Orange County NC Website
5 <br /> Commissioner Bedford said there has been talk for years about another state bond for <br /> school capital, and whether that is written or spoken at the Legislative Breakfast, she thinks it <br /> should be highlighted to the delegation. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he is satisfied with the list. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said this document is valuable for the community and for the <br /> delegation. She said she agrees mental health is a huge importance. She asked what is meant <br /> in the priority that reads "seeks to fund a plan" vs. just putting more money into existing <br /> programs. She said that existing programs will need more funding. <br /> Chair Price said they are looking for some sort of a plan. She said that right now they <br /> are going through Medicaid transformation and there will also be something after that. She said <br /> that she and several commissioners attended a legislative breakfast on mental health and there <br /> is so much that goes into this issue. She said the point is to get the issues across to the <br /> delegation. She said there are limitations to what the legislative delegation will be able to do <br /> within the climate of the General Assembly. She said the point is to say that a lot of work is <br /> needed in mental health and to get that across to the delegation. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said that the mental health breakfast was eye-opening. She <br /> said that she learned that the mental health system was dismantled, and we need to rethink <br /> how mental health services are provided in this state and provide more funds. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said the Olmstead plan was made to address the state's deficits, <br /> so continuing to support that, and fund the plan at the General Assembly level, would be <br /> helpful. She said she's glad to see Medicaid expansion on the list because it will also positively <br /> impact mental health care and provide more funding. She said even if people qualify for <br /> services, they are not getting them because there are not enough providers. She said that they <br /> raised the minimum wage for people doing direct support, so hopefully that will have an impact. <br /> She said that overall, the world needs more people going into psychiatry. She said that overall, <br /> she is pleased with the list. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to <br /> approve the 2022 Orange County Priority Legislative Issues document, and to approve the <br /> 2022 Orange County Legislative Interests document, with amendments as discussed, for <br /> submittal to Orange County's legislative delegation. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Greg Wilder clarified that the addition of an item reading "support legislation to provide <br /> additional capital funding to support school infrastructure, renovations, and improvements" will <br /> be added to Attachment 2 as item 18. <br /> Chair Price said yes. <br /> Chair Price reminded the Board that the Legislative Breakfast will be March 22, 2022 at <br /> 8:30 AM. <br /> 7. Reports <br /> a. 203 Project Status Update <br /> The Board received an update of the 203 Project including the current status of the Guaranteed <br /> Maximum Price (GMP) development and to provide direction on the range of options to <br /> consider as next steps. Final consideration is currently scheduled for the Board's Business <br /> meeting on March 15, 2022. <br /> BACKGROUND: At the March 10, 2020 Orange County Board of Commissioners' Business <br /> meeting, the Board approved a final scope and budget for the construction of the 203 Project, <br />