Board of Commissioners Recessed Budget Meeting Materials

Board of Commissioners Recessed Budget Meeting Recap – March 7, 2024

The Burke County Board of Commissioners convened a series of meetings on March 7, 2024, focused on budget planning, strategic goals, and employee compensation. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda via a 4-0 vote. Discussions centered on the county’s water and sewer systems, housing challenges, capital improvement planning, facility upgrades, public safety performance, and workforce compensation.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the county’s housing situation, informed by a Bowen National Research study. The study highlighted a severe shortage of housing, particularly for lower-income households, with market rate apartment occupancy at 99% and long waitlists for affordable housing. The Board discussed strategies to attract developers, including streamlining subdivision approval processes and exploring marketing opportunities. Patrick Cameron committed to providing a list of organizations for developer engagement, while staff will collaborate with the planning department to ensure water and sewer considerations guide future development decisions. A committee was discussed to explore engaging landowners willing to sell property for development.

The Board also reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), valued at approximately $64 million, which prioritizes grant funding and exploring operational capital through a reserve fund. The county’s financial position was noted as strong, with 75.3% progress towards their 10-year goal. Discussions included a new fleet management policy, non-major operational projects such as roof replacement at Foothills Higher Education Center and public safety radio replacement, and transitioning the District Attorney’s office to the courthouse annex. Facility upgrades were also discussed, including plans for a new Animal Services building and EMS facility, as well as renovation of the lower level of the courthouse annex. Staff will conduct a study on meter usage and establish a preliminary budget for the renovation, while reviewing lighting choices for the Animal Services facility.

Regarding public safety and workforce matters, a performance comparison to peer counties was reviewed, highlighting funding levels, staffing ratios, and key performance indicators. Concerns were raised about declining applications for public safety positions and the need to ensure fair wages through a compensation study. The Board will consider engaging an external consultant to review county practices and provide recommendations, balancing internal job comparisons with external data.

The Board recessed to focus on a compensation plan for county employees, informed by a Baker Tilly classification and compensation study. The study found Burke County’s salaries are an average of 6.5% below market at the minimum, 7.2% below market at the midpoint, and 8.4% below market at the maximum. The Board discussed transitioning from a “step plan” to an "open plan" for greater flexibility, considering three implementation scenarios. They agreed not to recommend any pay decreases and will “red circle” employees at the maximum range until market conditions improve. Baker Tilly is finalizing cost calculations and will provide salary data for deputy sheriff positions from 14 peer organizations. HR will complete job descriptions and maintain the Systematic Analysis Factor Evaluation (SAFE) system for evaluations and adjustments.

Action Items & Commitments:

• Staff will continue working towards a surplus in the water/sewer fund.
• Patrick Cameron will provide a list of organizations to engage developers.
• Staff will assess connections, monitor flow, and address infiltration concerns.
• Greg Knapp will continue presenting details on major capital projects.
• Staff will conduct a study on meter usage and establish a preliminary budget for the courthouse renovation project.
• EMS will explore tiered response systems and alternative shift schedules.
• The Board will consider engaging an external consultant to review public safety investments and county practices.
• Baker Tilly will provide salary data for deputy sheriff positions from 14 peer organizations.
• HR will complete job descriptions and maintain the SAFE system for evaluations and adjustments.

The Board plans to review the strategic plan at their next meeting, reflecting on progress made throughout the year. A speaker committed to posting information on the agency's blog media and giving two years of appreciation to the board in April.