Orange County NC Website
DRAFT <br />Financial Plan – Fee Options & Recommendations – Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager and Gary Donaldson, <br />County Chief Financial Officer <br />x Hammersley presented two scenarios for solid waste funding over a 5 year period and both are <br />multifaceted. 4.4 million dollar fund balance available with the goal to reduce structural deficit. Both <br />scenarios assume 1.6% annual growth, 1.1% parcel growth and no new programs added. $2 million <br />dollar solid waste fund subsidy by the general fund in both scenarios. <br />x Scenario 1 heavier use of the fund on front end and moves toward stability; Scenario 2 just uses the <br />2M and breaks it down so the rate doesn’t change in years 1 and 2 because there is an increase that <br />offsets any non-recurring items that have been projected so there is some debt service and non- <br />recurring increases, usually capital that we don’t finance <br />x Current program fee is $107. <br />x Hemminger asked for confirmation that the 4.4. million fund balance is earning interest over time <br />since we would be spending the money up front and that would reduce this fund significantly. <br />Hammersley indicated that fund is earning interest as well as the reserve fund. Hemminger asked <br />that the different overall interest income between the two scenarios be calculated before this is <br />discussed. <br />x Hammersley indicated this is a 5 year outlook and we will reevaluate every year; we hope to see <br />changes but TS doesn’t bring in much revenue and we have to charge tipping fees. <br />x Indicated BOCC policy for all funds, including General fund reserve, is 17% reserved. <br />x Wilson indicated there are programs to provide relief maintained at tax office, similar to application <br />for tax relief and included in annual tax bill. Wilson indicated it is used. <br />x Hemminger had concerns about market stability; fee should be realistic maybe higher than indicated <br />in either scenario. It is a big jump from 107 to 130. Tax bills will be increasing too. Are we keeping <br />residents informed? <br />x Hammersley indicated on 2/7/17 re-evaluation will be presented to BOCC and on 2/24/17 bills <br />mailed. Anticipate an active response from residents due to increases. A communication plan to <br />assist BOCC working with constituents and informing public is being developed. <br />x Hemminger requested a formal presentation. Hammersley indicated Duane Brinson will be available <br />for a presentation after 2/7/17 when he addresses BOCC. <br />x Jacobs reminded the group a decision is not required tonight; scenarios will be presented to <br />managers first for discussion. <br />x Lavelle voiced concern with cushioning this change and tax bill. <br />x Jacobs hope we have picked our scenario in April or May so this can be presented to constituents <br />and demonstrate that we are working to provide a more sustainable system and that this plan works <br />best for towns and county to take care of our waste. <br />x Hemminger states it would be better to meet our costs with the parcels and we need to meet our <br />true costs. Jacobs adds that we could divide annual cost and per month cost as realistic for <br />residents. <br />Recyclable Materials Relative Value and Marketing – Muriel Williman, County Educational & Outreach <br />Coordinator <br />x Hemminger indicated this would be a great presentation for the schools for the AP programs or <br />Environmental Science programs. Williman responded she is happy to be a resource for the schools <br />and she can reach out to the schools. <br />Jacobs advised since all the information items are included in the packet and if there are no questions we can <br />move forward to the last presentation.