Orange County NC Website
bonds are paid off. Pat Sprigg confirmed this statement. The exemption would last less than 20 <br />years. She said that there are two statutes an the books, which allows them to pursue property tax <br />exemption. The 105-278.6A statute is based solely on community benefit, charitbility, and social <br />accountability. <br />John Smith, Director of the Tax Assessor's office, said that under statute 105-278.6A, if a <br />health care facility is providing unreimbursed care up to 5% or above, they would qualify for a total <br />exemption. His expectation is that, with any contributions that Carol Woods would make this year, <br />that they would exceed 5% and would likely continue to be exempt under statute 105-278.6A in <br />future years. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked if the certified amount of medical deduction would be the <br />same each year and Pat Sprigg said that this varies from year to year. This is an estimated <br />number in terms of how much of each of the residents', living independently as well as in the health <br />centers, fees goes to supporting health care. <br />Commissioner Brown asked about the tax exemption after twenty years and Pat Sprigg said <br />that statute 105-278.6A must be filed every year and is not a done deal. <br />Commissioner Brown asked Pat Sprigg if she had talked to the Chapel HilUCarrboro <br />Schools and Pat Sprigg said yes. She said that Superintendent Neil Pedersen said that a gift to <br />the County would hopefully be split between the County and the school systems. She has not met <br />with Orange County Schools. <br />Pat Sprigg said that the goal is to take the tax bill for 2001, use it as a working document, <br />take the amount out to pay for taxes, make up the rest with a charitable gift to all three entities, and <br />take a year to work out with all three entities the best way to do it for 2003-2004. <br />Chair Jacobs expressed his appreciation to Pat Sprigg for the commitment of Carol Woods <br />to the community. He asked if the $530,000 constitutes part of the 5% that they would be required <br />to contribute for statute 105-278.6A. Pat Sprigg said that if they chase to go that route, then the <br />$535,000 would contribute to the 5%. They would not qualify for the 105 statute without the <br />$535,aoo. <br />Chair Jacobs asked about the possibility of a long-term agreement with Carol Woods and <br />Pat Sprigg said that after they get the property tax exemption, she would talk with her board about <br />this. She said that her board feels that it would not be financially prudent to commit to a formula <br />that commits future boards. <br />Chair Jacobs said that it seems like one of the attractive options to Carol Woods may be to <br />earmark funds for certain services or to be more proactive and bring in more diverse economic <br />capabilities into Carol Woods and count it for social responsibility. Pat Sprigg said that she does <br />not fully understand what the needs are in the County to address the needs of older citizens. They <br />would like to come out of this with awin-win situation. <br />Chair Jacobs asked for a copy of the mission statement of Carol Woods. <br />In answer to a question from Commissioner Brown, Tax Assessor John Smith read the <br />requirements of social responsibility in the application for the 105 statute. <br />3. Planning Process for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Projects <br />Environment and Resource Conservation Director David 5tancil summarized the planning <br />process for parks, recreation and open space projects. He said that where we are now is that the <br />County's draft policy statement was sent to the towns for comment last December. The County <br />Commissioners referred the draft policy statement to the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group for <br />its review and recommendations. That Work Group discussed the draft policy on January 31St and <br />is scheduled to again discuss this policy on February 27t". The Work Group developed concepts <br />for each project as listed below: <br />• Avoid overlap and delays in completing projects <br />• Need appropriate level of County oversight, overview of projects <br />• Address both 2001 bond projects and standing permanent policy for future joint projects <br />