Agenda - 05-11-1999 - 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JUNE 2, 1998 MINUTES b. 1998 -2008 CIP Adoption The Board considered adoption of the 1998 -2008 Capital Investment Plan. At the May 19 meeting, the Board approved the allocation of $100,000 for farmland preservation, held in reserve in the 1998 -99 CIP, pending adoption of a conservation easement program specific to Orange County. The Board also approved a decision to proceed with a $4.8 million private placement loan to carry out major renovations at the Whitted and Northern Human Services Centers, and to replace the Chapel Hill Senior Center. The Board indicated its intention to discuss at its next meeting the options available for funding the debt service on that private placement loan. Budget Director Donna Dean distributed a chart which shows the County capital projects and what would happen with the continuation of the one cent setaside for school /park land acquisition and what would happen if it is not continued. Commissioner Gordon made reference to her comprehensive program for resource conservation which would use this one cent setaside. She noted that Orange County has not spent very much on the environment over the last ten years. She feels it is not fair to pit county conservation against county buildings and that people in the County want them to put dollars toward the environment. She asked that the County Commissioners have a work session to discuss this issue further. She asked that this one cent setaside for land acquisition stay intact and that the County look elsewhere for monies for County buildings. Commissioner Carey said that he feels Orange County is doing more than most counties in the state in protecting our environment through land use regulations. He does not want to see the needs of our County buildings which serve County citizens delayed. It is the County's responsibility to upgrade and improve County buildings and he is not prepared to cut County projects. Commissioner Crowther supports the County Manager's proposal to formally adopt the 1998 -2008 CIP, less any specific projects that the Board may identify as needing further deliberation during June 1998 budget work sessions. John Link said that environmental issues and county projects are competing for funds. He asked that the Board consider this as a revenue stream and asked that they direct the staff to fund the needs that are necessary. The Board has a full year for reallocating these monies. Chair Margaret Brown said that these are modest sums for maintaining our County buildings and making them serviceable. She also supports a comprehensive approach for environmental issues that need to be addressed. She would like to keep supporting this fund and hopefully do both things. Commissioner Halkiotis does not support the $6 million for Information technology. With reference to County buildings, he said that the County has taken better care of the school buildings than our own. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to retain and acontinue the one cent setaside for school /park capital reserve for one year. The decision on what to do with the reserve fund after one year will be made later. John Link clarified that the funding stream will be kept the same for the coming year. Beginning in 1999 - q 2000, they will incorporate into the CIP the initiatives that Commissioner Gordon has recommended. They will look at the revenue stream and reduce items as necessary to provide funds for County needs. VOTE: 4 - 1 (Commissioner Gordon)