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30 <br /> the results of the ongoing assessment review. He said the living wage increase could be held at $18.18 <br /> per hour to save approximately$500,000. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked how many employees are earning$18.18. <br /> Travis Myren said that there are 17 full-time, benefited employees who earn this wage. <br /> Otherwise, it's mostly temporary employees in departments like Solid Waste and the Library who are <br /> earning the living wage. <br /> Slide#11 <br /> FY 2026-27 Operating Budget Options <br /> County Cost to Continue New Expenses <br /> Software as a ServpGe $368,000 <br /> — Fuel Costs-$595,400 <br /> • Could have some flexibility-continue to monitor fuel prices <br /> Recommended increase assumes$S per gallon diesel and$5 per gallon gasoline <br /> — Longtime Homeowners Assistance <br /> • Calibrated to compensate for 3.75 cent recommended increase <br /> • Reduction of$11,884 @ 2 cent target <br /> Reduction of$23,780 @ no tax increase <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> 11 NCPRTH C/LROLINA <br /> Travis Myren said bonds and insurance coverages are effectively non-negotiable, representing <br /> $280,000 in increases. He said software-as-a-service costs require time to change for business continuity <br /> reasons, so they are also effectively locked in. He said fuel costs of just under $600,000 are being <br /> monitored <br /> Commissioner McKee asked whether the county could lock in fuel pricing through a long-term <br /> contract. <br /> Travis Myren confirmed the county buys at market rate and does not currently have a locked-in <br /> rate, noting that a six-month lock had been explored two years prior, but the futures market had not <br /> allowed for longer commitments. <br /> Travis Myren said the Longtime Homeowners Assistance increase can be calibrated to the final <br /> tax rate, so if the Board adopts a rate lower than 3.75 cents, that program cost can be adjusted <br /> accordingly. <br />