HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-14-2012 - 2ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 14, 2012
001
Action Agenda
Item No. 2
SUBJECT: Public Education Effort Discussion for the Half- Percent Sales Tax Referendum on
the November 2012 Elections Ballot
DEPARTMENT: BOCC PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N)
ATTACHMENTS:
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bernadette Pelissier, BOCC Chair,
245-2130
PURPOSE: To provide direction on a Public Education Program for the Y2- percent sales tax
referendum on the November 2012 ballot which is one of the funding sources for implementing
Orange County's Bus and Rail Investment Plan ( OCBRIP).
BACKGROUND: At its June 5, 2012 meeting, the Board approved placing a referendum on the
November 2012 ballot regarding a '/2 percent sales and use tax for public transit. Orange
County's Bus and Rail Investment Plan outlines how revenues from the tax, as well as other
revenues, will be spent. In anticipation of providing educational information to the public
regarding this ballot question, the BOCC should decide on the scope of the effort. As in the
previous 2011 quarter ( %) cent sales and use tax initiative, any effort would not be an advocacy
campaign but strictly educational. The facts about the revenue sources, planned expenditures
and the timing of public transit events and investments are available and important. The
County's role is limited to the educational component; however, outside entities may take this
information further. The BOCC should discuss the County's role and the extent of that role in
the referendum educational effort.
The OCBRIP includes:
• Fixed guideway transit (Light Rail Transit)
o Orange County's transit partnership (i.e. Cost Share agreement) with Durham
County
• Expanded or new bus service (local, rural and regional)
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. bus lanes
• Small capital transit facilities (park and ride lots including Hillsborough Amtrak train
station, etc.)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: As the Board decides depending on the extent of the County's role. No
funds have been allocated in this year's budget or the Manager's Recommended Budget for FY
2012 -13. County staff, with the assistance of MPA interns, will pursue data collection and
distribution as requested, as well as information from Triangle Transit.
RECOMMENDATIONS: The Manager recommends that the Board discuss and provide
direction accordingly.