Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
31 <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said she assumed that there are mechanisms in place in order <br /> to avoid this happening again. <br /> Robert Dowling said yes, there are now years of experience, from which to learn. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said this is the fourth instance that the County has bailed out <br /> CHT. He said there were good reasons each time, but he may not be in favor of splitting the <br /> loss with CHT. He said the County will soon be pouring millions more dollars into these <br /> programs, and must stick to policies, protect costs, and make sure decisions are thoroughly <br /> thought through. He said the people involved will come and go, and there must be systems in <br /> place to keep things functioning when exceptions are made to standards. <br /> Commissioner Rich said she is in favor of selling the house, and suggested amending <br /> the current policy and adding detail on how to sell a house out of the stock. She said there are <br /> decisions being made ad hoc, and some guidelines needs to be added. She said staff and <br /> legal should work on the language together. She said she is not sure if the loss has been <br /> worked into the CHT budget. She asked Robert Dowling if he could explain the financials of <br /> this property. <br /> Robert Dowling said a contract was signed in October for $180,000, and $175,000 is <br /> needed to break even. He said the contract was terminated on a Friday and a new offer was <br /> made the next day for $160,000. He said he asked for a deferment until the BOCC met, and <br /> the CHT Board meets tomorrow, to which the buyer agreed. He said the price of$160,000 <br /> would net about a $10,000 loss. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked if input should be gathered from housing agencies before <br /> changing the policy. He said the BOCC cannot make policy decisions without consulting those <br /> who are most affected by policy changes. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said he is comfortable making fluid changes as needed. He <br /> said there cannot be one-size-fits-all policies with affordable housing, especially in Orange <br /> County, where property values can vary greatly. <br /> Commissioner Rich agreed with Commissioner Dorosin. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said it would be the same as inviting the homebuilders for input <br /> on impact fees. He said input is welcomed, but ultimately the BOCC has to make the <br /> decisions. He said when the BOCC is waiving standards there must be some guidelines. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded Commissioner Price for the <br /> Board to approve the cancellation of the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants on real property <br /> located at 305 Pleasant Drive, Carrboro, NC and share in any loss if there is any. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Commissioner Dorosin directed staff to put a policy on a work session after first of the <br /> year. <br /> 8. Reports <br /> NONE <br /> 9. County Manager's Report <br /> Bonnie Hammersley pointed out two of the Board's information items: the Memo <br /> Regarding Library Strategic Plan 2017-2020 and the Human Services Transportation Research <br /> and Orange Public Transit's Challenges and Solutions. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the agenda for the Assemblies of Governments meeting <br /> on November 17th <br />