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t ,_..i The chart showing the percent of the total budget by Category of Revenues showed that 49~ of revenues is received from property taxes. The fund balance of 14$ is designated for building funds. A third chart showed the cumulative increase in consumer price index versus the cumulative increase in tax rate. The paint of this chart is to show that even with a tax increase this year, the County has failed to increase the rate to the extent which inflation has occurred. The Chairman announced that the proposed budget has been on file in the Clerk's office for public inspection and is in the County library and the Chapel Hill Municipal Library. He then opened the public hearing for citizen's input. Winston Broadfoot stated he was concerned about the proposed increase in property tax. He offered the following suggestions for the Board's consideration: 1) Instead of having the County Manager come foward with a "continuation of existing service levels" budget that the Board have him come forward in the future with a budget that will not increase the property taxes. Then if the Board wishes certain services to be extended, that the Board ge beyond the Manager's recommendation. 2) He suggested that comparative figures be supplied regarding services, salaries and previous budgets. 3) An audit be made to see that persons who don't deserve the free food program do not receive the service, 4) Regarding recreation, he suggested that a load factor be worked into those programs not directly related to children and to people who cannot pay. 5) He asked that the Board "get the dogs off our backs, let's. break even with this program." 6) Mr. Broadfoot stated there were a number of ways to save on the tax dollar, if the Board would put their minds to it. 7) He suggested a bond program to take care of the capital improvem n program. 8) He asked that more than one.GOpy of the proposed budget be submitted tc the library in southern Drange County. William Lindsay spoke against the Governments of Orange County and Chapel Hill. He stated people are not without limit and the Board should be aware they will eventually run out of road. Ben Lloyd spoke against the spending of the County. He stated the proposed budget was put together without regard to the people who must pay the bill. He spoke against the amount paid the County Attorney for the past year and the amount projected for the next year. He questioned the amount paid to the County architect for services. Regarding health services, Mr. Lloyd asked, "how much can we afford to pay for any particular service?" xn the area of schoels, Mr. Lloyd stated he was very satisfied with the present school systems. He presented to the public hearing data he had compiled from ten counties which provided a comparison between Orange County of the cost peg student contributed in local funds. Mr. Lloyd stated the increase in salaries at the school's central office was a concern to him as well as the new positions which have been created in the Orange County Office. Mr. Lloyd asked the Board to seek other sources for financing "these outlandish spendings". He asked that the budget be "chopped down so that the taxpayer does not get taxed off his land". If this is not done, Mr. Lloyd stated the County would have problems collecting the taxes and suggested an open tax revolt. Tony Seaber asked the Board why more monies are allocated to the Chapel Hill school system for capital outlay than to the County system. He stated over the last six years, Chapel Hill has received an average of $18.00 per pupil more than the County system whack is a difference of 16.8.