[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6564999,"mediaKeyId","3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799","parentId",3235473,"title","Forsyth County approves $2.57 million for emergency East Forsyth High School repairs, includes boiler replacement","audioSeconds",871,"startMs",1917000,"endMs",2788000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799&start=1917&end=2788","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799/thumbnail_1917000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6564999/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Forsyth-County-approves-257-million-for-emergency-East-Forsyth-High-School-repairs-includes-boiler-replacement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564999-d415898fe89b0cd4aaeda3ca8b77b50e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108511&Signature=EnsiaXQTQd0WaFanZfRvoWpezSyFmu8ib-WL~sIjAFN4JTxnA9dkmthso6d4UrnTvTTEQx-q3vRB-baEjuUGM7dJYYRBkj9dDLidZvVmaxfFDrKhO~gxjEKGazL8k3pWuQOG-JAHsuMwGo9UpzK7fOv2gc40gyF3PL2COSH~cZYKW2uG1DKum6qdi2Fr1MTP6BiAfywUYQQT4QPkSUFLeH8Y4juQox77lnmzI3jTMmL75a5dEbTazIYQzsHImT50oK41k92pQWf~pq66BC-eNWXVvplCqHG8TutOOGC8Fpdg~4-fRwQrYdSh~~dfZIT0edLXvsgd7tmDVHfmKrprsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Forsyth County","date","2025-05-09T07:36:58Z","article","Forsyth County commissioners on May 8 amended the 2016 schools capital projects ordinance to provide $2,568,000 from 2016 referendum bond proceeds and budget reserves to Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WFCS) for emergency repairs at East Forsyth High School, including work on a failing underground utility tunnel and replacement of a failed boiler. The board voted to approve the amendment by voice vote after discussion; the motion was made by Commissioner Bessie and seconded by Commissioner McDaniel and carried unanimously.

County Manager Chantelle Robinson introduced the item as an amendment to the 2016 schools capital projects ordinance allocating the funds to the East Forsyth project and said the action would leave $3,197,424.32 in budget reserves.

The request grew out of discovery during a planned canopy replacement. Daryl Walker, a representative of Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools, told the board that the original canopies from 1962 had been bolted to sidewalks above a utility tunnel and that “water has intruded through the bolts of those canopies and now into the tunnel,” leaving the tunnel failing and sidewalks at risk. Walker said crews have restricted student access to the affected sidewalks in recent weeks and that the planned remedy includes demolishing the canopies, removing sidewalks above the tunnel, repairing and re‑sealing the tunnel area and reinstalling new sidewalks and canopies attached to the building rather than to sidewalks.

Commissioners pressed WFCS staff about whether the work should have been identified during initial engineering and whether the boiler replacement should be separated from the tunnel/canopy emergency. Commissioner McDaniel asked whether this was truly an emergency and was told the condition posed a safety risk to students. WFCS said the canopy work led to the discovery and that the boiler — the transcript indicated roughly $250,000 of the $468,000 line item — also failed and was rolled into the same change order while contractors were already on site. WFCS characterized the contract amendment as a change order rather than a separate competitive bid.

Some commissioners argued the boiler and tunnel work should be voted on separately; a motion to split the items was raised but did not receive a second, and the board returned to and approved the original package. WFCS told the board the remaining contingency funds were intended to address any additional unknowns discovered while working under the tunnel but said staff did not expect to expend the full contingency and hoped to reallocate unused contingency later.

Clarifying details provided to the board: the requested $2,568,000 comes from 2016 referendum bond proceeds and budget reserves; a $468,000 component included the boiler and contingency (WFCS indicated about $250,000 for the boiler and the balance as contingency); work will include canopy demolition and sidewalk removal/replacement to address the failing tunnel; the contract change is being executed as a change order to the contractor already on site.

The board’s action funds immediate, safety‑related repairs and will be reflected in the schools capital project accounts; WFCS and county staff said they would provide further capital planning documentation and that the district is preparing a broader capital improvement plan for commissioners’ review.

The board left open further oversight and asked staff to provide the district’s capital needs assessment and prioritization work in follow‑up briefing(s).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Meeting - May 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Forsyth County commissioners on May 8 amended the 2016 schools capital projects ordinance to provide $2,568,000 from 2016 referendum bond proceeds and budget reserves to Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools for emergency repairs at East Forsyth High School, addressing a failing utility tunnel and a failed boiler.","taxTitle","Forsyth County, North Carolina","taxId",5013,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6564980,"Votes at a glance: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, May 8, 2025",2561,1247000,3808000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799&start=1247&end=3808","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799/thumbnail_1247000.jpg","/articles/6564980/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Forsyth-County-Board-of-Commissioners-May-8-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564980-bade959405c57141aea96b4b7611af78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108511&Signature=nsrgEHn4MNQ1uOiMjaC1k4KstHmRhpvbxUZwEAHK7pJaCOokpuWQBX-MKV~D1mTre53in8o0u6q5xcQx9sz5uWJF~JGWZlnr1CvdjbORo86Yg4a0P6hcyYAVrjOVyia9Q0hzTDczydbROhRLpo2y6SX-lwsKOrQphcF3ORNDbUNni81GEnzDSO3FMPNmRX7VeRhtVrFk1tW5mqZ62jE~ixHV5CYDpOLuXtukdSHsPOC6~p6h-3cB06IPPh9UzAutFspIScRrTmNaAy4h3rbdDoKQ11AGj0NM72ifey71BWneeEDpRFOvNv~oF3DiujwUEx2NP1eIkNFQ9yuZO110Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners took the following formal actions at its May 8, 2025 meeting. Items are listed with the motion text, mover/second when recorded on the transcript, the outcome and the key details.

- Resolution: Recognize May 2025 as Eligibility Specialist Appreciation Month. Motion: adopt resolution honoring eligibility specialists. Mover/Second: not specified on the record. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution: Recognize May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. Motion: adopt resolution. Mover: not specified. Outcome: adopted.

- Resolution: Recognize May 4–10, 2025 as Professional Clerks Week and extend appreciation to Ashley Matthews and Deputy Clerk Roslyn/Rosalyn Covington. Motion: adopt resolution. Mover: Commissioner Bessie (moved), Vice Chair Woodson (second). Outcome: adopted.

- Approval of minutes: Motion to approve minutes for April 2025. Mover: Commissioner Bessie. Second: Commissioner McDaniel. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- Amendment to FY25 budget (employee health benefits internal service fund): Motion to appropriate a one‑time employer contribution of $4,500,000 from the general fund to the internal service fund and to separate pharmacy rebates/stop‑loss premium/reimbursements into separate line items. Mover: Commissioner McDaniel. Second: Commissioner Bessie. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- Resolution and amendment to the North Carolina Opioid Settlement Special Revenue Fund: Motion to authorize $4,508,775 for 30 projects effective 07/01/2026 (HHS board recommended). Mover: Vice Chair Wisenhunt. Second: Commissioner Bessie. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- Resolution: Authorize appropriation of behavioral health funds and execution of associated agreements in FY26: $2,055,171 for 19 projects effective 07/01/2026 and an additional $1,971,506 for county staff and program support (as described). Mover: Vice Chair Wisenhunt. Second: Commissioner Wilson. Outcome: approved unanimously.

- Contract authorization: Execute agreement with Mythix LLC for Oracle Cloud subscription services not to exceed $692,062.20 plus taxes for 05/22/2025–05/21/2026. Motion: approve. Mover: Vice Chair Wisenhunt. Second: Commissioner Bessie. Outcome: approved unanimously. Commissioners discussed cyber liability limits in the contract and whether county cyber insurance would apply.

- Reports accepted (no substantive action beyond acceptance): March contribution‑based benefit cap report; 2025 GO bond resolution correction report; outside county economic development fund report. Motion: accept reports. Mover: Commissioner Limble. Second: Vice Chair Wisenhunt. Outcome: accepted.

Where the transcript did not record a mover or seconder, the entry lists the mover/second as “not specified.” All votes shown in the transcript were recorded by voice as unanimous unless otherwise noted on the record.

The board also received a public comment from Albert Gacyk urging budget planners to “stash a little extra” in contingency for special services; that item was received during the public session and did not result in immediate action recorded at the meeting.

For more detail on any item, see the county’s posted agenda packet and the July/August follow‑up materials or contact the county clerk’s office.","Summary of formal votes taken May 8, 2025 — ceremonial recognitions, minutes, budget amendments and contract approvals. Where available the mover/second and dollar amounts are listed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6564985,"Planning briefing set for May 20 on rezoning for Hastings Road site; planning board recommended approval 5–1",618,3868000,4486000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799&start=3868&end=4486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799/thumbnail_3868000.jpg","/articles/6564985/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/Planning-briefing-set-for-May-20-on-rezoning-for-Hastings-Road-site-planning-board-recommended-approval-51","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564985-d9efaa2a02433f79c70049fd44a3268e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108511&Signature=QGt0gBUEk8Cj0NYOAm-7Q0ijLDRoW1SOsV6rH4IsWF~MFA6HcBHlMN1KeaCnp514NuDWYYMteso5pIw5drGFtcnPQd-J9s-A-wb4LWvEWlsHzi7CyNlV6jzyysAEpfI0D6cLQA1FUI3qQpvGuKq8utuFuKCsZTasvrSGPy7~~S-mnWVWtUv6G81sodCTUglcyfsoH8fyDM0p6KixPCxK6EoA6-qWoav8JQYrgSpM1cqN4tBbXKpBhlbJ~A7OR6G19Z~3xqMgpVyfb9G2kkd0IUSv7uUmHEWbyEMuIYQysYs8De71r24CvmrpGnvpyJoMfcydz2dz5u-cZDZfaTKwJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Forsyth County Planning staff provided a first briefing on a rezoning request (case F‑1657) for 27.89 acres on the east side of Hastings Road between Interstate 74 and High Point Road. Applicants Tanya and Leslie Hardy seek a special use district rezoning from agricultural (AG) to RM5‑S to allow multifamily townhomes with a maximum density of five units per acre. The item will come back to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing on May 20, 2025.

Planner Chris Murphy described the site as largely agricultural and within Growth Management Area 3 but inside the utilities serviceable area because of a nearby sewer manhole installed with an adjacent Weatherstone development. Murphy said the applicant’s site plan showed two public streets, two entrances onto Hastings Road and a proposed total of 138 townhomes. He said the area plan (the Southeast Forsyth County area plan update, 2014) currently shows the property as large‑lot residential, a designation driven by the historic absence of sewer; the availability of gravity sewer access changed the utilities analysis for this parcel.

Murphy summarized the Planning Board public hearing on April 10, 2025: the board voted 5–1 to recommend approval. Murphy said opposition at the planning hearing centered on traffic at the Hastings/High Point Road area, increased density and inconsistency with the adopted area plan. He further noted that existing traffic counts for Hastings Road near the site were low compared with historical peaks — staff cited a count of about 400 trips per day on Hastings Road at the count location south of I‑74, down from a high near 1,200 trips in the last 20 years — and that an ordinary traffic impact analysis (TIA) was not triggered because the Unified Development Ordinance threshold (greater than 150 peak‑hour trips) and NCDOT threshold (greater than 1,500 trips per day) were not met.

Murphy said the project does not connect to other subdivisions and that proposed turn lanes would be limited to site entrances on Hastings Road rather than at the Hastings/High Point intersection. Commissioners asked for additional information, including the exact length of Hastings Road and whether signal warrants would be triggered; Murphy said staff would supply supplemental counts and answers ahead of the May 20 public hearing.

The planning board’s 5–1 recommendation and the noted neighborhood concerns mean the rezoning will be subject to public hearing and final decision by the Board of Commissioners at the May 20 meeting.","County planning staff briefed commissioners on a rezoning request (case F‑1657) to rezone 27.89 acres on Hastings Road to RM5‑S for townhomes. The planning board recommended approval 5–1; neighbors raised traffic and density concerns. A public hearing is scheduled for the May 20 meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6564990,"County manager proposes $589 million FY26 budget, recommends 53.24¢ tax rate to replace one‑time revenue",1568,4511000,6079000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799&start=4511&end=6079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799/thumbnail_4511000.jpg","/articles/6564990/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/County-manager-proposes-589-million-FY26-budget-recommends-5324-tax-rate-to-replace-onetime-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564990-e8ed0dc91d73704fb57ac9b56a6d512a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108511&Signature=lJVD-vsTxXZxc9x1tzcAsPw0dKRTsY37wkgpjr1l4WODc3T0kS-cZ1o0SXNLo9owoqRpE8T2chhQqGhFekT3wz8ZRayTdE9nczM4z297-C8KZhIAkP7H7Sh7g82GR1fZU1Slc6mpovZZKS7od3T-ZP7NwopVcBkBUKcRL0-HeY7y-cCFRf3CemWUZZGyiBJ27acj47gOs8V2XFevXC8~dKSzZwVOxgR6fWG~nEvOW0l108hlH~LWagrwVJW7Q3ci3zCHeBbm6HWp5OyZROU2~sutsiGkvv~~LXqMzmmYGOxM4~TBzeZyYn0Y8W5OZB73L92lGMnDvzq-a~PIy9w~0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chantelle Robinson, Forsyth County manager, presented her recommended fiscal year 2026 budget to the Board of Commissioners at the May 8 meeting. The recommended budget totals $589,000,000, a 0.9% increase over FY25, and includes a proposed tax rate of 53.24¢ per $100 of assessed value — 4.2¢ above the revenue‑neutral rate of 49.04¢ calculated after a county reappraisal that increased real estate values by about 51%.

Robinson said the tax rate recommendation is intended to reduce reliance on one‑time revenue sources that had balanced prior budgets. She said $27,000,000 of new revenue would be generated by the 4.2¢ increase and described the budget focus as preserving services while strengthening financial stability. The recommended budget includes $193,300,000 in direct appropriations to Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools and Forsyth Tech Community College, $212,800,000 for salary‑related expenses, $95,500,000 for non‑salary operating expenses, and $87,900,000 for debt service (with about 71% of debt service tied to education‑related debt).

Robinson proposed appropriating $9.7 million of committed fund balance for debt leveling and said she is not recommending use of assigned fund balance to cover recurring expenses. She noted that the adopted FY25 budget relied on $31.2 million of one‑time revenues and previous budgets used ARPA funds as temporary support; the recommended approach aims to reduce long‑term reliance on such sources. Robinson also recommended maintaining a performance pool for salary increases (up to 6% overall, with an average performance adjustment of about 4.37%) and addressed employer retirement and health insurance cost increases estimated to add $2.2 million and $4.7 million respectively.

Other elements in the recommended budget include increased, recurring support for schools (an estimated recurring increase of $6.7 million and conversion of $3.7 million in one‑time funding to recurring), a multiyear capital planning approach with only critical FY26 capital projects funded without new debt, and adjustments to fire service district tax rates to their revenue neutral levels plus a 1.79¢ countywide fire overlay to support staffing and service equity. Robinson said additional capital detail and project lists will be provided in subsequent briefings and that the next detailed budget presentation would occur on May 15, 2025.

Commissioners asked for department cut totals, timing for capital needs assessments, and other clarifying materials; Robinson said staff would provide additional information including departmental reductions (an initial rightsizing estimate of about $8 million excluding salaries) and a prioritized capital needs list. Several commissioners commended staff and consultants on the process and the early presentation of fiscal challenges.

The recommended budget is now before the board for deliberation; no appropriation or tax rate was adopted at the May 8 meeting. The manager requested commission direction and scheduled workshops and hearings for further review.","Forsyth County Manager Chantelle Robinson presented a $589 million recommended budget for fiscal year 2026, proposing a tax rate of 53.24¢ (4.2¢ above the revenue neutral rate) to reduce reliance on one‑time funds, increase recurring school funding, and address employee costs, health insurance and capital needs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6564994,"After debate, Forsyth County keeps 65/30/5 split for 2025 bond premiums; dollar amounts pending closing",703,2776000,3479000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799&start=2776&end=3479","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3235473-b4fca664f2c08ef6a4a05149b0574799/thumbnail_2776000.jpg","/articles/6564994/Forsyth-County/North-Carolina/After-debate-Forsyth-County-keeps-65305-split-for-2025-bond-premiums-dollar-amounts-pending-closing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6564994-85b4945b6bde91196c043b4a56468f59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108511&Signature=HSQL4aAaNyAMab6fw9tGqVeRh9Li7JKn0fz3TvtMYWkwhjCw3U9Uoqh-MArd9rwLRVx-au4-TA2UYK-Q6Q5YP9cOeCK4NVgyEu1NB6q20zen59PXXpwu9sqZFvW3oIhHkcY7C9Q-ZkoCPikMED32o0i6S9dF8oGS~MOgtn~JVeMyiHjfdJqqvRckVB5iTpVdzZ-2pxYQiUDjGUNG3aacBg1LHFkUgSV31KKVthhoN9UX2lfEMmo-E4aa1o94eMcG~8eEkqCudVPLoFrkTKoQI0PBDqyQ4Jguu8NA~qOcxG5gPuXgleEcwYW0b6XltyuIkrcVrf7mZHBZhst7gd454w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its May 8 meeting the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners designated the purpose of net premiums related to the general obligation bond series 2025: 65% for county facilities, 30% for Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools and 5% for Forsyth Tech Community College. The motion designating the split was approved unanimously; the exact dollar amounts will be determined when the bond closes.

The item prompted several substitute motions and extended discussion. Some commissioners proposed directing the net premium to a single shortfall project for Ashley Elementary after board members noted an estimated $6 million shortfall on that school’s project. Commissioner Woodbury moved to reserve 100% of the premium for Ashley Elementary; Commissioner McDaniel seconded that motion. Commissioners also proposed a revised split of 95% for the school system and 5% for Forsyth Tech; that alternative was moved and seconded and was voted on during deliberations. After the substitute motions and discussion, the board returned to the originally proposed percentages and approved that designation unanimously.

County Manager Chantelle Robinson told commissioners that the final dollar amount available from the premium would depend on market conditions at closing; staff estimated the premium would be somewhere between about $1 million and $2 million. Robinson also noted that the manager’s recommended budget identified additional school funding sources — including approximately $1.7 million from lottery proceeds the schools had not drawn down — and that the schools had requested use of 2027 bonds, which the county cannot allocate in advance of those bond proceeds becoming available.

Clarifying details: the board explicitly designated percentages (65% county / 30% schools / 5% community college); Ashley Elementary was cited by commissioners as having an estimated total project cost near $46,000,000 with roughly a $6,000,000 gap discussed; premium estimates in the meeting ranged from roughly $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 depending on market conditions.

The board’s vote keeps the premium split in place; staff will report final dollar amounts after bond closing and continue coordination with the school system and Forsyth Tech about how those funds will be applied.","The board designated 65% of net premium to county facilities, 30% to Winston‑Salem/Forsyth County Schools and 5% to Forsyth Tech for the 2025 general obligation bond premium. Commissioners proposed and debated alternative allocations aimed at funding Ashley Elementary, but the board returned to the original allocation and approved it unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Forsyth County approves $2.57 million for emergency East Forsyth High School repairs, includes boiler replacement

Votes at a glance: Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, May 8, 2025

Planning briefing set for May 20 on rezoning for Hastings Road site; planning board recommended approval 5–1

County manager proposes $589 million FY26 budget, recommends 53.24¢ tax rate to replace one‑time revenue

After debate, Forsyth County keeps 65/30/5 split for 2025 bond premiums; dollar amounts pending closing