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~_: ~: The intent for the EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES was discussed at this point. A decision needs to be made regarding whether or not to charge fees to users. If fees ~a~re._, not charged adjustments in the budget need to be made because anticipated user fees were included in the budget for 1989-90. The proposal discussed assumed that fees would not be charged for the next year except for convalescent transport. _ Mr. Link stated that the option of charging user fees needs to be carefully examined along with all the other alternatives that are available. He recommended that the county proceed with using the ad valorum tax to pay for the emergency transport. He also recommended that the amount of cost that is being borne for EMS services be indicated on the tax bill so that citizens understand this cost. Chairman Carey mentioned that the reactivation and recharging of the EMS Council needed to be included in this proposal. He also indicated that a variety of proposals need to be considered. He agreed that the county should proceed without charging a fee for the coming fiscal year. Commissioner Willhoit stated that he would like to see the long-range and short- range goals articulated. It needs to be decided where we are going and to identify the resources that are going to be needed to get us there. At that point, the most appropriate way to raise the money can be decided. Chairman Carey indicated that it was the consensus of the Board that fees not be charged and proceed with financing that portion of the budget from the ad valorum tax. "' Commissioners Hartwell and Marshall stated that fees for this service need to be on the tax bill. Commissioner Willhoit addressed the issue of appropriation for the schools. There is a great deal of uncertainty about what the state is going to do with the basic education plan. He indicated that he was concerned with having enough money in the current expense budget so the schools can move ahead. Commissioner Hartwell suggest that the Orange County System appropriate more: of their Fund Balance for the coming year. Commissioner Willhoit indicated that the teacher supplements was one of the schools priorities. This additional money will enable them to meet their goal. Mr. Link asked if what was being recommended was an additional 1 cent? Gommissioner Willhoit answered in the affirmative. Detailed discussion ensured on the pros and cons of allocating full or partial funding requests to the different human service programs, including Kidscope, Choregivers, Mr. Link addressed the 911 enhancement study. The first stage is to look at the actual cost of implementation, including capital costs. A surcharge can be added to the telephone bill to cover that cost. When the system is in place, the General Assembly has before it a bill that would allow citizens, or Commissioners by referendum, to decide whether to add another surcharge each month to help pay for the operations of the enhanced 911 system. Reports will be presented to the Commissioners during the course of this year on how that would operate and what the impact would be on the citizens.