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8 <br />schools. <br />ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING <br />- IIpdate of the 5-year Plan <br />- Training and Education Center/Space for work force preparedness <br />Chair Carey said that the five year strategic plan is currently exhausted <br />with a lot being accomplished. They are embarking on another five-year plan <br />and he asked for suggestions on what to include in that plan. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked that a cost benefit analysis or cost <br />effectiveness be a part of the plan. She feels it is important because Orange <br />County has a two percent unemployment rate while, at the same time, encourage <br />people to move to this area, which she feels is not helping the situation. <br />Commissioner Willhoit does not see economic development purely as a cost <br />benefit but as a quality of life issue. Economic development standards have <br />ensured this quality of life. <br />Chair Carey noted that he thought they had already decided that a cost <br />benefit analysis would not be a good investment of staff time because there is <br />no way to know what the future will bring. They have agreed on the type of <br />development they want in the two new Economic Development Districts and they <br />will closely monitor that development. <br />Commissioner Willhoit asked that both the Economic Development and <br />Planning Department address the issue of "cottage industry" as it relates to <br />the information age. It is an industry which is compatible with residential <br />development with low environmental impacts. Ted Abernathy said that home <br />occupations are growing and are about 10~ of the work force at this time. He <br />will provide information on the different kinds of home occupations located in <br />the County. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis pointed out that there are a lot of people who live <br />in Orange County and either work outside of Orange County or work in low paying <br />jobs. These are the people that new industry will help. <br />Chair Carey noted that he feels that they need to think about the cost <br />benefit but not debate whether or not to invest in Orange County. He would <br />like to see the County work with the tobacco farmers and find other suitable <br />ventures for them to pursue like horticulture. <br />Ted Abernathy reported that there is a real effort to coordinate a school <br />to work transition. There is an apprenticeship program which was started this <br />year with local businesses which helps this transition. The Community in <br />Schools program will help in this effort. <br />John Link made reference to the strategic plan and said that the plan will <br />include an assessment of what is out there and a more in-depth assessment of <br />the future employment opportunities to expect. They expect opportunities to <br />increase -- not decrease. <br />Commissioner Willhoit made reference to the PHE facility that was vacated <br />last month. The University hospital has purchased that building which <br />essentially takes it off the tax rolls for Orange County. He suggested asking <br />them to make a donation at least in the amount of the fire tax for that <br />district. <br />