Minutes 06-09-2020 Virtual Budget Work Session

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5 Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, said population determines the amount. Chair Rich said she uses the SOG all the time, and it is a valuable resource. Commissioner Dorosin said one can take classes even if not a contributor, and this is a contribution to the University system, and maybe this year it would be wise to cut the amount by $10,000. Commissioner Greene asked if all are sure that one can take courses/training if one is not a contributor. She said she thinks it is a great institution. Commissioner Marcoplos said he is in favor of supporting the SOG, but suggested reducing the contribution by $10,000 this year, due to Covid-19. Commissioner Price said it is a valuable program, and the SOG is highly rated throughout the country, and she would be hesitant to cut this funding without knowing what this money is used for before. Commissioner Dorosin said the SOG is a valuable resource, but it is supported by the State, is a part of the University system, and it charges fees for its courses. Bonnie Hammersley said she was sent information from a staff person, which she read, and it defined the County funds as "membership dues". She said staff can find out more and let the Board know. Commissioner Bedford said, as a new commissioner, she found the orientation very beneficial, and she took another course and felt the same. She said she will not support this amendment. Commissioner Price said the classes that are made available to the BOCC are conducted specifically for elected officials. She said these funds help defray the costs of their resources, and she will vote against the amendment. Commissioner McKee said it is important to focus on the amendment, rather than making amendments to amendments. He said the funding supports the SOG. He said it is done fairly, and he will not support this amendment. Paul Laughton said the Orange County Board of Commissioners does have a contingency amount, and this item could be placed there while staff gathers more information and the BOCC could make a final decision in the fall. A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to endorse being connected to the SOG, but due to this being a Covid year to defunding by $10,000 and put funds in the Orange County Board of Commissioners Contingency fund and paying the remainder to SOG, while ascertaining if we have the access to their resources, and if need be pay the rest to the SOG. Commissioner Greene said the funding amount is determined by the SOG's funding model, and this amendment does not seem equitable. Chair Rich said it is important during this time to find exactly what the funds are being used for. VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner Dorosin); Nays, 5 (Commissioner McKee, Chair Rich, Commissioner Price, Commissioner Greene Commissioner Bedford) Amendment 009/010 - Defund NCACC Commissioner Marcoplos said he has attended a few NCACC conferences, and would like to know NCACC's impact on the legislature. Commissioner Bedford said NCACC provides an opportunity to work across the aisles, and this group directly benefits counties. Commissioner Greene said Attorney General Stein was approached about the opioid legislation, and any possible payout, he approached the NCACC for ideas and partnership. She said there is value in this membership. Commissioner Marcoplos pulled the amendment.