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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19740625- 3t~u MINUTES OP THE ORANGE COUNTY HOARD OF COMMISSIONERS June 25, 1974 The Hoard of County Commissioners of Orange County met on Tuesday, June 25, 1974, at 8 P.M. in the District Courtroom of the Police Building in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Members Present: Chairman C. Norman Walker, and Commissioners Henry S. Walker, Flora Garrett, Richard E. Whitted and Melvin Whitfield. Members Absent: None S. M. Gattis, County Administrator, and Betty June Hayes, Clerk to the Hoard, were also present. The Chairman announced that this was the time, date and place for the duly scheduled Public Hearings on the petitions that had been received from the residents of the Oaks Subdivision and the Briarcliff Subdivision relative to the creating of a special Service District for the purpose of securing Eire protection. Chairman Walker stated the matter would be heard individually as the two petitions must be considered as separate issues. Chairman Walker recognized R. H. Williams, the Assistant Fire Chief for the Town of Chapel Hill, and Cynthia McSwain, Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Chapel Hill. He stated that Mr. Williams and Ms. McSwain were present to represent the Town of Chapel Hi11 at this Public Hearing. Chairman Walker announced that the Hoard would consider the petition from The Oaks first. He opened the floor for comments from those who were in favor of establishing the special Service District. Trisha Stanford Hunt stated that she had been designated as the spokesman for the residents of The Oaks. The fprmulators of the petition had expected a ten (100) cent tax levy and upon learning of the proposed thirty (300) cent tax levy from the Town of Chapel Hill the residents had agreed to withdraw their request, therefore, in behalf of The Oaks she was requesting the withdrawal of The Oaks petition if the Town of Chapel Hill insisted on the thirty (300) cents tax rate. Chairman walker announced that the Board would now consider the petition from the Briarcliff Subdivision. He opened the floor for comments from those who were in favor of establishing the special Service District. A resident from the Briarcliff district inquired as to how the thirty (300) cent tax rate was arrived at and he stated he felt the thirty (300) cent rata was unfair. Cynthia•McSwain, the Assistant Town Manager, presented a breakdown of the 1974-1975 cost of fire service operations: Budget 1974-75 - Operations Debt Service'- Fire Station 5 8,165 - 1975 ~- Average 13,.020 - 1976 Equipment - Amortized over five years $ 3,956 - 1975 _- Average 3,242 - 1976 Fire Stations -- 141,210 Amortizes over 20 years with cost with cost of money at 6% Fire Trucks - 85,080 .•. only 2 of 6 amortized over 10 years wikh cost of•6% _~~ Non Departmental,Charges: Fringe benefits (.1545% $68,645 of 417,914 salaries} Vehicle Ins. 744 Liability Ins. 1,048 Fiscal Services (5.85% of Finance Budget) 6,960 Manager's Office (9.75% based on budget % and Personnel % - 13.7) 12,841 $463,574 10,592 3,599 11,297 11,132 90,.238 1 Actual Fire Costs $590,432 Anticipated 10% personnel costs increase for Fair Employment Act 1974 effective January 1, 1975 .10x1/2 year x 532,219 (Salaries & Fringe) m 26,610.95 (1975) .15% effective January 1, 1976 39,916.42 1/1/75 to 6/30/75 26,610.95 7/1/75 to 12/3/75 26,610.95 1/1/76 to 6/30/76 39,916.42 93,138.33 - 3~i ~ Average Per Year 46,569.16 $ 46,569 Grand Total Expenditures 637,OD1 Less (IbTC and Fire Other Districts 23 ODO 614,001 Tax Equivalent 614,001 22,100/Per penny a 27,784 This does riot include 95% collection factor 1.46 29.24 This does not reflect probable infilation by 1975-76 She explained what formula was need to arrive at the thirty (30~) cent levy. She stated that it was the opinion of the town that the citizens of the proposed service districts must bear a part of the cast of the entire operation and that this operation included the fire stations, fire trucks, other equip- ment, liability insurance, cost of.personnel, plus the fringe benefits allocated to the fire department employees and that this total cost as projected for 1974-1975 amounted to 5637,001 and that the Town of Chapel Hill was of the opinion that the thirty (30G) cent tax levy would equalize the proportionate share for all citizens since this was the portion that was being paid by the citizens of the Town of Chapel Hill. Al Rimmar of Churchill Drive stated that based upon the figure cited he Finds the cost fair and that he, personally, desires annexation for the Briarcliff area. Mr. Rimmar stated that the figures, relative to the levy, that appeared in the paper were apparently erroneous, therefore, he wished to speak in behalf o£ the thirty (30C) cent levy for the Briarcliff subdivision. Barbara Loda from Briarcliff asked "is all money paid by the tax payers". Ms. McSwain answered, "Yes, no state or Federal revenue funds is incorporated into the fire departments budget", she replied. It was pointed out that the Revenue Sharing money received by the Town of Chapel Hill was based on the population living in the city limits of the town. Someone from the Briarcliff area asked "why had the twelve (12G) cent and the eight (8G) cent figures been mentioned". It was pointed out that no particular figures were mentioned when the petition was circulated. A discussion ensued concerning the contract that now exists between the Town of Chapel Hill and the Greater Chapel Hill Fire District. Ms. McSwafn stated that this contract would be re-negotiated in 1975 and that up until that time the ten (lOC) cent levy could not be raised due to the fact of the existing contract. Another resident of the Briarcliff area asked "if the rate increase had anything to do with the consideration towards annexation to the Town". Ms. McSwain replied, "No, that annexation was a completely separate issue". Russell Seaman inquized as to how the 57:6 milli:ori dollar tax valuation was arrived at. Herman Henkle of Briarcliff stated that he was the one who originally submitted the petition t'o Mr. Gattis and that the valuation was based on a per- sonal contact with the residents of the area. Overwhelming support was found in the initial investigation of the matter, he said. Mr. Henkle stated that he was in favor of the proposed tax as afire could destroy his home and he felt the tax was well worth the sense of security that it would provide. Betsy Christian from Briarcliff asked "what recourse does the residents have". r..L.~2 R. B. Williams Assistant Fire Chief, stated "No one will come to your rescue". He pointed out that it is a legal matter and that the fire department cannot answer a call in an unauthorized area.. He stated that he had no choice in the matter regardless of what his personal feelings might be. ~ Mrs. Christian stated that she is definitely in favor of being taken into the fire district. Len $onanno of Briarcliff asked "who approves the building of subdivisions _. that does not provide fire protection". Chairman Walker replied, "that the Board of Commissioners had to approve subdividion plats, however, Orange county has areas that are without fire protection, but that certain rural fire districts had been established during the past few years. Frank Loda asked "if you take the Oaks and Briarcliff if it would cost any extra money". Ms. McSwain replied, "No'.'. Mr. Loda then stated, "I cannot under-. stand this and it is not equitable". Chairman Walker then requested the representatives £rem Briarcliff to raise their hands. The Clerk counted twenty four (24) persons. Chm. Walker then requested to have a show of hands as to the number who would favor Briarcliff becoming a special fire district. Fourteen (14) persons raised their hands. Chairman Walker then requested to have a show of hands of those who did oppose coming into the special fire district. Four persons raised their hands. Trisha Stanford Hunt stated that she had learned the property tax rate for the Town of Chapel Hill was ninety two (920) cents and that she felt it would be cheaper to be annexed into the Town and have available all the services offered by the Town rather than pay the thirty (30G) cent fire tax levy. Mrs. Bernice Daw of Briarcliff stated that she agreed with Mrs. Hunt, in that, the cost of being in the city would not be too far greater than the tax levy that was being proposed plus the citizens would receive the extended services provided by the Town. Someone asked "how are you going to make the decision". Chairman Walker explained the matter would be discussed among the Board members and that the judgment of the situation would be 10ft to each individual member. Russell Seaman asked "iE the Town in an attempt to justify the higher rate would annexation of these areas supply more federal funds". Ms. McSwain answered, "No, there are not that many of. you". Jim Wild of the Briarcliff area stated "after hearing the Town's presen- tation he was fairly much convinced that a thirty (300) cent tax levy is fair since this is the proportionate share that is borne by the citizens of the Town of Chapel H111". He stated "peace of mind it will bring to me is worth it". Herman Henkle stated that eighty five (85%) percent of those present voted to join the special fire district and he requested the Beard to confide in how you make the decision. Chairman Walker replied that the Board must take into consideration all it had heard and witnessed. Mr. Henkle requested the Board to go back to the officials of the Town of Chapel Hill and try to negotiate: for a lower rate. Trisha Stanford Hunt stated that she had been authorized to withdraw the petition of the Oaks as the home owners were against a thirty (30C) cent rate, however, iE negotiations with the Town of Chapel Hill does allow a lower rate then the owners might reconsider and be more than willing to accept the lower rate. She stated she did not want to close the door completely on the matter. commissioner Henry Walker .inqufred.if there, was any hope that the ~r~arclifrf area mi~ht bg corm)}aa intto the.cit~r limiths a~ time 'in ~h~ nearf u ure. is. McSwai rep ied, eha Inc czt~z ns or t e ea may pe x ion or annexation or the Town could take in the area if they so desired". She stated that the Town is taking the matter under consideration, but that it was not possible for the Town to consider annexation until after the budget hearings are completed and other fiscal matters are settled. She also stated that if the Briarcliff special district petition was approved the Town would only issue a years contract because pf the question of annexation. Commissioner Flora Garrett stated that she understood the Town had insisted upon a two year contract period. Ms. McSwain replied, "that Mr. Kendzior, Town Manager, had informed her as of this date that a one year contract is the only thing that would be acceptable. Discussion ensued. { ~~. ,f ~~ S Neal Troy from Briazcliff stated "that he felt some part of the issue has been lost because if the city can justify the thirty (30C) cent tax levy that is paid by the citizens of the Town of Chapel Hill the the major point of the issue is - we do not have fire protection". He stated he would rather pay then have his house burn down. Commissioner Flora Garrett stated that she felt the question here is, is the rate fair. A Mr. Harper from the Oaks asked "is it not reasonable to assume that the Town of Chapel Hill be asked to consider changing contxacts for the Greater Chapel Hill Fire District. Commissioner Richazd Whitted asked Mrs. Hunt if an agreement with the Town of Chapel Hi11 can be reached at what tax rate would you be willing to have your petition negotiated. Mrs. Hunt replied, "I am authorized only to say ten (1DO) cent". Chairman Walker inquired if anyone else wished to speak on the two issues. No one came forth. He then adjourned the Public Heazing. The Board will meet again on Thursday, June 27, 1974, at 8 P.M. in the Commissioners Room at the Courthouse in Hillsborough. C. Norman Walker, Chairman Betty June Hayes, Clerk MINUTES OF THE ORANGE COTINTY BOARA OP COMMISSIONERS June Z7, 1974 The Board of Commissioners of Orange County met on Thursday, June 27, • 1974, at 8 o'clock P. M. in the Commissioners Room at the Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Cazolina. Members Present: Chairman C. Norman Walker, and Commissioners Henry 5. Walker, Flora Garrett, Richard E. Whitted,and Melvin Whitfield. Members Absent: None. The purpose of the meeting was to continue the review of the 1974-1975 County Budget. S. M. Gattis, County Administrator, and Betty June Hayea, Clerk to the Board were also present. ' The County Administrator reported on the conversations that he had had with Mr. Kendzior, Manager of the Town of Chapel Hill, .and several members of Lhe Chapel Hill Board of Aldermen. It appeazed that the Town would consider reviewing the matter of the proposed thirty (3DC) cent tax levy for fire protection for The Oaks and Briazcliff Subdivision at their Board meeting on Monday, July 1, 1974. He advised the Boadd that they could wait until the results of the Chapel Hill Boazd's decision on Monday night. The following Resolutions were read: "THAT WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County an the 19th day of Mazch, 1974, resolved that a public heazing should be held on the question of the establishment of a County Service District within the area of The oaks, as hereinafter set forth and described; and whereas, pursuant to said resolution, on the 25th day of June, 1974, at 5:00 o'clock P. M.,'in the District Courtropm of the Chapel Hill Police Building, the Commissioners did conduct .a public hearing; that said hearing was held in accordance with the requirements of General Statutes 153A-302 and notice thereof was duly given as required by said statute; that the report required by General Statute 153A-302 was filed in accordance with the requirements of said statute. After considering all information presented at the public heazing and all other information available to the Hoazd, the Hoard finds as a fact the following: 1 I That there is a demonstrable need for providing in the district herein- after described fire protection; that within said azea there are approxi- mately twenty-three (23) single family dwellings and one hundred