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21 <br />EXHIBIT C <br />Triangle J Council of Governments <br />2003 Regional Legislative Agenda <br />In the North Carolina General Assembly <br />Priority Legislative Issues for the Triangle J Council of Governments <br />Each year the-Triangle J Council of Governments revises and updates its Regional Legislative Agenda <br />setting` forth the priority legislative issues of its' member local governments from across the seven-county area of <br />Region J. This agenda has been compiled for the purpose of conveying vitally important information to the General <br />Assembly for its review, consideration and use as the legislature conducts its legislative session. After taking into <br />consideration the various challenges;that will be confronting the State of North Carolina during its"2003=05 Session,. <br />it is the intent of Triangle J that this Regional .Legislative Agenda serve as am aid to the legislative delegations <br />serving Lee, Chatham, Orange, Durham, Wake, Johnston and Moore Counties in' assisting our cities, `towns and <br />counties> with their legislative needs. The following information has been set forth in priority form for this <br />purpose: <br />VERY HIGH PRIORITIES <br />Protect State-Collected Revenues for Local Government: Commitments are sought from Triangle J's legislative <br />delegations to protect` existing ,local government revenue sources. In' an environment of state budget: crisis it is <br />extremely important that existing state-collected local. _government revenues be protected for use by ;our cities, <br />towns and counties. Additionally, Triangle J seeks action by the legislature to ensure the continued availability: of <br />longstanding and traditional local government revenueaources. Legislation is sought, that .constitutionally limits'the <br />authority of the governor, to suspend, seize, or otherwise deprive local government of revenues. that are levied, <br />assessed, or otherwise appropriated for or on behalf of cities, towns and counties. <br />Provide Revenue Options for Local Government: Triangle J continues to seek egislation`that authorizes a variety <br />of revenue'options for local-governments to fund municipal and county services. Notwithstanding the state's fiscal <br />crisis and in the face of almost insurmountable growth issues demanding local governmentservices within Region J <br />-- transportation; .schools, water, sewer, elderly care, publicsafety, courts, solid waste, etc. -- it is imperative that <br />the legislature provide options to local government to address these needs. An overarching ..principle that we <br />propose is that`anylocal government revenue source that is presently available to one or more local governments in <br />the state should be available to all local governments uniformly hroughouYthe state.- Triangle J seeks authority for <br />local government, on a reasonable basis, o levy. local :option sales taxes, impact fees and/or taxes, land transfer <br />fees, increased court` cost fees, etc. Should there be an option provided on sales 'tax, it'is"further expected that <br />elimination of the application of this tax to food would be included. Also, Triangle J`seeks'the provision of revenue <br />by the'state sufficient. to cover the full cost to counties of IVledicad expenses and the-de-institutionalization of <br />individuals within themental health program. <br />Triangle J Council of Governments <br />Mission Statement <br />To serve as m~ intergovernmental organization for locaFelected officials that works proactively on regional issues in order to sustain and <br />_improve the quality of life far our citizens, <br />