HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-02-20; 8-a - Minutes 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 2, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-a
SUBJECT: Minutes
DEPARTMENT: Board of County
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Minutes (Under Separate Cover) Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board
919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the draft minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board
as listed below.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
May 5, 2020 BOCC Virtual Business Meeting
May 12, 2020 BOCC Virtual Budget Public Hearing
May 14, 2020 BOCC Virtual Budget Work Session
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated with
this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
1
1 Attachment 1
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
6 May 5, 2020
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on
10 Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Rich and Commissioners Jamezetta
13 Bedford, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, and Renee Price
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County
17 Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will
18 be identified appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Rich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
21
22 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a Virtual
23 Business meeting on May 5, 2020. Members of the Board of Commissioners participated
24 in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public was able to view
25 and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-
26 Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
27
28 In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
29 • Written submittals by email
30 • Speaking during the virtual meeting
31
32 Detailed public comment instructions for each method is provided at the bottom of
33 this agenda. (Pre-registration is required.)
34
35
36 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
37 Chair Rich said she will be meeting with the Mayors tomorrow morning about
38 moving forward as it relates to Covid-19, and she will share an update with the Board of
39 County Commissioners (BOCC) regarding the next steps.
40
41 PUBLIC CHARGE
42 The Chair acknowledged the public charge.
43
44 ARTS MOMENT
45 No Arts Moment will be available for this meeting.
46
47 2. Public Comments
48
49 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
50
51 Tony Blake said he is concerned about the convenience centers severely limiting
52 the amount of household construction debris. He said if the Commissioners recall one of
53 the reasons for accepting the debris was to reduce the amount of local burning. He said
2
1 he fears the newly enforced limits will increase local burning, and as a result increase the
2 possibility of unintentional woods fires and tension between neighbors. He said it may
3 also increase roadside dumping.
4
5 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
6 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the
7 agenda below.)
8
9 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
10 Commissioner Price said Orange County is number 2 in the State with Census
11 responses.
12 Commissioner Price asked if the BOCC can get a report on what is happening
13 with residents that are behind on rent, and how the County is helping to avoid evictions.
14 She asked if there is a plan going forward after the State starts opening up.
15 Commissioner Price said she would like an update on the small business loan
16 grant program.
17 Commissioner Bedford said this is Mental Health Awareness Month and Week for
18 Children, and Cardinal Innovations (CI) has an emergency crisis phone line for those are
19 in need of help. She said this is **ask, and works best on cell phones.
20 Commissioner Bedford congratulated the Finance Department for its award that is
21 on the consent agenda.
22 Commissioner Bedford expressed her gratitude to all teachers during this
23 Teacher Appreciation Week.
24 Commissioner Marcoplos petitioned making quarterly reports from schools about
25 repairs and maintenance projects a formal process.
26 Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like to get a full report on the Phillips
27Middle School issue. He said this has been ongoing, very public, and seems to have gone
28unaddressed.
29 Commissioner Marcoplos said Rani Dasi made a public claim that some students
30 and teachers are unable to breathe in the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS)
31 classrooms, and would like a report from the school systems, and possible medical
32 information.
33 Commissioner Greene said she is the Board representative to the North Carolina
34 Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) committee that is settling the opioid
35 legislation. She said this committee has yet to meet, but will do so on Friday.
36 Commissioner Greene referred to an existing petition from James Williams, which
37 was emailed to the BOCC, requesting the removal of the portrait and statue of Thomas
38 Ruffin. She said Mr. Williams wrote a long, clear letter to Chief Justice Beasley, and she
39 would petition the BOCC to write a letter endorsing Mr. Williams' letter to Chief Justice
40 Beasley. She said she has written an essay about the topic, and Chair Rich may want to
41 include a copy of this essay in the letter to Chief Beasley.
42 Chair Rich said James Williams is the Chair of the North Carolina Commission on
43 Racial and Ethnic Disparities (NC CRED), and has sent an email petition request for
44 Board consideration. She said NC-CRED has called upon the North Carolina Supreme
45 Court to remove the life-sized portrait of Thomas Ruffin that dominates its courtroom and
46 the life-sized statue of him that guards the entrance to the North Carolina Court of
47 Appeals and has asked that the Board of Commissioners consider issuing a statement or
48 resolution/letter in support of this.
49 Commissioner Dorosin endorsed Commissioner Greene's, Commissioner
50 Marcoplos' and Commissioner Price's petitions.
51 Commissioner Dorosin petitioned about the issue of contracting out custodians at
52 Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS). He said this topic comes up around budget
53 time for past few years, and he has questions about actual costs. He said there are
3
1 questions that remain about comparative costs and other policy issues, such as
2 contracting out these employees. He said, given that CHCCS is getting ready to enter
3 into a custodial contract, he would like to petition that the BOCC ask the school board to
4 delay signing a multi-year contract for one year. He said he would like to use that one-
5 year to establish a small task force with representatives from the County and both school
6 districts and flush out the cost pros and cons.
7 Commissioner Dorosin said this committee could also look at the benefits of
8 contracting out these services, from a policy perspective. He said he would recommend
9 giving this task force a small window of time to return with information/recommendations,
10 and it could be discussed by the schools prior to the schools' budget process.
11 Chair Rich said she did reach out to CHCCS, and is not sure if CHCCS signed a
12 contract or not. She asked if staff would find out tomorrow.
13 Commissioner McKee said at the last meeting, he brought up the issue of the
14 amount of C&D that could be dropped off at convenience centers, and the response he
15 got back was not what he expected. He said he wanted this issue to be an agenda item,
16 since this is a policy decision, and should have public engagement. He said the current
17 practice is a radical change for the public, and if it continues there will most likely be
18 more trash on the side of the road. He said reducing it to such a small amount is
19 unacceptable, especially given the high fees residents pay for solid waste.
20 Chair Rich said she had no comments.
21 Commissioner Price said she also got the letter from James Williams, and there
22 are options to move the picture of Ruffin to the right or to remove it altogether, and she
23 would endorse removing both the portrait and the statue.
24 Commissioner Greene said the letter asks for removal of portrait and statue.
25 Commissioner Price said she would like to echo this request when Chair Rich
26 writes her letter.
27 Commissioner Greene said her assumption would be that Chair Rich would write
28 a letter endorsing NC-CRED's letter.
29
30 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
31
32 a. Older Americans Month Proclamation
33 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation joining Federal and State
34 governments in designating the month of May 2020 as Older Americans Month and a
35 time to honor older adults for their contributions to the community and authorize the Chair
36 to sign.
37 Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, reviewed the following information:
38
39 BACKGROUND:
40 May is Older Americans Month, a tradition dating back to 1963. For many years, the
41 Board of Commissioners has issued a proclamation for Older Americans Month. This
42 year's national theme is Make Your Mark. The theme highlights older adults' unique and
43 lasting contributions to their communities — everything from sharing a story with
44 grandchildren to leaving a legacy of community action.
45
46 It also celebrates the many ways in which older adults make a difference in communities.
47 It encompasses the idea that getting older does not mean what it used to. For many
48 aging Americans, it is a phase of life where interests, goals and dreams can get a new
49 and second start. Today, aging is about eliminating outdated perceptions and redefining
50 the way you want to age.
51
52 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965.
53 Since that time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding
4
1 that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as
2 possible. These services include senior centers, daily lunch programs, caregiver support,
3 community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and
4 much more.
5
6 While the Department on Aging offers outstanding programs and services to older adults
7 year round, Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults
8 can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in
9 their communities.
10 It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a
11 difference in their communities. In this era of COVID-19, there are shining examples of
12 how older adults are making a mark on the community. Project EngAGE Senior Leaders
13 are connecting with older adults in their communities to make sure their needs are being
14 met during these difficult times. These Leaders are making phone calls, picking up food,
15 delivering senior center lunches, sewing facial coverings, and pitching in wherever there
16 is an unmet need. The End of Life Choices Senior Resource team saw an unmet need
17 and created a document to aid in emergency planning during this COVID-19 health crisis.
18 This new document is not intended to replace persons' advanced directives, but is to be
19 used as a tool to provide additional information should an individual be diagnosed with
20 COVID-19. Seymour Center tech volunteers put their skills and creativity to work and
21 transitioned very quickly into offering computer classes in a virtual environment. And
22 lastly, with COVID-19 occurring during tax season, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax
23 Assistance) volunteers should be congratulated for developing a secure process for
24 assisting persons with tax preparation that does not involve a face to face appointment.
25
26 Today there are over 29,000 Orange County residents who are 60+ and of that group,
27 over 1,800 who are over age 85. As large numbers of baby boomers reach retirement
28 age, it is a goal to keep them physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond.
29 Lifelong participation in community, social, creative and physical activities have proven
30 health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass and cognitive abilities. Older
31 adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life—
32 studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations
33 enrich the lives of everyone involved.
34
35 With COVID-19, celebrations and activities honoring Older Americans Month are being
36 curtailed, but staff and the Advisory Board on Aging still encourage older adults to "Make
37 Your Mark." With social distancing and the Seymour and Passmore Centers not being
38 opened in the foreseeable future, everyone is encouraged to stay connected through
39 phone calls, virtual gatherings, and participate in the on-line opportunities. This is a time
40 for all of us to Mark" on the community by remaining resilient; calling neighbors; saying
41 thank you to frontline workers; and promote a willingness to help the community recover
42 from this pandemic and prepare everyone for whatever the new normal is.
43
44 Janice Tyler read the proclamation:
45
46 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
47 PROCLAMATION
48 Older Americans Month — May 2020
49 Theme - "Make Your Mark"
50
51 Whereas, Orange County includes over 29,000 persons aged 60 and older who make
52 countless contributors to our community every day; and
53
5
1 Whereas, Orange County is committed to engaging and supporting older adults, their
2 families and caregivers; and
3
4 Whereas, Orange County is stronger when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds
5 are included and encouraged to make their mark; and
6
7 Whereas, Orange County recognizes the importance of the physical, mental, social and
8 emotional well-being of its residents; and
9
10 Whereas, Orange County can support our community members by:
11 • Promoting independence, inclusion, and participation;
12 • Engaging older adults through education, recreation and service; and
13 • Connecting people with opportunities to share their time, experience and talents.
14
15 Now Therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
16 May 2020 to be Older Americans Month, and urge every resident to recognize older
17 adults and the people who support them as essential members of our community.
18
19 This the 5th day of May, 2020.
20
21 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Greene
22 for the Board to approve the proclamation designating May 2020 as Older Americans
23 Month and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 b. Presentation of Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year 2020-21 Annual
28 Operating Budget
29
30 The Board received the Manager's Recommended FY 2020-21 Annual Operating
31 Budget.
32
33 BACKGROUND:
34 Each year during the month of May, the County Manager presents the Board of County
35 Commissioners with a recommended spending plan for the next fiscal year. During the
36 meeting, the Manager will provide a brief presentation of the Recommended FY 2020-21
37 Annual Operating Budget.
38
39 The Board of County Commissioners will conduct two Budget Public Hearings—the first
40 at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, which will be a Virtual Budget Public Hearing,
41 and the second on Thursday, June 4, 2020 (Meeting Format or Location To Be
42 Determined). In addition, the Board has scheduled the following Budget Work Sessions:
43
44 . May 14, 2020 — Budget Work Session with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools,
45 Orange County Schools, Durham Technical Community College, and Outside
46 Agencies.
47 o This will be a Virtual Budget Work Session.
48 • May 21, 2020 — Budget Work Session with Fire Districts, and County
49 Departments within the following Functional Leadership Teams: Public Safety
50 (Courts, Criminal Justice Resource Department, Emergency Services, and
51 Sheriff); Support Services (Asset Management Services, Community Relations,
52 Finance and Administrative Services, Human Resources, and Information
53 Technology); General Government (Board of County Commissioners, Board of
6
1 Elections, County Attorney, County Manager, Register of Deeds, and Tax
2 Administration); including Non-Departmental items.
3 o This will be a Virtual Budget Work Session.
4 • May 28, 2020 — Budget Work Session with County Departments within the
5 following Functional Leadership Teams: Human Services (Child Support,
6 Department of Social Services, Department on Aging, Health, Housing and
7 Community Development, Human Rights and Relations, Library Services, and
8 Cardinal Innovations); Community Services (Animal Services, Cooperative
9 Extension, DEAPR, Economic Development, Orange Public Transportation,
10 Planning and Inspections, Solid Waste, and Sportsplex), including Non-
II Departmental items.
12 o This will be a Virtual Budget Work Session.
13 June 9, 2020 — Budget Work Session for Board to review budget amendments
14 and finalize decisions (Resolution of Intent to Adopt) on the FY 2020-21 Annual
15 Operating Budget and the FY 2020-25 Capital Investment Plan.
16 o Meeting Format or Location to Be Determined.
17 June 16, 2020 — Regular Meeting for the Adoption of the FY 2020-21 Annual
18 Operating Budget and the FY 2020-25 Capital Investment Plan.
19 o Meeting Format or Location to Be Determined.
20
21 All meetings start at 7:00 p.m.
22
23 Bonnie Hammersley made the following PowerPoint presentation:
24
25 FY2020-21
26 COUNTY MANAGER RECOMMENDED BUDGET
27 May 5, 2020
28
29 BUDGET PRIORITIES
30 ❑ Pay Debt Service
31 ❑ Maintain current services/workforce
32 ❑ CHCCS and Orange County School Funding
33 ❑ Honor contract Obligations
34 ❑ Maintain general fund Reserve Level
35 o Property Tax Growth: 2.0% _ $2,460,550
36 o Sales Tax Growth: -10.0% _ -$2,814,151
37 o Tax Rate: $0.8679
38 o General Fund Reserve: 16% _ $35.6 million
39
40 Revenues and Expenditures
7
$300.0
$250.0 224.
$211.$213.1 $216.�216.3
$200.0
$150.0 ReWenues
Expenditures
$100.0 d Balance
$50.0 - 0 7.8 8.2
$0.0
FY2016-17 Actual FY2017-18 Actual FY2018-19 Actual FY2019-20 Original FY2020-21
1 Budget Recommended
2
3 Revenue By Types
$300.0
$250.0
$200.0
Transfers
$150.0 Fund Balance
$100.0 All Other Revenue
$50.0
$0.0
4 FY 19-20 Approved FY 20-21 Recommend
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 BUDGET REVNUES
17
8
Transfers
Charges for Services 2.3%
Appropriated 5.3%
Fund Balance Intergovernmental
3.5% 7.4%
■Property Taxes
Miscellaneous
1.1% ■Sales Tax
Investment ■Licenses and Permits
Earnings
0 2% ■Investment Earnings
I Sales Tax
Licenses J 10.0% ■Miscellaneous
and 1 ■Appropriated Fund Balance
Permits Property Taxes
0.1% 70.2% ■Charges for Services
■Intergovernmental
Transfers
1
2
3 BUDGETED EXPENDITURES
4
Durham Tech Transfers to Other General
(Orange Campus)(3) Funds Government(1)
0.3% 0 11.1% Support Services
5.3%
%Co���f � @xS�ment�1}
■SupArr t Services
■Community Services
Education(2)
■Human Services
46.1%
■Public Safety
Human Service ■Education(2)
17.4%
■Durham Tech(Orange Campus)(3)
■Transfers to Other Funds
Public Safety
11.7%
5
6
7 ASSUMPTIONS
8
9 ❑ Property Tax Growth: 2.0% _ $2,460,550
10 ❑ Sales Tax Growth: -10.0% _ -$2,814,151
11 ❑ Tax Rate: $0.8679
I
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS)
Orange County Schools (OCS)
Average Daily Membership (ADM)
CHCCS OCS TOTAL
Students (under roof) 12,312 7,381 19,693
Out of District (251) (110) (361)
Charter Students 166 885 1,051
Total 12,227 8,156 20,383
%ADM 59.99% 40.01% 100%
CHCCS - OPERATIONS
Allocation
Current Expense
Charter Students
Health & Safety Contracts
1
OCS - OPERATIONS Requested Recommended Recommended
Increase
Allocation 38.81% 40.01% .15%
Current Expense $33,663,526 $31,687,018 -$45,237
Charter Students $4,135,826 $3,856,830 $187,883
Health & Safety Contracts $1,520,801 $1,520,801 $0
Staff Bonuses $1,027,000 $0 $0
Total $40,347,153
Per Pupil $4,673
Total
Per Pupil
11
CHCCS - CAPITAL Requested Recommended Recommended
Increase Increase Appropriation
2ecurring Capital ($4,500) ($4,500) $1,799,700
-ong Range Capital $42,120 $42,120 $2,455,016
)eferred Maintenance Plan ($4,500) ($4,500) $1,799,700
Supplemental Deferred Maintenance Plan $2,481,258 $2,481,258 $2,481,258
total $2,514,378 $2,514,378 $8,535,674
DCS - CAPITAL Requested Recommended Recommended
Increase Increase Appropriation
ecurring Capital $4,500 $4,500 $1,200,300
ong Range Capital $38,123 $38,123 $1,637,359
)eferred Maintenance Plan $4,500 $4,500 $1,200,300
Supplemental Deferred Maintenance Plan $4,150,000 $4,150,000 $4,150,000
Total $4,197,123 $4,197,123 $8,187,959
11
1
County Appropriation % of General Fund
Revenue
FY2020-21 $4,358 $5.75
� f
2
3
DURHAM TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Current Expense
Durham Tech Promise*
11 111
CapitalOutlay111
4 * Funded by Article 46 Sales Tax
5
6 OUTSIDE AGENCIES
7
8 ❑ Base Budget (FY2019-20) with the following exceptions that received
9 increased funding:
10 ✓ Compass Center for Women and Families: $12,751
11 ✓ Interfaith Council: $69,937
12 ✓ Meals on Wheels Chapel Hill: $27,488
13 ✓ OCIM: $13,965
14 ✓ Pathways to Change: $4,351
15 (new Domestic Violence program for Orange County)
12
1 ✓ $1,541,974 is consistent with the target established by the BOCC to allocate
2 1.2% of general fund expenses, not including education, to outside
3 agencies.
4
5 FIRE DISTRICTS
6
REQUESTEDFIRE DISTRICT CURRENT TAX RATE •
INCREASE RATE
Cedar Grove
Chapel Hill
� � . .
Little River
Orange Grove
Orange Rural
South Orange
Southern Triangle
White Cross
7
8 BUDGET STRATEGIES
9 EXPENDITURE REDUCTION STRATEGIES:
10 ❑ No Wage or Salary Increase for County Employees — ($1,600,000)
11 ❑ Extend Hiring Freeze through FY20-21 — ($1,000,000)
12 ❑ Eliminate Travel and Training funds — ($500,000)
13 SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY MEASURES:
14 ❑ Transfer from Capital Reserves - $1,000,000
15 ❑ Transfer from Article 46 Sales Tax County Reserves - $525,000
16 ❑ Transfer from Health & Dental Insurance Reserves - $475,000
17 ❑ Transfer from Solid Waste Reserves - $475,000
18
19 FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAMS
20 ❑ COMMUNITY SERVICES
21 ✓ Maintain Solid Waste Program Fee at $142 per year
22 ❑ HUMAN SERVICES
23 ✓ 3.625 FTE — Partnership to End Homelessness
24 . HUD Revenue & Reallocations
25 ✓ $25,600 Recurring Capital
26 • Partially Offset by Revenue
13
1 ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY
2 ✓ Recurring Capital - $205,000 (Transfer from Health & Dental Fund
3 Reserve)
4
5 BUDGET TIMELINE
6
BUDGET TIMELINE
Recommended
.
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS
�
Budget
BUDGET WORK SESSION �
Schools • Outside Agencies
PublicFire District, • • . and General Government
CommunityHuman Services and
Budget • and Resolution of Intent to Adopt
BOCC REGULAR MEETING �
FY2020-21Operating • CIP Budget • • • •
7
8 Budget Document Availability
9
10 ❑ Clerk to Board of Commissioners
11 ❑ County Finance & Administrative Services Office
12 ❑ Orange County Website - http://orangecountync.gov
13
14 The Board received the presentation of the Manager's Recommended FY 2020-
15 21 Annual Operating Budget.
16 Chair Rich thanked Bonnie Hammersley, and the staff, for creating two budgets in
17 a matter of months.
18 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the CARE Funds that were just approved, and
19 asked if it is known when these funds will be available.
14
1 Bonnie Hammersley said she does not know yet, but she has a call scheduled on
2 this issue tomorrow, and will share any updates with the Board.
3 Commissioner Dorosin asked if it is possible that the County may have this
4 money before the BOCC has to vote on the budget
5 Bonnie Hammersley said yes, that is possible. She said these are one-time
6 monies, and must be spent on Covid-19 related items.
7 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the County will also receive funds directly from
8 the federal government, or will any funds pass through the State.
9 Bonnie Hammersley referred this to John Roberts.
10 John Roberts said only 4 of the larger counties are getting funding directly from
11 the federal government, and the rest is going to through the State.
12 Commissioner Dorosin said he heard that some educational funding was going
13 straight to the Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
14 Commissioner Price said there has been an effort to get the second round of
15 monies to go directly to the counties/municipalities.
16 Commissioner Marcoplos asked Commissioner Dorosin to define LEA.
17 Commissioner Dorosin said Local Education Authority, which means the school
18 boards.
19 Commissioner Bedford said in 2017-18 the BOCC revisited the fund balance
20 policy for the schools. She said from 2008-2010 the BOEs were allowed to spend their
21 fund balance, if a clear plan existed as to how it would be spent. She said this allowed
22 more flexibility, and she asked if staff would dig up the policy language that allowed for
23 this flexibility, and share it with the BOEs as an option during this budget season.
24
25 5. Public Hearings
26 NONE
27
28 6. Regular Agenda
29
30 a. Resolution Regarding a Lease Agreement between Chapel Hill-Carrboro
31 City Schools (CHCCS) and Trinity3 Technology to Provide Computers for
32 Students
33
34 The Board will consider voting to adopt a resolution approving a lease agreement
35 between Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) and Trinity3 Technology for the
36 leasing of computers for students for FY 2020-24 to replace outdated and out of warranty
37 equipment using a sustainable and predictable funding model and authorize the Chair to
38 sign.
39 Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, presented this item with
40 Dave Scott, CHCCS Technology Director:
41
42 BACKGROUND:
43 The CHCCS computing environment is multi-platform and has been for many years.
44 Teachers, administrators, instructional support staff, and central office employees all use
45 either a Windows or Apple based laptop (or desktop for some front office positions). In
46 almost all cases, teachers also (primarily at the elementary level) have an Apple iPad
47 tablet.
48
49 For the past 5-6 years, CHCCS began using Chromebooks and iPads to replace
50 Windows and Apple based computers for students. Apple iPads became (and are
51 presently) the standard student device for grades K-2 (although some 2nd grade schools
52 also use Chromebooks). For Grades 3-12, CHCCS standardized on Chromebooks for
53 students. This was done not only because these devices are significantly less expensive
15
1 and much easier to manage (than Windows and Apple OS devices), but also the
2 introduction of Chromebooks coincided with the adoption of the Google G-Suite for
3 Education platform at CHCCS. The District purchased Chromebooks in a staged
4 approach, replacing Windows/Apple OS based devices first at the high schools, then
5 middle schools, and eventually the Grade 3-5 ES school classrooms.
6
7 In 2018-19, through several years of incremental purchasing of Lenovo model
8 Chromebooks (11 e, N21, N22, N23, 100e), the District achieved a 1:1 student to device
9 ratio for Grades 3-12. However, these devices were used in a shared cart system for all
10 grades. When needed, teachers scheduled the use of a cart. Students did not carry
11 devices between classrooms and did not carry devices between classrooms and did not
12 take them home.
13
14 Beginning in the 2019-20 school year (August 2019), the District shifted to a 1:1 Device
15 Take- Home program for Grades 6-12 (approximately 6,800 students). The CHCCS
16 Board of Education and administration decided in the spring of 2019 to use this current
17 year as a "bridge" while a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) with purchase and lease
18 options was published for bid (February 17, 2020). The RFP deadline was March 2,
19 2020, and sealed bids were opened the following day. Seven (7) bids were received from
20 the following vendors:
21
22 1. Applied Technologies
23 2. Virtucom
24 3. Trinity3
25 4. Insight
26 5. NWN Corp.
27 6. Howard Technologies
28 7. CDW-G
29
30 The RFP bid included hardware specifications for 7,650 Chromebooks for Grade 6-12
31 students (estimated middle and high school enrollment for 2020, plus 10% for spares).
32 *Note: At this time the District will continue the shared cart system for Grades 3-5
33 (Chromebooks).
34
35 Vendors were asked to provide purchase and lease pricing for (3) hardware options (with
36 varied specifications) to provide flexibility based upon instructional need(s), cost/value,
37 service/warranty, accessories (EMR pens, ruggedized cases) and other factors. All
38 proposals were required to provide full purchase cost and 4 year leasing option(s) pricing
39 for each hardware option specified in the RFP.
40
41 The lease agreement will allow the District to replace/retire approximately 7,000 5-6 year
42 old out of warranty devices that are currently being used by Grades 6-12 students. These
43 devices will soon become end of life for Google Chrome OS updates, hindering or
44 making unusable many instructional applications that our faculty utilize in the Google
45 application eco-systems.
46
47 The new devices are flip/touch Chromebooks with an on-board stylus and include a 4
48 year accidental damage and theft warranty and ruggedized case. The successful
49 proposal was chosen from a rigorous decision analysis performed by a team of
50 stakeholders (Information Technology staff, Finance, Instructional Technology staff, and
51 a classroom teacher) that evaluated various brands/models using numerous "must-have"
52 and weighted criteria. Bids that did not meet all must have criteria were eliminated. The
16
1 remaining proposals were evaluated based upon the weighted criteria and cumulative
2 scores were given based upon consensus discussion.
3
4 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact to the County is $3,435,837.66 over the four
5 (4) year
6 lease program during the Fiscal Years of 2020-21 through 2023-24, at annual
7 installments of$858,959.42. Article 46 Sales Tax proceeds would be used to cover the
8 required annual lease payments, and are included in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
9 Schools Technology Plan project within the County's Capital Investment Plan.
10
11 Commissioner Price referred to the 7 bids, and asked if there is any requirement
12 to go with the lowest bid.
13 Paul Laughton said the most reasonable bid, that also met all the specifications of
14 the school board, was the bid that was chosen.
15 Commissioner McKee referred to the financial impact, of$859,000 per year for
16 the installment for the 4 years, and said the budget book has designated $1.168 million
17 for CHCSS technology. He asked if the $859,000 will come out of the $1.168 million line
18 item.
19 Paul Laughton said yes, with the use of Article 46 tax funds.
20 Interim CHCCS Superintendent Abele thanked the BOCC for its investment in
21 technology for both school districts, and he provided some history about the one on one
22 technology program in CHCCS.
23 Interim CHCCS Superintendent Abele said if CHCCS is able to utilize other State
24 monies for technology, it can go back into its CIP and use Article 46 funds for other
25 purposes.
26 Chair Rich referred to the one to one take home computers, and asked if that
27 means every student is taking home a computer.
28 Interim CHCCS Superintendent Abele said yes.
29 Chair Rich asked if this is true even for students who may already have a
30 computer of their own. She asked if funds could be freed up if students already have
31 computers.
32 Interim CHCCS Superintendent Abele said it is easier to standardize the process,
33 hardware and software for both students and teachers when everyone has the same
34 devices. He said CHCCS does not charge a device fee, but families are allowed to
35 donate funds if they so choose.
36 Commissioner Dorosin said there are growing concerns about students' privacy
37 with the one to one computers, and asked if the district are providing policies or
38 information to parents, and are the students' online activities being monitored.
39 Interim CHCCS Superintendent Abele said he will follow up with more detailed
40 information, and there are certain requirements in many areas. He said the Chrome
41 books do not allow students to download things.
42 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the District uses software to scan what a student
43 is viewing.
44 Dave Scott, Interim CHCCS Technology Director, said CHCCS utilizes a web
45 filter, which extends to home with the Chrome books. He said Software called Securely
46 monitors for key words, such as those related to self-harm.
47 Chair Rich asked if a student's privacy is also protected.
48 Dave Scott said CHCCS does not actively monitor what a student is viewing or
49 using, unless requested by a teacher because a red flag has appeared.
50 Commissioner Dorosin said he would like to see any policies that may exist on
51 this. He asked if Securely monitors emails, social media, etc. for key words.
52 Dave Scott said CHCCS uses Securely to monitor the Google Suite.
53 Commissioner Price asked when these computers will arrive.
17
1 Dave Scott said the program is set to begin in August. He said students in
2 grades 6-12 currently have devices, which they will keep for now, and turn in at the end
3 of the summer. He said 2-5 graders also use chrome books, but there is not a one to
4 one program for elementary school; however, during Covid-19 these younger grades
5 have been provided devices, if needed.
6 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if CHCCS would include information about
7 anything alarming or intriguing that has been detected on devices, when it sends its
8 report to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
9 Interim CHCCS Superintendent Abele said there are red flags that the word
10 search software finds. He said suicide is one of the words that CHCCS would definitely
11 follow up on.
12 Chair Rich asked if there is a plan in place to reallocate the monies for the 4
13 years, should the state provide funding for this technology.
14 Paul Laughton said staff can adjust the CIP if the funds are received early
15 enough; and otherwise, staff would re-purpose those funds, keep it in the technology line
16 item, and come back to the Orange County Board of Commissioners to approve any
17 reallocations.
18
19 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner
20 Marcoplos to adopt the resolution approving the lease agreement and authorize the Chair
21 to sign the resolution regarding the agreement between Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
22 Schools and Trinity3 Technology.
23
24 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
25
26 b. Discussion Regarding Election Method for Members of the Orange County
27 Board of Commissioners
28 The Board considered discussing the election method for members of the Orange
29 County Board of Commissioners.
30 John Roberts reviewed the information below:
31
32 BACKGROUND:
33 At the Board's April 7, 2020 Business meeting, a petition was voiced that the
34 Board discuss and potentially change a portion of the process under which some or all
35 Board members are elected. A summary of historical information, along with some
36 current applicable information, is provided below as a basis for Board discussion on this
37 topic.
38
39 HISTORY
40 2005-2008
41 At the Board of Commissioners' January 24, 2005 regular (now Business) meeting,
42 representatives of a group of Orange County residents addressed the Board and
43 submitted a 1,200-signature petition to the Board regarding the method by which the
44 members of the Board of Commissioners were elected in Orange County. The
45 representatives requested that the Board review the then current method of election for
46 the members of the Board, which entailed all five members of the Board being nominated
47 and elected to staggered four-year terms on an at-large basis.
48
49 At the Board's direction, the County Manager and County staff reviewed the issue and
50 the petition submitted and provided a report to the Board at the May 5, 2005 work
51 session. The report provided an initial framework of information upon which the Board of
52 Commissioners could deliberate and determine as appropriate any further steps in
53 evaluating the issue and responding to the request and petition submitted.
18
1
2 The Board then pursued a series of meetings over the next thirteen months, including:
3 public hearings;
4 • Board discussions on possible draft district maps/plans for either a five or seven-
5 member
6 • Board; and
7 • decisions on specific map/plan issues.
8
9 The public hearings and discussions led to the development of a map/plan (for a seven-
10 member board that met all statutory requirements. The County Attorney prepared a draft
11 resolution calling for a November 2006 referendum and the Board approved that
12 resolution and the election plan/map at its June 27, 2006 regular meeting in preparation
13 for a voter referendum as required by the North Carolina General Statutes.
14
15 In the November 2006 referendum, the voters subsequently approved the election
16 plan/map with more than two-thirds of voters supporting the initiative. The election
17 plan/map was implemented with the May 2008 primary election and all Board members
18 since that time have qualified and been elected under the plan.
19
20 The election plan/map approved in 2006 established a district/at large system for electing
21 seven members of the Board of Commissioners, and includes two nominating districts.
22 Three seats on the Board are filled, with staggered four-year terms, by individuals
23 residing in District 1 and nominated by the voters in District 1 during the primary
24 election.
25 These district-nominated candidates are then elected by all the voters in the
26 entire County during the general election.
27 Two seats on the Board are filled, with staggered four-year terms, by individuals
28 residing in District 2 and nominated by the voters in District 2 during the primary
29 election. These district-nominated candidates are then elected by all the voters in
30 the entire County during the general election.
31 The other two other seats on the Board are filled, with staggered four-year terms,
32 by individuals residing anywhere in the County and nominated by all voters in the
33 County during the primary election. These "at large" candidates are then elected
34 by all the voters in the entire County during the general election.
35
36 In summary, five district seats on the Board are filled based on district residency and
37 district nomination during the primary election, followed by countywide election in the
38 general election.
39 The two at large seats are filled based on countywide nomination and countywide
40 election.
41
42 2011 - Review of District Elections Map Based on 2010 Census
43 Final numbers for the 2010 Census were published in 2011 providing new population
44 numbers for Orange County as a whole as well as for the two current electoral districts.
45 North Carolina General Statute 153A-22 states, "If a county is divided into electoral
46 districts for the purpose of nominating or electing persons to the board of commissioners,
47 the board of commissioners may find as a fact whether there is substantial inequality of
48 population among the districts."
49 Population growth or decline in districts can lead to significant deviations in the numbers
50 of residents between districts, thereby compromising the integrity of the districts and the
51 election plan as a whole. Staff's review of the 2010 Census population totals in relation to
52 the election plan/map and district boundaries showed very minimal changes in the
53 population ratios for the districts. Staff prepared an agenda item for the Board, and, at its
19
1 June 7, 2011 meeting, the Board adopted a "Resolution Acknowledging the Results from
2 the 2010 Census Indicating Orange County Remains in Lawful Compliance with
3 Applicable Requirements for Board of County Commissioners' Nominating Districts,"
4 thereby making no changes to the map/plan/method by which Board members were
5 elected.
6
7 2016-2018
8 In late 2016 and early 2017, members of the Board expressed an interest in discussing
9 and possibly amending the current election method for seats on the Board of
10 Commissioners. The Board discussed the topic at its March 28, 2017 Board work
11 session. However, no additional action occurred at that time.
12
13 In mid-2018, members of the Board expressed additional interest in discussing and
14 possibly amending the current election method for seats on the Board of Commissioners.
15 The Board discussed the topic at its September 6, 2018 Board work session. However,
16 no additional action occurred at that time.
17
18 CURRENT CONSIDERATION
19 As noted above, a recent Board petition expressed an interest in discussing and possibly
20 amending the current election method for seats on the Board of Commissioners. Several
21 related issues have been voiced regarding potentially amending the method. Staff has
22 addressed some of those issues below.
23
24 If the Board chose to move forward with proposing an amendment to the current
25 election method, when could a voter referendum occur?
26 The North Carolina General Statutes require that counties schedule special voter
27 referenda only in even years when all the voting precincts in the County will be
28 open.
29 That limits this issue to the general election in 2020 and the primaries and
30 general elections in 2022 and 2024. Further, if the Board determines to change
31 the current election method and place that change on the November 2020 ballot
32 everything necessary to complete the change should be ready by July 24, 2020 in
33 order to allow elections staff adequate time to prepare ballots.
34
35 What is the timeframe to place a proposed election method/plan on the ballot for
36 voter referendum?
37 As noted above if the general election in November 2020 is the desired election
38 on which to have a ballot question on the Board's election method the Elections
39 Director has requested that all decisions be complete and the ballot language
40 submitted by July 24, 2020. This is due to an anticipated substantial increase in
41 absentee voting and will allow the Board of Elections' staff ample time to prepare
42 the ballot.
43 If the Board desires a similar level of public input as was obtained prior to the
44 2005/2006 change to the current method it is unlikely that can be achieved given
45 the current situation due to the stay-at-home orders and technological challenges.
46
47 Depending on the Board's potential interest related to the election method, will
48 population changes related to the 2020 Census need to be considered?
49 The 2010 Census is currently the basis for all population calculations. There may
50 have been changes related to Orange County's population since 2010; however,
51 any changes as reflected in the 2020 Census are not yet available and likely will
52 not be available until 2021. If the Board acts now to alter districts, the 2020
53 Census data could require the Board to revisit election districts in the near future.
20
1
2 PUBLIC COMMENT:
3 Tony Blake said Commissioner Dorosin was kind enough to respond to his email, and
4 provided more current conversations that have taken place. He said he supports the
5 discussion and thinks improvements could be made, but he has the following concerns
6 about pushing this change through too quickly. He summarized his concerns:
7 • As is stands right now, the "voting method" agenda item 6-b lacks
8 definition and a suggested plan/model for discussion.
9 • Discussion of changing the voting method is too important to be rushed.
10 • Data is old and there is not enough time to collect/update the data, have
11 the discussion and get feedback before the 2020, election.
12 • A target of 2020 would put a lot of pressure on staff who are already
13 dealing with emergency conditions and budget concerns.
14 • Meeting "virtually" is still somewhat less effective than face to face.
15 • Part of the BOCC is "lame duck", and it is important that the newly elected
16 commissioners be a part of driving this conversation.
17 • The 2020 census results may change things and require a new look within
18 2 years, resulting in wasted efforts.
19
20 Commissioner Dorosin thanked Tony Blake for his comments, and others the
21 BOCC received.
22 Commissioner Dorosin said he does not have concerns about the 2020 primary,
23 but rather the primary illustrated some if the issues that have been discussed in Orange
24 County for the past few years.
25 Commissioner Dorosin summarized his comments, which are in the agenda. He
26 said he has been talking about this since 2016, and this is an on-going issue with the
27 Board but the Board has not made any decisions. He said November is the earliest
28 possible time to make changes, and that may be too soon, but if the majority of the
29 Board does not want to do anything, then it should vote as such, and move on. He said it
30 is his preference that the County moves to 7 single-member districts. He said the
31 primary highlighted that the district one presidential year race is the only seat on the
32 county commission that is a multimember election, and all others are single member
33 elections. He said the multimember seat is the only multimember seat on the ballot,
34 which is confusing to the public.
35 Commissioner Dorosin said they need an electoral system where commissioners
36 are all elected the same way, and that is by single member districts. He said another
37 important issue is that the County will have to draw the districts once the census comes
38 out, and it is important for the BOCC to make decisions now and do everything at one
39 time.
40 Commissioner Dorosin said there have been concerns that going to single
41 member districts will lead to dominance by the southern part of Orange County, i.e.:
42 Chapel Hill and Carrboro. He said he feels these concerns are overblown, and in the last
43 two at large elections residents have elected representatives that live in the Chapel Hill
44 area.
45 Commissioner Dorosin said one of the challenges with multi-member districts, is
46 that they encourage voters to do single shot voting. He said this is a legitimate strategy,
47 but not necessarily a fair one.
48 Commissioner Marcoplos said this is a complicated issue. He said in 1992 there
49 was a group who discussed this, and recommended cumulative voting. He said he
50 disagrees that single district is the most democratic way to go, and proportional
51 representation is used by a majority of countries around the world, and does not require
52 districts. He agreed it is important to not rush this discussion, and to engage the public.
21
1 Commissioner Price said schools board races are also multicandidate. She said
2 this is not the time to rush, especially as in person public hearings cannot currently
3 happen. She said this requires more work than the BOCC can accomplish in a short
4 amount of time.
5 Commissioner McKee asked John Roberts if the BOCC were to change the
6 districts, would this go back to the legislature.
7 John Roberts said no, changing the districts can be done by County voter
8 referendum.
9 Commissioner McKee said given the difficulty with virtual meetings, he does not
10 think the BOCC can go forward with this because the public cannot attend. He said it is
11 critical to hold off any of these discussions until face-to-face meetings resume.
12 Chair Rich said all the school boards are elected the same way, as are the
13 municipalities, but the County Commissioners only have one such election.
14 Chair Rich said after the primary, she had voters tell her that it was not a fair vote
15 due to people single shot voting. She said this is not the way to hold voting. She said
16 she believes that Commissioner Dorosin just wants to begin a discussion, and create a
17 committee or a sub-group to move the topic forward.
18 Commissioner Dorosin said he is not suggesting that this needs to be rushed, but
19 he wanted to know if there is a BOCC majority that wants to explore this further, and, if
20 so, move forward. He agreed that public input is important, and this meeting platform is
21 problematic. He said he finds cumulative voting interesting, but feels it is not within the
22 realm of possibilities until the general assembly changes. He said changing to single
23 member districts can be done without the legislature. He said there are ways to create
24 districts that do not carve the County up like a pizza.
25 Commissioner Dorosin said many voters told him that they were unaware they
26 could have voted for two candidates in District 1. He said he believed that the BOCC
27 could have something ready for the 2022 primary.
28 Commissioner McKee said he does not believe that people threw their votes away
29 by just voting for one candidate, but rather voters made a conscious decision to vote for
30 just one candidate. He said the ballot clearly tells the voter if it can vote for one or two
31 candidates. He said this discussion has come up over the years, and nothing has moved
32 forward, so it must be that people do not want to change the process.
33 Commissioner Price said she agreed with Commissioner McKee. She said this
34 election process has been going on for 12 years, and no one has challenged or changed
35 it. She said it is important to determine the problem that the BOCC is trying to solve.
36 She said she would support having a task force to look at this issue further, in
37 anticipation of the 2022 election. She said people have the right to do what they like with
38 their votes, and she is more concerned about guaranteeing voting rights, and access to
39 voting. She said this election was not unfair.
40 Chair Rich said she did not say it was unfair, but she said that there were
41 thousands of single shot votes. She said it is a different kind of race than the other
42 Orange County Board of Commissioners has to run.
43 Commissioner Price said that is correct, but the residents are exercising their
44 voting rights.
45 Commissioner Dorosin said he has brought this topic up for 4 years, and he
46 wanted to highlight the inequities that exist since changing to this district system. He
47 said this is not about the most recent election.
48 Commissioner Greene agreed there is not enough time to get it on the 2020
49 ballot, for all the reasons that have been stated. She said it is not just the BOCC that is
50 interested in discussing this issue, but rather the community is interested. She said the
51 BOCC owes it to itself and the community to have this discussion at length in the fall.
52 Commissioner Marcoplos said he agreed with Commissioners Greene and
53 Dorosin.
22
1 Commissioner Marcoplos said if one wins the Democratic primary, then one has
2 basically won the election. He said this leaves some residents feeling powerless, and
3 this is where cumulative voting, or rank choice voting, could come into play. He said one
4 of the benefits of moving ahead with a thorough and deliberate process is that the BOCC
5 will learn the type of legislature, with which it is dealing, in the meantime.
6 Commissioner Bedford agreed that the timeline of November 2020 is too soon.
7 Commissioner Bedford said this should not be the work of the Commissioners,
8 but rather the work of unbiased and independent individuals (e.g. NAACP, UNC School
9 of Government, League of Women Voters, etc.). She said she read the minutes from
10 previous years, and this issue is incredibly complex, and new issues arise in each
11 conversation.
12 Commissioner Bedford said she is not sure that March 2022 will be good either,
13 because the census data must be included. She said it is also important to include the
14 two new members of the BOCC.
15 Commissioner Bedford said she does not think Orange County needs the
16 attention of the legislature right now. She said she was concerned to educate herself on
17 Orange County election history, and it is very important to insure that all voices are
18 represented, and any new districts would have to be carefully considered to insure that.
19 She said she would not want to further exacerbate the rural/urban divide. She said she is
20 willing to tackle this, and 2021 may be a better time than this fall. She said it is important
21 to get out of the current crisis, so that staff can afford this proper attention.
22 Commissioner Dorosin said he disagrees that the BOCC needs to wait until the
23 census numbers come back, because whether or not the BOCC wants to change the
24 method is independent of the census data. He said the policy aspect of the conversation
25 can proceed while the data is pending.
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner
28 Greene establish a committee to study revising the electoral method for members of the
29 Orange County Board of Commissioners, and the committee should involve a broad
30 range of residents of the community, including UNC staff, with expertise in elections,
31 community-based non-profits. This committee could be charged to do its work in the fall
32 of 2020, depending on the pandemic. The goal of this committee is to have a report and
33 various options presented to the Orange County Board of Commissioners, who will hold
34 the public hearings, and put a proposal before the voters in March 2022 primary. And
35 talk with Board of Election as to when a decision would have to be made to get it on the
36 March 2022 primary.
37
38 Commissioner Greene seconded the motion, for the purpose of discussion. She
39 said she agrees, in whole, with the motion, but not with the make up of the committee.
40 She said she was thinking more of an independent/professional group. She said she is
41 not sure that the BOCC can decide on the make-up of the committee this evening.
42 Commissioner Dorosin said he would accept a friendly amendment.
43 Commissioner Dorosin proposed that the BOCC make a decision on the make-up
44 of the committee by December 1ST
45 Commissioner Price asked if it is clear who will determine the make up of the
46 committee. She said personally, she would want members of the local community to be
47 involved, and not just outside professionals.
48 Commissioner Dorosin said the BOCC would determine the make up of the
49 committee by December 1, 2020.
50 Commissioner McKee reiterated that this virtual platform does not provide
51 sufficient public input, and before the BOCC goes forward with any motion, it is important
52 to have this discussion again once face-to-face meetings resume.
23
1 Commissioner McKee said this discussion should occur in conjunction with the
2 census data. He said he will vote against this motion, as it is important to have public,
3 face to face discussion and then proceed with the formation of a committee.
4 Commissioner Marcoplos said he disagreed, and there is a lot of interest in
5 changing the way that commissioners are elected. He said waiting for face to face
6 discussions with the public will only lead to residents voicing opinions on the way they
7 want to be represented, not whether or not the BOCC should look into the issue in the
8 first place. He said having a date certain is important.
9 Commissioner Bedford said it is bad governance to have a motion on an issue
10 that was not on the agenda and to pass it tonight. She said Commissioner Dorosin could
11 write it up and bring it back at another time. She said if there will be a survey about the
12 district tax, then a question on this topic could also be included. She said if a date
13 certain is preferred, then she would recommend December 101", so new BOCC members
14 could participate. She said she cannot vote for this motion tonight.
15 Commissioner McKee said having the public speak about what they want is
16 exactly what the BOCC needs to hear. He said the public's interest in this topic is not
17 going to wane by waiting for face-to-face meetings.
18 Commissioner Price asked Commissioner Dorosin if he would mind delaying this
19 vote and coming back with a more spelled out plan before the BOCC goes on summer
20 break. She said she is still unsure about the committee, how to select it, and who should
21 make these decisions. She said she does support the overall idea, but does not want to
22 rush.
23 Commissioner Greene said the BOCC would be better served if this motion were
24 made at a later meeting, before the summer break. She said this motion should not
25 clarify who would be on the committee. She said the BOCC does not know what will
26 happen with this pandemic, and if online meetings continue in the fall, then this is not a
27 good platform for this type of discussion.
28 Commissioner Dorosin amended his motion, which Commissioner Greene
29 seconded for purposes of discussion:
30
31 a. Establish a committee to consider alternatives methods to elect the Orange
32 County Board of Commissioners.
33 b. The Orange County Board of Commissioners will select members for this
34 committee by January 31, 2021;
35 c. The committee will meet to discuss alternative options and will bring their
36 recommendations to the Orange County Board of Commissioners by July 31,
37 2021;
38 d. The Orange County Board of Commissioners will review the recommendations,
39 conduct public hearings, seek public input, and, if need be, to make a decision in
40 time to be included in a referendum on the March 2022 primary.
41
42 Commissioner McKee asked John Roberts if one can amend one's own motions.
43 John Roberts said yes.
44 Commissioner Greene said she liked the second motion much more, but
45 suggested changing "if needed" to "if possible".
46 Commissioner Dorosin said the BOCC could revise it at a later time, if need be.
47 John Roberts said the rules of procedure only allow two amendments, so
48 Commissioner Greene's amendment is moot.
49
50 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner Bedford)
51
52 7. Reports
53 NONE
24
1
2 8. Consent Agenda
3
4 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
5
6 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
7
8 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin
9 to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
10
11 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
13 Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
14
15 a. Minutes
16 The Board approved approving the minutes from April 14 and 21, 2020 as submitted by
17 the Clerk to the Board.
18 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
19 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor
20 vehicle property tax values for five taxpayers with a total of five bills that will result in a
21 reduction of revenue in accordance with NCGS.
22 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
23 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property
24 tax values for one taxpayer with a total of one bill that will result in a reduction of revenue
25 in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
26 d. Arts Commission —Appointments
27 The Board approved the Arts Commission appointments as reviewed and discussed
28 during the April 23, 2020 Work Session.
29 e. Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
30 The Board recognized the budget staff of the Orange County Finance and Administrative
31 Services Department for earning the Government Finance Officers' Association (GFOA)
32 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2019-20 fiscal year budget document.
33 f. Fiscal Year 2019-20 Budget Amendment#9
34 The Board approved budget and grant project ordinance amendments for fiscal year
35 2019-20 to Animal Services; Human Rights and Relations; and Criminal Justice
36 Resource Department.
37 g. Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Revision in the Orange County FY 2018-
38 2019 HOME Program Design
39 The Board approved a revision in the resolution adopted May 1, 2018, as amended by
40 the resolution adopted December 2, 2019, which authorized the Orange County FY
41 2018-2019 HOME Program Design and authorize the Chair to sign.
42 h. Duke Energy Easement for Northern Campus Project
43 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an easement to Duke Energy at
44 the site of the Northern Campus construction project, 1020 U.S. 70 West, Hillsborough,
45 NC.
46
47 9. County Manager's Report
48 Bonnie Hammersley said the Economic Development Department and the CFO
49 from the Finance Department worked with the committee on the emergency small loan
50 grant program, and will be giving a detailed report to the Orange County Board of
51 Commissioners at the May 19th meeting.
52
53 10. County Attorney's Report
25
1 John Roberts said he sent out a summary of the two Covid-19 response bills.
2 John Roberts referred to the eviction diversion program, and said an update will
3 be provided at the May 191" Business meeting. He said staff will be asking the BOCC to
4 approve an eviction diversion program.
5 John Roberts said he responded last week to Commissioner Dorosin's questions
6 about the possibility of war bonds in a recent meeting, and in his response he mentioned
7 the Community Investment Fund. He said Annette Moore, Human Rights and Relations
8 Director, is very interested in establishing something like this as an additional funding
9 opportunity for an eviction diversion program.
10 Commissioner Dorosin asked if it would be possible to get some general
11 information about the community investment fund program.
12 John Roberts said the County would have no authority over it, but fosters
13 community spirit and would be managed by an outside entity. He said it would be for
14 established for purposes such as eviction diversion, etc. He said something similar
15 exists for Animal Services, and Bob Jessup, Bond Counsel, would be happy to speak
16 with the BOCC about this idea.
17
18 11. *Appointments
19 NONE
20
21 12. Information Items
22
23 • April 21, 2020 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
24 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
25 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
26 • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
27
28 13. Closed Session
29 NONE
30
31 14. Adjournment
32
33 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner
34 McKee to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38
39 Penny Rich,
40 Chair
41
42
43 Donna S. Baker
44 Clerk to the Board
45
1
1 Attachment 2
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 VIRTUAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
6 May 12, 2020
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Budget Public Hearing Meeting
10 on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Rich and Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford,
13 Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Mark Marcoplos, and Renee Price
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner McKee
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Rich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
21
22 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a Virtual Budget
23 Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Members of the Board of Commissioners
24 participated in the meeting remotely. Members of the public were able to view and listen to the
25 meeting via live streaming video at http://www.orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on
26 Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
27
28 In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
29 • Written submittals by email
30 • Speaking during the virtual meeting
31
32 1. Opening Remarks
33
34 PUBLIC CHARGE
35 The Chair acknowledged the public charge.
36 2. Presentation of County Manager's Recommended FY 20-21 Budget
37 Bonnie Hammersley made the following PowerPoint presentation:
38
39 FY2020-21
40 COUNTY MANAGER RECOMMENDED BUDGET
41 May 5, 2020
42
43 BUDGET PRIORITIES
44 ❑ Pay Debt Service
45 ❑ Maintain current services/workforce
46 ❑ CHCCS and Orange County School Funding
47 ❑ Honor contract Obligations
48 ❑ Maintain general fund Reserve Level
49 o Property Tax Growth: 2.0% _ $2,460,550
50 o Sales Tax Growth: -10.0% _ -$2,814,151
2
1 o Tax Rate: $0.8679
2 o General Fund Reserve: 16% = $35.6 million
3
4 Revenues and Expenditures
$300.0
$250.0 224.
$211.�213.1 $216.$216.3
$200.0
$150.0 Revenues
Expenditures
$100.0 Fund Balance
$50.0
0 M7.8 8.2
$0.0
FY2016-17 Actual FY2017-18 Actual FY2018-19 Actual FY2019-20 Original FY2020-21
5 Budget Recommended
6
7 Revenue By Types
$300.0
$250.0
$200.0
Transfers
$150.0 Fund Balance
$100.0 All Other Revenue
$50.0
$0.0
FY 19-20 Approved FY 20-21 Recommend
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
3
1
2
3
4
5 BUDGET REVNUES
6
Transfers
Charges for Services 2.3%
Appropriated 5.3%
Fund Balance Intergovernmental
3.5% 7.4
■Property Taxes
Miscellaneous
1.1% ■Sales Tax
Investment ■Licenses and Permits
Earnings
0 2% ■Investment Earnings
Sales Tax
Licenses 1, ■Miscellaneous
and ■Appropriated Fund Balance
Permits Property Taxes
0.1% 70.2% ■Charges for Services
■Intergovernmental
■Transfers
7
8
9 BUDGETED EXPENDITURES
10
4
❑urham Tech Transfers to Other General
(Orange Campus)(3) Funds _Government (1)
0.3% o `� 11.1% Support Services
5.3
Cop riDnW kk !Vment(1)
■SU P%eft Services
Community Services
Education 2-)
46.190 ■Human Services
Public Safety
Human Services Education(2)
17.4
❑urham Tech{Orange Campus}(3)
Transfers to Other Funds
Public Safety
11.7
1
2
3 ASSUMPTIONS
4
5 ❑ Property Tax Growth: 2.0% = $2,460,550
6 ❑ Sales Tax Growth: -10.0% = -$2,814,151
7 ❑ Tax Rate: $0.8679
8 ❑ General Fund Reserve: 16% = $35.6 million
9
10 EDUCATION
11
Chapel Hill . . Schools
Orange County Schools •
AverageDaily Membership (ADM)
roof)Students (under
Out of District
StudentsCharter
%ADM 59.99% 40.01% 100%
CHCCS - OPERATIONS Request Recommended Recommended
Increase
Allocation 61.19% 59.99% -.15%
Current Expense $58,778,923 $52,561,838 -$122,150
Charter Students $805,595 $723,428 -$12,102
Health & Safety Contracts $2,108,796 $2,108,796 $0
Total $61,693,314
Per Pupil $4,853
OCS - OPERATIONS Requested Recommended Recommended
Increase
Allocation 38.81% 40.01% .15%
Current Expense $33,663,526 $31,687,018 -$45,237
Charter Students $4,135,826 $3,856,830 $187,883
Health & Safety Contracts $1,520,801 $1,520,801 $0
Staff Bonuses $1,027,000 $0 $0
Total $40,347,153 : • - • -
Per Pupil $4,673
CHCCS - CAPITAL Requested Recommended Recommended
Increase Increase Appropriation
Recurring Capital ($4,500) ($4,500) $1,799,700
Long Range Capital $42,120 $42,120 $2,455,016
Deferred Maintenance Plan ($4,500) ($4,500) $1,799,700
Supplemental Deferred Maintenance Plan $2,481,258 $2,481,258 $2,481,258
Total $2,514,378 - $8,535,674
JCS - CAPITAL Requested Recommended Recommended
Increase Increase Appropriation
Recurring Capital $4,500 $4,500 $1,200,300
-ong Range Capital $38,123 $38,123 $1,637,359
Deferred Maintenance Plan $4,500 $4,500 $1,200,300
Supplemental Deferred Maintenance Plan $4,150,000 $4,150,000 $4,150,000
Total $4,197,123 ', $8,187,959
County Appropriation
YEAR % of General Fund
Revenue
Per Pupil $ Increase
FY2016-17 $3,868 $170.50 50.6%
FY2017-18 $3,991 $123 49.7%
FY2018-19 $4,165 $174 50.1%
FY2019-20 $4,352.25 $187.25 49.5%
DURHAM TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Current Expense $723,256
Durham Tech Promise* $200,000
Capital Outlay $75,000
- .
•
•
FIRE DISTRICT CURRENT TAX RATE REQUESTED TAX RATE RECOMMENDED TAX
INCREASE RATE
Cedar Grove $0.0810 $0.00 $0.0810
Chapel Hill $0.1491 $0.00 $0.1491
Damascus $0.1080 $0.00 $0.1080
Efland $0.0678 $0.00 $0.0678
Eno $0.0968 $0.00 $0.0968
Little River $0.0592 $0.00 $0.0592
New Hope $0.0994 $0.073 $0.1067
Orange Grove $0.0681 $0.00 $0.0681
Orange Rural $0.0915 $0.033 $0.0948
South Orange $0.0968 $0.00 $0.0968
Southern Triangle $0.1080 $0.00 $0.1080
White Cross $0.1237 $0.00 $0.1237
8
1 FIRE DISTRICTS
2
3
4 BUDGET STRATEGIES
5 EXPENDITURE REDUCTION STRATEGIES:
6 ❑ No Wage or Salary Increase for County Employees — ($1,600,000)
7 ❑ Extend Hiring Freeze through FY20-21 — ($1,000,000)
8 ❑ Eliminate Travel and Training funds — ($500,000)
9 SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY MEASURES:
10 ❑ Transfer from Capital Reserves - $1,000,000
11 ❑ Transfer from Article 46 Sales Tax County Reserves - $525,000
12 ❑ Transfer from Health & Dental Insurance Reserves - $475,000
13 ❑ Transfer from Solid Waste Reserves - $475,000
14
15 FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAMS
16 ❑ COMMUNITY SERVICES
17 ✓ Maintain Solid Waste Program Fee at $142 per year
18 ❑ HUMAN SERVICES
19 ✓ 3.625 FTE — Partnership to End Homelessness
20 • HUD Revenue & Reallocations
21 ✓ $25,600 Recurring Capital
22 • Partially Offset by Revenue
23 ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY
24 ✓ Recurring Capital - $205,000 (Transfer from Health & Dental Fund
25 Reserve)
26
27 BUDGET TIMELINE
28
BUDGET TIMELINE
�
Recommended
Budget Presentation
BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS
19 A
Budget
BUDGET WORK SESSION �
SchoolsOutside
PublicFire District, • • . and General Government
9
Human Services . Community
Budget Amendments and Resolution of Intent to Adopt
BOCC REGULAR MEETING �
Operating
1
2 Budget Document Availability
3
4 ❑ Clerk to Board of Commissioners
5 ❑ County Finance & Administrative Services Office
6 ❑ Orange County Website - http://orangecountync.gov
7
8 Public Comment
9 Sherry Appel, Chair, Orange County Historical Museum in Hillsborough, said the re-
10 opening of the County is critical in bringing more tourism into the area, and she supported the
11 request of the County Manager because they have a lot of things they are planning to do, and
12 they want to try and do more under this grant funding.
13 Cordelia Heaney, Executive Director Compass Center for Women and Families, read the
14 following comments:
15 Our focus is on empowering individuals and promoting equal access to opportunity,
16 regardless of gender or economic status. Our services include career and financial education,
17 domestic violence crisis and prevention programs, assistance with legal resources, and youth
18 health programs.
19 Our self-sufficiency programs offer help with career and financial education as well as
20 access to legal resources. Our empowerment programs offer health-related education for
21 middle school students, including bullying and dating violence prevention. We also offer
22 comprehensive services to adults and children who are experiencing emotional, physical or
23 sexual abuse in their personal relationships. On the crisis side, they provide domestic violence
24 counseling.
25 The support we receive from the Orange County helps us to leverage other funds such
26 as mental health services, and there is a potential decrease of 30% from their state funding in
27 their services across the state this next fiscal year. They are considered an essential service
28 provider and they do rely on this funding from Orange County.
29
30 Riley Ruske spoke, but did not have enough time, and thus submitted his full written
31 comments below:
32
33 Orange County Government Officials:
34
35 It is impossible to address a 500-page budget effectively in only 3 minutes so I was unable to
36 complete my comments tonight. Therefore, I am providing the text of my planned comments
37 below. It is my fervent hope that someone in the Orange County budget process will seriously
38 consider the impact of having the highest property and sales tax in the state on our citizens and
10
1 work to reduce spending and borrowing, especially on failed and potentially illegal activities.
2 Here is the text:
3
4 BOCC Public Hearing
5 2020 -2021 Budget Proposal
6 May 12, 2020
7 Public Comment
8
9 Orange County has the highest property and sales tax rates in the state. The 2020 — 2021
10 operating budget proposal is not an austerity budget—at $273.6 million it continues to increase
11 spending resulting in a two year increase of$15.0 million dollars. An austerity budget would at
12 the very least return spending to the 2018 —2019 budget level of$ 258.6 million. This budget
13 proposal is just more of the same increased spending with some window dressing like the
14 elimination of employee performance bonuses to make it look like some austerity measures are
15 being taken. These comments do not even get into the discussion of the capital budget and
16 borrowings that present great future risk for taxpayers.
17
18 One positive change would be to institute an immediate five year freeze on any spending on
19 light rail and transit programs. After the massive waste of over$150 million dollars by Orange
20 County government and GoTriangle there is clearly a need to stop these failing programs. This
21 action should be followed by ending the County association with GoTriangle for more savings
22 for the taxpayers of Orange County. This should also lead to the elimination of the Article 43
23 Sales Tax adders.
24
25 Another change would be to immediately and permanently cease all funding of programs,
26 persons, entities and organizations that shield and shelter or aid and abet the massive foreign
27 criminal enterprise of illegal immigration. Orange County government departments should be
28 reduced to reflect this change to further reduce cost. Providing tax funds for illegal immigration
29 quite possibly is illegal under federal and state laws and should never have occurred in the first
30 place.
31
32 Also, the funds allocated to outside agencies should be cut rather than increased. Charity is the
33 responsibility of private citizens and organizations, not government. The budget of$ 1.54
34 million dollars should, at the very least, be reduced to one half million dollars. The current
35 approach of making this a percentage of budget only guarantees increased cost every year with
36 no specifically identified need.
37
38 No where in any of these budget proposals is there any identification of cost reductions through
39 productivity improvements or the many expensive investments in technology. Costs should be
40 going down from the benefit of these actions.
41
42 All cost reduction actions should be used to reduce the sales and property tax rates—not to
43 increase government bloat.
44
45 While there are many other areas of potential reduction such as cancelling the recent half
46 million dollar transit study and the half million dollar unnecessary climate tax spending, there is
47 not enough time allocated for detailed review and analysis by private citizens to point out all
48 these opportunities. Someone in county government needs to start advocating for the
49 taxpayers and the thousands of citizens and businesses that have been financially damaged by
50 the Wuhan virus crisis and the bloated Orange County government.
51
11
1 Stop gouging our citizen taxpayers -- cut the spending and borrowing!!!!
2
3 Kimberly Sanchez, Executive Director, Community Home Trust (CHT), said she is so
4 appreciative and grateful for the Board of County Commissioners' (BOCC) support, and the
5 proposed budget that does include funding for the CHT. She said during Covid-19, CHT is still
6 selling homes. She said CHT has 270 homes in its inventory, and average family income of
7 CHT homebuyers' is $40,000. She said they are also in the rental market as well, and she
8 reviewed some of the entities that CHT manages. She said CHT is looking for additional land to
9 be donated for future development.
10 Kevin Giff, Community Development Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Orange
11 County, thanked the Orange County Board of Commissioners for supporting its affordable
12 housing efforts, and its new ownership and preservation programs. He said Habitat has been
13 fortunate to be able to continue business during the pandemic. He reviewed Habitat's home
14 preservation program. He said over half of the owners are over age 65, and the average
15 homeowner income is $20,000. He said Orange County's funding enables Habitat to support
16 these homeowners to age in place.
17 Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board, read the following public comment via email from Kari
18 Hamel of Chapel Hill:
19
20 Dear Board of County Commissioners,
21
22 Thank you to the Commissioners and to the county staff for your efforts during this pandemic.
23 Your accessibility - particularly in responding to questions, concerns, and suggestions -is noted
24 and appreciated.
25
26 My reasons for writing are two-fold: I am grateful to the current and former Commissioners for
27 your longtime support and encouragement toward all of the wonderful children in our community
28 through your generous funding of public education. This commitment continues to be critical
29 today as an increasing number of households (many with children) are reduced to one or zero
30 income sources due to this public health crisis.
31
32 1 encourage you to continue to be forward thinking about generously allocating school-related
33 funds now as well as to lay the necessary foundation for future years. Certainly, continuing
34 conversations to ensure all CHCCS custodian are in-house so that they (and their loved ones)
35 realize the prosperity that comes from receiving a living wage and benefits from their public
36 employer has my full support.
37
38 Secondly, it is out of this same appreciation which I raise my good faith concerns that local
39 school funding provided by the county has been and remains susceptible to unethical behavior
40 and misuse as the county's oversight and governance structures may be vulnerable to
41 exploitation. The seeming design to utilize local funding on at least one problematic contract in
42 CHCCS known about by the public is just one example.
43
44 Perhaps, of some relevance, a county commissioner from another jurisdiction recently
45 referenced the obligation of the elected board to promote orderly and efficient administration of
46 county affairs.*
47
48 To that same end, here in Orange County, what specific ideas do the Commissioners have to
49 promote the efficient administration of county affairs by ensuring that the generous local
50 dollars you allot to the schools are reaching the children and the professional human
12
1 workforce, as well as by lowering the risks that funds are unethically accessed, wasted,
2 and/or misused?
3
4 Potential subjects of consideration:
5 - Consider creating an inspector general or internal auditor role within the county with
6 responsibilities related to school-related funds;
7 - Consider forming an audit committee with similar functions as adopted in another North
8 Carolina county in response to fiscal abuses;** and/or,
9 - Consider seeking for the school districts to create their own respective annual audit plans and
10 report on them quarterly to your body.
11 - Other ideas?
12
13 Thank you for considering my questions and remarks.
14 Regards, Kari Hamel
15 6718 Creek Wood Drive.
16 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
17
18 Commissioner Dorosin said he is looking to propose amendments to the CIP, and
19 wanted clarification that any amendments, which may result in cost savings in the CIP, cannot
20 be transferred as savings in the operating budget. He asked if this is correct.
21 Bonnie Hammersley answered yes.
22 Bonnie Hammersley said any amendments that come in would be published on the
23 website.
24
25 4. Adjournment
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos
28 to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
29
30 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
31
32
33
34 Penny Rich, Chair
35
36
37 Donna S. Baker
38 Clerk to the Board
39
40
1
1 Attachment 3
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 VIRTUAL BUDGET WORK SESSION
6 May 14, 2020
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Budget Work Session on
10 Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Rich and Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford,
13 Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, and Renee Price
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT:
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Rich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
21
22 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a Virtual Budget
23 Work Session on May 14, 2020 utilizing Zoom. Members of the Board of Commissioners
24 participated in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to
25 view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-
26 Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
27
28
29 1. FY 2020-21 Operating and CIP Budget Discussions, with:
30 • Durham Technical Community College, Pg. 151 and Pgs. 195 — 199
31 • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Pg. 151 and Pgs. 155 - 175
32 • Orange County Schools, Pg. 151 and Pgs. 176 — 194
33
34
35 BACKGROUND: The County Manager presented the FY 2020-21 recommended budget on
36 May 5, 2020. Since that time, the Board has conducted one public hearing to receive residents'
37 comments regarding the proposed funding plan. Tonight's work session is the first opportunity
38 the Board has had to discuss next years recommended funding plan related to Education
39 funding.
40
41 County Support of Local Boards of Education
42 The recommended funding level represents a total appropriation for both school districts of
43 $113.9 million, which is 49.4 percent of General Fund revenues, 1.3 percent above the target of
44 48.1 percent established by the Board of County Commissioners. This includes funding for
45 current expense, school related debt service, school health and safety service contracts, and
46 schools deferred maintenance funds.
47
48 Student Enrollment Projections for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools:
49 Based on DPI projections, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District enrollment for fiscal
50 year 2020-21 totals 12,312, reflecting a decrease of 43 students when compared to the March
2
1 2019 projections. The district has a current enrollment, as of March 2020, of 166 charter
2 students, which represents a decrease of 3 students from March 2019. Out of district students
3 are budgeted at 251, 1 more than budgeted in the current fiscal year. This brings the total
4 district enrollment to 12,227 for FY 2020-21.
5
6 Student Enrollment Projections for the Orange County Schools:
7 Based on DPI projections, the Orange County School district enrollment for fiscal year 2020-21
8 totals 7,381, a decrease of 7 students from the March 2019 projections. The district continues
9 to experience a growing number of charter students, with a current enrollment, as of March
10 2020, of 885 students, which represents an increase of 42 students from March 2019. Out of
11 district students are budgeted at 110 students; 13 more than budgeted in the current fiscal year.
12 This brings the total district enrollment to 8,156 for FY 2020-21.
13
14 The General Assembly requires school systems to pay a per pupil allotment to support charter
15 students within their district.
16
17 Current Expense
18 The recommended appropriations for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City and Orange County Schools
19 increases the current expense funding by $8,394 in FY 2020-21. This includes an increase in
20 per pupil funding from $4,352.25 to $4,358, a $5.75 increase for each of the 20,383 students in
21 the two school systems. Local Current Expense funding supplements State and Federal funds
22 received by each district for the day-to-day operation of schools. Examples of expenses paid
23 from these funds include salaries and benefits for locally paid teachers and utilities. North
24 Carolina statutes mandate boards of county commissioners to provide local current expense
25 monies to school districts. Counties having more than one school administrative unit, as is the
26 case in Orange County, are required to provide equal per pupil appropriations to each system.
27
28 Recurring Capital
29 Recurring capital for both School districts remains the same as the prior year appropriation of
30 $3 million dollars. The recommended budget for FY 2020-21 includes $1,799,700 for Chapel
31 Hill-Carrboro City Schools and $1,200,300 for Orange County Schools. For FY 2020-21, as was
32 the case in FY 2019-20, debt financing will be utilized, instead of pay-as-you-go funding for
33 Recurring capital. Recurring capital pays for facility improvements, equipment, furnishings, and
34 vehicle and bus purchases. State statutes mandate counties to fund recurring capital. However,
35 the amount of money counties allocate to this function is discretionary and varies from county to
36 county.
37
38 Long Range Capital
39 The County plans and programs long-range school capital funding through the County's Capital
40 Investment Plan (CIP). The recommended budget for FY 2020-21 includes $2,455,016 for
41 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and $1,637,359 for Orange County Schools, for a total of
42 $4,092,375, which represents an increase of$80,243 from FY 2019-20. A 2% annual growth
43 rate is included throughout the years of the CIP related to Long Range Capital. For FY 2020-21,
44 as was the case in FY 2019-20, debt financing will be utilized, instead of pay-as-you-go funds
45 for Long Range Capital projects. Similar to Local Current Expense funding, the amount of
46 money counties allocate to long-range capital expenditures is discretionary and varies from
47 county to county.
48
49 School Debt Service
3
1 The recommended budget provides for $18,507,336 in School Related Debt Service, which
2 represents repayment of principal and interest on School related debt, including general
3 obligation bonds and private placement loans. North Carolina statutes require counties to pay
4 for school related capital items, such as acquisition and construction of facilities. In instances
5 where counties borrow funds to pay for such items, the State mandates counties to repay the
6 debt. The amount of money counties borrow for school related projects is discretionary and
7 varies from county to county.
8
9 Health and Safety Service Contracts
10 The recommended budget includes $3,629,597 for the Health and Safety Service Contracts for
11 both school districts to cover the costs of School Resource Officers in every middle and high
12 school, and a School Health Nurse in every elementary, middle, and high school in both school
13 systems.
14
15 Deferred Maintenance Funds for School Capital Projects
16 The recommended budget includes $3,000,000 allocated by ADM towards deferred
17 maintenance needs as addressed in both school districts' assessment of older facilities in the
18 following amounts: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools appropriation of$1,799,700, and Orange
19 County Schools appropriation of$1,200,300.
20
21 Supplemental Deferred Maintenance Program
22 The FY2020-21 CIP introduces a supplemental funding program for deferred maintenance and
23 life and safety improvements in schools. The program would involve an expenditure of$30
24 million over the next three years to expedite each School District's backlog of deferred
25 maintenance projects in anticipation of a potential general obligation bond referendum in future
26 years.
27
28 The total amount is divided between the Districts on the basis of average daily membership for
29 this fiscal year. As a result, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is allocated 59.99% or
30 $17,997,000 of the $30 million total while Orange County Schools is allocated 40.01% or
31 $12,003,000 of the total amount.
32
33 Given this allocation, each District was asked to provide a three year plan for these
34 expenditures. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools requested $1,800,000 in year 1, to upgrade
35 security cameras radios and intercom systems in schools; and design and engineering services
36 for large capital projects scheduled in years 2 and 3, $10,000,000 in year 2 and $6,197,000 in
37 year 3. Orange County Schools requested $4,150,000 in year 1, primarily for continuation of
38 their district-wide Safety and Security Plan, and upgrades/renovations to restrooms and the
39 main hall at Orange High School, $3,600,000 in year 2, and $4,253,000 in year 3.
40
41 School Districts Budget Requests
42 Both School Districts requested increases in per pupil funding for FY 2020-21.
43 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools requested an increase of$500.73. This requested increase
44 in the local per pupil allocation for current expenses would increase the per pupil allocation to
45 $4,852.98. This funding level would represent an increase of $6,165,000 in the current expense
46 for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
47
48 Orange County Schools requested an increase of$321. This requested increase in the local
49 per pupil allocation for current expenses would increase the per pupil allocation to $4,673.25.
50 This funding level would represent an increase in the current expense for Orange County
4
1 Schools of$2,398,150. Orange County Schools also requested one-time funding of$1,027,000
2 for staff bonuses, outside of the current expense funding.
3
4 County Support of Orange County Campus of Durham Technical Community College
5 (DTCC)
6 The recommended funding for the Orange County Campus of Durham Technical Community
7 College, located at the Waterstone Development in Hillsborough, provides current expense
8 funding of$723,256, recurring capital of$75,000, and debt service payments of$233,634. In
9 addition, the recommended budget includes $200,000 for 200 scholarships (student tuition for
10 Orange County Residents), which will be paid from Article 46 Sales Tax proceeds instead of
11 through Current Expenses.
12
13 As with local school districts, counties in North Carolina are responsible for supplementing state
14 and federal appropriations to community colleges. For the most part, counties are responsible
15 for day-to-day operating costs such as utilities, security and custodial services. The Counties
16 are not responsible for funding of teaching staff.
17
18 Capital Investment Plan
19 The FY 2020-21 Manager Recommended Capital Investment Plan included funding of
20 $10,460,944 in FY 2020-21, and a 5-Year total of$54,611,404, for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
21 Schools; and funding of$9,926,369 in FY 2020-21, and a 5-Year total of$46,526,909 for
22 Orange County Schools. Note: these amounts have been revised from the Original
23 Recommended Capital Investment Plan to reflect the revised ADM%, as included in the FY
24 2020-21 Manager Recommended Operating Budget.
25
26 The Manager Recommended Capital Investment Plan includes funding of$26,547,911 for a
27 new Academic Building and parking in Years 6-10 for Durham Technical Community College —
28 Orange County Campus. Details regarding recommended funding levels for local school
29 districts and Durham Technical Community College are located in the Education section of the
30 budget document, beginning on Page 151.
31 During tonight's work session, Commissioners will have the opportunity to dialogue with the
32 Durham Technical Community College, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and Orange County
33 Schools about county funding and anticipated State funding for schools next year.
34
35 Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
36
37 Budget Work Session #1
38 Education and Outside Agencies
39 May 14, 2020
40 Virtual Meeting
41
42 Durham Technical Community College (chart)
43 Operating Costs (non-instructional) — page 151
44
45 Durham Technical Community College (chart)
46 Durham Tech Promise — page 65
47 o $200,000 Recommended Appropriation for FY2020-21
48 — Funded by Article 46 sales tax
49 — Annual scholarship of$1,000 per student
50 — Open to recent high school graduates and GED recipients
5
1
2 Durham Technical Community College (pie chart)
3
4 Durham Tech Promise — page 65
5 o Orange County Durham Tech Promise Students by Ethnicity
6 Durham Technical Community College (pie chart)
7 Durham Tech Promise — page 65
8 o Orange County Durham Tech Promise Students by Gender
9
10 Durham Technical Community College (pie chart)
11 Durham Tech Promise — page 65
12 o Orange County Durham Tech Promise Students by School
13
14 Durham Technical Community College
15 Capital Investment Plan — page 135 of CIP
16 o New Academic Building Moved to Years 6-10
17 — $26.6 million total estimated project costs
18 — Estimated at 40,000 —45,000 square feet
19 — Additional 250 parking spaces
20 o Project Phasing
21 — Year One: Planning and Design - $1 million
22 — Year Two: Site Preparation and Construction - $14 million
23 — Year Three: Project Completion - $11.6 million
24 o Current Debt Service Satisfied in FY2027
25
26 Debt Service Projections - Projected Debt Service Schedule
27
28 Debt Service to General Fund Revenue Projection
29
30 Commissioner Dorosin said he wanted clarification about the capital project, and he
31 would like to move this project out of years 6-10, and into years 1-5. He asked if the BOCC
32 were to bring this project forward, would it need to find offsetting funds, and how would that
33 look.
34 Travis Myren said this can be looked at on a yearly basis, but the cumulative effect on
35 debt service would be for the total 5 years.
36 Commissioner Dorosin asked Dr. Ingram if the BOCC did move this project up, so year
37 1 was next year, does Durham Tech have the capacity to execute that in that timeframe.
38 Dr. Ingram said yes, and the timeframe would include some planning.
39 Commissioner Price asked if capital costs would be included in the first year, versus
40 planning being in the first year.
41 Travis Myren said the first year would be $1 million for planning and design, with
42 construction costs in years 2 and 3.
43 Commissioner Price asked if the County can borrow funds for the planning process.
44 Travis Myren said yes, as long as the funds are connected to a fairly certain capital
45 project.
46 Commissioner Price asked if this is the best time to start this project given that DTCC is
47 in search of a new President, and will be in a time of transition and a pandemic.
48 Dr. Ingram said DTCC has a high-level land use concept plan. He said the first year
49 would involve meeting with interested parties about what the programs would be. He said his
6
1 Board is interested in moving this project forward, and most of the expected growth is in
2 Orange County.
3 Commissioner Bedford asked Dr. Ingram if currently enrolled students are doing real
4 time online learning, or posted assignments.
5 Dr. Ingram said DTCC's online instruction is mostly asynchronous in nature, with posted
6 assignments. He said he is not aware of any synchronous instruction.
7 Commissioner Bedford asked if, with this pandemic, will the instruction model shift in
8 greater ways to more and more asynchronous learning. She wondered if it would be wise to
9 wait some period of time, and then reassess brick and mortar needs. She said next year might
10 be too soon, and asked if 18 months would be better.
11 Dr. Ingram said DTCC is ready to move forward when the Orange County Board of
12 Commissioners is ready. He said DTCC is restarting some face-to-face instruction in Orange
13 County next week, mostly due to the nature of the programs that are offered in Orange County.
14 Commissioner McKee asked Commissioner Dorosin if he is supporting the start of
15 planning in 2020-21.
16 Commissioner Dorosin said yes, potentially.
17 Commissioner McKee said given what the County is facing right now, he is reluctant to
18 move this forward. He said once this ball gets rolling the County would be looking at $26 million
19 for this project.
20 Commissioner Dorosin said he would try to find offsetting funds in the CIP, for the entire
21 $26 million.
22 Commissioner McKee said if that were possible, he would be open to further discussion.
23 He said his concern about starting a project of this cost is the many unknowns ahead.
24 Dr. Ingram said the project would have to be approved by the State Board of Community
25 Colleges, who would not so without a commitment from the County for the full price tag.
26 Commissioner Greene said she is not questioning the need for this project, but she is
27 wondering about the planning. She asked if stage would be $1 million.
28 Travis Myren said yes.
29 Commissioner Greene said $1 million seems low to properly accomplish the planning
30 stage.
31 Travis Myren said the total planning bill is about $2 million, with $1 million being the
32 County's part.
33 Dr. Ingram said the total price of the project is $26 million, which includes planning.
34 Commissioner Price said, in response to Commissioner McKee, the reason she is in
35 agreement of moving up this project is that it needs to at least start, and not wait another 5
36 years. She said this is a piece of economic development in her opinion.
37 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
38
39 FY2020-21 Budget Recommendations
40 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
41 Orange County Schools
42
43 Total Funded Students (chart)
44
45 Chapel Hill-Carrboro Funded Students (chart)
46
47 Chapel Hill-Carrboro Funded Student History (chart)
48
49 Orange County Funded Students (chart)
50
7
1 Orange County Funded Student History (chart)
2
3 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if there is any information about the charter school
4 freeze.
5 Travis Myren said he does not know why the freeze started, but the reality is that even
6 though these students are not in the districts' buildings, the districts are required to pay the per
7 pupil for the students. He said that is a cost that is being incurred by the Districts, as the
8 County funding stayed the same, but the Charter fees increased.
9 Bonnie Hammersley said in the 2015-16 budget, she phased in an increase of the
10 frozen number, plus half of the overage, and the next year they fully funded the overage. She
11 said this helped the schools to keep the funds they have, and be reimbursed by the County.
12 She said this has continued since that time.
13 Commissioner Marcoplos said the County is easing the burden the schools have to incur
14 for funding charter students.
15 Bonnie Hammersley said that is correct.
16 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
17
18 Recommended School Funding
19 Operating Budget School Funding — page 151
20 Current Expense $88,829,114
21 Total Projected Students 20,383
22 Total Per Pupil Allocation $4,358
23
24 Recommended School Funding
25
26
27 Operating Budget Funding Target
28 o Operating Budget Funding as a Percentage of General Fund Revenue
29
30 Recommended School Funding (chart)
31 Capital Budget School Funding — page 101 CIP slide 16
32
33 Recommended School Funding (bar graph)
34 Total Recommended School Funding History
35
36 Recommended School Funding (bar graph)
37 Per Pupil Allocation History
38
39 Recommended School Funding (bar graph)
40 CHCCS Per Pupil Allocation History with District Tax slide 19
41
42 Recommended School Fundinq (bar _graph)
43 Annual Changes in Per Pupil Allocation
44 o $108 average annual increase since FY2008-09
45
46 Recommended School Funding
47 Why a $5.75 Per Pupil Increase slide 21
48 o Number of Students Decreased by 25
49 o Per Pupil Rounded up by $0.42
50 o FY2020-21 Rounded Per Pupil $4,358.00
8
1 o FY2020-21 Students 20,383
2 o FY2020-21 Current Expense $88,829,114
3
4 Commissioner Dorosin said the requested continuation budget form CHCCS was an
5 additional $3.7 million, and he is unsure of OCS.
6 Travis Myren said the Superintendents can clarify this information, and compare
7 requested budgets to the Manager's recommended budget.
8 Commissioner Price referred to page 151, under other school related programs, and
9 asked if there will be social workers as well, or if this is covered by the schools separately.
10 Travis Myren said that is included in the local school district budgets, and he does not
11 know which proportion is County funded versus school funded.
12 Commissioner Price said Orange County takes care of the SROs and nurses, but social
13 workers are a different part of the budget.
14 Travis Myren said yes.
15 Commissioner Price said they have school equity training as zero, and there is an
16 indication of a footnote, but she does not see the footnote.
17 Bonnie Hammersley said that training was a one time cost requested by both school
18 districts last year, which is likely what the footnote should have said.
19 Superintendent Felder reminded the BOCC that education is the foundation of their
20 community.
21 Rhonda Rath, OCS Chief Financial Officer, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
22
23 2020/2021 Orange County Schools
24 Budget Request
25
26 Orange County Schools FY2021 Budget Request
27 Updates since April 28, 2020
28 ➢ We remain committed to our 3 FOCI: (1) Literacy (2) Culture/Climate and (3)
29 Stakeholder Engagement
30 ➢ Manager's Recommended Budget will not fund our Continuation budget request
31 particularly our known benefit increases (Slide 3)
32 ➢ The OCS Board of Education has reviewed the requested per pupil funding and stands
33 behind the requested $4,673 per pupil.
34 ➢ We will share the State and Federal emergency allocation planned spending. These
35 additional funds cover basic needs of remote learning (Slides 4-5)
36 ➢ Post COVID-19 information we feel underscores our per pupil request (Slides 6-8)
37
38 2020/2021 Recommended County Appropriation Shortfall (chart)
39
40 COVID-19 State and Federal Emergency Allocation
41 Orange County Schools LEA 680
42 State — Governor Cooper's Emergency Funding $226,956
43 Federal CARES Act $940,689
44 Total One Time Emergency Funds $1,167,645
45
46
47 • Funds restricted and expire
48 • State funds only expended for school nutrition, school and community based child care,
49 cleaning and sanitizing schools and buses, protective equipment and remote learning.
9
1 o Expire June 30, 2020
2 • Federal funds released after local education agencies (LEA) apply.
3 • A little more flexibility in spending. (e.g. mental health services and supports, planning
4 and implementing summer learning, training and professional development pertaining to
5 sanitation and minimizing spread of virus)
6 o Expire September 21, 2020
7
8 OCS COVID-19 State and Federal
9 Emergency Allocation Draft Spending Plan
10
11 • 200,000 - 500 Hotspots to be distributed to families without internet
12 • 825,000 - K-2 ipad devices for students to take home for remote learning
13 • 100,000 - Telework stipends for teachers and teacher assistants utilizing
14 personal cell phones, personal data plans and personal
15 technology equipment to support student learning (-$100K)
16 • 43,000 - Printing and postage associated with remote learning packets
17
18 OCS Superintendent Felder presented this portion of the PowerPoint:
19
20 Unfunded COVID-19 Expected Expenditures
21 • Remote summer instruction
22 • Remote learning accessory equipment (i.e. headphones)
23 • Increased maintenance staff to address maximum cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting
24 of school buildings and buses
25 • Staffing cost for potential increase in instruction hours to address learning loss (i.e.
26 before school, after school, Saturday)
27 • Temperature checking stations at every facility
28 • Personal Protection Equipment for students' in-person learning. Approx. $81,000/month
29 • Remote learning Curriculum and necessary Staff professional development
30 • Transportation impacts for physical distancing
31 • Hot water in every school to promote proper hand washing
32
33 Chair Rich asked if the OCS continuation and expansion budgets could be identified.
34 Rhonda Rath said the OCS continuation budget is $984,050 and the OCS expansion
35 budget is $1,414,100. She said the per pupil allotment to fund the continuation budget would
36 be $148.
37 Chair Rich asked if the OCS fund balance amount could be identified.
38 Rhonda Rath said there is $2.6 million in unassigned funds.
39 Commissioner Dorosin said he wants to see if the County can fund the continuation
40 budget, and said the budget increase proposed by the Manager is $142,646
41 Commissioner Dorosin said the difference between the continuation budget and the
42 Manager's recommendation is $842,000.
43 Rhonda Rath said yes, and $96,000 goes directly to the ADM growth
44 Commissioner Dorosin said OCS would need - $842,000 to cover the continuation
45 request.
46 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the fund balance amount, and asked if all of that is
47 available to be reallocated.
48 Rhonda Rath said $2.7 million is available, and has already factored in for any state
49 requirements, as well as any that has already been committed or assigned.
10
1 Commissioner Dorosin clarified that none of the money coming from the state and
2 federal government can go toward the continuation budget.
3 Rhonda Rath said that is correct.
4 Commissioner McKee asked Rhonda Rath if the fund balance would cover the OCS
5 continuation budget for 2.5 years.
6 Rhonda Rath said yes, if everything stays the same.
7 Commissioner McKee said if OCS were to use fund balance for this year only, it would
8 have $1.7 million remaining in unassigned fund balance.
9 Rhonda Rath said yes.
10
11
12 CHCCS Superintendent Pam Baldwin made the following PowerPoint presentation:
13
14 Chapel Hill — Carrboro City Schools
15 Board of Education's Local County Appropriation
16 Funding Request Update
17 Presented to the Board of County Commissioners
18 5/14/2021
19
20 Strategic Plan Areas
21 • Student Success
22 • Employee Experience
23 • Family and Community Engagement
24 • Organizational Effectiveness
25
26 2020 —2021 Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Request
27 Updates since April 28, 2020
28 • CHCCS remains committed to our 4 Strategic Plan Areas: Student Success, Employee
29 Experience, Family and Community Engagement, and Organizational Effectiveness.
30 • CHCCS stands unwavering in our commitment to EQUITY and ensuring success for
31 EVERY child.
32 • Manager's Recommended Budget will not fund our State mandated benefit increases in
33 our Continuation budget request.
34 • The CHCCS Board of Education reiterates the ongoing need for the original 2020-2021
35 budget request to support the strategic mission of the District.
36 • State and Federal emergency allocation planned spending. These additional funds have
37 already been spent or earmarked on emergency response.
38 • Post COVID-19 Re-entry and Recovery information that further illustrates the need for
39 increased funding.
40
41 Jonathan Scott, Interim CHCCS Chief Financial Officer, continued the PowerPoint
42 presentation:
43
44 Summary Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Request (pie chart)
45 • $3,716,000 Continuation Funds
46 • $2,674,000 Expansion Funds
47 • $1,968,500 One-time Expenditures
48 • $8,358,500 Total Local Operating Budget
49 0 $ 225,000 Increases in Other Revenues
11
1 • $1,968,500 Fund Balance Appropriation
2 • $6,165,000 Total Continuation, Expansion Budget, and One-time Request.
3 • Increase of$501 per pupil
4 • Correlates to $5.37 cents on the tax rate.
5
6 Local Appropriation Budget Deficit:
7 FY 2020 Appropriation $ 53,419,518
8 FY 2021 Recommended Appropriation 53,285,266
9 Net Budget Decrease (134,252)
10 CHCCS BOE Budget Request 6,165,000
11 CHCCS BOE Budget Request Deficit $ (6,299,252)
12 Per Pupil Funding Deficit $ (512)
13
14 Continuation Budget Living Wage and State Mandated Benefit Increases
15 OC Living Wage Compliance $ 230,000
16 Matching Social Security and Medicare (7.65%) 17,595
17 Matching State Retirement (21.44%) (Fixed) 465,802
18 Premium Increase in Health Insurance Cost from $6,306 to $6,647 (Fixed) 279,500
19 Total Living Wage and State Mandated Increases $ 992,897
20
21 COVID-19 State and Federal Emergency Allocation
22 State — Gov. Cooper's Emergency Funding $ 379,530
23 Federal CARES Act 862,621
24 Total One Time Emergency Funds $ 1,242,151
25
26 • $226,000 of State Emergency Funds has been earmarked for Telework Stipends
27 • The remaining $153,500 will be used to partially cover local expenditures for emergency
28 supplies, materials, food, and remote learning technology. CHCCS has identified over
29 $250,000 of Local funds already spent or encumbered since March.
30 • CHCCS is incurring estimated additional costs of$270,000 a month to offer hazard pay
31 to Bus Drivers and Food Service workers while continuing to operate our emergency
32 feeding program.
33
34 Examples of COVID-19 Unfunded Anticipated Costs
35 • Remote summer instruction
36 • Remote learning supplies, materials, software, and equipment
37 • Staff development costs to enhance remote learning instructional methodologies
38 • Personal Protection Equipment for students and staff supporting in person learning
39 • Increased costs of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting school buildings and buses
40 • Social distancing requirements affecting instruction, transportation, and nutrition
41 • Lost revenues generated from enterprise related activities (Facility Rental and After
42 School Tuition)
43 • Additional costs to prepare for an immediate school re-closure
44
45 Chair Rich asked if CHCCS could identify its unassigned fund balance.
46 Jonathan Scott said $11.1 million, which is $14.4%.
47 Chair Rich asked if the per pupil amount for the continuation budget is $81.29, and $501
48 for the expansion budget.
12
1 Jonathan Scott said the continuation, as presented, was $80 per student, which only
2 covers state mandated increases to cover personnel costs.
3 Commissioner McKee said the CHCCS unassigned fund balance is $11.1 million, and
4 the continuation request is $3.7 million. He said based on these numbers CHCCS could
5 operate out of its fund balance for 2 % years.
6 Jonathan Scott said yes but CHCCS would probably run into some cash flow issues.
7 Commissioner McKee said he does not anticipate the schools having to burn all of its
8 fund balance, but it can cover its continuation budget, as Orange County does out of its own
9 fund balance.
10 Jonathan Scott said yes, and was present in the 2008 financial crisis, when this was
11 done.
12 Superintendent Felder said while OCS has a fund balance of$2.2 million, OCS's
13 monthly payroll is roughly $2.2 million. She said if there was any other crisis or incident, OCS
14 would not be able to make payroll.
15 Commissioner McKee said he understood that, but Orange County is the ultimate
16 backstop for the schools. He said he and the County are not going to let the schools run out of
17 money. He said there is a state requirement for fund balances, but using these funds for one
18 year does not burn out the fund balance, as there is excess above the required state mandate.
19 He said the salaries are covered through the per pupil appropriation, not fund balance.
20 Commissioner Price referred to the hazard pay to bus drivers, and said she thought
21 transportation was shared between the two schools. She asked if the pay for bus drivers could
22 be explained.
23 Jonathan Scott said the transportation allotment is split between the two districts, but
24 there is also local funding. He said the drivers are currently delivering meals to 30 sites, and
25 the CHCCS Board of Education (BOE) increased the drivers' rate of pay for hazard pay, as they
26 put themselves at risk during COVID-19. He said these funds are mutually exclusive to OCS
27 transportation funds.
28 Commissioner Price asked if there is a timeline for how long hazard pay will go on.
29 Jonathan Scott said the BOE committed to this pay through June 30.
30 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the actual dollar difference, between the continuation
31 budget and the Manager's recommended budget, could be identified.
32 Jonathan Scott said to fund the continuation budget would require $3.8 million more
33 than what was allocated. He said CHCCS budgeted 2% and 5% increases.
34 Commissioner Dorosin said the CHCCS continuation request was $3.6 million, but the
35 Manager has allotted $135,000 less than last year. He said in order to fund the continuation
36 budget, it would take $3.6 million plus $135,000, which is not $3.8 million.
37 Commissioner Dorosin referred to fund balances, and said this money is like a savings
38 account for emergencies. He said this is an emergency, and this is the time to dip into these
39 accounts. He asked if the schools agreed with this assessment.
40 CHCCS Superintendent Baldwin said the current situation is an emergency, but no one
41 knows how long it will last. She said it may be premature to use emergency funds immediately,
42 if it is possible to fund the continuation budget.
43 OCS Superintendent Felder agreed completely.
44 Commissioner Dorosin said he appreciates those comments, but he believes that this is
45 a critical time.
46 Rhonda Rath said it is important to keep in mind that the schools' federal budget is on a
47 different schedule, and is not typically approved until December or later. She said this can lead
48 to cash flow issues, as federal funds are not available at the start of the year. She said federal
49 employees have to continue to be paid without the funds.
13
1 Commissioner Marcoplos said it is confusing who is supposed to fund various positions
2 within the school systems, and asked if a list could of positions, and who is responsible for their
3 funding, could be provided to the BOCC.
4 Commissioner Marcoplos referred to CHCCS page 4, and said a $5.37 tax increase
5 seems to be needed for both the continuation and expansion budgets. He said OCS needs a
6 $2.90 tax increase. He said combined, these would amount to an $8.33 tax increase.
7 Bonnie Hammersley said this is ADM allocation, and 59.99% goes to CHCCS and the
8 rest goes to OCS.
9 Commissioner Bedford said she asked for the fund balance policy to be included in the
10 BOCC agenda packet, and it does say schools can use fund balance for operating expenses in
11 emergencies. She said $2 million was spent every year in 2008/09/10, and the schools should
12 plan to use the fund balance again over the next few years. She said there can be cash flow
13 issues, but the County has helped with this in the past. She said state cuts occurred back then
14 and everyone did less with less. She said she is very thankful for the federal dollars for some
15 of the COVID-19 related needs. She said having to address curriculum needs across the board
16 will be very expensive, and special needs children will face the most hardship. She said the
17 County is in the same boat as the schools, and there needs to be a one year plan that dips into
18 the fund balances, and have frequent communication between the schools and the County.
19 She said this is a hard time, and there will be much hardship ahead. She said the County
20 cannot raise taxes right now.
21 Commissioner McKee complimented both school boards and superintendents for their
22 dedication, but respectfully disagreed with the superintendents about the use of fund balance
23 monies. He said the fund balance is for emergencies, and Orange County is not going to let
24 schools fail. He said everyone is in this together and must work together.
25 Commissioner McKee said there is enough fund balance in both school districts to fund
26 their continuation budgets for this year. He said he is not going to ask taxpayers for a tax
27 increase knowing these fund balances are there. He said people are without employment and
28 losing their homes, and he will ask nothing of the residents.
29 Chair Rich thanked the schools for coming back for this discussion, and said the BOCC
30 has to have conversations about County's fund balance every year themselves.
31 Chair Rich said the Orange County Board of Commissioners has always supported
32 education, and when the public reports otherwise, it is simply untrue.
33
34 2. Discussion of Outside Agencies Funding for FY 2020-21, Pqs. 298-309
35
36 BACKGROUND:
37 Each fiscal year, non-profit organizations that deliver community services have the ability to
38 apply for program funding from Orange County. In December 2016, the Orange County Board
39 of Commissioners adopted a funding target of 1.2 percent of the county's general fund
40 expenditures, less the appropriation for education expenses, for the purpose of funding outside
41 agency operations. Historically, the county had a funding target of 1.0 percent.
42
43 Applications are reviewed by staff members for completeness and eligibility. The applications
44 are then presented to a specific advisory board, depending on the subject matter. Each
45 advisory board is responsible for scoring each application based on an application scorecard.
46 The application scorecard is comprised of three weighted categories with a total possible score
47 of 100. The three categories and the total possible points are: Customer Impact/Value (20
48 points), Results (40 points), and Plan for Implementation (40 points). A few of the application
49 questions and sections changed from the previous year. To accommodate changes to the
14
1 application, the point distribution was altered in each section. The County Manager presents
2 recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, which approves the final allocations.
3
4 Recipients are required to submit written program reports that include: goals, description of
5 activities/challenges, revisions of timelines/budgets, and other relevant information. Funded
6 projects are monitored for progress and performance, financial and administrative
7 management, and compliance with the terms of Performance/Development Agreement(s).
8 Monitoring may involve site and/or office visit(s).
9
10 For fiscal year 2020-21, Orange County received applications from 54 agencies. The requests
11 totaled $1,923,289, an increase of$433,108 above fiscal year 2019-20. The FY 2020-21
12 County Manager's Recommended budget includes funding awards for 49 agencies with a total
13 of$1,541,974; an increase of$51,793 from FY 2019-20 Commissioner Approved Budget.
14
15 Based on the theme of this year's budget, most outside agencies are recommended to receive
16 the same funding as they did last year. The Budget recommends approving the additional
17 funding requests for six agencies that will likely be involved in the response to or impact by
18 COVID-19. Agencies that are recommended for an increase are:
19 • Compass Center for Women and Families— increase of$12,751
20 • Community Home Trust— increase of$3,108 based on an interlocal agreement formula
21 • Meals on Wheels of Orange County— increase of$27,488 reallocated due to merger
22 with Orange County Rural Alliance
23 • Interfaith Council — increase of$69,397
24 • Orange Congregations in Missions — increase of$13,965
25 • Pathways to Change —a new domestic violence program — increase of$4,351
26
27 Please refer to the Outside Agency section (Pages 298-309) of the FY 2020-21 Manager's
28 Recommended budget for discussion of Outside Agency funding.
29
30 The Board has historically received an Outside Agencies Funding Request booklet. Due to the
31 current COVID19 restrictions on businesses, the production of this document did not occur in
32 time for this budget work session discussion. The Outside Agencies Funding Request booklet
33 will be provided to the Board in September 2020, along with the FY 2020-21 Commissioner
34 Approved Annual Operating Budget and Capital Investment Plan.
35
36 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with the discussion of Outside
37 Agencies. Decisions that the Board makes on Outside Agency funding, as part of its discussion
38 of the Manager's Recommended FY 2020-21 Annual Operating Budget, will have financial
39 impacts.
40
41 Bonnie Hammersley made the following PowerPoint presentation:
42
43 FY2020-20 Budget Recommendations
44 Outside agencies
45
46 ❑ Base Budget (FY2019-20) with the following exceptions that received increased
47 funding:
48 Community Home Trust: $3108 based on Interlocal Agreement
49 ✓ Compass Center for Women and Families: $12,751
50 ✓ Interfaith Council: $69,937
15
1 ✓ Meals on Wheels Chapel Hill: $27,488
2 ✓ OCIM: $13,965
3 ✓ Pathways to Change: $4,351
4 (new Domestic Violence program for Orange County)
5 $1,541,974 is consistent with the target established by the BOCC to allocate 1.2% of
6 general fund expenses, not including education, to outside agencies
7
8 Schedule For Budget Consideration
9
10 Budget Timeline Date
11 Recommended Budget Presentation May 5
12 Budget Public Hearing Date
13 Budget and Capital Investment Plan (CIP) May 12 & June 4
14 Budget Work Session Schedule Date
15 Schools and Outside Agencies May 14
16 Fire district, Public Safety, Support Services and May 21
17 General Government
18 Human Services and Community Services May 28
19 Budget Amendments and Resolution of Intent to Adopt June 9
20 BOCC Regular Meeting Date
21 FY 2020-21 Operating and CIP Budget Adoption June 16
22
23 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the new meeting process for this year, due to the
24 pandemic.
25 Commissioner Price said there was one request that could not be fully funded, and
26 asked if staff could clarify.
27 Bonnie Hammersley said Meals on Wheels requested a significant increase, which the
28 County could not fully fund. She said took OCRA's previously requested funds and moved
29 them into Meals on Wheel, as these two organizations recently merged into one.
30 Commissioner Price asked if combining the two amounts brought the monies up to the
31 requested amount.
32 Bonnie Hammersley said no, they requested an additional $80,000, which would have
33 allowed them to expand services fully, at one time. She said phasing in was another option,
34 and the recommended amount will allow for this to occur. She said services have not been
35 cut, but rather will expand at a slower rate than originally hoped for.
36 Bonnie Hammersley said all outside agencies are being impacted by COVID-19, and
37 staff will continue to work with its agencies to help them succeed. She said agencies receive
38 funding on a quarterly basis, after submitting some documentation. She said in March, she
39 approved the pay to be distributed in advance of the required reporting, which is one way staff
40 can pivot to keep things moving.
41 Commissioner Marcoplos said he had one question about the schools, which he forgot
42 to mention previously. He said there is $270,000/month in hazard pay, and he would like to
43 know more about this, such as projections for the future and details on what it is for.
44
45 3. Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion
46 The Board considered discussing appointments to the Adult Care Home Community
47 Advisory Committee.
48 Chair Rich said the Board can discuss if it wants to formally approve these tonight, or
49 wait until the June 2 Business meeting. She said the Clerk has asked if the BOCC would
50 approve these appointments tonight. She said there is also a question of whether the BOCC
16
1 wants to change its advisory policy to allow electronic meetings. She said currently the BOCC
2 meets electronically, but advisory boards are not meeting, unless they have a statutory
3 requirement to do so.
4 Commissioner Bedford said she is in favor of approving all of these appointments
5 tonight with one motion, unless a commissioner needs more information.
6 Commissioner Greene said she advocated for voting tonight, but would be fine with
7 waiting until June 2nd
8 Commissioner Dorosin said since it is only two weeks until June 2nd he is happy to wait,
9 and as long as the Board preserves the conversation he is fine. He said he is willing to be
10 flexible and vote as needed, when needed.
11 Commissioner Marcoplos supported voting tonight, and the desire was to be able to
12 have conversations, which the Board has accomplished. He said voting the same night as the
13 discussions seems efficient and speeds things up. He said he would support always doing this.
14 Commissioner McKee said the Orange County Board of Commissioners can do what it
15 wants to do with its own procedures. He said he is happy either way.
16 Commissioner Price said as long as there are no controversies, she is fine to vote at a
17 work session. She said voting at a regular meeting is only a formality.
18 Chair Rich said the desire seems to be to leave the procedure in place for the future, so
19 discussions can take place, but to vote on these appointments tonight.
20 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the electronic meeting policy, and said he fully
21 supports changing it to allow advisory boards to meet electronically.
22 John Roberts said, at the time the policy was created, the Board was concerned that
23 appointees would not show up, but just call in. He said this could be addressed by allowing
24 electronic meetings to occur only during declared states of emergency.
25 Commissioner Dorosin said it has become apparent in recent weeks that a lot can be
26 done without face-to-face participation. He said he would encourage people to meet in person,
27 but if not, other means should be acceptable.
28 Chair Rich asked if this policy were to change, on whom would the responsibility fall to
29 set up the electronic meetings.
30 Donna baker said the staff liaison and the advisory board chair would work together.
31 She said some standardized guidelines might help to insure that open meeting laws are being
32 met.
33 John Roberts said the meeting being open is the most important element.
34 Thom Freeman said meeting electronically may broaden the pool of willing volunteers,
35 as those who cannot physically attend meetings, may now be willing to serve.
36 Commissioner Greene said it may also get younger people, with children, to be willing to
37 serve.
38 Commissioner Bedford said when the policy was created it is likely that video
39 capabilities were not what they are now. She said these are different times, and virtual
40 meetings allow real participation. She said the only issue may be access to stable/reliable
41 1 nternet.
42 Commissioner Dorosin said there are 2 questions: 1.) whether the entire board meets
43 virtually during an emergency, and 2.) post crisis, does virtual attendance continue to be
44 permissible. He said he would say yes to both questions, for the valid reasons already outlined.
45 He said face-to-face meetings are preferred, but virtual participation is effective, and this should
46 be maximized.
47 Chair Rich said this sounds like two policies: one for a state of emergency, where all
48 meetings would be virtual, with staff helping with technology needs. She said the second policy
49 would allow for members to be able to meet virtually, while encouraging in person meetings as
50 a preference. She asked if the public would be able to attend in only person and also virtually.
17
1 John Roberts said he could create some proposed rules for the BOCC to consider.
2 Chair Rich asked if staff could accomplish that before the summer break.
3 John Roberts said yes.
4 Commissioner Price said virtual meetings work, and once the crisis is over, allow board
5 members to attend virtually, but mandate a physical meeting for the public to be able to attend.
6 She said the policy should also cover whether board members can vote electronically.
7 John Roberts said the advisory board policy does not apply to some statutory boards
8 (Board of Health, Social Services, etc.), and this potential policy would only apply to advisory
9 boards.
10 Commissioner Marcoplos moved to allow advisory boards to meet virtually during this,
11 and any future crisis, and come up with a policy thereafter.
12 Chair Rich said the policy is needed, and voting now would be too broad and without
13 guidelines on how to meet.
14 Donna Baker said the BOCC is meeting virtually through June, and the policy could take
15 effect from July 1 onwards, which would allow guidance and help to those who have not done
16 these types of meetings before.
17 Thom Freeman said the boards really want to meet, and it would be good to allow them
18 to do so in the near future.
19 Commissioner McKee said none of these boards need the BOCC to act on anything
20 right now, and it can be discussed as an agenda item in an upcoming meeting. He said this
21 should be handled properly.
22 Bonnie Hammersley agreed with Commissioner McKee, and said staff could bring this
23 back on June 2nd
24 Commissioner McKee said a lot of people might have problems accessing virtual
25 meetings, like he has.
26 Commissioner Price said she is in favor of giving the go ahead to staff to draft some
27 language.
28 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the BOCC has a post-COVID policy, as to whether
29 Commissioners can participate remotely.
30 John Roberts said he believed so, but will research.
31 Commissioner McKee asked staff to please double check on that because he could not
32 do that 6 years ago, per state law.
33
34 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
35 appoint the following to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee:
36
37 Position 2 Jack Ramsey At-Large - One Year Preliminary Term Expiring 03/24/2021
38
39 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
40
41 Commissioner Greene asked if she could be provided some information about this
42 committee and the BOCC's roles and responsibilities regarding oversight of these homes.
43 Chair Rich said this committee has asked for more help, and it is important to continue
44 conversations, especially given the impact of COVID-19.
45 Commissioner Price said this committee is seeing inadequacies in adult care homes,
46 but are unsure how to address them. She said she would also like more information on how
47 follow up can occur.
48
49 4. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board —Appointment Discussion
50 The Board considered discussing appointments to the ABC Board.
18
1
2 A motion was made Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
3 appoint the following to the ABC Board:
4
5 • Position 3 Mike Zito - At-Large - First Full Term Expiring 06/30/2023
6 • Position 4 Alice Mahood - At-Large - First Full Term Expiring 06/30/2023
7
8 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9
10 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
11 appoint Patrick Burns as Chair of ABC Board.
12
13 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
14
15 5. Board of Health —Appointment Discussion
16 The Board considered discussing appointments to the Board of Health:
17
18 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
19 appoint the following to the Board of Health.
20
21 • Position 1 Dr. Lee Pickett - Veterinarian - First Full Term Expiring 06/30/2023
22 • Position 2 Jessica Frega - Citizen BOCC Appointment - Second Full Term Expiring
23 06/30/2023
24 • Position 4 Dr. Sheilda Rodgers - At-Large Nurse - First Full Term Expiring 06/30/2020
25
26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
28 6. Carrboro Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion
29 The Board considered discussing appointments to the Carrboro Northern Transition
30 Area Advisory Committee.
31
32 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
33 appoint the following to the Carrboro Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee:
34
35 • Position 1 Edward Witkin - N. Transition Area BOCC Appointee - First Full Term
36 Expiring 01/31/2023
37 • Position 3 Deborah Eaker-Rich - N. Transition Area BOCC Appointee- Second Full Term
38 Expiring 01/31/2021
39
40 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
41
42 7. Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau —Appointment Discussion
43 The Board considered discussing appointments to the Chapel Hill Visitors Bureau.
44
45 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
46 appoint the following to the Chapel Hill Visitors Bureau:
47
48 Position 14 Elizabeth (Betsy) Bertram Interim — Ex- Officio-Economic Development Staff
49 —Town of Carrboro- First Full Term Expiring 06/30/2023
19
1
2 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
3
4 8. Historic Preservation Commission —Appointment Discussion
5 The Board considered discussing appointments to the Historic Preservation
6 Commission.
7
8 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
9 appoint the following to the Historic Preservation Commission:
10
11 Position 4 Stephen Peck - At-Large - Second Full Term Expiring 05/19/2020
12
13 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
14
15 9. Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion
16 The Board considered discussing appointments to the Nursing Home Community
17 Advisory Committee.
18
19 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
20 appoint the following to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee:
21
22 Position 2 Diane Stoy - At-Large— One-Year Preliminary Term Expiring 03/24/2021
23
24 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
25
26 10. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment Discussion
27 The Board considered discussing appointments to the Orange County Parks and
28 Recreation Council.
29
30 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
31 appoint the following to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council:
32
33 • Position 3 Bruce Chinery Cedar Grove Township (this applicant lives in Hillsborough see
34 recommendation information) Partial Term Expiring 03/31/2021
35 • Position 4 Xilong Zhao Chapel Hill City Limits First Full Term Expiring 03/31/2023
36 • Position 6 Mikki Fleming Cheeks Township Partial Term Expiring 03/31/2021
37 • Position 7 Cecily Kritz Chapel Hill Township (reappointment) First Full Term Expiring
38 03/31/2023
39 • Position 9 Tim Tippin Bingham Township (reappointment) Second Full Term Expiring
40 03/31/2023
41 • Position 10 Andrew Landstrom Hillsborough Town Limits First Full Term Expiring
42 09/30/2022
43
44 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
45
46 11. Orange Water & Sewer Authority Board of Directors —Appointment Discussion
47 The Board considered discussing an appointment to the OWASA Board of Directors.
48
49 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
50 appoint Quintin Harper.
20
1
2 Commissioner Bedford said Quintin Harper previously served on the OWASA board, but
3 had to step down.
4 Commissioner Greene said if one is a good member, and is up for a second term, one
5 would have to have done something very wrong not to get reappointed. She asked if it is not
6 expected to be able to serve a second term.
7 Chair Rich said she served on the OWASA Board for two terms, and expected the
8 second term to automatically follow the first, but Commissioner Dorosin is allowed to nominate
9 anyone he wants.
10 Commissioner Dorosin said OWASA has not made a candidate recommendation to the
11 BOCC.
12 Commissioner Greene said when she has served on boards previously, any member in
13 good standing expected to be able to serve a second term.
14 Commissioner Dorosin asked if this would be different if there is a better candidate. He
15 said it is no offense to the person who has previously served.
16 Commissioner Greene said not appointing someone for a second term, for willy-nilly
17 reasons, may deter people from serving.
18 Commissioner Dorosin said willy-nilly is a mischaracterization, and Quintin Harper has
19 served on this board before, is African American, and would bring diversity. He said Quintin
20 Harper is very active in the community.
21 Commissioner Greene said he does have qualifications.
22 Commissioner Price said the BOCC is having these discussions, and going through
23 these applications, specifically to look for more diversity. She said the current appointee has
24 demonstrated excellent service
25 Commissioner McKee said he would endorse Commissioner Greene's concerns. He
26 said if he served faithfully on any board and was not reappointed, without due cause, he would
27 consider it a slap in the face. He said Commissioners can certainly put forth other candidates
28 for consideration, but the BOCC should respect Raymond DuBose's service with a second
29 term.
30 Commissioner Greene apologized for her willy-nilly comment.
31 Commissioner Marcoplos said he met Ray Dubose in the early 2000s when they were
32 working on droughts, and he is a dedicated appointee. He said he deserves another term.
33 Commissioner Bedford said she would like to know how many of the OWASA board
34 members have the expertise that Ray DuBose has.
35 Commissioner Dorosin said he read the OWASA website, which says the board is made
36 up of people "just like yourself." He said it is a mischaracterization for his nomination, who he
37 deems to be the best candidate, to be considered a diss to Ray Dubose.
38 Commissioner Dorosin said the OWASA board is a clique that needs to be broken open.
39
40 VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Commissioner Price and Commissioner Dorosin); Nays, 5
41 (Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner
42 Marcoplos, Chair Rich)
43
44 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
45 appoint the following to the OWASA Board of Directors:
46
47 Position 2 Raymond (Ray) DuBose County BOCC Appointment Second Full Term
48 Expiring 06/30/2023
49
50 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner Dorosin)
21
1
2 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos
3 to adjourn the meeting at 9:47 p.m.
4
5 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6
7
8 Penny Rich, Chair
9
10
11 Donna S. Baker
12 Clerk to the Board
13
14
15