Minutes 03-03-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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18) Sales Tax Distribution Formula — Support legislation directing that all sales tax be distributed on a per capita basis; and 19) Classification of Flavored Alcoholic Beverages (Alcopops) — Support legislation to properly classify flavored alcoholic beverages (Alcopops) as distilled spirits rather than malt beverages. PUBLIC COMMENT: Terry Snow resides in Hillsborough and is a registered engineer. He said a safe and efficient transportation system is vital to a vibrant economy in N.C. He said Orange County has taken a proactive position to change general statute 153A-331, which will allow the flexibility to transfer funds to NCDOT and the municipalities for transportation projects. He said this flexibility will aid in timely planning, design, and construction of roadways. He said this change is good for Orange County and N.C. Del Burns referred to a letter the Board received from Orange County School Board Chair Stephen Halkiotis. He said this memo was regarding three issues, including: calendar flexibility; full funding for state allotments, including ADM growth; and full funding for driver education. He said two of these are financial in nature and could have impacts on both districts. He referred to the second item regarding full funding for state allotments, and he said this addresses changes in the last session of the general assembly, whereby growth in school districts has moved from continuation budgets to expansion budgets. He said this means that growth competes with every other item when the general assembly puts together a budget. He said this means absorbing growth, especially rapid growth, may be a challenge. He said this may result in requests for additional county funding to make up that difference. Del Burns said there has been a declining amount of support for driver education as well, and school systems will now be required to provide driver education while having no guarantee of funding to do so. He said the calendar flexibility issue has been brought forth in the face of the recent inclement weather. He said there are August and June cutoff dates that must be adhered to, and the makeup of the lost time ranges from options that are inconvenient, educationally difficult, or negatively impact worship. He said the Orange County Schools would like to offer options that would be family friendly and educationally sound. He said the calendar legislation limits these options. Del Burns said the Board of Education asks for the Board's consideration of these three issues. Commissioner Jacobs referred to the following: item #17 *Participation in Solid Waste Programs for Recycling—Authorize counties to require county residents to impose a fee for the solid waste collection services in a manner similar to the authority granted to municipalities. The fee may not exceed the costs of collection. He asked John Roberts how this is different from his interpretation of how the law was changed last August. John Roberts said #17 simply asks that the counties be granted the same authority as the towns. Commissioner Rich asked about Item #3, which is related to broadband service. She asked how the new FCC ruling would affect the wording of this item. John Roberts said he does not know that it would change anything. He said the FCC ruling is tentative, and he expects some legal challenges ahead. He said this item is asking for extra authority, as the County's current authority is limited to providing grants to public