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(919) 442-8278 <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee to <br /> close the public hearing. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Commissioner McKee said that he has for the past year ranted and raved about the <br /> transit plan and he continues to oppose this plan. He does not feel like the light rail <br /> component is suitable for the present tax base. He said that Orange County does not need <br /> this light rail, but the bus system needs to be fleshed out more into the rural areas of the <br /> County. <br /> Commissioner Price asked about recommendations `a' and `b' and which one is <br /> preferable. <br /> Frank Clifton said that recommendation `B' would be the preferred option. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that if the Board approves recommendation `B', then the <br /> agreement should be no longer than four years and then it should be reviewed. <br /> Commissioner Rich said that there is something that states there will be a review of the <br /> allocation formula yearly. She asked what allocation this includes. <br /> Frank Clifton said that the agreement on the $7 fee is based on the existing funds for <br /> transit. The distribution formula itself will be reviewed annually. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she acknowledged what has been said tonight and that <br /> there were arguments on both sides. She said that in their comments about the plan people <br /> made important points. She said that the situation is that Orange County has signed the Bus <br /> and Rail Investment Plan and approved it, and it has approved the Implementation Agreement <br /> and the Cost-Sharing Agreement. The other part of this relates to levying the fee now or <br /> waiting until next year. <br /> Wib Gulley said that the funds raised in Orange County are from four different funds <br /> going into the plan and he listed these: <br /> - '/2-cent sales tax <br /> - $7 vehicle fee <br /> - $3 increase in the regional vehicle registration fee <br /> - rental cars that are attributed to Orange County <br /> Wib Gulley said that the $7 comes to the County by statute is required to be spent on <br /> transportation. He said that the control is within the plan that has been adopted. He said that <br /> the question is really administration of the fees. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that there is a way to change the agreements. She said <br /> that there are three entities that have to agree to change the agreements: Orange County <br /> Board of County Commissioners, Triangle Transit, and the DCHC MPO TAC. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Rich <br /> to choose Option B: <br /> Orange County creates an agreement with the NCDMV for direct disbursement of <br /> revenues to TTA with similar reporting as noted above each November, and that this <br /> agreement be for a period not longer than four years. The period of time would be coordinated <br /> with the four-year review specified in the Implementation Agreement. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked Frank Clifton if it would be best to specify the timing. <br /> Frank Clifton said that he would need to work with NCDMV and staff can work this in. <br />