen, John 2006 129.52 0609-000045 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16767 Belin, Evelyn 2006 203.92 0609-000208 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16775 Blasi, Pamela 2005 4.44 0508-000138 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17365 Burns, James D 2006 9.09 0610-000287 Vehicle Taxes Release High Mileage 16786 Chambers, Annie 2005 12.12 0511-000280 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17578 Dunlap, Fred 2005 63.80 0604-000510 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16780 Dunn, Matthew G 2006 44.20 0611-000571 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16783 Ellerbe, Walter 2006 42.30 0507-000532 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17367 Hyatt, Rodney 2006 23.94 0609-000946 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17576 Ingram, Annie Chambers 2006 4.41 0605-001002 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17376 Johnson, Arthur 2006 6.32 0611-000959 Vehicle Taxes Release Value Error 17391 Lefler, James 2006 156.87 0602-001141 Vehicle Taxes Release Situs Error 16771 Maye, Edmond 2006 37.59 0610-001320 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16793 Morton, Alva 2005 14.28 0604-001454 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16772 Mullis, Alisha 2006 21.24 0606-001342 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17568 Oliver, Shirley Smith 2006 27.54 0610-001459 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16791 Pickett, Bobby 2005 0.66 0602-001769 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16788 Pope, Anthony 2006 42.50 0607-001471 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16768 Robinson, Roger 2005 102.60 0506-001724 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 16777 Sepski, John 2006 71.75 0608-001518 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17366 Taylor, Hoyt P 2006 94.42 0607-001859 Vehicle Taxes Release Situs Error 16794 Tillman, Fulton 2006 6.70 0611-001701 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration 17391 Tyson, Stafford 2006 165.96 0610-001945 Vehicle Taxes Release Situs Error 17579 Watkins Corey Toriano 2005 1.14 0603-002664 Vehicle Taxes Release Proration

$ 1,287.31

17364 Broadaway, Milea 2006 8.83 0610-000228 Vehicle Taxes Adjustment Situs 17363 Broadaway, Milea 2006 0.63 0609-000318 Vehicle Taxes Adjustment Situs

$ 9.46 17364 Broadaway, Milea 2006 44.15 0610-000228 Vehicle Taxes Refund Situs 17363 Broadaway, Milea 2006 3.15 0609-000318 Vehicle Taxes Refund Situs 16773 Hammonds, Marcus 2005 3.29 0603-001005 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16790 Jones, Charles 2006 24.80 0608-000876 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16789 Jones, Charles 2006 16.36 0605-001062 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16781 Knotts, Travis 2006 164.07 0608-000919 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16782 Leinthall, Richard 2006 35.49 0605-001158 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 17570 Martin Brothers Eqt 2006 9.64 0605-001415 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16779 McBride, Cynthia 2006 7.05 0605-001442 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 17571 Newton, Douglas Daryl 2006 12.84 0605-001642 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 17572 Newton, Douglas Daryl 2005 5.24 0512-001097 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16792 Perfetto, Virginia 2006 118.09 0609-001435 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16776 Pickett, Freddie 2006 9.12 0608-001333 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16787 Pope Home Improvements 2005 3.63 0603-002059 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16785 Scherich, Roscoe 2006 66.01 0609-001608 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16784 Springer, John 2006 2.30 0607-001746 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16778 Taylor, Ingeborg 2006 9.30 0607-001860 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 17573 Treadaway, Edna 2006 11.60 0610-001906 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 17574 Treadaway, Edna 2005 34.40 0512-001488 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 17577 Waddell, Eva Helms 2006 11.52 0606-002046 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 16774 Worley, Rhonda 2006 7.60 0606-002171 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration 17575 Yarborough, Davis Alan 2006 10.68 0607-002182 Vehicle Taxes Refund Proration

$ 610.33

$ 7,947.14

Budget Expense Report and Fund Balance Update: Approved as presented Fund Balance Calculation

As of 1/3/2007 Available Fund Balance Cash & Investments $ 5,119,540 Less Liabilites (w/out deferred revenue) $ 79,328 Less Deferred Revenue (from cash receipts) $ (177,274) Less Encumbrances $ (229,336)

Total Available $ 4,792,258.42

General Fund Expenditures Total Expenditures (Adopted Budget) $ 25,018,608.00

Total Available for Appropriation Total Available $ 4,792,258 Total Expenditures $ 25,018,608

Available Fund Balance 19.15%

Available Fund Balance Requirement 8% $2,001,489

Difference 11.15%

Fund Balance Available for Appropriation $2,790,770

GovDeals On-line Auction Resolution: The Resolution authorizes staff to contract with GovDeals as a tool for maximizing surplus property revenue. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH GOVDEALS FOR INTERNET AUCTION OF GOVERNMENT SURPLUS

WHEREAS, Anson County has surplus property from which time to time will be sold; and WHEREAS, Anson County wishes to maximize revenue from the sale of surplus property; and WHEREAS, an on-line auction service known as GovDeals has been developed and is specifically designed to assist county governments in the sale of its surplus property; and WHEREAS, Anson County must sign an agreement with, and register to use said GovDeal services and shall be obligated to pay for the service; and WHEREAS, while entering into an agreement with GovDeals to sell certain surplus properties does not require the County to use its services for all sales if they are chosen for the sale process, Anson County cannot market the surplus properties through other sources simultaneously; WHEREAS, Anson County can reserve the right to reject all bids; and WHEREAS, after review of the agreement provided by GovDeals, a copy of which is attached hereto, the Anson County Board of Commissioners has determined that this is an acceptable alternative means to sell surplus property and that said alternative should be available to Anson County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Anson County Board of Commissioners hereby grant authority to the County Manager to enter into the Seller’s Agreement with GovDeals. Adopted this 9th day of January, 2007.

Sheriff Budget Amendment: Allocates funding for the purchase of a replacement vehicle for the Sheriff Department.

AMENDMENT Anson County Budget Ordinance FY 2006/07 BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the FY 2006/07 Budget Ordinance be amended as follows: Section 1. General Fund Expenditures: Increase: 11-4310 $ 21,700 Decrease: 11-4165 $ (4,090) Decrease: 11-4166 $ (1,858) Total Increase: $ 15,752 Section 2. General Fund Revenues: Increase: 11-4310 $ 15,752 Total Increase: $ 15,752 Adopted this 9th day of January, 2007.

Health Budget Amendment: Appropriates additional donations from the Ryan White Organization. AMENDMENT Anson County Budget Ordinance FY 2006/07 BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the FY 2006/07 Budget Ordinance be amended as follows: Section 1. General Fund Expenditures: Increase: 11-5110-5182 $ 2,000 Total Increase $ 2,000 Section 2. General Fund Revenues: Increase: 11-5100 $ 2,000 Total Increase: $ 2,000 Adopted this 9th day of January, 2007.

DSS Budget Amendment: Appropriate funding for the Crisis Intervention Program. AMENDMENT Anson County Budget Ordinance FY 2006/07 BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the FY 2006/07 Budget Ordinance be amended as follows: Section 1. General Fund Expenditures: Increase: 11-5310-5580 $ 19,263 Total Increase: $ 19,263 Section 2. General Fund Revenues: Increase: 11-5310 $ 19,263 Total Increase: $ 19,263 Adopted this 9th day of January, 2007.

Burnsville Rescue Squad Budget Amendment: Allocates funding to Burnsville Rescue Squad for the purchase of an ECG monitor. AMENDMENT Anson County Budget Ordinance FY 2006/07 BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the FY 2006/07 Budget Ordinance be amended as follows: Section 1. General Fund Expenditures: Decrease: 11-9912 $ (9,500) Increase: 11-4372 $ 9,500 Net $ - Adopted this 9th day of January, 2007.

Economic Development Update: Received as information.

Tax Collector’s Report:

Capital Project Reimbursement Resolution: The Resolution enables the county to reimburse the general fund for expenditures related to the B.C. Moore capital project. It also allows the county to utilize financing proceeds to repay the General Fund for expenditures incurred that are related to the capital project. RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF ANSON NORTH CAROLINA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO REIMBURSE SAID COUNTY FROM THE PROCEEDS OF A TAX-EXEMPT FINANCING FOR CERTAIN CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

WHEREAS, the County of Anson, North Carolina (the “County”), is a political subdivision organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the County has paid, beginning no earlier than December 5, 2006, and will pay, on and after the date hereof, certain expenditures in connection with the acquisition and renovation of real property (hereinafter referred to as the “project”) for the purpose of County offices; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners for the County (the “Board”) has determined that certain moneys previously advanced no earlier than December 5, 2006 and to be advanced on and after the date hereof by the County to pay such expenditures in connection with the Project described above are available only for a temporary period and it is and will be necessary to reimburse the County for such expenditures in connection with the Project (the “Expenditures”) from the proceeds of a tax-exempt financing in the form of an installment financing pursuant to Section 160A-20 of the North Carolina General Statutes, as amended (the “Tax-exempt Financing”); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board as follows: Section 1. The Board hereby declares the County’s intent to reimburse the County with the proceeds of the Tax-exempt Financing for the Expenditures made on and after December 5, 2006, which date is no more than 60 days prior to the date hereof. The County reasonably expects on the date hereof that it will reimburse the Expenditures with the proceeds of the Tax-exempt Financing. Section 2. Each Expenditure was or will be (a) of a type properly chargeable to a capital account under general federal income tax principles (determined in each case as of the date of the Expenditure), (b) a cost of issuance with respect to the Tax-exempt Financing, (c) a nonrecurring item that is not customarily payable from current revenues. Section 3. The maximum principal amount of the Tax-exempt Financing expected to be entered into with respect to the Project is $1,500,000. Section 4. The County will make a reimbursement allocation, which is a written allocation by the County that evidences the County’s use of proceeds of the Tax-exempt Financing to reimburse an Expenditure, no later than 18 months after the later of the date on which the Expenditure is paid or the Project is placed in service or abandoned, but in no event more than three years after the date on which the Expenditure is paid. The County recognizes that exceptions are available for certain preliminary expenditures, costs of issuance, certain de minimis amounts, expenditures by small issuers (based on the year of entering into the Tax-exempt Financing and not the year of expenditure) and expenditures for construction projects of at least five years. Adopted this 9th day of January, 2007.

Administrative Matters:

Morven Water and Sewer Assessment: Vance Gulledge, Utilities Administrator, was present to address the issue. Mr. Gulledge referred to the report given Board members last month on the basic condition of Morven’s water and sewer system. Mr. Gulledge stated that the assessment was done by the Town’s engineering firm and a brief overview outlines that the town’s water and sewer system was installed in 1936. Mr. Gulledge explained that considerable work has been done in recent years to the sewer system but little work has been done to the water system. Mr. Gulledge shared that original parts of the system were constructed using cast iron water mains

and more recent expansions utilized asbestos cement and PVC water mains. Mr. Gulledge stated that cast iron mains have become the source of a number of deficiencies for the town that have resulted in potential public health threats related to water quality degradation and inadequate or lack of fire protection because with the water loses resulting from these deficiencies the town is experiencing economic hardships related to lost revenue that cannot be completely recovered, if at all, through user fees. Mr. Gulledge shared that sewer basically says the same thing. Mr. Gulledge offered that the system is in real bad shape and based on their estimates it would take approximately three million dollars to improve the water system and an educated guess on the part of the engineering firm is they are at least one million dollars away from having the sewer system like it needs to be. Mr. Gulledge stated that the engineering firm recommends they have two people in water and two in sewer. Mr. Gulledge stated that he used that assumption and assumed that it would take four and one-half million dollars to fix their needs to see what would happen if we borrowed the money to analyze the system. Mr. Gulledge did state that grant funding in large volumes was not available at this time. Mr. Gulledge stated that their engineering firm has outlined a six step process to get their water in shape and the town was presently working on the first of the six phases. Mr. Gulledge stated that Morven has approximately 300 water customers and 190 sewer customers and the average water and sewer bill was based on their December 20th pre-billing report. Mr. Gulledge stated that the average water bill is $20.92 and they are billing for 1,067,000 gallons of water. Mr. Gulledge shared that in comparison their average purchase from the county is 2,618,000 gallons leaving 1,600,000 of unaccounted for water. Mr. Gulledge explained that this was water that was not billed and wasted. Mr. Gulledge shared that a well functioning water system can lose 15% of their water because of fire hydrant flushing, line breaks, fire, people stealing water and things of that nature and be in good shape. Mr. Gulledge stated that a system should bill for all but about 15%. Mr. Gulledge stated that the county system runs around 20% and they would like to get it back down to 10 or 12%. Mr. Gulledge stated that billing one million gallons Morven should not have purchased over 1,300,000 from the county. Mr. Gulledge shared that this was the problem for which he had no explanation. Mr. Gulledge stated that they have 190 sewer customers and the average bill is $47.52 and they billed for 616,000 gallons. Mr. Gulledge stated that they average purchasing 2.5 million gallons from the county, which means they are paying for four times as much sewer as they are actually billing from their system. Mr. Gulledge shared that a well run sewer system should only treat about 85% of what they bill. Mr. Gulledge stated that Morven’s average water and sewer bill is $68.44 a household and the highest in Anson County. Commissioner Streater asked what it should be with Mr. Gulledge answering $40.00 or less. Mr. Gulledge shared that if we were charging them county rates their bill would be $29.60 for the same amount. Mr. Gulledge stated that he then tried to figure out what they need to charge to recover the county treatment cost and found they need $47.21 a month for water and sewer. Mr. Gulledge then looked at it from the thought that Morven had set up their system so it was properly recovering cost and factored in manpower of one. Mr. Gulledge explained that with the county everything in water and sewer comes out of water and sewer but the towns fund differently. Mr. Gulledge stated that in calculating what Morven would need to charge for water and sewer he used one employee in each area to determine the cost. Mr.

Gulledge feels they need at least $2,000 a month for capital expenses and equipment needs would be $1,000 a month. Mr. Gulledge stated that he feels Morven needs $9,203 a month just to fund the water system and $12,000 a month for the sewer system. Mr. Gulledge shared that they need $21,348 a month and if they were to charge this they would be charging $94.60 a month for water and sewer. Mr. Gulledge stated that Morven was funding a portion of this from the general fund. Mr. Gulledge stated that he then looked at Morven borrowing the money and found twenty years to be the longest term and then it would cost $70 a month per customer just to pay the principal cost. Mr. Gulledge shared that our tank company evaluated Morven’s tank to see what was needed to get the tank to the same standard as the county tanks. Mr. Gulledge offered that the inspection found the presence of a lead base primer and they estimated that no more than seven years or at the outside ten years before the paint starts to fall off the tank. Mr. Gulledge shared that when this happens the cost for repair would be around $150,000 and to do other necessary repairs would total around $197,000. Mr. Gulledge was of the opinion that for around $300,000 you could build a new tank. Mr. Gulledge feels the tank will have to be maintained as long as the Town of Morven operates as an independent system. Mr. Gulledge shared that presently Morven has a grant to replace the main waterline from the tank down highway 145 from one end of town to the other plus a portion on highway 52 and to install new meters. Mr. Gulledge stated that the county could take over the highway 52 line converting those customers to the county line and resolve the water issues for 100 of their 300 customers. Commissioner Spencer asked about the line on highway 145 with Mr. Gulledge stating that the entire line needs to be replaced. Mr. Gulledge offered that in 1936 when the system was installed people only wanted good drinking water which resulted in a limited number of fire hydrants and valves that now need to be corrected. Mr. Gulledge shared that he believes part of the problems in Morven are due to old meters and the engineer company estimated they are billing at least 20% under what they should due to their old meters. Mr. Gulledge noted there were three ways Anson County could operate Morven’s system. Mr. Gulledge noted the first way would be to contract and operate the system for a fee and send them the bill for everything we spend. Mr. Gulledge shared that a second way would be for them to turn the system over completely to the county and the county have complete ownership. Mr. Gulledge feels this is not a good idea at this time because the only way Morven will ever get the money to repair and get their system in good shape is through grant funding. Mr. Gulledge explained that Morven has to own the system in order to continue under their current grant. Commissioner Streater asked if Morven could own the system and have the county operate it and still apply for grants with Mr. Gulledge answering yes. County Manager Lucas asked if this would be a contractual relationship with Mr. Gulledge answering yes. Chairman Baucom asked if Morven would be more competitive for grant funding than the county with Mr. Gulledge answering probably. Mr. Gulledge shared that there were no three million dollar grants out there to apply for except for special purposes. Chairman Baucom asked if there was a way to phase in the needed repairs or was it a crisis situation. Mr. Gulledge stated that it was tough but feels that Morven has to follow the six step plan for the system. Chairman Baucom asked if it was a six step plan or if there were phases involved with Mr. Gulledge answering there were six phases which fixes parts at a time. Mr. Gulledge did offer that if the county would

become the ultimate owner of this system he feels it would be better to start phase one rather than converting the customers on highway 52 over to the county line. Mr. Gulledge stated that the pressure on the county line was far greater than that on the Morven line and tying them together could blow Morven’s lines out of the ground. Mr. Gulledge stated that most of the lines in Morven are two inch and they need to be six inches. Mr. Gulledge noted that the sewer lines were installed when six inch lines were acceptable and today eight inches is the smallest they will permit. Mr. Gulledge proposed a separate water and sewer rate for Morven and to make them a special water and sewer district in order that they could pay the real cost of operating water but not what it would take to operate it fully. Commissioner Sikes asked about putting flow meters on the lines to see which line was losing the water with Mr. Gulledge feeling that was a possibility. Mr. Gulledge feels the number one project would be the 145 line through town and feels it will turn out to be one of their largest culprits. Chairman Baucom asked how it would affect Morven’s cost if the lines were repaired and the loss stopped. Mr. Gulledge stated that their cost would go down considerably and the first objective of the county would be to try to find where all the water is coming from and where it is going. Mr. Gulledge was of the opinion that the meters are not accurate and therefore the bills are not accurate. Commissioner Streater asked if Morven had the money for phase one with Mr. Gulledge answering yes. Mr. Gulledge also suspects that Morven is under billing customers as much as 2,000 gallons a month. Commissioner Sims asked how managing Morven’s system would affect the priority list in terms of extending water lines to places in the county without water. Mr. Gulledge replied that without adding manpower it would cripple it some. Commissioner Sims then asked why we could not take the grant and connect the customers on to 52 to the county and do the 145 project and then stop to see how much of the problem has been corrected before continuing. Commissioner Streater asked Mr. Gulledge if he would suggest proceeding with converting the customers on 52 to the county line with Mr. Gulledge answering yes. Commissioner Smith asked why we could not let Morven have our line with Mr. Gulledge answering that that line also serves McFarlan and other customers down the road. Commissioner Streater voiced agreement with the suggestion offered by Commissioner Sims. Chairman Baucom stated that we would be partnering with them and it would not be a contractual relationship. Mr. Gulledge stated that he could work out the details with the engineer on what they need to do with the line rather than what they had planned to do. Mr. Gulledge pointed out that this was a way to befit the Town of Morven with no cost to the county. Mayor Carr stated that this addresses the issue but was not sure it would take care of it. Mayor Carr then asked if they do 145 and 52 by what margin was the problem reduced with Commissioner Sims offering that the issue would then be reevaluated to see if anything had been reduced. County Manager Lucas feels by doing this we would find efficiencies and some of the money that was going to be used to replace the 52 line could be used for other projects. Motion by Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to direct Vance to outline the steps we need to take at this point and come back at the next meeting with a price and also that we adjust Morven’s sewer bill for the months of November and December to the normal rate due to the negligence of the state mower. Commissioner Sims asked if this were to happen in Peachland, Polkton, McFarlan or Wadesboro would we do the same thing with Commissioner Smith stating that we could cross that

bridge when we got to it. Chairman Baucom feels the point was well taken and feels the Board should be very cautions about going in and taking over water and sewer systems. Chairman Baucom also feels the Board should be supportive. Commissioner Sims shared that he was talking about the leak with Commissioner Streater of the opinion the Board had done something before for Ansonville. Motion carried unanimously.

Architect Approval for B. C. Moore Building: County Manager Lucas asked the Board to consider the qualifications of an architect for the B. C. Moore renovation project and to give the County Manager the authority to negotiate within a set parameter a fee for the architect and construction management work. County Manager Lucas shared that he mailed an RFQ and received three responses. County Manager Lucas noted that he, along with Commissioner Streater, Commissioner Woodburn and Commissioner Sikes, met with the applicants and after discussion recommend MBAJ to be the architect of choice for the project. County Manager Lucas pointed out that under Consent was an item that allows us to reimburse ourselves from any funds used in the general fund for the project prior to getting the capital financing proceeds. Commissioner Sims then referred to that Resolution and the wording that the maximum principal amount is expected to be $1,500,000 and stated that he would not go with that amount. County Manager Lucas explained that the number is there in case and it means we can’t go any higher than 1.5 but we can go lower if we want. County Manager Lucas shared that he put it in there in case we find that we need more but he did not want to put the Board in a position where they could not reimburse themselves. Commissioner Smith asked if we had already purchased the building with County Manager Lucas answering that we made a purchase offer contingent upon our receiving Local Government Commission approval for the financing. Chairman Baucom shared that she met three members of the MBAJ team today and she liked the fact that they listened intently to what people were saying needs to be done to the courthouse. Motion by Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Sikes, that we accept the recommendation of the committee that we asked to be formed to study the architect for this project and the selection was MBAJ and move that we accept that recommendation. Commissioner Smith asked who was second with County Manager Lucas answering Kanoy. Commissioner Woodburn offered that MBAJ was very cost competitive and offered a good perspective on a way to do the project based on what we want out of it. Commissioner Smith asked if it was made clear that the renovation cost would not exceed $600,000 with County Manager Lucas answering yes. Commissioner Smith then asked why 1.5 million was included in the Resolution with County Manager Lucas explaining that there may be things the Board decides to do now for future use and he wanted to make sure that the Board was protected in order to reimburse to that level. Commissioner Smith asked if a design would be brought back to the Board to be voted on before beginning work with County Manager Lucas answering that they will probably bring back two or three designs with different options. County Manager Lucas assured Board members that this would be a Board driven process and a community driven process. Motion carried 6 to 1 with Commissioner Smith opposed.

Chairman Baucom called for a ten minute break.

After the break, the next item for discussion was Additions to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance: County Manager Lucas stated that Mr. Diggs is the one to respond to the spills and he is asking to amend the Ordinance to give him the authority to enforce the Ordinance, that the Fire Marshal be added to carry out the enforcement on illegal burns and to increase the penalties by $50 to cover his cost. County Manager Lucas stated that since approving the Ordinance we have had two or three spills and we’ve billed and collected about $800 from the spills. Commissioner Smith questioned the $50 fee with Commissioner Sims feeling it needs to be high to make them less likely to have a spill. Commissioner Woodburn asked if this would require two readings with County Attorney Bower answering that it would have to be passed unanimously by the entire Board. Motion by Commissioner Woodburn, seconded by Commissioner Sikes, to approve. Commissioner Smith then asked if the fine was high enough. County Manager Lucas explained that currently it is $100 for the first offense and $200 for the second. Chairman Baucom asked if there was a difference between a penalty and the fee. County Manager Lucas shared that as a result of our letter to the Highway Patrol they have written some tickets locally based on seepage. Chairman Baucom asked Commissioner Smith what he thought the fine should be with Commissioner Smith feeling it should be at least $200. County Manager Lucas cautioned that we are trying to recover hourly cost and this amount may be questioned and suggested increasing the fee not the $50 an hour. Commissioner Smith was of the opinion the penalty should be increased with Chairman Baucom asking if the Ordinance could be amended on the penalties. County Manager Lucas asked the Board to approve the addition tonight and he will bring it back next month to amend the violation penalties. Motion by Commissioner Sikes, seconded by Commissioner Streater, to approve the addition to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance tonight as far as the fee. Motion carried unanimously.

NACo Prescription Drug Program: County Manager Lucas explained that this would allow us to access the prescription drug program. County Manager Lucas stated that this was a collaborative arrangement between the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Caremark, a prescription drug carrier. County Manager Lucas shared that the have leveraged their purchasing power with all counties across the United States and they currently have 600 counties participating. County Manager Lucas stated that 26 counties in North Carolina have joined. County Manager Lucas explained that this offers residents that are uninsured or in cases where a specific prescription is not covered by insurance up to 20-25% discount on the prescription drug. County Manager Lucas noted that all pharmacies in Anson County were covered under the program and there is no cost to the county or the resident. County Manager Lucas noted that cards would be administered through the Health Department, Social Services, the Chamber of Commerce and local Churches. Commissioner Smith asked if this was the same as AARP with County Manager Lucas answering it was similar but a program that all people can take advantage of not just those of a certain age. Motion by Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to approve. Chairman Baucom stated that she has a prescription benefit on her insurance but asked if she were taking a medication that her coverage did not discount could she participate in this with County Manager Lucas answering yes. Motion carried unanimously.

Airport Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP): Chairman Baucom asked where the money would come from. County Manager Lucas stated that this plan is submitted annually to the Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation and is a wish list of projects. County Manager Lucas stated that the list was reviewed by the Airport Commission and the local match would come from county funds. County Manager Lucas explained that if approved by the State we would then decide what projects, if any, to do. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, to approve. County Manager Lucas shared that next year we have the second part of the commitment for the parallel taxiway which is roughly $100,000. County Manager Lucas stated that the only thing approved for the next year which would be 2009, is the glide slope, which is also attached to the parallel taxiway and the ILA implementation and a $30,000 commitment. County Manager Lucas shared that 2009 will have a substantial decrease in our commitment and feels it contingent upon the Board to determine if the remaining funds are used for hangers or other projects. County Manager Lucas feels the next two years will bring us to a cross roads in terms of how to use the moneys and if we should allocate them to another Economic Development initiative. Chairman Baucom was of the understanding that if the county had a hanger there we could generate revenue with County Manager Lucas answering that revenues would come form the lease, the aircraft and the sale of fuel. Commissioner Sikes voiced that if he was voting to do this now he would vote no but he will vote yes because the vote covers something that could happen in the future. Motion carried unanimously.

Appointments: Citizens Advisory Board-Landfill: County Manager Lucas stated that this has been on the Agenda for several months and appointments are needed from Districts 3, 4, 6 and 7. Commissioner Streater nominated Iris Tillman for District 3. Commissioner Sims asked about this committee with County Manager Lucas stating it was the Landfill Advisory Committee and at some point the Board might want to rename this committee. Commissioner Sims stated that Mr. Briley used to be in his district but is now in Commissioner Smith’s district and commented that he would have no problem if Commissioner Sims wanted to nominate someone else. Commissioner Smith agreed that Mr. Briley was fine. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, to appoint Iris Tillman from District 3. Motion carried unanimously.

Board of Health: County Manager Lucas noted that both Sharon Knotts and Dr. Danny Wright have served two terms but Ms. Knotts serves the registered nurse requirement and Dr. Wright the Veterinarian requirement. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Woodburn, to approve the appointment of Sharon Knotts and Dr. Danny Wright. Motion carried unanimously.

Historic Properties: County Manager Lucas stated that most of the appointments have expired and they are asking the Board to approve the names as submitted. County Manager Lucas pointed out that the terms are staggered with members serving one, two and three year terms. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, to approve the appointment of Robin Griffin,

Carey Edwards, John Dunlap, Lucille Streater, Altheria Patton, Frances Ann Williamson, Rudolph Chambers, Denise Beachum and Richard Allen to the Historic Properties Commission. Motion carried unanimously.

Airport Commission: County Manager Lucas offered that this is the Commissioner appointment to replace former Commissioner Jones. County Manager Lucas shared that he feels it is important to have a Commissioner serve in this capacity. Motion by Commissioner Spencer, seconded by Commissioner Sikes, to appoint Commissioner Woodburn to serve on this Board. Commissioner Woodburn stated that he would give it a try. Chairman Baucom voiced that she feels the Board needs to spread the commitments and pointed out that Commissioner Woodburn provides a diverse range of services to the community. Chairman Baucom asked Commissioner Woodburn to let them know it this becomes too much. Motion carried unanimously.

Planning/Adjustment Board: County Manager Lucas shared that terms have expired for John Sikes of District 4, Margaret Sheppard of District 1 and Bobbi Little of District 2. County Manager Lucas shared that Mr. Sikes has stated that he will not accept reappointment but believes the others will. Ms. Benton of Planning was present and feels it important to have people on this Board that will bring new ideas and have the time to devote to service. Commissioner Sims asked if the Adjustment Board hears tax issues with Ms. Benton sharing that the Board of Adjustment makes exceptions to the rules set by the Planning Board. County Manager Lucas stated that this was a quisi-judicial process. Ms. Benton shared that the Board of Adjustment mostly hears the placement of towers. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, to approve the reappointment of Margaret Sheppard and Bobbi Little. Motion carried unanimously.

Board of Equalization and Review: County Manager Lucas stated that this Board is related to taxes and the list of candidates have been contacted and are willing to serve. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Woodburn, to approve the appointment of Margaret Sheppard, Weaver Thomas, Theodore Carr, Ross Hendley, Richard Allen, Bobby McCollum and Aaron Hinson to the Board of E&R. Motion carried unanimously.

Mental Health Board: Chairman Baucom announced that the Board needs to appoint a Board member to replace Mr. Jones on this Board. Chairman Baucom called for a volunteer, noting this Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month in West End beginning at 7:30 and usually over by 9:30. Commissioner Streater volunteered to serve in this capacity. County Manager Lucas noted it was important to have representation on this Board as Mental Health is an issue that affects us. Chairman Baucom felt it critical to have representation especially with the divestiture in order to direct citizens where to go for assistance. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Sims, to appoint Commissioner Streater. Chairman Baucom stated that he could take this on the same bases as Commissioner Woodburn and if there is a problem to let the Board know. Motion carried unanimously.

Manager’s Report: County Manager Lucas announced that this week Anson County was selected to participate in the 21st Century Communities program. County Manager Lucas stated that we’ve not applied for this program in the past and when he came to Anson County this was something he wanted to pursue. County Manager Lucas stated that the Department of Commerce will work with us on the local level to identify our strengths, weaknesses and opportunities and use this to expedite the development of economic plans targeted to the specific needs of Anson County. County Manager Lucas stated that another great advantage of the program is that for two years there will be no local commitment required for any CDBG or Department of Commerce Grant we apply for. County Manager Lucas noted this was something to be proud of. Chairman Baucom shared that during the campaign it was clear to her that Economic Development was the number one priority among citizens. Chairman Baucom congratulated County Manager Lucas, Mr. Gullette and staff. County Manager Lucas thanked Mary Beck for her assistance and time for which she received no compensation. Commissioner Sims voiced that the late Cliff Martin used to say you can talk all the fancy stuff you want but it’s all about jobs.

County Manager Lucas shared that the Local Rural Planning Organization (RPO) handling transportation issues is proposing to bring highway 24/27 out of Albemarle to hook onto 731 in Troy, which will be a restricted access four lane highway. County Manager Lucas shared that the City of Albemarle was not pleased with this but many surrounding jurisdictions in the RPO support the idea. County Manager Lucas stated that we’ve been asked to support the idea and do a press release. Commissioner Sims voiced support. Commissioner Sikes asked the Board to support the project and feels it would help Anson County by having a four lane road nearby. Commissioner Sims asked the closes point to Anson County with Commissioner Sikes answering it would come almost to the river. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, to support the idea and prepare an editorial. Motion carried unanimously.

Former Board of Education Property: County Manager Lucas offered that at one point in time we did a sealed bid and none were submitted and then we had the issue with the storm drain and other serious issues with the property. County Manager Lucas stated that the Board then voted to get rid of the property and we started the upset bid process at $1.00. County Manager Lucas shared that it was now up to $1626 and every time we receive an upset bid we have to readvertise in the paper. County Manager Lucas asked the board permission to stop this process and hold an auction starting at $1626. County Manager Lucas stated that the upset bid process can be costly and time consuming. Commissioner Spencer was of the opinion we would collect more money with an auction. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, to auction off the building. Motion carried unanimously.

County Manager Lucas reported that at one time the board had a committee that was to meet with the executive team of the landfill but with the election that fell by the wayside. County Manager Lucas asked the board to appoint a committee to meet with

that group and return to address the issues brought by Mr. Pinkston. County Manager Lucas shared that the previous committee consisted of Commissioner Sims, Neil Jones and Commissioner Woodburn. Commissioner Streater suggested keeping the same Board members and replace Mr. Jones with Chairman Baucom. Board members agreed by consensus.

County Manager Lucas shared that the Board of Education met today and are proceeding fairly quickly on a new program within the high school. County Manager Lucas shared that plans call for the construction of a new building to be called the STEM school and they are seeking a grant to offset a majority of the cost. County Manager Lucas stated that in the first year they plan to house this within the existing high school but today in the meeting he learned they were proceeding with architectural plans to build a new building. County Manager Lucas offered that this would essentially do the same thing in terms of enrollment as the early college and could include up to 240 children over the course of 4 years. County Manager Lucas offered this as information to let the Board know this was in the works and reported that he thinks today they even appointed a principal for the school. County Manager Lucas shared that rough estimates for the new building were 2.5 million dollars. Chairman Baucom asked if the county would have to pay for this with County Manager Lucas stating that he wanted the Board to be aware that this was going on and feels someone needs to have a conversation with the Board of Education. Commissioner Sims feels the word “have” should be in quotation marks. Commissioner Smith voiced that the Board of Education needs to have a conversation with the Board of Commissioners as State Statutes does not give them the authority to handle the dollars and cents. County Manager Lucas agreed. Commissioner Streater asked Commissioner Sims his thoughts on this with Commissioner Sims feeling it inappropriate for him to comment since he is a former Superintendent. Commissioner Smith asked about STEM with County Manager Lucas answering it stands for science, technology, engineering and math. Commissioner Streater asked if a principal had already been appointed with County Manager Lucas answering yes based on the understanding he has from the Agenda of today’s meeting. Chairman Baucom asked if the Board had to cough up the money with County Manager Lucas answering no but they will say they need it. Commissioner Streater questioned why they did all this without seeking support from this Board. County Manager Lucas stated that this was presented as information only. Commissioner Sims voiced that this was an innovative program and one that is being done by other counties as well.

Rules of Procedure: County Manager Lucas commented that at the last meeting Commissioner Smith sought clarification on the Board’s procedure that when a member left unexcused from a meeting their vote count in the affirmative. County Manager Lucas offered that according to the Institute of Government there was nothing in State Statutes that counties be required to do this however the Board’s current Rules of Procedure do require this. Chairman Baucom noted that this was a historical practice of this Board and was incorporated into the Rules. Commissioner Smith stated that this was done when he was not a member of the Board and feels it should be amended. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Streater, to amend the

rules that unless the person is present the vote doesn’t count in the affirmative. Commissioner Streater voiced that in the past a person could have gone to the restroom and been counted as voting for something they may not have wanted to vote for. Motion carried unanimously.

Closed Session Policy: County Manager Lucas stated that per General Statutes we are required to release certain topics discussed in closed session at a point in time that they don’t aggravate the circumstances. County Manager Lucas noted concerns last time that given the detail we currently have of closed session that certain things may get released that at any point in time are not appropriate. County Manager Lucas stated that with the Resolution it would be between the Clerk and the County Attorney to determine if there was an issue with something in the closed minutes and would not release them if they felt there was information in there that might aggravate the issue. Commissioner Streater asked if Bonnie and George would be the ones to release the information with County Manager Lucas answering yes. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, to approve. Commissioner Smith stated that he did not know what minutes would not be subject to be given to the press or whoever other than those specifically by law, noting he would not vote for this. Commissioner Streater explained that they would decide when it should go to the press. County Manager Lucas explained that currently we are not releasing anything done in closed session and we are trying to begin to release closed session minutes at a point in time where they will not frustrate or aggravate the issue. County Manager Lucas stated that we are trying to do what Commissioner Smith was saying and give information to the public. Commissioner Sims asked when this would begin with Commissioner Woodburn feeling it would start once the vote was taken. Commissioner Smith stated that he did not see the revelence in passing this with County Manager Lucas stating that current practice suggest we don’t release anything and this is setting new policy on how to do this. Commissioner Woodburn voiced that the way we are currently set up may be in violation and we are trying to correct this and this sets guidelines in place so as of tonight, if this passes, we will start releasing what can be released per the guidelines. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Concerns: Commissioner Sims thanked Mr. Gulledge for all the work done in getting a grant to install the water line and tank in White Store. Commissioner Sims stated that the situation is still dire in that the side roads where most of the people live still don’t have water. Commissioner Sims voiced that he would like to see something done as quickly as possible for the residence of Tice Road and the southeastern part of 1003. County Manager Lucas shared a copy of an updated priority list with Board members. Mr. Gulledge shared that Tice Road was #6 on the priority list. Mr. Gulledge stated that the Rock Hill Baptist Church project was complete and they are waiting on the state to permit the project in order to release the water. Mr. Gulledge stated that Morven Freight Line Road was moved to the top after they agreed to sign the agreement made by the Board last month. Mr. Gulledge stated that they are currently working on Bunn Road and Hightower Road will be next. Commissioner Smith asked the location of Bunn Road with Mr. Gulledge answering it was near Burnsville. Commissioner Smith asked

the number of people on this project and the number of miles with Mr. Gulledge answering four people and 2,112 feet. Mr. Gulledge stated that a portion of the Hightower Road project was done per Board request during the drought in order to give water to four customers. Commissioner Streater feels that all those on that road that needed water have it and feels we really want to tie this line into the Adams Road line. Commissioner Smith voiced opposition to running water to places with no citizens. Mr. Gulledge shared that they run by the priority list and the Board has the authority to adjust as they see fit. Commissioner Streater questioned the additional ten customers on Hightower Road and asked Mr. Gulledge to check into this. Commissioner Sims asked when projects number 6 and 8 would be run with Mr. Gulledge stating he didn’t know and reminded Board members that they lost six employees three years ago. Commissioner Sims commented that before adding the six they were doing eleven miles of construction a year and they added the six in order to increase the miles of line and when we didn’t get but a mile or two increase they cut six. Commissioner Smith voiced agreement. Mr. Gulledge reminded Board members that when he came eighteen years ago they had 2500 customers and today they have 5,000. Mr. Gulledge stated that they do not have the manpower to have a crew laying waterlines full time nor do they have the revenues to support such construction. County Manager Lucas voiced that we have a lot of line in the ground and we have the water plant and feels the CIP will remind us that we need to take care of what is in the ground. County Manager Lucas cautioned the Board to not ignore the asset under the ground and the CIP will show the cost associated with taking care of our current infrastructure. County Manager Lucas encouraged the Board to wait until the CIP comes back before approving any major decisions regarding waterline extensions. Mr. Gulledge stated that their current plan is to complete the Bunn Road project and start on Morven Freight Line Road. Commissioner Sims asked how long this would take with Mr. Gulledge answering two months. Commissioner Smith asked the number of customers on the Morven Freight Line project with Mr. Gulledge answering one. County Manager Lucas explained that this project was approved last month by the board for eight new jobs and an investment of $474,000. Mr. Gulledge reminded Board members that although this was an Economic Development benefit it was a negative for the water department. Mr. Gulledge outlined that they will lay $44,653 worth of waterline with no net gain as they already provide them water and this is being done in order to close their other facility. Mr. Gulledge was of the opinion it would be late summer before they could begin talk of Tice Road. Commissioner Smith asked what was there to do on Hightower Road with Mr. Gulledge answering they have about 9,000 feet to lay. Commissioner Streater feels there are no customers on this road but that connecting the line to Adams Road would be good. Mr. Gulledge will check this out and bring the information back next month.

Commissioner Spencer presented a list of twenty citizens on Blewett Falls Road requesting water. Commissioner Spencer explained that during the Christmas Holidays the Ellerbe family’s pump lost its prime and it was several hours before they had water. Commissioner Spencer stated that they’ve wanted water for three or four years. Chairman Baucom asked how often the priority list was updated with Mr. Gulledge stating that anytime someone request water and they do the study and it meets the ten year criteria it goes on the list. County Manager Lucas offered that the

Board also adds projects to the list. Mr. Gulledge pointed out that the projects in red on the list are those added by the Board. Mr. Gulledge explained that when someone comes asking the procedure to have water on a certain road they are told to fill out a petition and have those willing to take the water and use it for five years to sign the petition and a study will be done of the project. Mr. Gulledge stated that once the study is completed and the project does not meet the ten year rule then it does not go on the priority list. Mr. Gulledge explained that it was not actually a ten year pay as they calculate the estimated revenue for the project for ten years to see if it will bring in as much revenue as it cost to build the line. Commissioner Spencer gave the petition to Mr. Gulledge to be studied and report in February. Motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Spencer, that while the equipment is in Lilesville that we put the waterline in at Blewett Falls. Chairman Baucom asked if the motion was to start the waterline before the analysis with Commissioner Smith answering yes. Commissioner Streater asked the length of that road with Mr. Gulledge answering about three or four miles. Commissioner Sikes voiced that he has people calling him every week about waterlines that have been on the list for years and he wants everyone to have water but he would not vote to put this project ahead of those already on the list. Commissioner Streater voiced that he wanted to support the line but wanted the cost first. Chairman Baucom voiced that the Board wants water for all those who want it and for those who have been waiting in line and however the vote it is not a matter of support for those people but a matter of priority and following the process. Commissioner Sikes favored following procedure and let the project fall in line with the rest of them. County Manager Lucas was of the opinion that the Board should be consistent and fair in how they prioritize the projects. Commissioner Smith voiced that it has not been fair in the past and he was not interested in that. Motion failed 4 to 3 with Chairman Baucom, Commissioner Sims, Commissioner Sikes and Commissioner Woodburn opposed. Commissioner Streater then offered a motion to add the Blewett Falls list to the priority list even without the study and he wants it to fall in line with the rest of the projects. Commissioner Streater offered that the board has added other projects to the list even though they did not fall in the price range. After discussion, Commissioner Streater reworded his motion to add the Blewett Falls list or better known as Power Plant Road to the priority list. Commissioner Sims asked where on the list with Commissioner Woodburn asking if it would be number 23. Commissioner Streater replied that it should be placed as number 23 unless after the study it falls at number 9 then it should be added there but he will add it to the list tonight. Motion seconded by Commissioner Spencer. Commissioner Sims voiced that he had no problem adding it as number 23 and making the financial study but he will not vote for something he doesn’t know more about. Chairman Baucom shared that Commissioner Streater said to add it as number 23. Commissioner Sims stated that not long ago he mentioned doing water for everybody and was told it would be too costly. Commissioner Sims feels the people that have asked the longest and waited the longest are the ones that should receive. Mr. Gulledge commented that for the last eighteen years when a study meets the ten year pay back it has been added to the list at the bottom and the projects are taken from the top. Mr. Gulledge stated that in the last couple of years the Board has seen fit to change jobs around and feels they will find out pretty quick why the Town of Morven’s water and sewer system is in the shape its in. Mr. Gulledge cautioned that

water and sewer should be run as a business enterprise. Mr. Gulledge shared that the gas company and Carolina Power & Light will not run a line unless it pays for itself and asked Commissioner Streater about the telephone company. Commissioner Streater stated they fall under utilities. Commissioner Smith feels the reason Morven is in this shape is because years ago they didn’t consider black communities and the waterlines were in the white communities. Mr. Gulledge stated a problem with Morven that is true in most towns is that they did not take care of their water system and spent the money for other things. Mr. Gulledge asked the Board to please develop a system for prioritizing waterlines and let them work on them. Mr. Gulledge feels bouncing around will not work and will be detrimental to the system and the customers. Commissioner Smith voiced disagreement. Mr. Gulledge explained that when they lay a line that does not pay for itself it cost every water customer in the county additional funds to pay for the waterline and the water that is wasted. Commissioner Smith again voiced that we have waterlines where no one lives and the people in dense areas do not have water. County Manager Lucas noted that was a point well taken and he was not here when that was done but they don’t want to break the system by not following a good business model. Mr. Gulledge shared that due to problems years ago of people signing up for water and then not using it once the line was laid, they now have a policy that if you sign and get a water service you have to use it for five years. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Sikes shared that he does not understand the policy for cutting off water. Commissioner Sikes stated that he has someone that mailed their check but it didn’t get there and they were asking why they could not receive a phone call prior to having their water cut off. Commissioner Sikes stated that in looking at their payment history it’s been two years since they had a late payment and that coincided with a huge water bill. Commissioner Sikes voiced that the customer’s concern was that they have been a good customer and paid their bill and why they didn’t receive a phone call. Commissioner Sims asked the amount of the penalty with Commissioner Sikes feeling it was $25.00. Mr. Gulledge stated that the first time a customer is cut off there is a $25.00 reconnect fee. Motion by Commissioner Sims that Wayne Pope and Phyllis Pope be relieved of the $25.00 penalty applied to them in cutting off their water because the check was in the mail. Commissioner Smith offered a second to the motion and questioned them having a leak. Commissioner Sikes offered that the leak was two years ago. Commissioner Streater asked if it would be hard to call 5000 customers. Commissioner Smith and Commissioner Sims both voiced that mail can get lost. Mr. Gulledge stated that on the day before cut off they typically have between 700 and 2,000 customers that have not paid and they don’t have the staff to call all these customers. Commissioner Smith asked the procedure for cut off. Mr. Gulledge explained that if a customer is late, they get charged a $2.00 late fee after the 20th of the month and anytime after the 25th of the month they are subject to cut off. Mr. Gulledge stated that the first time a customer appears on the list showing they have not paid they do not get cut off. Mr. Gulledge stated that the second time the customer appears on the cut off list their water is disconnected and a $25.00 reconnect fee is added. Mr. Gulledge shared that anytime after that it is a $50.00 reconnect fee. Commissioner Smith then asked the amount of an average water bill with Mr. Gulledge answering $25.00 for 5100 gallons. Commissioner Sikes asked how long the record of cut offs is

kept with Mr. Gulledge answering history is available back to 1992. Commissioner Sikes feels if a customer goes two years without missing a payment the clock should start over. Motion carried 6 to 1 with Chairman Baucom opposed.

Chairman Baucom then asked Commissioner Smith about his item about the Pee Dee Section. Commissioner Smith stated his concern was covered by Commissioner Spencer.

Commissioner Streater stated that he was going to address the sewer issue for Dr. Cash but she was not present. Commissioner Streater stated he would like to defer to next month. County Manager Lucas pointed out that by waiting he would miss the deadline for one of the grants. County Manager Lucas explained that the gravity sewer line runs on the other side of the road and to bring it to the parcel of land in question would cost $130,000. Commissioner Streater was of the opinion there was a sewer line behind the property with County Manager Lucas answering there was but it would be necessary to obtain easements and the grant folks recommend bringing the line under the road. Chairman Baucom questioned the amount the county would be required to pay with County Manager Lucas answering that according to the USDA Grant she wants to pursue the county would have at least 50% of the cost but probably more. County Manager Lucas explained that the most she can ask for was $75,000 but due to the number of jobs involved this project will not be very competitive. Commissioner Streater was of the opinion that Dr. Cash just wants the county to sponsor the grant and she will pay the money. County Manager Lucas was of the same understanding and feels she needs to be aware that she will need to have at least $55,000 plus the cost of writing the grant. County Manager Lucas shared that Hobbs Upchurch was currently writing a grant for the same money for New Ventures and was unable to write this grant. County Manager Lucas reminded Board members that they have a vested interest in making sure New Ventures is awarded the grant because if they don’t meet their $100,000 local commitment then the county will have to meet it. County Manager Lucas offered that the grant writer from Richmond County would write the grant for $5,000. County Manager Lucas cautioned the Board to get a commitment from Dr. Cash so the county would not be responsible for the money. County Manager Lucas noted that applications for the Rural Business and Enterprise Grant for USDA are due no later than early February to the regional office and February 23 to the district office at the state level. County Manager Lucas feels the grant writer may not have enough time to prepare the grant given the fact that an environmental review is required. Chairman Baucom voiced that she was not willing to do anything without Dr. Cash being present. Commissioner Sims voiced that Dr. Cash was a bright lady and questioned why she would not purchase property with access to sewer. Commissioner Smith asked the possibility of having sewer on highway 74. Mr. Gulledge shared that the line serving Wal-Mart comes down the railroad track behind Wal-Mart to Galliher’s place and then it comes out to 74 and goes down 74. Mr. Gulledge shared that there is another sewer line running from the Armory down Culpepper Creek to the pump station below CHM on highway 74. Mr. Gulledge explained that to get to the Culpepper Creek interceptor they would have to cross the Longmire property. Mr. Gulledge stated that they tried to run the line down 74 when doing Wal-Mart but they would have been twenty-five feet in the

ground to get the elevation on gravity sewer so running along the railroad track was the best option. Mr. Gulledge explained that Dr. Cash could run the line along the highway right of way then cross over to her property.

Chairman Baucom reminded Board members of the legislative goals conference later in the week with Medicaid relief, school construction, revenue options and protection as the top priorities. Chairman Baucom shared that the state has an ethics policy and when people are appointed to Boards they are to be asked if they have served as a lobbyist within so much time and if so, the Board has to determine that they did not lobby for the group for which they are being appointed. Chairman Baucom noted a copy was included with each Agenda packet.

Commissioner Woodburn mentioned the Economic Development Advisory Board meeting on the 18th at 4 PM and invited all Board members to attend. Commissioner Woodburn stated that they are asking that three Commissioners be appointed to this and he would like to continue to serve in this capacity. Chairman Baucom voiced that she too would like to serve. Commissioner Sikes volunteer to serve. Commissioner Smith asked for an explanation. Commissioner Woodburn explained that historically the county has been responsible for Economic Development and our resources are limited so Mr. Gullette sent invitations to mayors, people from SPCC, the schools, Anson Economic Development Corporation, town managers, Progress Energy, Pee Dee Electric and the Chamber of Commerce to meet and look at ways we can develop resources to promote Economic Development in Anson County. Commissioner Woodburn shared that they learned from Mr. Simmons of Pee Dee Electric that we have an opportunity to apply for resources from Pee Dee Electric. Commissioner Woodburn explained that this was to get more people involved and hopefully get countywide ownership. Commissioner Woodburn stated that they hope this will result in additional resources to better position ourselves to get something here. Commissioner Smith voiced that we needed something here and thought that was Mr. Gullette’s job. Chairman Baucom voiced that it was everyone’s job. Commissioner Smith was of the opinion that we needed sewer on highway 74 all the way to Peachland in order to attract industries. Chairman Baucom voiced that it was difficult to steer people to where the water/sewer is so it can bring in resources to build new lines. Commissioner Smith stated that many times people purchase property without checking to see what is available.

Motion by Commissioner Woodburn, seconded by Commissioner Sikes, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted:

Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC Clerk to the Board Meeting time: 4 hrs.

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