Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
MEMORANDUM <br />TO: BOCC and Manager <br />FROM: Alice Gordon <br />RE: Water Resources Coordinator <br />DATE: May 17, 2007 <br />When we were discussing the Water Resources Program proposal at our May 15 <br />meeting, commissioners posed several questions related to the positions. That was <br />when I realized that we were missing relevant information concerning the proposed <br />Water Resources Coordinator, which the manager recommended be hired in June <br />2007. This is the first position to be proposed and the one for which the $50,000 <br />reserve could be used. <br />A year ago we approved this position reserve in order to be proactive in protecting our <br />water resources before there was a crisis like a drought or other emergency. We also <br />wanted an expert to help with our comprehensive plan because we need the best <br />information possible when we plan the sustainable future land uses for Orange County. <br />Today, with global climate change a reality and the comprehensive plan well underway, <br />the time to finalize this position is now. <br />This position proposal has a long history and some of the relevant information was <br />missing from our May 15 agenda packet. Included with this memorandum is at least <br />some of the critical information. <br />A. The Water Resources Initiative, adopted by the BOCC in May 2005. <br />The Water Resources Initiative, which outlines the critical water-related issues for the <br />County, is attached. On May 3, 2005 the BOCC adapted this initiative in principle, <br />without committing additional funding at that time. Note that this initiative's <br />recommendations for action build an a series of ground water studies conducted in <br />conjunction with the U. S. Geological Survey and the Water Resources Committee that <br />began in 1992 and were completed in April 2001. These efforts resulted in two <br />published reports on ground water quality and quantity, a groundwater cantaminatian <br />susceptibility map, a GIS mapping package, and eventually the recommendations of the <br />Water Resources Committee (1992-2001 }. <br />B. Water Resources Coordinator <br />The proposed Water Resources Program {WRP) outlined the responsibilities of the <br />Water Resources Coordinator. Twa major aspects of those responsibilities are <br />described below. <br />1. Develop the Water Resources Component of the Natural and Cultural Systems <br />Element of the Comprehensive Plan <br />