The Stanly News and Press (Albemarle, NC)

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March 18, 2010

County seeks reimbursements, looks at cost saving ideas

By Jim Lisk, Editor CNHI

Thursday, March 18, 2010 — On Monday evening, the Stanly County Commissioners awarded RDR, Inc. the contract for the U.S. 52 Southside Road Water Project.

RDR, Inc.’s bid of $824,772.50 was the lowest of 18 bids received.

The commissioners also approved Utilities Director Donna Davis request to pursue $285,500 owed Stanly County in reimbursements from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT) for two completed projects. These funds were asked for by Davis in early 2009 and October 2009, but have not been received.

In addition, Davis said that NC DOT is also seeking the one-time reimbursement payment of $36,620 from Stanly County on another water line relocation project.

As a cost savings to the county, County Manager Andy Lucas presented a new cell phone plan for county workers and recommended transitioning the plan from an employer-based plan to an employee-reimbursement plan. Under the plan, employees with Black-berrys will be reimbursed $70 per month and those with standard cell phones will be reimbursed $30 per month.

“It is anticipated this shift will save the county approximately $2,000 annually,” Lucas said.

The commissioners appro-ved a new fire ordinance and a new policy for inter-local agreements between the county and each of its municipalities regarding the new ordinance. Fire Marshal Michael Roark will be meeting with each municipality to explain the new ordinance and agreement policy.

The commissioners also approved the 2010-2011 Com-munity Transportation Pro-gram Application, which will be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for budgeting.

The application requests $227,000 in administrative funds, which will pay for two full-time and two part-time positions, vehicle insurance, drug testing, office operations and other costs. There is a 15-percent local match of $34,050.

The application also re-quests $200,000 in capital funds, which will pay for replacement of two vehicles, vehicle lift replacement, replacement of security system for lot and three mobile radio replacements. There is a 10-percent local match of $20,000 to bring the county’s total match to $54, 050.

The commissioners also approved a new Board of Equalization & Review. Board members approved are: Wilson Barbee (2-year term and will continue as chairman), Reba Smith (4-year term), Richard Cosgrove (4-year term), Anita Blair (2-year term), and Sam Estridge (4-year term).

The commissioners appro-ved a revised formula to determine the amount to be paid to International Automotive Components (IAC) under the Economic Incentive Grant agreement between the City of Albemarle and Stanly County. The agreement pays IAC $95,000 annually and is for five-years. It is based half-and-half on promised capital investment by IAC and actual headcount of employees.

However, due to the sluggish economy, IAC had fallen short on the number of employees as of Dec. 31, 2009 (330 versus 510 employees for 2008). However, IAC had doubled the capital investment. As a result, the payment to IAC was reduced to 82.35 percent of the total, or $78,232.50.

In presenting the proposal, EDC Director Kevin Gullette said: “While IAC has not met employment numbers, it has exceeded their equipment investment as per the contract and this new formula gives them credit for meeting the investment.”

The commissioners appro-ved contracts for cleaning the county’s buildings and lawn care service.

The cleaning contract was awarded to Summer Express Cleaning Service of Norwood. Their bid was the lowest at $125,040 and is an $8,332 savings compared to the $133,332 paid for each of the last five years. The contract is for two years with an extension of one year based on performance.

The lawn service contract was awarded to Spanky’s Lawn Care and Landscaping of Norwood at $36,000 annually, which is a $2,160 annual savings over past five years.



Contact Jim Lisk at (704) 982-2121 ext. 28 or snaponline28@carolina.rr.com.

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