HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-29-2014 APPROVED 3/3/2015
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
May 29, 2014
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Budget Public Hearing on
Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill,
N.C.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Barry Jacobs and Commissioners Alice M.
Gordon, Earl McKee, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price, and Penny Rich
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Mark Dorosin
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT:
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: Interim County Manager Michael Talbert and Assistant County
Managers Clarence Grier, Cheryl Young and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff
members will be identified appropriately below)
NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT
AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
1. Openinq Remarks
Chair Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Chair Jacobs noted that there is a need to add a closed session at the end of the meeting
for the purpose of:
To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic
development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations. The action
approving the signing of an economic development contract or commitment, or the action
authorizing the payment of economic development expenditures, shall be taken in an open
session per NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(4).
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
add this closed session to the end of the meeting.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Jacobs said Commissioner porosin will be unable to attend tonight because he is
out of town on business.
2. Presentation of County Manaqer's Recommended FY 2013-14 Budqet (PowerPoint
Presentation)
A copy of the County Manager' Recommended FY 2014-15 Budget can be found at the
following website: http://www.orangecountync.gov/finance/index.asp
Michael Talbert gave a brief overview of the recommended budget of$195, 638,505. He
said this is an increase of 4.21 percent, and it attempts to address many of the Boards goals.
He said there are several things happening in the future that need to be taken into
account, including: a future $100 million bond referendum; a revaluation of real property in
2017; and $300 million in school needs.
Michael Talbert said the budget does address core services and keeps them intact. He
said County employees are also supported with a cost of living increase and a 401-k match
increase.
Clarence Grier reviewed the following PowerPoint slides:
County Manager's Recommended FY 2014-15 Annual Operating Budget and Capital
Investment Plan
Presentation
Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill
Orange County, NC
May 20, 2014
Guiding Principles
• Balances County's operating budget without a property tax rate increase —6th
Consecutive Year
• Provides funding for County services at current levels
• Funds local school districts enrollment growth, operational funding and debt service.
Recommended General Fund Budget
• Totals $195.6 million
• Represents an increase of$7.9 million from original current year budget of
$187.7 million, which is a 4.21 percent increase from previous year original
budget
• Represents a $2.1 million decrease in the current year's amended budget
• Components of General Fund Budget
Tax Savings Generated By the Use of Fund Balance
Orange County Projected Cash flows for FY2014-15
Orange County Budget
Past 6 Fiscal Years
Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate Effective July 1, 2014
• Proposed tax rate of 85.8 cents per$100 of assessed valuation
• This rate produces $140.6 million in property tax revenues for FY 2014 - 15
• Overall Real Property Valuation increased 1.9%
• One cent on property tax estimated to generate $1,638,241
Orange County Property Tax Revenues Past 6 Fiscal Years
Sales Tax Revenues
• Recommended Sales Tax Revenues of$19.0 million is $1.8 million higher than the
$17.2 million budgeted in FY 2013-2014 due to increased in consumer spending , and
current year projections
• Actual sales tax revenues are down over 16% since the peak of$22.5 million in fiscal
year 2007-2008
Orange County General Fund
FY 2014-15 Revenues
Proposed Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District Tax Rate Effective July 1, 2014
• Recommended tax rate of 20.84 cents per$100 of assessed valuation
• Represents no increase in the property tax rate for the District
• Recommended tax rate will generate $21.8 million for the Chapel Hill — Carrboro
City School District
• This represents an additional $1,764 per pupil above the County's allocation
• One cent on district tax is estimated to generate $1,044,521
Recommended Funding for Chapel Hill - Carrboro City and Orange County Schools
• Total General Fund appropriation totals $92.3 million
• Funds day-to-day operations, repayment of school related debt, and capital
• Equals an appropriation of 49.3 percent of total General Fund Revenues
• Reflects $2.9 million increase from current year General Fund appropriation
• Equates to a current expense allocation of$3,364, a $95 increase, per student
for each of the 20,202 students in both districts for day-to-day operating funds
and projected enrollment growth.
Components of the Education Funding
County Education Funding
Additional Funding for Local Schools
• In addition to the $92.3 million for operations, debt and capital, recommended budget
allocates $1.25 million to fund non-mandated safety net initiatives for both school
districts Some of these initiatives are:
• School Health Nurses - $697,380
• School Resource Officers - $556,424
• School Social Workers - $0, due to the of loss State revenue
• With these additional non-mandated funding initiatives, the total funding for the local
school districts total 49.9% of the General Fund Revenues
Major Funded County Initiatives
• Maintains all County services at current levels
• Funds the increase in medical insurance and fully funds the 401(k)/457 plans for non-
sworn employees
• A cost of living and merit increase equating up to 2% in compensation for employees
• Provides for an increased funding for Emergency Services to address the
recommendations of the Emergency Services Study and Work Group
• Provides funding to the Town of Chapel Hill Library totaling $568,139
• Allocations provided to non-profit organizations total $1,074,100 for FY 14-15.
• Long range/pay-as-you go County capital is $464,800.
• Debt service for the General Fund will be $26.5 million.
Orange County General Fund
FY 2014-15 Expenditures
Solid Waste Initiatives
• Provides for an increase in the Landfill Fees due to both an increase in tonnage and a
$2 increase (from $42.50 to $44.50) in the City of Durham's tipping fees.
• The closure of the landfill with public education and other related planning efforts.
We expect to incur $3.7 million in closure cost in FY 2013-14.
• Provides for $1.36 million in Urban Curbside/Multi-Family Fees to fund the cost of
recycling programs and operations for urban curbside collections. This is a new contract
for urban curbside recycling, with a fee with a rate of$59/unit. The program will transition
from 18 gallon bins to 95 gallon roll carts.
• Provides for $840,106 in Capital Outlay for the Recycling Division; $462,106 of those
funds are in the Vehicles account and are for the replacement of vehicles based on the
replacement schedule, the remaining $378,000 is in the Equipment account and will be
used to purchase 7,000 roll carts for the rural roadside recycling program.
• The General Fund contribution to Sanitation in the FY14-15 Manager Recommended
Budget is $1.8 million; this equates to 1.13 cents on the current property tax rate.
• Provides for construction for the Eubanks Solid Waste Convenience Center
improvement
Additional Funding Options
• Appropriate Fund Balance, if necessary; The Board may use up to $650,000 without a
negative impact on fund balance
• Property tax rate increase
• Increase in CHCCS Special District Tax
Revenues Generated By Property Tax Increase
*1 cent increase generates $1,638,241 — Per pupil equivalency is $81.09
Revenues Generated By Increase in CHCCS Special District Tax
*1 cent increase generates $1,044,521 — Per pupil equivalency is $84.50
County Capital Investment Plan
Concerns and Issues for FY 2015-2016
• Federal State Budget Issues
• Debt Service
• County Capital Projects
• School Capital Projects
• Health Insurance
• Post-employment Insurance benefit for retirees
• Economic Development
• Economy
• Revaluation
• General Fund Revenues
FY 2015—2016 Budget
Public Hearings and Work Sessions
(All Meetings Begin at 7:00 p.m.)
Document Availability
• Clerk to Board of Commissioners
• County Finance & Administrative Services Office
• Orange County Library
• Chapel Hill Public Library
• Carrboro/McDougle Branch Library
• Cybrary, Carrboro
• Orange County Website
CommissionerPrice arrived at 7:06 p.m.
Clarence Grier said fund balance is important because the cash flow is negative during
several months of the year.
He noted the change in the state collection of motor vehicle taxes and the corresponding
increase in revenue. He said it is anticipated that the collection rate will increase from 89
percent to 99 percent in the next couple of fiscal years.
Clarence Grier noted that the largest source of general fund revenues is property tax, at
72.8 percent, followed by sales tax at 9.7 percent.
Clarence Grier said the largest component of expenditures is education, at 48.7 percent,
with the next highest being Human Services at 16.8 percent.
Clarence Grier noted that current property valuations are assessed 5.5 percent higher
than sales. He said if a revaluation were to happen now, a property tax increase of 4.2 percent
would be needed to generate the same revenues for the general fund.
He said fund balance revenues have been used over the past 5 fiscal years to balance
the budget, but this is unsustainable moving forward. He said additional revenues or cuts in
expenses are needed.
Clarence Grier reviewed the projections for 2015-16 and said the expected fund balance
for this year is $4.5 million. He said the projection shows the budget at$3.9 million short, which
equals 2.5 cents on the current property tax.
Commissioner Gordon asked for clarification on the unassigned fund balance. She
asked if the $36.7 million is after the $8.5 million has been removed.
Clarence Grier said after the $8.5 million is removed, this will generate some fund
balance, and it will be a little higher than $36.7 million. He said it will not be less than this
amount.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the goal of maintaining 17 percent. She asked what
percentage these projections will be and what amount would equal the 17 percent.
Clarence Grier said 17 percent would be $31.5 million, and the goal is to maintain this 17
percent. He said the early projections show the percentage to be 20.17 percent. He said this
includes any increases, less the $8.5 million and the $3 million for OPEB.
3. Public Comment
Todd Lofriese said he is here to speak on behalf of CHCCS. He said the Senate
approved their budget, and it will have drastic effects if enacted. He said there is a long
overdue need for teacher raises, and this proposal provides a raise, but it has strings attached.
He said this proposal places a large increase in exchange for giving up tenure. He said the
district proposal was 3 percent, and the state proposed average increase is 11 percent. He said
the financial impact of this proposed raise would be $3.1 million, which is $1.7 million above the
budget estimate. He said the senate proposal pays for this by cutting state funding for teacher
assistants in half. He said this would cause a district funding loss of$1.8 million. He said a
reduction of 22 assistant positions has already been considered, but the state reduction would
result in the loss of an additional 57 assistant positions. He said central office and
transportation cuts from the state would result in the loss of an additional $100,000. He said the
total impact of the Senate proposal to the district could be as high as $3.6 million. He said this
current scenario would mean a reduction of over $6 million would be needed to balance the
budget, and the district feels it is important for the Commissioners to know this. He said both
school districts are under a tremendous amount of pressure, and they need the Board's
continued support.
Jeff Hall is President of the CHCCS PTA Council, and up until a few hours ago he had
planned to read an official statement from the council, asking for full funding of the budget. He
said it was a great statement, but he has changed it up. He said he was recently asked where
he would cut the budget to fund the schools. He said this body has historically shown their
support for schools, but this year is different because things are different in Raleigh and in the
district. He said there is no more fund balance, and grant monies have been spent. He said
failure to fully fund schools means a loss of teaching jobs and a loss of educational
opportunities for kids. He asked the County to fully fund the schools by whatever means
necessary.
Linda Foxworth read from the following written comments:
My name is Linda Foxworth. I am the Director of the KidSCope Program. I want to start by
thanking the Commissioners for supporting KidSCope since its beginning. KidSCope is a
program that provides early intervention and family support to children and families where
concerns about child development, both physical and mental health are present. As you know,
KidSCope was originally funded for one year, received an increase, and was then reduced to
$75,000. We have not requested an increase since 2009.
I am speaking to you tonight to ask that KidSCope receive the full amount of funding requested
for 2014-15. The increase requested is $23,562. With this increase, KidSCope will be able to
achieve the best outcomes for children and families by offering the evidence-based mental
health therapies that have been implemented since 2007. Most of our clients are Medicaid
funded, and currently Medicaid rates have changed, dropping too low and allowing too little time
to complete the therapy session in the manner recommended. Additional funding will allow
longer sessions and travel time to and from homes. Some of the advantages to implementing
these types of therapies are:
- They are good foster care prevention strategies
- They have both immediate and longer benefits to children and their families, including
enhanced child cognitive and social emotional development, academic success, and
strengthened child-parent interactions
- They reduce barriers that office visits create such as transportation, fuel costs, and no shows.
KidSCope is the only program in Orange County singularly focused on children birth to five, their
families, and caregivers. We all want families to succeed and children to have happy, healthy
childhood experiences that lead to a lifetime of productivity and responsible citizenship. Over
the years, KidSCope has been able to help families tackle problems that interfere with children's
healthy development. This past year, 210 Orange County children and family members were
served just through our Outreach therapy program. Over 1000 Orange County citizens were
served in other projects under KidSCope. With your partnership over the years we have been
able to find the resources to use innovative ideas to promote child mental health and head off
problems sooner rather than later. But times change and increased needs become reality. The
increased funding that we are asking for will be a proactive approach to insuring Orange
County's young children a successful life and affecting our community's well being. Thank you
for your time.
Kathy Eden read from the following written comments:
Hello, my name is Kathy Eden. Thank you for supporting KidSCope and our work providing
therapy with very young children. Doing therapy with the very young is a specialized type of
work that is very focused on the family and is best delivered in the home. When therapy takes
place in the home, the barriers can be understood and the rest of the family can be drawn in to
supporting the child.
Many of the families I work with are referred through involvement with CPS child protective
services and have difficult lives. Many of the families I work with are grandparents raising their
grandchildren or children in foster care, and the issue of how to raise children who have been
exposed to toxic stress is our focus, and seeing those children in their homes is more helpful for
seeing what their triggers might be and helping them feel secure. It simply helps to see the
child within their context.
There are many parents I work with who have transportation problems or problems paying for
gas and the financial barriers are there even though they don't have to pay a co-pay. Working
with families in their homes makes sense from a logistical point of view for the families, and it
gives me an opportunity to see many more family members who would not attend a child's
therapy appointment. Working from a multi-generational point of view and having the child's
various caregivers all understand what the child needs are, helps changes need to be made.
Many of the families I work with have been fractured and traumatized and meeting them in their
home presents the opportunity to understand the barriers as well as the opportunities they have
for supporting their children.
Many of the parents I work with have their own mental health issues and organizational
problems. Having therapy take place in their home can help them practice the interventions in a
more genuine way rather than through discussion in an office setting.
I have worked with families who do not really want to help initially but are referred through Child
Protective Services. I worked with the mother of a very young child who had nearly died
because of her lack of experience and failure to recognize her infant's needs, who, the entire
time we met, denied any need for my help, but because I came to the house she would open
the door. Came to find out through her CPS worker that she was telling him the very things I had
been talking to her about for helping her child. It wasn't until much later that she was willing to
accept the fact that she benefitted from therapy.
Therapy with young children cannot be done on the child alone but must involve the family, and
in order to have access to the family, one needs to have access to the home. The current pay
structure benefits office-based therapy, which has been the tradition and what most people think
of as therapy. There is mounting evidence that early intervention can prevent the need for
those in office visits down the road. But in order to do that the economics have to be
understood and adjustments need to be made. Your support has been crucial in making this
kind of outreach possible. I thank you and hope you will support us through this difficult period.
Susan Pritchard Moore said six and half years ago a judge gave she and her husband
custody of their five grandchildren. She said these children were out of control, and a
pediatrician referred them to KidSCope. She said KidSCope saved these children and their
family. She said the mother had set the home on fire, and the children were rescued from
inside. She said the children were once kidnapped by their parents after the grandparents had
custody, and the police found them in Ohio. She recounted other instances where the mother
was abusive to her children, and she discussed the resulting behavior. She said it was helpful
that the therapist was able to come to their home and work with all of the family. She said the
older child is doing well in high school, and is a life scout. She said the child that did not speak
is now completing 5th grade with above average grades, and all of the children are adjusted and
doing well in school. She said this program turned her from being overwhelmed to being able to
raise these children with faith and not fear.
Myra-Gwin Summers read from the following written comments:
My name is Myra Gwin-Summers. First I want to thank the Orange County Board of
Commissioners for supporting KidSCope services from the very beginning. It's been clear over
the years that the Commissioners realize the positive impact of KidSCope services on children
and families. Preparing children for success in schools saves our school systems dollars off the
bottom line when children are successful.
I am here tonight to advocate for KidSCope's evidence-base therapy program. This is the
program that provides mental health services for children prior to their entry into the school
system.
I have had a personal relationship with children who received KidSCope's therapy services. I
have seen firsthand how their lives were changed for the better. I have seen children who were
traumatized, as well as children who had significant difficulties with common life events such as
death in the family, divorce, or birth of a sibling.
These mental health/therapy services have a positive impact and life-changing effect on the
child and their families. When the child enters school, this positive effect spreads like a ripple
impacting their teachers and classrooms. This saves a tremendous amount of money in our
school budgets, in addition to putting the child on a mainstream track.
The extra funds that KidSCope is requesting help support these evidence-based practices that
produce positive outcomes for children, their families and our school systems.
As you assess this request for mental health funds, I ask you to remember that:
KidSCope is the only mental health provider in Orange County that is specially trained and
singularly focused to provide these mental health services to young children, birth to age five,
their families, and care givers. Thank you for your consideration.
Kathleen Ponder is a member of the advisory council of KidSCope. She said the recent
tragedies at Sandy Hook Elementary, Virginia Tech, and UCLA were all perpetrated by mentally
ill young men, and she wonders what might have been different if these young men had access
to services like those provided by KidSCope. She asked the Commissioners to fully fund
KidSCope and the schools systems.
Steven Jones is part of the Ephesus Elementary School improvement team. He thanked
the Commissioners for their service. He said one of the great values of this community is its
schools, and failing to fund the school budget requests will have a major impact on the
education of their children. He said everyone wants to maintain their schools as the best in the
state, and fully funding these requests will send a message to their parents that they matter. He
said strong stewardship from school management has gotten rid of the "fat", and lack of full
funding will mean cuts that impact students. He asked the Board of County Commissioners to
fund their schools.
Jill Simon is a parent at Frank Porter Graham, and she thanked the Board for their
support of education. She listed the successes and accomplishments that have been made
through past funding. She asked the Board to be creative with their budget in order to fully fund
the schools this year.
Adrian Vrouwenveldor thanked the Board for their service. He said everyone owes it to
themselves to make good public education available. He said good education makes for strong
contributing citizens, and good schools help attract good, high paying employers, which leads to
a better community. He said it is our responsibility and duty to support our schools and our
teachers. He said good public education must be the community's highest priority, and he is
willing to pay higher taxes to insure this.
Angie Shatas said she recognizes that the Board's job is not easy. She is a parent of a
middle school child at Phillips and two who have already graduated, and she is here to ask for
full funding of the schools. She said education drives growth, and the County's economic
strength is dependent on high quality schools. She said State funding is inadequate, and she
asked the Board to be creative in order to pick up the slack. She encouraged the Board to
increase taxes if this is needed. She said this is a price that she and other citizens are ready to
pay.
Eileen Regan read from the following written comments:
From: Carrboro Elementary School Improvement Team
Presented at tonight's meeting by: Eileen Regan, teacher/member of CES SIT
The Carrboro Elementary School Improvement Team is in favor of full funding for city and
county education budgets. It is critical that our schools maintain all of our current educational
programs and services.
The CES SIT understands that other county services are experiencing funding cuts. Educational
and social program cuts have a direct impact on all families and, in particular, our most fragile
families. We know that finding ways to raise revenues are difficult because it can
disproportionately affect these same communities.
Our story at CES demonstrates for you the changing demographic and community issues. We
recognize the struggle for the smaller number of revenues, and your difficult role in allocating
shrinking funds for essential programs that are facing increased demands. However, we need
commissioners to understand that these same families are increasingly relying on our school's
support to maintain quality of life for their children as well as provide educational excellence.
Each year that funding is cut to community programs, schools have increased their efforts and
outreach to help meet these essential needs. This has been done through new community
parent-education initiatives, expanded responsibilities for the social worker and counseling staff,
and increased workloads for our EC specialists, literacy coaches, interventionists and teacher
assistants.
I am a reading specialist at Carrboro Elementary as well as a member of the Carrboro SIT. As a
reading specialist, I teach children daily who must work very hard to develop academic literacy
when their families are struggling. All of my students have the potential to become successful
students and productive citizens. If we want to continue to have a strong, vibrant and
economically robust community, it is vital that these children, and all our children, receive the
support and resources they need to thrive.
On behalf of all of the children in our care, please fully fund the school budgets for both the
county and city school systems.
Thank you.
Kim Talikoff thanked the Board for their support. She is a 4th grade teacher in the
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) and she asked the Board to fully fund their schools
to include a teaching assistant (TA) in every class in their elementary schools. She said these
TA's are co-teachers and are part of their essential services. She said it takes a team to
provide basic services, and the schools are far away from meeting their goals in Orange
County. She said she had the great privilege of working with the most wonderful TA this year,
and if the state budget goes through there will be no TA's in grades 3-5 next year. She said
TA's are invaluable, and she would not be able to compensate for that loss. She asked the
Board to provide full funding and put TA's in every classroom.
Jen Weinberg-Wolf is a parent and a representative of the school improvement team at
Northside Elementary school. She said this school is a community of over 500 young scholars
who are excited to learn and master teachers who are working on curriculum planning across
grade levels. She implored the Board to fully fund CHCCS to support students and teachers.
Kat Wilson is a parent of two children in CHCCS. She requested that the Board support
students and staff by fully funding school systems.
Benjamin Landman thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their continued
support of the schools. He requested full funding for the CHCCS. He and his wife are acutely
aware of the struggles the schools face, and they have supported them through the provision of
supplies. He expressed support for a tax increase or creative allocation to fund the schools.
Gayane Chambless read from the following written comments:
My name is Gayane Chambless, and you probably expect me to talk to you about substance
abuse. Today I wish to express my concern for those with mental health issues. As Kathleen
pointed out, mental health issues are a mounting concern across the nation. It is an issue we in
Orange County cannot ignore.
I serve on the KidSCope Advisory Board, and as you've heard, their services save lives and
save costs for our schools. Without early diagnosis and interventions, children can develop
problems at home, in schools and into adulthood.
According to the CDC, 1 in 5 children experience some mental disorder in a given year. How
many children do we have in Orange County? What types of interventions are available to
them? How are they receiving access?
As you've heard, KidSCope is the only mental health provider in our County that is specially
trained and focused on serving young children to help them and their families be successful.
KidSCope offers one of the most cost-effective mental health measures in our community.
Their programs are offered in both English and Spanish, providing cultural diversity. They can
provide services, as you've heard, in the home, office, or child care center.
I humbly ask you to fully fund the amount requested for KidSCope for 2014-15.
Jennie Bell is speaking on behalf of Farmers Food Chair who requested fully funding for
their proposal this year. She said Orange County has a rich agricultural history, yet one in five
residents is food insecure. She said over 20,000 people in the County are at risk for hunger and
malnutrition. She said her non-profit partners with social service agencies and food pantries to
get fresh produce to kids, seniors, and everyone in between. She noted their partnership with
Club Nova.
Anna Richards is a new resident, a parent of a freshman at Carrboro high school, and a
volunteer at that school. She requested full funding for the CHCCS. She said the impact goes
beyond the schools and impacts the community as well.
Faith Nager is a parent and graduate of East Chapel Hill High school. She said her son
has high functioning autism; however, because of the care and diligence of the teachers in this
school district, he is a contributing member of society. She asked the Board to fully fund the
schools.
Laura Hayes Morgan is a parent of CHCCS students. She said this problem is laid at
the Board's feet because of the state budget decisions. She said full funding is needed for their
staff, and this cannot be done with box tops and bake sales. She asked the Board to do what it
takes to fully fund the schools.
Mary Jean Seyda is the Chair of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness.
She said their top priority this year was affordable rental housing. She read from the following
letter, which was sent to all of the municipalities:
We, the Leadership Team of the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH),
support a dedicated funding source for affordable housing in our community. We believe that
access to a wide range of housing opportunities, spanning all income levels, strengthens the
fabric of our neighborhoods and makes our community stronger. Experience shows that when
affordable housing is attained, people put down roots and become connected to their
community.
We also support funding for affordable rental housing for persons who are homeless and those
who have disabilities. We have observed directly the impact that access to safe, adequate
housing can have for our homeless and /or disabled neighbors: health and well-being can be
enhanced significantly by something as simple as having a kitchen in which to cook food, a
refrigerator for medications, and a safe place to sleep. Additionally, the access to schools, a
strong healthcare systems, faith-based communities, and employment opportunities, helps to
move the focus from crisis intervention to a focus on recovery and participation in community
life.
We urge Orange County to consider all options that could provide more affordable housing to
our most vulnerable citizens.
Signed,
Mary Jean Seyda, CASA, OCPEH Chair
Tim Copeland said no one wants to pay more taxes but everyone is willing to pay more
taxes if that has to be done. He said the ripple effect of not fully funding the schools will cost far
more. He asked the Board to be bold and to fully fund the schools.
Tina Smith is the mother two students in the CHCCS. She noted that this room is full;
the hallway is full of about 250 people; and the parking lot is also full. She said she spent about
five hours calling parents in the community yesterday about this public hearing. She said one
call stuck with her. She said that caller said they were leaving the district next year because
they felt the public education was no longer worth the value of living here. She said the Board
cannot let this be true, and there is nothing more important than exceptional education in
Orange County. She said funding schools must be the highest priority. She said the property
taxes exist because of the exceptional schools. She asked the Board to be creative to fully fund
schools and make a statement about the priority of education in Orange County.
Rachel Danner is a student at Chapel Hill High School. She asked the Board to fully
fund both school districts.
Courtney Limerick's daughter attends the CHCCS. She said funding the budget is a way
to show support for their teachers, and she asked the Board to fully fund schools.
Joyce Kuhn handed out letters regarding support for Pre-Trial Relief Services.
Jim Woodall said Pre-Trial Services is a small budget item for the County, but it is
essential. He said this program is important everyday in the court system. He said this program
allows them to get people out of jail that should not be there, and it saves the County money.
He asked the County to look at the letters from the judges and to fund Pre-Trial Services.
Sarah Black is the Director of the Exchange Club Family Center, who provides child
abuse prevention and treatment services in Orange County. She asked the Board to re-
consider them for funding through the outside agency funding. She said her organization is
addressing issues related to juvenile crime, homelessness, and mental health services in the
home.
Sherri Carmichael said she is speaking on behalf of Smith Middle School, which has 800
students. She said the families here are doing their best to advocate on a state and local level
for full funding of their school system. She said cuts have been made in existing resources,
staff has been lost, and raises have been given up. She urged the Board to take bold action
and do whatever needs to be done to fully fund the schools.
Elizabeth Welsby has been a resident of Orange County since 1987, and she has three
children in the school systems. She said this has become personal, and Texas is having job
fairs to lure teachers away with higher salaries. She advocated for full funding of education and
an increase to teachers' salaries.
Bonnie Hauser said she is here to support fully funding the schools. She suggested
using the County's well funded reserves. She said she would also like to suggest several
savings ideas, including waiting on the Eubanks convenience center and the roll carts for
recycling. She said there is no plan, and the costs are not sustainable. She said the
convenience centers are funded mostly out of the general fund, which also funds the schools.
She questioned why the convenience center and recycling services cost more than in other
counties. She suggested simplification of services and a hold on the Eubanks facility and roll
carts in order to avoid committing millions to services before a plan is in place. She asked the
Board to take the time to get this right, and to fully fund the schools in the meantime.
Gillian Schmidler has three children who hope to be using the CHCC schools for the
next 18 years. She volunteers in the kindergarten classroom, and she understands the value of
the teaching assistants. She is concerned with anything that would affect this, and she and her
husband fully support full funding of the school system.
Melinda Abrams has lived in Chapel Hill since 1980 and she has students in CHCCS.
She said a group of Carrboro High School students went to the legislature with a sign that said
"Don't let our teachers move to Texas." She said these students love their schools and asked
about attending this meeting as well. She told them that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners love the school system and will probably fund it.
Patrick McDonough said he is a parent of two students in the CHCCS and the son of two
public school teachers. He said this County has built two of the best school systems in the
southeast over the years. He said the state has reduced their investment in education, and they
intend to tear down what the Board and this community have built. He said no one wants to
raise property taxes, but it may be time to do this. He said every child deserves an education,
and every teacher deserves a fair wage.
Deborah Gerhardt is a law school teacher at UNC, and she has three children in the
public school system. She said research has shown that the most important thing in a child's
education is a quality teacher, and her biggest fear is that the County will lose their best
teachers this year if the school's budget requests are not funded. She said three of five of the
most impactful teachers at Carrboro High School are leaving. She said the Board needs to
send a strong message this year, and she asked for full funding for the schools.
Matt Bailey is a parent of a child in the CHCCS and he asked the Board to fully fund both
schools' budget requests. He said he is a cheapskate, but he is willing to have higher taxes for
the schools. He said the school system is the direct reason for the stable property values in this
area.
Jane Kerwin thanked the Board for their support and their time. She said all of the
people here are Orange County residents, and the two school districts are one community. She
asked the Board to fully fund the schools' budget requests.
Jim Siplon said he came there to thank the Board as they find themselves in the midst of
this maelstrom. He said fortune does not pick its time, but the Board has a responsibility to
lead, and it is hard. He thanked the Board in advance for the courage it takes to make the long
term investments.
James Barrett delivered to the Board the names of 223 citizens who are out in the
hallway. He said everyone is here because they value education.
Steve Marshall thanked the Board for their past support and their current help. He said
the art wing at Carrboro High School has become a home for many kids, including his son. He
said his son will go to the School of the Arts next year to begin his education in theater arts as a
result of the education he has received in the public schools.
Michele Smith is a parent of a child in the CHCCS. She said she does not make a lot of
money, but she stays here because of the schools. She is afraid the schools will lose teachers,
and this will affect her child. The teachers are being asked to do more with less, and this is not
fair. She asked the Board to fully fund the schools.
David Schwartz is a resident of Chapel Hill, a product of the CHCCS, and parent of a
child there. He asked the Board to fully fund the schools' requested budget. He said he wished
the schools would be more ambitious in asking for money, so that there would not be a need for
so many fundraisers. He said he hoped the Board would prioritize any tax increments received
back from the re-development of Ephesus Fordham area to be dedicated first to the schools.
Elizabeth Losos said she is a parent of two students, and she supports fully funding the
schools. She works internationally, and she sees many other countries that are putting more
money into education. She said this is an opportunity to stay at the top in funding education.
PUBLIC COMMENTS SENT IN VIA EMAIL
From: Ken and Charlotte Pearce
Phone Number: 919-969-8119
Message:
Dear Orange County Commissioners,
We are writing to express concern over the proposed funding to the Chapel Hill Carrboro City
Schools system for the upcoming year. When we moved here 16 years ago, we picked the
Chapel Hill/Carrboro area because of the excellent reputation of its schools. Having excellent
schools drives the economy and makes people want to live and work in the area. It is
heartbreaking to see the hits to education that have occurred recently in our state. We would
gladly support an increase in taxes and efficient use of the funds to support our schools
adequately. We strongly recommend funding CHCCS at the full amount proposed by the
superintendent and school board. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to the
discussion this week on the budget.
Sincerely,
Ken and Charlotte Pearce
Dear Orange County Commissioners:
I am writing to ask that you fully fund the requested per-pupil allocation for the Chapel Hill
Carrboro Schools in the 2014-15 Orange County budget. I understand that this involves a
significant increase over the County Manager's recommended $95 per pupil allocation.
I live in the Chapel Hill Carrboro School district and have a seven-year old who attends Morris
Grove Elementary. Last year I was disheartened that our Governor and state legislature opted
to permanently cut so much funding for our public schools. Now, I have learned that the
Governor's recent proposal for a teacher raise is to be funded by further cuts to education in
other areas (like the UNC system and teacher assistant support), and by shifting certain other
costs from state responsibility to local schools.
Those same budget cuts resulted in a reduced tax bill for me and other Orange county
taxpayers. I would gladly return the difference if doing so would help fully fund our local public
schools. Please, use whatever creative means you have at your disposal to fully fund the
requested per-pupil allocation for the Chapel Hill Carrboro School System.
Finally, thank you for your public service. I appreciate your selfless (and at times thankless)
work to make our county a better place to work and to live.
Sincerely,
Wayne Hodges
1315 Tallyho Trail
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
I am writing in honor of the hardworking Chapel Hill and Carrboro School teachers and staff. I
promised my children, I would send a note.
Today as most state professionals are celebrating Memorial Day with their family and friends,
our district teachers are working toward building a stronger and brighter future. They are in class
teaching our children and future voters.
The hardest part of sending my children to school today was knowing that teachers are being
forced to make very tough decisions. They are being forced to leave our state or their profession
to find better opportunities. With a 15.7% drop in average pay for our teachers and forced
increase of attention placed on testing, accountability and restrictions is a direct attack on the
teaching profession.
We appreciate and recognize the dedication of our public school teachers everyday, especially
today. We hope you will do the same by committing to maintaining school funding and district
required levels and by working to bring the North Carolina pay levels up to the national
average.
I hope you enjoy your day off with your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Alicia Altmueller
Chapel Hill, NC
From: Carol Brooke
Phone Number: 919-933-6041
I am writing to ask that you fully fund the requests of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and
Orange County Schools. There is no more important investment that you can make.
As the parent of a first grader with special needs, I can attest to the critical role of teacher
assistants in ensuring her academic and social success.
Our quality school systems in Orange County build property values, economic growth, and most
importantly, engaged and informed citizens. Your vote this week can lead to real, concrete
losses for students and teachers, or it can continue to provide the support our schools need to
be great. Thank you for your serious consideration to this request.
From: Chris van Hasselt
Phone Number: 9193605375
Message:
As a parent with a daughter in the CHCCS school system, I have been very impressed with the
quality of education my little girl has received from teachers at Carrboro Elementary. As a child,
I attended a private Catholic elementary school. Our schools easily rival if not surpass the
educational quality I received as a child.
But that quality depends on funding, as you know. A vote to reduce funding will seriously
undermine the reputation for school excellence that all of us - educators, parents, politicians,
and school staff and administrators - have worked for over the years. I hope that you will work
to find a way, even if it involves tax or fee increases, to fully fund the budget requests of our
school districts. And I hope you will take a unanimous, principled stand by encouraging your
fellow elected officials in Raleigh to fully support public education that is inclusive of our whole
community.
Sincerely, Chris G. van Hasselt
Resident and taxpayer, living in Carrboro for over 20 years.
From: Julie Primost Farkas
Phone Number: 9199047039
Message:
Dear Orange County Commissioners,
As a former publicly educated student, a parent of two children in the Chapel Hill/ Carrboro City
Schools, and a public school teacher (in Durham), a citizen, a neighbor and a voter, I
enthusiastically support full funding for public education with my tax dollars and my votes. I vote
in every local, state and national election. A quality, well-funded public educational system is
the foundation of a strong democratic society and I urge you to use your authority as elected
representatives to support our public schools with the financial resources needed and
requested.
A healthy, well-funded school system supports the economic development of a community, and
to short-change the schools at this critical time in our nation's economic recovery would be
penny-wise and pound-foolish. The dividends of an educated and skilled workforce for the future
of our region are well worth the investment of financial resources in the present. I firmly believe
that all citizens benefit from a quality public school system in maintaining property values, in
providing skilled workers for the economic system, and in promoting the critical thinking skills of
future voters and citizens. Even if I did not have children in the school system, even if I were
not myself a public school teacher, I would nonetheless support our public schools as a member
of this community.
At this critical juncture, when the whole nation is looking at North Carolina (with incredulity, I
might add - and some cities, Houston TX, for example, are actively recruiting NC teachers) it is
more important than ever to reaffirm our support for public education. There is never enough
money for all the projects one would like to fund, but budgeting is about choices and priorities.
When I budget for my household, I prioritize my children and my family's future. Our community
should similarly prioritize our children and our collective future.
Sincerely,
Julie Farkas
Chapel Hill
You must fund the budget shortfall. Being 46th in the nation is just humiliating! As a scientist, it is
already hard to recruit experts to NC. This will get worse and worse as poor schools will lead to
a brain drain. Highly educated people will certainly not move here and will leave NC if this trend
in lack of support for public education does not reverse.
Best,
Liza Makowski Hayes
From: Ranee Montgomery
Phone Number: 9198697911
Message:
Dear Orange County Commissioners,
I am writing and pleading to you to not cut the budget for the education of our children. The
schools need to be full funded. The teachers need to be paid well in order to be able to continue
with their jobs and to have some sense of self-worth as they seek to shape and nurture the
generation that will be leading our country in the not-so-distant future.
Many of us chose this area for the school systems and already have seen the negative
consequences of conservative legislation. Orange County needs to show that we take education
very seriously while those in the legislature and Governor's mansion may not. Orange County
needs to set an example for the state to show other counties that they can take a stand and
fight for what is right.
I am confident that you know the issues and are behind full funding of our teachers and schools.
As county citizens, my family and most of the other families I know are willing to pay more taxes
in order to cover the budget deficit. Please give us the chance to do this.
Thank you for all of your hard work and thank you for representing and fighting for our teachers
and children!
Sincerely,
Ranee Montgomery
From: Dena Papazoglou
Phone Number: 919-968-7964
Message:
Dear County Commissioners,
I thank you for your strong support for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) in the
past. I am so gratified to live in this community, with leaders like you who truly understand the
value of investing in the future. I am writing because I am deeply concerned about the 2014-
2015 CHCCS District budget. I am the mother of two daughters who are currently finishing
Kindergarten and 3rd grade at McDougle Elementary School (MES) in Chapel Hill. My
daughters are thriving in school because they have had the benefit of high quality resources,
instruction, and teachers.
I am well aware that the past several years have been very difficult financially, and this year
those challenges are even tougher. I have been active with the MES PTA for the past four
years. The PTA does everything we can to provide some financial support for classroom needs
and to sponsor activities that complement the school's curriculum and build a sense of
community. Our District has been very frugal and efficient, dipping into the rainy day fund; and
cutting everything possible to manage with a lean budget while still providing a rich, effective
academic experience for students. But now, the rainy day fund is depleted and there is simply
nothing else to cut without adversely affecting our kids' education. I urge you to fully fund the
CHCCS budget that was requested by the School Board.
I know that you are facing similar impossible budgetary decisions about worthy projects and
services throughout the county. I understand that the money must come from somewhere. I
would be very much in favor of a property tax increase that would allow you to fully fund the
CHCCS budget request and keep Orange County moving in the right direction. You are in a
very difficult decision, and I want you to know that I have your back.
Sincerely,
Dena Papazoglou
216 Cobblestone Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
From: Laura Weaver
Phone Number: 9199673684
Message:
Please do not cut the theatre techs at the high school. No performance could go on without
them. These school events, plays, music concerts and more are part of educating our whole
child. Jeff Alguire at East Chapel Hill is a valuable leader, teacher and mentor to many, many
students at East. My child has developed a very genuine passion for the arts, and real problem
solving skills through her involvement in theatre with his direction.
From: Rania Combs
Phone Number: 8325453955
Message:
Dear Commissioners,
I am a parent of three children who attend Chapel Hill/Carrboro City Schools. I am writing to
urge you to fully fund the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools budgets.
I attended a town hall meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina recently. The focus of the meeting
was to discuss the financial straits many of our state's teachers find themselves in as a result of
low teacher pay.
We heard about teachers who have to rely on food stamps to feed their families and who have
to borrow money to pay for gas so they can drive to and from their jobs. Teachers spoke about
needing to supplement their income with other jobs to make ends meet and how unappreciated
and disrespected they feel because of the lack of fair compensation. One experienced teacher
shared the reasons why she and her husband, also a teacher, will be teaching in another state
next year, where they will be paid significantly more to do their jobs.
My daughter's outstanding middle school math teacher was one of the many who resigned this
year. Although he was well-qualified for jobs outside of education, his passion was teaching
children. However, when he and his wife, also a teacher, found out they were expecting a baby,
he quit. He did the math and realized he could not support a family on his income.
The average public school teacher's salary dropped 15.7% from 2001-2012. This means that
North Carolina was 51 st in the country in terms of growth in teacher pay during that decade. At
the same time, the state is requiring more and more student testing and other expectations of
teachers. Teachers are now getting paid less for more work. No one goes into teaching to get
rich, but anyone would be demoralized under those conditions.
Much of the CHCCS budget request would provide funding to support a raise for locally paid
teachers and staff; funding to cover mandated medical and retirement matching increases; and
funding to support positions that had been previously supported by fund balance. Not fully
funding the budget would require cutting more than $3 million and would result in significant
position losses and services in our school.
I'm sure you have been trying your best to do so despite increasing pressures from state
reductions, but please increase the amount of funding for public education. Our students are
worth it.
Sincerely,
Rania Combs
110 Garden Gate Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 537-8079
From: Daniel Bernard
Phone Number: 9199045541
Message:
County commissioners: I know the problem is not of your creation, but you are our last resort.
Public schools in this state are slipping to an unacceptably low level of quality. I am saddened to
hear the commissioners only funded $95 per pupil when the CHCCS school district asked for
$314. You need to do more to keep the schools from slipping into disaster. Please tell me how
we can find more local funds for the school district.
From: Sara Skinner
Phone Number: 9199292565
Message:
Dear County Commissioners,
I am writing to ask you to please fully fund the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools budgets. Here's why:
1. Education drives economic growth; and my husband's business needs good schools.
We chose Carrboro because of the great schools. After moving here, my husband founded a
medical device start-up in Chapel Hill. His company needs good public schools in order to
thrive: so that he can hire well-educated employees from here, and so that he can recruit talent
from out of state. (One of the first questions people ask a head-hunter is: How are the public
schools?) This is just one example of how good schools drive economic development.
2. Our kids are worth it.
I have two children, ages five and nine. Their future, and the future of all our children in Orange
County, depends on getting a good education. The rainy day fund is gone. There is no more to
trim from the budget. If you do not fully fund the schools' budgets, my children will be in
overcrowded, poorly maintained schools, with fewer teachers. Those teachers will have more
responsibilities with less support from TAs, gifted specialists, and other staff.
3. Our property values, and thus our tax revenue, depend on it.
As I said before, we moved here for the schools; and we were willing to pay the higher cost of
housing to live here. Most of our neighbors did the same. Strong schools keep our property
values high; thus we support funding the county's budget and services.
We are counting on you to fully fund the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
budget.
Sincerely,
Sara Skinner, MPH
2407 Pathway Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
919 929-2565
Hello Commissioner Jacobs!
How are you?
Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend either of the Public Hearings on the county budgets so
am writing to submit questions and give input.
Overall, I am not in favor of a tax increase this year for many reasons, including the impact on
affordability for low income/workforce residents and county/town ability to retain and attract
businesses.
In general, I do not mind paying more in taxes than other areas of the state but believe that the
quality and level of service should reflect the extra monies spent. At this point, data suggests
that we pay some of the highest costs in the state for many of our services - school, solid waste
and emergency response services to name a few. This information, suggests the need for re-
assessment and revised planning instead of an increase in taxes to continue on.
Below are my initial questions and comments:
School Funding:
Question: What projects or repairs make up the $40,000,000 in the capital budget for schools
over the next five years? Does that cover repairs that are needed immediately?
Request 1: Establish a policy which mandates on-going repair and maintenance of school
facilities as a top-priority each year, making sure that monies are earmarked for those costs.
Request 2: Fund necessary school repairs immediately either by postponing non-essential
capital items or using existing debt capacity (or both).
Request 3: Ensure, each year, that our teachers are being well-paid, as a priority, by
earmarking monies for those costs.
I was pleased to see that staff has indicated concern about the squeeze that increasing
maintenance for aging buildings puts on the school budget. Aging buildings and teacher exodus
are two symptoms which underscore the need for the county to make changes to the way that
school funding is handled — both at the county and district level.
In targeting a minimum of 48% of county property taxes to the schools, the county has assured
its residents that schools are a top priority however, as county staff points out, the impacts of
changing conditions such as increased maintenance needs for aging buildings or decreases in
state funding for teacher pay, put squeezes on those monies.
Adherence to the 48% target combined with the yearly "dance" between the school boards and
commissioners over funding clouds the picture —making it hard for parents, in particular, to
advocate for anything other than a tax increase.
It is understandable that county commissioners are reluctant to have a say in how school
monies are spent; however, as the ones who hold the purse strings, I believe you have a
responsibility to ensure that the monies we entrust you with covers two basics:
- - Adequate, well-maintained school facilities
- - Well-paid, experienced teachers (salary policy not specific teacher salaries)
Neither building maintenance/repair nor teacher salaries should be at the mercy of changing
conditions, the desire for new programs etc... I look to you to make that clear in the budgeting
and funding process.
Not only will this ensure that our children have adequate facilities and good teachers, but it will
also facilitate a more transparent discussion between parents and school leaders about how
remaining monies are being spent and what school needs are.
Capital Expenditures
Question: What is included in the $150,000,000 in capital expenditures for schools in years 6 —
10?
Question: Is there a section in the budget which projects increased operating and maintenance
costs associated with new facilities over the next five to ten years?
Request: Create a facilities plan and timeline which combines school and other community
needs so that
- - Decisions related to the county's debt capacity are transparent
- - Spending reflects priorities and needs first
- - Taxpayers are not blindsided with tax increases to operate and maintain these facilities
Until our county begins to see the benefits of economic development, costs of new facilities
(schools, community centers, improvements to the Southern Human Services center, a new jail,
libraries, parks) will have to come from taxpayers. It is important that the community understand
these decisions in terms of priorities and trade-offs. It's also important, particularly in the case
of the schools, that we begin to understand the cost to all of us when we use "equity" rather
than "need" as a reason for capital spending.
Solid Waste:
Pending creation of a cohesive plan for recycling, please do not approve purchase of roll carts
or additional trucks for unincorporated residential service.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Brown
Chapel Hill
919-475-1535
From: Alexis Rudolph
Phone Number: 919-428-3160
Message:
To All of the County Commissioners,
Thank you for your service to our communities. As a lifetime resident of Orange County, I have
always appreciated the fact that our community makes great effort to support each other
regardless of stature, race, sex, economic standing, etc. One of the pillars of that ethos is the
longstanding, well recorded, exemplary school systems.
As a resident and product of the Chapel Hill/Carrboro school system myself, as well as a parent
of 5th graders currently at Glenwood Elementary school, I can say with great confidence that
the schools are a backbone to the greatness and success flowing here. The schools support
the residents of today and tomorrow, not only families and students, but the faculty and staff and
the greater community. As a real estate broker for the last eight years, I can tell you with the
same great certainty that when speaking with potential new residences and business' every
week, the quality of the schools are a priority when making relocation decisions. People and
business'weigh the school systems very heavily when deciding whether to relocate to an area, I
am told this very regularly. Communities with high education standards are more attractive to
employees relocating, and to business' looking to have a deep pool of local talent and
camaraderie. This all starts at the basic education level, for which we are so well known.
Without proper funding, we have already seen many of our programs being cut, phenomenal
teachers and staff leaving for greener grasses, children less prepared for higher education and
their future, and a huge drop in our young adults willing to go into education -we are losing
talent at an exponential rate already. PLEASE FUND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM WITH
EVERY DOLLAR THAT THEY NEED. We cannot loose anymore funding than we already
have. The results are clear; and we need our local commissioners to stand up for us, to support
our local communities.
$1.2 million is not enough for the Chapel Hill/Carrboro schools to be efficient in their already
emaciated capacity. The district needs $3.9 million from the county to continue what it offers
today. The county has every opportunity to make this happen. I urge you to support the
schools, the community, the citizens, the staff and our collaborative future. It is for the
individuals, the communities and the greater state and world communities' health and well
being. We cannot produce the amazing thinkers and doers that we are known, respected and
desired for without financial support. Education funding needs to be a priority.
Thank you again for your service, and your attention to this very serious issue. Please use your
power to make a difference. We are depending on you.
Sincerely,
Alexis Rudolph
alexis lynnhayes.com
From: Stephanie Palmer
Phone Number: 919-740-5243
Message:
May 27, 2014
Dear County Commissioners,
I am writing to ask you to please fully fund the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools budgets. Here's why:
1. Education drives economic growth
My husband works for Rambus, Inc. on E. Franklin Street. His California-based business chose
to open an office in Chapel Hill because of the strong school system and the amount of highly
educated applicants from local schools and universities. Keep our schools funded so that more
large businesses choose to locate here and Rambus is able to keep its office open in NC!
2. Our kids are worth it.
I have two children, ages four and eight. Their future, and the future of all our children in Orange
County, depends on getting a good education. The rainy day fund is gone. There is no more to
trim from the budget. If you do not fully fund the schools' budgets, my children will be in
overcrowded, poorly maintained schools, with fewer teachers. Those teachers will have more
responsibilities with less support from TAs, gifted specialists, and other staff.
3. Our property values and thus our tax revenues depend on it.
We bought a home in Chapel Hill for the schools and we were willing to pay the higher cost of
housing to live here. Most of our neighbors did the same. Strong schools keep our property
values high. We are counting on you to fully fund the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro
City Schools budget.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Palmer
305 Autumn Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
From: D. Neil Hayes
Phone Number: 919-357-3387
Message:
Dear Orange County Commissioners,
We are parents of 2 children in Glenwood Elementary School in Chapel Hill and a daughter who
will be there soon. We share the interest of millions of parents in the state of North Carolina in
the quality education of our children, the future citizens of our democracy.
In our lifetime, my wife and I have never seen such tangible and direct negative consequences
of human decisions as we have in the public schools as a direct result of our political leaders in
North Carolina State Government. Morale is palpably low. Infrastructure and resources are
lacking even to the casual observer. These changes have happened quickly and as a visible
result of decisions made by our lawmakers.
Let's be clear, this is not business as usual; fiscal discipline resulting from responsible
leadership balancing competing interests or programs. To my knowledge, there are few arguing
any benefits for education. Data driven outcomes and changes in metrics (teacher losses, pay
statistics, etc) have generally been described as extreme, even compared to fiscally
conservative national trends. In most cases, the timing of declines leaves little uncertainty as to
cause being decisions in Raleigh.
Let's also be clear that these outcomes are not primarily the result of the economic downturn.
The resources that historically supported our kids and which in other states are supporting kids
did not primarily evaporate in the recession. These resources were returned to citizens in the
form of tax cuts which artificially and dramatically exacerbated any shortfalls created by
economic factors. As recipients of an NC State Tax refund this year, we have a check in our
bank account which cannot be argued is the result of an economic downturn. It is the result of
decisions by the state legislature to withdraw support for our children's school specifically at a
time when they arguably needed it more than in generation.
In all of this we recognize the phenomenal support, both historic and current, of the Orange
County Board of Commissioners for Orange County schools. You are being asked again to
support our children. But what other choice is there but for us to ask? Unlike our teachers, the
children cannot pack up and go to a state with better support for education. Please stand firm
for education. You are truly a last line of defense for the education of our future citizens of the
state.
Thanks for your service on behalf of the citizens of North Carolina.
Neil and Liza Hayes
From: Brandy Pickrell
Phone Number: 919-869-7924
Message:
Dear County Commissioners,
I am writing to request that you please fully fund the School Board's proposed budget this year.
I am a parent of a rising third grader in the Orange County school system and am very
concerned about the changes our schools will have to enact if they do not receive the necessary
funding. So many children (and parents!) are counting on this. I will be attending the budget
meeting on the May 29th and I do hope to hear positive news!
Thank you so much for your time and consideration,
Brandy Pickrell
203 Hanford Rd.
Chapel Hill, NC
27516
From: Sherri Williams
Phone Number: 919-537-8252
Message:
Dear Orange County Commissioners:
As a parent of two children in the Chapel Hill Carrboro School System I humbly request that you
consider full funding of the CHCCS budget for the upcoming school year. Currently, the school
system needs $3.9 million but only $1.2 million is being requested. I can't bear to imagine the
long-term impact this type of budget shortfall will have on such an amazing school system.
We relocated to Chapel Hill, NC from the depths of south Georgia and I can personally testify
that this school system has made such an incredible impact on my two children. Their thirst for
knowledge has blossomed. They both have thrived in all areas of basic academics as well as
cultural arts (switching from learning Spanish to learning French, for example).
In addition, with the influence of the higher-than-normal Asian populations in the area and in the
public school system it is EVIDENT that these children (whether they are in the Mandarin Dual
Language program OR traditional classroom) far surpass their peers in academics. There is no
way our children can compete with this level of academic competition in the long run without the
support of public figures like you.
Please do not allow our educational system to suffer by not supporting full funding of the
2014/2015 School Budget. I know this type of decision carries a heavy weight for you but I urge
you to support the full budget and show the community your commitment to investing in the
children of this area and as a result investing in the future of this nation.
Thank you for your time and for your consideration. Sherri Williams
Dear Commissioners,
I am urging you to do anything you can to fully fund the CHCC schools in the coming years even
if this requires a tax increase, I would be willing to do my part. My son starts Kindergarten in
September and is looking forward to another 13 years here in the public school system so I am
very invested in getting funding for these schools.
Sincerely
Anne W. Beaven
109 Braswell Rd.
Chapel Hill
From: Michael Kappelman
Message:
I live at 212 Turtleback Crossing Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516. My children go to Morris Grove
Elementary. I am writing to urge the board to fund the FULL budget request of CHCCS. The
education of our children is our highest priority. I sincerely ask that the board think creatively
about how to preserve the high educational caliber of our district, even if this means cutting
other programs and/or raising taxes. I strongly support whatever it takes to keep the full school
budget intact.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael Kappelman
From: Anna Ouchchy
Phone Number: 919-928-3727
Message:
As a community member, parent and teacher in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, I urge
you to find creative means to fully fund our school budget. In the past we have been able to
make up for budget shortfalls by using a rainy day fund. That fund balance is now gone. As a
result, failure to fully fund our schools will have serious consequences, including larger class
sizes, school overcrowding, cutting support staff and driving out quality teachers.
Our property values are high in Orange County because we have great schools. Our property
taxes drive the county's budget and services. Keeping school's great is in the financial interest
of the community.
Dear Orange County Commissioners:
My name is David Nason. I am writing to ask you to please fully fund the Orange County
and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools budgets. Here's why:
1. Education drives economic growth.
Our family moved to North Carolina last year. We love our new home state.
Unfortunately, we moved here during the height of the legislative agenda that severely
cut education. My wife and I have two children in public high school. We chose to live in
Chapel Hill / Carrboro because of the reputation of the schools in the district. Education
should be a priority in our state over corporate interests. We must keep our students
competitive in today's globalized economy.
2. Our kids are worth it.
We have two children in public high school. Their future, and the future of all our children
in Orange County, depends on getting a good education. The rainy day fund is gone.
There is no more "fat" to trim from the budget. If you do not fully fund the schools'
budgets, our children will be in overcrowded, poorly maintained schools, with fewer
teachers. Those teachers will have more responsibilities with less support from TAs,
gifted specialists, and other staff.
3. Our property values —and thus our tax revenue—depend on it.
As I said before, we moved here for the schools—and we were willing to pay the higher
cost of housing to live here. Most of our neighbors did the same. Strong schools keep
our property values high —thus funding the county's budget and services.
We hear a lot about "family values" from our elected representatives. We believe that if
you really value our families you will fund a strong education system for our children.
Education is the great equalizer; both my wife and I came from working class
backgrounds and attended public school. We were able to achieve our goals and obtain
advanced degrees. We would like our children to have the very best education possible
to prepare them for the challenges they will meet in this complex world.
We are counting on you to fully fund the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools' budget.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
David Nason
COO & CTO, RDI Labs, Inc.
2404 Pathway Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
919-903-8149
From: Juilanna Brinson
Message:
Please fund the CHCCS district more fully. Maintaining the high quality education provided by
CHCCS should be a TOP priority for our community.
From: Jean Cook
Phone Number: 919-968-3739
Dear Board members,
I am a long-time resident and the parent of two Carrboro high school students. I am writing to
urge you to support full funding for the county and city schools. There's no question that money
is tight again this year with the changing state leadership, but our local culture of investing
significant resources in our students, teachers, and programs should endure even in lean times.
If a tax increase is needed, so be it. Thank you for your willingness to listen and to tackle such
challenges thoughtfully and responsively. Your service is appreciated.
From: Abraham Palmer
Phone Number: 9193576034
Message:
I support paying more in property taxes if needed to fully fund all our schools in Orange County.
Perhaps we need to find a way to make the property taxes more progressive so that this isn't a
constant struggle, but our kids need more help than ever to be prepared in this difficult job
market.
From: Melanie Reynolds
Phone Number: 919-260-8119
Message:
Hello Commissioners,
Please fully fund the education budget for both school districts in Orange County. Our children
are our future. They deserve a first class education. Please do not deny our children a high
quality education. Thank you for taking the time to read my email.
Make it a great day!
Melanie Reynolds
From: Deborah McCormick
Phone Number: 919.270.2937
Message:
As the parent of two children who attend CHCCS schools, as a tax payer in the county and city
with the highest tax rate in the state and as a local realtor I beg you to fully fund the CHCCS
budget. Our schools are our future. Our children deserve a quality education. Our teachers
are being poached by other states that pay more. We are running out of time to fix the
problems. We have nothing left to cut and shouldn't have to. The budget must be fully funded.
There is no other option. I work with clients moving into the area often and am proud to talk
about the quality of our district schools. This quality and reputation is what has sustained
property values in the district. The economy is fully dependent on the schools and the desire for
highly educated adults to continue to stay and move into Chapel Hill. Such educated adults
expect top quality and are willing to pay higher taxes for the right causes- education! Again I
beg you, along with all of the other parents!
I know who have kids in the CHCCS schools. PLEASE do NOT ask our schools to make more
cuts. PLEASE show that education is a PRIORITY. And PLEASE fully fund the budget. Thank
you.
From: Layna Mosley
Phone Number: 9196235097
Message:
Dear Orange County Commissioners:
I am unable to attend the May 29 meeting, but I would like to urge you, in the strongest possible
way, to fully fund all schools in Orange County.
I have lived in Orange County since 2004. I'm a parent of three young children, and strong
public schools are key not only to my children's and family's success, but to the success --
economically and socially -- of Orange County and the surrounding area.
As a professor who routinely teaches introductory courses at UNC, I have seen firsthand the
difference that quality education makes in preparing students for adulthood, for higher
education, and for participation in an increasingly knowledge-based and globalized economy.
And, more immediately, I have observed our public school teachers and administrators
attempting to do their best in the context of shrinking resources. Please, please allow them to
continue their work by funding our schools completely.
Thank you for your attention to my concerns.
Sincerely,
Layna
From: Susan Bickford
Phone Number:
Message:
Dear Commissioners,
I write to urge you with all respect to please fully fund Orange County Schools. Please raise my
taxes if that is what it takes! We owe it to the children -- all children -- to make these courageous
decisions. I fully support you in doing what is required to fully fund our public schools.
Sincerely,
Susan Bickford
From: Christina Hinkle
Phone Number: 919-270-3121
Message:
Dear County Commissioners,
Thank you so much for all your work on behalf of our county. I am writing to ask you to fully
fund the local schools and to raise our property taxes to do so. I wholeheartedly support a tax
increase if it will prevent further cuts to our schools. School officials have cut every bit of fluff
from the budget. There is nothing left to cut except items that will result in a real and significant
decrease in the quality of our schools.
Thanks for your attention and efforts,
Christina Hinkle
Mother of 3 public school children
From: Laura Morgan
Phone Number: 9196244946
Message:
Dear Commissioners,
I write to you to please ask your kind consideration of funding our schools at their full level of
request. I am a Chapel Hill taxpayer and I respectfully ask you to consider a tax increase that
will go directly to our school funding.
Unfortunately the state has left us high and dry - there is no one left to help education and save
our schools other than ourselves. As our county officials, we will rely on you to make this right
for the children of Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Laura Morgan
From: David Laudicina
Phone Number: 919-942-4444
Message:
May 29, 2014
Dear Commissioners:
I am writing to request that you implement as the manager has proposed, a 2014 budget that
does not increase the Orange County property tax rate.
A recent Chapel Hill news article states that a state analysis shows the county's (Orange)
assessed (2009) property values are 5.5 percent higher than the market value of those
properties; Of course this is an average but in reality many Orange County properties suffer a
much higher discrepancy. In my neighborhood I am seeing a discrepancy of actual sales being
15%-19% lower than the 2009 valuations. This means that since 2009 many Orange County
property owners have been paying way more than their fair share of property taxes. Until the
next revaluation and the system are fairly balanced, I don't think any increases on the property
tax rate are warranted or prudent.
Also I am asking to consider ability to pay in your decision. Many retirees see as much as a
50% drop in their monthly income after they retire and collect Social Security. After a lifetime of
investing in their homes and building equity suddenly retirees experience a huge drop in their
ability to pay.
I understand that given the state's position on funding education that these are really tough
times. I have also read many times that you all believe that Orange County relies too heavily on
residential property taxes to fund the budget.
You have done a marvelous job in holding the line on the property tax rate in the past few years
and am asking you to hold the line for 1 more year or even better until the next revaluation. You
are proposing a bond issue in the future. This will give the opportunity for voters to choose
whether they want to pay more property taxes.
ThankYou
David Laudicina (laud9876(a�bellsouth.net) Bingham Township
From: Matt Bailey
Phone Number: (678) 517-5317
Message:
I am writing to comment during the Budget Public Hearing period to request that the board
reconsider the budget request of the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools and, specifically, to
request the board add $2.7 million to the amount tentatively budgeted to the district for the
upcoming fiscal year.
Our community enjoys a long tradition of valuing exceptional public education and consistently
expresses overwhelming support for making the financial investment necessary to maintain that
excellence. However, fully funding our schools is also a solid investment in the stability of our
county's property tax base, as the well-deserved reputation of our schools is a fundamental
reason our community's homes enjoy higher sales prices than neighboring communities
homes.
The board could fund the additional $2.7 by increasing the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools
special district tax by approximately $93.40 per household.
I appreciate the increased funding the board has already included in the proposed budget and I
truly applaud the board for striving to avoid a tax increase this year. I also recognize that
increasing taxes would exacerbate the barriers to our community's affordability. However,
$93.40 per household is well within the means of most households in the district and a bargain
to ensure our schools have the financial resources they need.
Finally, while I don't want to speak on behalf of residents within the Orange County Public
Schools district, I would fully support raising property taxes throughout the county in order to
fully fund the budget requests of both our county's school districts.
Sincerely,
Matt Bailey
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
radiomatt1(a�yahoo.com
From: Melissa Segal
Phone Number: 9199600409
Message:
Please fully fund our schools. I support whatever measures necessary to ensure that our
schools are fully funded. Thank you for your consideration.
From: Hannah White
Phone Number: 919-360-6868
Dear County Commissioners,
I am a resident of Chapel Hill and a parent to 3 young children, one of whom attends Morris
Grove Elem. We love our daughter's school and believe that the public education provided in
the district is vital to our family and for the community. Please support our schools by funding
the county budget to provide the teachers, facilities, and supplies that our children need to
continue their education.
Thank you,
Hannah White
From: Steve Marshall
Phone Number: 919-923-5905
Message:
In 2009 and 2010, the Orange County Commissioners were instrumental in providing the funds
that built the Arts Wing at Carrboro High School. I want you to know that your support of the
Arts Wing at Carrboro High School has had a very positive impact on my son, Aidan Marshall.
Aidan was always fascinated by the production side of theater, but the day the Carrboro High
School Arts Wing opened, his life was immeasurably changed for the better.
Access to high-quality theater environment allowed him to develop his creative talents in lighting
design and set design in ways that we never dreamed were possible. This isn't just access to
the facility and its equipment, but also learning to use the software products that control the
lights and sound equipment. Theater production is a very high-tech industry, and one that
brings revenue into the Triangle area. Aidan has been a key participants in EVERY production
staged in the Carrboro High School Arts Wing. He has grown enormously in his professional
skills in theater production as a result of your decision, five years ago, to fund the Arts Wing at
Carrboro High School.
Aidan is a senior at Carrboro High School. In the fall, he will go to the UNC School of Arts in
Winston-Salem to pursue his Bachelors in Fine Arts degree, with a concentration in Lighting
Design. He choose UNC School of Arts over very competitive funding packages from arts
conservatories at Shenandoah University and Ithaca College, in part because another theater
production major from Carrboro High School is thriving at UNC School of Arts.
My son's goal is a professional career in on Broadway in NY. When he gets there, he (and
others like him) will be well-prepared and ahead of the competition, thanks in no small part to
your decision. So THANK YOU for building the Carrboro High School Arts Wing.
I also have a request. When we parents asked you to fund the Arts Wing, we had no idea how
important it was to have a fulltime theater manager on staff. It is not clear to everyone that the
theater manager position is absolutely critical. This staff position ensures that the facility is well-
maintained, that all student production work is conducted in a safe manner (students work at
heights and using power tools in theater production), and that the Arts Wing is in good condition
for the many rentals that use it.
To my surprise, between rentals and school use, the Arts Wing is fully booked throughout the
school year. Rentals are helpful not only because they bring revenue into the county, but
because they provide mentored training experiences for students like my son. Although the
theater managers are not teachers, they do serve as supervisors for students who have
internships in theater production. Basically, this spring my son learned first-hand how to be a
production manager in a professional theater. He could not do this if there was no theater
manager to teach him these skills in a revenue-generating Arts Wing.
The theater managers are one of the things we will lose if the Chapel Hill-Carrboro schools are
not fully funded. For this reason, as well as many others, I am asking you to fully fund the
requested budget for the Chapel Hill / Carrboro and Orange County schools.
Thank you for your time and your service to our community. And thank you for the Carrboro
High School Arts Wing, which changed the course of my son's life, in an enormously beneficial
way.
-- Steve Marshall
From: David Denuo
Phone Number: 919-265-3305
Message:
Two minutes of your time, please:
My name is David Denuo. I am 53 yrs old with a 1 st grader at FPG and a 3rd grader at
Scroggs. I won't be able to be at tonight's budget meeting; I'm choosing to be with my 3rd
grader before her first EOG in the morning.
Before I tell you more about them, I want to tell you about me.
As a child my family lived in a government subsidized house and needed food stamps to
survive. Looking around me I thought my future was pretty much set for me; go to school,
maybe graduate, then either (1) get on welfare; (2) go to work in retail; (3) go to work in a
factory/warehouse; or (4)join the armed forces.
My only access to education was the local public school. I didn't like school; it kept me from the
things that I wanted to do - play with friends, play sports, explore; and after all, what was the
point. But, as I moved up through grade school and even more so in high school, I came in
contact with several caring teachers who didn't just teach me the material, but challenged me,
inspired me, believed in me. I was the first in my family to graduate from a college for higher
education [as opposed to a trade school]. I lifted myself out of that socioeconomic circle into a
contributing member of society; not only that, I started my own company and created jobs for
others.
I'd like you to reflect on the teacher, or teachers, that had the greatest impact on your life.
Perhaps they are the reason you are sitting in that seat. What if that teacher hadn't been there,
had switched jobs, moved school districts, moved to another state because they were frustrated
with the lack of funding for public education.
When looking at the budget request, please, I urge you to consider:
- those types of teachers,
- other children like me,
- other children like you.
Be creative. Find a way to fully fund the budget request that's in front of you. My children and
their friends need your leadership.
Thank you for your time, your consideration, your service to Orange County, and your
commitment to making a difference.
OC Board of Commissioners' Public Hearing, May 29, 2014
Written Testimony, Miriam Thompson
I submit my written testimony as the world grieves over the passing of Maya Angelou, teacher,
activist, artist, towering figure that demands we work harder, a phenomenon whose message
informs the effort you lead and that we pursue together: creating a sustainable, just and loving
community— in which all our children and grand children, families and neighbors can thrive.
We know that your labors tonight are set against a disturbing State legislative agenda that
includes: tax cuts directed primarily to the wealthiest corporations and individuals;**the denial of
health care to our neediest residents; denies extended unemployment benefits for so many of
our neighbors; creates and boasts an economy based on low wage jobs; defunds the public's
education system; offers the lowest paid teachers in the nation a token raise torn from the
coffers of our public university system and health and human services.
The burden to redress these cuts falls on Counties and Municipalities and School Districts.
Budgets, after all, are social and moral documents. Along with other faith and civil rights
activists, I have and will continue to join many of you at Moral Monday and other State lobby
events to expose and reverse these immoral practices. Tonight, Moral Monday comes to
Orange County through the budget lens. You are challenged as our elected leaders to
overcome the actions of the General Assembly and make your constituents whole.
Central to the public hearing tonight will be district school voices that plead for support for the
education environments upon which our children and their families depend. School
demographics are changing; economic hardships for many of our residents increase; schools
and their staff are called upon to provide not only education excellence and equity, but also
deeper engagement in securing the protection and well-being of our increasingly vulnerable
children and their families.
Orange County has a history of devoting close to half of its budget to the Orange and
Chapel/Carrboro School Districts, and at the same time assures a budget that supports the
community infrastructure and social services upon which our children, families, neighbors and
schools depend. Our elected Commissioners and county leaders are once again called upon to
find revenues to fulfill these mighty tasks with a budget that protects our children and the
community of adults who are mandated to protect their future and mediate the challenges and
struggles they endure.
I volunteer and help my children raise my grandchildren in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Schools,
and know the major efforts the School District is undertaking to focus on the classroom and
reduce non-essential services. As a social worker and retired teacher, I watch my underpaid
colleagues perform and honor their mission.
Tonight, we turn to you and urge your consideration of creative and fair methods the County can
employ to generate the revenues to help our schools meet their mission and mandate. I urge
your decisions continue and amplify: revenues from heightened economic development; taxes
that are just and do not burden the least among us; and, like the message we direct to our
school districts and town governments, carefully and determinedly look to how we can
streamline our County Government, and how we can evaluate and assure the delivery of more
efficient and improved services, and review current and projected capital plans.
We are all aware that the struggles we face in the current budget season will not be the last.
With school and community partners, I look forward to working with all of you and the new
County Manager.
Miriam Thompson
Grandparent, Carrboro Elementary School*** and McDougal Middle School Students
CH/C Branch NAACP Education Committee
American Federation of Teachers Retiree Chapter Co-Convene
** I urge you review the excellent research provided by the NC Justice Center's Budget and
Tax Policy Center (www.nciustice.orq)
*** See letter and testimony from Carrboro Elementary School's School Improvement Team
From: Erika Lipkin
Phone Number: 919-584-5518
Message:
I am sending this message since I cannot make it to the BOCC meeting tonight. I wanted to
voice my support for the funding of the CHCCS budget. Quality schools enhance the area and
make people want to live in Chapel Hill, increasing property values, and thus increasing tax
revenue. If the budget is not approved, the schools will suffer since they could be affected in
attracting teaching talent, and they may have to cut programs that students benefit from. These
valuable funds also support the growth that the area is experiencing by enabling new facilities to
be built and current facilities to be expanded, so the schools are not overcrowded. Please vote
to fund the budget!
From: Katie Weber
Phone Number: 9199420890
Message:
Please fully fund all schools in Orange County. We truly value them and our children's
education. Thank you!
From: Diana Woodhouse
Phone Number: (919) 260-8853
Message:
Hello,
I am favor of the proposed school budget as is and strongly advocate for passing the budget.
This is extremely important for our kids and for their futures.
Thank you for the work you do.
Diana
From: Jen Bishop
Phone Number: 9199333748
Message:
Dear Orange County Commissioners,
First, thank you for your service during such a critical time for the county. We appreciate all
your hard work.
Second, I want to urge you to fully fund the budget request of CHCCCS and OCS. The schools
need the funding to hold the line and keep the current level of service. As a volunteer in the
schools, I see how tightly things are stretched, and how hard everyone is working.
I know this may mean a tax increase. This is always a hard decision. I, for one, would happily
pay more knowing we are investing in the future of our children in Orange County.
Commissioners,
I will be unable to speak tonight due to my graduating daughter's last orchestra concert and was
unable last week due to another commitment.
I know that the BOCC did not create this mess that we are in with the retreating state funding of
K-12, but I would like to ask you to shore up funding until the state comes around (hopefully via
some election loss turnover in other parts of the state).
I am willing to pay increased taxes for an increase in the ad valorem or district tax as necessary
to meet the CHCCS BOE budget request.
Thanks,
Mark Peters
From: Laura Kline
Phone Number: 919-933-9145
Message:
Please fully fund all school districts in Orange County this year. As a tax payer, I would
welcome raising taxes in order to fund the school districts. Many of us are actively advocating
for public education at the state level, but the battle to increase state funding may take several
years/election cycles. Please do not let our schools languish while we work to restore funding
from the state for public education. All citizens of Orange County--both current voters and tax
payers as well as future ones--thank you!
My name is Erin Dangler and I attended the budget hearing last night to support fully funding
education. I actually had planned to speak, but did not get on the list and at the end when it
was offered for people to speak up, I feared I would have been the dorky kid who had one more
question when the entire class was ready to go out to recess. However, I still want to share my
thoughts if you will so indulge me.
My husband, Brian, and I have two children who have attended the Chapel Hill Carrboro City
Schools since elementary school. Both students will be attending Carrboro High School next
year.
And, yet, oddly, I am not writing to you as a parent.
I am also an Arts Educator and a Teaching Artist in both the Orange County and CHCCS
School districts. Additionally, I have held a small, co-curricular position at Carrboro High School
as the choreographer of the musical productions for the past three years.
And, yet, oddly, I am not writing to you as an Educator.
I am actually speaking to you tonight as one who owns and operates a small business in
Orange County. I run a program called Broadway Bound that teaches the art of musical theatre
to elementary and middle school children. It has been my great joy to live in an area where the
schools have abundant arts programs and I have found that I have become an accidental
partner to the school systems.
The 450 students in grades 1 and 8 whom I teach every year in the private sector become
better prepared for the middle and high school theatre and music programs for which they are
entering. The district arts teachers and I become collaborators, as I talk to them about students
that may be entering their classrooms and allowing their programs to flourish. The current
students in the school theatre programs also become interns for me as they help run the shows
we put on and manage the children backstage.
However, if the school budgets are cut, I will not be able to continue to thrive in this wonderful
county and town as a small business owner.
Part of my job is to put on full productions with these children, as many as 13 productions a
year. The CHCCS schools provide a valuable resource to me in that I rent auditorium space for
my productions from several of the schools Since the start of my business in March of 2011
until now, I have invested over $25,000 in rent at the CHCCS and donated over$6000 from
ticket sales to various school arts programs.
One of the first positions to be cut if the budgets are not fully funded are the theatre manager
positions at the High Schools. If the budget is not fully funded, there are no more managers.
And it is the managers who assist me, a community member and business owner, when I rent
those spaces. My expertise is in staging and choreography and creating a show. I am not able
to run the lights, the sound, move heavy pieces of scenery, adjust the temperature in the room,
lock and unlock the building and maintain the upkeep of these beautiful theatres.
And then the money that I invest in those schools would be gone as well.
While I completely understand the BOCC has no control over what positions or programs get
cut if the budget is not fully funded, it is important to see how a budget cut would affect not just
the students, not just the teachers, but members of the community who benefit from living in an
area where education is the highest priority.
It is impossible to look at the school as separate from the community in which they reside. There
is an interdependency between my business and the schools continuing to provide quality arts
instruction and I am sure the same can be said for many other business owners and families in
the community whether they have children in the school system or not.
I thank you so much for your continued leadership and service to the community. I ask you,
passionately, to fully fund the school budgets so that we, our students, our parents, our
educators, our business owners and all members of the community can thrive.
With gratitude,
Erin Dangler
bdanqler(a�nc.rr.com
4. Adiournment of Public Hearinq
Adjourn Perdita Holtz Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Rich
Capital Investment Plan Budqet Work Session — No Public Comment
1. Continuation of review and discussion of the Manaqer's Recommended FY 2014-
19 Capital Investment Plan (CIP)
Paul Laughton said prior to discussing the CIP he would like to note the memo and
additional information in the folders at their desk. He reviewed the list of these items, and he
said there is a separate packet to prepare for the upcoming June 5th budget work session.
He said the last meeting was on May 15th, and this meeting was added to the public
hearing to allow more time to discuss the CIP. He said an abstract has been prepared with
sections of bold print on revised green pages based on feedback and direction from the Board.
He said these should serve as replacement pages for their CIP Notebook.
County Projects
Paul Laughton referenced the bold note on the top of page 2 of the abstract, and he
said, on County projects, the replacement page is consistent with the scenario given to the
Board on May 15th. He reviewed the notes in the abstract regarding the Environment and
Agricultural Center(EAC) (CIP page 34), and the Proposed Jail (CIP page 32), which are based
on the discussion on May 15tn
Paul Laughton said the Life SafetyADA (CIP page 37) has been updated to reflect
moving projects from years 6 -10 into years 1-5. He said the list of projects and the amounts
have been kept the same.
Commissioner Price asked about year 4 of the Life Safety/ADA page, and the fact that
there is nothing in year 4.
Paul Laughton said there are a lot of other projects already in year 4.
Commissioner Price said she is concerned with the fact that there are life safety issues
that are spread out. She asked for a rationale on delaying these issues.
Paul Laughton said staff attempted to prioritize by need, but these are small projects that
can be moved if necessary.
Jeff Thompson said the access priorities are in year 1 and will be completed by the end
of the fiscal year.
Sportsplex Projects
Paul Laughton said the Sportsplex (CIP pages 84-85) information has been updated, per
Commissioner Gordon's request, to show the debt service impact.
Paul Laughton said page 3 of the abstract contains two items that have been revised
based on Board action at the May 8th meeting.
County Projects
Paul Laughton said one of these is the Cedar Grove Community Center(CIP page 21),
which looks at approving the alternate plan to add $822,000 to that center. He said the $2.8
million is in year 1, and the impact will be in year 2.
Water and Sewer Projects
Paul Laughton said the Buckhorn EDD Phase 2—Efland Sewer to Mebane (CIP page
72), with the revised design costs, reflect an additional $121,400.
Commissioner Gordon referred to 2 lines on page 72 of the CIP, regarding a shift of
projects to the general fund, and she said she thought the Board had asked that no more money
be switched to the general fund.
Paul Laughton said this is for the Efland to Mebane project and this is not solid waste.
He said this would be paid mostly with article 46, but it was started with general fund money
from the Efland sewer situation.
Commissioner Gordon said she would like to watch this item and be mindful of
protecting the general fund.
Paul Laughton reviewed the following information from page 3 of the abstract:
The following projects have been revised(changes highlighted in yellow) based
on the Manager's Recommended Budget for FY 2014-15 reducing the Pay-As-
You-Go (PAYG)funding and increasing Debt Financing a total of$770,110:
County Projects
• Roofing Projects (CIP Page 28) - reflects a change of$179,010 from PAYG funding to
Debt Financing in Year 1.
• Information Technology(CIP Page 29) — reflects a change of$450,000 in PAYG
funding to Debt Financing in Year 1.
• Eurosport Soccer Center, Phase 11 (CIP Page 50) — reflects a change of$125,000
from PAYG funding to Debt Financing in Year 1.
NOTE: All County Debt Service and Debt Capacity— General Fund Only(ClP
Pages 108-109) has been revised to reflect all the changes listed in this abstract.
The following project has been revised(changes highlighted in yellow) based on
a pending action item by the Board of County Commissioners at their upcoming
June 3,2014 regular meeting:
Solid Waste Projects
• Sanitation (CIP Page 80) - reflects a reduction in the cost of the replacement Hook-Lift
truck in FY 2013-14 from $197,282 to $190,548, and moves the other replacement
Hook-Lift truck from FY 2014-15 to FY 2013-14 and reflects a reduction in the cost from
$206,944 to $193,225.
Commissioner Gordon asked where the money will come from to move the truck from
2014-15 to 2013-14.
Paul Laughton said Gayle Wilson has monies available this year to purchase this, and it
will not be paid with general fund monies.
Commissioner Gordon said at one point the fund balance for solid waste was $18.1
million, but there was a recommendation to use some of this to fund the convenience centers.
She questioned whether this fund balance is available.
Michael Talbert said the total fund balance is $18.1 as of June 30, 2013. He said, of that
money, almost$12.5 million was reserved for closure and post closure. He said there are also
reserves for debt service for the outstanding debt on the facility and for post employee benefits.
He said this leaves about$3 million.
Michael Talbert said if things move forward with the recycling options, this amount will be
depleted by $750,000, and one of the options would deplete it down to $1 million.
Clarence Grier said the post closure costs will go down by $3.7 million in the next six
months. He said this will leave about$8 million, which will be amortized over the next 15 to 20
years. He said this is why the funds are available now, as the funds from the methane and
other sales will offset the landfill closure cost and allow for the rebuilding of the fund balance.
Michael Talbert said the Board just approved a contract to close the landfill for about$3
million.
Commissioner Gordon said her point is that there are general fund dollars being
transferred into this fund. She said $190,000 is a lot of money.
Chair Jacobs said the Board had also looked at moving some of the general fund
expenditures on Solid Waste into the fee structure, and this is on the agenda for June 3�a
Paul Laughton reviewed the follow up items listed on page 4 of the abstract.
Fairview Park— Parking Options
Dave Stancil referred to attachment B for Fairview Park—Parking Options. He said
there are several ways to address this issue, and there is no way to know how often the
overflow in parking actually happens at Fairview.
Chair Jacobs said the County paid for half of the community center and then gave that
half to the town. He said it would not be an unreasonable request to ask the town to help with
the parking.
Chair Jacobs asked who would monitor the parking problems.
Dave Stancil said the current arrangement with the town is that they open and close the
gate for the existing parking lot. He said this lot is located at the police substation, and it does
not have a gate, so many of the police officers are leaving their vehicles there. He said this
would mean a change of approach might be needed.
Chair Jacobs asked how many times there has been overflow.
Dave Stancil said he has not heard about this, but the expectation is that this only
happens with a large family reunion or weekend event using the picnic shelter. He said this
makes it hard to know how far to address this issue.
Commissioner Price said she has been over there on occasion, and it has been difficult
to find a space. She said people may use this facility more often if there was more parking
available. She suggested use of the upper corner of the field.
Dave Stancil said Rainey Street may be an option for adding parking on the right side of
the street only. He said this would require coordination with the town. He said there is an
existing playground that is scheduled for replacement or removal beside the existing substation
parking lot. He said this might be a possible area for expansion.
Commissioner Price asked about the objection to putting gravel down in the upper
northeastern corner field.
Dave Stancil said the master plan does show this parking area and a driveway. He said
the only issue is the necessary funding of$500,000. He said it might be possible to build the
driveway, but it will not be cheap even if the parking area is gravel. He said gravel parking
could be done near the end of the existing public works driveway, but this would require a path
to be cut to the walking trails.
Commissioner Price said many of the residents want this to be finished, and she feels
the park would be used more if there was more parking.
Commissioner McKee said he would suggest finding out how often crowds actually limit
the parking, and he suspects it is fairly often. He said this is a major issue for those who live
across the street.
Commissioner Rich asked how many more spaces would be needed.
Dave Stancil said this need may be something the Town of Hillsborough would want to
weigh in on.
Commissioner Gordon suggested, since the extent of the need is not known, that the
free options should be explored first.
Dave Stancil agreed and said the simplest solution might be to see if the police
substation lot can be freed up.
Chair Jacobs said there has been discussion about the fact that building that driveway
and parking lot would make it more of a County park instead of a neighborhood park, as it would
give more access. He said there is a very active neighborhood association that may be able to
keep an eye on the parking and report on the times when the parking lot is full. He said, as a
short term solution, signage could be posted to note the overflow parking area at the police
substation.
Chair Jacobs said he is hearing that more data is needed.
Efland-Cheeks Community Center
Paul Laughton said information on this item is found in attachment C. He said there is a
question of whether or not this center is sufficient for the community's needs. He noted the
attachment of a brochure outlining the summer and fall programming.
Chair Jacobs asked if there will be a placeholder in the CIP for any improvements.
Paul Laughton said there are no placeholders at this point, but that could be done at the
discretion of the Board.
Chair Jacobs said the Board just approved two other community center upgrades. He
said this Efland Community has been very involved in using the center, and he likes the idea of
finding out what is needed. He would like to have some placeholder funding in years 6 - 10.
Chair Jacobs said part of the problem is that people in the community want to have
senior activities in that center, but the Department on Aging does not want to provide activities
there and wants them instead to come to Hillsborough. He said this should be dealt with at the
manager level.
Michael Talbert asked how often the center is used now.
Dave Stancil said it is used quite a bit, and it is reserved about one-third of the time. He
said he can pull the usage data to get the specific information.
Michael Talbert said upcoming transportation improvements would put a regional route
that could tie into the senior center multiple times per day. He said this would make the senior
center more accessible. He said this does not address the community needs, but it may
provide a short term solution.
Chair Jacobs said multiple departments may need to come out there and have a
conversation with the community.
Commissioner Gordon said it is important to see the whole picture of the role and
function of the community center in order to have a principled answer.
Dave Stancil said staff has come to that conclusion with the parks and recreation master
plan. He said the goal is to define the purpose of these facilities.
Commissioner Price said people have told her that they want the center to be open more
often.
Dave Stancil said this is a challenge and the groups out in that area have different
opinions about when they would like the center to be open. He said a part time staff person can
be moved back out there after the summer camps are over.
Commissioner McKee said there is interest by one community organization in working
with the County to increase hours of the center.
Chair Jacobs said the Central Orange Senior Center is already talking about a needed
expansion. He said this makes it even more important to have some of these other facilities
available for more services. He suggested staff denote a commitment in the CIP to show that
there is a commitment to visit this issue.
Paul Laughton said this can be done prior to the June 10th work session, and this will
affect debt financing in years 6-10.
Commissioner Gordon said she would like to discuss it first.
Paul Laughton said there will be no commitment yet, but options will be presented.
Year 1 (FY 2014-15) Recommended Projects
County Capital Projects
Paul Laughton said this item is outlined in attachment D. He said the CIP is a five- year
plan, with the first year funding being approved. He said attachment D outlines the projects
being considered for funding approval in year one, and this includes revisions highlighted in
yellow. He said the largest change is the addition of the $822,000 to the Cedar Grove
Community Center under the County capital projects.
Special Revenue Fund(Article 46 Sa/es Tax)
He noted that there are no changes to the Article 46 sales tax.
Commissioner Rich asked about the Launch project. She said the lease on their
building is up in 2015, and the rent is being raised. She said this may change the amount for
2015-16.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the $750,000 Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools
(CHCCS) has requested for renovations for older schools to help delay the building of new
schools. She asked if this is a capital item or an operating item.
Michael Talbert said this is a capital item.
Commissioner Gordon said she would like to see this flagged.
Paul Laughton asked if she would like to see this proportionate to Orange County
Schools (OCS).
Commissioner Gordon said yes. She said CHCSS submitted a plan already, and she is
not sure about OCS.
Paul Laughton said he is not sure that OCS has approved a plan yet, but the goal was to
have this before the summer.
Proprietary Capital Projects
- Water and Sewer Utilities
Paul Laughton said the Efland Sewer Flow to Mebane accounts for the increase in the
design cost.
- Solid Waste
Paul Laughton said this includes changes reflecting the movement of the hook lift truck,
to the current year.
Commissioner Gordon asked about the Eubanks Road improvements and the possibility
of the town doing something at their town operations center and how this relates to economies
of scale.
Michael Talbert said the town board has talked about the possibility of a transfer station,
but this would be at least a two year process.
Michael Talbert noted that pages 108 and 109 show updates to the current debt amount
for this year, as well as the general fund budget.
Clarence Grier said the increase in the budget and the debt capacity adds almost $25
million in debt capacity.
Chair Jacobs said it may be necessary to be more aggressive in borrowing since the
capacity is there. He said if the County has the capacity, they should be discussing a bond
issue of at least $100 million. He said if the goal is to expedite it to the spring primary in 2016,
then the planning process needs to start soon after the Board reconvenes in the fall.
Commissioner Gordon said it is good news that there is $25 million more in debt
capacity.
CLOSED SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
adjourn to a closed session at 10:11 p.m. for the purpose of:
To discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic
development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations. The action
approving the signing of an economic development contract or commitment, or the action
authorizing the payment of economic development expenditures, shall be taken in an open
session.
§ 143-318.11(a)(4).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
reconvene to regular session at 10:48PM.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
adjourn the meeting at 10:48PM.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board