Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> funding available basically renovates the building and provides for the equipment and the first <br /> year operational costs. He said that he would hope that the consultant's report was accurate, the <br /> community demand does exist, and the 501c-3 can be established so that the County will be out <br /> of the business. <br /> John Roberts said that one area of objection by the other counties was regarding the <br /> lease payments and why only Orange County would get these. Regarding the enterprise fund <br /> suggestion, the general statues have a specific list of enterprises that counties can engage in, <br /> including solid waste and a few others. This type of operation is not included. It can be operated <br /> as an incubator. <br /> Commissioner Nelson made reference to the issue of budgeting. He said that you always <br /> have to have a budget with a start-up and the ones that fail are the ones that do not have a <br /> budget in the beginning nor a work plan. He asked to see the business plan for this. <br /> Noah Rannells said that ever since this feasibility study was completed, there has been a <br /> working budget. The business plan is not fully developed because of the grant funding. There is <br /> a single-year and a working three-year budget with cash flows. As soon as he gets something <br /> that is worthy to be shared, then he will share it. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that if he were a lender, he would not vote to give money to <br /> fund this without seeing a business plan. <br /> Commissioner Nelson asked how this could become a 501c-3. Frank Clifton said that <br /> there was a business plan set up to get the grant funding. What is not known exactly is the cost <br /> of the equipment because the type of processing is not known. The key to spinning this off as a <br /> 501c-3 is to get the right people involved. He would like to get the County out of this business as <br /> soon as possible. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that spinning this into a non-profit when it was once a County <br /> project will be difficult but he will vote for this anyway. He asked the County Commissioners if <br /> they are comfortable with this remaining a County function forever. <br /> John Roberts said that one of the reasons that this will not be spun off immediately to a <br /> non-profit is that one of the major grantors had significant concerns about giving this to a non- <br /> profit that does not have experience. The agreement does contemplate going to a non-profit at <br /> some point. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said that she thinks that it is important that this move forward. <br /> She asked when the other counties would be voting on this. John Roberts said that he would like <br /> the other counties to act on this immediately. There is a July 2010 start date listed. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier made reference to item 2 on the second page of the agreement <br /> and the possibility for future expansion. She asked what this really means. Noah Rannells said <br /> that this accounts for the opportunity that this is an economic development entrepreneur base <br /> and would allow for other sites, not at this physical location, to be developed in tandem with this <br /> effort. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said that as soon as possible she would like to have the steering <br /> committee formed to start talking about spinning this off as a 501c-3. <br /> John Roberts said that he does not think that any other county would object if the Board <br /> of County Commissioners added that language in here. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked if Frank Clifton could provide a detailed draft budget and <br /> business plan by the end of the 2009-10 fiscal year and Frank Clifton said yes. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to <br /> approve the Inter-Local Agreement and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board and <br /> that the Board of County Commissioners resolves to: <br /> 1) Ask the Manager to provide a detailed draft budget and business plan by the end of <br /> the 2009-10 fiscal year; and <br />