Orange County NC Website
14 <br /> 1 way to go. He said that he is worried because usually, they are all on the same page for public <br /> 2 education at the local level but that it does not seem to be the case tonight. He thanked <br /> 3 Commissioner Fowler for the budget amendment that will fully fund the continuation budget with <br /> 4 a tax increase. He said that he does not agree with the four commissioners that signed onto an <br /> 5 amendment that pulls $10 million from the schools. He said the public voted for a tax increase for <br /> 6 education. He said the problem is not the voters but rather, an issue of public will. He said that <br /> 7 support for public schools is needed now more than ever. He said that he has80 colleagues gone <br /> 8 due to a reduction in force. He said that "pay-go" means fixing issues as they arise, and if they <br /> 9 do not have that funding, they will not be able to address things like failing HVACs. He said that <br /> 10 Commissioner Hamilton stated that she wants to get "back to basics" and he said that is exactly <br /> 11 what pay-go supports—the basics. He thanked Commissioner Carter for standing with them, and <br /> 12 asked that she vote with them now. He said that Commissioner McKee said he would be the <br /> 13 backstop if the schools spent down their surplus, and now it is time. He asked the commissioners <br /> 14 to remember commitments they made. <br /> 15 Chair Bedford thanked everyone for their participation. She said that there is $4 million <br /> 16 existing in the Lands Legacy program. She said that the longtime homeowners program for <br /> 17 Orange County residents that meet certain requirements. She said that it has had $250,000 in <br /> 18 the program for the last 3 or 4 years and there is an amendment to add another $100,000 this <br /> 19 year. She said the program generally goes live in August and they want to make sure that anyone <br /> 20 that is struggling with their taxes to apply. <br /> 21 <br /> 22 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to <br /> 23 close the public hearing on the budget and capital investment plan. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 26 <br /> 27 The budget public hearing portion of the meeting ended, and the Board transitioned to a work <br /> 28 session. <br /> 29 <br /> 30 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton,to recess <br /> 31 the meeting for seven minutes. <br /> 32 <br /> 33 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 34 <br /> 35 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to <br /> 36 reconvene the meeting at 8:45 p.m. <br /> 37 <br /> 38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 39 <br /> 40 4. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointments Discussion <br /> 41 The Board discussed appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. <br /> 42 <br /> 43 BACKGROUND: The Advisory Board on Aging suggests policy and makes recommendations to <br /> 44 the Board of Commissioners and the Department on Aging while acting as the liaison between <br /> 45 older adults of the County and County government. It is charged with promoting needed services, <br /> 46 programs, and funding that impacts older residents. <br /> 47 <br /> 48 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members. <br /> 49 <br /> 50 The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: <br /> 51 <br />