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298 <br /> VII. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE <br /> VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE <br /> IX. REPORTS <br /> A. CABLE TV EXPANSION IN NORTHEASTERN ORANGE COUNTY <br /> John Link stated that in early summer, Carolina Cable was <br /> instructed to submit within six months a plan for providing cable TV to <br /> several subdivisions in Northeastern Orange County. These are all <br /> listed and shown on a map that is in the permanent agenda file. Randy <br /> Houser stated he expects all connections to be completed by mid January. <br /> B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - OCCUPANCY TAX <br /> Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy provided <br /> information regarding the effort to address challenge 9 of the Orange <br /> County Economic Development Strategic Plan - "Program to Attract and <br /> Serve Visitors" . A task force was formed by the Public Private <br /> Partnership on which a representative from Economic Development served. <br /> The two resolutions in the agenda packet from the two Chambers differ <br /> slightly in content but agree in the following: <br /> (1) that a County-wide entity be created to operate a countywide <br /> program, <br /> (2) that the entity be governed by members representii <br /> appropriate organizations, <br /> (3) that the County Commissioners seek legislative authority to <br /> levy a countywide occupancy tax dedicated to this purpose, <br /> (4) that Chapel Hill commit 20% of its current occupancy tax to <br /> this entity, and <br /> (5) that other sources of funding continue to be explored. <br /> The Economic Development Commission agreed to these five <br /> items in principle. Ted Abernathy clarified that at the present time <br /> Chapel Hill is using only 7% of its current occupancy tax for visitor <br /> services. The typical norm is 50% or more. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit expressed his objection to #4 above <br /> stating he feels that a countywide effort should be done with a <br /> countywide tax. <br /> Chairman Carey emphasized that if a countywide entity is <br /> formed, it should be the responsibility of that entity to pursue sources <br /> of funds to cover its operating expenses. <br /> After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board <br /> to accept the resolutions and to endorse in principle moving forward <br /> with all recommendations except #4 listed above. <br /> Chairman Carey agreed to work with the mayors on the details <br /> that need to be addressed including the exact structure of an authority <br /> and the implementation of the program. <br /> C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' RETREAT FOLLOW-UP ON RURAL CHARACTL <br /> PROPOSALS <br />