Orange County NC Website
6. Change the title of Emergency Management Department to Emergency Services <br /> Department; and <br /> 7. Change the title of the Recreation and Parks Department to Parks and Recreation <br /> Department. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 5. Public Hearings-NONE <br /> 6. Regular Agenda <br /> a. Potential Uses of Land Transfer Tax Proceeds <br /> The Board considered options for the use of proceeds from a .4% land transfer tax, if <br /> approved by voters on the May 6, 2008 ballot, and subsequently implemented by the Orange <br /> County Board of Commissioners. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that this is an outgrowth of two previous discussions the Board of <br /> County Commissioners had regarding the statement of intent for the proceeds. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that the next two items deal with the local revenue options. The <br /> first one has to do with the statement of intent regarding the use of those proceeds, should it be <br /> approved on May 6th. The second item is the educational effort. <br /> The Board needs to approve tonight the statement of intent. <br /> Rod Visser said that he is project manager for this undertaking, and this statement is a <br /> synthesis of the Board of County Commissioners' comments. The resolution attempts to put the <br /> statement of intent into a resolution form. <br /> Rod Visser read the draft statement of intent. <br /> Commissioner Gordon made reference to the resolution and suggested rephrasing the <br /> second and third "Whereas" statements to "it is important to provide Orange County with <br /> alternatives to the pressure to raise property taxes to address those, and other, County needs; <br /> and Whereas, revenue from the land transfer tax alternative made available to counties by the <br /> General Assembly during the 2007 Session provides an opportunity to gain a new revenue <br /> source." She suggested striking the fifth "whereas." Also, she suggested combining the sixth, <br /> seventh, and eighth "whereas" statements. The sixth "whereas" would state, "Whereas, the <br /> Commissioners will follow guidelines to wisely allocate the proceeds, including:", then the three <br /> statements would be listed as `a', `b', and 'c'. She said that there are too many"whereas" <br /> statements. <br /> Commissioner Carey said that the intent is fine and it does not change the substance, <br /> but Commissioner Gordon should write it out and bring it back. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that one element he does not see is that the thrust of this relates to <br /> the pressures caused by growth, and the County is compelled to provide facilities due to <br /> pressures of residential growth. There is no statement about this in the statement of intent. He <br /> said that it is basically a growth tax, and it is not adequately captured. <br /> Commissioner Foushee suggested that this same thing be captured in the resolution. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that the changes are fine with him since the resolution is the <br /> basis for the educational materials, but he does not want this document sent out to the public. <br /> The public needs something simple that is clear and concise. <br /> Commissioner Carey suggested bringing the resolution back when it is more clear and <br /> approving the statement of intent. <br /> Commissioner Gordon wants to amend the statement about "relief' before she approves <br /> the statement of intent. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that adding the issue about growth makes it understandable. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Foushee to <br /> approve the Statement of Intent, with the addition of the statement about the pressures of <br /> growth necessitating increased local funding to provide adequate facilities. <br />