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3 increased funds for the schools and in doing so the County employee compensation and merit money becomes meat to chop. Chair Carey asked John Link to come back with recommendations before he finalizes his budget request. Commissioner Gordon would like to see the incentives for saving money. John Link will present these items in May. D. What consistency should there be between increases in salary plans and other aspects of the County budget? Commissioner Insko feels it is problematic for the Board to wait until the last night of budget discussions to discuss employee compensation. She would like to put everything on the table at once. Commissioner Gordon noted that what happens is that the Manager presents a budget with a recommended increase and the Board usually decreases the increase. She made reference to the percent of the school budget attributed to enrollment and noted that when looking at the increase, the number of new units must be considered and whether they are for new students or new employees. John Link made reference to the budget and noted that any new positions which will require new resources will be detailed with alternatives and information on how the departments are working together. He will include a COLA and two or three alternatives on addressing merit increases. 2. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) Mary Bushnell, Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education, stated that they will need a second elementary school within the next ten years. The rooms will be built to accommodate 23 students in grades K-3 and 26 students in the fourth and fifth grades. The Orange County Schools have 18-23 students per classroom at the present time. In answer to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis, both school systems are using mobile classrooms. Commissioner Insko noted she would like to know in the budget what increase is attributed to an increase in new space. She asked about outdoor seating at the three middle schools and the new high school and was told that this would be regular stadium type seating. In answer to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis, Mary Bushnell indicated that they do still park all the school buses at the high school. John Link noted that the one outstanding issue deals with recurring capital. Both school systems have asked for one million dollars. He asked if this should be funded by a tax increase or additional sales tax revenue. This may be addressed this year through unexpected tax revenue but this does not address the long term issue. Chair Carey noted that recurring capital will need to be increased and perhaps this is the year to reconsider the policy of how they allocate sales tax revenue. John Link said that the reallocation would either have to come from what is presently allocated to the schools or from county projects. John Link asked that the Board consider making a decision on whether or not to renovate the upper floor of the new courthouse or add a separate annex. He made reference to the addition of 3,000 square feet to the Southern Human Services Building and noted that the total 33,000 square feet will accomplish most functions for that building. The committee is still working on final appropriation of space. One thing not included is a dental clinic.