Minutes 03-15-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

"Thank you for seeking our input on a sales tax increase. As you know, over the last few years the citizens of Orange County absorbed the tax revaluation, increases to many fees and other increases in the cost of government As the taxes went up, essential services were cut. And the County's fiscal future still remains uncertain. Times have changed and we appreciate the work that Mr. Clifton has done to change the trajectory of the County's out of control spending. But, there's more to do in order to align the County's spending to our new economic reality. It's not just the million dollar conference room —which will be back in 2015, or the money spent on architects, designers, and consultants to plan projects that we don't need and can't afford. The County owns unused or underutilized real estate all over the county. There are facilities or services that duplicate those of the towns, and projects that were approved years ago, which are no longer relevant. There are millions of dollars of savings that could be harvested if the County got serious about it. These savings would not impact jobs or services. Of course, my favorite is the proposed, non-essential convenience center upgrades. For many households, the new 4R fee will cost more than the proposed sales tax increase. Despite claims for savings, the project appears to add nearly $1 million per year to the annual costs for convenience centers — it's a 50% increase. So, how about a work session to reduce the County's real estate holdings? Or one with the towns to find ways to share services or facilities — including parks — and save everyone money. Or a hard look on Thursday at the capital projects with the goal of eliminating non- essential projects including those that won't come online for years? Or how about hiring a consultant to advise the Board on cost restructuring? We rely on the Board to appreciate the full burden of government on Orange County households. To us, it doesn't matter if it's a tax or a fee, or whether it's capital or operating or whether it comes from the general fund or an enterprise fund. Everything that you approve is at our expense and we simply cannot afford everything that the County wants to pursue. Most of us would be happy to give the County another$20 or$30 for education and economic development. But, without a serious look at what we're already spending, it's just another tax increase. And just as important, what other tax or fee increases are pending? So, before you pursue a new tax or other new sources of revenue, please take a top- down critical look at the County's cost structure and find ways to reduce the burden of government on the citizens of Orange County. Thank you." Jim Hinson said that he and his wife cannot afford an additional sales tax. They are senior citizens living on a fixed income. He said that the taxes should be decreased instead of increased. He said that he has to live within his means and so should the County. Ed Flowers urged the County Commissioners to include EMS in the funding if the sales tax passes. He encouraged the Board to seek the advice of the Attorney regarding the possible negligence by not being able to provide EMS services in a timely manner. Marty Mandell said that she supported this referendum before and she supports it now. She thinks that it is the least painful way to fund schools. She said that one of the most successful programs in the County is the Lands Legacy program. This represents farm preservation and she wants to help the farmers by helping to preserve their land and buying conservation easements. Alan Rosen said that last fall he supported the sales tax and he still supports it. He urged the County Commissioners to commit more than 50% of the proceeds to economic development. He suggested reconstituting the Economic Development Advisory Board.