NASH COUNTY
Annual
Annual
Report
Report
FISCAL YEAR
2003
Universal Leaf North America
www.co.nash.nc.us
Page 2 - Nash County Annual Report 2003
To the Board of Commissioners and the
citizens of Nash County:
Contained herein is a report on the activities of
the Nash County government for the fiscal year able to add the four paramedics needed to station
July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003. The report a quick response vehicle in the area north of
includes summaries of county revenues and Nashville. Our emergency services personnel were
expenditures as well as descriptions of departmen- concerned about response times in this growing
tal activities during the preceding fiscal year. My area of the county and the financial contributions
fellow employees and I hope this report will show from the two towns helped us address this concern
that we are working hard to put to good use the sooner rather than later.
tax dollars that are entrusted to us. We were able during the year to continue to
The county commissioners and staff were advance our efforts to make county services easier
guided by a spending plan for Fiscal-Year 2002- to access. The Tax Office implemented its online
2003 that reflected the difficult economic times real property search service, which enables the
in which it was developed. The Board reduced public to obtain information on any taxable parcel
general county governmental spending, but was in the county. Work also began in the Register of
able to increase by three percent the county con- Deeds Office on developing an online index of all
tributions to school and community college oper- real estate filings and other recorded documents.
ational budgets. Finding a means to increase The county’s MIS department used grant funding
funding during a period of profound fiscal stress to provide new computers, printers and high-
demonstrated the board’s commitment to doing speed Internet access at the Middlesex and Spring
everything possible to maintain quality public Hope libraries. Finally, the county web page was
educational programs in the county. As you will remodeled and now includes complete commis-
see in the financial information included in this sion meeting agenda packets and other informa-
report, the county spent almost 30% of our total Robert M. Murphy tion of interest to the public.
general fund expenditures on education. respond to a pressing need in the area of emer- The county board of commissioners and its staff
Though budgetary constraints allowed few gency medical services. Through a partnership are committed to providing the best possible
county service expansions, the Board was able to with the towns of Red Oak and Dortches, we were county services at the least possible cost. I hope
this report gives the reader some indication of
how we are doing in satisfying that commitment.
If you have any questions or comments about any-
County Commissioners thing contained in this report, please email me at
rm.murphy@ncmail.net
Sincerely,
Robert M. Murphy
County Manager
Tax Administration
The Nash County Tax Office increased the county-wide col-
lection rate by a half of percent, pushing the total rate to 96.18
and collecting close to 37 million dollars for the 2002-2003
fiscal year. The Tax Office mailed approximately 146,000 bills
last year which included real and personal property and regis-
tered motor vehicles. In January, 2003, the Tax Office, ROK
Inc., and the Nash County MIS made all the tax maps and real
property record cards and associated data available to the public
on the internet. This technology allows anyone to find any
information concerning the location or appraisal data of a piece
of real estate located in Nash County. This information can be
reached at The Nash County Web Site - www.co.nash.nc.us .
Nash County also offers the ability to get direct access to the
same data on a public access system through the same Internet
Nash County Commissioners (Front Row L to R) Wayne Moore — Clerk, J. Claude Mayo, Jr. — site. The Nash County Tax Office’s Goal is to provide as much
Chairman, Lou M. Richardson, and Robert Murphy — County Manager. (Back Row L to R): Vince information and help to the public as requested and to give the
Durham — County Attorney, Jay Alford, Fred Belfield, Jr., Robbie B. Davis, Billy Morgan and best customer service possible. We invite the public to visit our
Tommy May. web site or come by our office for any information we can
provide.
Nash County Annual Report 2003 - Page 3
Finance
The Finance Department is the hub of the wheel of county government.
Every department and agency has involvement with Finance on some level.
Functions of Finance include collecting and recording county receipts, pur-
chase and payment of goods and services, paying approximately 570 employees,
overseeing budget process, safeguarding county assets including investment of
cash, monitoring debt levels and payment, and providing accurate, timely
financial data to the public. For twelve consecutive years, Nash Finance has
received national recognition for its financial statements through the Certifi-
cate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Nash County Finance operates with a staff of six and a budget of $386,000.
As Nash County continues to grow, the demand for services also grows placing
a heavier burden on existing resources. Nash County Finance, however, is
committed to providing quality service at a reasonable and effective cost while
continually striving to find savings for the citizens.
Highlights of the Year
• Obtained 12th Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting
• Implemented paperless purchase requisition process for all county
departments
• Transferred billing & collecting functions of Water/Sewer to new
Utilities Department
• Attained savings of $42,000 in Travel through use of county
vehicles vs. mileage reimbursement
• Refinanced debt resulting in $75,000 savings
• Realized $85,000 reduction in phone expense through updated
equipment
• Closed out project funding for Hurricane Floyd Disaster Recovery
totaling $10,812,000
• Implemented Procurement Card purchasing process for all county
departments
Management Information Services
The MIS Department supports a local area network that connects approxi- libraries in Middlesex and Spring Hope were provided with new computers, The MIS department was also centrally involved in a complete upgrade of
mately 250 county employees in six county offices in Nashville and Rocky printers and high-speed Internet access for a one-year period. the county phone system. The new PBX system is managed in house by the
Mount. We support each Department and each employee in all computer During the past year, we have implemented an online Real Property Search MIS Department which will save the County thousands of dollars in phone
related issues and are involved in every aspect of technology for the County. service (www.gis.co.nash.nc.us) and also a Public Inquiry System expenses each month.
Our goal is to assist each fellow County Employee in becoming more efficient (www.co.nash.nc.us) to enable the public to access data related to taxable Please visit our website at www.co.nash.nc.us. We are continually seeking
at what they do by maintaining the highest level of technology support properties located in Nash County. In the fall of 2003, the Register of Deeds input to make our website a more useful tool. You may email suggestions to us at
possible. office will have an online index of Real Estate filings and other recorded docu- nash.county.webmaster@ncmail.net or call (252) 459-1788.
We are continually redeveloping our county website to better address citi- ments as those are made available.
zens’ needs. Our site was recently recognized as a “Best Practices” model by
E-NC (www.e-nc.org). E-NC is the grassroots initiative to link all North
Carolinians - especially those in rural areas - to the Internet. Also, through a
Public Access grant from the Rural Internet Access Authority and E-NC, Soil and Water
The Nash Soil and Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources • Emergency Watershed Protection - Debris Removal and Stream bank
Elections Conservation Service are committed to Conservation Excellence in Nash
County. Our partner agencies provide cost and technical assistance for resource
management systems implementation to farmers and landowners in Nash
Stabilization - After Hurricane Floyd, most creeks in Nash County were
littered with woody debris increasing the potential for flooding during small
rain events. A federal contract was obtained to remove debris. The process
WHAT an eventful year for the Nash County Board of Elections and County. has taken three years but should be completed by the end of this year. Sites
staff! In 2002 the General Assembly came into Extra Session to redraw Over the past four years 149,061 tons of soil was saved through erosion included Stony Creek, Sapony Creek, Pig Basket Creek, Swift Creek, Toisnot
district lines for the State House and the State Senate and, in an historic reduction techniques essential to enhancing the county’s water supplies. Creek, Turkey Creek, Tar River and several of its tributaries. Our Emergency
move, delayed the 2002 primaries from May to September. Every 10 years Approximately $ 590,000 in cost assistance was utilized through the Watershead Protection Projects also includes three stream restoration sites for
after the United States Census, the legislature must redraw the district Environmental Quality Incentive Program, North Carolina Agriculture Cost the city of Rocky Mount.
lines for the United States House of Representatives, the State Senate and Share Program and North Carolina EPA 319 Grant Funds to acquire these Community Outreach Initiatives
the State House of Representatives. Lawsuits filed challenging the State environmental benefits. Good water quality is vital to Nash County Citizens in • After several years of environmental education sessions at NC Wesleyan
House and Senate districts as unconstitutional forced the primaries to be order to sustain their quality of life. Local conservation efforts continue to College, Nash Community College, and Edgecombe Community College,
delayed until September 2002. Due to the compressed election cycle the impact the water quality of areas downstream. Our broad range of services the Nash District is providing internship opportunities for interested
legislature eliminated the second primary altogether. Both actions - setting expands to include: students.
the primary in September and eliminating the second primary - were for Environmental/ Conservation Education Community Service Projects
2002 only. Commissioner and School Board district lines were also • Each year Nash Soil and Water provides a week long Ecology Field Day • Loblolly Pine, Long Leaf Pine and Red Cedar tree seedling sales are provided
redrawn and all the changes had to be implemented before the start of the activities to the county 4th grade students. to the general public to promote conservation stewardship throughout the
candidacy-filing period. • County 4th, 5th and 6th grade students participate in a poster and essay county.
In addition to conducting statewide and local primaries in September contest that promotes conservation of our natural resources. Winning • A no-till drill with a warm season grass planting attachment is available to
2002, the City of Rocky Mount Municipal Election was held simulta- students from each participating school are recognized during an annual local farmers. The drill was acquired through a grant from the clean water
neously due to delays in the city ward districts preventing the election to awards program held at the Ag. Center Auditorium. thrust fund.
take place as scheduled in 2001. The City of Rocky Mount Municipal • Nash Soil and Water sponsors Envirothon, a competition for middle and Urban Conservation Technical Assistance
Election voted 3,688 - 25% of the eligible registered voters. Nash County high school five-member teams to compete in a natural resources knowledge • Conservation staff provides technical assistance to local homeowners with
voters cast 12,606 ballots in the Primary Election - 23% of the registered event. The event stimulates, reinforces and enhances students’ interest in the drainage and erosion control problems.
voters and 26,071 ballots in the General Election - 48.4 % of the registered environment and our states’ natural resources. Our agencies performance accomplishments have ranked 5th in the State of
voters. In 2002, one-stop no-excuse absentee voting was implemented for • Southern Nash FFA firebirds again advanced to the State Envirothon North Carolina. Performance goals include conservation systems, treatments,
both the Primary and the General Election. 537 voters for the Primary Competition. This year the team scored in the top five in the Current buffers; customers assisted and resource inventory and evaluations. The agencies
Election and 2,519 voters for the General Election came to the Agricul- Environmental Issues Portion of the competition. pledge to provide quality service to our customers while committed to conserve
ture Center to cast their ballot early. our natural resources.
N.C. Cooperative Extension Nash County
North Carolina Cooperative Extension is an educational partner- community and rural development. Educational activities include On a daily basis, the Cooperative Extension staff distributes infor-
ship that helps people put research base knowledge to work for eco- on-farm visits, classroom teaching, public meetings, and actual demon- mation to Nash County citizens on subjects ranging from controlling
nomic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and to improve the strations of new technology. A local advisory leadership system pro- household pests and pond weeds to family health, safe food preserva-
quality of life. This is accomplished through a unique but traditional vides both program assistance and a sense of program priority that is tion, and crop and livestock production. Nash continues to be one of
partnership between Nash County government and our land grant needed for Nash County. North Carolina’s major agricultural production counties. Cooperative
universities, N.C. A&T State University and North Carolina State Volunteerism and local support are the backbone of Cooperative Extension notifies farmers and agribusiness of impending insect and
University. Cooperative Extension is charged with providing informal Extension’s educational efforts. Taxpayer dollars are multiplied crop disease threats through the use of newsletter, broadcast fax and
educational opportunities in the four major program areas of: Agricul- through the volunteered efforts of Master Gardeners, 4-H club leaders, Ag FLASH email. Nash Extension agents actively participate in
ture, 4-H and youth development, family and consumer science, and research plot cooperators, and countless others. on-farm research projects, expecting research results to eventually con-
tribute to Nash farm income.
Page 4 - Nash County Annual Report 2003 Nash County Annual Report 2003 - Page 5
Nash County Public Utilities Department
The Nash County Public Utilities Department began Nash County, which serves over 300 water and sewer
operating April 1, 2003 with a purpose to manage and operate customers, put its first area in service along NC Highway 97 east
the County water and wastewater systems. The Public Utilities of Rocky Mount in December 2001. Since then, the County has
Department is located in the County Administration Building - continued to plan for and implement expansions in order to
on the 3rd floor across from the elevator on the north side. further serve its citizens.
Patsy King is the Director of Development, Scott Farmer is the
Public Utilities Coordinator, and Beth Massengale is the Public
Utilities Specialist.
Below are listed some accomplishments from Fiscal Year
2002-2003.
• NC Highway 58 Area: Construction of water and sewer
View from
improvements to serve customers along NC Highway 58 from
A Grant Is -
Nashville to the Universal Leaf North America site is
complete. Nash County owns the portion of the
infrastructure from approximately Vick Road to Universal
inside the
Leaf. The County, the Town of Nashville, the US Economic
A grant, an award of financial assistance, may cover the
full cost or a portion of the cost of a project. Nash County
often obtains grants for some of the costs of public utility
projects and supports additional costs with local funds. Nash
Development Administration, the NC Commerce Finance
Center and the NC Rural Economic Development Center all
contributed funding for the approximately $5 million project,
which is expected to create over 1,100 jobs at Universal Leaf.
tower
County relies on federal, state, local and foundation grants. • Highway 97 Sewer Expansion: Nash County has secured
Examples of federal grants used for water and sewer funding to construct sewer improvements to serve Fawn
projects include: the US Department of Commerce Industries and Triangle East Tooling on Highway 97 east of
Economic Development Administration and the US the Rocky Mount-Wilson Airport. Six grants will fund the
Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Examples of almost $300,000 project, which is expected to save 50 jobs
state grants include: the Community Development Block and create 65 new jobs. Construction is expected to begin in
Grant for Economic Development, the Industrial July 2003.
Development Fund, and the NC Eastern Region • Free Hook-Up Grant: The County was awarded a $75,000
Environmental Grant. A local grant may be awarded by 2002 CDBG Hook-Up Grant from the NC Division of
sources like the Nash County Tourism Development Community Assistance. The grant will pay for the
Authority or Carolinas Gateway Partnership. Foundation construction of water and sewer hook-ups for low-income
grants from the NC Rural Economic Development Center, and moderate-income homeowners and tenants located along
Golden LEAF Foundation, and the NC Tobacco Trust Fund existing Nash County water and sewer lines. Applications are
can also be used to help fund water and sewer projects. being taken and the County plans to add 15 water and five
sewer customers by December 2003.
• Water and Sewer Master Plan: A grant from the NC Rural
Southern Nash Economic Development Center is helping fund a County
Water and Sewer Master Plan. The plan will help County
leaders prioritize future expansions of its public utilities.
County Leadership Along with the Master Plan, the County is also preparing
policies and procedures, minimum specifications, and an
updated fee schedule for water and sewer services.
Seminar • Gateway Technology Center: The Public Utilities
Department is assisting in securing funds for the Gateway
Technology Center, a state-of-the-art training facility to be
Business leaders from Southern Nash County participated in
a joint project to discuss growth issues facing the southern part located on the NC Wesleyan College campus in Rocky
of the county. Participants learned about relationships between Mount. Undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate
development options and county financing, impacts on schools engineering, science and business courses will be taught
and other services, and issues in farmland preservation. Presen- on-site and via distance learning to college students and
tations included economic development, transportation plan- working professionals. The facility, which is expected to help
ning, workforce training, and introduced tools for guiding land Nash County retain and attract higher-wage employers, is
development, and preserving farmland and open space. Partici- estimated to cost about $3 million. Public Utilities staff
pants identified and ranked their ideas for the future, then assisted with a grant application to the US Economic
presented findings to local mayors, town and county commis- Development Administration for $1,315,000; an invitation
sioners and planning board members from the Southern Nash was received in June to submit a full application in July 2003.
County area. A joint steering committee has been established At the same time, Public Utilities staff also assisted the
to oversee a consolidated planning effort for the study area in Carolinas Gateway Partnership with a Golden LEAF Housing
the 2003 - 04 fiscal year. application for the project.
Programs for
lan ted
Homeowners
orridor P was adop a
C 58 C Nashville
North N een Cas talia and ges are expected as ,
C 58 betw ral but some chan own of Nashville
ction of N u eT Company
r plan for the se primarily agricult es provided by th
A corrido The study area is Tobacco ong the
natural gas servic e Universal Leaf d uses al ward
003. sewer and nt to serv future lan
in June 2 nt water, ity of Rocky Mou plan projects that creased densities
to
rece
result of and the C the corridor. The ricultural, with in The County continues to progress in reducing the number of substandard housing units by repairing and
unty
Nash Co thern half of and ag
u residential ville). replacing homes for low-income homeowners with grant funds received through Community Development Block
and the so l continue to be (Nash Grants and HOME Programs. The Nash County Planning and Development Department administers the grants
il area
corridor w n end of the study
er that have predominantly benefited elderly homeowners throughout the County. The goal of the program is to
the south
provide safe, decent and sanitary housing. Under these programs, significant repairs are made to major systems,
Nash County’s first elevated water tank, with a capacity of 500,000 gallons, is located on including roofs, floors and foundations, heating, electrical, plumbing systems, handicap accessibility features,
NC Highway 58 north of Nashville near Universal Leaf North America. among others. For more information about the programs, contact Nancy Nixon at (252) 459-9809.
Page 6 - Nash County Annual Report 2003
Aging Department
The Nash County Office on Aging responds to the need for pro- for older and disabled adults. The system offers a
grams and services, which assist older adults to age in place as long necklace pendent for users to call for emergency
as possible. assistance. The HASTEN Help System is unique in
Developments of the Office on Aging in 2002-2003 that the call for help goes directly to our local 911
Home Delivered Meals department and is equipped with a smoke detector
On July 1, 2002 the Nash County Aging Department began that will make the system call 911 when activated.
management of the home delivered meals program in the Bailey Cold Facts
and Middlesex communities. This service is funded through the This one page information sheet collects data
Older Americans Act and is intended to help maintain and such as your medical background, prescription drugs
improve the health of impaired home-bound older persons by pro- you are taking, allergies, doctor information, emer-
viding nutritionally balanced meals served in the home. One of the gency contacts, and much more. Once filled out, the
Aging Department’s top priorities is to expand the home delivered sheet is folded and placed inside of a medicine bottle
meals service to serve all of Nash County. with the Cold Facts logo on it. Another Cold Facts
Congregate Nutrition sticker is placed on the outside of the refrigerator
Congregate nutrition like home delivered meals is funded door. When emergency services personnel enter your
through the Older Americans Act. The Aging Department began home, they can glance at the refrigerator to see if
management of this service on July 1, 2002. Congregate nutrition there is information waiting to assist them in helping
services are intended to promote the health and well being of older you.
adults through the provision of a nutritious meal five days a week. Caregiver Support Group
Currently, Nash County operates a congregate nutrition site at the The National Family Caregiver Support Act of
retirement community, Covenant Homes in Rocky Mount. 2000 provides funding to establish local family care-
HASTEN Help Systems giver support services. The Aging Department offers
The HASTEN (Health and Security Telephone Emergency many caregiver support services including a newly developed Care- caregivers of all ages and in any care situation are welcome to join
Network) Help System is an emergency response system designed giver Support Group. On the second Tuesday of each month, this group to find support in their caregiving role.
Mission of the Nash County Senior Center, The NASH (New
Emergency Services Ageless Senior Haven)The Nash County Senior Center celebrates
aging through educational, recreational, and social opportunities,
The Division of Fire Marshal and Emergency Management is Fire Training while promoting physical and emotional wellness.
responsible for coordinating fire protection throughout Nash Coun- The “2003 Rookie School” was held in May of this year and Developments of the Nash County Senior Center in 2002-2003
ty, including fire inspections/investigations and public fire educa- provided instruction to 41 new fire department recruits. This 40- Legal Services
tion. The division also plans and responds to major emergencies hour training academy prepared recruits to meet the challenges of The Nash County Senior Center has linked with Legal Aid of
and disasters. firefighting. North Carolina to provide free legal services. Legal Aid of North
Fire Suppression Emergecny Management Carolina is a law office that provides free, civil legal services to
Extensive work has been underway to have as many districts as The County continues to plan and prepare for major disasters low-income individuals. Legal issues such as Last Will and Testa-
possible to lower their ratings, which will decrease homeowner’s including severe weather, hazardous material releases, missing per- ment, Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, and
insurance premiums in their respective districts. The Fire Marshal’s sons and now the threat of terrorism. A Terrorism Committee consultation for other legal problems can be accessed through this
Office has hosted planning meetings with officers from several dis- consisting of public safety responders, health care providers and service.
tricts to help with the inspection process. One district has already local industry, has met monthly to discuss the continuing threat of YMCA Aerobics
been inspected and received a reduction from a class 9 to class 6, terrorism. A FY2002 Equipment Grant from the Department of The Nash County Senior Center has been able to access Title III-D
which will result in an approximate 30% reduction in insurance Justice was used to fund a Special Hazards Unit for Nash County. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention grant funding to provide
premiums. Five other districts are awaiting the results from their This trailer contains many of the needed personal protective and
fitness training. Each Wednesday, a certified aerobics instructor
inspections. One of which will be the first to receive credit for the decontamination items needed to respond to acts of terrorism and
County water system. other hazardous materials incidents. The Division received nearly provided by the YMCA is available to senior center participants for
Prompted by an in line of duty illness of a firefighter, the Fire $51,000.00 in grants during 02-03 and anticipates an additional aerobics instruction and one-on-one fitness equipment training.
Marshal’s Office has developed a comprehensive Line of Duty $90,000.00 in 03-04 to enhance our Emergency Management pro- The Foot Clinic
Death or Injury manual that will allow staff to respond to the aid of grams. The senior center began offering a foot clinic in 2002 to provide
a fire chief who experiences this type of event in their department. basic foot care and toenail clipping. Title III-D Health Promotion
This assistance will ensure that the injured or their family receives and Disease Prevention funds make this service possible to older
every possible benefit. Nash County Communications Annual Report adults aged 60 and older. A registered nurse offers this service to
Fire inspections/Investigations counsel individuals about proper foot care provide early detection of
The Fire Marshal’s Office conducted inspections in 623 commer- 911 Call Center Activity threatening foot diseases.
cial properties during the last year. In addition all schools, day Tax Preparation
cares, foster homes and group homes have been inspected. North Number Of Calls Dispatched 43,867 In 2002, the Nash County Senior Center linked with AARP Tax-
Carolina General Statue mandates that inspection be conducted in Aide, the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax counseling and
all commercial properties, thus the Fire Marshal’s Office conducts
Total Phone Calls During Period 254,651
preparation service. This free service answers most of the tax issues
these inspections in the County and all municipalities, except Inbound Calls 193,307 faced by middle and low-income taxpayers, with special attention
Rocky Mount. The Division worked in partnership with the Nash-
Rocky Mount School System to upgrade the fire alarm systems in Outbound Calls 61,344 to those aged 60 and older. This service will continue to be offered
many of the schools during the last year. The Fire Marshal’s Office each year through the senior center from February through April
Total Landline Calls 167,161 15th.
investigated the cause and origin of 22 suspicious fires and found
several had been intentionally set. Abandoned Landline Calls 3,339 Job Development Services
Fire Prevention The Upper Coastal Plain Area Agency on Aging has placed a Job
Total Wireless Calls 17,457 Developer with the Nash County Senior Center to provide job
The most economical way of providing fire protection is to pre-
vent fires before they occur. The Fire Marshal’s Office has spoken Abandoned Wireless Calls 1,442 development services to Nash County older adults. Individuals aged
to a variety of groups such as local Ruritans, Chamber of Commerce 55 and older can access job development services at the senior
and AARP, set up displays at carnivals and health fairs. The center. The Job Developer will assist individuals in identifying skills
County’s Fire Safety House has been displayed at elementary During the last year, October 2002, December 2002 and May, and qualifications, putting together a resume, and searching for
schools, churches and carnivals. The first year of the RiskWatch 2003 were the busiest months for the Communications Center. employment opportunities.
Grant was completed a Middlesex Elementary School. The entire Wireless Phase II, implemented on April 16th 2002, allows the Aging Department Budget Breakdown 2002-2003:
student body of 364 children received RiskWatch training and location of a 911 cell phone caller, using a cell phone equipped
The Aging Department utilizes state and federal grant funds,
showed improvement on their fire safety knowledge on end of year with a global positioning system (GPS) chip, to be displayed on a
county dollars, and donations to operate the programs and services
testing. The program has afforded the Division a great deal of time computerized mapping system. The GPS chip provides the latitude
to interact with the children and teachers and the ability to accom- and longitude of the caller, which is then displayed as a visual offered through this department. During the fiscal year 2002-2003
plish other projects such as distributing smoke detectors and fresh reference point on a map for the 911 telecommunicator. This tech- the Aging Department utilized:
batteries. The Division received a grant of several hundred smoke nology will enhance the ability to locate a cellular caller in the • $25,168.00 in federal grant funds
detectors that will be distributed with the assistance of the fire event an emergency. • $5,829.00 in state grant funds
departments. The Division staff received training in order to Currently Sprint PCS & Alltel, are providing Phase II Service in • $136,935.00 in a combination of state and federal grant funds
deliver a fire and injury prevention program to older adults entitled Nash County with approximately seven other carriers in the process • $113,499.00 in local county dollars and
“Remembering When”. of testing their networks in the County. • $3,328.00 in local private donations
Nash County Annual Report 2003 - Page 7
Nash County Health Department
Nash County Health Department provides clinical services including • Provided over 300 bicycle helmets and safety education for area Environmental Health
Child Health Care, Communicable Disease Control, Family Planning, children as part of the Safe Kids Campaign. Nash County’s Animal Control Section maintains the county
Immunizations, Maternity care, Sickle Cell Counseling, WIC, Women’s • Distributed more than 2000 table tents and tray liners through animal shelter at 921 First St. Ext and works to control rabies,
Health Watch, and Home Health. Community Health services include restaurants during April, Public Health Month, to encourage property damage, animal nuisances, animal cruelty and animal
Health Education; Animal Control; Food, Lodging, and Institutional healthy habits among residents. bites. Last year shelter staff received 2847 official service requests
Sanitation; Lead Poisoning Prevention and Day Care Inspection; Sewage • Co-sponsored a com- and investigated 99 animal bites. We received 1173 animals surren-
Disposal/Water Protection; Sanitation of Facilities; and Solid Waste munity health forum dered to the shelter and picked up another 2496 animals out in the
Disposal. entitled “Saving Our county. Of these, 150 animals were adopted or redeemed from the
Clinical Services Bodies” targeting shelter. NC law requires rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats, and
During the 2002-2003 year, Nash County Health Department: faith communities the shelter co-sponsors with local veterinarians, periodic low cost
• Lead a 30+ member Bioterrorism Preparedness Team to develop writ- with messages about rabies vaccination clinics. Call for more information or to adopt a
ten plans for addressing bioterrorism, smallpox, and chemical warfare healthy habits to pre- pet from the animal shelter. Coming soon-animals for adoption on
concerns. This team consisted of representatives from Nash General vent heart disease, our webpage!
Hospital, area emergency services, fire and police, local businesses, as
stroke, and diabetes, The Soils Section wrote 490 well permits and 579 septic permits
well as, state laboratory and communicable disease specialists.
• Trained for as well as AIDS and over the past year. They collected 552 water samples and inspected
and provided birth defects. all installations of wells and septic systems. This group investigates
smallpox vaccina- Home Health complaints and answers well and septic questions. For more infor-
tions to a small Nash County’s Home mation or to complete a septic system application, check out the
group of public Health Agency is JCAHO accredited and Medicare certified. The public health website at http://www.health.co.nash.nc.us/.
health staff so that agency provides direct care to patients in the comfort of their The Food and Lodging Section made more than 1700 regular
epidemiological homes and staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. inspections last year. In addition they review restaurant plans,
investigation of Services are based on written orders from the patient’s physician. permit establishments, teach food classes for restaurants, and inves-
potential smallpox Services may include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational tigate complaints. Nash County’s restaurant grades are now on line
cases can be per- therapy, speech therapy, medical social workers, and home health with WRAL-TV (www.wral.com in the Consumer Section).
formed safely. aides. Arrangements Solid Waste
• Hosted a Mater- can also be made for Nash County assures the safe collection, storage and disposal of
nal and Child medical equipment, our community’s trash. Solid Waste staff operates nine collection/
Health Audit, home IV infusion, recycling sites throughout the county for rural trash deposits, as well
which occurs and personal care ser- as a landfill for construction and demolition debris and yard waste.
every 6 years to ensure that medical and fiscal services comply with vices. During the past Over the past ten years, Nash County has increased its recycling
national standards for child health, immunization, prenatal, and family year, Home Health efforts resulting in a reduction of the per capita disposal rate
planning programs. No major audit exceptions were noted! received 1,031 refer- from 1.02 tons to .75 ton exceeding year 2001-2002 goals! A
Clinical staff provided the following services, along with many others: rals, which resulted in long-range countywide waste reduction of 15% has been proposed
• Child Health: 1853 29,442 patient visits! for the 2013-2014 year.
• Blood lead testing/investigation: 467
• Newborn/postpartum home visits: 490
• Maternal and child health case management contacts: 8822
• Dietitian counseling: 273. The dietitian is a diabetes educator-call for
an appointment for help with diabetes
• Prenatal care visits: 3833
Foster Care Highlights
• Family planning services: 4918
• Women’s Health Watch/BCCCP: 466 client visits. (A health screen-
ing program that targets women over 50 for cancer and heart disease
screening and free mammograms for qualifying clients!)
• Sexually transmitted diseases: 2915 services
• Other communicable disease contacts, collecting dead birds (West Nile
suspects) and sending to state lab: 325
• Laboratory services: 39,383
• 4,400 flu shots!
• Immunizations: 12,201!
• 14,560 WIC services that might include nutrition counseling or pro-
viding vouchers for healthy foods for pregnant or breastfeeding women
or children up to age 5
• Dispensed 1,718 prescriptions
• Transportation assistance: 208 opportunities
Approximately 17% of the clinical services provided this year were for
Hispanic clients.
Health Education
Has involved 19,920 Nash County residents in healthy education
efforts during the past year! As well, this division has:
• Designed and funded community walking trails at Edwards Middle and
Swift Creek Schools and funded a third trail, in cooperation with the
Nash County Sheriff’s Office Annual Report
American Heart Association, at Conetoe Baptist Church. The basic purpose of • Received 26,138 papers (civil and criminal)
• Provided 628 Childbirth and Parenting class contacts. the Nash County Sher- • Served 17,872 civil papers, subpoenas, ex partes, evictions and rent
• Assisted local schools in implementing Winner’s Circle, a program that iff’s Office is to protect papers
tags healthy cafeteria menu items so students can make healthier the lives, well-being and • Served 6,403 criminal papers
choices. property of its citizens. • Made 6,548 arrests
• Planned and provided, with Cooperative Extension and school guid- This is accomplished • Cleared 57% of cases (state average for law enforcement agencies is
ance staff, a Friends Unraveling Nutrition (FUN) group at a local through the enforcement 27%)
elementary school. This group of of criminal and civil laws • Made 139 narcotics arrests, involving 384 charges
13 students with unhealthy eat- and the operation of the • Seized narcotics valued at over $1,253,588
ing habits and/or weight prob- courts. These responsibil- • Obtained $101,957 from seizures, forfeitures and drug taxes
lems learned to make healthier
ities include, but are not • Collected $133,564 in service fees
food choices and exercise to pre-
vent weight problems and limited to: responding to • Collected $94,321 on tax warrants and executions
chronic illness. calls for assistance by the • Delivered 3,839 jury notices
• Taught 64 day care and pre- public, aggressively • Provided security for 500 court sessions, resulting in 8,919 man-hours
school teachers to use Color Me patrolling the county to dedicated to courthouse security for the safety of victims, defendants
Healthy, a curriculum which deter criminal activity, and court personnel
encourages physical activity and conducting criminal There are 49 detention officers and supervisors and two public health
healthy eating choices in young investigations, serving civil and criminal papers, educating the youth nurses assigned to the Nash County Detention facility. During 2002
children. Each participant through the D.A.R.E. and Cadet programs, and the efficient operation detention personnel were responsible for the following:
received a Color Me Healthy Kit of the court system. • Managed an average daily inmate population of 184
for use in her classroom. Under the direction of Sheriff Jimmy Grimes, the Nash County • Completed 1,016 transports, involving 60,489 miles and 1,584
• Engaged two local industries in Sheriff’s Office continues to protect and serve the citizens of Nash man-hours
Take The Stairs campaigns to County. During 2002, the Sheriff’s Office, which is comprised of 65 • Prepared 203,907 meals at a cost of $265,266
increase the level of employee sworn positions, completed the following: • Obtained reimbursements on phone, medical and canteen in excess
physical activity. • Answered 12,029 calls for service of $240,794
Page 8 - Nash County Annual Report 2003
Annual Report - Department REVENUES BY SOURCE
of Social Services 2002-2003 UNAUDITED FINANCIAL DATA OTHER RESTRICTED
$1,630,273
OTHER
$4,194,347
During the 2002-2003 year, the Department of Social Services
SOCIAL SERV. DEPT. 2.4% 6.2%
continued to deliver services to residents throughout all of Nash
$8,676,913
County in a professional and customer-friendly manner. Quality 12.9%
leadership coupled with an
excellent staff proved to be
Nash County Department of Social Services Expenditures FY 2002
the right combination for a
8%
1% 3% 4%
2% successful year. The agen-
4%
cy’s total budget for FY
Work First - $3,856,663 HEALTH DEPT.
2002-03 was $92,147,491
Children Services - $1,551,569
$6,195,192
of which $58,602,662 were
Medicaid - $72,004,040
Adult Services - $3,250,680
9.2%
federal funds (64%);
Food Stamps - $7,277,644
$24,792,021, state (27%);
Child Support - $1,375,011
Day Care - $2,831,884
and $8,686,182, county
78% (9%).
OTHER TAXES
Medicaid costs contin- $537,457
ued to soar in Nash Coun-
Total Expenditures: $92,147,491 0.8% PROPERTY TAXES
ty, as well as, across the SALES TAXES $34,216,484
nation. Medicaid con- $12,003,040 50.7%
sumed $72,004,040 (78%) of our total budget. Federal funds paid 17.8%
$44,698,245 of this bill with the state paying $22,560,558, leaving
the county share at $4,700,017. Medicaid, while great in cost, pro-
vides for the care of our TRANSFER TO OTHER
FUNDS
most vulnerable population
Nash County Department of Social Services Revenues FY 2002
DEBT SERVICE
$71,845 GENERAL GOVERNMENT
- our children, the aged $2,645,611
0.1% $5,262,352
0%
4.0%
and the disabled. Our Med-
9%
EDUCATION 8.0%
icaid staff scored 100% $19,212,100
PUBLIC SAFETY
compliance on their yearly
Federal - $58,602,662 29.3%
$10,597,389
16.1%
review conducted by the
27%
State - $24,792,021
state. Occasionally, fami-
64%
Local - $8,686,182
Other - $66,626
lies receive benefits for ECONOMIC &
which they are not enti- EXPENDITURES BY FUNCTION PHYSICAL DEV.
tled. Our Program Integrity $1,581,100
2002-2003 UNAUDITED FINANCIAL DATA 2.4%
staff aggressively seeks to
Total Revenues: $92,147,491
recoup those benefits. Dur-
ing this fiscal year,
CULTURAL & LIBRARIES
$47,006.06 was collected in food stamps and $71,987.55 was col- $944,497
lected for Work First, Day Care and Medicaid. 1.4% HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Child Support Unit collected $8,526,298 in child support OTHER HUMAN $7,651,948
SERVICES 11.7%
payments. This program helps families with self-sufficiency and $1,048,401 SOCIAL SERVICES
strengthens family ties when absent parents assume responsibility 1.6% DEPART.
for the care and support of their children. For meeting state estab- $16,608,080
lished goals, the agency received $180,444 in incentives to be put 25.3%
back into the program. The unit established paternity for 471 chil-
dren, established 619 child support orders and modified 1497 exist-
ing orders.
The Food Stamp Division issued a total of $6,963,972 in food
stamps to an average of 3,395 households per month. This federal
revenue coming into Nash County enhances the diet of our citizens
while at the same time introduces significant revenues into the
Nash County economy. The unit proudly boasts a zero error rate on
How Nash Compares
their annual Food Stamp Review for the second consecutive year.
Nash County’s Work First Program assisted over 180 adults in
finding employment in FY 2002-2003. In addition, 96% of clients
placed in employment maintained their employment for at least six
months.
The Adult Services unit strives to assist Nash County residents
in alleviating crises and maintaining self sufficiency. The unit
administered crisis programs to 386 families for a total of $120,526
spent. December, January and February, the busiest months, have
the greatest number of emergencies related to heating. The In-
Home Programs, including Adult Day Care and Day Health servic-
Nash County State Average
es, served 29 participants for a total of $26,005 spent. The unit
further provided services that allowed our aged/disabled population Employees 563 Employees 575
to remain in their homes. 2002-03 Expenditures $68MM 2002-03 Expenditures $78MM
The agency’s child welfare social work staff provides services to
strengthen families and individuals. The agency has been one of ten 2002-03 Tax Rate $.66 2002-03 Tax Rate $.68
pilot counties participating in Multiple Response System (MRS),
an alternative response to child protective services referrals. This Revenue/Capita $778 Revenue/Capita $884
initiative was sanctioned by the General Assembly and began in
the ten pilot counties in August 2002. The program allows for an Tax Valuation/Capita $57,331 Tax Valuation/Capita $66,280
assessment response to reports of neglect rather than the traditional
forensic investigative response and enables the agency to work in
Tax Collection Rate 95.68% Tax Collection Rate 95.42%
partnership with families, community stakeholders and law enforce- Per Capita Income $27,024 Per Capita Income $23,268
ment. Multiple Response also allows social workers to spend more
service time with severe abuse cases. The utilization of Child and % Tax Support-Schools 60.8% % Tax Support-Schools 59.6%
Family Teams and Shared Parenting meetings support families in School Curr. Resources/ADM $1,075 School Curr. Resources/ADM $1,056
identifying and resolving issues that led to agency involvement.
Families have responded positively to this initiative in Nash School Capital/ADM $215 School Capital/ADM $468
County and across the state.
The 2002-03 fiscal year ended with the retirement of Carl From N.C. Association of County Commissioners’ 2002-03 Budget Tax Survey
Daughtry, the third Director in the agency’s 66 year history. The
out-going Director expressed pride in the fact that he had been able EXPLANATION OF TERMS:
to maintain a fiscally-sound department while making some major Employees = Full-time employees Tax Collection Rate = % of total property taxes collected
changes, including computer access for all staff and all eligibility 2002-03 Expenditures = General government spending last fiscal year Per Capita Income = Average citizen income
applications being online with state offices. According to the in- 2002-03 Tax Rate = Tax rate per $100 in property valuation % Tax Support - Schools = % of tax revenue supporting schools
coming Director, Laura O’Neal, she has inherited a quality agency Revenue/Capita = Revenue per individual citizen School Current Resources/ADM = Per pupil funding for school operating costs
with quality staff and considers her charge to continue a tradition of Tax Valuation/Capita = Tax Value per citizen School Capital/ADM = Per pupil funding for school capital costs
excellence.