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Commissioner Foushee said that, with all of the delays on this project, this project <br /> should move forward. She said that someone on the Manager's staff needs to monitor this <br /> project, and the longer this is pushed out, the more unaffordable it will become. She would like <br /> the Board of County Commissioners to receive regular status reports. <br /> Commissioner Carey and Chair Jacobs agreed. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that it is shocking that only now the Board is hearing that a public <br /> hearing is required to access the federal funds when the federal funds were secured three or <br /> more years ago. <br /> Chair Jacobs made reference to page 4 at the bottom and the scope of the project and <br /> said that the Board can decide to pursue larger or smaller segments, but once the Board <br /> decides, it has to do at least that much and cannot do less. Paul Thames verified this. <br /> Chair Jacobs suggested that the public hearing date be April 1st, since it is a meeting <br /> that is in Hillsborough. He made reference to page 7 and the advertisement of the public <br /> hearing, and said that the introductory line should say, "the proposed project"may" involve the <br /> construction of," instead of"will" involve. Paul Thames said that the project, as far as the draft <br /> advertisement is concerned, is the entire project that is outlined in the construction plans and <br /> the Preliminary Engineer Report. The reason it is called a Preliminary Engineer Report is <br /> because if the Board decides to change the project, then it can. <br /> Chair Jacobs still wanted to change the word to "may." He also suggested that a copy of <br /> the report be given to Mr. Lloyd, who is a representative of Orange-Alamance Water System. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked if the project could be divided into sections because the <br /> cost overruns are important and the CIP situation is very serious, since the debt capacity is <br /> maxed out until 2009-10. There are significant needs that are unfunded, including schools. <br /> She also asked about securing the necessary railroad right-of-way. Paul Thames said that the <br /> process has already started and involved some review of plans with the railroad about three <br /> years ago. <br /> Commissioner Carey asked if delaying the date would endanger the grant and Paul <br /> Thames said no. The grant money will not be available to the County prior to the beginning of <br /> the upcoming federal fiscal year, which begins in October. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that the County Commissioners are all concerned about$1 million <br /> cost overruns on anything. He said that the County Commissioners tried to get some <br /> assurances that the money would not go away, and Congressman Price secured the $900,000 <br /> and could not assure beyond a reasonable doubt that it would not go away, but he did not think <br /> that it would go away. Paul Thames said that he has had conversations with Construction <br /> Loans and Grants since Christmas, and his understanding is that the money is still there. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that this is one of the County's longest standing failed commitments <br /> as a Board of County Commissioners. He wants to clean up these things first and foremost. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to <br /> receive and review the County Engineer's update/status report; and receive and review the <br /> preliminary Engineer's Report; and approve a public hearing for the northern Buckhorn <br /> community/central Efland sewer expansion project Preliminary Engineering Report at the April <br /> 1, 2008 regularly scheduled BOCC meeting; and approve the draft advertisement for the Public <br /> Hearing, with the change on page 7 from "will" to "may." <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Local Revenue Options Referendum Decisions <br /> The Board considered decisions regarding what local revenue option(s) to include in a <br /> referendum to be placed on the May 6, 2008 ballot. <br /> Rod Visser said that he was here in the capacity of the Local Revenue Options Project <br /> Manager. He reviewed both options —either a %d-cent additional local option sales and use tax <br /> OR a land transfer tax of up to 0.4%. He said that the Board of County Commissioners can only <br />