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2 <br /> FIRE DISTRICT TAX RATES <br /> Ken Thompson distributed a list of the proposed tax rates which is <br /> attached to these minutes in the minute book on page <br /> COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD MEMBERS <br /> Chair Marshall asked the Board to consider phasing in some of the <br /> larger ticketed items and to allocate an amount of money for the proposed <br /> agricultural/livestock education building. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit stated he would like to add $147,000 to the <br /> capital for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools. <br /> Commissioner Carey endorsed Chair Marshall 's suggestion of phasing in <br /> the larger projects where feasible and suggested to first decide on the <br /> projects for expansion and then to decide on a tax rate. <br /> Commissioner Hartwell commented about the importance of the $147,000 <br /> for architectural fees for the new elementary school and also those items <br /> requested by the Social Services Board and HSAC. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis placed high on the priority list the needs of <br /> the schools and also the proposed livestock/agricultural project. He also <br /> placed high on the priority list the crisis emergency center. <br /> Commissioner Carey distributed a proposal on the funding of the <br /> schools which is in the permanent agenda file. The proposal would fund <br /> the same percentage of both school systems' expansion items -- about 50%. <br /> The teacher supplements for Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools would be phased <br /> in over a two year period with the intent to fund the remainder of this <br /> item in next years budget. With reference to the bus driver salary <br /> increase, Chair Marshall stated that if the legislation does not come up <br /> with the increase, the Board will fund it in this years budget when it is <br /> adopted. No assumptions were made on any of the other items pending <br /> legislation. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit expressed concern with making committments <br /> before knowing what legislation is approved. He placed as a high priority <br /> salaries for teachers, classified employees and bus drivers. There may be <br /> monies freed up from the Basic Education Program which is not known at <br /> this time. <br /> Discussion ensued on pending legislation and the funds that may be <br /> freed up. <br /> The Board generally agreed to support the proposal as presented by <br /> Commissioner Moses from the committee selected to work on the school <br /> budget. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis proposed funding the Mental Health project for <br /> half a year to get the project started. The Board agreed with this <br /> proposal. <br /> Commissioner Hartwell questioned the amount of $30, 000 that is <br /> recommended for the shelter for the homeless and how this money would be <br /> used and if this figure is high enough. It was decided that additional <br /> information is needed and that the $30,000 should be placed in contingency <br /> until a decision is made. <br /> With reference to the agricultural/livestock center, the Board decided <br /> to put an amount in the budget to be used for an option to buy land. The <br /> figure will be decided at a later date. Commissioner Halkiotis described <br /> the many activities that will be located in the new facility and noted the <br />