Minutes 04-26-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 Chair McKee said he understands this, but noted there is also a bond on the horizon, which will call for tax increases as well. Commissioner Jacobs thanked the CHCCS BOE for taking a different approach than their predecessors, who repeatedly used the threat of cuts to get what they wanted. He said this ratcheted up the conversation and caused a lot of distress for all involved. He said he greatly appreciates the straight discussion. Commissioner Jacobs said the CHCCS took the 16% supplement action, on the understanding that there may be consequences. He said this is the reason that he bought up the idea of phasing it in. Commissioner Jacobs suggested there should be a fall back position. Chair Coffey said the budget requests were not easy decisions. She said the requests could have been a lot larger, because the needs are great. She said if things do not improve in Raleigh, the list of needs will only grow. Chair Coffey said it is their responsibility to present the needs. She said tonight there is a community-wide need, and this is the first time that these two budgets have been so similar. Margaret Samuels said if teachers are weaker in the lower grades, issues for kids may get worse going forward. She said this is the year that the teachers must be supported. Commissioner Rich said all involved want to support teachers. She said this is a never- ending issue, and it is difficult to sustain long term. She said higher taxes are driving people out of the County. Commissioner Price echoed Commissioner Rich's comments. She said there is an income gap in Orange County, and it is one of the worst in the country. Commissioner Price said she is concerned about the children in Orange County, especially those on reduced and free lunches. She asked if free lunches can be provided to all, so as to avoid the stigma of having to get special assistance. Commissioner Dorosin said the loss of tenure will make the competition for staff worse. Pam Jones resumed the presentation: Fund Balance Appropriation for OCS Fund Balance Appropriation approved for: • $286,909: One-year pilot: Universal Breakfast Service at K-5 schools • $175,000: One-year pilot: Elementary School Environmental Enhancement Program • $62,000: Efficiency study recommendations • $86,000: Wrecker for school buses • $62,000: Mini-track loader for Maintenance • $30,000: On-line enrollment program for students Total Fund Balance Appropriation: $701,909 Pam Jones said the threshold for the OCS fund balance is 3% and 5.5% for CHCCS. She said OCS may raise this in the future. Todd LoFrese resumed the presentation for CHCCS: Fund Balance Projection • Projected Unassigned Fund Balance as of 6/30/16: $3,900,000 to $4,400,000 • FY2017 Fund Balance Appropriation: $701,909 Fund Balance • 6/30/2016 unassigned fund balance est. $4.1 - $4.6 million