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