2. Agenda approved w/o changes/additions ( see: County Website, Board of Commissioners Packet )
3. Approval of August 10, 2015 meeting minutes….unanimous
4. No citizens comments
5. Scott Welborn, newly appointed ( August 1 ) Polk County Extension Director was introduced. Scott has
a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Agricultural Extension and
Horticulture. He has 7 years experience working in related fields in Forsythe and Davidson Counties.
6. New Columbus and Green Creek Fire Tax Ratings: Bobby Arledge, County Emergency Management
Director/Fire Marshall reported that an inspection of these facilities by the NC Department of
Insurance/Office of State Fire Marshall was conducted. Bottom line is that people residing within 5 miles
of these fire stations will be eligible for reduced fire insurance rates from their respective companies.
Residents within this radius should contact their insurance companies by November 1, 2015 to
determine eligibility.
7. Polk County Personnel Policy Revisions: Followup to August 10, 2015 agenda item. Patti Wagner,
Human Resources Officer, answered questions and received comments from the commissioners.
a) definitions were revised and tightened
b) comp time applicability for regular full time employees was reduced from 240 to 180 hrs
c) “at will” provisions: a lengthy discussion was held concerning the use of progressive disciplinary
and termination policy in use in Polk County vs the NC law governing “at will” provisions which
allows for summary termination without cause or due process. By law, the County is an “at will”
entity but as a policy uses the grievance/progressive discipline approach.
d) definitions of exempt employees are being reviewed.
e) Cost of Living ( COLA ) and Service Appreciation Program: proposed merit and special cash
recognition provisions in addition to COLA were discussed.
Commissioner Gasperson questioned several of these changes recommending that compensation
provisions wait for budget work to determine whether funds were available. He counseled that funding
should not come from the reserve which has become a practice of the majority. The proposed changes
were approved 4 to 1 with Commissioner Gasperson agreeing if his suggestions were included. They
8. Polk County Transportation 5-Year Community Transportation Service Plan: Diane Timberlake,
Transportation Director was present. No questions, plan unanimously approved.
9. Polk County Library Board of Trustees Amended By-Laws- Rishara Finsel, Library Director, explained
that state law required 12 members on the board; there are currently 13 members including one ex-
officio member from Saluda. BOC voted to approve amendments.
10. Manager’s Report
a) requested an administrative assistant in the finance/HR functions. Commissioner Gasperson asked
whether budget could support this. Question ignored, majority voted 4 to 1 to approve.
b) Federal Health Resources and Services Grant for Blue Ridge Health Access Point in Polk County.
County Manager explained an approximately $1M grant is to be approved for the County
for health care for residents who are either under or non-insured. More info is coming.
c) Fire Districts and Township Boundaries: there has been some confusion over the jurisdictional
boundaries at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. These have been resolved by the Fire
Districts and towns. Also looking at the correct alignment between fire districts and tax
11. Volunteer Boards: Animal Cruelty Investigators had 7 vacancies and 7 applications. Not all applicants
were appointed. Majority commissioners selected specific applicants despite Commissioner Gasperson’s
counsel to approve all 7.
12. Volunteer Boards for Review: Economic & Tourism Development Commission had 3 vacancies and 1
applicant. No action taken.
13. Commissioner Comments:
Commissioner Gasperson voiced concern that we may be approaching another multi-year drought.
Other commissioners thanked people for attending, thanked the Fire Departments and cautioned
people that schools are in session now …be careful.