MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2024, & FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2024
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Thursday, February 29, 2024, and Friday, March 1, 2024, 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/Finance Director
Lunch was provided at 12:00 P.M. Chairman Turnbow called the meeting to order on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 1:32 P.M., welcoming those in attendance. Ms. Misty Watson, Finance Director Liaison, joined the meeting for the Thursday session.
The following topics were discussed:
Opening Remarks
Mr. Deron Geouque
FY 2024 Review and Discussion of FY 2025 Budget
Ms. Misty Watson
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
C. County Facilities Assessment Update
D. Courthouse Parking Deck –
Mr. Bill Dixon
E. Roof Repairs Update
1. Human Services
a. Human Services Renovations
2. Law Enforcement
F. ARPA Projects/Funding
1. Broadband $7,750,000
2. Kill/Chill Water/Sewer $500,000
Mr. Jim Hamilton
G. 911/Medic/Emergency Services Facility
H. Library
I. School Facilities
Break from 3:35 P.M. to 3:53 P.M.
Sanitation Facility Upgrades
Mr. Rex Buck
A. Facility Upgrades
B. Recycling
Tax Matters – 2027 Revaluation
Mr. Larry Warren
Appalachian District Health
Ms. Jennifer Greene & Ms. Lindsay Sullivan
A. District Matters
B. Opioid Plan
Watauga County Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Jason Walker
Updating the Plan was discussed.
Watauga Medics
Mr. Craig Sullivan
A. Annual Report
B. Future Needs
County Manager’s Summary
Mr. Deron Geouque
A recess was declared at 6:46 P.M. The meeting reconvened on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 9:02 A.M.
Middle Fork Greenway Update
Ms. Wendy Patoprsty
Watauga Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
Mr. Wright Tilley & Mr. Matt Vincent
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
Dr. Mark Poarch
Economic Development Matters
Mr. Joe Furman
A. Workforce Housing
B. Economic Development Commission (EDC) Update
C. Early Childhood Education & Development Fund
Mr. David Jackson
School Board Funding Issues
Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander, School Board Chairman Dr. Gary Childers as well as Staff members Dr. Chris Blanton, Assistant Superintendent and Human Resources Director, and Ms. Ly Marze, Finance Director
A. FY 2025 Funding Needs
B. Schools’ Capital Improvement Plan
Public Safety and Emergency Communications Matters
Mr. Will Holt
A. EMS Updates
B. Communications Updates
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 13, 2024, from 12:00 – 8:00 P.M. and May 14, 2024, 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 2024-2025.
The meeting adjourned at 12:03 P.M.
Larry Turnbow
Chairman, Watauga County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST:
Deron Geouque
County Manager