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298 <br />VII. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - NONE <br />VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE <br />IX. REPORTS <br />A. CABLE TV EXPANSION IN NORTHEASTERN ORANGE COUNTY <br />John Link stated that in early summer, Carolina Cable was <br />instructed to submit within six months a plan for providing cable TV to <br />several subdivisions in Northeastern Orange County. These are all <br />listed and shown on a map that is in the permanent agenda file. Randy <br />Houser stated he expects all connections to be completed by mid January. <br />B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - OCCUPANCY TAX <br />Economic Development Director Ted Abernathy provided <br />information regarding the effort to address challenge 9 of the Orange <br />County Economic Development Strategic Plan - "Program to Attract and <br />Serve ..Visitors" A task force was formed by the Public Private <br />Partnership on which a representative from Economic Development served. <br />The two resolutions in the agenda packet from the two Chambers differ <br />slightly in content but agree in the following: <br />(1) that a County -wide entity be created to operate a countywide <br />program, <br />(2) that the entity be governed by members representii <br />appropriate organizations, <br />(3) that the County Commissioners seek legislative authority to <br />levy a countywide occupancy tax dedicated to this purpose, <br />(4) that Chapel Hill commit 20% of its current occupancy tax to <br />this entity, and <br />(5) that other sources of funding continue to be explored. <br />The Economic Development Commission agreed to these five <br />items in principle. Ted Abernathy clarified that at the present time <br />Chapel Hill is using only 7% of its current occupancy tax for visitor <br />services. The typical norm is 50% or more. <br />Commissioner Willhoit expressed his objection to #4 above <br />stating he feels that a countywide effort should be done with a <br />countywide tax. <br />Chairman Carey emphasized that if a countywide entity is <br />formed, it should be the responsibility of that entity to pursue sources <br />of funds to cover its operating expenses. <br />After further discussion, it was the consensus of the Board <br />to accept the resolutions and to endorse in principle moving forward <br />with all recommendations except #4 listed above. <br />Chairman Carey agreed to work with the mayors on the details <br />that need to be addressed including the exact structure of an authority <br />and the implementation of the program. <br />C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' RETREAT FOLLOW -UP ON RURAL CHARACTL <br />PROPOSALS <br />