Orange County NC Website
With regard to signs for the interstate, John Link will report back on whether or not there is any <br />money allocated for this purpose. Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy said that the Visitors <br />Bureau is waiting on some direction from the Board on signs. The money is in the Visitors Bureau budget. <br />This will be discussed at the Visitors Bureau Board meeting next week. <br />EMS - IMMEDIATE RESPONSE VEHICLES <br />Rod Visser explained what this change in the EMS service delivery would mean and how they plan <br />to implement this new service delivery model and focus on day to day operation cost. The EMS budget <br />includes funds to pay for services which are now being provided by volunteers. Implementation is <br />scheduled for October 1. They still have a lot of issues that will need to be addressed before that time. He <br />feels they can recoup about $275,000 by charging for services rendered. <br />OTHER COUNTY ISSUESIOUTSIDE AGENCIES <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about increases for the library stating that the only increase was for <br />the Orange County Library. John Link stated that there are no increases for the libraries or for recreation <br />and parks because there are still policy issues that need to be addressed. Two years ago at an Assembly <br />of Governments meeting there was agreement that the towns and county need to work together on these <br />two issues. He distributed information about County use of the Chapel Hill Library noting that only about <br />3% of County citizens use the Chapel Hill Library. <br />Commissioner Crowther mentioned that they are working on Carrboro becoming a branch of the <br />Orange County Library. Carrboro will contribute $6,000 to the Carrboro Library this coming fiscal year. <br />John Link noted that the County contributed $45,000 last year for startup money and $15,000 <br />rollover and a one time contribution of $10,000. His recommended budget allocates $45,000 with an <br />expected $15,000 in rollover which means they will have the same level of funding they had last year. <br />John Link noted that the citizens who live in central and northern Orange County are receiving about <br />$3.66 for library services and those who live in southern Orange County receive about $25.00 for these <br />services, when the tax dollars paid by Chapel Hill citizens for the Chapel Hill Library are included. <br />Commissioner Willhoit emphasized that what the County is providing is inadequate and their budget <br />allocation should be increased. However, the more basic question is to what extent this competition for <br />library funds will continue. <br />Commissioner Gordon said she feels the County should increase the allocation to the library. <br />Commissioner Willhoit proposed that $25,000 be added to the Chapel Hill allocation. Chair Carey and <br />Commissioner Halkiotis feels this amount is generous. Commissioner Gordon recommended an additional <br />amount for Chapel Hill and Carrboro. <br />A recommendation to make the Carrboro branch part of the County library system will be <br />forthcoming. In the meantime, John Link recommends that they put $15,000 into contingency to cover the <br />costs of transition. <br />Chair Carey acknowledge receipt of a letter from the Historic Preservation Commission in which they <br />have requested additional monies and a request from Project TurnAround which is operated by the Town of <br />Chapel Hill. <br />Commissioner Crowther mentioned a request from the Arts Commission for $12,500 to use for <br />matching funds for a grant. He said that the Town of Hillsborough has included in their budget $25,000 to <br />be used for the County/Town park. He asked that the County consider matching this amount. <br />Commissioner Gordon reminded the Board that the County is providing the land for this park. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis asked that the Board consider adding one full-time firefighter for the Orange <br />Rural Fire District. This will be considered if a formal request is received from that Board of Trustees. <br />Tim Ives, Chair of the Health Board, asked that the County Commissioners consider adding a half- <br />time position to the Health Department staff. The position would allow the Child Service Coordinator <br />additional time to work with families instead of doing a lot of clerical work associated with this position. This <br />position would be funded from other than County funds. He emphasized that the Board of Health supports <br />this position.