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15 <br /> <br />tax increases from local governments, excise taxes and fines and fees, in order to fund existing <br />needs; and <br />WHEREAS, rating agencies often view constitutional tax and spending limits as risky because <br />policymakers then have fewer options in how a state can repay its debts, and a permanent <br />freeze on income rates could risk our AAA bond rating at a time when North Carolina may use <br />bonds to fund existing infrastructure needs; and <br />AND WHEREAS, amending the state constitution would tie the hands of all future lawmakers <br />and prevent evidence-based policymaking and hinder flexibility on state fiscal matters; <br />NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners urges <br />voters to oppose this amendment; <br />AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners opposes <br />amending the North Carolina State constitution to provide that the maximum tax rate on <br />incomes cannot exceed five and one-half percent; <br />AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange Board of Commissioners asks the North <br />Carolina General Assembly to oppose Senate Bill 75. <br /> <br />This the 19th day of June 2018. <br /> <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to <br />approve this resolution and to send to General Assembly, NCACC and other local government <br />in Orange County and across the state. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jacobs said to add another “now therefore” that voters oppose this <br />constitutional amendment; and he suggested calling it the “Wealthiest North Carolinians Tax <br />Relief Bill”. <br /> Commissioners Price and Marcoplos said they would accept the first suggestion as a <br />friendly amendment. <br /> <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> <br />i. Orange Water & Sewer Authority Board of Directors – Appointment (was 11-f) <br />The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange Water & Sewer Authority <br />Board of Directors (OWASA). <br /> <br />PUBLIC COMMENT: <br />Yinka Ayanhoya said that she is the only African American on this board, and OWASA is <br />seeking diversity on its board. She said a diversity plan has been in place for a year, and she <br />said the goals of the plan are difficult to achieve when only gender diversity is considered. She <br />asked the Board to please keep ethnic and racial diversity in mind when appointing to this <br />board. <br />Commissioner Rich said when this item came to agenda review, there were three <br />women on the applicant roster: one woman deferred due to outside commitments, another <br />woman wants to stay on the list for now, and the third is Jody Eimers. She said Jody Eimers <br />has 34 years as a hydrologist with the US Geological Survey, which is valuable experience. <br />She said Ms. Eimers also attends the Commission for Environment meetings, as she <br />recognizes the direct correlation between the environment and clean water. <br />Commissioner Rich said she has served on the OWASA Board herself, and she does <br />not think a 9-person board should only have one female serving on it. She said the Town of <br />Chapel Hill has 5 seats on this board, with all five currently being filled by men. She said Pam <br />Hemminger, Chapel Hill Mayor, said she was disappointed by this, and would prefer more <br />women to be serving.