Orange County NC Website
- Budgeting for Sales Tax Reimbursements — Budget some or all anticipated sales <br /> tax reimbursements "in arrears" meaning that rather than the County anticipating <br /> sales tax revenues in the original project ordinance, Commissioners could amend <br /> the capital project ordinance after actual sales tax revenues are received. This <br /> approach is similar to how the County budgets for NC Education Lottery proceeds. <br /> - Use of Sales Tax Reimbursements —Among the options for how the Board could <br /> use some or all anticipated sales tax reimbursements for (1) allowable project <br /> expenditures not included in the original project budget; (2) offset debt service for the <br /> project; and (3) reserve for future school planning. <br /> Geof Gledhill said that there is an issue about per pupil that arises when non-capital <br /> items are being considered. He said that it seems that the expenditures have to be limited to <br /> capital items. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that the Vice-Chair and the Chair have talked to the Manager about <br /> this several times, and he thinks that there is a differentiation between this project and future <br /> projects and there is a policy decision to be made about future projects. It was the Board's <br /> understanding that the Board agreed to serve as a conduit for the sales taxes without <br /> qualification for this project. It may not be how the Board wants to operate in the future, but it is <br /> what the Board said that it would do. He does not want to change the policy for this project. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that this seemed like a good time to talk about the need to develop <br /> a policy. <br /> Commissioner Gordon agreed that the Board said that it would serve as a conduit. In <br /> terms of future projects, she would like some distinct rules. She thinks that there is a difference <br /> between this sales tax revenue and other revenue. <br /> In answer to a question from Commissioner Carey, CHCCS Assistant Superintendent of <br /> Support Services Steve Scroggs said that the improved record-keeping is done with sub- <br /> contractors and contractors, and this results in a higher rate of sales tax revenue. If the school <br /> system keeps on its general contractor and sub-contractor to turn in everything, this can drive up <br /> the sales tax return substantially. The items the Board is addressing tonight were items that <br /> were in the original project, but the school system had to back off buying because of road <br /> improvements and cost overruns, etc. <br /> Commissioner Carey said that the money came from the schools and he thinks that the <br /> Board should honor the commitment. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that she understood that there was a commitment, and it will be on <br /> the next agenda for approval. This was an excellent example of how it can be very complicated <br /> and that the Board needs to make some policy decisions for future projects. <br /> 4. Greene Tract Status Report and Decision Points <br /> Laura Blackmon said that this was on the agenda for the Assembly of Governments <br /> meeting, but there was not time to address it. It has been moved to the April 29th JPA meeting. <br /> The Board needs to discuss this issue before this meeting. There are some decision points that <br /> all entities will be asked to address. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that there have been two meetings with the Chair, Vice-Chair, the <br /> Mayors, and the Managers and some staff to try and talk through some of the issues. The topic <br /> areas include: <br /> - Background land use and ownership <br /> - Environmental/natural features/preservation parameters <br /> - Utility existing and proposed <br /> - Transportation and access <br /> - Affordable housing tract development alternatives <br /> - Community task force <br />