Minutes 06-06-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• The General Fund transfer to the Revaluation Fund is budgeted at the same amount ($125,000) as in FY 2012-13, and assumes the next Revaluation effective January 1, 2017. • The decrease in Revenues for FY 2013-14 is more in line with projected FY 2012-13 collection charges. Darryl Butts reviewed the above budget highlights. Tax Administration Director Dwane Brinson said that a comprehensive tax auditing program is being expanded to help businesses list correctly. He said that 12-15 audits are done on businesses each year, and he would estimate that more than 75% of businesses have never been listed. He listed the classifications that are audited and said that businesses have not been audited consistently for years. He said it is that this is proposed from an equity standpoint. Commissioner Pelissier said that there is a hotel/motel room occupancy tax listed on the objectives on page 271. She asked for clarification on the issue of consistent and verifiable revenue streams for hotels. She asked if revenue is being lost. Frank Clifton said revenue has been lost in the past. He said audits have not been done on a regular basis, and there have been issues with particular hotel operators who were collecting taxes but not paying them as required. He said the goal is not to get people into trouble, but to keep them out of trouble by informing them of what needs to be listed. Darryl Butts said the same vendors who audit the businesses would audit the hotels. Commissioner McKee said he has referred several residents to the Tax Administration office over the past couple of years, and he appreciates their quick response. Commissioner Price asked if taxes can be paid online, and Dwane Brinson said yes. Dwane Brinson said debit and credit cards cannot be used in person, only online. Frank Clifton clarified that statutes don't allow for absorption of the fee, so this fee has to be added to the bill. He said work is being done to make card payments possible in person as well. Chair Jacobs asked about hotel/motel occupancy tax and asked if staff will offer the same audit services to the Towns of Carrboro and Hillsborough, with their new hotel tax. Frank Clifton said yes, this will be offered to them through an agreement. He said there will be a transaction fee of 4.5% that helps offset the County administrative costs. Commissioner Price asked for clarification on the due date and past due date listed for vehicle taxes. Dwane Brinson said he would check on this. The following departments were deferred until the June 11 t" Budget Work Session: • Information Technologies • Planning and OPT, including Efland Sewer (including Fee Schedule change requests and Non-Departmental items) • Public Affairs • Board of County Commissioners • County Manager A motion was made by Commissioner Price Commissioner McKee to adjourn the meeting at 10:16 pm. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Barry Jacobs, Chair