BC 2016 05 16 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 16, 2016 (Regular Meeting) Page 2739 and increased participation in these activities, available funds provided more programs than originally planned. 9. The Board of Commissioners initiated Elected Official Summits that brought all County and municipal elected officials together each quarter. At the summits, the elected officials discuss current issues and ways to collaborate in the future to address these issues through unified effort. Important issues discussed at the summits included: plans for growth, school capital needs, transportation and public safety. Staff is already planning future meetings to continue the momentum. FY17 Budget Highlights, Priorities and Issues 1_ The Board of Commissioners continued to .focus its efforts on the following: A. Planning, growth and economic development B. Communication and public education C. Enhanced programs and services, while providing excellent customer service D. Public safety E. Transportation and mobility All of these efforts played a major role in Board and staff activities throughout the year. A February 2016 scientific survey of Cabarrus County residents found that these issues continue to rate as priorities to our residents. A closer look at the survey find that among residents with an opinion, 79% indicated they were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the overall quality of County services offered to citizens and 68% indicated they were either "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the value received for tax dollars and fees — both significantly higher than the national average. In areas of satisfaction with customer service, Cabarrus rated significantly higher than the U.S. average in all categories, which include way customer was treated, accuracy of information /assistance given, responsiveness of staff, ease of contact and how well employees handled issues. 2. The Board of Commissioners collaborated with the City of Concord, Convention and Visitors Bureau, North Carolina Department of Transportation ( NCDOT) , and several property owners in the Concord Mills /Charlotte Motor Speedway corridor on transportation. Together, they planned and advocated for potential State and Federal funding to support transportation improvements that will alleviate current and future congestion on Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord Mill Blvd., Weddington Rd. and Derita Rd. As a result, the NCDOT and City of Concord committed future funding to make several improvements over the next few years. 3. The FYl'7 budget includes funding to cover the new debt service in the amount of $7,024,013 for the construction of the three new schools: Mount Pleasant Middle School, Kannapolis Middle School and Royal Oaks Elementary School. In addition, the budget includes funding that will cover increased current expenses, including funding raises, increasing supplements, providing bonuses, minimizing increased health insurance costs, etc. for certified and non - certified school employees. Additional recurring Public School current expense funds for FY17 are proposed as $4,836,800. 4. A product of our growth is an increase in building and the need for additional inspectors within our Construction Standards department. The proposed budget includes funding for two additional inspectors and increased hours to bring an existing part -time position to full time. These additional inspectors will help staff keep daily inspections at a reasonable level and keep our builders moving forward in a productive manner. 5. EMS will implement phase II of the conversion from 24- to 12- hour work shifts in the proposed budget. The budget includes the required new positions to complete the process, along with the necessary funding to support them. 6. Emergency Management will reinstate an Emergency Planner position.