Agenda - 12-05-1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 those items that will be needed after this five year period. WATER ISSUES - Commissioner Hartwell explained in detail the recommendation of the Reservoir Site Committee to enlarge Corporation Lake instead of building a new Reservoir on a different site. He stressed the importance of knowing the topography of the area around Corporation Lake and it was decided by the Board to approve a budget amendment at the next regular Board meeting to allow Corporation Lake to be flown and topographic maps made. It was agreed that the funding for Phase II of the Hazen and Sawyer proposal would be included in the 1988-89 budget. Commissioner Willhoit asked if Orange Alamance and the Town of Hillsborough had been requested to share in the cost of expanding Corporation Lake and if the County could levy a surtax on water transfers. He stated his desire to have a funding mechanism in place before approving Phase II. Chair Marshall requested that the Administration write a statement for the Capacity Use public hearing for review by the Board. The Board set as a goal to establish a Water Resources Board. Commissioner Willhoit suggested meeting with OWASA and the Town of Hillsborough on the issue of water and to consider a surcharge. BUDGET - The Board set a goal of adopting a concise and program oriented budget by June 30. They discussed the need to have an accurate prediction of the revenues and expenses in a timely manner. The fund balance was discussed. Commissioner Carey suggested holding enough fund balance to be able to deal with unexpected contingencies. There was a consensus of the Board that a fund balance in the range of ten percent would be desired. Discussion ensued on the possible advantages in not setting up reserve accounts but putting everything into the general fund. The Board expressed the need for more precise figures of what we think we may have on June 30. Commissioner Willhoit suggested waiting until a manager is selected before deciding on guidelines for budget preparation. Discussion ensued on a process for the schools to include (1) basic expenses and (2) enhancements. There needs to be some agreement between the schools and the County Manager on continuation monies. Commissioner Willhoit suggested taking the current level of funding and adding an automatic amount for an increase. Chair Marshall stated that in order to move toward equal funding, the current continuation budget must be reviewed. Commissioner Willhoit noted that equal funding cannot be a goal and that improved funding for the schools should be considered. There is a different level of public support in the two school systems. Commissioner Halkiotis agreed that there are a lot of differences in the two school systems which accounts for the difference in funding. The main point is that both school districts are doing things better than the other and suggested that maybe it should be put to the vote of the people. Chair Marshall stated that if the district tax was frozen, it would be less of a percentage of the total as the years go by. Discussion ensued on moving toward parity without increasing the district tax. The adminis- tration was requested to find an educational financial consultant to advise the Board on what should be done to establish equal funding if mandated to merge and that after looking at such a report, would consider taking the same method and stretching it out over a longer period. WATERSHED PROTECTION - Chair Marshall stated she feels the County is moving in the direction of watershed protection through the water and sewer policy. Commissioner Hartwell indicated the most important thing in