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11 <br />The amendment to the General Statutes was <br />requested to allow the County to use payment -in- <br />lieu money in the same way that municipalities <br />use that money in their jurisdiction.. The state <br />enabling legislation has always empowered cities <br />and towns to acquire and develop recreation areas <br />with payments made in lieu of land dedications, <br />but equal pwer was not extended to counties in <br />the General Statutes. As of June 10, 1991, <br />Orange County obtained the same rights as <br />municipalities with regard to the use of payment - <br />in -lieu funds. <br />The proposed amendment to SectionIV- B -7 -b -6 will <br />include development of recreation areas as a use <br />for funds received from payments made in lieu of <br />dedication. <br />Moore continued explaining funding as <br />appropriated by the County Commissioners for the <br />Recreation and Parks Department. <br />Funding is appropriated for Operations, the <br />recurring, day -to -day operations of the <br />department; and, funding is appropriated for <br />capital projects. Capital Projects funding is <br />restricted to the building, purchase, expansion, <br />or construction of a park or recreation facility; <br />the major repair /replacement of a park, <br />recreation facility or utility system; or, the <br />acquisition of land and the development of that <br />land for a park or recreation facility. Such <br />projects are identified annually in the Capital <br />Improvements Plan and can be funded with monies <br />from bonds, pay -as- you -go (1/2 cent sales tax, <br />property taxes), user fees, grants, and payment - <br />in -lieu of land dedication for recreation and <br />open space purposes (restricted use by law). <br />These funds are regulated by the North Carolina <br />Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. <br />The Planning Staff recommends approval of the <br />proposed amendment to Section IV- B -7 -b -6 of the <br />Subdivision Regulations. <br />Hamilton asked how operational funds are <br />obtained. Moore responded that once the Board of <br />County Commissioners commit to funding and <br />opening a facility, they also commit <br />operational /maintenance funds. <br />Eidenier asked if the funds must be used in the <br />area in which they are collected. Moore <br />responded yes, funds must be used to serve the <br />