Minutes 06-09-2020 Virtual Budget Work Session

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4 Commissioner McKee said he feels the same about all of these entities: he does not get a lot individually, but the County does receive benefits. He said the cost of the memberships is very small, and he sees greater benefit in remaining a member of each entity. Commissioner McKee said he will oppose defunding each of these memberships. Commissioner Dorosin said these organizations provide different levels of support to the County. He said he sees limited benefit from NACo, and North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC); but the Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) and the School of Government (SOG) are closer to the County's regions and needs, and provide valuable resources. He said he would like to know more about what is actually received for each of these fees, and any savings are good savings, if the expense is not providing value. Commissioner Greene said she knows nothing about NACo. Chair Rich said she is the Board's representative to NACo this year, and in the past she was on the telecommunications committee, and became frustrated with the organization. She said NACo does provide some value if one attends NACo conferences for specific areas. Commissioner Price said one gets out of NACo what one puts it into it. She has been involved in different committees, and NACo is basically a lobbying organization. She said one area of great impact was in housing funding, as well as arts and culture being recognized as an economic driver. She said NCACC works in conjunction with NACo and SOG, and the trainings offered by these entities are very valuable. Bonnie Hammersley said from a staff viewpoint, NACo is directed toward elected officials. She said NACo and NCACC are lobbying organizations, one on the national level and one on the state level. Commissioner Greene said the amount is under$3000/year, and Commissioner Price's comments are helpful. She said many Commissioners are more conservative, and the Orange County BOCC is typically not, and being heard is important. Commissioner McKee agreed with Commissioner Greene, and said it is important to continue to have a voice. Commissioner Marcoplos said he does not think the BOCC has an impact on the rural/urban divide by being a part of NACo, but perhaps it does by being a part of NCACC. A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to defund NACo. VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner Dorosin); Nays, 5 (Commissioner Price, Chair Rich, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner McKee) Amendment 006/007 Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like to know more about what benefits are received from the SOG, and if it is useful. Commissioner Dorosin asked if staff could identify what the $17,000+ dues are for. Bonnie Hammersley said she believes it is considered a contribution, as opposed to a membership, and from a staff level, it is very valuable to local governments. Commissioner Dorosin said asked if there is a process to determine the amount of contribution that is made to the SOG. He said making a contribution does not translate into reduced fees for conferences, and the SOG's mission is to serve the state of North Carolina, and he thinks the school would offer help to anyone who calls, regardless of having made a contribution or not.