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T$ <br />Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. <br />QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OR CITIZENS <br />Frank Church, a citizen from Cedar Hills, requested an explanation of <br />why the increase was so high, Rod Visser stated that the increase was <br />actually 3.5%; if a higher increase was charged it was due to other changes <br />in Mr. Church's tax situation. <br />Ms.. Cowdrick, a resident of Chapel Hill, stated that she believes her <br />property is highly overvalued by Orange-County. The assessed value is <br />$27,000 more than she paid for it last May. <br />Chair Carey indicated that the General Statues require that taxes be <br />based on the last revaluation which occurred in 1987. The value of many <br />condominiums has decreased since 1987. The current revaluation could very <br />well be more-in line with the recent purchase price. <br />Kermit Lloyd.indicated that the value'rof property does"'change. For <br />that reason the law requires that each county revalue property every 8 <br />years. The Board of Commissioners have chosen to revalue property next <br />year because they realize that property values have changed since-the last <br />revaluation in 1987. He also indicated that the law does not provide for <br />changes in tax billing other than through the revaluation. <br />Commissioner Insko stated that she has visited the Tax Assessor's <br />office and studied their operation. She found them to be thorough, <br />objective and professional. They have checks and double-checks to avoid <br />errors. <br />Ms. Cowdrick was encouraged to call and/or visit the Tax Assessor's <br />office to discuss her concerns about the tax billing and to assure that <br />there were no errors in her account, She was also encouraged to discuss <br />the upcoming revaluation with Mr. Lloyd. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED <br />G. ORANGE COUNTY FACILITIES USE POLICY AND PROPOSED FEES <br />This item was presented by Budget Director Sally Kos- for the purpose <br />of receiving a report on proposed policy and fees for the use of orange <br />County facilities. This is the second in a series of several reports on <br />Orange County fees. Last month, the Board was presented an informational <br />report on proposed,Environmental Health fees. As indicated at that time, <br />Environmental Health fees, Fire Safety fees, Planning and Inspection fees, <br />and Facility Use fees would be presented to the Board of County <br />Commissioners in report format. Once initial comments were received, the <br />reports would be forwarded to the appropriate advisory Board for input. <br />Sally Kost indicated that the report is intentionally broad and that the <br />local market, as well as recommendations from the Recreation and Parks <br />Advisory Council, were taken into account in preparing this report. <br />Commissioner Gordon questioned the effectiveness of having a $50.00 <br />damage deposit. She suggested increasing that amount and holding the check <br />until the key is returned and the building is checked for damage. <br />In response to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis, John Link <br />indicated that his proposal is not to charge, or be charged, for facility <br />use by the schools. There has not yet. been a response from either school <br />district to that proposal. He also indicated that the issue of inspection