MINUTES
WATAUGA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2021, & TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2021
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on Monday, February 8, 2021, and Tuesday, February 9, 2021, in order to conduct a budget retreat to review goals and objectives for the County. The meetings originated in the Community Room at the Community Recreation Center, Boone, North Carolina.
PRESENT: John Welch, Chairman
Billy Kennedy, Vice-Chairman
Carrington Pertalion, Commissioner
Charlie Wallin, Commissioner
Larry Turnbow, Commissioner
Deron Geouque, County Manager
Misty Watson, Finance Director
Lunch was provided at 12:00 P.M. Chairman Welch called the meeting to order on Monday, February 8, 2021, at 1:05 P.M., welcoming those in attendance. Charlie Wallin arrived at 1:20 P.M.
The following topics were discussed:
Opening Remarks
Mr. Deron Geouque
FY 2021 Review and Discussion of 2022 Budget
Ms. Misty Watson
1. Revenues
2. Expenditures
3. Debt Service Report
4. Budget Calendar
5. Special Appropriations
Review of Current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Mr. Deron Geouque & Mr. Robert Marsh
1. Current CIP Status Report
2. Courtroom # 2 Renovations
3. Valle Crucis Elementary School
4. East Annex Building Program
5. Courthouse and Administration Roof Replacements
6. County Facilities Assessment Update
7. Courthouse Parking
8. Recreation Fields
a. Tennis Courts
b. Basketball Courts
c. Pickleball Courts
9. Community Recreation Center Update
10. Library
11. Habitat Road Request
12. School Facilities
Break from 2:58 P.M. to 3:25 P.M.
Chairman Welch rejoined the meeting at 3:41 P.M. due to a prior commitment during the break.
Sanitation Matters
Mr. Rex Buck
1. Organics Recycling Market Study
2. Facility Upgrades
Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
Dr. Mark Poarch
Tourism Development Authority (TDA)
Mr. Matt Vincent and Mr. Wright Tilley
Appalachian District Health
Ms. Jennifer Greene
Watauga Medics
Mr. Craig Sullivan
1. Annual Report
2. Future Needs
Public Safety and Emergency Communications Systems Study Update
Mr. Will Holt
County Manager’s Summary
Mr. Deron Geouque
A recess was declared at 6:28 P.M. The meeting reconvened on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 9:07 A.M.
Middle Fork Greenway Update
Ms. Wendy Patoprsty
Minimum Housing Standards
Mr. Joe Furman
Census 2020
Mr. Joe Furman
Broadband Update
Mr. Joe Furman
2022 Revaluation
Mr. Larry Warren
Employee Compensation and Retention Plan
Mr. Deron Geouque
Break from 10:30 A.M. to 10:38 A.M.
School Board Funding Issues
Superintendent Dr. Scott Elliott, School Board Members: Dr. Gary Childers, and Dr. Jay Fenwick, as well as Staff members: Ms. Ly Marze, Mr. Jeff Troxler, Ms. Tamara Stamey, and Dr. Stephen Martin
1. FY 2022 Funding Needs
2. Schools’ Capital Improvement Plan
Miscellaneous & Commissioner Matters
Mr. Deron Geouque
Wrap up, Goals, Objectives, and Board Directives
Budget work sessions were set for May 13, 2021, from 12:00 to 8:00 P.M. and May 14, 2021, from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
The County Manager concluded the retreat by reviewing the issues discussed and seeking direction from the Board for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
The meeting adjourned at 11:46 A.M.
John Welch
Chairman, Watauga County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST: Deron Geouque, County Manager