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m <br /> 8 <br /> JOINT PLANNING AUTHORITY <br /> County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill explained that by agreement <br /> with Chapel Hill, Mike Brough was asked to draft the local legislation for <br /> Joint Planning. This will be presented by the local delegation as part of <br /> an omnimous bill. <br /> After a brief discussion it was decided that a Special Meeting <br /> would be scheduled for April 15 at 12 : 00 noon in the Board of Commissioners <br /> Room. <br /> AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST IN PROPERTY AND <br /> BUSINESSES BY ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (A complete copy is in the <br /> permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office) . <br /> Lois Herring spoke in support of this Act. <br /> Motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by <br /> Commissioner Carey to forward this Act to the delegation for enabling <br /> legislation. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS. <br /> IMPACT FEE AUTHORIZATION <br /> Already authorized for submission. <br /> REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX <br /> Geoffrey Gledhill indicated that leases for more than ten years <br /> would be taxed under this tax. <br /> Commissioner Carey commended the public for speaking out for the <br /> low income citizens in Orange County. He stated he clearly recognizes the <br /> need for additional resources to accommodate the growth the County is <br /> experiencing. He also recognizes the problems created by this growth in <br /> providing the services that citizens demand with the current resources <br /> available and those expected in the future. He stated he is not convinced <br /> that this additional tax is needed at this time. There are issues <br /> associated with this proposal that need more understanding and the issue <br /> needs further discussion so that the full implications can be understood by <br /> everyone. For these reasons, Commissioner Carey stated he would not <br /> support this tax until more information is available about the floor, <br /> whether the floor will be a rising floor with a ceiling on the floor and <br /> whether it will be tied to some sort of index associated with the cost of <br /> living. He feels this should be considered further and should not be <br /> submitted for legislation this year. The impact fee should be submitted at <br /> this time and the Board should wait to submit the Real Estate Transfer Tax. <br /> Commissioner Hartwell stated his main objection is the effect on <br /> the affordability of housing. He talked with the City Manager of Raleigh <br /> who stated they have not voted or asked their delegation for any enabling <br /> legislation. The bill has been changed to not include an exemption. The <br /> attorney for the City of Raleigh indicated he had no concern with the <br /> legality or the ability to administrate. Commissioner Hartwell indicated <br /> he favors the Land Transfer Tax instead of the impact fee. The tax is <br /> related to the growth and is fairer than the impact fee. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis reiterated the different types of taxes <br /> that are in effect and some that could be enacted such as entertainment or <br /> hotel/motel tax. There are some serious needs in this County that must be <br /> addressed. He stated he does not favor another tax, but that the money <br /> must come from someplace and he would support this tax. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit stated that an alternative would be to <br />