HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 04-08-2008-1ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 8, 2008
Action Age
Ifiem No.
SUBJECT: Real Property Transfer Tax Voter Education Effort
DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Voter Education Effort -Scope of Work Laura Blackmon or Rod Visser,
919-245-2300
PURPOSE: To receive an update from staff and Ballen Media regarding the voter education
effort for the May 6, 2008 referendum on the real property transfer tax.
BACKGROUND: At the February 19, 2008 regular meeting, the Board of Commissioners
adopted a resolution calling an advisory referendum for May 6, 2008 on the question of whether
to levy a real property transfer tax. This tax of four-tenths percent on eligible real property
transactions was provided for in the 2007 Session Laws enacted by the North Carolina General
Assembly as a local revenue option available to county governments. If Orange County voters
approve this measure, and Gounty Commissioners implement it subsequently in May 2008
(following a 10-day public notice), the levy of the tax could begin as early as July 1, 2008.
At the March 18, 2008 regular meeting, the Board voted to retain the services of Ballen Media to
conduct on the County's behalf an education initiative designed to provide Orange County
voters with the best possible information about the transfer tax, and to permit them to make an
informed decision on the ballot question when they vote. At this April 8 work session, Ballen
Media and staff representatives will entertain the Board's questions and provide updates on
progress regarding the major elements of the scope of work of this engagement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct financial impact associated with this agenda item.
Estimates developed by the County Budget Director suggest that based on historical patterns,
Orange County could expect proceeds for FY 2008-09 of approximately $3.5 million from a .4
percent land transfer tax, if approved by voters and implemented by the Board of
Commissioners to take effect on July 1, 2008.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the staff and
consultant updates, and provide any appropriate comments and feedback.
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