May 25, 2017 at 7:00 PM - Regular Meeting

I. Call Meeting to Order    (Mayor Pro-Tem Nelson)

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Approval of the Agenda

IV. Consent Agenda

IV.A. Consider May 9, 2017 BOC Minutes

V. Strategic Economic Development Planning Process 

V.A. Presentation of the Draft Economic Development Plan (Bruce McDonald, NCSU)

V.B. Question and Answer period related to the proposed NCSU plan.

VI. BREAK (7:50 - 8:00 PM)

VII. Public Hearing at 8:00 PM (Mayor Pro-Tem Nelson)

VII.A. Comment and Input related to the Proposed $0.01 Fire Tax Increase Effective July 1, 2017.

VIII. New Business (Mayor Pro-Tem Nelson)

VIII.A. Consider Johnston County Interlocal Agreement for Fire Protection Services (Alan Johnson)

VIII.B. Consider the April 2017 Financials (Kim Pickett)

VIII.C. Consider Budget Amendment #10 (Kim Pickett)

VIII.D. Consider appointment of William (Bob) Johnson, Jr. to Benson Museum Board of Directors

VIII.E. Consider appointment of Sherry Lockamy to the Benson Planning Board ETJ seat.

VIII.F. Consider proposal to contract with VC3 as the Town of Benson IT vendor effective on May 26, 2017. 

VIII.F.1. Provide the Town Manager with authority to engage VC3 for IT services beginning May 26, 2017.

VIII.F.2. Estimated cost for services is $8,280 through June 30, 2017

VIII.G. Presentation of the DRAFT FY 17/18 Town of Benson Budget (Matt Zapp)

VIII.G.1. A total proposed budget of $11,018,990 for FY 17/18 (year ending June 30, 2018).

VIII.G.1.a. Includes a $0.01 Fire Tax increase; bringing the Town of Benson property tax rate to $0.54 

VIII.G.1.b. Includes an increase of $1.50 per month in the base sewer charge for all customers (July 1, 2017)

VIII.G.1.c. Includes a 5.5% residential electric rate reduction (July 1, 2017)

VIII.G.1.d. Includes a 3% CPI rate adjustment in curbside services for trash, recycling and yard waste cans (Jan 1, 2018)

VIII.G.2. Includes the use of $106,000 in Fund Balance Reserve from the General Fund

VIII.G.2.a. $60,000 to purchase 2 new BPD vehicles

VIII.G.2.b. $46,000 toward the annual asphalt paving project

VIII.G.2.b.1. Combined with $104,000 in Powell Bill Funds will allow for $150,000 in paving needs

VIII.G.3. Includes the following personnel additions and/or rehires

VIII.G.3.a. Fulltime Economic Development Director

VIII.G.3.b. Part time Administrative Assistant for the Public Works Department

VIII.G.3.c. Fulltime Janitorial / Facility Rental role for Town Hall

IX. Town Manager Report    (Matt Zapp)

IX.A. The NCSU Strategic Economic Development process calendar. 

IX.B. Purchase Order Approval over $10,000

IX.B.1. Approval to purchase a Ground Penetrating Radar at a cost of $13,900

IX.C. Upcoming events and meeting dates

IX.C.1. Tues June 11, 2017 at 7:00 PM: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting and Public Hearing related to the FY 17/18 Budget

IX.C.2. June 16-17, 2017: Hwy 301 Endless Yardsale

IX.C.3. June 23-25, 2017: State Annual Singing Convention 

IX.C.4. Thurs June 28, 2017 at 7:00 PM:  Board of Commissioners Meeting; Final presentation of the NCSU led Economic Development Plan

IX.C.5. Tues July 4, 2017:  Town Facilities Closed/ July 4th Celebration in the Singing Grove

X. Board of Commissioners Report    (Commissioners)

XI. Mayor Report   (Mayor Pro-Tem Nelson)

XII. Information Only

XIII. Adjourn the Meeting  (Mayor Massengill)