Orange County NC Website
� <br /> Frank Clifton said that from the last meeting the County Commissioners had staff draft <br /> a resolution that implements the referendum date and uses, and it can be changed as needed. <br /> There are joint meetings with the school boards coming up and the County Commissioners <br /> may want to establish a more specific resolution. <br /> Interim Assistant County Manager Michael Talbert said that the Board has been <br /> discussing this issue for several months. There have been several public hearings on it. The <br /> Board's discussion has revolved around a 50% allocation to economic development with a <br /> variety of potential uses in that category. There is also 50% going to education and the Board <br /> discussed the issue of older schools and technology as being the highest priorities. The staff <br /> has taken the liberty to alert the school systems that this is something that the Board would like <br /> to discuss. There is a meeting with the schools on April 26th. The financial impact of this tax <br /> would be an estimated $2.5 million annually. If approved on November 8th, it would be <br /> effective April 1, 2012. The Manager's recommendation is that the Board approves the <br /> resolution. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs recommended using the same language for the 50% funding for <br /> the schools as is used for the 50% for economic development. He suggested the following <br /> language: "50% of the funding will be allocated in an equitable manner between the county's <br /> two school systems for the dedicated purpose of capital projects, including but not limited to <br /> facility improvements at older schools and improvement of technology." <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to <br /> approve the amended resolution outlining the intentions of the Orange County Board of <br /> Commissioners regarding the use of the proceeds from a One-Quarter Cent (1/4¢) County <br /> Sales and Use Tax, if approved by voters on November 8, 2011 and authorize the Chair to <br /> sign. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> A Resolution Regarding Uses of Potential Revenues from a One-Quarter Cent (1/4¢) <br /> County Sales and Use Tax <br /> WHEREAS, there are significant pressing infrastructure, economic development, school, and <br /> other County capital needs that are precipitated by growth pressures and the new economic <br /> reality facing Orange County; and <br /> WHEREAS, it is important to provide Orange County taxpayers with alternatives to the <br /> pressure to raise property taxes to address these and other County needs; and <br /> WHEREAS, the levy of a Article 46 one-quarter cent (1/4¢) County sales and use tax would <br /> provide a new County revenue source and would generate approximately $2,500,000 <br /> annually for the County; and <br /> WHEREAS, it is important for Orange County to plan for future economic development that <br /> will enable the County to recruit, retain, grow, and generate businesses and jobs that are <br /> desirable; and <br /> WHEREAS, it is important that Orange County expand collaboration and cooperation of <br /> economic development efforts and decisions between Orange County and the towns of <br /> Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough and the cities of Mebane and Durham; and <br />