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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED BUDGET OF ALAMANCE COUNTY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Budget, Commissioners, Community, County Manager, County News, Covid-19, General News, Public Events.

The Alamance County Manager has submitted his proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 to the Alamance County Board of Commissioners.  A public hearing on the proposed budget ordinance will be held on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Alamance County Historic Courthouse located at: 1 Court Square, Graham, NC 27253. 

The health and safety of its residents continues to be the highest priority of Alamance County.  Under the Governor’s Executive Order 141 Section 7, governmental operations are exempt from the prohibition on Mass Gatherings.  In recognition of the Governor’s Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmission, there will be limited seating available at the Alamance County Historic Courthouse.  Pursuant to Executive Order 141 Section 4, press will be permitted to attend. All interested citizens wishing to comment on the budget can do so in the following ways:

Oral Comments – Citizens wishing to make oral comments may attend the public hearing on Monday, June 15th at 7:00pm at the Alamance County Historic Courthouse, Graham, NC.  (There will be limited seating available.)

Additionally, persons wishing to submit their public comments orally during the meeting, may do so by telephone.  These persons must provide the Clerk to the Board with their name, address, topic to be discussed, and telephone number by calling 336-290-0403 and leaving a message no later than 9:00 P.M. on June 14th.  Then at the appropriate time during the Commissioners’ meeting on June 15th at 7:00 P.M. the citizen will be called to submit their comments verbally by phone.  

Written Public Comments – Beginning June 4th, citizens are encouraged to submit written public comments for the June 15th budget public hearing: 

  1. A public comment form will be available on the Alamance County website for any persons wishing to submit written comments prior to the start of the meeting.  Written comments received prior to the start of the June 15th meeting will be entered into the record and minutes at the June 15th   Regular Meeting.

The proposed budget ordinance is available online on the Alamance County website:

https://www.alamance-nc.com/finance/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/06/Managers-Recommended-Budget-2020-21-Message-Ordinance.pdf  where it shall remain available until the budget ordinance is adopted.  Copies are available in the offices of the Finance Officer and the Clerk to the Board for public inspection from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. The following is a summary of the proposed General Fund Budget:   

EXPENDITURES

  • General Government – 10,751,597
  • Education & Education Debt – 66,743,861
  • Human Services – 33,174,278
  • Public Safety – 39,338,441
  • Support Services – 6,141,977
  • Community Services – 8,686,053
  • Non-Education Debt Service – 2,779,736

Total – $167,615,943

SOURCES OF FUNDS

  • Property Taxes  – 100,104,666
  • Federal & State Funds – 23,808,570
  • Sales Tax – 24,633,643
  • Fees & Charges – 11,097,500
  • Interest Earnings – 700,000
  • Other Revenues – 2,483,021
  • Designated Fund Balance -1,288,543
  • Appropriated Fund Balance – 3,500,000

Total – $167,615,943

The recommended General Fund Tax Rate is $0.67 per $100 of assessed valuation.  Recommended tax rates for fire districts are:

Fire DistrictCurrent Tax RateProposed Tax Rate
   54 East0.09000.0900
   Altamahaw-Ossipee0.14000.1400
   E. M. Holt0.11750.1175
   East Alamance0.10500.1050
   Eli Whitney/87South0.08000.1100
   Elon0.11000.1200
   Faucette0.11000.1200
   Haw River0.13500.1350
   North Central Alamance0.11500.1150
   North Eastern Alamance0.10000.1000
   Snow Camp0.09500.0950
   Swepsonville0.09000.0900

An overview of the 2020-2021 proposed general fund budget includes:

  • Fiscal year 2020-21 budget totals $209,166,397
  • Property tax rate is recommended to remain at $0.67
  • Property tax revenue is projected to increase due to overall tax base growth by 2.5% or $2,458,374
  • Sales tax revenue is projected to decrease by 20% from projected FY 19-20 amounts.
  • Makes use of $3,500,000 in appropriated fund balance for operations, $1,518,539 less than the previous year’s allocation
  • Uses $1,066,719 in designated funds from sources including revaluation, performance management savings, etc. and $221,824 for grant matching funds
  • Reduces proposed general fund spending by $14,101,278 from budget retreat requests, and $4,289,171 from previous fiscal year general fund spending
  • Eliminates County CIP funding, limits capital equipment to public safety only
  • Provides funding for the Alamance County Capital Finance Plan for ABSS’ and ACC’s proposed bond costs and paygo projects at a reduced level for ABSS due to decreased restricted sales tax revenue
  • Eliminates the 2.0% merit increase for County employees
  • Freezes hiring for 25 full time employee and 5 part time employee positions
  • Adds one new School Resource Officer employee funded by ABSS contract
  • Accommodates required $884,968 increase for employee retirement costs and retiree insurance
  • Reduces education operations spending by $500,000
  • Recommends approval of fire district tax increases for Faucette, Elon and Eli Whitney VFDs

This 3rd day of June 2020.
Tory M. Frink, Clerk to the Board
Alamance County

Alamance Soil and Water Farmer Conservation Assistance Program

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, General News, Soil and Water.

The Alamance Soil and Water Conservation District anticipates receiving its cost share allocation from the State to assist with nonpoint source pollution control from agricultural activities. The funds are available to assist farmers to install conservation practices which help decrease the amount of sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, chemicals and other pollutants in the surface and ground waters of our state.

The District anticipates to receive funding for the program year 2021 in July, 2020. Landowners and operators of existing agricultural operations may apply for cost share assistance to install conservation practices such as grassed waterways, sowing crop fields to grass or trees and livestock exclusion. Funds may also be available to assist farmers who have an inadequate water supply that may be hauling water to livestock and vegetable fields.

Applications for assistance will be accepted starting in July. With limited funding expected, farmers and producers are encouraged to contact the Alamance Soil and Water Conservation District office as soon as possible, the contact information is as follows:

ALAMANCE SOIL & WATER, 209 N. GRAHAM HOPEDALE ROAD, BURLNGTON, NC 27217-0185
PHONE 336-290-0380

PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE ALAMANCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING FOR MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2020

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Commissioners, County News, Covid-19, General News, Public Events.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Alamance County Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2020 at 9 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room located on the 2nd Floor of the County Office Building, 124 West Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253. 

The health and safety of its residents continues to be the highest priority of Alamance County.  Under the Governor’s Executive Order 141 Section 7, governmental operations are exempt from the prohibition on Mass Gatherings.  However, in order to follow the Governor’s Recommendations to Promote Social Distancing and Reduce Transmission, there is no meeting place where members of the public can safely be physically present.   In order to ensure the health and safety of the Board, staff and general public, access to the regular meeting is available in the following 3 ways:

Pursuant to Executive Order 141 Section 4, press will be permitted to attend.

Public Comments – On Sunday, May 31st from 12pm to 9pm citizens are encouraged to submit or register for public comments for the June 1st 9 a.m. County Commissioners’ meeting by two optional ways: 

  1. A public comment form will be available on the Alamance County website for any persons wishing to submit written comments prior to the start of the meeting.  These written comments will be entered into the record and minutes at the June 1st Regular Meeting.; or
  2. Persons wishing to participate in public comments by telephone must provide the Clerk to the Board with their name, address, topic to be discussed, and telephone number by calling 336-290-0403 and leaving a message.  Then at the appropriate time during the Commissioners’ meeting on June 1st at 9 a.m. the citizen will be called to submit their comments verbally by phone. 

All County policies regarding the 3 minute limit per comment and number of public comments in the 30 minute period will apply.  A copy of this Notice shall be posted on the bulletin board located outside of the Commissioners’ Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor of the County Office Building.  A copy of the Notice shall be sent to all parties who have requested and receive notification of any changes in the Commissioners’ Regular Meeting schedule.

This 28th day of May 2020.

Alamance County’s Response to Questions Regarding the Reopening of ACE Speedway

Written by Joseph Magyar on . Posted in Commissioner Statements, Commissioners, County News, Covid-19, General News, Public Safety.

Alamance County Government officials were puzzled by Governor Cooper’s comments regarding ACE Speedway during the media update on Tuesday, May 26, since no one from the Governor’s office has reached out directly to the county, even after the county requested guidance and input. Local governments across North Carolina have asked repeatedly to have a voice in how the COVID restrictions impact their communities. However, those requests have not been addressed.

Alamance County Government has repeatedly reached out to Governor Cooper and NCDHHS for guidance in how to assist ACE Speedway to operate in a safe manner.

Alamance County sent a letter to the Governor on April 20, requesting that a regional approach to reopening be considered and that local governments participate in decision making. The County has not received a direct response to its letter.

On May 11, 2020, Alamance County Government officials, Jason Turner of ACE Speedway, and Matt Gross, the Assistant Secretary for Government Affairs at the NC Department of Health and Human Services, participated in a conference call, discussing how ACE Speedway could safely operate during Phase 2. Mr. Gross stated that it was not known whether Phase 2 would begin on May 22 and that it was not known what capacity businesses such as ACE Speedway could expect, but it would likely be between 25-50% of fire code. A document entitled, “Precaution Requirements for ACE Speedway” was developed through collaboration between NCDHHS, the Alamance County Health Department, and ACE Speedway. Jason Turner assured Alamance County on multiple occasions that he intended to follow the recommended protocols at ACE Speedway.

After reviewing Executive Order 141 on Wednesday, May 20, Alamance County had questions about its applicability and enforcement. On Thursday, May 21, at 9:00 a.m., Alamance County Government officials, Robert Turner of ACE Speedway, and Matt Gross of DHHS participated in a conference call. Mr. Gross was made aware of Alamance County’s concerns and questions. He stated that, not being an attorney, he could not advise the county, and he promised to forward the county’s concerns to the Governor’s staff and that someone would get back to the county. Alamance County has yet to hear directly from anyone with the Governor’s staff, NCDHHS, or anyone
else in State government.

The health and safety of its residents continues to be the highest priority of Alamance County. Alamance County has investigated the precautions taken last Saturday night at ACE Speedway, and has verified the following: 2550 spectators on a 50 acre property (approximately 50% of fire capacity); rosters for contact tracing were provided; 10 feet distance between each car in the pit area; recommended masks and 6 feet social distancing in pit area; multiple hand sanitizer stations provided; precaution signage; Plexiglas partitions where appropriate; marks of 6 feet of spacing in lines and high traffic areas; one-way arrows for traffic through the restrooms; public announcements every 30 minutes to remind spectators to social distance and wash hands; restrooms and other public areas sanitized regularly; and limits on the number of people in the infield and outfield.

Alamance County’s Response to ACE Speedway

Written by Joseph Magyar on . Posted in Announcements, Commissioner Statements, Commissioners, Community, County Attorney, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Public Safety.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5/22/20

Upon learning that ACE Speedway intends to reopen on May 23, Alamance County has decided not to prohibit its reopening during Phase 2 of Governor Cooper’s plan to reopen North Carolina.

Over the past month, ACE Speedway has communicated extensively with the Alamance County Department of Public Health regarding recommended precautions in an effort to reduce potential exposures. ACE plans to implement several precautions, including screening attendees and providing rosters to the Health Department to facilitate contact tracing, in the event it is needed. In addition, ACE will maintain 10 feet distance between each car in the pit area, recommend masks for crews and 6 feet social distancing in the pit area, provide alcohol hand sanitizer solution at multiple areas (minimum of 10 stations) on infield premises, and provide precaution signage at the entrance, bathrooms, tech shed, and fuel and tire areas. Areas will be marked off in the grandstands to support social distancing. Bathrooms will be disinfected regularly and high touch areas will be disinfected every hour. Special precautions will be taken when dropping off wheels to be mounted and picked up and at fuel drop off. Plexiglas partitions have been installed where needed. The number of persons in the infield and outfield have been limited.

County Attorney Clyde Albright said, “The Exemptions listed in Section 4 of Executive Order 141 include activities constituting the exercise of First Amendment rights, which include the right to peaceably assemble. This exemption retroactively applies to earlier Executive Orders. Significantly, the Governor’s language in the Exemption has changed from ‘order’ to ‘strongly urges’. The Governor recognizes that he may only urge people engaged in exercising First Amendment rights to practice social distancing and other disease control measures. He cannot Constitutionally limit the number of people who can peaceably assemble under the First Amendment. The Temporary Restraining Order

issued last Friday by United States District Judge James C. Dever, III, in the lawsuit Berean et al versus Governor Roy A. Cooper, held that the earlier Executive Orders violate the freedom to attend worship services protected by the First Amendment. Because the right to peaceably assemble is also a First Amendment right, if Alamance County were to attempt to restrict the operation of a business not otherwise restricted by Executive Order 141 then such action may itself be in violation of the First Amendment.”

Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson stated, “When I took my oath of office, I swore to uphold the United States Constitution. I will not enforce an unconstitutional law. Upon hearing the opinion of the County Attorney, I do not intend to stop ACE Speedway from opening on Saturday, May 23.”

All Alamance County residents are strongly encouraged to follow the recommendations to promote social distancing and reduce transmission, including maintaining at least six feet from other individuals, wearing a face mask, using hand sanitizer, frequently washing hands, and remaining home if sick. Alamance County is committed to protecting the health and safety of its residents, while recognizing that Americans have freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

Media inquiries should be directed to County Attorney Clyde Albright at Clyde.Albright@alamance-nc.com or Health Director Stacie Saunders at Stacie.Saunders@alamance-nc.com.

Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Assistance

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Community, Covid-19, Public Safety.

Meals on Wheels received a grant that allows them to provide temporary
service for seniors affected by the Coronavirus. This benefits seniors age 60 and older in Alamance County that are no longer leaving home as they usually would, due to Covid-19.

If you or someone you know is in need of home delivered meals during this time, please give them a call at 336-228-8815.

CANE CREEK MOUNTAINS NATURAL AREA OPENS MAY 22, 2020 – BY RESERVATION ONLY

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Covid-19, General News, Public Safety, Recreation.

BURLINGTON, N.C.– Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area opens to the public on May 22, 2020. The Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of development in the new park and includes 3.5 miles of trail. Hikers will enjoy rolling piedmont hills, abundant creeks and streams, and some of the best views in Alamance County.

Due to current social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19, the park is open by reservation only. Visitors can secure a reservation at the park by visiting alamance.recdesk.com. Reservations are available to groups of 10 or less in 3-hour time slots during which they will have exclusive access to the park.

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is located at: 5075 Bass Mountain Rd, Snow Camp, NC 27349. For more information, visit www.alamanceparks.com.

About Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area

Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is located 8 miles south of the City of Graham in the Cane Creek Mountains Range, a Piedmont Monadnock range. The mountain range comprises the largest State Natural Heritage Area and the largest area of undisturbed woodland in Alamance County. The property contains four miles of streams and supports Piedmont Monadnock Forest, Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forests, as well as low elevation seeps. The area contains plants and animals found nowhere else in Alamance County and is home to the highest peak in North Carolina east of Greensboro at 987 feet.

Upon completion, the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area will total over 1,000 acres. The development of the park will continue over the next several years.

The Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area is a partnership between The Conservation Fund, Piedmont Land Conservancy, and Alamance Parks. Funding support has been received from Clean Water Management Trust Fund, North Carolina Recreational Trails Program, North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and private donors.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE ALAMANCE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS’ REGULAR MEETING FOR MONDAY, MAY 18th, 2020

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Commissioners, County News, Covid-19, General News, Public Events.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Alamance County Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18th, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room located on the 2nd Floor of the County Office Building, 124 West Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253. 

In order to comply with the Governor’s Executive Order 121, which places limits on mass gatherings to 10 persons, there is no meeting place where members of the public can be physically present.  In order to ensure the health and safety of the Board, staff and general public, access to the regular meeting is available in the following 3 ways:

Public Comments – On Sunday, May 17thfrom 12 pm to 9 pm the citizens are encouraged to submit or register for public comments for the May 18th, 7 p.m. County Commissioners’ meeting by two optional ways: 

  • A public comment form will be available on the Alamance County website for any persons wishing to submit written comments prior to the start of the meeting.  These written comments will be entered into the record and minutes at the May 18th Regular Meeting.; or
  • Persons wishing to participate in public comments by telephone must provide the Clerk to the Board with their name, address, topic to be discussed, and telephone number by calling 336-290-0403 and leaving a message.  Then at the appropriate time during the Commissioners’ meeting on May 18th at 7 p.m. the citizen will be called to submit their comments verbally by phone. 

All County policies regarding the 3 minute limit per comment and number of public comments in the 30 minute period will apply.  A copy of this Notice shall be posted on the bulletin board located outside of the Commissioners’ Meeting Room on the 2nd Floor of the County Office Building.  A copy of the Notice shall be sent to all parties who have requested and receive notification of any changes in the Commissioners’ Regular Meeting schedule.

This 14th day of May 2020.

5-14-20-Notice-of-Public-Meeting-for-May-18th (PDF)Download

Alamance County Health Department Identifies Outbreak at Skilled Nursing Facility

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Covid-19, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at the skilled nursing facility Peak Resources in Graham. Currently, two cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the facility. Both confirmed cases are among the staff. There have been no cases identified in residents at this time. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two confirmed cases within a facility.

“We remain dedicated to the well-being and safety of our residents and employees,” said Jeff Cochran, Administrator at Peak Resources Alamance. “Protecting the health of those we care for and the community we service remains our highest priority. We are making every effort to ensure we stop the spread of the Coronavirus within our facility. We are extremely proud of our staff members and their rapid and diligent response in handling a very unique and difficult situation.”

Cochran further stated, “Since late January, we have been closely following the guidelines established by the CDC, CMS, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and the NC Division of Public Health. We will remain in active communication with the local and state health officials to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps,” stated Mr. Cochran.

The Health Department will deploy public health staff to the facility on May 13 to collect specimen for testing for all residents at the facility.

Additionally, the health department will deploy public health staff to collect specimen for all facility staff on May 14.

“Peak Resources has been in contact with our staff for several weeks now receiving technical assistance, consulting on guidance, implementing precautions and taking steps to help prevent illness in the facility,” stated Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is unfortunate that the facility has experienced two cases among its staff. We commend Peak Resources for promptly notifying the health department of risks and proactively working with our health department to collect specimen for testing from asymptomatic residents and staff in order to help prevent further spread.”

Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since that time, a total of 183 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 90 have been released from isolation and 85 remain active and in isolation. Included in the remaining active cases, ten are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been eight COVID-19 related deaths.

“We continue to see newly confirmed cases in our general population, as well. As collection and testing access increases in our area, we are likely to identify more cases,” states Health Director Stacie Saunders. “It is important to use the precautions like washing your hands, wearing face coverings, and keeping your distance from others in order to protect yourself and also those you care about.”

Media Partners: Questions regarding the facility should be directed to Jeff Cochran at jcochran@peakresourcesinc.com.

NC DHHS will be reporting twice-weekly congregate living facility surveillance reports on their website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19/covid-19-nc-case-count#by-congregateliving

First Rabies Case of 2020 Confirmed in Alamance County

Written by Alamance Webmaster on . Posted in Announcements, Community, County News, Environmental Health, General News, Health, Public Safety.

BURLINGTON – On May 5, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s first case of rabies for the year.

On May 2, Burlington Animal Services was notified that a raccoon and a dog were in an altercation on Center Street in Burlington; however, the dog lives on Chandler Court in Burlington. Burlington Animal Services sent the raccoon to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the raccoon was positive for rabies. The dog was not up-to-date on vaccinations and was euthanized. Two adults were exposed to the raccoon. The health department is assisting both individuals with accessing post-exposure treatment.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this raccoon and notify Animal Control or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

It is North Carolina law that cats and dogs be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should occur when the dog or cat is no more than 4 months of age; the second vaccination is required no more than a year later and then again every three years.

If you are bitten by any animal:

  • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
  • Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

Last year, Alamance County had seven confirmed animal cases of rabies.
For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.