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On July 23, 2002, Orange County, along with 72 other counties in North Carolina, was declared <br /> an agricultural disaster area. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, in <br /> collaboration with the local Farm service Agency and other agricultural related agencies, has <br /> been working closely with local farmers to determine relief efforts and the impact of the drought <br /> on these farming enterprises. Staff have prepared a list of Cooperative Extension activities in <br /> response to the drought, and will attend the work session to provide further information on the <br /> educational and federally assisted programs being offered for drought relief. <br /> FINANCIAL ICIAL IMPA+ T There is no financial impact associated with receiving and discussing <br /> these staff reports. However, the County will need to devote additional staff resources towards <br /> the public education effort and if necessary, financial resources towards mitigating adverse <br /> consequences for County human service clients who lack the resources to deal with the worst <br /> drought impacts. There are also some costs, not yet quantified, associate. with the use of new <br /> water coolers in lieu of existing water fountains and water-free hand cleaning supplies in County <br /> facilities. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: <br /> I receive and discuss the reports; <br /> 2) endorse changes to the drought/water use ordinance that would mandate the use of single <br /> service in County restaurants; <br /> 3) endorse the recommended public information strategies as outlined in the County <br /> Engineer's report; <br /> 4) endorse the use of water conservation technologies in County facilities where appropriate; <br /> and <br /> 5) provide additional direction, as appropriate, to the Manager and staff. <br /> o . <br />