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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19770614~~~ MINUTES ORANGE COUNTX BOARD OF COMMIS52ONER5 JUNE 14, 1977 The Orange County Berard of Commissioners met on Tuesday, June 14, 1977, at 7:30 p.m., in the Superior Courtroom of the Courthouse in Hillsborough, for a scheduled public hearing to discuss the proposed 1977-78 budget. Those present were Chairman Richaxd Whitted, Commissioners 'Norman Gustaveson, Jan Pinney, Norman Walker and Donald F7illhait. Others present were S. M. Gattis, County Manager, Neal Evans, Finance - Director, and Agatha Johnson, Clerk. The Chairman to the Board stated that the proposed budget was pre- . sented to the Board of Ggmmissioners on June 1, 1977 and has since that time been on display for public inspection in the Clerk's Office in the County Courthouse. Chairman Whitted invited those present to speak to the proposed budget. Mr. John Ulmer, a member of the Orange County Board of Social Services, requested additional funding for a Homemaker position. This position was changed to a CETA position at the County's request, and since that time, the Social Services Board has learned that the CETA position has not been approved. The request was that the Commissioners reconsider the Homemaker position as being added to the County's budget. The cost to the Ceunty for this position would be $1,500, and the Federal Government would pick up the other 75 percent. Tony Seaber asked how much the Social Services' budget has increased this year percentage wise. The Finance Director stated that over the current spending level, the Social Services' budget had increased $370,000. This is not all county - monies, but is money which goes through the County Social Services' budget. County monies to the Social Services' budget has increased less than two percent. Mr. Davis from Chapel Hill Township asked haw the tax valuation on the listing compared this year with last year. What is the increase. The Finance Director stated that the evaluation last year was approxi- mately $709 million dollars and the projection this year is about $763 million dollars, which includes the utilities in Chapel Hill which were not included last year. Mr. Davis stated that he felt the increase in evaluaiton should take care of the proposed increase in the rate. Mr. Evans stated that each penny of tax produced $70,D00 and the in- crease in evaluation produced about $5,000. Mr. Davis asked how many people are emplcyed to administer the Social Services Programs in the County. The Social Services Director, Tom ward, stated there are' S6 people administer the various Social Services programs in Orange County and many of these programs have nothing to do with poverty; George Chockley from Cedar Grave Township asked why some other means could not be devised so that all people who live in the County could pay _. their portion of tax or fees instead of always calling on property owners. Mr. Chockley stated that he felt it unfair to provide services to all residents of the County, and all residents not pay their equal share of tax. Lucy Liggins from Cedar Grove Township asked what is being offered to the property owners who pay these taxes. She stated that roads were bad in her area and she felt farmers were not receiving any services for their share of taxes. 2~8 Chairman Whittdd replied that there were services which were funded county-wide from the County budget. Some services include Social services,. law enforcement, recreation and public schools. The Counties in the State of North Carolina have no responsibility for maintenance of roads. No County taxes are used for financing roads in the County. He stated that in North Carolina, the County has the authority to levy ad valorem tax on real and personal property. Also, Orange County has a l~ local option sale tax. Revenues are received from the ABC Board as well as other taxes, fees, and licenses, which the County does levy and collect, along with revenue sharing funds. By State law, the County is limited as to where taxes may be derived. Gera Sykes asked why some of the older people in rest homes who were considered senile could not receive medicare. He asked that this matter be investigated in order that the elderly might be able to take advantage of medicare and medicaid. Tony Seaber asked that the Board go through the budget and point out what areas the proposed 15 percent tax increase will be used. The Chairman stated that a budget had been proposed which gave the objective for the coming year and the cost of the objective as compared to last year, however, percentages have not been worked out. The Chairman proceeded to review for those present the proposed increases of the various agencies, departments and the programs of the County. Under General Administration, there was discussion of the increase from $691,101 of last year to $l,U?8,647 this year. The Chairman stated that Data Processing is a new department which will be started this year and this accounted for a major portion of the increase. Mr. Seaber asked that the Data Processing Department be discussed more th6roughly_' The Chairman stated that presently there were many departments within the County who were contracting for computer services and by having a rata Processing Department in the County would pay for itself in the.:long run. - Discussion ensued. In the Human Services section of the proposed budget, the major increase is found in the Health Department. The increase shown on the proposed budget amounted to $364,911 for 1977-78. Las t; year's figure was $144,850. Commissioner 6illhoit stated that last year's figure of $144,850 was the net contributed to the Health Department and this does not include the amount which comes in from State grants. The real increase in Health is $136,000. Whether ox not Orange County had formed a new Health Department there was a projected increase in the District Health arrangement of $$0,000 for this year if Orange County stayed in. Mrs. Josephine .Barbour asked what additional services the County will be receiving with the $120,000 increase, or will they receive the same services as if they had stayed in the District. Mr. Willhoit explained again that the net increase in Health is $136,000 and if Orange County had stayed in the District, the cost would have been $80,000. The actual increase is approximately $56,000 and a good portion of this is salary increases and the cost of establishing the Health Department. As of July, 1977, this will not provide any new services, but will enable the Health Department to better utilize the available services. Lindsey Efland asked Commissioner Willhoit if he had not advocated that the County spend twice as much for health care. Commissioner Willhoit stated that he -had quoted in a recent meeting a figure of $639 per capita as the expenditure last year for health care in the United States. He added that Orange County was spending about $2.00 per capita for public health care. The State averages $4.50 per person for public health care. He added if there are health needs that need to be met, the County should pay for providing these needs, and that he felt a commit- ment to meet the health care needs of Orange County. r ~~~ Commissioner walker stated that the proposed budget which is being reviewed does not increase services, but that an additional request had been made by the Health Board for-an additional $53,000. Chairman Whitted reviewed the Public Safety portion of the budget. He pointed out that Central Dispatch was a new program which was a cost of $126,500 to the County. Another increase in this section would be the Sheriff's budget. Chairman Whitted stated that approximately 1.1 million dollars is being proposed for renovation of the Grady Brown School baildings for County use, and also funds for renovation of the County j Discussion ensued regarding 'the need far additional county space and the renovation of the Grady Brown buildings. Chairman Whitted stated that with the additional space at Grady Brown, this would be adequate to take care of the County's space needs and provide for expansion. Mrs. Barbour asked that the Chairman review the Recreation u ge for the County. The Chairman stated that last year's expenditure was $158,077 and recommended for this year $211,808. There were two' additional program requests from Chapel Hill which amounted to $2,700 far Municipal Support. Marvin Silver, a Chapel Hill resident, reminded those present that Southern Orange residents also paid Orange County taxes and were entitled to services. The major effect of the Recreation program devised for last year in Southern Orange was to make better use of school property. This has been done at considerable cost effectiveness. The program thus far has been very effective and the hopes are to double the time usage of the school facilities. This will require additional funding by the County which amounts to less than 25 percent of the total Recreation budget for the County. Mr. Silver urged the County Commissioners to increase the budget, or shift funds around so that Southern Orange could have the good Recreation Program that is proposed. An unidentified female inquired about the requirements far receiving food stamps through the Social Services Department. Chairman Whitted replied that there were certain eligibility require- ments which must be met in order to receive food stamps. Mr. 5eaber asked the Chairman to define the word Recreation. Mr. Whitted stated that recreation involves many areas, however, a loose definition could be organized leisure time activity. Mr. Seaber asked that the Commissioners scrutinize the budget and to take out any loose money that would be~given away as rewards or prizes in the ..Recreation programs. Wayne Weston, Recreation Director, stated that-prizes for the Recreation program are donated by the local; merchants. A. representative from the.Chapei Hill Recreation Commission=spoke in support of the Recreation Program in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area. Lindsey Efland spoke in opposition to the appropriation to the Commission on the Status of Women. He stated that he felt this was not an item to fund when there are other pressing needs. Mr. Ed Caldwell, a member of the Chapel Hill-Carrbo~oo used bud eta spoke in support of the County programs and the County p p g He reminded those present that many rules and regulation were passed down from the State and Federal Governments to Local Government to be administrated. He suggested that citizens write their legislators in Raleigh concerning some of the laws. Ben Lloyd asked that the Commissioners not spend money which they do not have. He asked that the Board give special consideration to the new programs which are being proposed, and if the renovation of the Grady Brown buildings is not necessary, that this not be done. Several persons spoke in support of the Chapel Hill Daycare Coalition. X54 James A11en, a counsellor with the Durham-Orange Employment Office told of how participants in the DOETS program have benefitted by the Daycare program in the County. He stated that some people participated in the employment program who would otherwise have to stay at home and possible receive social services aid if it were not for the Daycare Program in the County. Mr. James Snipes, a resident of the Southeastern part of the County, stated that. all the people of the County should benefit by the programs of Orange County. He added that an increase o f.taxes would put a burden on everyone. He added that in 1981 there would be a revaluation of pro- perty in the County which would increase in higher taxes. Chairman Whitted stated that by law all Counties in the State have to revaluate real property every eight years. 1981 is the next year that Orange County's new evaluation will go into effect. He stated that in 1973, the property tax rate was $1.20 in Orange County and the Commissioners revaluated the tax rate and reduced the tax rate from $1.20 per hundred to 60C per hundred. He stated that he -.anticipated this same adtion to take place in 1981. Sf the value of real property in Orange County increases due to the revaluation, the tax rate will be adjusted to reflect that increase in evaluation,..and then what budget requests are presented that year, a tax rate will be set to fund that particular budget. He added that he would not speak foz the yeax 1981. Nell Andrews asked what part the 6 million dollar bond referendum played in this proposed budget and proposed tax increase. The Chairman stated that the referendum did play a central part of the budget. When all the bonds are issued, the retirement on those bonds will require 74. Those funds this year will be used for capital improve- ment to the Grady Brown Buildings and the jail. Commissioner Willhoit stated that this budget included a 2S percent operating increase for the two school systems and overall, including capital improvements this results in a 16.7 percent increase in the school budgets alone. This corresponds to a 8.3 cents tax increase to the schools and 1.7 cents to other parts of the budget. Another representative from the Chapel Hill Daycare Coalition spoke of additional support for the Daycare Program. He requested (1) the County rectify existing inequalities in the present system of financing Daycare, (2) to request the Board's support to maintain present level of funding and (3) insure adequate needs assessment and responsible physical planning to improve Daycare services in Orange County. The representative read a statement regarding the daycare programs in the County. One other person from the Daycare Coalition read a resolution whidh had been adopted by the Chapel Hill Board of Aldermen, supporting the Daycare Program in Orange County and requesting that the Orange County Board of Commissioners support the operation by adequate funding. Mary Vigor from Chapel Hill stated that she would like to make it known that the Social Services Department does not operate a Daycare Center, but that the Daycare Centers were started, operated and maintained by the people of the community. She spoke of the need for additional non- profit Daycare Centers for the community. Chairman Whitted stated that the Daycare program in the County was a matter which the Board of Commissioners were acurely aware of and that this matter would be placed on the Commissioners' agenda. Mrs. Godschalk, Chairman of the Chapel Hill Municipal Library spoke in support of the budget request of the Chapel Hill Library and asked that the library budget be reviewed as presented. Chairman Whitted stated that the public hearing for the 1977-78 budget is concluded. Another matter brought before the Board was a resolution concerning the Mebane Water System. X51 Chairman Whined read a resolution prepared by the County Attorney which resolved that the County Attorney is directed to take whatever steps are appropriate to include the institution of civil action against the Town of Mebane to resolve the dispute between the County of Orange and Mebane. Commissioner Gustaveson moved that the Resolution be adopted. Commis- sioner Pinney seconded the motion. Commissioner Walker stated that he felt some members of the Boacdvoi Commissioners should talk with the Town of Mebane before initiating action. Chairman Whined stated that the Hoard had attempted for over a year to talk with Mebane, and negotiations have been unsuccessful. The charge to the County Attorney is to take whatever steps he deems appropriate in- cluding civil action. This does not exclude further discussions. Commissioner Gustaveson stated that he felt it was important to get serious with the Town of Mebane and that the County should move in that direction. Commissioner Gustaveson called for the question. The Chairman called for the vote on the motion. Voting aye were Commissioners Whined, Gustaveson, Pinney and Willhoit. Voting nay was Commissioner Walker. The motion was declared passed. The Hoard discussed briefly the possibility of a meeting with the Town of Mebane after the budget is adopted. Resolution "WH~3REAS to improve its water system and to extend its water system into an industrial park not previously served by a public water system, the Town of Mebane sought financing from Orange County through the use of aeneral obliaation bonds. and WHEREAS Orange County agreed to finance the improvements and additions to Mebane's water system with getor~heoCountylthebands in exchange for Mebane s agreement to pay revenue it derived from the new water system in order to repay - the County for the general obligation bands, and WHEREAS the Town of Mebane has not fulfilled its obligation to the County pursuant to the said agreement, and WHEREAS the Orange County Attorney has attempted to work with the Town of Mebane in order to negotiate a settlement of Orange County's claim arising from Mebane's failure to perform its obligation under the said agreement, and WHEREAS to date this attempt at negotiation has proven unfruitful, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County attorney is directed to take whatever steps deemed appropriate to include the institution of a civil action against thandotheoTownbofeMebane." resolve this dispute between the County Chairman Whined presented to the Board a Contract and Lease between the County and the South Orange Rescue Squad for lease of a 1977 Dodge Ambulance. The agreement was drawn by the County Attorney which states that the County owns the vehicle, but leases it to the Rescue Squad. Upontm`aasomovedCand adopted tosapprove~thecContract and Leasenfor Pinney, _ the 1977 Dodge Ambulance. (For copy oqf Contractp and Leasofbthisebook)_County and the South Orange Rescue 5 uad, see age 253 Chairman Whined brought to the Board's attention the Water Authority's Assessment powers. The County Manager stated that Representative Hunt was requesting some direction as to this proposed legislation. Commissioner Willhoit stated that he felt this legislation should be opposed, as discussions all along have been that the Water and Sewer z~z Authority should: not be a planning unit, but that planning should rest with the County and the municipalities. Upon motion of Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Pinney, it was moved and adopted to oppose the proposed legislation to extend assess- ment powers to water authorities. The Board scheduled Tuesday, June 21, 1977, at 7:00 p.m., as a budget work session, and Wednesday, June 22, 1977, at 7:30 p.m., as the meeting to attempt to adopt the 1977-1978 budget. The County Manager informed the Board that both fire referendums in Cedar Grove and Little River Townships had passed. The meeting was then adjourned. -~_~.__,/~ 1 Richard E. Whitted, Chairman Agatha Johnson, Clerk NORTFI CAROLINA ORANGE COUNTX CONTRACT AND TEASE 4`IINSTON, COLEMAN II ANU BEpNHOLZ ATTOgN6V3 AT LAW CHAPE4 HI L1.. N. C. HII.IS60ROl7CW, N. C. THIS CONTRACT AND LEASE, Made and entered into the day of 1977, bar and between ORANGE COUNTY.. (hereinafter referred to as the COUNTY), a body politic and corporate existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of North Carolina, and ORANGE COUNTY 1;ESCUE SQUAD, INC., (here- inafter referred to as RESCUE SQUAD), a non-profit corporation existing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of North Carolina. _ W x T D1 E S S E T H: That the COUNTY hereby leases to the RESCUE SQUAD a 1977 Dodge Ambulance, vehicle registration number B35BF7XO83641 upon the following terms and conditions: 1. The term of this lease shall. be for one (1) year, and shall begin on the day of ~ 1977' and shall be renewable automatically for the life of the leased vehicle. Either party hereto may terminate this lease upon Thirty (30) days written notice to the other party. DeternLina- Lion of the time after orhich the leased vehicle is no longer serviceable shall be made jointly by the parties hereto at such time as one of them deems the vehicle not serviceable. 2. The annual rental far the leased vehicle shall be One ($1.00) Dollar to be paid by the RESCUE SQUAD to the COUNTY on the date of execution of this lease and contract, and on the anniversary date of this lease and contract each subsequent yeas far as long as the vehicle is leased by the RESCUE SQUAD. The RESCUE SQUAD shall use the leased vehicle far the Tt11SCUE SQUAD operations only, and as far as possible, for the transportation of emergency cases only. 3. RESCUE S(7UAD shall require operators of the leased vehicle to be at least eighteen (18) years of age and members of -the RESCUE SQUAD. 2.~~ ~VINSTdN, COLEMAN RKO 6.ANNOL2 ATTOgNEY$ pT LpW CHAPEL HILL, N, C. HiLLSBOHOUGH. N. C, ~• The RESCUE SQUAD shall obtain and maintain, at its expense, liability insurance on the leased vehicle in the amount of Twenty--five Thousand ($25,000.00) Dollars persanal injury for each person, each occurrence; Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) Dollars personal injury, all persons, each occurrence; Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dallars property damage. The policy providing liabili-~y insurance as sei'forth previously shall be a non- cancellation policy and shall be maintained with the Orange County Board o£ Commissioners as the named insured, for as long as this lease and contract is in force. The RESCUE SQUAD shall"provide the COUNTY with proof that it has obtained insurance~as set out izx this paragraph and shall notify the COUNTY immediately of any att.:.::;•:~ at cancellation by the insurance carrier. 5. The COUNTY will obtain and maintain as long as it deems doing sa economically sound, comprehensive fire, theft and collision insurance on the leased vehicle and equipment therein (initially providing coverage in an amount equal to Twenty Thousand ($20,000.00) Dollars; One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollar deductible on the collision coverage). The RESCUE SQUAD shall reimburse the COUNTX for the cost of this insurance uppn pre- sentation to the RESCUE SQUAD by the COUNTY of a statement therefo~v TN TL•'STI?IONY WHEREOF, the parties hexet'o have caused tYcis contract and lease to be executed by their duly authorized officers and their corporate official seals to be affixed, as of the 'day and year first above written. COUNTY OF ORANGE BY. ~ t R Chazrman of the Board of 'r Commissioners for the County of Orangr ATTEST: Ltt_,d-~n~~ - ~lerk of the Board f Commissioners ' Eor the ounty of range ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD, xNC. B~: Chief of Dxange County Rescue Squad, In _ TTEST: P. Deputy Chief of Orange County Rescue Squad~C, ;ASS NORTH CAROT.INA ORANGB COUNTY This is to certify that on this day personally came before me Agatha Johnson, with whom I am personally acquainted, who be° ing by me duly sworn says that Richard t~Thitted is the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange and that she, Agatha Jahn~on, is the Clerk to the Board of Cammissi.oners for the County of Orange, a body politic and corporate, describe in and which executed the foregoing contract and lease: that she knows the common seal of said County of Orange; that the seal affixed to said instrument is said common seal; that the name of the County of Orange was subscribed thereto by the said Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange and that the said Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange and said Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange subscribed their names thereto and said common seal was affixed, all by order of the Board of Com- missioners for the County of Orange, and that said instrument is the act and deed of said County of Oranae. _ ~ '~''~~ •"~Iitness my hand and notarial seal, this the /~ f~ daY of ,• ,•;.~ ~ ~ ,~~/ 1977. ~'• ,I •~ ,~';• •I_~~~ N6" dry P lic J' ~~-~~%x::..111, ~~ .. ray"commission expires: ~_i.L ~ -~ ~r NORTFI CAROLINA ORANGE COUNTY ~VINSTON, COLEMAN II AND BERNMOLZ ATTORNEYS A7 I,AW CHAPEL HI LIti N. C. NILLSBOROUGM, N. C. This is to certify that on this day personally came be- foX me, Bill Lessig, with cahom I am personally acctuainted,~•rho being by me duly sworn, says that Benny Cecil is Chief of the Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc., and that the said Bill Lessza is Deputy Chief of the Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc., a non- profit corporation existing by virtue of the laws of the State ~25fi of North Carolina, described in and which executed the fore- going contract and lease; that he knows the corunon seal of Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc.; that the seal affixed to said instrument is the common seal of Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc.; that the name of Prange County P.escue Squad, Inc., was subscribed thereto by the said Chief of the Orange County.Rescue Squad, Inc., and said Deputy Chief of the Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc., subscribed their names thereto and said common seal was affixed, all by order of the Executive Committee of the Orange County Rescue Squad, Inc., and that said instrument is the act and deed of said Orange County Rescue Scruad, znc. _, Witness my hand and notarial seal this the day of ' J.977. Notary Public My commission expires: a :Y!NSTON, COLEMAN I ANp BERNHOLZ I ATTOANEV~ AT LA'N CHAPEL HILL, N. C. HILL590Ap11pH, N,. C.