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18 <br /> some times than others. He said there is $500,000 approved in the current year, and this would <br /> be the next installment in year 3. <br /> Commissioner Price said the County gets a match from the state, and has properties <br /> interested in the program. She asked if all those interested can be executed this year, or would <br /> they have to carry over. <br /> David Stancil said there is never enough money to meet the interest, and so they carry <br /> over from year to year and move forward as funds are available. <br /> Commissioner Greene said the Board has not heard from her recently about her <br /> participation in the Upper Neuse River Basin Authority (UNRBA), but she will have an update <br /> shortly. She said the County will be faced with a decision on how to go forward with a realistic <br /> plan to fulfill the County's obligation of improving the water quality of Falls Lake. She said <br /> hopefully the State authority will buy off on it, and allow the County to count the conservation of <br /> land as credit towards debt that is owed. She said that is an additional reason why she was not <br /> in favor of losing this money in this fiscal year. <br /> Travis Myren said he is hearing a mixed bag of votes. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said the Board funds this program every other year, and will <br /> continue to do so moving forward. He said it is a question of balancing priorities, and making <br /> tough decisions. <br /> Chair Rich said she agrees with Commissioner Dorosin, and feels a great deal has been <br /> accomplished. She said she would not mind delaying this item, but is hearing mixed opinions <br /> from the Board. <br /> Commissioner McKee said this is an example of every$2 spent costs the County $1. <br /> He said these conservation easements started off very sketchy and slowly, as there was <br /> concern about the entire program, but it has increased in popularity over the years, and has <br /> conserved as much, if not more, land than Lands Legacy. <br /> Chair Rich echoed Commissioner Dorosin's comments about being able to bring this <br /> back in year 3. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he cannot argue with that, but feels the County must be <br /> careful about delaying items where full blown partners are picking up half the cost, and a <br /> program that has become well respected and trusted. <br /> Commissioner Price said this is a really important program, and a great deal of effort has <br /> been put into it. She said losing the momentum now would be a shame. She said Durham <br /> Tech would help people, but the County needs to continue helping the farming community. <br /> Commissioner Greene thanked Commissioner McKee for his perspective. <br /> Blackwood Farm Park <br /> David Stancil said the nature center is part of the park master plan, but it is not part of <br /> the construction project that has already been approved. He said staff is still working with <br /> several organizations to help fund at least 50% of the nature center, but there are no <br /> commitments as yet. <br /> Chair Rich said it sounds like a good one to delay. <br /> Old Courthouse <br /> Travis Myren said if staff were to prioritize one part, it would be the stone sidewalk <br /> repair. <br /> Commissioner Greene asked if the Old Courthouse is ADA accessible. <br /> Travis Myren said it is compliant, but someone with mobility issues would have a difficult <br /> time navigating this portion of the sidewalk. <br /> Commissioner Greene said there are other ways to access the building. <br />