MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023, & FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2023
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Thursday, February 9, 2023, and Friday, February 10, 2023, in order to conduct a budget retreat to review goals and objectives for the County. The meetings originated in the Commissioners’ Board Room at the Watauga County Administration Building, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: Larry Turnbow, Chairman
Charlie Wallin, Vice-Chairman
Todd Castle, Commissioner
Braxton Eggers, Commissioner
Ray Russell, Commissioner
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Samantha Jones, Finance Director
Lunch was provided at 12:00 P.M. Chairman Turnbow called the meeting to order on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 1:31 P.M., welcoming those in attendance.
The following topics were discussed:
Opening Remarks
Mr. Deron Geouque
FY 2023 Review and Discussion of FY 2024 Budget
Ms. Samantha Jones
A. Revenues
B. Expenditures
C. Debt Service Report
D. Budget Calendar
E. Special Appropriations
Review of Current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Mr. Deron Geouque & Mr. Robert Marsh
A. Current CIP Status Report
B. Valle Crucis Elementary School (future planning for current building discussed)
C. County Facilities Assessment Update (updating facilities assessment was discussed)
D. Courthouse Parking Deck
E. Roof Repairs Update
1. Human Services
2. Law Enforcement
F. ARPA Projects/Funding
1. COVID-19 Expenses i.e. inmate testing $300,000
2. Broadband $7,750,000
3. Kill/Chill Water/Sewer $500,000
Mr. Jim Hamilton & Mr. Eddy Labus
4. Valle Crucis School Water/Sewer $2,145,000
5. Outside Agency Requests
G. Library
Mr. Bill Dixon
H. School Facilities
Break from 3:53 P.M. to 4:09 P.M.
Sanitation Facility Upgrades
Mr. Rex Buck
New scale house and trailer storage area were discussed as well as the completed projects including the sediment basin, signage, and waste limit labels.
Tax Matters
Mr. Larry Warren & Mr. Ryan Vincent
A. Appraisal
B. 2027 Revaluation
Economic Development Matters
Mr. Joe Furman
A. Workforce Housing
B. Economic Development Commission (EDC) Update
Watauga County Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Jason Walker
Updating the Plan was discussed.
Watauga Medics
Mr. Craig Sullivan
A. Annual Report
B. Future Needs
County Naming Policy
Mr. Deron Geouque
County Manager’s Summary
Mr. Deron Geouque
A recess was declared at 6:37 P.M. The meeting reconvened on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 9:02 A.M.
Middle Fork Greenway Update
Ms. Wendy Patoprsty
Watauga Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
Mr. Wright Tilley
Appalachian District Health
Ms. Jennifer Greene
A. District Matters
B. Opioid Plan
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
Dr. Mark Poarch
School Board Funding Issues
Superintendent Dr. Scott Elliott, School Board Members: Mr. Marshall Ashcroft, Dr. Gary Childers, and Mr. Jason Cornett, as well as Staff member Ms. Ly Marze, Finance Director
A. FY 2024 Funding Needs
B. Schools’ Capital Improvement Plan
Public Safety and Emergency Communications Matters
Mr. Will Holt
A. EMS Updates
B. Communications Updates
C. Fire Department Contracts
Miscellaneous & Commissioner Matters
Mr. Deron Geouque
A. State Issues
B. Commissioner Matters
Wrap up, Goals, Objectives, and Board Directives
Budget Work Sessions are set for May 4, 2023, from 12:00 – 8:00 P.M. and May 5, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
The County Manager concluded the retreat by reviewing the issues discussed and seeking direction from the Board for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
The meeting adjourned at 12:17 P.M.
Larry Turnbow
Chairman, Watauga County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Deron Geouque
County Manager