Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19840313t:II~UTES 1 ORP.NGE COUNTX BOARD OF. COMMISSIONERS MARCH l3, 1984 14'% The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on March 13, 1984 at 7:30 p.m. in the Superior Courtroom, Orange County Courthouse, .Hillsborough, North Carolina. Conunissioners Present: Don ti~7illhoit, Chair, and Commissioners Ben Lloyd, Shirley Marshall, Norman Walker and Richard Whined. A • ~~3BS~ ~ Conunissioner Willhoit noted a lever from Lee F.icketts, President of the Joppa Oaks Homeowners Association, who emphasized the difference the nets dog ordinance had made in the community. The residents can walk on the road without being attacked or followed by a pack of dogs. S . BIdI~I.B~1S~C~?M~,~ None Z • M~t,~r5_ Not on thp,~S.;~~pd Agenda Kenneth R. Thompson, County Manager, added one item to the agenda for the purchase of six (6) vehicles for the sheriff's department. C. P~~Ic'~~A,$~7~ 1. C~nsideraiion~~~~~.tt9--~h~ds~].tian~,J.~ne-Half_CF~t S~1 Ps Tax Thompson presented information on the sales tax and presented reasons and justification of the sales tax: (l) condition of school facilities, and (2) need for repair of equipment. Present monies do not allow for any renovations or new construction. The Counties re- sponsibility for the schools include appropriating funds for current expenses and providing funds for capital improvements - major or new construction. The County is 42~ above the state average in funding the Orange County Schools from local sources and 116 above the state average in funding Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools from local sources. The County has fallen behind in meeting capital needs. Because the property tax does not grow at the same rate of inflation, especially during periods of growth, another source of funds is needed. The legislative .provides the sales tax with two purposes: (l) to give counties and municipalities the opportunity of an added source of revenue to meet ongoing financial needs, and (2) to reduce reliance on other revenue like the property tax. The tax does have some restrictions: (1) during the first five years, proceeds from the.additienal one half cent sales tax can be spent in an unrestrictive manner up to 60~ with 40~ going to schools; (2) during the -- second five years the percent for unrestricted use may be 70~ with 30$ for schools, and (3) thereafter unrestricted. The one half cent sales tax is to be distributed on a per capita basis. Tf all 100 counties participate, 96~ of the returns will be returned to the County. The total projection for the upcoming year from the proceeds would be 51,866,600. Dr. Liner from the Institute of Government presented information on the three (3) kinds of taxes -proportional, regressive and progressive. He noted that: (1) the amount of tax paid will go up with income; (2) it will bring in a lot of Honey at a low rate; (3) consumers don't mind na~riricr ~n andit;nna7 nnP half cant sa1aG tax. and (4) sales tax would 14~ z depend upon consumption. He pointed out that the alternative to a sales tax would be a property tax. Commissioner j~7illhoit recognized those in the audience who wanted to make comments about the one half cent sales tax. Mayor Joe Nassif, Mayor of Chapel Hill, read a resolution for the record: 6VHEREAS, The North Carolina General Assembly in its 1983 session authorized the enactment of an additional one half cent sales tax on a local option basis in each county, and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on rIarch l3, 1984 on whether to enact the one half cent sales tax in Orange County. NOt4 THEREFORI; BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hi11 that the Council finds the enactment of the one half cent local option sales tax in the best interest of the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County and urges its enactment at the appropriate time. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the mayor should cause a copy of this resolution be presented to the Orange County Board of Commissioners at the public hearing an this matter March 13, 198~f. Mayor Pdassif made the following observations: (1) the sales tax is not a controversial topic; (2> the tax is needed because of the reduction in federal and state taxes; (3) this tax will help resolve the problem of obtaining additional funds without a property tax, and (4) there are _ needs beyond the schools. If the tax is enacted, Chapel Hill will use the money for services for all the people in the Chapel Hi11 area and for County improvements. tIayor Porto, Mayor of Carrboro, summarized their: Boards position on the one half cent sales tax which is contained in a resolution stating that the Board of Alderman strongly urges the Orange County Board of Commissioners to enact the additional sales tax as soon as reasonably possible. He noted that within about five years mast of the land within the jurisdiction of Carrboro will be developed which will limit the new resources coming in with the standard tax base. There Yeas been a 2~'; growth within the last three years. The tax is fair and stable and will help meet the needs of Carrboro. Watts Hill, Jr., representing the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chariber of Commerce presented a 33 page report reading the first two pages as follovrs: Chamber of Commerce Position Paper The l/2 Cent Optional Sales Tax School and OtheroCapital Needs SiiMMARV ; -- The Cha el Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce sup orts implementation of a 1/2 cent sales tax by resolution aip- the Orange County Board of Commissioners as soon as racticable. Such action would make Orange County the, ylst among l00 counties to elect this option. Of the remainingq 9 counties which have not acted as yet 5 in central North Carolina, including Durham and U~ake bounties, are expected to act favorably in the near future. The chamber believes that excellence in our public schools is the universal wish of Orange Count residents. To achieve excellence requires adequate facilities. School capital a-mproyement needs--including re air and maintenance of ex~.st>.ng facilities--have been ~eferred due to economic recession and a wish to maintain existing property tax rates. The economy has improved. The optional sales tax was enacted by the legislature to provide funds to meet school capital needs ana fhe water and sewer needs of municipalities. _ The chamber believes that the net economic and social i~~ 3 benefits of implementing a,l/2 cent sales tax far outweigh any economic, social or political costs. The maximum potential revenues to be realized in fiscal year 198-85 would total ~1 883,000. Of this total the chamber recommends that ~973,0~0 or 80~ of the county's portion of the total be committee to funding the capital improvement needs of the.Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Orange County schools. This amount rs twice the amount mandated by law. T e t vn f Chape Hi and Carrboro would receive a maximpr~ o- ~4~~ ~0$ and S 30, 0 respectively in fiscal 1483-84 if the safe tax option is exercised. The chamber recommends that these funds be committed entirelX to capital improvements. The chamber further recommences thhat the two municipalities apply for permzssian to retain lOb~ of the proc~eas of the new sales tax and, if necessar , that same portion of those funds be•used to meet part of ~he cast of extendin water and sewer lines within the planning jurisdictions of each town. The chamber urges each local government and the two school boards to update their capital improvement programs as being a model which might be emulated. The full re ort of the chamber or the 1/2 sales tax provides the basis ~or these recommendations. It contains numerous findinos and other recommendations of importance. (The entire report~is on file in the Clerk's office). The Chamber of Commerce endorsed the one half cent sales tax to meet the needs of the two school systems in Orange County with 80$ designated for school capital improvements and 20g to meet County capital needs. They endorsed a pay-as-you'go plan as long as it is reasonable and practical to do so. Dr. Ted Parrish, Chairman of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board, referred to the capital needs task force report and read the resolution passed by the Board: BE IT RESOLVED that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education requests the Orange County Commissioners to implement by resolution as soon as possible the l/2 cent local option sales tax. Be it further resolved that the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Board of Education urges the Orange County Commissioners to dedicate for school capital expenditures far the immediate futcfe 100 of the county's share of the 1/2 cent local option sales tax. Max Kennedy, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Education, referrec to the capital needs task force report. The Orange County Board of Education unanimously endorses the enactment of the sales tax and noted that if 100 were appropriated for the school needs, it would still not meet the needs of the school system. Lindsey Efland, member of the Orange County board of Education and member of the Capital Needs Task Force, supported the one half cent sales tax. He noted that there are documented needs within the system that will require additional funds than what the one half cent sales tax will generate. The Board will be reviewing the capital needs task force report to see if there is any way to reduce the needs for capital dollars. He requested the Board of Commissioners to act favorably on the sales tax as soon as possible so that the needs can be met pn a pay-as-you-go basis. Bonnie Knoke, Chairman of the education committee and the League of Women Voters in Chapel Hill reemphasized that the Orange County Board of Commissioners have a responsibility to fund the identified capital needs of the schools, and supported the one half sales tax with the greatest possible percentage going to the schools. The League of Women Voters also supported a 8-9 bond issue to immediately fund construction projects. Alva Perkins, concerned parent in the Orange County School System, supported the sales tax with 1D0~ going to schools. 1c~U. Richard 5harpless, Chairman of the Capital Needs Task Force, stated that schools are a valuable asset and play a big part in determir:ing who lives here. .There are two methods to pay far school needs: (1) borrow .the money, or (2) pay-as-you~go. Walter Fairbault, Jr., member of the Orange County School Board, encouraged the Board to act on the one half cent sales tax so that the needs of the schools can be met. Dr. Joe Straley, private citizen, opposed the enactment of the one half cent sales tax stating he felt it unfair and regressive. tiargaret Holton, citizen, spoke in favor of passing the one half cent sales tax and emphasized OWASA's involvement in that municipalities should also address water needs. a Jeanette _~._ ___ endorsed the one half cent sales tax to provide funding for the schools and supported it being placed on the ballot. Idrs. Alexander, resident with children in school, totally supported the one half cent sales tax. hiac C4ills, parent, spoke in support of the one half cent sales tax and noted the deficiencies at Orange High School. Phyllis Sockwell, former school Soard member and member of the capital needs task force, spoke to how the one half cent sales tax should be enacted. The report endorses not going to a public referendum. She encouraged the Board to take the action themselves: (1) upon the recommendaion set forth in the Capital Needs Task Force Report that represents the entire public; (2) save the cost of holding an election, and (3) would be enacted more readily than a referendum. CHAIRMAN WILLHOTT ADJOURNED THE PUBLIC HEARING.' By consensus, the one half cent sales tax was placed on the April 2, 1989 agenda for discussion and action. Commissioner Whitted requested that the recommendation from the Capital Needs Task Force be placed on the April 2, 1984 agenda for discussion. D - .1~1~~R~~~S~.L1 1 • $eso],~~j,4ns of A&P~~1 ~_$~]e Famil„X--jQ~lt LP&Q.ly~i o n Commissioner 6lillhoit read and presented two resolutions to recognize the outstanding tenture of Robert Strayhorn and Don Roberts for service on the Recreation and Park Advisory Council and read a resolution to Commemorate family week sponsored by the Agricultural Extension. Commissioner 47alker moved, Commissioner Lloyd seconded approval of the two resolutions of appreciation and the resolution to commemorate family week. VOTE: UNANIMOUS AI7DED_ ITEL E11r~h_~~x_S¢~_Sherlff's yehi~l„~ Thompson presented a request for consideration to purchase, under state contract, six (6) vehicles for the Sheriff's Department for 558,200. These vehicles will be used to replace existing patrol vehicles, which at the time the new vehicles arrive will have approximately 100,000 miles each. Commissioner 4dhitted moved. Commissioner tiarshall seconded approval to authorize the Director of Purchasing and Central Services to lf-. S IIA a nurc:h a.GP nr~er to the Steta Cnntraat vendor fn~r Holies ca rfi ~-o ~c~~ 5 Sir Walter Chevrolet of Raleigh in the amount of SS8,200.00 for six (6) 1984 Chevrolet Impala police package vehicles, to be delivered and paid far after July 1, 1984. VOTE: UNAPrIMOUS. 2. ~~Q,X~l Assj„~g~g~~Qy~nt - DSO. Tom Ward, Social Services Board, informed the com- missioners of the increased demand for emergency aid and requested a transfer of unexpended funds. Commissioner TN"hitted moved and Commissianer Narshall'seconded approval that the Social Services Board be authorized to respond to the County's emergency needs as necessary and be responsible for monitoring the use of unexpended county funds in the amount of 55,000 from the Chore service program through. the end of 1983-534 fiscal year. VOTE: UNAATIMQUS . 3. Commun~~j,nc~~,],~~-rt,~~ves. Inca, R~~ruest Commissioner rlarshall moved, Commissioner whitted seconded approval of an appropriation of S5,D00 from the contingency for construction of a lobby for the Adelaide Walters Apartments on Airport Road in Chapel Hill. VOTE: Ayes, a; Noes 1 (walker). 4. ~~131~~X=3dl~~RQ.Q~sir~e~' Thompson presented a proposal for getting factural information on the condition of all County and Board of Education roofs, thus enabling the County to determine the roofing needs and allocation of funds for roofing projects on a short and long term basis. NIr. Kahle from Law Engineering summarized the survey explaining the procedure they will follow in surveying and prioritizing. Commissioner Lloyd questioned the approval of the two school boards to go ahead with this survey. Kennedy emphasized he was not in disagreement with having the survey; his concern was possible dismissal of the firm that had done previous work for the school system for three years and also funding through project ordinance. They do not disagree with the survey. Commissioner Willhoit noted that Law Engineerin5 does have a proven tract record in the non-destructive testing and the survey results would be discussed by the two Boards of Education and the Board of Commissioners and would provide a data base for determining the overall roofing needs. Commissioner Lloyd requested the county-wide roof survey be tabled and bids solicited from the engineers for the two Boards of Education. Conunissioner 4illhoit reiterated that a meeting had been held between the Board of Commissioners and the representatives from the two school Boards and discussion was held on what extent the information would be used and the recommendation was that the County's firm would not look at the other engineering reports but would obtain new data and compare. Both systems had indicated they would use the information. The engineering survey being presented is the outcome of that meeting. Commissioner Whitted suggested that Piark Rees request another proposal using the same criterion as that reauested of Law Engineering. Commissioner Willhoit restated the motion: the County is to solicit proposals from the engineering firms now serving the tvao school systems. Upon receipt of those proposals a meeting will be 6 ~~~. scheduled to discuss the proposals and invite everyone who wants to come. Commissioner 1~7alker seconded the motion: VOTE: UNANINeOUS. 5. ~J~~~aCiI~~~QQ~ ROOF RESOLUTE (see page ~~ for this resolution) notion was made by Commissioner irlhitted, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd, to approve the resolution authorizing the Orange County School System to proceed with the replacement of the Orange High School roof. VOTING: Unanimously. 6. BDAD__ ADDST~ - ~jq_ J.L.~~~$Qj~ E5~AT1? AND Motion was made by Commissioner Omitted, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, to approve the addition of Ridgewood Road in J.L. Wilson Estate and Retlyn Acres Subdivision to the 5tate--Maintained Road System. VOTING: Unanimously. 7. ~~~LE RED,p,,S:E6iEN7'-bEP~~~~l~,~j~7- AGING Alotion vans made by Commissioner i~iarshall, seconded by Commissioner RThitted to accept the Section 18 Grant award for S2i2,625 from the North Caro lina Department of. Transportation for vehicle acquisition - SOro federal, 10~ state and 10~ local, authorizing the County tfanager to sign and subject to review and approval by the County Attorney. VOTING: Unanimously. 8. LAND ACOUj$~~~~,f2$~$,~jrj~$ INDj~,~S Motion was made by Commissioner T;loyd, seconded by Commissioner willhait to approve the purchase of 4.6624 acres of land -: upon which a handicapped workshop will be constructed. Commissioner ~rThitted noted his request for a financial status report on the operations of Orange industries from the I•~anager and Finance Director. In conjunction with Orange Enterprises securing a different building, Orange Industries is also to form a non-profit organization whereby a professional staff would interact with the non-profit organization but would not receive funding fram OPC. Whitted expressed a concern about the deficit which is now being covered by OPC, indicating this deficit would need to be subsidized by Orange County. He added an amendment to the motion "contingent upon the subdivision being approved". VOTING: UtdANII;OUSLY. 9. APP~~j9TMENT~. Motion was made by Commissioner Lloyd, seconded by Commissioner Marshall to approve the reappointment of Reverend Thomas M. Denton to the Board of Social Services for a second term to begin on July 1, 1984 and end on June 30, 1987, and the appointment of Mrs. Annie - Fuller to the County Senior Citizens Board for a term of office that will begin on March 13, 1984 and~end on June 30, 1985. VOTING: UNANIMOUSLY. - 10 . ~89s7E~T_~RP~IJBN~~ A~i9DNENZ F'Q$ -~- PART_T,,IMFt.~~4a~I1'I~ CE_I?~PARTLIf;N~S. Plotian was made by Commissioner 6ihitted, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd to approve the project ordinance amendment to budget for a part-time position in the Finance Department as follows: Appropriation - Transfers to the General Fund 56,000 Source - Indirect Cost 56,000 VOTING: UNANIMOUSLY. 11. ~31I~~L~PlS~T I~lotion was made by Commissioner in7alker, seconded f'nmmi~ainnc~r r,lnvri to annrnva the budget amendments as outlined below: by i~~ 7 Appropriation - Social Services - Subsidy 510,000 Source - Social Services ~ Subsidy Revenue 510,000 Appropriation - Finance 5 6,000 Source - Transfer from Comrrunity Development S 6,000 VOTING: UNANII•IOUSLY. ADP~L~1`~_~~~5?P Y~~~t~~4~~. Commissioner 4Tillhoit presented the purposes for a solid waste task force: (1) review the state of the art of solid waste disposal technology giving special attention. to alternatives to the landfill method; (2) review the lzndfill operations to assure that environmental impacts are minimal, and (3) promote recycling efforts in the Cqunty to reduce the-vglume of solid waste that must be disposed. This task force was one of the recommendations made by the Landfill Committee. Commissioner [~'illhoit proposed advertising to solicit people willing to serve and recommended adding to the agenda far April 2, 1984 the charge for this task force and consideration of appointments. There was a consensus of approval to proceed. E. '~IliI)TES - ~D~~mber 8. 1983. ,7~ny~X-,~1_Z~S,,.r7sn-„],~.c_ lggd_ Motion was made by Commissioner ~~'hitted, seconded by Commissioner Plarshall to approve the minutes as circulated for December 8, 1983. VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY. I~lotion was made by Commissioner Niarshallr seconded by Commissioner 6)hitted to approve the December 8, 1984 minutes as circulated. VOTE: UNANIl~iOUSLX. Motion was made by Commissioner 67hitted, seconded by Commissoner t~2arshall to approve the January 3, 1984 minutes as circulate6. VOTE: UNANIMOUSL`_'. rTotion was made by Commissigner Whitted, seconded by Commissioner Aiarshall to approve the January 17, 1984 minutes as circulated. VOTE: UNAP7ItdOUSLX. &P,T93dRD1 Motion was made by Commissioner 6dhitted, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd, to adjourn the meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUSLY. Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk Don tiaillhoit, Chair A~OVEn 5/7/84 i~'`~ ~!O RESOLUTION WHEREAS, deterioration of the Orange High School roof has advanced at an accelerated rate due to adverse weather conditions through the winter months, and WHEREAS, failure to begin replacement could cause added damage to insulation and subsurface, and WHEREAS, the Orange County School System, has replaced the third wing and hallway roofs at the High Schaol, it was not aware that the first and second wings and auditorium would have tq be replaced during the l9$3-$4 fiscal year, and WHEREAS, by reprogramming the 1983-84 School Capital Budget monies can. be used to begin but finish the project. However, without the assur- an~e that the funds are appropriated or will be forthcoming the School System is prevented under North Carolina General Statute 115C-432(a)(4) from awarding bids. NOW, THEREFDRE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners authorizes the Drange County School Board to proceed with the letting of a contract for replacing the Orange High School Roof and assures the the Board of Education that funds will 6e appropriated for this - project in the 1984-85 County budget exclusive of the appropriation the School System would normally receive for basic capital needs. Adopted this thirteenth day of March, 1984. Don Wi oit, airman Board of Commissioners Attest: every A. B yt e Clerk to the Board of Commissioners