Minutes 08-17-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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continuing services and to preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare." Notice has been published as provided in the statute. In accordance with the statute, a franchise ordinance cannot be granted, "until it has been passed at two regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners." NO PUBLIC COMMENT A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to direct staff to negotiate with franchise applicants on a Franchise Agreement to present for Board approval. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Uses of Funds from a November 2, 2010 Special Advisory Referendum Concerning the Levy of a One-Quarter Cent (1/4¢) County Sales and Use Tax The Board held a public hearing on potential uses for a One-Quarter Cent County additional Sales and Use Tax. Financial Services Director Clarence Grier introduced this item. PUBLIC COMMENT: Bill Whitmore said that he represents over 500 members of the Greater Chapel Hill Association of Realtors as their President. He said that the Greater Chapel Hill Association of Realtors is inclined to endorse this referendum, but generally not in favor of any more taxes on Orange County residents. He said that it is the strongly-held conviction that the County is better off holding the line on spending instead of continuing to increase property taxes. New economic disciplines are needed. However, these are extraordinarily challenging times and require different solutions. This '/4-cent sales tax is the smarter path. He said that the cost burden will be equally distributed, it is non-regressive by design, and a portion of it will be paid by visitors that pass through the County. He said that there are two programs that should be supported by this revenue — schools and economic development efforts. He said that the County needs to suspend relying on property taxes to fund the budget, and new economic development would help this. He said that the Association would like the County Commissioners to dedicate at least one-third of the new revenues to the schools, and the rest towards more robust economic development needed in the County. He said that the Association can support and help this referendum pass. He said that they were behind the County Commissioners with a resolution and a pledge to use the revenues to create a healthier, responsible environment dedicated to supporting superior schools for all residents and powered by enlightened economic development that will bring a brighter future to Orange County. Nick Tennyson is the Executive Vice President of the Homebuilders Association for Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties. He said that they are glad that the Board of County Commissioners is putting this before the voters. He said that how this money is used will determine if the public will support this. He said that if the revenue is used for operating expenses, it will postpone the day when Orange County's tax base is diversified. They urge