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Commissioner Jacobs asked about health insurance increases and if there are any <br /> projections. Frank Clifton said that they have not had those discussions yet with the NCACC. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like a list of the major decisions so that the <br /> Board can put them in priority order, along with the effects. He wants everything on the table. <br /> Frank Clifton said that he will bring a balanced budget and he will show how he <br /> balanced it. There will also be a list of reductions and the value in County dollars of those <br /> reductions. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to see a list of basic assumptions <br /> because each one has a consequence. He wants to see this before the Manager brings the <br /> budget forward. <br /> Frank Clifton said that he is not there yet, but he has given the budget drivers tonight. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked about the policy for items the County Commissioners <br /> have already decided on during the year that they want to support. Frank Clifton said that in <br /> each case they will look at it in a broad sense. <br /> Commissioner Gordon made reference to the '/4-cent sales tax option and said that the <br /> state's one-cent sales tax expires in 2011. She said that the reality of asking voters for <br /> additional sales tax is problematic in this economic climate this year. <br /> Frank Clifton said that to balance the budget, the County will need at least $3-4 million. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said that property tax can be regressive, but sales tax can also <br /> be regressive. She said that the County cannot defer capital outlays forever. She would like <br /> to discuss the sales tax and the options. <br /> Chair Foushee supported Commissioner Pelissier's comments. She said that you <br /> cannot do more with less. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that last year the Board did not eliminate much in the area <br /> of "nice to do." He wants to look more closely at the core services that the County should <br /> provide. <br /> Clarence Grier went over Attachment 3. The additional expenditures, without adding <br /> any changes to departmental budgets, total almost $7 million. The budget at this time is short <br /> $5.7 million. This equates to 3.77 cents of property tax increase. <br /> Frank Clifton pointed out that this is the worst case scenario. <br /> Frank Clifton made reference to the sales tax distribution and the handout. He said <br /> that this has not been reconsidered in 25 years. The population method is being used now. <br /> The Board needs to act by the end of April to change the method that is used. He pointed out <br /> that he is not asking the Board to change anything. <br /> Michael Talbert explained the handout. These numbers are from 2008-09 and do not <br /> include the revaluation. <br /> Frank Clifton said that the reality is that the County is giving up $1 million for distribution <br /> to the towns. <br /> 3. FY 2010 — 11 Board Priorities <br /> Frank Clifton said that all of these priorities cannot be addressed at one time. He <br /> asked for Board input. <br /> Commissioner Hemminger asked how something completed comes off of the list such <br /> as the County Attorney's Staffing/Offices. Frank Clifton said that there is no process for this <br /> yet, but that can be part of the discussion. <br /> Frank Clifton made reference to P-14 on page three and said that staff met with the <br /> Town of Chapel Hill today and there will be a joint proposal about how to move forward with <br /> this priority— Fulfill remainder of bond issuance approved by voters in 2001 for soccer. <br />