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96 <br /> ORTS COMMISSION <br /> Joan Cohen, Chair of the Arts Commission, distributed a directory of <br /> where to find Arts in Orange County. She talked about their expanded <br /> activities. They are able to grant 50% of the requests they receive. The <br /> Commission has applied for a challenge grant. The money they will need to <br /> match is $2,500. The Commissioners expressed their appreciation for what the <br /> Commission has done for the Arts in this County and indicated they would take <br /> this request under consideration. <br /> RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION <br /> Susan Waldrop, Chair of RPAC, and Charles Burger, member of RPAC, <br /> expressed their concerns about the personnel portion of this budget. The <br /> most significant growth in any program is in the youth athletic program. It <br /> has grown 36% in one year. They have increased the use of volunteers by 94%. <br /> The Department has not kept pace with the demand for services. More <br /> specifically, ten years ago the department created a part-time position which <br /> is now full time temporary. Mary Anne Black asked that this position be made <br /> permanent but the request was denied. Last year the funding for Chapel Hill <br /> and Carrboro was increased by seven percent. This funding was increased <br /> again this year more than what the County Department was increased. RPAC <br /> requests that $4,400 be added to the budget for the athletic coordinator and <br /> that the budget for Chapel Hill and Carrboro be reviewed. <br /> Commissioner Marshall stated she was concerned about the amount of money <br /> 01 allocated for Chapel Hill and Carrboro and disappointed that the amount was <br /> ncreased. The County's Recreation and Parks Department is developing a fine <br /> program. <br /> Discussion ensued about reviewing the entire situation and the programs <br /> offered by each municipality and developing a plan with the other municipal <br /> systems that reflects equity. <br /> Chairman Carey stated that a superficial review of the programs was done <br /> but it was not inclusive which probably led to the increase in allocation for <br /> last year and this year. The County needs to look at a policy. He supports <br /> looking at this situation to determine if this County revenue sharing is the <br /> best system. <br /> John Link explained that in the past Chapel Hill and Carrboro had <br /> formulated formulas for county residents using the library and recreational <br /> facilities. Last year and this year the municipalities were told that <br /> recommended increases would be related to overall increases in the County's <br /> General Fund Budget. <br /> The Board agreed to consider cutting the allocations back to last years <br /> level for Chapel Hill and Carrboro and adding $4,400 to convert the fulltime <br /> temporary position to fulltime permanent. <br /> IIII <br />