Agenda - 07-03-1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • 3 As an alternative, Candssioner walker suggested using revenue sharing and the County reserve (20% of the 1/2 cent sales tax) to fund the budget. Chair Willhoit noted that the money received from the 1/2 cent sales tax will be used to replace the projected lost from revenue sharing. He explained the County would need to replace the monies lost from revenue sharing or programs would need to be severely cut. Chair Willhoit requested the Superintendents from both school systens to respond to the question of their priorities for capital needs: CERIMAXamtsaam - Dr. Lunsford indicated the Board expects to let contracts in January, 1986 for occupancy of the expanded portion of Orange High School in the summer of 1987. At that time or six to eight months prior an assessment will be made of the needs for additional facilities which will either be an elementary school or middle school. - Gerry House indicated the board identified five capital improvement priorities for a total of 2.5 million. They are (1) multipurpose space at Glenwood and Bates Bills Eleaentary Schools, (2) air conditioning at Phillips and Frank Porter Graham, (3) cafeteria expansion/renaVation and renovation of the media center at Chapel Hill High, (4) media center expansion at several elementary schools, and (5) kitchen renovation at several sites. There are no plans for building a new elementary school. Commissioner Lloyd asked about revenue growth and Gordon Baker indicated the revenue growth for 1984-85 was 8% and is projected to be the same for 1985-86. Lloyd stated his feeling that the needs of the schools could be met without raising the property taxes. Kenneth Thompson summarized the monies that are expected to be received from the 1/2 cent sales tax for the two schools. Commissioner Walker expressed his willingness to compromise and work with the funds available without raising the taxes. Be suggested leaving the priority projects as scheduled without moving then up one year. He suggested using the capital reserve money if needed to balance the,budget. Commissioner Carey spoke against setting a precedent by using capital reserve money in this way. Commissioner Marshall indicated that the Board has no choice but to allocate $718 per pupil to meet the needs of the schools. The use of the capital reserve money was discussed with Commissioner Walker suggesting that the money be kept in an undesignated reserve and Commissioner Carey stating he would rather keep the money in reserve designated capital. Kenneth Thoutson reiterated the long range capital plans for the County. These are listed on pages 139-143 of the 1985-86 budget document. Totals between now and 1991 will be 21-million which does include schools but does not include the expansion of the court facilities. Commissioner Marshall noted that not only will revenue sharing be cut next year but other federal cuts will be forthaming for Social Services and other departments. There are many federal mandates that must be met. BREAK Chair Willhoit addressed the question of the school capital reserve. It is very clear that the needs of the schools far exceed the amount on the priority list and this list will continue to grow each year. The roofs on the second priority list will also need to be addressed. Chair Willhoit summarized the two proposals: (1) $718 per pupil 1/2 cent increase in the property tax for current expense 2 cent increase in the district tax 2-1/2 cent increase in the property tax for capital or (2) instead of the 1/2 cent increase to take the money fnam the County's capital reserve or from the fund balance.