HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-01-2005-8bORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 1, 2005
Action Ager~a
Item No. ~?
SUBJECT: Orange County's 2005 Legislative Agenda
DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) Yes
ATTACHMENT(S):
Public Hearing Notice -Chapel Hill
Herald & News of Orange
Two Draft Resolutions -Introduction
and Support w/Exhibits
Draft Resolution -Positions on
Legislation w/Exhibits
State Funding Request -Northern
Human Services Center Arts
Studio
State Funding Request -Homestead
Road/Rogers Road Sidewalks
Draft Letter to Orange County
Legislative Delegation
Alphabetical Listing of Topics for
Meeting with Legislative
Delegation
Federal Funding Request to Senator
Elizabeth Dole for Southern
Orange Senior Center
Federal Funding Requests to
Congressman David Price for
Orange County Heritage Center
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Commissioner Steve Halkiotis
Commissioner Barry Jacobs
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough
Chapel Hill
Durham
Mebane
732-8181
968-4501
688-7331
336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing on 1) potential items far inclusion in Orange County's
legislative agenda package for the 2005 North Carolina General Assembly Session and to
consider approval of draft resolutions and funding requests for presentation to Orange County's
legislative delegation; and 2) on potential items/projects to request federal funding/assistance,
BACKGROUND: In past years, the BOCC has developed a package of legislative items to
pursue for North Carolina General Assembly sessions. A list of potential legislative items for
the 2005 Session has been developed by the County's Legislative Issues Task Force (CITE)
and is attached to this abstract, At the Board's February 15, 2005 regular meeting, it approved
the scheduling of a public hearing on potential legislative items for the BOCC's March 1, 2005
regular meeting.
The Board elected to hold the public hearing on the potential legislative items in preparation far
presenting its proposals to Orange County's legislative delegation for consideration during the
2005 General Assembly Session. The BOCC meets with the legislative delegation on March
14, 2005. The General Assembly convened on January 26, 2005.
After the public hearing, the Board will need to review and consider approval as necessary of
the attached draft resolutions and associated materials as developed by staff and the County
Attorney. Those materials consist of three resolutions. The first resolution with its exhibits
relates to authorization to levy an impact tax on land development to pay a portion of the costs
of school capital facilities, and a real estate transfer tax.
The second resolution with its exhibits addresses three areas. Those are the removal of natural
sound barriers along interstates, the delegation of authority to counties, and technical revisions
regarding State facilities.
The third resolution with attached exhibits requests that Orange County's legislative delegation
take certain positions on various legislative matters. One of the exhibits is a letter and joint
resolution recently signed by Orange County and other area counties and school systems
regarding school funding.
Following the resolutions are attachments regarding state funding requests that would be
submitted to Orange County's legislative delegation. As proposed, the County would request
state financial assistance for the arts studio at the Northern Human Services Center and for the
construction of sidewalks on Homestead Road and Rogers Road.
The next two attachments are 1) a draft letter to Orange County's legislative delegation
expressing appreciation for past efforts on legislative items and transmitting to the delegation
the Board's 2005 legislative package; and 2) an alphabetical listing with package location
references for all the topics that are included in the legislative package. The second
attachment should assist in locating various topics to be addressed during the meeting with the
legislative delegation on March 14, 2005.
It should also be noted that the work of the LITF to this point is based on the current information
available and the outlook for the 2005 General Assembly Session. The issues addressed by
the LITF and incorporated into the draft resolutions may evolve and change over the session
and require additional attention by the Task Force and Board of Commissioners. New issues
may also arise necessitating additional review.
Lastly, the Board will discuss potential items/projects for 2005 federal funding/assistance.
Commissioners Carey and Jacobs recently met with staff from Senator Elizabeth Dole's office
regarding potential federal funding/assistance issues, and it has been concluded that one
project should be pursued with Senator Dole -federal funding to provide for commercial grade
kitchen facilities at the new Southern Orange Senior Center. There is also one potential project
to be pursued with Congressman David Price -federal funding for an Orange County "Heritage
Center" -with this funding being pursued from two different federal funding sources.
Based on unexpected congressional deadlines, preliminary information on the Senior Center
and "Heritage Center" projects was recently shared with staffs for Senator Dole and
Congressman Price, and any discussions/conclusions at this BQGC meeting would be
forwarded to those staffs as appropriate. Information is attached for the requests, including
both potential funding sources for the "Heritage Center" through Congressman Price.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None at this time.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board conduct the public
hearing on potential items for inclusion in Qrange County's legislative agenda package for the
201)5 North Carolina General Assembly Session and consider approval of the three draft
resolutions, and review and discuss as necessary the items/projects for federal
funding/assistance.
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
FOR
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2005 AT 7:30 P.M.
A public hearing will be held on the following list of potential legislative items for the 2005 North Carolina
General Assembly Session:
• Cigarette Tax and Alcohol Tax Increase
• Closing of Tax Loopholes
• Local School System Utility Costs
• Loca] Revenue Options
• Public School Capital Building Fund Disbursements
• State Reimbursements to Local Governments
• Billboard Advertisements on Interstate 40
• Funding for Rural Planning Organizations
• Unpaved Roads in Post-1975 Subdivisions
• Social Services and Criminal Justice Pazmership Funding
• County Financial Responsibility for Children Needing Residential Mental Health Treatment
• Adequate Funding for Mental Health Refotrn/De-institufionalization
• In-Home Services for Seniors Funding
• Funding for Intensive Home Visits Targeting Child Abuse Prevention
• Reform of Medical Prescription System
• Smart Start Funding
• Reinstatement of Position Funding -Expanded Foods & Nuttition Education Program (EFNEP)
• Maintain Clerk of Cowt Responsibilities for Child Support Enforcement Court Orders
• Funding for Problem-Solving Court Models
• Bottle Deposit Legislation
• Advance Fee for Cathode Ray Tube Recycling
• White Goods Recycling
• Reduced Class Size and Associated Need for Capital and Other Funding
• "More at Four" and Associated Need for Capital and Other Funding
• Adequate and Reliable School Funding
• County Per Pupil Funding Structure
• School Resource Officer Funding
• Education Lottery Referendum
• Increased Funding to State Aid for Libraries Program
• Video Poker and State Funding
• Increased Flexibility for Emergency Telephone System Fund
• NC Association of County Commissioners' Goals -Revenue Options and Medicaid Relief
• Federal and State Mandates
• Private Sector Soil Evaluations for Septic System Permitting
• ABC System Changes
• Soil and Water Shared Employee Funding
• Utility Eminent Domain
• Local Government Property Transfers
• Annexation & L ocal Planning and Revenue Option Incentives to Control Growth
s Restaurant Inspection Fees
• County Fee for Judicial Activities
• Eliminate Verification Process/Fee for Recording Deed of Tmst Cancellations
• County Fee for Inspection of'Body Piercing Establishments
• Criminal Record Check Privacy Revision for Long-term Care Employees
• Statutory Definition of Health Facility Locked Units
• Definition of Animal "Shelter"
• Use of'Optical Scan Voting Machines/Back-up Paper Record
• Recast of Lost Ballots
• Electronic Voting Machines Computer Source Code Availability
• Public Employee Community Service Leave for Elections
• Absentee Ballot Early Tabulation
• State Funding for Recounts
• Continue One-Stop Voting Through Election Day Pilot Program
• Impact Tax or Real Estate Transfer Tax to Replace Impact Fee
• Removal of Natural Sound Bamers Along Interstates
• Broaden Local Government Authority to Enact Laws to Protect Public Health, Safety & Welfare
The Board will also consider items/projects to pursue for federal funding assistance. The proposed
legislative items and other materials associated with the public hearing will be available to the public on
Friday, Febmary 25, 2005.
The Board of Commissioners welcomes all comments on all items as maybe introduced or addressed at the
public hearing. The meeting is open to the public and will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at the F.
Gordon Battle Courtroom in the Courthouse in Hillsborough beginning at 7:30 p.m. If you need additional
information, please call Greg Wilder at 245-2314.
1
NORTH CAROLINA
ORANGE COUNTY
RESOLUTION REGARDING
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Orange County that the Board hereby requests the Senator and
Representatives representing Orange County to introduce and
support the following legislative matter:
1, AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE ORANGE COUNTY TO LEVY A TAX ON THE
IMPACT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF GENERATING
REVENUES TO PAY PART OF THE COSTS OF SCHOOL CAPITAL FACILITIES
(Exhibit A);
2. AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE ORANGE COUNTY TO LEVY AN EXCISE
TAX ON CONVEYANCES (Exhibit B).
Upon motion of Commissioner seconded by
Commissioner the foregoing resolution was adopted
this the day of 2005.
I, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the
County of Orange, North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the
foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said
Board at a meeting held on
2005 as relates in any
way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings
are recorded in Minute Book No. of the minutes of said
Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day
of 2005,
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
lsg:orangecounty\resreglegmatter2005 doc
3
Exhibit A
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE ORANGE COUNTY TO LEVY A TAX ON
THE 2MPACT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PURPOSE
OF GENERATING REVENUES TO PAY PART OF THE COSTS
OF SCHOOL CAPITAL FACILITIES
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SPsCTION 1. The following definitions apply to this act:
(1) Commercial building enclosed floor space. All enclosed
floor space used for any purpose except:
a.. dwelling units and accessory structures to dwelling
units;
b. recreational facilities constructed as part of a
residential development and used primarily by
residents of the development;
c. buildings owned by the United States, the State of
North Carolina, any county or any municipal
corporation;
d. buildings owned and operated by non-profit entities
for noncommercial and nonresidential purposes;
e. schools or day care centers.
(2) Dwelling Unit. An enclosure containing sleeping, kitchen,
and bathroom facilities designed for and used or held ready
for use as a permanent residence by one family.
(3) Land development,.
a. Land development shall mean:
1, construction of any dwelling unit, other than
one excluded under subsection (b) of this
Section, for which a building permit was issued
or should have been issued after the effective
date of an ordinance adopted under this act;
2, construction of any commercial building
enclosed floor space for which a building
permit was issued or should have been issued
after the effective date of an ordinance
adopted under this act;
3. conversion of a building that adds one or more
new dwelling units or that creates new
commercial building enclosed floor space; or
4. the initial location of a manufactured home or
other dwelling or commercial structure within
Orange County..
b. For purposes of determining the impact of land
development for this act, land development shall not
include:
1. construction of an addition to a dwelling unit;
2.. the relocation within Orange County of any
structure located within the County on the
effective date of an ordinance adopted pursuant
to this act or any structure with respect to
which an impact tax pursuant to this act has
been paid;
3.. within the County, the reconstruction or
4
replacement of one dwelling unit by another or
the replacement or reconstruction of commercial
building enclosed floor space that was in
existence on the effective date of an ordinance
adopted pursuant to this act or of any such
floor space with respect to which an impact tax
adopted pursuant to this act has been paid,
(4) Net proceeds. The gross proceeds of the tax less the cost
to the County of collecting and administering the tax,.
(5) Person. An individual, partnership, corporation, or other
legal entity.
(6) Person responsible for the impact of land development, The
owner of any dwelling unit or commercial building enclosed
floor space on the date an occupancy permit is issued for
such dwelling unit or commercial floor space or, if no such
permit is issued, the date the dwelling unit or commercial
floor space is occupied.
SECTION 2. Authorization. The Orange County School Capital
Impact Tax.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section,
Orange County may adopt an ordinance levying a tax on the impact of
land development within the County and provide for the administration,
enforcement and collection of the tax.
(b) Orange County may not adopt an ordinance pursuant to this
act if any ordinance pertaining to a system of impact fees to provide
for capital improvements to public schools within Orange County,
adopted pursuant to Sections 17-18.1 of Chapter 460 of the 1987 Session
Laws and Chapter 324 of the 1991 Session Laws, is in effect,
SECTION 3. Use of Tax Proceeds.. The purpose of the tax
authorized by this act is to generate funds to partially offset the
cost of constructing new school capital facilities or replacing,
expanding or improving existing school capital facilities necessitated
in part by new growth within Orange County, Accordingly, the net
proceeds generated by the tax authorized by this act shall be deposited
by Orange County in its capital reserve improvements fund or funds
established under Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 159 of the General
Statutes and may be expended, to the extent otherwise authorized by
law, only for capital improvements projects related to public schools,
SECTION 4. Liability; Administration.. An ordinance adopted
pursuant to this act shall provide that:
(1) A person responsible for the impact of land development
shall pay an impact tax for each square foot of dwelling
space and commercial building enclosed floor space for
which an occupancy permit is issued or, if no such permit
is issued, for each square foot of dwelling space in an
occupied dwelling and for each square foot of occupied
enclosed floor space in a commercial building.
(2) The tax shall be due on or before the date an occupancy
permit is initially issued for the dwelling unit or
commercial building enclosed floor space in question or, if
no such permit is issued, the date such dwelling unit or
commercial floor space is initially occupied.. However, no
tax due shall be considered delinquent until sixty (60)
days after the tax becomes due, There shall be added to
delinquent taxes interest at the legal rate.
(3) Taxes authorized by this act may be collected pursuant to
G,S, 153A-147 or G.S.. 160A-207.. In addition, taxes
5
authorized by this act may be recovered in a civil action
in the nature of debt including an award of reasonable
attorney fees as part of costs,
SECTION 5. Rates,. Orange County shall establish annually at the
time of the adoption of its annual budget the tax rate to be levied per
square foot of dwelling space and per square foot of commercial
building enclosed floor space for the ensuing fiscal year, Different
tax rates may be established for different types of dwelling units and
different types of commercial building enclosed floor space..
SECTION 6. Provisions for repeal of other local acts,
disclosure requirements and effective date,
(a) Orange County may repeal all or part of an ordinance
pertaining to a system of impact fees to provide for capital
improvements to public schools within Orange County, adopted pursuant
to Sections 17-18.1 of Chapter 460 of the 1987 Session Laws and Chapter
324 of the 1991 Session Laws. With respect to an ordinance pertaining
to a system of impact fees to provide for capital improvements to
public schools within Orange County, Orange County may not adopt an
ordinance pursuant to Sections 17-18.1 of Chapter 460 of the 1987
Session Laws and Chapter 324 of the 1991 Session Laws while an
ordinance adopted pursuant to this act i.s in effect.
SECTION 7. Disclosure Requirements.. Whenever the sale of real
property located in Orange County involves new construction, the seller
shall prepare and sign, and the buyer shall receive and sign, a
disclosure statement. The disclosure statement shall either be included
in a contract of sale or contained in a separate document executed
prior to the execution of a sales contract.. This disclosure statement
shall fully and completely disclose that the owner of the property at
the time an occupancy permit issued for the new construction or, if no
occupancy permit is issued, the date the new construction is occupied,
may be subject to a tax levied by the County on the impact of land
development.. Zf a seller fails to make such a disclosure and the buyer
suffers injury as a result of the seller's failure to disclose, the
seller shall be liable to the buyer to the extent of the buyer's
injury..
SECTION 8. Refunds.. If this act or any ordinance adopted under
this act is declared to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, by a
final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, then any impact
taxes collected under this act shall be refunded to the person paying
them together with interest at the same rate paid by the Secretary of
Revenue on refunds for tax overpayments.
SECTION 9. Limitations on Actions.
(a) Any action contesting the validity of an ordinance
adopted under this act must be commenced not later than nine months
after the effective date of such ordinance.
(b) Any action seeking to recover an impact tax must be
commenced not later than nine months after the impact tax is paid..
SECTION 10. This act applies to Orange County only.
SECTION 11, This act is effective when it becomes law.
6
Exhibit B
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE ORANGE COUNTY TO
LEVY AN EXCISE TAX ON CONVEYANCES
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. Authorization. The Orange County Excise Tax on
Conveyances.
(a) The Board of Commissioners of Orange County may, by
resolution, levy a local excise tax on conveyances at
a rate of up to one percent (10) on instruments
conveying interests in real property located in Orange
County.
(b) The tax applies to the consideration or value,
whichever is greater, of the interest conveyed,
including the value of any lien or encumbrance
remaining on the property at the time of sale. The
levy of the tax may become effective only on the first
day of a calendar month set in the resolution levying
the tax, which may not be earlier than the first day
of the second succeeding calendar month after the date
the resolution is adopted.
(c) The Board of Commissioners of Orange County must, upon
adoption of a resolution levying a tax under this act,
immediately deliver a certified copy of the resolution
to the Register of Deeds of Orange County. Upon
receipt of the certified copy of the resolution, the
Register of Deeds of Orange County shall administer
the tax in the County as provided in this act.
(d) The tax is in addition to the Excise Stamp Tax on
Conveyances levied by Article SE, Chapter 105 of the
North Carolina General Statutes. A tax levied under
this act does not apply to a transfer exempt from the
Excise Stamp Tax on Conveyances, Article 8E, Chapter
105 of the North Carolina General Statutes, In
addition, the tax does not apply to a transfer to the
transferor's spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents,
children or grandchildren, A tax levied under this act
applies to transfers of interests in real property
located in Orange County. If the property is located
in two or more counties, a transfer of an interest in
the property is taxable under this act only if the
greater part of the property, with respect to value,
lies in Orange County.
7
(e) A tax levied under this act is payable by the
transferor of the interest. Except as otherwise
provided in this act, the provisions of GS 105-228.32
through GS 105-228.37 apply to a tax levied under this
act, The County must provide metering or similar
equipment for the collection of the tax in lieu of the
use of tax stamps.
(f) The Board of Commissioners of Orange County may, by
resolution, repeal or reduce the rate of a tax levied
under this act, Repeal or reduction of the tax must
become effective on the first day of a month and may
not become effective until the end of the fiscal year
in which the repeal or reduction resolution was
adopted. Repeal of an excise tax on conveyances, or
reduction of its rate, under this act does not effect
a liability for a tax that attached before the
effective date of the repeal or reduction, nor does it
effect a right to a refund of a tax that accrued
before the effective date of the repeal or reduction.
(g) The proceeds of the tax levied under this act may be
used for any lawful purpose.
SECTIQN 2. This act applies to Orange County only.
SECTIQN 3. This act is effective when it becomes law.
1
NORTH CAROLINA
RESOLUTION REGARDING
ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Orange County that the Board hereby requests the Senator and
Representatives representing Orange County to introduce and
support the following legislative matter:
I. AN ACT TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND CONFORMING
CHANGES TO THE GENERAL STATUTES (Exhibit A);
2. AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE REGULATION OF THE REMOVAL OF
NATURAL SOUND BARRIERS ADJACENT TO INTERSTATE AND PRIMARY NORTH
CAROLINA HIGHWAYS (Exhibit B);
3. AN ACT TO CLARIFY THE EXISTING DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
TO COUNTIES AND TO CONFIRM FLEXIBILITY IN THE EXECUTION OF THOSE
DELEGATED AUTHORITIES (Exhibit C).
Upon motion of Commissioner seconded by
Commissioner the foregoing resolution was adopted
this the day of 2005.
I, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the
County of Orange, North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the
foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said
Board at a meeting held on 2005 as relates in any
way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings
are recorded in Minute Book No. of the minutes of said
Board.
2
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day
of 2005.
Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
lag:orangecounty\resreglegmatt ex2005 No 2.doc
3
Exhibit A
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS AND
CONFORMING CHANGES TO THE GENERAL STATUTES
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G,S, 153A-347 reads as rewritten:
"~ 153A-347. Part applicable to buildings constructed by
the State and its subdivisions; exception.
Each provision of this Part is applicable to the
erection, construction, and use of buildings and land by
the State of North Carolina and its political subdivisions.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or local
law or ordinance, no land owned by the State of North
Carolina may be included within - ~--' ~•• ~'~ ~`T~ ~'' ~r a
_'_~'_ •__.--- -_~ conditional use district without approval of
the Council of Sta-t~ State or its designate. (1959, c,
1006, s. l; 1973, c. 822, s, 1; 1985, c. 607, s, 4.)
SECTION 2. This act applies only to Orange County,
SECTION 3. This act is effective when it becomes law.
4
Exhibit B
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE
REGULATION OF THE REMOVAL OF NATURAL
SOUND BARRIERS ADJACENT TO INTERSTATE AND
PRIMARY NORTH CAROLINA HIGHWAYS
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. § 153A-121 reads as rewritten:
~ 153A-121. General ordinance-making power.
(a) A county may by ordinance define, regulate, prohibit,
or abate acts, omissions, or conditions detrimental to
the health, safety, or welfare of its citizens and the
peace and dignity of the county; and may define and
abate nuisances.
(b) This section does not authorize a county to regulate
or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a street
or highway under the control of the Board of
Transportation, nor to regulate or control any right-
of-way or right-of-passage belonging to a public
utility, electric or telephone membership corporation,
or public agency of the State. In addition, no county
ordinance may regulate or control a highway right-of-
way in a manner inconsistent with State law or an
ordinance of the Board of Transportation. A county may
regulate the cutting of trees located on land adjacent
to the right-of-way, and for a distance not to exceed
100 feet perpendicular from the right-of-way, of
Interstate highways and primary North Carolina
highways under the control of the Board of
Transportation.
(c) This section does not impair the authority of local
boards of health to adopt rules and regulations to
protect and promote public health.
SECTION 2. This act applies only to Orange County.
SECTION 3. This act is effective when it becomes law,
5
Exhibit C
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO CLARIFY
THE EXISTING DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
TO COUNTIES AND TO CONFIRM FLEXIBILITY
IN THE EXECUTION OF THOSE DELEGATED AUTHORITIES
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 153A-4 reads as rewritten:
~ 153A-4. Broad construction.
It is the policy of the General Assembly that the
counties of this State should have adequate authority to
exercise the powers, rights, duties, functions, privileges,
and immunities conferred upon them by law, 'I-a-t~r3s-end, the
~ ~' ^~ a f ~. _ ' s-It is the
intention of the General Assembly that the rule of strict
construction known as Dillon's Rule shall not be applied to
interpretations of the scope of the delegations of
authority to counties. Rather all grants of authority to
counties shall be broadly construed and grants of power
shall be construed to include any additional and
supplemental powers that are reasonably necessary or
expedient to the exercise of the power. Provided, that th
exercise of such additional or supplementary .powers shall
not be contrary to State or federal law or to the public
licy of this State.
Except where spe
s, counties shall have
the authority and flexibility to adopt reasonable
definitions, procedures, rules, fee schedules, exceptions
and exemptions.
This section neither expands nor restricts the
authority to impose taxes pursuant to Article 7 of this
Chapter or to finance public enterprises pursuant to
Article 15 of this Chapter. This section neither expands
nor restricts the purposes for which regulations may be
adopted pursuant to Article 18 of this Chapter.
SECTION 2. G.S. 153A-124 reads as rewritten:
~ 153A-124. Enumeration not exclusive.
The enumeration in this Article or other portions of
this Chapter of specific powers to define, regulate,
prohibit, or abate acts, omissions, or conditions is not
exclusive, nor is it a limit on the general authority to
adopt ordinances conferred on counties by G,S, 153A-121,
Where a county is authorized to regulate, restrict, or
6
rohibit acts, omissions, or conditions by this Chapter ,_
by other general law, or by local act, a county may freely
elect to use any or all of those authorizations, either
individually or in combination, and shall follow the
procedures for adoption set forth for those authorities so
chosen.
SECTInN 3. G.S. 153A-322 reads as rewritten:
§ :153A-322. Supplemental powers.
(a) A county or its designated planning agency may accept,
receive, and disburse in furtherance of its functions
funds, grants, and services made available by the
federal government or its agencies, the State
government or its agencies, any local government or
its agencies, and private or civic sources. A county,
or its designated planning agency with the concurrence
of the board of commissioners, may enter into and
carry out contracts with the State or federal
governments or any agencies of either under which
financial or other planning assistance is made
available to the county and may agree to and comply
with any reasonable conditions that are imposed upon
the assistance.
(b) A county, or its designated planning agency with the
concurrence of the board of commissioners, may enter
into and carry out contracts with any other county,
city, regional council, or planning agency under which
it agrees to furnish technical planning assistance to
the other local government or planning agency. A
county, or its designated planning agency with the
concurrence of the board of commissioners, may enter
into and carry out contracts with any other county,
city, regional council, or planning agency under which
it agrees to pay the other local government or
planning agency for technical planning assistance.
(c) A county may make any appropriations that may be
necessary to carry out an activity or contract
authorized by this Article, by Chapter 157A, or by
Chapter 160A, Article 19 or to support, and compensate
members of, any planning agency that it may create or
designate pursuant to this Article.
(d) A county may elect to combine any of the ordinances
authorized by law into a unified ordinance. Unless
expressly provided otherwise a county may apply any
of the definitions and procedures authorized by law to
any or all aspects of such a unified ordinance and may
employ any organizational structure, board,
commission, or staffing arrangement authorized by law
to any or all aspects of such ordinance.
SECTION 4, This act applies only to Orange County,
SECTION 5. This act is effective when it becomes law.
nRAFT
Fox reference purposes, the items in this resolution with one asterisk (*)
include updates to their content from the similar language that was part of
Orange County's 2004 Legislative Agenda, Items with two asterisks (**) are
new fox the 2005 Legislative Agenda, All other items are duplicates from
2004.
1
NORTH CAROLINA
RESOLUTION REGARDING
ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE MATTERS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Orange County that the Board hereby requests the Senator and
Representatives representing Orange County take the following
positions on legislation regarding the following matters:
REVENUES
1) Support an increase in the cigarette tax, primarily for
the purposes of health programs and for reducing and
preventing tobacco use (See March 5, 2003 Board of
Commissioners' Resolution - Exhibit A), and with a
portion of the new revenues being dedicated as a funding
source for the Farmland Preservation Trust Fund and for
the creation of regional processing centers to create
value-added products and help promote farm options;
2) Support an increase in the alcohol tax with a portion of
the new revenues being dedicated for mental health and
substance abuse rehabilitation treatment programs;
3) Support balancing the State of North Carolina budget by
closing tax loopholes, including ending the sales-tax cap
on boats, planes, and railway cars, doing away with a
2
sales-tax cap on business machinery, repealing a tax
credit for cigarettes manufactured in North Carolina but
sold overseas, and eliminating an interest expense
deduction for banks;
4) Support legislation to re-institute State funding of
local school system utility costs;
5) Support legislation to allow all counties to enact
various revenue options, with optional local referenda,
that have already been authorized for counties in other
parts of the State, including real estate transfer taxes,
impact taxes for school facilities and other
infrastructure, prepared meals taxes and occupancy taxes;
6) * Ensure that the Public School Capital Building Fund
disbursements (which for FY 2002-03 were estimated to
have been $794,000 for Qrange County had they not been
withheld by the state, and for which allocations were
restored for FY 2003-04) continue to be made on behalf of
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to address pressing
capital needs in the next and future fiscal years;
7) Support the North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners (NCACC) and North Carolina League of
Municipalities (NCLM) positions regarding state
government reimbursements to local governments;
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3
TRANSPORTATION
8) Support establishing a permanent prohibition on billboard
advertisements along Interstate 40;
9) Support increased dedicated funding for the establishment
and implementation of Rural Transportation Planning
Organizations throughout the State;
10) Support legislation providing the North Carolina
Department of Transportation with flexibility statewide
in addressing acceptance and maintenance of post-1975
recorded subdivisions with unpaved roads to address
unintended exclusion from the state-maintained road
system (Examples: 1) Developed subdivisions based on
unrecorded subdivision plats on pre-1975 unrecorded
subdivision plats which plats include publicly dedicated
roads and 2) Unexpected Death of Original Subdivision
Property Owner and Lack of Owner's Right-of-Way
Dedication Signature on recorded plat);
SOCIAL SAFETY NET
11) * Support legislation that, at a minimum, returns to the
Fiscal Year 2001-2002 level of funding for State Aid to
Counties in the Social Services Budget. These funds
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4
have been available from the state for decades to
support the administration of state and federal public
assistance programs provided through county governments.
These funds are used to pay some of the costs of the
staff who determine eligibility for Food Stamps,
Medicaid and other financial assistance programs. These
programs are experiencing growth in the number of
persons needing assistance, which has increased the
workload for the staff at Social Services. The state
should increase its funding to support the county
administration of these programs, especially since this
is one of the few sources of state funds in any of the
operational costs of the local Social Services programs.
Three years ago, the Orange County portion of this fund
was reduced from $69,603 to $58,851. Since these funds
can be used to match federal funds, loss of these funds
results in either additional county costs or loss in
revenue of $21,504 to support staff at Social Services;
12) Support legislation providing that the State is
responsible for providing services to children in need
of residential mental health treatment;
13) Support the reinstatement of Criminal Justice
Partnership Program (CJPP) funding and other
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5
alternatives to incarceration lost due to budget cuts in
the Department of Correction with the understanding that
diverting these funds would lead to greater costs and
challenges for the correctional system as well as the
general public;
14) * Support legislation directing that the North Carolina
Department of Health and Human Services provide adequate
planning and funding for local governments to address
the costs which will be incurred with mental health
reform/de-institutionalization activities;
15) Support legislation involving programs and funding to
expand the in-home services available to seniors;
16) Support legislation for the funding of intensive home
visiting projects that target prevention of child abuse
and neglect;
17) Support legislation which promotes reform of the medical
prescription system that incorporates provisions
included in the State of Maine system;
18) Support legislation for reinstating and maintaining
adequate funding for Smart Start statewide that ensures
that children across the state can have the
opportunities for success in the same manner as those
with Orange County Partnership for Young Children;
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6
19) ** Reinstatement of full State funding through NC State
University for positions (two in Orange County) cut to
50o funding for 2004-05 for the Expanded Foods and
Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) that assists low-
income families and pregnant teens by providing basic
nutrition education, food preparation, food safety, food
selection, and infant feeding instruction;
20) ** Oppose legislation that would remove the option of
enforcement of child support orders by Clerks of Court
unless adequate state funding is provided to cover start
up and continuation costs to counties (such as Orange)
where the State does not directly administer the Child
Support Enforcement program;
21) ** Support sustained funding for problem-solving court
models within Judicial District 15B. These programs
diminish court costs and the strain on the limited,
already over-burdened judicial system and include the
Adult Drug Treatment Court, Family Dependency DTC,
Community Resource Court, Youth Planning Coordinator,
and Orange County Dispute Settlement Center. All court
problem-solving endeavors are based on collaborative
models usually involving two or more human service
agencies plus dedicated court representatives. Previous
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7
funding sources have been a combination of Governor's
Crime Commission, Bureau of Justice Assistance, System
of Care, Jail Diversion Block Grant, the State
Legislature and other funding sources;
SOLID WASTE
The State of North Carolina has not demonstrated adequate
leadership on recycling efforts. It has failed to
implement strategies and incentives to encourage recycling
and also has not instituted penalties sufficient to ensure
that recycling opportunities are pursued. This deficiency
could begin to be reversed as follows:
22)Support bottle deposit legislation to be applied to any
liquids bottled for human beverage consumption including
soda, juice, beer, milk, wine, tea, water, and all
distilled alcoholic beverages;
23)Support legislation requiring an advance recycling fee
(ARF) and a subsequent ban on landfilling or
incineration of televisions, computer monitors and other
devices using a cathode ray tube (CRT) to display an
image on a screen;
24)Support legislation that promotes and supports the
recycling and disposal of white goods including
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retaining earmarked State revenue sources to support
these programs;
EDUCATION
Orange County believes that political initiatives regarding
education that create unfunded mandates for local
governments should be opposed, Examples of these include:
25)Legislation which seeks to reduce class size if the
State does not include the necessary funding (capital
and otherwise) and thereby creates additional pressures
on local school systems for construction of new and
expanded school facilities and for additional support
staff (Also See #6 above);
26)Legislation that expands programs such as "More at Four"
that obligate local school systems' space if the State
does not include the necessary funding (capital and
otherwise) and thereby creates additional pressures on
local school systems for construction of new and
expanded school facilities and for support staff;
OTHER EDUCATION
27)** Support adequate and reliable funding for local
public schools and reverse recent trends that cut or
8
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displace school system funding as noted in the attached
letter and joint resolution signed by Orange County and
other area counties and school systems (Exhibit B);
28)** Support legislation which allows counties to provide
per pupil funding to school systems based on student
membership numbers as of a specific day-of-school in the
same manner as the State's per pupil funding to school
systems;
29)** As security and safety of students, teachers, and
staff are principal components of successful educational
efforts, support State funding for school resource
officers (SROs) on the basis of one position allotment
for each middle school and high school building for all
school systems across the State;
30)** Support a public referendum on the question of a
lottery to provide funding for education (House Bill
223);
31)** Support the use of optical scanning voting machines
for all elections and provide State funding to cover the
capital and installation costs for this equipment for
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all county boards of elections; or, in the alternative,
support a requirement that all forms of voting result in
a back-up paper record and provide State funding to
cover the capital and installation costs for
implementation by all county boards of elections (House
Bill 238);
32)** Support the opportunity for a "known group of voters"
whose ballots are lost to cast new votes within two
weeks of the respective election (House Bill 158);
33)** Support the opportunity for state election officials
and political party representatives to review the
computer source codes for electronic voting machines to
evaluate security issues (House Bill 238);
34)** Support allowing State employees the opportunity to
have twenty-four (24) hours of "community service leave"
each calendar year to work as precinct officials or in
early voting sites, and encouraging local governments to
provide the same opportunity (House Bill 127 with
Necessary Amendment);
35)** Support authorizing county boards of elections to
begin tabulating absentee ballots cast prior to election
day, provided that any results are not announced until
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after all relevant voting locations within the county
close on election day (House Bill 128);
36)** Support state funding for all vote recounts;
37)** Support authorizing the State Board of Elections to
institute a pilot program in 10 counties to allow one-
stop voting to continue through election day rather than
ending several days before;
OTHER
38)** Recognize the benefits that public libraries across
North Carolina provide to residents as noted in the
attached North Carolina Public Library Directors'
Association resolution (Exhibit C), and support an
increase in funding to the State Aid to Libraries
Program as detailed in the resolution;
39)** Support a ban on video poker, or, in the alternative,
provide State funding to reimburse County Sheriffs'
Departments for expenses incurred by the Departments as
part of State-mandated Departmental monitoring of video
poker machines and operations;
40)** Seek. legislation to increase flexibility in the use
of fees generated for the Emergency Telephone System
Fund (E911), both wireline and wireless, to expand the
11
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ability of counties or other public safety answering
points (PSAPs) to use these funds for acquisition or
lease of any and all computer hardware and software or
communication equipment, and any related training, that
is associated with receiving, processing or dispatching
emergency calls (whether received from landline or
wireless sources) for law enforcement, fire, medical,
rescue or other public safety services. Broadening the
uses of subscriber fees would lead to more effective
Emergency 911 Services for citizens;
41)** Support the North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners' goals for 1) Medicaid Relief by seeking
legislation to implement a six-year phase out of county
participation in the costs of Medicaid; and, for the
first year, cap county costs at the fiscal year 2004-05
level and provide relief by targeting supplemental
financial assistance to any county in which more than X
percent of the population is eligible for Medicaid; and
2) Revenue Options by seeking legislation to allow all
counties to enact any or all of several revenue options
from among those that have already been authorized for
any other county;
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42)* Oppose unfunded mandates for local governments such as
1) those associated with recent reform efforts at the
State level regarding mental health services, 2)
regulatory and performance standards concerning solid
waste and recycling programs, and 3) standards and
funding requirements related to the implementation of
reduced class size;
43)* Oppose legislation which would provide for private
sector soil evaluations to become the basis for county
health department permitting of septic systems;
44)Oppose legislation involving changes to the Alcohol
Beverage Control (ABC) system unless local ABC Boards
and local governments are included in discussion and
formulation of proposed changes and that any changes
"hold harmless" the services and funds provided to local
governments under the current system;
45)Support legislation that continues the current level of
State funding for all existing positions in County Soil
and Water Conservation offices;
46)Support legislation requiring county commissioner
approval for any proposed exercise of eminent domain
power by any utility operating in a deregulated
environment;
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47)* Support legislation enabling cities and counties to
transfer assets no longer used to another governmental
entity at no cost;
48)Support amending the annexation laws to require
consultation with counties, including joint city-county
public hearings, on any proposed annexation, and to
provide planning and revenue option incentives to county
and municipal governments that enter into cooperative
planning agreements;
49)* Support legislation as recommended by the North
Carolina Association of Health Directors authorizing
counties to set and collect fees to offset the cost of
restaurant permitting and inspections since the State
mandates these inspections by local public health
department personnel, charges an inadequate fee to cover
all the costs of these inspections, disburses to
counties only a portion of the fees collected, and
maintains a framework under which the cost is borne
almost exclusively by the counties as an unfunded
mandate by the State;
50)Support legislation to allow counties to collect an
additional 5% on court costs to help fund capital,
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15
operational, and other needs associated with ever-
increasing judicial activities;
51)* Express support for the adoption of the federal
Uniform Real Property Electronic Recordation Act (UPERA)
to streamline the recording and cancellation processes,
to address the Notary Certification issue, and to reduce
the liability of Registers of Deeds;
52)Support legislation that, in the event county
regulation/inspection of body piercing establishments is
state-mandated, adequate state funding is included to
address the additional county cost, or, as an
alternative, counties are allowed to collect fees to
offset the cost of the regulation/inspection activities;
53)* Support amending previous legislation regarding a
national criminal record check for long-term care
employees (all persons involved in direct patient care)
to address conflicts related to federal privacy rules
(Senate Bill 41 and House Bill 176);
54)Support statutory clarification on the definition of
special care locked units (units intended to meet
certain requirements in order to provide special care
for persons with Alzheimer's disease or related
disorders; not simply units with a door that locks).
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Legislative requirements have been circumvented through
interpretation. Locked units must be considered special
care by definition or the rights of the residents in
those units are violated;
55)* Support legislation that, should a previously proposed
bill resurface pertaining to the prevention and
disposition of unwanted and abandoned animals, that
language be inserted that provides a definition of
"adequate shelter" for responsible animal ownership and
protection similar to that contained in the Orange
County Animal Control Ordinance, which references
criteria such as: the need to be wind and water proof,
construction requirements (four walls, a solid floor and
a roof), appropriate sizing of house and entrance,
elevation off the ground, location from wind, direct
sun, healthful temperature, need to provide appropriate
bedding, containment area free of waste and debris, and
drainage;
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upon motion of Commissioner seconded by
Commissioner the foregoing resolution was adopted
this the day of 2005.
I, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the
County of Orange, North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the
foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said
Board at a meeting held on _, 2005 as relates in any
way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings
are recorded in Minute Book No. of the minutes of said
Board.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this day
of 2005,
Clerk to the Board of Commissioner
17
EXHIBIT A 18
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN INCREASE IN NORTH
CAROLINA'S TAX ON CIGARETTES
March 2003
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners,joins the Orange County Board of
Health in carrying out the responsibility of protecting and promoting the health of the people of
Orange County; and
WHEREAS, a goal of Healthy People 2010 is to "reduce illness, disability, and death related to
tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke"; and
WHEREAS, death rates from heart disease and cancer, the leading causes of death in North
Carolina and Orange County are partially attributable to smoking and tobacco use; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina's cigarette tax is currently $,05, the .3"~ lowest in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the use of tobacco products costs the State $4.75 billion in medical costs and lost
productivity annually; and
WHEREAS, each year 24,090 children in North Carolina start smoking each year (66 a day); and
WHEREAS, the best way to prevent and reduce tobacco use by children is to substantially
increase the cost of cigarettes; and
WHEREAS, such a tax increase would result in a 16.1% decrease in youth smoking rates,
preventing 105,750 Nortlr Carolina children from starting to smoke and saving 33,750 premature
smoking-related death; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina expects to suffer approximately a $2 billion deficit in fiscal year
2003, the third year of'significant deficits; and
WHEREAS, these deficits have caused cuts to important programs affecting the health and
wellness of the citizens and more reductions are threatened; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina targets almost no state funds towards preventing tobacco use; and
WHEREAS, such an increase would generate new revenue;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners supports an increase in the cigarette tax in North Carolina to be used primarily
for health programs and for reducing and preventing tobacco use.
L --~
This the 5°i day of March 200.3.. ' Cfti~Gw(~% ~~~.
i1(
Margaret Brown, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
;,
W o r l d
C l a s s
R e g i o n
Honorable Michael F. Easley, Govemor
State of North Carolina
20301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-0301
Dear Govemor Easley:
December 13, 2004
4307 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 110
Durham. NC ?7703
Mailing Address; PO Box i?276
Research Triangle ParA. NC ?7709
9195490511 res: 9191499390
19
In an unprecedented show of unity and concern, the Boards of County Conmlissioners of Orange,
Durham and Wake Counties have joined with the School Boards of their respective school systems to call
upon the North Carolina General Assembly to adequately fund local public schools. I am pleased today
to share this resolution with you and request that this important action by our counties and schools receive
the favorable attention of members of the General Assembly, the State School Board, and yourself.
Enclosed you will find a copy of the resolution that was unanimously adopted by the Triangle's three
counties and four school systems. While applauding the state's continuing emphasis on education as one
of the state's top public policy priorities, these local officials call upon lawmakers in Raleigh to do more
to help local government meet the challenge of educating the state's youth.
As the General Assembly readies for its 2005 Session in which school funding will again be a primary
focus of attention, Wake County, Durham County, and Orange County, along with the Wake County
Public School System, Durham Public Schools, Orange County Schools, and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro
City Schools, invite your support in bringing about the legislative actions necessary to meet the goals of
this resolution. The General Assembly is encouraged to reverse recent trends that cut or displace local
school system funding and commit to the adequate funding of public schools in the future.
Thank you as always for your service to the people of North Carolina and the good residents of our
region. I trust this resolution will be helpful and that the recommendations of our Triangle counties and
public school systems will assist the state in addressing this imperative. Feel free to call any of the
county commission chairs or school board chairs in this regard, or you may contact me at 919 558-9395 -
deefree(ct~ticoa.or~, should you or any of your staff have any questions.
incerely yours,
l
- /p~ ~~
Dcre A reeman
L^xecutive Director
DAF/
Attachment
cc: Orange, Durham and Wake County Legislative Delegations
Howard Lee, Chair, N C. Board of Education
Commission Chairs: Ellen Reckhow, Kenn GardnedJoe Bryan & Barry Jacobs/Moses Carey
School Board Chairs: Gail Heath, Elizabeth Mason Carter, L ibby Hough & Susan Perry
Fiances Dancy, Triangle J Chair
Triangle 1 Council of Governments
Mission Statement
EXN~~1 i a
TRIANGLE J COUNCIL OF GOi/ERNMENTS
1 ~ 20~~
To serre ns nn inter governruenml organization for Iota! elected officials Thal rvorkr pr~octively on regional issues rn
order to sustain and improve dre qualip~ of fife/or our citizens
A RESOLUTION SEEIQNG SUPPORT FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA 20
GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR ESTABLISHING ADEQUATE AND RELIABLE
FUNDING OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE TRIANGLE AND THROIJGHOUT
THE STATE
WHEREAS, Durham, Orange and Wake Counties, along with their respective school
districts, Durham Public Schools, Orazrge County Schools, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and
Wake Cowrty Public School System, firmly believe that every child within the Triargle should have
equal access to a sound quality public education in a safe leazning enviromnent; and,
WHEREAS, the responsibility of providing these educational opportunities is shared between
the State of North Carolina, our counties, and our local school districts rwder the guidance of North
Carolina's constitution; and,
WHEREAS, while overall state educational funding has increased largely to meet student
population growth, class-size reduction in elementary gades and personnel salary and benefit
increases, state budgeting of public schools as a percentage of the state general fund has however
trended downward, resulting in reduced resources for schools without similaz~ reductions in mandated
program responsibilities; and,
WHEREAS, elementary class-size reductions result in arr unfunded mandate that does not
allow for adequate capital plarming and imposes a burden on counties to fiord additional school
facilities; and,
WI3EREAS, parallel budget cuts affecting public schools have resulted in required state
discretionary reductions, declining teacher assistant allotments, decreased school transportation
operating funds, inadequate instructional tec}urology support, withheld capital needs eosowces; and,
WHEREAS, stagnant funding for public schools has resulted irr too few teacher allotments,
inadequate staffing allotments, lagging non-instructional support positions, insufficient textbook
allocatimrs, deficient instructional supplies, limited funds for children with special needs, etc.; and,
WI3EREAS, these fwrding deficiencies create a greater reliance on local funding, thereby
exacerbating inequities in educational opportunities across the state; and,
WHEREAS, in light of this trend the Zriangle's county governments and school dishicts seek
support from the North Carolina General Assembly to reverse this course and establish adequate and
reliable funding of public schools;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Dwham, Orange and Wake Counties, along
with the Durham Public Schools, Orange County Schools, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and
Watce County Public School System, call upon the North Carolina General Assembly to reverse the
ongoing bend of insufficient operational and capital funding For public schools..
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly establish adequate and reliable
funding ofpublic schools in North Caolina that matches needs, resources and mandates,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that tlils resolution be executed by the respective counties
and public school systems in the Triangle and that this document be presented to our legislative
delegations, along with appropriate state officials wlro have responsibilities for public schools -
including Governor Easley, the Chair of the Slate Board of Education, and the State Superintendent
of Public Instmctimt
Adopted azrd Approved this the 30'" day of November 2004.
Chair, Durham County Board of Commissioners
arr, Oran ^ Bo d of Corrunissioners
_ /I" _.._
Chair, Wake o y Board of Commissioners
Chair urham Public Schools
Ch , Ch_p'el/Hill-Carrbopro City Schools
Chan, Orange Coui< Schools
Chair, Wake Cot rty is School System
~X~zt~1 i ~ z~
North Carolina Public Library Director's Association
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, in FY2004 there were 4,210,081 registered public library users in North
Carolina representing 50 percent of the state's population; and
WHEREAS, the 4.2 million public library patrons borrowed 45,030,258 items from
public libraries last budget year; and
WHEREAS, there were 32,798,695 visits to public librazies last yeaz which is equivalent
to filling the Dean Dome 1,508 times or filling Carter Finley stadium 613 times; and
WHEREAS, that the average daily number of library visits to North Cazolina public
libraries (89,859) was more the average daily attendance at the 2004 State Fair (83,632);
and
WHEREAS, the number of reference and information questions answered by public
libraries last year totaled 10,368,959, which is equivalent to answering 28,408 questions
each day for the entire year; and
WHEREAS, that many residents of North Cazolina depend on their public librazies to
gain access to computers, the Internet and specialized electronic databases, such as NC
LIVE and that these electronic information resources were used a total of 6,083,141 times
last year; and
WHEREAS, North Cazolina public libraries presented 93,669 programs (an average of
528 programs per school day) to over 2,2.39,682 children from birth to teens, last year;
and
WHEREAS, the cost of operating and providing services from public libraries has
increased dramatically; and
WHEREAS, public librazies are a tremendous educational and life long learning value to
the citizens of North Carolina for only $19,.39 per capita in FY2004; and
WHEREAS, public librazies aze acknowledged as one of the most populaz government
services and a great public relations benefit to any conununity; and
WHEREAS, the funding of State Aid to Public Libraries Fund has decreased since 1998
to $14.7 million in 2004; and
WHEREAS, an increase of $4,7 million in State Aid in 2005 is needed to keep public
librazies open and operating in this time of great public demand,
22
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the North Cazolina Association of County
Commissioners supports the State Aid to Public Librazies program, its rules, and an
increase from $14.7 million to $19.4 million, an increase of $4.7 million, to meet the
growing educational, literacy and quality of life needs for the citizens of North Cazolina.
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REQUEST TO
ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
The Arts Studio at Northern Human Services Center
Project Name:
The Arts Studio at Northern Human Services Center
Organization or Entity making request:
Orange County Government
Orange County, North Carolina
Organization Contact (include name, position, addresses and phone
numbers):
Moses Carey, Jr., Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners
203 Simerville Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
H - (919) 929-8513 W - (919) 933-8494
Email: mcarey1(c~mindsprinq com
Barry Jacobs, Vice Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners
2105 Moorefields Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
H - (919) 732-4384 W - (919) 732-4941
Email: barry.i(a~mindsprinq.com
John Link, County Manager, Orange County, North Carolina
200 Scuth Cameron St., PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-2300
Email: jlink(c~co.orange.nc.us
Jerry Passmore, Director, Department on Aging, Orange County, NG
515 Meadowlands Dr., Ste. 400, PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-2000
Email: jpassmore(a~co.orange.nc.us
Lori Taft, Recreation and Parks Director, Orange County, NC
PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-2660
Email: haft(c~co.orange.nc.us
Brief description of project to be funded:
The development and promotion of an Arts Studio space at the
Northern Human Services Center that embraces all ages and abilities
would enhance the mix of existing recreational programs in the
gymnasium and on the grounds. County departments are currently
leading the community in a conceptual planning process to develop
and construct, with bond funds, additional lighted ball fields, trails,
picnic shelters and other amenities on the surrounding County awned
acreage. The Arts Studio would offer an additional "draw" to the
Center far individuals, groups, and families who require options other
than active, high-impact sports for recreation, relaxation, sociability,
and therapeutic value.
Funding request (include amount of request and indicate other funding
sources):
Orange County is requesting State funding in the amount of $25,000.
All other funding would be provided by the Ccunty.
Project location, scope and impact of program:
The Northern Human Services Center is located on Highway 86
North of Hillsborough in Orange County. For several years, Orange
County, through a local Task Force, has been advancing a program
of redeveloping the Northern Human Services Center as a
community-based focal point. This program has included
infrastructure improvements now underway and other repairs and
renovations to address the overall appearance and serviceability of
the building. (The Center was an all-Black school during
segregation.) A branch library opened in 2003 and has been well
received by the community. Computer classes and tutorials are also
available in connection with Durham Tech Community College.
Interest has also been expressed in tapgrading the kitchen facilities to
handle catered events in the Cafetarium.
The goal has been tc re-construct and renovate underutilized space
at the Northern Human Services Center in Cedar Grove to become a
welcoming multi-ethnic and multi-cultural place where Recreation anc
Parks and the Department on Aging along with other agency and
community partners would offer classes, workshops, demonstrations,
and show/sales in pottery, glass blowing, and other art media,
Special emphasis would be on outreach to and involvement by the
elderly, disabled, and special populations whose work with the arts
has proved to be therapeutic and restorative, Neighbors and local
artists are excited by the prospect of promoting and developing the
arts as a form of recreational/play therapy, community revitalization,
cultural celebration, and economic stimulation.
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REQUEST TO
ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
Homestead Road/Ropers Road Sidewalks
For Safe Pedestrian Access for Students
Project Name:
Homestead Road/Rogers Road Sidewalks For Safe Pedestrian
Access for Students
Organization or Entity making request:
Orange County Government
Orange County, North Carolina
Organization Contact (include name, position, addresses and phone
numbers):
Moses Carey, Jr„ Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners
203 Simerville Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
H - (919) 929-8513 W - (919) 933-8494
Email: mcarey1(c~i.mindsprinq.com
Barry Jacobs, Vice Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners
2105 Moorefields Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
H - (919) 732-4384 W - (919) 732-4941
Email: barry.iCa?mindspring.com
John Link, County Manager, Orange County, North Carolina
200 South Cameron St., PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919)245-2300
Email: ilink a(~co.oran eq nc.us
Karen Lincoln, Transportation Planner, Orange County, NG
PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-2575
Email: klincoln co.orange.nc.us
Brief description of project to be funded:
Acquisition of 10 feet of right-of-way for, and construction of, a
sidewalk along Homestead Road from High School Road to Rogers
Road (approximately 1,700 ft.) and construction of a sidewalk on
Rogers Road from Homestead Road to an existing sidewalk
(approximately 100 ft,).
Although the sidewalk could possibly fit within the existing right-of-
way, it is desirable to construct it in a location such that it will not be
necessary to remove and rebuild the sidewalk in the future. Local
jurisdictions have requested that Transportation Improvement
Program project U-2805, to widen Homestead Road, include bicycle
lanes and pedestrian facilities. That project is currently unfunded,
2
Funding request (include amount of request and indicate other funding
sources):
The estimated cost (per NCDOT Division 7 staff) for the concrete,
and construction of the sidewalks and improvements to Homestead
Road for the recommended crass section is $688,300, That figure
does not include costs far right-of-way or utility relocation, which are
not known,
The NC Moving Ahead! program is a potential funding source for
construction of the sidewalks. NCDOT, to be consistent will
application of that program in other jurisdictions in Division 7,
requires that local jurisdictions obtain (and pay far) needed right-of-
way, and pay for utility relocation. NCDOT has expended all funding
for the current (2005) NC Moving Ahead! projects. The next program
will not be funded until after January 1, 2006.
Project location, scope and impact of program:
A map of the project and area is attached, The project is located in
the Joint Planning Area of Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro
and Chapel Hill, predominantly in the Transition Area of the Town of
Carrboro, with a small portion in the Transition Area of the Town of
Chapel Hill,
The need for the sidewalk is immediate.
The project was initiated by residents of neighborhoods to the north
and west of Homestead Road who are concerned about the safety of
school children that walk or bicycle to Chapel Hill High School, Smith
Middle School or Seawell Elementary School, The proposed
sidewalk would provide safe access for students in surrounding
neighborhoods to walk to the existing sidewalk along High School
Road to access those schools.
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REQUEST TO
ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
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MOSES CAREY, JR, CHAIR ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BARRY JACO6E, VICE CHNF POST OFFICE BOX 8 1 8 1
VALERIE P. FOUSHEE
AL/GEM CORDON 200 SOUTH CAMERON STREET
.STEPHEN H HALK/OTIS
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278
March 14, 2005
Senator Ellie Kinnaird
Representative Bill Faison
Representative Joe Hackney
Representative Verla Insko
DRAFT
Dear Senator Kinnaird and Representatives Faison, Hackney and Insko:
We write first to express Orange County's gratitude for past support and assistance with legislative initiatives of
importance to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. In past years, Orange County has definitely
benefited and appreciated assistance with various legislative pursuits. Several areas of recent note include:
1) Approval of the final demarcation for the Orange County/Chatham County boundary;
2) Approval of Transition Flexibility for Implementing Mental Health System Reform;
3) Approval during 2003 of Senate Bi112.32 -Bikeway Funding;
4) Efforts to implement a more significant cigarette tax to reduce tobacco use, to reduce premature
smoking-related deaths, to provide dedicated funding for farmland preservation, to address budget
deficits, and to limit or reverse funding cuts to important programs affecting the health and wellness
of North Carolina residents;
5) Proposals to implement alcohol tax increases with provisions that would direct a portion of the
proceeds to substance abuse treatment;
6) Efforts to establish an electronics recycling program;
7) Efforts to increase opportunities, incentives, and benefits for the preservation of farmland and open
space;
8) Pursuit of a Local Option Tax Menu;
9) Efforts to provide for City/County Anti-Discrimination Ordinances.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners appreciates the efforts and energy expended in support of these
and other initiatives, and trusts that the 2005 legislative session will afford opportunities to further that support.
We are forwarding to you the attached documents detailing the Board of Commissioners' legislative priorities
for the 2005 General Assembly session. The documents address our Board's positions on issues of importance
to our residents.
www.co.oranoe.nc.us
Protecting and Preserving -People, Resources, Quality of Life
Orange County, North Carolina -You Count!
(919) 245-2130 • FAX (919) 644-0246
On behalf of the Board, I look forward to support of these items and will be glad to provide any additional
information necessary. You are welcome to contact any of the Commissioners at the following telephone
numbers for additional information: Barry .Jacobs, 7.32-4941; Alice Gordon, 9.3.3-0550; Valerie Foushee, 942-
2661; and Steve Halkiotis, 7.32-481.3. Commissioners can also be reached through Dorma Baker, the Clerk to
the Board, at her office in Hillsborough at (919) 245-2130.
Sincerely,
Moses Carey, .Tr., Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
Attaclunents
Cc: Orange County Board of Commissioners
County Manager .John Link
County Attorney Geof Gledhill
Ron Aycock, NCACC
www.co.oranoe.nc.us
Protecting and Preserving -People, Resources, Quality of Life
Orange County, North Carolina -You Count!
(919) 245-2130 • FAX (919) 644-0246
DRAFT
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ORANGE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION
ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AT
MARCH 14, 2005 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
1
PAGE NUMBER
AND ITEM
PAPER COLOR NUMBER ON
DOCUMENT COLOR
TOPICS (Listed Alphabetically) REFERENCE DOCUMENT
Absentee Ballot Tabulation Orange Page 10
Item #35
Alcohol Tax Orange Page 1
Item #2
Alcoholic Beverage Control System Orange Page 1.3
Changes Item #44
Animal Sheltering Definition Orange Page 16
Item #55
Annexation Orange Page 14
Item #48
Arts Studio -Northern Human Services Rose Pages 1-2
Center
Billboards on Interstate 40 Orange Page 3
Item #8
Body Piercing Establishments - Orange Page 15
Inspections/Fees Item #52
Child Abuse Prevention -Intensive Orange Page 5
Visiting Funding Itern #16
Child Support Orders Orange Page 6
Item #20
Cigarette Tax Orange Page 1, Item #1 &
Page 18
DRAFT 2
Court Models Funding Orange Page 6
Item #21
Criminal .Justice Partnership Program Orange Page 4
Funding Item #13
Delegation of Authority to Counties Yellow Pages 1-2, 5-7
E-911 Funds Use Orange Page 11
Item #40
EFNEPBreast-feeding Program Orange Page 6
Item #19
Election Leave for Public Employees Orange Page 10
Item #34
Electronic Voting Machine Computer Orange Page 10
Source Code Access Item #.3.3
Eminent Domain Orange Page 1.3
Item #46
Homestead Road/Rogers Road Sidewalks Light Blue Pages 1-3
.Judicial Activities Funding Orange Page 14
Item # 50
Libraries -Increased State Funding Orange Page 11, Item #38
& Pages 21-22
Local Government Asset Transfers Orange Page 14
Item #47
Local Option Tax Menu -Revenue Orange Page 2
Options Item #5
Long-term Care Issues Orange Page 15-16
Items #5.3-54
Lottery for Education Orange Page 9
Item #.30
Medical Prescriptions Orange Page 5
Item #17
DRAFT' 3
Mental Health Orange Page 5, Item #14
Page 13, Item #42
Mental Health Services (Residential) for Orange Page 4
Children -State Responsibility Item #12
NCACC Principal Goals -Medicaid Orange Page 12
Relief and Revenue Options Item #41
Natural Sound Barriers on Interstates Yellow Pages 1-2, 4
One-Stop Voting Pilot Program Orange Page 11
Item #37
Optical Scanning VotingBack-up Paper Orange Page 9
Record Item#31
Real Estate Transfer Tax Light Green Pagesl-2, 6-7
Recasting Lost Ballots Orange Page 10
Item #32
Reducing Class Size/Reducing School Orange Page 8
Capacity Items #25 & 26
Register ofDeeds Cancellation Orange Page 15
Process/Fee Item# 51
Reimbursements from the State Orange Page 2
Item #7
Restaurant Inspection Fee Orange Page 14
Item #49
Road Acceptance and Maintenance Orange Page 3
Item #10
Rural Transportation Planning Orange Page 3
Organizations Funding Item #9
Seniors In-Home Services Orange Page 5
Item #15
School Capital Building Fund Orange Page 2
Item #6
DRAFT 4
School Funding Orange Page 8, Item #27
& Pagesl9 & 20
School hnpact Tax on Land Light Green Pages 1-5
Development
School Per Pupil Funding Orange Page 9
Item #28
School Resource Officers State Funding Orange Page 9
Item #29
School System Utility Costs Orange Page 2
Item #4
Septic System Permitting Orange Page 1.3
Item #43
Smart Start Orange Page 5
Item #18
Soil & Water Conservation Funding Orange Page 13
Item #45
State Aid to Counties Orange Page 3
Item #11
State Facilities -Technical Corrections Yellow Pages 1-.3
Tax Loopholes Orange Page 1
Item #.3
Unfunded Mandates Orange Page 1.3
Item #42
Video Poker Orange Page I1
Item #39
Vote Recount Funding Orange Page 11
Item #36
Waste Reduction/Recycling Orange Page 7
Items #22-24
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA REQUEST TO
SENATOR ELIZABETH DOLE
Southern Orange Senior Center Kitchen Facility Funding Request
Project Name:
Southern Orange Senior Center Kitchen Facility
Organization or Entity making request:
Orange County Department on Aging/Orange County Government
Orange County, North Carolina
Organization Contact (include name, position, addresses and phone
numbers):
Moses Carey, Jr,, Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners
203 Simerville Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
H - (919) 929-8513 W - (919) 933-8494
Email: mcarev1(a~mindspring.com
Barry Jacobs, Vice Chair, Orange County Board of Commissioners
2105 Moorefields Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
H - (919) 732-4384 W - (919) 732-4941
Email: barN.ICr~mindsprinq.com
John t.ink, County Manager, Orange County, North Carolina
200 South Cameron St., PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-2300
Email: jlinkCa~co.orange.nc.us
Jerry Passmore, Director, Department on Aging, Orange County, NC
515 Meadowlands Dr,, Ste. 400, PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 245-2000
Email: ipassmore@co.orange.nc.us
Brief description of organization and/or project to be funded:
Orange County Government, as part of the services and
programming provided through the County s Department on Aging, is
currently in the architectural design phase of constructing a new
Southern Orange Senior Center in Chapel Hill, NC, The new Center
will replace a leased facility on Elliott Road in Chapel Hill, The new
location on Homestead Road will be more accessible to senior
members from all socio-economic levels within the Chapel Hill and
Carrboro communities, The facility will include a multipurpose
meeting room able to accommodate up to 250 people for cammunity-
wide events and projects,
As part of this new 25,000 square foot facility, the County is
proposing to construct commercial grade kitchen facilities capable of
providing in excess of 150 meals daily far senior citizens who come
to the Center as well as serve as a base of operations to support the
highly-poptalar Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound
seniors in the southern Orange County. Further, as meal time is an
a
important social time for many seniors, and for some the only meal of
the day, this facility will ensure a better quality of food service as well
as food that mare specifically meets the nutritional needs of the
seniors. The inclusion of a commercial type kitchen in the new
center may also provide employment opportunities for seniors hired
to assist with meal preparation.
Funding request (include amount of request and indicate other funding
sources):
Orange County is requesting $230,000 to allow for the constn~ction of
commercial grade kitchen facilities at the planned new Southern
Orange Senior Center, Constnaction projects nationwide are
experiencing an increase in construction costs, driven in part by
escalating steel, concrete and fuel prices. However, according to the
most current estimates provided by our architect, the construction
cast of the designed program is $4,9 million, which includes the
commercial grade kitchen. The County will have to make up for all of
the increased costs. The project is planned for funding through $3
million in bonds approved by Orange County voters in 2001 and
private placement funding obtained by the County.
Project location, scope and impact of program for North Carolina (indicate
nearest municipalities, counties and congressional districts):
The new Southern Orange Senior Center will be located on property
owned by Orange County on Homestead Road within the town limits
of Chapel Hill, NC. The property is in close proximity to the town
limits of Carrboro, NC, which adjoins the Town of Chapel Hill.
Siting the new Center on the County's Homestead campus, which
includes the Southern Human Services Center and its resident
Departments of Social Services, Health, Housing and Community
Development, and Child Support Enforcement, offers an additional
opportunity far seniors to address numerous health, nutritional, and
personal needs convenient to the resources provided by the Senior
Center.
The site is served by Town of Chapel Hill Public Transit, which is
fare-free. Building plans include a main entrance drop off/pick up for
Center patrons.
A Master Aging Plan prepared by a 100-member Master Aging Plan
Task Force and adopted by the County Commissioners indicates that
by the year 2020, the number of persons age 65 and alder in Orange
County will increase by 131.6 percent ar 21,533 persons.
Opportunities for socialization, service to the community through
volunteerism and a wide variety of programs offered at the Center will
greatly enhance the lives of seniors in Orange County. This center
will be the anchor for services to the senior population in the southern
part of Orange County. The Center will foster collaboration and
partnering with other human services agencies in the County, the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and UNC Hospitals,
thereby providing a model for creative service delivery to seniors
nationwide.
The property is located in North Carolina's Fourth Congressional
District represented by Congressman David Price.
Indicate names of other congressional members planning to make this
request:
None at this time.
Are you planning to pursue additional funding for this program in future
budget considerations?
The Southern Orange Senior Center, including the kitchen facilities,
is scheduled to begin constriction in the fall 2005 and will be
completed in the summer 2006. Based on this timeframe and the
nature of this request, no plan to pursue additional funding is
expected.
Rep. David Price
Application for Fiscal Year 2006 Interior & Environment Appropriations Project Funding
This is an application to request member-sponsored funding through the fiscal year (FY) 2006
Interior & Environment Appropriations bill. Requests for ftimdirrg should be submitted via email to
Susan Howard (susatx.howard n mail.house.eov) by March 1, 2005.. Because ofthe limited funding
available for member-sponsored projects, there is no guarantee that funding can be secured for a
particular project, Funding may be tentatively designated for particular projects in the initial House
version of the armual Interior & Environment Appropriations bill, but only funding designated through
a final, enacted version of the bill will actually be provided,
Funding for projects designated tluough appropriations bills is administered tluough executive
branch agencies as non-competitive grants. Designated grant recipients must complete an application
supplied by the relevant executive branch agency and are subject to that agency's oversight
requirements. For planning purposes, please be advised that funding designated through the FY 2006
bill will likely not be available until at least mid-2006, and perhaps later, depending on how quickly
the designated recipient completes the application requirerents. Some agencies may retain a
percentage of the amount appropriated for a project to cover administrative costs.
*Requestine Oreanization: Orange County Public Library/Orange County Government
Protect Name Graonticable): Orange County Lleritage Center
Exact Project Location: Hi]lsborough, North Carolina
Requested Funding_Amount: $1.30,000
Name/Title of Project Contact: Brenda Stephens /Library Director
Address, City. State. ZiQ 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone/Fax: 919-245-2528 L^mail: bstephens@co.orangenc.us
*Must be anon-profit organization, educational institution, or a unit of state or local government
If this project received member-sponsored appropriations funding in prior years, please indicate the
amount, the federal agency funding source, and the fiscal year(s) in which the funding was appropriated:
Not applicable
In order to be consrdered, a pro3ect must tan mto an approprtate agency category (a7eca wren
Interior Environmental Protection Aecncy
^ Federal land acquisition (NPS/LISPS) ^ Em'ironmeNal Research ^Prc-construction planning
® Historic Preservation/Save America's Treasures ^ Demonstrating innovative technologies ^ [Water/wastewater infrastructure
^ Forest Legacy Program ^ Environmental Resource Management ~ requires 45'%~ non-(edemt cost-share
^ Other ^ Technical assistance activities
Please provide a short summary of the project within the space provided:
Orange County, including Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, and many private individuals /entities throughout the
county have a substantial number' of historical documents, artifacts, photographs, etc. which are not currently
accessible to anyone due to the lack of appropriate space/ facility in which to display /house them, This
Heritage Center project is to construct a facility which houses and safeguards these items, and allows the
to access these historical materials.
Please provide a more detailed description and rationale for the project within the space provided:
Orange County has many valuable, even irreplaceable, historical records.. Currently, these records are
scattered and poorly maintained.. To preserve and consolidate these records and make them available for
citizen use, an Orange County Heritage Center is proposed.
Currently, collections exist in the North Carolina Room (apart of the Orange County Public Library), the
Burwell School (records of the Historic Hillsborough Society), and the Orange County Historical Museum.
Most of the records held by the last tluee organizations are not catalogued nor are they readily accessible to
researchers. Standard conservation practices are not in place.
The North Carolina Room holds census records and family histories in bound volumes, on micorfilm, in filing
cabinets, in periodical and maps. These materials are catalogued and available for use on site. A volunteer
who is awell-trained genealogist donates one day a week to assist patrons.. The material with a computer, a
copier, and two microfilm readers is stored in a cramped 360 square foot room. Additional space is needed for
shelving and for public and staff workspace.
A new or expanded facility could acconunodate all these important records. The facility should include secure
records storage under proper enviromnental conditions, workroom space, a public research area, and space for
necessary equipment -- computers, micorform reader /printers and copiers.. The County's 2004 Library
Services Task Force Task Force suggested that the space also provide meeting room(s) with a small kitchen
attached, small auditorium for symposiums and speakers, opportunities for artists to display, and security
including lockers for visitors' bags.
Approximately $120,000 is available from a private trust fiord dedicated to supporting the North Carolina
Room collection and could be used for a new or expanded facility. Other than this source, the only current or
planned funding, other than any potential federal funds, is Orange County government.
Estimated needs for staffing include $80,000 for 2 FTE staff and capital costs as follows:
Renovation /New Construction at $125 / sq. fl. for 7,000 sq feet $875,000
Shelving $ 55,000
Furnihire /Equipment Costs $ 68,000
Total Estimated Project Cost $998,000
Please attach an itemized budget for the project including the total ~roiect cost all current funding sources,
and all olamred fimdinu sources along with any additional materials necessary to explain the project.
Contact Susan Howard (202-225-1784• Susan howardnmail.house.eov) if you have any questions.
Rep. David Price
Application for Fiscal Year 2006 TTH Appropriations Project Funding
This is an application to request member-sponsored finding through the fiscal year (FY) 2006
Transportation, Treasury, and HUD Appropriations bilk Requests for funding should be submitted via
email to Susan Howard (susan.howard(ct)mail.house.gov) by March 1, 2005,. Because of the limited
funding available for member-sponsored projects, there is no guarantee that funding can be secured for
a particular project. Funding maybe tentatively designated for particular projects in the initial Hottse
version of the annual Transportation, Treasury, HUD Appropriations bill, but only finding designated
through a final, enacted version of the bill will actually be provided.
Funding for projects designated through appropriations bills is administered through executive
branch agencies as non-competitive grants. Designated grant recipients must complete an application
supplied by the relevant executive branch agency and will be subject to that agency's oversight
requirements. Please be advised that funding designated tluough the FY 2006 bill will likely not be
available until at least mid-2006, and perhaps later, depending on how quickly the designated recipient
completes the application requirements, Some agencies may retain a percentage of the amount
appropriated for a project to cover administrative costs, Fedora] law requires that an environmental
assessment be performed for any federally-funded project that involves construction.
*Requestina Oreanization: Orange County Public Library/Orange County Government
Proiect Name t;f annlicable): Orange County Heritage Center
Exact Proiect Location: Hillsborough, North Carolina
Requested Funding_Amount: $130,000
Name/Title of Project Contact: Brenda Stephens, Library Director
Address, City. State, ZiQ 300 West Tyron Sheet, Hillsborough , NC 27278
Phone/Fax: 919-245-2528 L•mail: bstephens@co.orange.naus
*Must be anon-profit organization, educational institution, or a unit of state or local government
hl order to be considered, a project must fall into an appropriate agency category (check are).
DOT: Federal Aviation Administration
^ Air traffic control facilities
^ Approach lighting systems
^ Instmment landing systems
DOT: Federal Transit Administration
^ Transit planning and research
^ Bus and bus facilities
^ New Starts
^ lob access/reverse commute project
DOT: Federal I-iiehwav Administration
^ Intelligent transportation systems
^ National corridor planning
^ Greenways/Bike trails
^ Bridges
^ Interstate maintenance
^ General road projects
HUD
® Facilities construction/renovation
^ Economic development planning
^ Sidewalks, street furniture and fagade
improvements
^ Lund acquisition
^ Industrial park development
^ Capitalization of loan funds
If this project received member-sponsored appropriations finding in prior years, please indicate the amount,
the federal agency funding source, and the fiscal year(s) in which the funding was appropriated:
Not applicable
Please provide a short summary of the project within the space provided:
Orange County, including Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, and many private individuals /entities throughout the
county have a substantial number of historical documents, artifacts, photographs, etc. which are not currently
accessible to anyone due to the lack of appropriate space/ facility in which to display /house them. This
Heritage Center project is to construct a facility which houses and safeguards these items, and allows the
general public to access these historical materials.
Please provide a more detailed description and rationale for the project within the space provided:
Orange County has many valuable, even irreplaceable, historical records. Currently, these records aze
scattered and poorly maintained. To preserve and consolidate these records and make them available for
citizen use, an Orange County Heritage Center is proposed.
Currently, collections exist in the North Carolina Room (a pazt of the Orange County Public Library), the
Burwell School (records of the Historic Hillsborough Society), and the Orange County Historical Museum,
Most of the records held by the last three organizations are not catalogued nor are they readily accessible to
researchers. Standard conservation practices are not in place.
The North Carolina Room holds census records and family histories in bound volumes, on micorfilm, in filing
cabinets, in periodical and maps. These materials are catalogued and available for use on site.. A volunteer
who is awell-trained genealogist donates one day a week to assist patrons. The material with a computer, a
copier, and two microfilm readers is stored in a cramped 360 square foot room, Additional space is needed for
shelving and for public and staff workspace.
Anew or expanded facility could accommodate all these important records. The facility should include secure
records storage under proper environmental conditions, workroom space, a public research area, and space for
necessary equipment -- computers, micorfonn reader /printers and copiers. The County's 2004 Library
Services Task Force suggested that the space also provide meeting room (s) with a small kitchen attached,
small auditorium for' symposiums and speakers, opportunities for artists to display, and security including
lockers for visitors' bags..
Approximately $120,000 is available from a private trust fund dedicated to supporting the North Carolina
Room collection and could be used for a new or expanded facility. Other than this source, the only current or
planned funding, other than any potential federal funds, is Orange County government,
Estimated needs for staffing include $80,000 for 2 FTE staff and capital costs as follows:
Renovation /New Construction at $125 / sq ft. for 7,000 sq feet $875,000
Shelving $ 55,000
Furniture /Equipment Costs $ 68,000
Total Estimated Proiect Cost $998,000
Please attach an itemized budget for the project, including the total project cost, all current funding sources,
and all plazmed finding sources, along with any additional materials necessar'y to explain t9re proiect.
Contact Susan Howard (202-225-1784; susan.howud~mail.house.t;ov) if you have an +~questions.