Minutes 01-30-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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There are multiple challenges to attracting businesses to locate in Orange County. o Challenges: o Tax rate— a business that chooses to locate in Alamance County can save 2.7 million dollars if they locate in Alamance versus Orange. o Other regulations limiting access to certain land spaces o Limits on buildings o Need more products added to our offerings to potential job/businesses o Separation of commercial and residential zoning intended to avoid over development impacts business recruitment. Rural Buffer limitations— It is a tension that we don't put more in the rural buffer. Public Health—Colleen Bridger • Challenge: o We need more nurses! We are staffed as if we will never have turnover, maternity leave or epidemics and we are dealing with all of these issues. We will attempt to address this in this year's budget, but it is not a problem that can be addressed all at one time within a single year. Social Services-Nancy Coston • Automation implementation over the past several years has been a challenge and we have another year before we get to a level playing field on our public assistance. • Then we can move resources back to focus on services that address our goal of family stability. Housing-Audrey Spencer-Horsley • We need to determine how the affordable housing programs are coordinated to support a BOCC broader strategy to deal with those who are economically challenged and better serve the community. • Recently, when staff went to work with the Sheriff's department to better serve our populations that don't have English as their primary language it seems this service is under-utilized within the County. • There are strong groups working on affordable housing, homelessness and other related issues. How do we do a seamless affordable housing strategy so we can maximize our resources? Public Affairs-Carla Banks Public Affairs didn't exist when the goals and priorities document was created. There were lots of accomplishments that were highlighted. Our primary objective is to bring more visibility and public awareness to Orange County operations, services and programs. • Challenges: o Understaffing - Trying to balance all the Public Affairs responsibilities with one staff person. o Budget too low— need full time professional staff. Planning-Craig Benedict • Challenge o Not sure if the population growth and county staff projections are realistic. We need more realistic projections to make sure we are able to provide quality services for residents and businesses.