Minutes - 05-24-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The year 2000 was a year of celebrating solid waste milestones. There was a very smooth transition of solid waste management from Chapel Hill to Orange County. The main water line is being constructed in the Rogers Road neighborhood and will be completed in the fall. Construction of a final cell of lined MSW landfill on Eubanks Road has been completed, with an in-house savings of $300,000. The Board approved in concept a new, small C&D landfill as part of a master solid waste site plan at Eubanks Road. There is also now a citizen Solid Waste Advisory Board that is making recommendations to the Board on solid waste issues. The MSW tip fee is recommended to increase from $42 to $45ltan. The C&D tip fee is recommended to increase from $40 to $41lton. One dollar per ton from each of those projects is earmarked far the next phase of the Rogers Raad waterline project. There is also funding recommended to implement additional recycling initiatives. On the horizon, one of the big issues is the November 2001 bond referendum. There is an estimated two-cent tax rate impact from the sale of most of the remaining 1997 bonds. There will be start up costs far Cedar Ridge High School. The Commissioners will need to seriously address the need for alternative solid waste financing next year. The County will need to examine options for EMS transport service delivery system. The rescue squad is facing a reduced number of volunteers. Finally, the County's comprehensive plan is in need of an update. In closing, John Link outlined the public hearings and work sessions for the budget as well as the location where the budget document can be reviewed. He indicated that the budget is scheduled to be adopted no later than June 25, 2001. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the likely debt impacts from alternative financing of capital projects, which was mentioned in the section, "an the horizon," and asked John Link if he has anything in mind. John Link said that as the County Commissioners receive the report from the Capital Needs Task Force the County Commissioners may reduce the total amount of the bond leaving some projects for certificates of participation. Commissioner Gordon asked about the amount of start up costs for Cedar Ridge High School and alternative financing of solid waste matters. John Link said that they have not developed those numbers yet, but it will be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The alternative financing will depend on how soon the County Commissioners want to pursue recycling goals. A Materials Recovery Facility (MRF} and a transfer station are the two items that Commissioner Gordon feels are large ticket items. John Link said that this would depend on the alternatives that the County Commissioners decide. There are many alternatives for the County Commissioners to consider. His point in raising alternative financing as an item is that tipping fees as the sole source of revenue will not be sufficient in the coming years. Commissioner Gordon requested the line item detail of the budget for all the County Commissioners. She asked for additional information on Medicaid increases. John Link said that it is hard to pinpoint any particular factor. Overall, across the state the criteria have been broadened for mare people to be included under Medicaid. The costs have increased for services and prescription drugs. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the school funding recommendations and the one-half cent shift and asked if the two superintendents had encouraged this. John Link said that the superintendents understand the reasoning behind this recommendation. He said that this option is not a surprise to the superintendents. He feels that this may be a one-time occurrence. Commissioner Gordon asked for an explanation of recurring capital and current expense. Jahn Link said that recurring capital funding is far repairs, replacement equipment (HVAC, roofs, and sidewalks} and is not a major capital project such as an addition to a building. Current expense is the operational expense for the schools (the County's share of paying for the teachers, administrative staff, and supplies}. Commissioner Gordon asked about the elements of the $2 million of school related debt. Assistant County Manager Rod Visser said that the two elements are the certificates of participation to pay for half of Cedar Ridge High School and the remaining 1997 band sale of $17 million .