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z~z Chairman Whitted referred to a letter from Wayne Weston, Director of the Orange County Recreation and Parks Department, requesting that the Proclamation promoting June as National Recreation and Park Month be docu- mented and endorse by the Board of Commissioners. Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to endorse the Resolution proclaming June as National Recreation and Parks Month. (For copy of resolution see page 236 of this book). Chairman Whitted referred to the proposed budget for 1977-1978: He - asked that the County Manager make his presentation and then proceed with a review of the County's revenues. Mr. Gattis stated that the budget evolved around the County's Capital Improvement Program and the recently approved School Bond issue. The approval of a $6,000,000 school bond referendum has made it possible to temporary divert funds which were previously used for school construction projects to complete the County Capital Improvement Program. The County Manager estimated the completion cost of the Capital Improvement Program to be $2,060,000. On June 30th, the County will have $900,000 available to partially fund this program over two fiscal years. Mr. Gattis recom- mended an appropriation of $800,000 to the Capital-Improvement Fund for the $1977-78 fiscal year and he stated that he planned to recommend appro- priation of the balance necessary tc complete funding of this project ($145,000) in the 1978-79 fiscal year. During the current fiscal year, plans have been approved to organize three new county departments and the combining of the Vehicle Maintenance Facility, the Sanitation Department, and the Building and Grounds Department into a Department of Public Works with a full-time Director. This budget proposes the continuation of the county merit increment and longevity policies, provision of the cost of living adjustment as approved by the General Assembly for State employees, and the cost of employee coverage under the Hospital Insurance Program. Execution of this budget as recommended will require a county-wide tax rate of $.75, an increase of 7G over the existing $.68 rate. The Finance Officer, Neal Evans was requested to review the Revenues for 1977-78. Mr. Evans stated that the largest revenue anticipated was that for current tax, $5,320,000, which included the 7~ tax increase from the present $.68 rate. This is a collection rate of about 95 percent. Each penny on the tax rate produces approximately $70,920 and the $.75 would produce $5,320,000. Other revenues are consistent with previous years. Sales tax is shown at a potential increase of 6.5 percent. The County Inspection Programs are producing revenue quite well and $56,000 is proposed for the new year in this area. Intangible Tax has increased slightly over last year. The ABC-System shows an increase over last year of $10,000 over their commitment and $5,000 over what they. actually will be giving to the County. Following the grant action taken tonight the Criminal Justice LEAA line will change. Under the Utility Refund, the budget showed $8,000 which was allocated to OWASA as start up funds. Commissioner Pinney requested that the Finance Office check to see if OWASA did not owe the County more than $8,000. Under the section Federal and State Aid to Social Services, the Finance Director stated that $152,298 of Title XX Contracts is the amount which will be received and then $150,000 will be forwarded to the Frank Porter Graham Center. $2,248 will bo to Council on Aging for persons involved in Chore Services under Title XX. Under transportation, this is for transportation services of persons using services related to mental health activities under Title XX. Under State Aid to Health, these amounts are added as general State Assistance to the administration and operation of the Health Program. The present funding for Special Projects under the Health Program appears to be approximately $75,000. Under charges for current services, Recreation Fees have been divided into programs. A slight increase is shown in tele- phone revenues, these are agencies who are part of the Gaunty's telephone system.