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Chair Jacobs agreed and said that, regardless of what is done with the budget, he hopes that the school boards will not think that they were cheated by having participated in a process to try and do this earlier and more collaboratively. The Board will try and do the best that it can, as always. Superintendent Pedersen said that if the Manager's Recommended Budget is approved, then the school system could probably cope with it, but it will not be easy. CHCCS received an immigrant grant that was more than expected, and this will save $530,000 for funding ESL teachers. This grant will probably not be repeated. The custodial services have been redone and the savings achieved is in excess of$100,000. Some State funds are being used for middle school after school. He said that he has heard that the health insurance rates may stay the same. All of the savings total approximately $1.4 million, if all of the assumptions come true. Commissioner Carey asked about the $81,000 reimbursement to the OCS. Superintendent Pedersen suggested asking OCS about this because it receives all of the State transportation funds and is responsible for the fuels costs. In this case, CHCCS received a request from OCS based on 45%. • Orange County Schools Budget www.co.orange.nc.us/budpet/documents/0809/Recommended/Appendix/B- 2.00SRequest.pdf Chair Jacobs welcomed the OCS Board. Superintendent Rhodes said that the OCS Board appreciates the support from the Board of County Commissioners and he hopes that the County Commissioners will be able to fund the Manager's Recommended Budget. He continues to look for operational efficiencies, including avoiding hiring for now and consolidating positions where available. In terms of the fuel costs, OCS paid $143,000 more for fuel this year than previous years. When there are fuel cost overages, OCS does bill CHCCS. The Governor does make a fuel adjustment, and he expects to see one this year, but it does not address the entire amount. Ted Triebel said that OCS continues to assess its budget in light of the Orange County budgetary environment. OCS has approximately 100 locally funded positions. He said that if they do not properly fund the needs of the youth in this country, then there is a problem. The school board has done some soul-searching in this budget. Commissioner Gordon asked about the salary increases. Superintendent Rhodes said that typically, in salary negotiations, the Governor's recommendations come in higher than the House. He believes that it will end up being 5% unless something changes. Commissioner Carey asked about the projected fund balance and Ted Triebel said that it is lower than ever. He said that it is inappropriate for OCS to have a fund balance as low as it is going right now. Commissioner Carey asked about the percentage of the fund balance. Superintendent Rhodes said that they are just now in the process of closing out and reconciling all of the books and he does not have a number. Ted Triebel said that it would be something less than 3%, or less than $1 million. Discussion ensued on the target fund balance. Laura Blackmon said that the target is 3%. Donna Coffey said that the draft policy that the Board saw in April had 3% for OCS and 5.5% for CHCCS. This has not been approved by the Board yet. It will be coming back to the Board in the fall.