Orange County NC Website
ordinance amendment contained within Attachment 2, with the amendment as stated above by <br /> Commissioner Gordon. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> c. Orange County's Proposed 2010 Legislative Agenda <br /> The Board held a public hearing on Orange County's potential legislative items for the <br /> 2010 North Carolina General Assembly Session and considered potential items for inclusion in <br /> the agenda package and priority discussion with Orange County's legislative delegation. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that this item is not much different than what the County <br /> presented last year. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> Kenny Keel, Town Engineer with the Town of Hillsborough, requested that item #19, <br /> Bio-solids Disposal, be removed from the legislative agenda because federal and state <br /> regulations regarding bio-solids are already in effect and being enforced. Federal and state <br /> regulators enforce the current rules and local municipalities and utilities further monitor these <br /> rules. It is his understanding that Orange County does not have sufficient staff and funding to <br /> take on this new responsibility. He believes that Orange County would be better served to <br /> monitor and report problems to State staff for action rather than creating an additional <br /> bureaucracy. He said that viable alternatives, both economical and effective, are needed <br /> before going forward with additional regulations and restrictive and unnecessary clauses. He <br /> said that if land application of bio-solids in Orange County is restricted beyond current state <br /> and federal law, it could increase Hillsborough's disposal costs over 300%. He said that <br /> another option is that a County Commissioner or proxy could be given a seat on Hillsborough's <br /> Water and Sewer Advisory Committee and similar committees and boards in other <br /> jurisdictions. <br /> Frank Clifton said that the Director of OWASA has indicated the willingness to work <br /> with the County on this issue. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz made reference to item #1 — Revenue options for local <br /> government— and said that it contains a provision that he objected to last year and he still <br /> objects to it. He said that it is not appropriate that voters in Dare County can make decisions <br /> that would then apply to Orange County. He will vote against this whole package if this item is <br /> included. <br /> Commissioner Gordon made reference to item #1 - Revenue options for local <br /> government- and said that, except for the last sentence, this tracks fairly closely with what <br /> TJCOG and NCACC has asked for. The overarching principle is that if any local government <br /> has an option for a certain revenue source that other governments in North Carolina would <br /> have the same option. She does not think it mandates that County government exercise this <br /> option. She said that the last sentence might not be necessary. She suggested supporting <br /> what the TJCOG and NCACC have supported. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that she supports that sentiment too and they have done <br /> what they can do as it relates to a land transfer tax. She is okay with striking this language <br /> from item #1. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that the TJCOG does specify what is being taken out. He <br /> said that it was fine to take out the last sentence, but TJCOG says, "seeks authority for local <br /> government on a reasonable basis." <br />