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~~~ Representative Hunt stated that since Orange County had withdrawn from the District Health arrangement, she hoped the Board would consider again the local legislation to allow counties to establish their own Department of Human Services. She added that the Governor was interested in this type of experimental programs, and if Orange County wants to establish a Department of Human Services on an experimental basis, she would support such legislation. Commissioner Gustaveson spoke of the extra territorial request sub- mitted to Mrs. Hunt from the Town of Chapel Hill. It was pointed out that Chapel Hill's request was to come under 160A, but not lose any of their present zoning jurisdiction. Hillsborough's request of four miles ex- tension, Mr. Gustaveson stated, was out of reason. He added that he felt - one mile was adequate, and any request beyond that should be dealt with by the County Planning Department and the Hillsborough Planning Board. Chairman Whitted stated that Resolution relative to these zoning requests would be forwarded to Representative Hunt very soon. Commissioner Gustaveson brought to Mrs. Hunt's attention severals of the recommendations of the Gounty Commissioners Association. He stated that one of the many important recommendations was the matter of State Standards. Mrs. Hunt stated that Building Codes is a very important issue at the present time, particularly in view of a proposed energy conservation mandate. She felt that all counties would eventually require licensed Building Inspectors who understand the mandate. Representative Hunt spoke of liquor by the drink proposed legislation. She stated that one passible proposal which she feels might emerge is that County Commissioners will be able to call the election where ABC systems already exist, or twenty percent of the registered voters can ask for the election. If passed, liquor by the drink will be available and a $5.00 tax to the gallon would be added. This tax would go straight into the general fund of the county. Commissioner Gustaveson inquired of House Bill 318 concerning community base status offenders. Mrs. Hunt stated that the bill was iri trouble. That there was an amendment to the bill for an extension of from one to three years. Recent debate was whether or not to do away with status offenders and where to place the status offenders. She stated that she was in favor of delaying the bill one year, but not longer than two years. Fountain School has been sold fox $250,D00 and the Knox Commission had recommended three million dollars for this program. This money would go directly to counties for support of local program. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that next Fall, he would propose that the County take steps to coordinate health services. However, he saw no objections to having local legislation written and enacted to see if the Department of Human Services is the. mechanism to use. Representative Hunt stated that there were many things that should be done with Health Departments within the State. She pledged her support to do something regarding health appropriations by the State. The Chairman express his appreciation to Representative Hunt for speaking to the Board. Chairman Whitted referred to Item 6: Consideration of a request for additional funding from the Area Mental Health Program. The Chairman introduced Mr. W. F. Baxter, Area Director of Orange- Person-Chatham Mental Health. Mr. whitted stated that the Mental Health Center wa•s presently projecting a deficit for June 30, 1977. The deficit came about for number of reasons. The Mental Health Board is attempting to deal with the situation without severely crapping the Mental Health Program. The Board had taken action which had reduced the deficit to $153,150. as of June, 1977. He stated that there was a spectrum of ways in which to continue delivery of mental health services to citizens of the three counties. One way would be to meet the entire deficit by making expenditure cuts. The other end of the spectrum is for the counties to provide supplemental appropriations to cover the deficit so no programs will be cut. The purpose of -the discussion today is to make the County Commissioners aware of the situation and to see if there is any way of