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,Y 5 •, ~~ ~.l .l tax. She also asked support of the increase to the District Lawrence Avery, a pxivate citizen, spoke in support of the budget request of the Chapel Hill school system. Dot Walker, a counselor in the Chapel Hill school., stated that space was a problem for the guidance counselors. She added that vocational and career information is needed and space in which to store this data is needed. Charles Stevens of Hillsborough stated that he was in support of the schools budgets; however, he felt a supplemental tax for Chapel Hill Schools would be a penalty to northern Orange. He suggested that the District tax be eliminated in order to equalize the programs. He added that he would be in favor of raising the tax rate but .not the District tax of Chapel Hill-Garrboro. Pat Shaw, a former student of Chapel Hill system, spoke in support of the budget of the Chapel Hill-Garrboro school system. Mrs. Josephine Barbour stated she felt the County would benefit from a study in efficient management to see where the budget can be cut. Phillas Sockwell, Chairperson of the Chapel Hill-Garrboro School Board, stated that the people of Chapel Hi11-Garrboro in 1976 saw the need of providing some programs which could not be supported by allocations from the County tax base. This District tax has largely been used for lowering the teacher/student ratio. 'The School Board feels the District tax needs to be increased this year because a substantial number of local teachers are paid from the supplement. If the General Assembly approved the 6~ cost of living increase to State employees, this increase will be paid to school employees from the supplement. Ms. Sockwell stated the people of the County needed to work together to provide the best education possible far our children. Sim Efland stated he was in favor of education and quality education. He said he also was in favor of the full supplement for the Chapel Hi11-Garrboro school system; however, he is not in favor of increasing the present tax rate. He asked the County Commissioners to explore the passi- bility of a personal income tax. He further suggested that the County seek new industry to locate in the County. The Chairman asked if anyone else wished to speak and no one came forth. Mr. Whitted assured those present that notes were taken on the comments that had been made and these comments will be included in the Board's thoughts as they deliberate on the budget. He stated this budget will be the best the Board feels can be supported. He stated the County could levy taxes on what the General Assembly allows, and presently that is limited to personal and real property taxes. The County Commissioners have individually and collectively as a Statewide Commissioners' organization expressed to the General Assembly the need to Have some relief on property taxes and the purposes for which these taxes must be used. The County Commissioners Association has also articulated to the General Assembly the need fax a local income tax, whether that be some revenue sharing sent back from the State Income Tax or an authorization for a local tax. The Commissioners annually go to Washington to talk about programs on which Congress might be deliberating and to express the concerns of the people on a County level. The Board is aware of the concerns which have been expressed and these concerns will be carefully considered. There being no further business to come before the oard, the meeting was adjourned. ~,; ~-`~ G' Richard Whitted, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Clerk