Minutes 12-05-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Commissioner Jacobs said that Mr. Hall raised the point about not being able to see appropriate signage for the COSC and he would hope by the end of the grace period that all Orange County buildings have adequate and visible signage. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mike Murphy asked Steve Averett about the number of addresses out of compliance and it was answered 2,000. A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Yuhasz to have staff bring this item back to the Board at the December 13th meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. Regular Agenda a. Resolution to Lew the Article 46 One-Quarter Cent (1/4~) County Sales and Use Tax Approved by Voters on November 8, 2011 The Board considered approving a resolution levying the Article 46 One-Quarter Cent (1/4 cent) optional sales and use tax approved by voters on November 8, 2011 and confirming Orange County's commitment to fund unfunded or underfunded economic development and public school capital needs for a period of ten years as evidenced by the Resolution approved by the Board on June 21, 2011. Assistant County Manager Michael Talbert introduced this item. The current State sales tax is 4.75%, the County's current rate is 2% for a combined rate of 6.75%. If this resolution is approved, the new rate will be 7% effective April 1, 2012. This tax does not apply to food, gasoline, or prescription drugs. On November 8, 2011, this levy was approved by a vote of 10,749 to 6,965. In June, the Board passed a resolution that indicated along-term commitment to dedicate 50% of this funding to schools and 50% to economic development. He went through the attachments. Economic Development Director Steve Brantley said that the staff is ready to start 2012 with new tools to help diversify Orange County's economic tax base. Commissioner Gordon made reference to Section 3 and the sentence about what the tax shall not apply to and said that it does not mention gasoline or medication, but only food. She asked if it was necessary to add this in. Michael Talbert said that it is not necessary to add it into the resolution, but the Board could add it if it so wishes. Commissioner Foushee said that in Michael Talbert's comments, he indicated that this is the same language that has been used in other jurisdictions. She suggests not changing the language unless there is a compelling reason. Commissioner Jacobs said that he agreed with Commissioner Foushee. He asked if, hypothetically, the County were approached by another municipality about helping to fund a private sewer line for some existing businesses, where would this fall in the matrix and if it would fall under Business Investment Grants. Steve Brantley said that when the core eight categories were drafted it did not at that time include this example. He said that between now and the determination of the budget, this can certainly be considered. Commissioner Jacobs said that there may be a category that addresses existing businesses.