Minutes 06-09-2020 Virtual Budget Work Session

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10 Chair Rich said to take a vote on the existing motion first. She said she would support this for the schools to use for emergency needs, especially broadband. Commissioner Bedford said to let the schools use these funds as needed with no limitations. Chair Rich said yes, absolutely. Commissioner Bedford said she assumes there will be nutritional needs in the fall. Commissioner Price said she will support this if the schools are able to use the funds as they best see fit. Chair Rich said these funds would hold the schools harmless with the article 46 tax, which makes her feel better. VOTE: UNANIMOUS CAPITAL BUDGET AMENDMENTS - green sheet Amendment 001 Travis Myren said there are two amendments that are very similar, and there are three columns that lay out the ways to achieve the amendments' goals. Commissioner Price said Durham Tech will be critical to getting through, and past, this pandemic, as community colleges fill many roles. She said she does not want to touch the conservation easements, and is unsure of the technology needs. She said she is open to suggestions for years 2 and 3. She said it may not be necessary to spend the entire $1 million in year 1, and she just wants to get the process started. Commissioner Dorosin said he and Commissioner Price have the same goal, and the differences lie in the projects each is proposing to delay to accomplish the goal. He said both are seeking to offer offsetting savings for the moved up costs. He referred to the total impacts, and his is $26 million, which is dollar for dollar offset. He said if there is interest in moving the project up, the BOCC could vote first on the areas where he and Commissioner Price agree, and then go through the differences. He, too, said he is open to suggestions for how to find offsetting costs. He said he sent an amendment to his amendment, which reduces the amount funding taken from lands legacy and conservation easements. He echoed Commissioner Price's comments about the critical role of community colleges in a post Covid world, and said Orange County needs to be poised to serve the needs. He said this amendment directly impacts issues of racial and social justice, as most of Durham Tech's students are students of color, and many receive financial aid. He said Durham Tech must be considered as an equally important part of Orange County's educational system. He said many students will be seeking cost effective alternatives to four year institutions, as well as vocational training, and retraining. Commissioner Dorosin said Durham Tech recently hired a new president, and its board is eager to see growth in Orange County. He said the Orange County campus is unique, with the UNC Hospital being located across the street. He said all factors combined make this is a unique opportunity for valuable investment. He said the BOCC can always revisit the project for any reason, if a pause or change is needed, but it is important for the BOCC to make a commitment. He said Orange County has been, and will continue to be, committed to land preservation, and he thinks it is time to show equal commitment to this type of education. Commissioner Price said Orange County has a unique relationship between education and economic development, and this conversation about another building has been ongoing for years, and even more so when the hospital was built. She said earning a GED is free at Durham Tech, and affords many people a wonderful opportunity. She said students can transfer credits to a four year college, which levels the playing field for many who could not afford the traditional college route.