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10 <br /> the plan mean that policies for the way money is allocated to the two school systems will need to be <br /> changed. If the Board approves Option 5A with the changes as outlined in this agenda abstract (now <br /> referred to as Option 513), he will bring back those policy changes for Board approval. <br /> With reference to the Board's concern about using the one cent that is earmarked for a <br /> capital reserve account for County projects beginning in 1998-99, Commissioner Halkiotis said that his main <br /> concern is that some of the County programs will be shortchanged. He will not support an increase in the <br /> general fund property tax rate of one cent to replace these funds. He thanked Budget Director Sally Kost <br /> for her creativity on this plan and asked that additional work be done to provide adequate funds for other <br /> programs in the County. <br /> In answer to a question from Commissioner Gordon, Sally Kost said that the $1 million for <br /> County projects will come from the $40 million bond funds. <br /> John Link said that since June they have been working from the expenditure side as a given <br /> and tried to match the revenues with the expenditures. From here forward, they will use a needs task force <br /> to look at the needs which will determine the expenditures. Also, the County projects need to be specified <br /> with timetables and estimated cost. They also need to look at what the high school task force did several <br /> years ago and what the intent was for future high schools. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis said that when talking about this much money, there was a sentiment <br /> that East Chapel Hill High would be sized to handle any excess student population from the northern end of <br /> the County. It is important to know which areas people are moving into so that planning can be done <br /> accordingly. <br /> Commissioner Crowther clarified that Chapel Hill -Carrboro City Schools start with zero <br /> money and at the end they have a fund balance of$4.4 million. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit expressed concern that the one cent reserve for land acquisition is not <br /> maintained in the plan. He feels this should be factored into the long-range plan and should be used jointly <br /> for recreation and schools. He feels that pressure should be placed on those responsible to identify land <br /> for future schools. He indicated that he is not opposed over the long term to using proceeds from the 1 cent <br /> tax for other purposes, but that the proceeds for years up to 1998 should be available to take advantage of <br /> land acquisition opportunities. <br /> Commissioner Gordon made reference to the infrastructure impact statement and asked that <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis join her in moving this project forward. <br /> John Link asked the Board's direction on using the capital reserve account to acquire land <br /> where school and recreation can be jointly located so that could be factored into the equation. He also <br /> asked for the go ahead to pursue policy statements for plan 5B. He noted that the Needs Assessment <br /> Committee will focus on those issues that relate directly to the referendum and then focus on pay-as-you-go <br /> items. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to <br /> adopt the capital policy as defined in Option 5A presented at the September 17 Board of Commissioners <br /> meeting with the changes outlined in the abstract dated October 15 with consideration given to how the $1 <br /> million can be covered without an increase in the property tax rate. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> B. COMMUNITY SCHOOL FOR PEOPLE UNDER SIX FUNDING REQUEST <br /> John Link presented for the Board's consideration of approval a request for funding from the <br /> Community School for People Under Six. On April 1, 1996, the Board approved a request from the <br /> Community School to construct a 2,150 square feet building addition to the Northside Multipurpose Center <br /> located on Caldwell Street in Chapel Hill. Since April, the cost of the expansion project has increased <br /> beyond the Community School's budget. The additional cost is the result of parking lot improvements <br /> required by the Town of Chapel Hill . John Link talked with Cal Horton who indicated that the Chapel Hill <br /> Town Council will consider an allocation for this project at their meeting tomorrow evening. John Link noted <br /> that these are permanent improvements that will add to the value of the property owned by the County. <br /> Anna Mercer-Mclean, Director of the Community School for People Under Six, said that it will <br /> cost an additional $20,300 for the construction work and services required to comply with the Town of <br /> Chapel Hill 's conditions of approval for the Zoning Compliance Permit. <br />