Orange County NC Website
12 <br />1 forward in keeping the residents in Orange County. She would like for the Manager or the <br />2 Attorney to speak to the question that was asked by the first citizen so that there is an <br />3 understanding of what the Board can do if this is passed. <br />4 Frank Clifton said that during this process there were County elections in both counties <br />5 and the membership of the Board in Alamance shifted slightly. He said that there was <br />6 reluctance with Alamance County to move from the line that was surveyed by the State. He <br />7 said that the 91 % solution met the criteria that both Boards agreed to. The other 9% is still <br />8 under negotiation. He said that if the legislature in general decided to change the line, it has <br />9 the authority to do so. He said that the areas in question can come back if Alamance County <br />10 can agree to it. He suggested treating them separately as separate bills. <br />11 County Attorney John Roberts said that the legislature is the final authority on <br />12 approving the county line. This would not go to the General Assembly until next year in the <br />13 short session. Alamance County's concurrence would be needed to do this. In the long <br />14 session following, Alamance County's concurrence would not be needed to submit a local bill <br />15 that brings these two communities back into Orange County. <br />16 Commissioner Jacobs said that he supports these two bills, but he wrote out a <br />17 resolution to forward to the Alamance County Commissioners. He read the resolution: <br />18 <br />19 "In the interest of all and moving forward with a resolution of determination of the <br />20 Alamance-Orange County Line, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has agreed to <br />21 support two bills defining 91 % of the boundary and separately to further refine the remaining <br />22 9% of the boundary. <br />23 However, we ask that the Alamance County Board of Commissioners also consider the <br />24 concerns of the Morrow Mill Road area and Mill Creek area residents who wish to change or <br />25 remain in affected counties." <br />26 <br />27 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to <br />28 approve sending this proposed resolution to Alamance County. <br />29 Frank Clifton said that if they follow through on this resolution, he would suggest <br />30 considering a third bill to address these changes. <br />31 Commissioner Hemminger suggested a letter, a conversation, or a request for a <br />32 meeting to discuss this rather than a resolution. This would be more collaborative. <br />33 Commissioner Gordon said to put on record why they are going with the 91 % and the <br />34 9%. She asked about the effect of putting a third bill in now. <br />35 John Roberts said that a third bill would not get submitted in time and there are still two <br />36 bills that are in draft form. He was going to ask the Board to approve the two bills subject to <br />37 review by both counties. He doubts that a third bill would make it to the March deadline. He <br />38 would recommend waiting until next year and going to the General Assembly with Alamance <br />39 County. <br />40 Commissioner Yuhasz said that he agreed with John Roberts' recommendation. He <br />41 said that the point of the resolution was to communicate with the Alamance County <br />42 Commissioners about the continued concern about these two specific areas. <br />43 Commissioner Foushee said that her problem is with the resolution. She is all for <br />44 communicating, but she does not want to send a resolution. <br />45 Chair Pelissier said that she also does not want to send a resolution. She would prefer <br />46 sending a letter. <br />47 Commissioner Jacobs said that he does not feel that strongly whether it is a letter or a <br />48 resolution, but the letter should be firm. <br />49 <br />