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13 <br /> Caitlin Fenhagen said agencies were informed prior to the work session that they were not <br /> recommended for funding, and several have already asked how they can improve their applications. She <br /> asked Melissa Allison to describe the application process. <br /> Melissa Allison said they have a kickoff in December, and a few virtual workshops to answer any <br /> questions before applications are due in December. She said agencies are always trying to figure out how <br /> to increase their scores. <br /> Caitlin Fenhagen said that applicants can also request their score cards after recommendations <br /> are made. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler asked what the reason is for not having a funding tier that is flat funding. <br /> Kirk Vaughn, Budget Director, said it is related to budget constraints. He said rewarding agencies <br /> that score the best means there must be a reallocation to keep the total amount flat. <br /> Chair Hamilton asked where people can view the score cards and the details in the budget <br /> document. <br /> Caitlin Fenhagen said that people can request the score cards. <br /> Chair Hamilton said she would like to see this information in the budget document as well as on <br /> the website. <br /> Caitlin Fenhagen said that could be done. <br /> Melissa Allison said that there is a page on the County Manager's section of the website about <br /> outside agency funding. <br /> Chair Hamilton said it would be helpful for the community to have those details in the budget <br /> document. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler reminded the Board that the information used to be in the budget document, <br /> but was removed due to concerns about conflicts of interest if there were any commissioners connected <br /> to the agencies. She said now there is just the total amount because it is the County Manager making a <br /> recommendation rather than the Board making individual award decisions. <br /> Kirk Vaughn said the change was made in response to a change in state law, but he said the Board <br /> has made other changes to meet that requirement so it may be no longer necessary to keep the <br /> information out of the budget document. <br /> 2. FY 2026-27 Operating and CIP Budget Discussions, regarding Durham Technical Community College, <br /> Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and Orange County Schools <br /> BACKGROUND: The County Manager presented the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget at the Board of <br /> Commissioners' May 5, 2026 Business meeting. Since that time, the Board has conducted one (1) public <br /> hearing to receive residents' comments regarding the proposed funding plan. This is the first opportunity <br /> for the Board to discuss next year's recommended funding plan related to Outside Agency and Education <br /> funding. <br /> Education Operating Funding:The Manager's Recommended Education Funding can be found starting on <br /> Page 159 of the Recommended Operating Budget. Per-pupil Current Expense funding is recommended to <br /> increase from $5,877 to $6,171. <br /> Durham Tech Funding: Durham Tech's recommended funding is also found in the education section of the <br /> Recommended Operating Budget, on Page 159.The Manager is recommending a 3% increase to Durham <br /> Tech's current expense,as well as additional funds to support six months of the operations of the expanded <br /> facility. Durham Tech also receives additional funds through the Article 46 sales tax. <br />