Minutes 05-24-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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drivers as the County does. She said that the County Commissioners need to support the County employees too because they have not received a raise in three years. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Tom Forcella said that he has only been here one year but he understands how valuable education is to all. He said that both school systems have a very collaborative relationship. He said that the schools using their own fund balance makes sense to him and he sees the fund balance as the rainy day fund. He said that CHCCS has the same concern as the OCS about the unknowns in the future. He said that he would caution them all about the use of the local fund balance. They made a lot of choices in their budget this year and they live in an area with high expectations. He made reference to salaries and said that there are teachers that are making less money today than they were four years ago because the costs have gone up but their salaries have not. CHCCS Board Chair Mia Burroughs said that their board knows the economic recovery is going to be slow. She said that they planned to spend 40% of the fund balance in one year, 40% the next year, and 20% the third year. She said that last year they spent $2.6 million, they are budgeting $2.6 million for next year, and the third year is $1.3 million. She said that she sees vulnerability here since they just asked the citizens to pass the '/4-cent sales tax. Commissioner Gordon asked Clarence Grier why they would be decreasing the district tax. Clarence Grier said that if the property tax were increased, the district tax could be decreased to offset the tax increases that would have to be provided for the OCS. He said that the County Commissioners would not have to do it, but the staff was just letting them know what the decrease would be to be neutral. Commissioner Gordon said that she would not want to see the district tax reduced. Clarence Grier said that it would not be a loss in revenue if the district tax were reduced and the property tax were increased. Commissioner Jacobs thanked the staff and Manager for being so prudent. He said that staff should have a conservative fiscal outlook, but this is a decision for the Board of County Commissioners to make and not staff. Clarence Grier said that the budget analysts will review each department's budget. 2. Sportsplex Paul Laughton said that this is found on page 244 of the budget document. John Stock was present to answer questions. Paul Laughton made reference to Attachment#4 that gave a breakdown of the annual budget. He said that John Stock sent an email out to the Board of County Commissioners yesterday with an update. He reviewed the budget highlights. John Stock said that the 6% increase in revenue this year is because of investments the Board of County Commissioners made in the facility. Commissioner Jacobs read a note from a citizen thanking the County Commissioners for taking over the Sportsplex and for doing such a good job. 3. County Departments • Emergency Services (page 111)