Minutes 06-14-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Yuhasz agreed that this has been confusing and in school collaboration meetings they have discussed alternative ways to define what the schools should expect and they will continue to have those discussions. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Board was going to respond to the OCS letter and Chair Pelissier said that it is on the agenda for the 21St. Commissioner Jacobs flagged that one of the issues that is raised in the letter and has been raised by him before is the issue of capital equity. It is separate from per-pupil and it is not really expressed. It is not an equitable distribution of resources. He thinks that this is an issue that has been raised before and it is an equity issue. Commissioner Gordon said to go with the per-pupil allocation because it is understandable and is an even split. She asked for the amount that the '/4-cent sales tax would generate. Michael Talbert said that the '/4-cent sales tax is estimated to raise $2.5 million, which would be about $1,250,000 for both school systems. Commissioner Hemminger said that she would like to see the per-pupil allocation next week. A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the funding for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Tax Rate Decisions i. Ad Valorem Tax- 85.8 cents per hundred dollar valuation A motion was made by Commissioner Hemming, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to keep the ad valorem tax at the same rate. VOTE: UNANIMOUS ii. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Special District Tax A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner McKee to keep the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Special District Tax at 18.84 cents per hundred dollar valuation. VOTE: UNANIMOUS iii. Fire District Tax Rates A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to approve the Fire District rates as requested. Commissioner Hemminger said that she would prefer to vote on these one by one. One of the departments requesting an increase has one of the highest taxes in the County. Commissioner McKee said that he wants to stay with his original motion. Commissioner Yuhasz said that he seconded this because all of the districts need it, but he too is concerned about New Hope's increase in the tax rate, and they need to find a more equitable way to fund fire departments. Commissioner McKee said that the issue on the insurance rating is a very difficult process and involves purchases of equipment and accessories in order to qualify. He recognizes the disparity, but he thinks that the departments have different demands.