Orange County NC Website
Commissioner Insko made reference to the 30% of sales tax that is used for <br /> County projects and asked if that amount could be reduced for non-school funds <br /> and increased for school funds. John Link indicated that this is the Board's <br /> decision taking into account the impact on county projects. Commissioner <br /> Willhoit noted that the County is already an over-achiever on the percentage <br /> committed to the schools from the sales tax. The County allocates 80% of the <br /> Article 40 monies, which is no longer required, and 60% of the Article 42 <br /> funds which is required. A bill has been introduced to extend Article 40 at <br /> 30% for the schools. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit expressed a concern about providing court and <br /> jail facilities for the next ten years and asked that caution be exercised <br /> before the amount of sales tax is changed to be sure that total County needs <br /> are included. Commissioner Gordon asked for ten year CIP projections for <br /> court and jail facilities, and schools. John Link stated that the third floor <br /> of the new courthouse is being renovated into a courtroom and they are <br /> pursuing the expansion of the jail now. These two efforts should meet the <br /> needs for the next five to six years. Commissioner Gordon stated she has <br /> concerns about putting four million into a swimming pool that the County would <br /> not own. She asked the status of the Rural Education Center. John Link <br /> indicated that the committee had a real productive meeting and are hopeful <br /> that the project will go forward. <br /> The report was received for information only. <br /> D. COMMISSIONERS' 1993 LEGISLATIVE GOALS <br /> County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill stated that there will be <br /> amendments to the local act for the Civil Rights Ordinance which will be <br /> geared to provide remedy sections and other things that are necessary in order <br /> to accommodate the desire of the County to obtain substantial equivalency in <br /> the areas of housing and employment. <br /> The County Commissioners discussed the impact fee which the County <br /> has the authority to levy although there is not a system in place for <br /> implementation. Commissioner Willhoit asked that this be discussed again. <br /> He emphasized that he is not willing to talk about another bond for the <br /> schools until year-round schools are explored as well as other ways for better <br /> utilization of school buildings. Commissioner Gordon asked for a chart <br /> showing what the new schools would cost and what it would cost to pay for them <br /> using zero impact fee and specific impact fee amounts and then comparing these <br /> amounts with the property tax increase that would be required in each case. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis asked what would be saved if both schools used the same <br /> design. Commissioner Insko asked for a per square footage comparison with <br /> neighboring counties. She stressed that the affordable housing issue needs <br /> to be considered separate from other issues. <br /> VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION--REGULAR AGENDA - NONE <br /> IB. BOARD COMMENTS - NONE <br /> X. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT - NONE <br /> 8I. APPOINTMENTS - NONE <br /> %II. MINUTES <br />