Agenda - 06-08-1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Board of Commissioners June 7, 1982 Page 2 We note that among services classified as non-departmental expenses are allocations to independent agencies, several of which appear to duplicate services performed in Human Services departments, or United Fund agencies. We recommend that a study be undertaken to: 1) determine if there is duplication of services; 2) determine who has responsibility and liability for volunteers serving in these agencies; 3) how many persons are served by the activity; 4) the per-person cost for the services in comparison with state norms. The two objectives of such a study should be 1) to determine if the benefits exceed the costs, and 2) whether the service is best performed by a public agency (under local government control) or by an independent non-profit agency. The Chamber is very concerned that there is no specific allocation for economic development in the otherwise very detailed budget. We, of course, understand that economic development is, in a real sense, a basic function of government and it is therefore implicit in many departmental budgets. However, in light of recent studies encouraged if not funded by the County; in light of the Commissioners stated interests in encouraging economic development and in light of recent Chamber comments on the County's image among those concerned with development, the Chamber does not understand this apparent ommission. The Chamber believes that the County should establish a development fund out of which expenditures could be made to permit the extension of water, sewer, streets and other governmental services as needed and where appropriate. This fund should initially be established at at least a $100,000 level. It should be added to annually through additional appropriations and through recoveries of previous expenditures such as tap on fees where water lines are extended. Moreover, there should be funding for a county wide economic development effort such as outlined by the Chamber in its major policy recommendation entitled "A Structure to Encourage Economic Development in Orange County" which will be in the hands of local government officials within the week. We strongly urge the inclusion of funds to encourage economic development in this budget. The opitmum way to manage them can be determined later. The key decision for the immediate future is that such funds will be set aside. We appreciate the opportunity to be heard and look forward to working with you in the future. John L. Morgan, Jr. Vice President, Public and Governmental Affairs