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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19770606~~~ Chairman Whitted stated that if the Board went with the $1,675,000 figure, this would give $1,931,956 to Chapel Hill and would increase per capital current expense to $353.45 per student. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that the Board needed to decide how much they could add to the seven cent proposed tax increase ar what programs or services would have to be cut from the 1977-78 budget. Until this is clear, it will be difficult to know just where the Board is. Mr. Gustaveson stated he wanted to take a close look at Chapel Hill Capital Outlay, that he saw a total school increase in the neighborhood of $29A,000 fox Capital Outlay. Mr. Gustaveson added that he would be..willing to go for a four cent increase on tap of the proposed seven cent increase. Commissioner Walker stated that he felt the $353 per pupil is a maintenance budget, however, he feels that funding of the $353 could be found through cuts in the budget, without a seven cent increase. The Commissioners discussed Capital Outlay fox the two school systems. Mr. Gustaveson suggested to increase Ch~.pel Hill Capital Outlay of $90,000 and to leave the County's Capital Qutlay at $250,000. He added that he would ga with a 4.5 cent tax increase. Commissioner Pinney stated that he would go with the $353 per student and would go to a ten cent tax increase. Both Commissioners Gustaveson and Willhoit stated that they would go as high as twelve cents tax increase. Chairman Whitted stated that he felt $353 is what is needed, plus $90,OD0 in Capital Outlay for Ghapel Hill. He added that the County when looking at their Capital Improvement Program had put seven cents into the Capital Program to get that out of the way and then next year, the seven cents would be for retirement of bonds. If that seven cents is taken this year and put into on-going programs, next year we will be in the same situation. The meeting was adjourned. is and E. i ed, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Glerk ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS JUNE 6, 1977 The Orange County Board of 'Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, June 6, 1977, at 10:00 a.m., in the Commissioners' Room of the Courthouse in Hillsborough. Those present were Chairman Richard Whitted, Commissioners Norman Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, Norman Walkex and Donald Willhoit. Others present were S. M. Gattis, County Manager, Neal Evans, Finance Officer, Jeffrey Gledhill, County Attorney, and Agatha Johnson, Clerk. Chairman Whitted referred to Item #1 on the Agenda: Persons not on this agenda having business to transact with the Board of Commissioners should make their presence known. Mrs. Charlotte Adams, representing the Chapel Hi11 Branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedon, presented a petition and copies of a proposal entitled Arbitration as .an Alternative. She requested the Board's endorsement and initiation of a proposed project which has grown out of seven years of monitoring of local distridt court procedure. The local chapter of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is proposing for Orange County the establishment of an alter- native to the court process to prova.des mediation and arbtration to resolve minor criminal complaints, where both parties share a degree of blame and solutions are reached which satisfy bath the disputants rather than by X40 imposing a fine or a jail term on one of them, Mrs. Adams requested that the Commissioners authorize the County Attorney to meet with the Town Attorneys from Chapel Hill and Caxrboro and representatives of the District Attorney's office to determine the legality and the feasibility of this proposal. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that this Board is on record as of last year encouraging the group to proceed and with this Board's endorse- ment. Secondly, the group should make sure that there are no legal ques- tions in terms of County responsibilities regarding a dispute center. He suggested a check with the Attorney General's Office. Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to authorize the County Attorney to work with the Chapel Hill and Caxrboro Town Attorneys in seeking answers from the Attorney General's Office regarding the Dispute Center. Mrs. Josephine Barbour stated that she had read in a local newspaper of the possibility of Orange County purchasing Red Hill Tract, She asked if this was the intention of the County. The Chairman stated that this Board had not made such a decision to purchase Red Hill Tract. Item 2: Minutes of the Board Meetings held on May 16, 17, 19, 23, 26, and May 31, 1977. The minutes of the Board of Equalization and Review dated May 17, 1977, are submitted for the Board's approval. The minutes of May l6, 1977 were reviewed and upon motion of Commis- sioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson, the minutes of May 16, 1977 were approved, The minutes of May 17, 1977 were reviewed and a correction was pointed out. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that the minutes of May 17, 1977 be approved. - The minutes of May 19, 1977 were reviewed and upon motion of Commis- sioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, it was moved and adapted that the minutes of May 19, 1977 be approved. The minutes of May 23, 1977 were reviewed and upon motion of Commis- sioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Pinney, it was moved and adopted to approve the minutes of May 23, 1977. The minutes of 'May 26, 1977 were reviewed and upon motion of Commis - sioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted that the minutes of May 26, 1977 be approved. The minutes of May 31, 1977 were reviewed and upon motion of CommisT sinner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Whitted, it was moved and adopted to approve the minutes of May 31, 1977, The minutes of May 17, 1977, Board of Equalization and Review, were reviewed, and upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to approve the May 17, 1977 minutes. Commissioner Whitted asked to be excused from the meeting to take a telephone call. Vice-Chairman Gustaveson referred to Item 3: The Manager recommends approval of a fireworks permit fro the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Agenda attachment stated that the Muscular Dystrophy Association has requested the Board of Gounty Commissioners grant a permit for a fireworks display on July 4th at their annual summer camp. This display will be dis- charged under the supervision of Mr. A. D. Graham, Jr „ Chief of the Efaldn Rural Volunteer Fire Department. A fire truck will be on standby at the camp during the display. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit it was moved and adopted to approve a fireworks permit far the Muscular Dystrophy Association. PG41 Item 4: The Manager recommends approval of an amendment to the New Hope Fire District Budget. The agenda attachment stated that New Hope Fire Department was requesting a $6,000 advance from the New Hope Fire District fund balance, which is currently $11,000 to fully pay for a new. mini--pumper. A11 three trustees of the Fire Department concur with the request. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to approve the budget amendment to the New Hope Fire District Budget. (For copy of budget amendment of New Hope Fire District, see. page 246 of this book.) Vice-Chairman Gustaveson referred to Item 5: The Department of Trans-- portation has recommended Woodland Drive in Forest Park Acre Subdivision not be added to the State system. No action was taken on this item. The Clerk was instructed to inform the Department of Transportation•th.at no action was taken. Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Pinney, it was moved and adopted that the Clerk properly inform the Department of Transportation of the Commissioner's action. Chairman Whitted returned to the meeting. He' referred to Item 6: Appointments. A. The term of J. F. Minnis on the Orange County Council on Aging expires June 30, 1977. Mr. Minnis has agreed to be reappointed to the Council. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to reappoint J. F. Minnis to the Orange County Council on Aging. B. The position of First Alternate on the Orange County Board of Adjustment is vacant. No action was taken an this item. Item 7: Announcement: A draft of the proposed five year Health System Plan for our region is on file in the County and Chapel Hill Lib- raries. A public hearing to consider this plan is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on June 16, 1977 in the Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he had a copy of the draft if any board members were interested in reviewing his copy. Commissioner Gustaveson also asked if the Orange County Board would be interested in sponsoring a public hearing with the purpose to be a more in- depth look at the questions which will affect Orange County. He suggested that the Commissioners, the Interim Health Board and members of the HSA staff join in the public hearing. June 23, 1977 was scheduled as a tentative date for the public hearing to discuss the HSA Plan for this region. The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m., in the Superior Courtroom of the Courthouse in Hillsborough. Chairman Whitted referred to Item S: Plats for consideration. He recognized Chris Edwards, a member of the Planning Staff. Mr. Edwards referred to Item 8A: J. L. Wilkins - Minor Subdivision This plat proposes the division of a one acre lot from a thirty-two 'acre tract. Access will be acquired through an existing public road. The Planning Board recommends a variance from the requirement that the sub- division street be built to State standards. The plat shows a 60 foot ease- ment which in reality is an old dedicated road which was never built. Two acre lots have been cut along the right of way and this one acre lot will adjoin those lots. The Planning Board feels that since the road is an old existing road, that it not be required to be built to State standards. 2~z Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit, it was moved and adopted to approve the plat of s. L. Wilkins and that a variance from the requirement that the road be built to State standards be granted. B. Sula A. Wallace: This plat proposes the division of a three acre parcel into two lots. Both lots will front on Pleasant Green Road. A septic tank permit has been granted. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted to approve the minor subdivision plat of Sula A. Wallace. C. Bruce Baker: This plat proposes the division of a 2.27 acre lot from a thirty-three acre tract. Both parcels will front on SR #1005. An easement has been granted although not necessary. Mr. Baker will use the existing driveway on the adjoining property for access. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Walker, it was moved and adopted to approve the minor subdivision plat of Bruce Baker. D. W. W. Johnson - This plat proposes the division of a one acre lot from a twenty-five acre tract, both fronting on SR #1005. There is an existing structure on this lot. This property is located near Mr. Pinney's store. Commissioner Gustaveson moved that the minor subdivision plat for W. W. Johnson be approved. Commissioner Walker seconded the motion. Voting aye on the motion were Commissioners Gustaveson, Walker, Whitted, and Willhoit, Commissioner Pinney voted nay. The motion was declared passed. E. Turkey Run _ This plat proposes the division of a tract into nine lots. The major portion of this subdivision lies in Bingham Township. only one lot and portions of thx'ee others are in Chapel Hill Township and require subdivision approval. Turkey Run Road has been constructed to State standards. Willhoitn ittwas movedmandsadopteduthatethe~TurkeydRunbfinalmplatober approved. P. Douglas Hill - This plat proposes the division of two, eight acre lots and one, three acre lot from a sixty-five acre tract. All lots front- on SR #1567, Pleasant Green Road. Upon motion of Commissioner Pinney, seconded by Commissioner Gustaveson, it was moved and adopted to approve the final plat of Douglas Hill. G. Richard L. Jackson - This plat proposes the division of a parcel into nine, one acre lots. Access will be provided by a "Class B" type private road. This property is located near Murphy Schoel in Eno Township. This was previously approved with the stipulation that Lot 1 access onto the private road instead of the public road. A maintenance agreement will be recoxded with the plat. Commissioner Gustaveson moved that the final plat of Richard L. Jackson be approved. Commissioner Walker seconded the motion. The Chairman called for a vote on the motion and voting aye were Commissioners Gustaveson, Walker, Whitted and Willhoit. Voting nay was Commissioner Pinney. The motion was declared passed. H. Jackson Property - This plan proposes the division of a one hundred and twelve acre tract into ten, five acre lets and six, ten acre lots. Two "Class C" private roads will provide access to about half the lots. The existing public road will serve the remainder. This property is located on St. Mary's Road. Mr. Edwards stated that the developers had found a market for large lots. ~~~ Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he was concerned that someone might come in and subdivide the 16 acre tract. Mr. Edwards stated that there were soil problems with the 16 acre tract and that was one reason why the parcel was so large. The Planning Board's recommendation for this property is (1) that all lots with access to the private roads will use the private roads, and (2) that a 100 foot setback from Buckquarter Creek be observed. Upon motion of Commissioner Gustaveson, seconded by Commissioner Walker, it was moved and adopted to approve the preliminary plat of the ' Jackson Property. The Board adjourned for lunch. When the Board of Commissioners reconvened from lunch they continued the budget review of the 1977-78 proposed budget. Since Chairman Whitt$d had not returned from a luncheon appointment, Vice-Chairman Gustaveson served as Chairman for the beginning of the budget discussions. Chairman Gustaveson suggested that the Board members list the types of cuts which they felt could possiblity be cut from the proposed budget. Commissioner Pinney suggested that the Board consider some of the following cuts: $50,000 from Orange County Schools Capital Outlay budget, $105,000 from the Orange County Fund Balance, $15,000 from the. Energy Officer cut $20,000 from the Public Works Department, $10,000 from the 'County Recreation budget, $10,000 from the Planning Department, $20,000 from the Sheriff's budget, $5,000 from the proposed Carr Mills Library, and $21,000 from the Contingency Fund. Commissioner Walker stated he would propose a rearrangement of funds rather than a cut. He suggested that the $945,000 which is to fund the Capital Improvement Program over the next two years, be split in half and use about $500,000 each year instead of $800,000 this year and $1,450,000 next year. Mr. Walker stated that this amount would offset the increase requested by the schools and still stay within the seven cent realm. Commissioner Willhoit stated that the Board should take another look at the school's current expense. He aslo suggested that the key departments take another look at their budgets. Commissioner Pinney stated that he would like to know haw the Register of Deeds plans to spend the requested monies in her Department. He added that he felt there could be a cut of about $10,000 from the Register of Reeds. He suggested that $5,000 be cut from the Tax Supervisor's budget. Mr. Pinney reminded the Boord that they needed to decide if they were going to fund the three new Title XX Programs. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that four of his concerns were the School Capital Outlay, the Sheriff's Department, the Contingency Fund and a closer analysis of Public Works. These are areas which can be looked at in terms of squeezing some money. He stated that when the Board looks at personnel, there may be some money in that area. The items which Mr. Pinney had listed as proposed cuts totaled $166,000. The items which had been previously added into the budget totaled $45,860. This fatal does not include any additional current expense or capital outlay for either of the school systems. _ Chairman Whitted returned to the meeting at this time. After a review of the proposed cuts, Chairman Whitted stated that he would be in favor of some of the cuts which Mr. Pinney had proposed. " The Finance Director informed the Board that the Board of Elections would need an additional $20,300 for the cast of the primary sbheduled for the Spring of 1978. The Board agreed that using the $353 per Capital Current Expense, this amounted to five cent tax increase, if you used $353.45, this came out to 5.3 cent tax increase. The $353 adds to the budget $357,175. It has been proposed that $90,000 be added in Capital Outlay which amounts to $447,175. To add in the $300 for the Board of Elections brings the total to $447,475. ~~4 Discussion ensued concerning the recommendation of Commissioner Walker. Chairman Whitted stated that the budget message proposal of seven cents tax increase centered around the school bond issue and the County's capital outlay program. In effect, the seven cents would be put in the capital out- lay for the County this year to get it out of the way, so that next year, ' when the bonds become due that seven cents can be used to pay off the bonds. If we do not allocate that seven cents to the Capital Outlay this year, you are essentially saying that next year when the bonds become due, and the year after that, whatever amount you use to put into current programs, you will have to make up with the tax rate. Whatever extent you dig into the Building Fund, that will have to be provided next year. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that the County had worked for a long period to get tv this point and that the County should follow through and make sure those funds in the Building Fund are kept for the purpose of the County's facilities. He stated that he felt if the Board was not willing to shave the budget that they should be willing to "bite the bullet" in terms of additional taxes. If $353 is a consensus, this shapes a series of decisions which need to be made and one of these decisions is to add two cents more to the top limit, which still means that we will have to do additional shaving. Commissioners Willhoit and Gustaveson spoke in favor of the tax increase of twelve cents. Commissioners Pinney and Walker spoke against this increase. Commissioner Pinney stated that the choices were to gv wtih a twelve cents tax increase at $353 and fund everything we want to fund, or go with a ten cent tax increase at $353 and cut $280,000 from the budget. Further discussion ensued. Commissioner Gustaveson suggested that the Hoard take the $493,000 figure which includes the additions,'as well as school add ons, apply the three cent tax increase, which amounts to $210,000 and the difference is $283,000. He suggested further that the Board take the $283,000 figure and then see what consensus the Board can reach regarding cuts. The Board agreed to round the figure out to $280,000 as the amount to be cut. The first item proposed to be cut was $50,000 from Capital Outlay of Orange County Schools. It was pointed out that Orange County System has $289,000 left in bond monies, and $75,000 of undesignated fund to come from their budget carry over. There was a majority consensus to go with this proposed cut. Another cut proposed was $20,000 from the Sheriff's Department. There was a general consensus to go along with this cut. In the area of Public Works, Building and Grounds, it was proposed to cut $15,000. $21,000 was proposed to be cut from the Contingency Fund. These cuts amounted to $106,000, still leaving $174,000 to be taken from the budget. The Finance Director informed the Board that the County's appropriation to Social Services is $649,319. Other cuts proposed were $10,000 from Recreation (Municipal Support), $5,000 from Switchboard, and $12,000 from the Cau~ty Recreation Department. A. B. Coleman, Jr., County Attorney, informed the Board of a letter he had received from Mr. Bateman, Attorney for the Town of Mebane. This letter is a response to Mr. Coleman's letter of May 3, 1977. Mr. Bateman's letter stated that Mr. Coleman could expect information very soon from Mr. Bateman. Mr. Coleman stated that he was anticipating such information as operating expense and the amount of money Mebane now has and what they propose to do with the money. Of the cuts which had been suggested, the total to yet be cut amounted to $147,000. Chairman Whitted suggested that the Board possibly look at the Building Fund for the remaining $147,000 that is needed. He added that this would mean using two cents of the tax rate this year for current pro- grams. Mr. Gustaveson stated that he would not be in favor of this, that the Board is actually doing the same as was done last year. ~~s The County Manager stated that the Building Fund would have to be raised next year to $145,000. The proposed seven cent tax increase this year puts $800,000 in the Building Fund and next year there would be about $250,000 to raise out of that $800,000, so there would be $550,000 freed up. Chairman Whitted.reminded the Board that 15 new employees would be added to the payroll next year from CBTA. Commissioner Willhait asked about the Data Frocessing rental of the computer which is $36,D00. The Finance Officer stated that sufficient information was not avail- able for Data Frocessing to know whether to go with renting of computer equipment or renting of computer time. The County Manager stated that the $117,450 is a top figure, and if the Department can be established at a cheaper rate, the County will certainly go with that. ' Discussion ensued among members of the Board regarding the~.~.need far a County Energy Officer. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he felt this item was one of the highest priorities in the .budget, and that the County should be in the position of taking advantage of the grants that will be- coming available. Commissioner Pinney stated that there was a limit to the amount which can be placed on people in one year and that ten cents was the absolute perimeter. He stated that he was willing to go this amount because he saw no other choice. Further discussion ensued concerning other budget items which Gould be cut. Chairman Whitted stated that he would be in favor of making the cuts which have been listed and then taking the $147,000 from the Building Fund for this year and adapting the budget at a ten cent rate. Commissioner Walker stated that he did not agree with the items which had been proposed to be cut and that he did not agree with the ten cent tax rate. The cuts which had been listed, and which had a consensus of three votes are: Orange County Capital Outlay $50,000 Sheriff Department 20,000 Fublic Works Department 15,000 Contingency Fund 21,000 Chapel Hill (Municipal Support) 1D,000 Switchboard 5,000 Tax Supervisor Department 5,000 $ 126,000 proposed cuts Other Departments which could be .looked at are Data Processing, Planning, County Recreation, Register of Deeds, and Miscellanous Departments. Commissioner Gustaveson offered a package plan for the budget. He stated that if the Board stayed with the proposed $121,000 cuts, ex- cluding the $5,000 from the Tax Supervisor's Department, and then asked the Planning Department, Register of Deeds, Data Frocessing, County Recreation, Tax Supervisor and other Miscellanous Departments to provide together the $27,000 deduction, this would increase the cuts to $148,000. Then take $50,000 from the Building Fund bringing the total to $198,000. If you could use $15,000 from the surplus of the District Health, this would increase the cuts to $213,000 leaving $67,000 yet to find. _ The•cuts proposed for the County Departments were Planning, $5,000, Recreation, $5,000, Register of Deeds, $5,000, Data Frocessing, $2,000, Tax Supervisor, $5,000, and Miscellaneous Departments, $5,000 which is a total of $27,000. Commissioner Walker moved that the meeting adjourn. The next meeting of the Commissioners is the scheduled public hearing of June 14, 1977, at 7:30 p.m., in the Supezior Courtroom of the Courthouse. ~~~ The County Manager and the Finance ©fficer were asked tq continue to look at the $213,000 figure and to attempt to find $67,000 to cut. Chairman Whitted asked i.f it was the consensus of the Bo`rd to pick up the twq 4-H Assistants at $5,$60. The Board agreed that this was a consensus. The meeting was adjourned. (/ Richard E. Whitted, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Clerk •~ ORANGE COUNTY ' PROPOSED 1976-77 BUDGET ORDINA~tCE AMENO;~IENT The 1976-77 Budget Ordinance of Orange County as adopted on June 24, 1976, and subsequently amended, is hereby amended as follo-rs: Change the appropriation for the following line items in the funds indicated: INCREASE • FUND - ITEM (DECREASE) TO TOTAL New Hope Fire District: To Fire District 6,000 33,5D0 Change the revenues and fund balances estimated to be available to meet the foregoing appropriations in the funds indicated: INCREASE FUND - RESOURCE (DECREASE TO TOTAL PJew Hope Fire District: ~ ' Fund Balance 6,000. ~ 6,000 y ~. Adopted this the 6th day of June, 1977.