Minutes 12-06-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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,~ Commissioner McKee said that he was not part of the discussion when the revaluation was moved from six years to four years. One of his concerns is that if the reasoning at that time to move it back then was valid, then he wonders why it is not valid. Secondly, if the County goes back to a longer schedule, he thinks there would be a perception that there is a reluctance to revalue properties in a down market. Commissioner Yuhasz said that he agreed with Commissioner McKee that there might be a perception that the County would not want to proceed with a revaluation on a four-year schedule because of the down market, but he does not think that is the case. The County has made a commitment to revalue every four years and he thinks the County should keep to this schedule. Frank Clifton said that the only issue from the staff's standpoint will be the newness of staff coming on board and a new software system. Commissioner Jacobs said that he has confidence that the Manager will find a good tax administrator and this is a question of confidence ultimately. He said that the public needs to perceive that the County is sticking to a schedule. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to stay with the four-year revaluation schedule. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Potential Framework to Support Future Business Investment and Job Creation The Board considered discussing a potential framework to encourage and support the expansion of existing businesses and the location of new businesses within Orange County. Frank Clifton introduced this item. He said that the County has talked about coming competitive, and there are certain steps that need to be taken. He made reference to the list of policies and activities that are in use in the areas that surround Orange County. These are incentives, business rewards, etc. He said that not having a policy guarantees that the County is behind in this process. He thinks that it is important to focus on jobs in Orange County. He said that he does not have a specific recommendation, but he would like to have a discussion about this. He does not think it is necessary that every project be considered, but he thinks it is important that the County has something to offer. He said that the County Commissioners would need to set some reasonable parameters for the policy. Commissioner Yuhasz said that it is very important for the County to have a policy and parameters. In particular, he would like to have a policy about how to deal with start-up companies. Commissioner McKee said that he was very interested in expanding the tax base for Orange County. He is concerned that people will no longer be able to afford to live in Orange County if the tax base is not expanded. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the list of policies from local areas, described in the agenda materials and said that it is a good idea to have criteria and a checklist. She said that she is interested in the ones listed for Chatham County, which has a point system. She is ready to move forward on an approach like this as a basis for Orange County's policies. Commissioner Foushee said that she would caution the Board to do baby steps. There is a lot of information here, and the County has never done anything like this before. She wants to be careful that the County does not communicate a message and then not be ready for what comes forward. Commissioner Jacobs said that he appreciated that the staff pointed out the living wage. Regarding the potential framework, he said that the County wants businesses that are sound - development that is environmentally sound, consistent with the land use plan, and that treat their employees in a manner that is also sound. He thinks that the policy needs to be 21