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Ann Bradford explained the Friend Program, which has been in existence for two <br />years. The program uses volunteers in the community to work with the frail older adults who live <br />at home. This program helps the older adults live in their homes independently as long as <br />possible. She said that the Department on Aging was in need of more volunteers. <br />7. PUBLIC HEARINGS <br />a. 2001 Revaluation -Schedule of Values <br />The Board held a public hearing on the schedule of values for the 2001 real property <br />revaluation. <br />John Smith, Tax Assessor, presented information as contained in the agenda. He <br />added that revaluation equalizes the value of property so that people are paying their fair share of <br />taxes when the value of their property rises. These values will be followed for the next four years. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked how the acreage was valued. John Smith said that there <br />was a base rate for one acre of land. If the land is improved, the home site factor is applied. As <br />the tract gets larger, you pay less per acre of land. <br />Commissioner Brown asked about properties that were not maintained well. John <br />Smith said that this would be considered under physical depreciation. <br />Several other clarifying questions were asked by Commissioner Brown and answered <br />by John Smith. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked John Link to explain the relationship between revaluation <br />and how the tax rate is set. John Link said that the County tries to indicate how much revenue <br />the County Commissioners generated from the last budget each time there is a revaluation. The <br />County looks at the amount of revenue that was derived from property taxes in the year 2000- <br />2001 and what the equivalent new tax rate would be to generate that same revenue. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked about the general percentage of the increase in property <br />values in the County. John Smith said that the general increase would be between 15%-35%. <br />There was no one in the audience to speak to this item. The public hearing was <br />closed. <br />8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to <br />approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: <br />a. Minutes Preparer Agreement <br />The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an agreement between Orange <br />County and Becky Butler to prepare minutes for County Commissioners and Planning Board <br />meetings. <br />b. Authorization to Enter into Agreements with Respite Care Providers <br />This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda for separate <br />consideration. <br />c. Contract Approval: County Attorney <br />The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a contract with the legal firm of <br />Coleman, Gledhill and Hargrave for legal services. <br />d. Housing Rehabilitation Contract Awards <br />This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda for separate <br />consideration. <br />e. Forest Service Contract for Fiscal Year 2000-2001 <br />This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda for separate <br />consideration. <br />f. County Work First Designation <br />This item was removed and placed at the end of the Consent Agenda for separate <br />consideration. <br />9 <br />