Orange County NC Website
� <br /> Craig Benedict said that this has been an ongoing report that comes to the Board in <br /> various forms. There are various initiatives. House Bill 148 allows Orange, Durham, and <br /> Wake Counties to proceed with a funding mechanism for light rail or some alternative in the <br /> region. This could include bus rapid transit and regular bus service. There is an alternatives <br /> analysis that is being headed by Triangle Transit and its consultant, URS. There is also the <br /> Orange County Transit Plan, which includes areas in Durham County because there will be a <br /> linkage and a cost-sharing mechanism between Orange County and Durham County. With the <br /> monies that are projected to be left over from a light rail project in the Durham/Orange area, <br /> staff is looking at what type of bus services could be provided to enhance the future light rail <br /> public transit system. As part of that discussion, a meeting has been held with Durham City <br /> and County officials about the cost-sharing mechanism. There has been one meeting so far, <br /> but no determinations have been made about which option is better. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that this is just providing a general update on the process and they <br /> will bring specifics forward after these decisions are made by the elected officials group. The <br /> question is where to draw the boundaries. The other thing is will the type of model allow them <br /> to have the type of enhanced bus service that is needed. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that she has nothing to add since the Chair covered the <br /> highlights, but the County cannot sell this plan to Orange County unless it works for Orange <br /> County. <br /> Commissioner Gordon provided some additional information about the plan. She <br /> reiterated that this plan for bus service and rail service has to be acceptable to residents in all <br /> parts of Orange County. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked about the vehicle registration fee and how the Triangle <br /> Regional program will address public transportation for people that do not live in Chapel Hill or <br /> in urban areas. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that this is the crux that they are talking about for this plan. If there <br /> were a limited amount of hours according to some of the scenarios for the light rail, it would not <br /> meet the needs because it would only be enhancing services in the urban areas. <br /> Craig Benedict made reference to the timeline and said that he would send an email <br /> about this to everyone. Originally the light rail plan was supposed to be available in March, but <br /> this has shifted. The final financial model for this will probably not be ready for another month. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that, regardless of what is decided about a sales tax referendum, <br /> the County is doing the work that it needs to do, which is to come up with an Orange County <br /> Transit Plan that interfaces with the Durham County Transit Plan. She thinks that a lot of <br /> progress has been made. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that, based on this timetable, the Board of County <br /> Commissioners will vote on putting a %2-cent sales tax on the referendum along with the '/4-cent <br /> sales tax and Chair Pelissier said that this is a possibility. <br /> 10. County Manaqer's Report <br /> Frank Clifton said that the Town of Carrboro voted to approve the rezoning of the <br /> property which the County has the option to put a library on. There is a 120-day extension <br /> timeframe. The staff is pursuing the normal due diligence. No timeframe has been <br /> established, but it is up to the County Commissioners. The deadline for deciding on whether <br /> or not to purchase the property is August 17tn <br /> The second issue is the State budget process. School funding is an issue that is on <br /> the table. Lottery proceeds seem to be the primary criteria. The other impacts to the County <br /> that are direct are the misdemeanor housing issues. <br />