Minutes-02-24-2023-Retreat Meeting

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40 Hill High School. Therefore, he said he determined the money for the bond would go the farthest if it only addressed schools and a smaller amount for affordable housing. Commissioner Richards said she would think that in less than a year the Board could have a good view of what they could do for the bond based on the Capital Needs Work Group, the consultant, etc. She said the most important factor for her is thinking about where the Board can make the biggest impact with the money. Commissioner Hamilton said she believes the $130 million needs to go to school capital needs because school facilities are currently inadequate. She said this is a key investment to her. Commissioner Richards said she isn't arguing one way or the other, she just feels the county has a lot of information already with consultants and said it seems the process can move forward quickly. Commissioner Hamilton agreed. Commissioner Fowler said CHCCS had a list of needed projects year ago that was $360 million, but now with price of construction the cost is way more. She said no matter where the other priorities are for the county, they are obligated to take care of school capital needs. Vice-Chair McKee said there was a building spree with schools in the late 80s and early 90s with 3-6 cent tax increases every year. He said this was followed by a fairly long lull with no school building, and the last money issued with the 2016 bond probably didn't move the needle on catching up. He said what he doesn't want to do is pit schools against other county needs like parks, senior centers, etc. because then everyone just gets a little and the impact of the money is lessened. Commissioner Greene said she wasn't on the Board during the last bond but she was in the community advocating for the $5 million to go toward affordable housing. She said her perspective has changed, and believes bonds for affordable housing should be issued by municipalities like Chapel Hill because that's where housing is needed and it's on the transit line. She said she agrees with Commissioner Fowler that it is the Board's job to keep school facilities safe. Vice-Chair McKee said it would take a lot of convincing for him to agree to pull money away from the schools for the next bond, otherwise he's afraid the capital needs for schools will never be caught up. Chair Bedford said she certainly supports schools, but is glad there is time to consider so the board can hear more about the county needs through the budget cycle. She said the Crisis Diversion Facility might also be a bond need, but may need to wait a couple of years so there's more bond capacity. She agreed with Commissioner Greene that building affordable housing is a great thing for Chapel Hill to do, especially since the county is doing the prevention work of keeping people in housing. She said she worries there will be a point within the next year that there will be a huge increase in the number of people who become homeless because housing is becoming increasingly out of reach. She said $1 million was put aside for a land bank in case of an emergency. Bonnie Hammersley said the $1 million is in financing, not money in hand, but is in the model. Bonnie Hammersley said the county gave the schools planning money to move forward immediately after the bond money was issued in 2016. She said she hopes schools will be able to work with the capital needs consultant to get some shovel-ready projects moving so they'll be prepared when the bond passes. Chair Bedford said she reminded the schools that the money the county has provided for maintenance should not be saved. Bonnie Hammersley said $44 million was given. Commissioner Hamilton said she heard from Capital Needs Work Group that there is a focus to use the money efficiently and make sure there is a plan.