HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-09-2020 Virtual Budget Work Session 1
APPROVED 9/1/2020
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
VIRTUAL BUDGET WORK SESSION
June 9, 2020
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Budget Work Session on
Thursday, June 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Rich and Commissioners Jamezetta
Bedford, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, and Renee Price
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT:
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County
Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will
be identified appropriately below)
Chair Rich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Chair Rich said there has been an uptick of Covid-19 cases in the state and
Orange County. She encouraged anyone who is not feeling well to get tested.
Chair Rich said she has had conversations about the pandemic with the Mayors,
the Legislative Delegation, and Congressman Price. She said there are concerns about
schools resuming in the fall, and also about governmental entities meeting again face-to-
face. She said there is hope of more government funding to help with Covid-19 related
expenses.
Chair Rich referred to the amended Orange County Emergency Declaration
effective Friday, June 12 at 5:00 p.m., which does require masks.
Commissioner Marcoplos referred to his and Commissioner Dorosin's proposed
community forum on racism and policing, which many thought may be discussed this
evening. He said the proposed resolution will be discussed on the June 161h agenda,
and the desire is to have the Sheriff's department as a full and equal partner.
Chair Rich said the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has been getting a
lot of emails about the Orange County Board of Commissioners defunding the police, but
the County does not have a police force. She said town police do not answer to the
BOCC, but rather to the local Mayors. She said in the County, the Sheriff is an elected
official, and does not answer to the BOCC. She said the County always works
collaboratively with the Sheriff's department, for example having body cameras.
Commissioner Dorosin said the community forum should happen soon, and
though the Sheriff is independently elected, the Orange County Board of Commissioners
controls his budget. He said there is much good being done, but also much work yet to
be done.
Chair Rich said she talked with the Sheriff before the Chapel Hill protest, and
invited him to attend the 16th meeting, in order to highlight some of the things the County
is doing.
Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a
Virtual Budget Work Session on June 9, 2020 utilizing Zoom. Members of the
Board of Commissioners participated in the meeting remotely. As in prior
meetings, members of the public were able to view and listen to the meeting via
live streaming video at orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange
County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
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1. Discussion of FY2020-21 Operating Budget
Travis Myren and Bonnie Hammersley presented the following information:
• Funding Decisions on the Operating Budget Amendment List
• Funding Decisions on the Other Funds Budget Amendment List
• Funding Decisions for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County
Schools
o Current Expense (Per Pupil)
2. Discussion of FY2020-25 Capital Investment Plan
• Funding Decisions on the Capital Investment Plan Amendment List
• Accept FY2020-25 Capital Investment Plan and Approve the Intent to Adopt
Capital Funding for FY2020-21
3. Discussion and Decision on the FY2020-21 County Fee Schedule
4. Discussion and Decision on the FY2020-21 Tax Rates
i. Ad Valorem Tax- 86.79cents
ii. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Special District Tax
iii. Fire District Tax Rates
Amendment 001 and 002-
Commissioner Greene said the $20,000 is requested because the house needs
$30,000 by September 1, and a generous board member has a bought a house they can
lease, but they need $30,000 in the bank.
Commissioner Price said it is her understanding that the program applied through
the outside agency process, and did not make the cut.
Commissioner Greene said the program did not qualify because it had not
applied before, but their mission is so aligned with the justice work being done by the
County. She said there is so little reentry housing, and this is a more unique
organization. She said the requested money is for the rent, and the program plans for its
residents to be working and paying rent. She said this is start up funding.
Commissioner Price said the BOCC had an unofficial agreement to follow the
Manager's guidance. She said she supports the program, but her concern is the
$20,000 for a start up. She said she would like some sort of partnership for a year, to
insure it is sustainable.
Bonnie Hammersley said the outside agencies process was a little different this
year, and did not follow the typical formula. She said no new agencies were awarded
funding. She said if the Board approves this amendment, the program would have to
follow all outside agencies' processes and procedures.
Commissioner Price said she does not want it to look like the BOCC is giving
preferential treatment. She said perhaps the County could be more hands on in the
management of the funding, and this should be more of a partnership, as opposed to a
typical outside agency.
Chair Rich said she agreed with Commissioner Price, and does not want to give
funding to those who lobbied the BOCC, when others did not know that doing so was
even a possibility.
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Commissioner Bedford said was originally leaning towards voting no, but the
entire process needs to be reviewed, due to covid-19. She said needs are more fluid
now, and she is making exception with this amendment and does support it.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the social justice fund balance can be identified,
and if the funding need is time sensitive. He said it is a critical program that meets social
and justice needs.
Bonnie Hammersley said the balance is zero in 2019-20 budget.
Commissioner McKee said he will support the amendment, and the social justice
fund was created to give people a hand up.
Commissioner Greene said this program asked her a few months ago about
possibility of funding, and she suggested the outside agency process. She said she
could have just said for them to come forward and ask for funding from the social justice
fund.
Bonnie Hammersley said the BOCC should be careful that the social justice fund
does not become a bidding fund.
Commissioner Price said she tried to get funding for food programs years back,
and it was taken out of social services. She asked if this program could be a Covid-19
project, or be placed under the Criminal Justice Resource Department for the first year.
She said she would like to see this as a connection, and not just money.
Bonnie Hammersley said staff would always consider this program an outside
agency, and all are in partnership with the County. She said this contract, if passed, will
be assigned to a department head to insure County procedures are being followed.
Commissioner Price asked, if approved, the funds will be considered outside
agency or social justice.
Bonnie Hammersley said the funds would be transferred from the social justice
fund into this program, under the outside agencies.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he recognizes the need to be true to the outside
agency process, but this is the type of program for which the social justice fund was
created.
Chair Rich said she supports the program, but it should be following the outside
agency process. She said there are many agencies that need funding, but did not
receive it. She said second chance lobbying feels uncomfortable, and she feels guilty
that other programs may have missed out because of not lobbying for funds.
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner
Dorosin to approve the amendment
VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Chair Rich)
AMENDMENT 003-
Commissioner McKee said he wants to rescind the Board's raises, especially in
light of Covid-19. He said it is the least the BOCC can do.
Commissioner Bedford agreed, and the BOCC wants to be leaders and show
solidarity with the employees by having no raises in budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner
McKee to approve the amendment
VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Chair Rich)
Amendments 004, 005, 006, 007, 008, 009, 010
Commissioner Marcoplos said his thought was to start with Amendment 004: the
National Association of Counties (NACo). He said the information he receives from
NACo does not help him as a commissioner. He said he would like to see these dues
reallocated to the social justice fund.
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Commissioner McKee said he feels the same about all of these entities: he does
not get a lot individually, but the County does receive benefits. He said the cost of the
memberships is very small, and he sees greater benefit in remaining a member of each
entity.
Commissioner McKee said he will oppose defunding each of these
memberships.
Commissioner Dorosin said these organizations provide different levels of
support to the County. He said he sees limited benefit from NACo, and North Carolina
Association of County Commissioners (NCACC); but the Triangle J Council of
Governments (TJCOG) and the School of Government (SOG) are closer to the County's
regions and needs, and provide valuable resources. He said he would like to know more
about what is actually received for each of these fees, and any savings are good
savings, if the expense is not providing value.
Commissioner Greene said she knows nothing about NACo.
Chair Rich said she is the Board's representative to NACo this year, and in the
past she was on the telecommunications committee, and became frustrated with the
organization. She said NACo does provide some value if one attends NACo
conferences for specific areas.
Commissioner Price said one gets out of NACo what one puts it into it. She has
been involved in different committees, and NACo is basically a lobbying organization.
She said one area of great impact was in housing funding, as well as arts and culture
being recognized as an economic driver. She said NCACC works in conjunction with
NACo and SOG, and the trainings offered by these entities are very valuable.
Bonnie Hammersley said from a staff viewpoint, NACo is directed toward elected
officials. She said NACo and NCACC are lobbying organizations, one on the national
level and one on the state level.
Commissioner Greene said the amount is under$3000/year, and Commissioner
Price's comments are helpful. She said many Commissioners are more conservative,
and the Orange County BOCC is typically not, and being heard is important.
Commissioner McKee agreed with Commissioner Greene, and said it is
important to continue to have a voice.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he does not think the BOCC has an impact on the
rural/urban divide by being a part of NACo, but perhaps it does by being a part of
NCACC.
A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner
Dorosin to defund NACo.
VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner Dorosin); Nays, 5
(Commissioner Price, Chair Rich, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Bedford,
Commissioner McKee)
Amendment 006/007
Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like to know more about what benefits
are received from the SOG, and if it is useful.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if staff could identify what the $17,000+ dues are
for.
Bonnie Hammersley said she believes it is considered a contribution, as opposed
to a membership, and from a staff level, it is very valuable to local governments.
Commissioner Dorosin said asked if there is a process to determine the amount
of contribution that is made to the SOG. He said making a contribution does not
translate into reduced fees for conferences, and the SOG's mission is to serve the state
of North Carolina, and he thinks the school would offer help to anyone who calls,
regardless of having made a contribution or not.
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Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, said population determines
the amount.
Chair Rich said she uses the SOG all the time, and it is a valuable resource.
Commissioner Dorosin said one can take classes even if not a contributor, and
this is a contribution to the University system, and maybe this year it would be wise to
cut the amount by $10,000.
Commissioner Greene asked if all are sure that one can take courses/training if
one is not a contributor. She said she thinks it is a great institution.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he is in favor of supporting the SOG, but
suggested reducing the contribution by $10,000 this year, due to Covid-19.
Commissioner Price said it is a valuable program, and the SOG is highly rated
throughout the country, and she would be hesitant to cut this funding without knowing
what this money is used for before.
Commissioner Dorosin said the SOG is a valuable resource, but it is supported
by the State, is a part of the University system, and it charges fees for its courses.
Bonnie Hammersley said she was sent information from a staff person, which
she read, and it defined the County funds as "membership dues". She said staff can find
out more and let the Board know.
Commissioner Bedford said, as a new commissioner, she found the orientation
very beneficial, and she took another course and felt the same. She said she will not
support this amendment.
Commissioner Price said the classes that are made available to the BOCC are
conducted specifically for elected officials. She said these funds help defray the costs of
their resources, and she will vote against the amendment.
Commissioner McKee said it is important to focus on the amendment, rather than
making amendments to amendments. He said the funding supports the SOG. He said it
is done fairly, and he will not support this amendment.
Paul Laughton said the Orange County Board of Commissioners does have a
contingency amount, and this item could be placed there while staff gathers more
information and the BOCC could make a final decision in the fall.
A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner
Dorosin to endorse being connected to the SOG, but due to this being a Covid year to
defunding by $10,000 and put funds in the Orange County Board of Commissioners
Contingency fund and paying the remainder to SOG, while ascertaining if we have the
access to their resources, and if need be pay the rest to the SOG.
Commissioner Greene said the funding amount is determined by the SOG's
funding model, and this amendment does not seem equitable.
Chair Rich said it is important during this time to find exactly what the funds are
being used for.
VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner Dorosin); Nays, 5
(Commissioner McKee, Chair Rich, Commissioner Price, Commissioner Greene
Commissioner Bedford)
Amendment 009/010 - Defund NCACC
Commissioner Marcoplos said he has attended a few NCACC conferences, and
would like to know NCACC's impact on the legislature.
Commissioner Bedford said NCACC provides an opportunity to work across the
aisles, and this group directly benefits counties.
Commissioner Greene said Attorney General Stein was approached about the
opioid legislation, and any possible payout, he approached the NCACC for ideas and
partnership. She said there is value in this membership.
Commissioner Marcoplos pulled the amendment.
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Amendment: 011 -TJCOG
Commissioner Marcoplos pulled the amendment.
Amendment 012/013—debt service
Travis Myren said these amendments are revisions of staff expectations, and the
County is enjoying lower interest rates than expected.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the allocation of these saved funds could be
identified.
Travis Myren referred to the bottom of the pink sheet, and said the balance would
be $191,140. He said if these funds remain undesignated, the default action would be to
reduce the amount of general fund being used to balance the budget.
Commissioner Dorosin said the County would take less out of the fund balance,
as opposed to having an extra $191,140 to use for other things.
Travis Myren said there is this additional funding should the BOCC choose to
allocate it.
Bonnie Hammersley said it is the fund balance, and not the reserve.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner
Price to approve this amendment.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Amendment 014
Chair Rich said the County is not delivering the sound basic education to all of
the students in the County, and one example is lack of Internet. She gave examples of
how remote learning has not worked for many students. She said the Article 46 sales
tax revenue will be reduced, so there will not be as much funding available for
technology. She said minority communities will be most affected by this, and the Board
of County Commissioners (BOCC) should help, in order to hold the schools harmless as
they determine how to navigate these unusual times. She said the schools have
provided the devices in many cases, but this equipment is useless without access to the
Internet. She said without this fund, the BOCC is doing a disservice to the community,
and is not providing an equitable education to all in the County.
Commissioner Price asked if anyone will be accountable for this funding, and if
there is a reason that the monies are not going directly to the schools. She said she
does not see how this will help, and if students do not have broadband, this funding will
not provide broadband.
Commissioner Price said the Board does need to review its agreement with the
library, but she does not want to cut the funds to the Chapel Hill Library as the funding is
for the programs. She said libraries were one of the first steps to desegregation, and
libraries continue to give access to all, and are the hub of equity. She said she does not
see the point in the amendment, and will vote against it. She said additional funding will
be needed by the schools, and hot spots are a very expensive band aid.
Chair Rich said the emergency education fund is to help with broadband, and is
for the County to help the schools for additional technology needs.
Commissioner Price said the County cannot lay broadband lines.
Chair Rich no, the County cannot do that, due to the general assembly. She said
if the County goes back into lock down, students will not be able to get to the library.
Commissioner Price said she does not understand how this funding will help.
Chair Rich said the funds could be used in many creative ways, such as lighting
up a bus and sending it in to a neighborhood. She said children without Internet access
are going to fall behind, and this funding is to help address the gap. She said the
County is responsible for these children's education.
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Commissioner Bedford said she appreciated the concerns for the students, but
she does not think cutting the library fund is the best way to meet the need. She said
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) has a large fund balance that could be
tapped into. She said the rural schools do not have as much excess funding, but there
is some, as well as expected relief funding from the CARES Act. She said she would
leave the library funding alone, and use the $191,000 to set up a reserve, if necessary.
Commissioner Marcoplos asked if Chair Rich envisions using these funds for
things other than just technology, as there will be so many emergency needs that will
arise going forward. He said an emergency fund is a good idea.
Commissioner Dorosin echoed Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner
Bedford, and said he liked the conversation being started about this amendment. He
said the Southern Library will be coming on line in a couple of years, and there has to be
a conversation about the Chapel Hill library and the County libraries, as the user
numbers will likely shift greatly with the new library being available. He said he also likes
the idea of an emergency education fund in these unusual times, and agrees there will
be many needs, not just technology. He said the County has been giving money to the
Chapel Hill library, which has been closed for the past three months, and asked if there
are any savings to be realized there.
Commissioner Greene said an equitable fund is needed now, but may not be
needed in a couple of years. She said she would not be in favor of cutting library
funding now, and there should be ongoing discussions in the fall.
Chair Rich said the Board has no agreement with Chapel Hill regarding the
library now, because the agreement ran out in 2015. She said the library was going to
ask the BOCC for more money this budget season, and that is why she started doing
some research on this issue. She said it is important to understand circulation numbers,
rather than active member numbers. She said the Board gives a lot of money to the
library (over $500,000), and has no say in how it is spent, and there is no interoperability
between the County and the City libraries. She said the Chapel Hill library is a great
resource for those in the southern part of the County, but an education fund that is
managed by the County is needed to serve all children. She said the Board must deliver
a sound basic education to every child in the County, and right now the Board is failing
to do so.
Commissioner McKee said the agreement that continued on after 2015 was by
default. He said the members of the Chapel Hill Board and Orange County Board of
Commissioners need to sit down and figure out what should Orange County pay. He
said he would rather do this by negotiation, and not by budget amendment.
Commissioner Greene said she was last involved in discussions in 2015, from
the Chapel Hill side, and she thought the conclusion at that time was to have seamless
integration between the library systems. She said she is surprised that this has not
happened. She said the problem with broadband is acute, but that is a separate issue
from the library.
Commissioner Price said there has been some interoperability. She said she
feels that this amendment is not spelled out enough for her. She said she does support
an emergency fund for education, but if students can have access to the library, there
are many resources available. She said the BOCC should talk with the school boards to
determine how best to meet their emergency needs, but using library funds is not the
way to proceed. She said conversations with the town library are important to have, and
funding likely will decrease as the southern branch comes online.
Chair Rich said she spoke with school leadership, and students need to simply
have access to the Internet. She said until all students can access the Internet, the
County is not serving children equitably.
Commissioner Price said she asked the schools if more hot spots are needed,
and the schools said no. She said teachers need to be involved in the conversation
about what is really needed.
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Commissioner Bedford said Verizon has a program to help students without
access.
Commissioner Bedford said there needs to be a work group, before spending
money on the southern library. She said discussions about interoperability are very
important.
A motion was made by Chair Rich, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
approve Amendment 014.
VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Chair Rich and Commissioner Marcoplos); Nays, 5
(Commissioner McKee Commissioner Price Commissioner Greene Commissioner
Bedford Commissioner Dorosin)
Commissioner McKee said the idea of an education fund is important, and he
would support using the funds generated by the quarter cent climate mitigation tax for
this purpose.
Chair Rich thanked Commissioner McKee, but said she will not make such a
motion.
Commissioner Dorosin said he hopes staff is keeping track of all the issues on
which the BOCC needs to follow up in the fall.
Amendments 017/018/019/020
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner
Price to approve Amendments 017/018/019/020.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a reason that tracking software costs
$35,000, and if this would be a pre-existing program, or one being made from scratch.
Travis Myren said software can be very expensive, and this cost is relatively low,
comparatively. He said the base software already exists, but it would need
modifications.
Commissioner Marcoplos asked if this funding will come from a particular area.
Travis Myren said it would be counted against the debt service savings.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Amendment 021
Travis Myren said Commissioner Marcoplos proposed an amendment to fund a
phase 2 feasibility study of operations and maintenance of a skilled construction trades
center.
Commissioner Marcoplos explained the center, and said it has been discussed
for well over a year, with many stakeholders. He said the County awarded $25,000
previously for an initial study, which was very informative. He said the next steps are to
identify which grants are the most promising to fund some of the option identified in the
initial study. He said time is of the essence, due to the availability of Covid-19 funding,
and this could very advantageous to the progress of this project. He said these funds
would pay for a study of the grant landscape, and getting some work done on a grant or
two. He said the amount would not exceed $25,000, and this is a great opportunity with
well-recognized needs.
Commissioner Price asked if anyone else is putting funding into this, and who is
involved.
Commissioner Marcoplos said Durham Tech, the school systems, UNC facility
manager, builders and developers in the area, homebuilders associations, etc. are
involved.
Commissioner Price asked if any of these entities are providing matching funds.
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Commissioner Marcoplos said no.
Commissioner Price said she was interested in the funding.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he is not aware of any identified funds at this time
other than the County's funding.
Commissioner Bedford said the proposal sounds very interesting, but she would
prefer to wait until September to discuss it. She said it is hard to write grants when the
option has not been determined.
Commissioner Bedford said if the process does move forward, she would support
hiring a professional grant writer, but that is getting ahead of themselves. She said it is
premature to look at grant funds, when it is not clear what is needed and what is the best
option to pursue.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he disagreed, and if the BOCC reads the report it
would be able to see the options have been narrowed down to just a few viable ones.
He said the first step is to know which grant opportunities are worth pursuing, and the
initial report writer has grant writing experience, as well as connections to this
community. He said the Covid funding could be crucial to jump starting this project.
Commissioner Bedford said she read the report, and there are four options.
A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos to approve Amendment 021.
Commissioner Greene said she has not had a chance to read the full report, and
the pros and cons are not clear to her. She said she would be happy to consider it in the
fall.
Commissioner Marcoplos said the report was sent out a while ago, and he
should have flagged it more strongly to have the BOCC read it.
NO SECOND
Motion failed.
Commissioner McKee asked if staff could monitor these Covid-19 grants.
Chair Rich said staff is already doing so, and tracking all Covid related expenses
and funds is critical.
Commissioner McKee said he meant to monitor the grant deadlines, and bring
this topic back in September.
Commissioner Marcoplos encouraged everyone to sit in on these meetings, to
observe the level of commitment and progress.
School Amendments — none
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the BOCC wants to make a motion to use the
$191,000 for schools. He said he would be open to give these monies to the schools,
with a 60/40 split.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner
Greene to give the $191,000 to the schools at the 60/40 split.
Commissioner Bedford said given the schools' fund balances, she would suggest
moving the monies to the social justice fund.
Commissioner Price asked if the 2020-21 social justice fund balance could be
identified.
Travis Myren said $180,000, given Commissioner Greene's earlier amendment.
Commissioner McKee said given the uncertainty in the world, he would endorse
Commissioner Bedford's suggestion to move monies to the social justice fund. He
asked Commissioner Dorosin if he would accept a friendly amendment.
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Chair Rich said to take a vote on the existing motion first. She said she would
support this for the schools to use for emergency needs, especially broadband.
Commissioner Bedford said to let the schools use these funds as needed with no
limitations.
Chair Rich said yes, absolutely.
Commissioner Bedford said she assumes there will be nutritional needs in the
fall.
Commissioner Price said she will support this if the schools are able to use the
funds as they best see fit.
Chair Rich said these funds would hold the schools harmless with the article 46
tax, which makes her feel better.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
CAPITAL BUDGET AMENDMENTS - green sheet
Amendment 001
Travis Myren said there are two amendments that are very similar, and there are
three columns that lay out the ways to achieve the amendments' goals.
Commissioner Price said Durham Tech will be critical to getting through, and
past, this pandemic, as community colleges fill many roles. She said she does not want
to touch the conservation easements, and is unsure of the technology needs. She said
she is open to suggestions for years 2 and 3. She said it may not be necessary to
spend the entire $1 million in year 1, and she just wants to get the process started.
Commissioner Dorosin said he and Commissioner Price have the same goal,
and the differences lie in the projects each is proposing to delay to accomplish the goal.
He said both are seeking to offer offsetting savings for the moved up costs. He referred
to the total impacts, and his is $26 million, which is dollar for dollar offset. He said if
there is interest in moving the project up, the BOCC could vote first on the areas where
he and Commissioner Price agree, and then go through the differences. He, too, said
he is open to suggestions for how to find offsetting costs. He said he sent an
amendment to his amendment, which reduces the amount funding taken from lands
legacy and conservation easements. He echoed Commissioner Price's comments about
the critical role of community colleges in a post Covid world, and said Orange County
needs to be poised to serve the needs. He said this amendment directly impacts issues
of racial and social justice, as most of Durham Tech's students are students of color, and
many receive financial aid. He said Durham Tech must be considered as an equally
important part of Orange County's educational system. He said many students will be
seeking cost effective alternatives to four year institutions, as well as vocational training,
and retraining.
Commissioner Dorosin said Durham Tech recently hired a new president, and its
board is eager to see growth in Orange County. He said the Orange County campus is
unique, with the UNC Hospital being located across the street. He said all factors
combined make this is a unique opportunity for valuable investment. He said the BOCC
can always revisit the project for any reason, if a pause or change is needed, but it is
important for the BOCC to make a commitment. He said Orange County has been, and
will continue to be, committed to land preservation, and he thinks it is time to show equal
commitment to this type of education.
Commissioner Price said Orange County has a unique relationship between
education and economic development, and this conversation about another building has
been ongoing for years, and even more so when the hospital was built. She said
earning a GED is free at Durham Tech, and affords many people a wonderful
opportunity. She said students can transfer credits to a four year college, which levels
the playing field for many who could not afford the traditional college route.
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Commissioner Marcoplos said he recognizes the dire need for vocational
training, and would like to see this project move forward. He said he would like to find a
way to get the planning done, but maybe look at the rest of the funding thereafter. He
said the Board does not know what the implications of taking funding from these different
other CIP projects would have, and he would never support taking funding from lands
legacy.
Commissioner McKee said he appreciated both Commissioner Price and
Dorosin's efforts, but the BOCC needs to spend more time discussing these proposals,
as there are many projects he will not defund. He said he would support delaying this
discussion until the fall for next year's budget, because of all of the uncertainty around
the County's finances, and the economy at large, due to Covid. He said he fully
supports vocational training, but he cannot support these proposed offsetting costs.
Commissioner Greene said she has come to believe that this issue should be
made more urgent, and she appreciates Commissioner Dorosin's reduction in the
conservation offsets, but that is probably the only offset she cannot support. She said
she can support a pause on parks, but wants to know if this amendment can be
achieved without touching the lands legacy and conservation easement monies.
Commissioner Price said her plan does not take funding from the lands legacy or
conservation easements. She said she took funds from areas that seemed able to wait.
She said she does not want to defund the parks, but rather wants to delay them. She
said the parks already exist, and she is proposing delaying modifications to them. She
said delaying the parks will not close them down. She said she was unsure about years
2 and 3, but staff said numbers needed to be plugged in. She said the future is
uncertain, and she is open to suggestions.
Commissioner Bedford said she in her first year as a Commissioner, the 911
center moved multiple times, and the link center is condemned. She said there needs to
be some wiggle room for the upcoming hurricane season. She said the County is about
to do a study of County needs, which is important, and she would prefer to wait until that
is completed before a plan is made. She said she would like to have all needs
integrated into the County budget. She said post secondary education is in transition,
and much more will be known in a year, and she would prefer to wait and see, as well as
allow the new president time to get acclimated to the role and the community. She said
the budget has no wiggle room, and any delays that can be put in place to allow staff
flexibility are important. She said she does not think the County can afford to do this
right now, and the BOCC should be cautious. She said there are more immediate ways
to help those negatively affected by Covid, and she will not support this amendment.
Commissioner Marcoplos said Twin Creeks has not been built yet, and has been
on the books for 13 years. He said Governor Cooper wants to put an education
referendum on the ballot, which likely will not happen this year, with $5 million going to
Durham Tech. He said would support doing the study now.
Commissioner Greene asked if there is a response from Durham Tech about the
possible transition to more online learning being needed in the future.
Commissioner Dorosin said online learning is evolving, but additional physical
capacity will still be needed at the Orange County Campus. He said the County needs
to make a commitment in order to have the voice it wants on the Durham Tech board.
He said he provided offsetting cuts to be able to afford this project. He said saving
money in the capital budget does not put the money in the operating budget.
Commissioner Dorosin referred to Commissioner McKee's concern about not
being able to pause once started, and he disagreed. He said the process can be
paused at any time, if necessary. He referred to the uncertainty of the County's
finances, and said the financial commitment is the same whether the Board approves
the Manager's recommended budget or approves this amendment, which has a dollar
for dollar substitution for the costs. He said parks are a priority but so is the community
college. He said he would like to start this project, and changes can be made as
necessary, as with every project.
12
Chair Rich said she would like to support this, and feels Durham Tech is a top
priority. She asked if the BOCC does not use land legacy or conservation monies, from
where would the funding come. She said using funds from this area is her only concern
on this proposal.
Commissioner Dorosin reminded the BOCC that he is no longer recommending
as much funds be removed from lands legacy and conservation.
Commissioner McKee said this discussion is complicated, and should be had in
the fall. He said the BOCC can pause a project, but he does not think the BOCC should
start a $26 million project without planned follow through. He said the Board is talking
about accelerating this project, not delaying it.
Commissioner Bedford said canceling a CIP project from this year does not free
up monies until the following year. She said the same underserved population that is
served by Durham Tech, also use the parks, and she is not willing to make the trade off
with the parks funding.
Commissioner McKee asked Commissioner Dorosin if he could identify from
where the other$14 million is coming.
Travis Myren referred to slide 16, and said in years 4 and 5, there is $4 million
plus the $3 million, plus a few additional projects that Commissioner Dorosin removed,
which Commissioner Price did not.
Commissioner McKee said it moves the savings out additional years.
Travis Myren said yes.
Commissioner McKee asked if taxpayers can be assured in future years that the
BOCC will accrue the savings, rather than impose a tax increase.
Commissioner Dorosin said that is true every year, and it has no bearing on the
amendment.
Commissioner McKee said if you are going to cut it half, and delay it, it seems
moot.
Commissioner Dorosin said it takes out $26 million, and it adds $26 million.
Commissioner McKee said there is no guarantee that the $26 million will stay
out. He said he does not want to the Board to talk about offsetting costs with savings,
without assurances of the savings.
Commissioner Dorosin said that cannot be assured any year.
Commissioner McKee said his point is that the discussion should be held later in
the year, to allow for in depth discussion, and public input. He said he supports the
project, but does not want to accelerate it.
Travis Myren put up slide 17.
Commissioner Dorosin said the slide shows that this is a fiscally responsible
proposal.
Chair Rich said the BOCC should try and reach a conclusion on this discussion.
She asked if the lands legacy and conservation cuts be identified.
Commissioner Dorosin said his most current proposal includes $1.25 million from
these areas.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price
to add CIP amendments 001/007.
VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Price, Commissioner
Greene, Chair Rich); Nays, 3 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner McKee,
Commissioner Marcoplos)
Amendments 002/009
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price
to approve these amendments.
13
VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Commissioner Dorosin, Chair Rich, Commissioner Price,
Commissioner Greene); Nays, 3 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner
Marcoplos, Commissioner McKee)
Amendments 003/011
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price
to approve these amendments.
VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Commissioner Dorosin, Chair Rich, Commissioner Price,
Commissioner Greene); Nays, 3 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner
Marcoplos, Commissioner McKee)
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin to approve this amended
amendment- slide 13 -the projects listed in his column to be delayed.
Chair Rich proposed a friendly amendment to take out conservation easements.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner
Greene to approve these amendments with the conservation easements removed.
VOTE: Ayes, 3 (Chair Rich, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Dorosin); Nays,
4 (Commissioner Price, Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner McKee,
Commissioner Marcoplos)
Commissioner Price said she is not comfortable taking monies out of IT.
Commissioner Dorosin proposed taking $500,000 out of IT instead.
Commissioner Price asked if IT needs could be identified.
Travis Myren said there are three things going on: cybersecurity, laptop
replacements, and routine upgrades.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price
to approve that column and revising the cut to IT to $500,000.
VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Commissioner Price, Commissioner Dorosin, Chair Rich,
Commissioner Greene); Nays, 3 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner McKee,
Commissioner Marcoplos)
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner
Greene to make the delays in the Dorosin column, with lands legacy taken out (slide14).
Commissioner Price asked if the IT funding is additional to the previous motion.
Paul Laughton, Financial and Administrative Services, said yes, and it is software
and infrastructure upgrades, cyber security, and equipment replacements. He said year
staff has regular IT updates and maintenance to keep up to date. He said the motion
would reduce IT greatly.
Commissioner McKee said the Board cannot continue to strip the IT budget, and
the Board is entering down a rabbit hole here.
Commissioner Greene said she shares the same concern, and withdrew her
second.
Commissioner Price said she cannot support it.
No second
MOTION FAILS
14
Commissioner Price asked if the Board is locked into $26 million.
Commissioner Dorosin said the Board just voted to approve it.
Bonnie Hammersley said the amount is up to the board.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner
Marcoplos to table this item until second meeting in September so this topic can be fully
researched.
Chair Rich said the Board has passed many of these things.
Commissioner McKee said the Board has passed them, but not funded them.
Commissioner Dorosin said the Board has already voted affirmatively, and
cannot undo that vote. He said the Board can vote against it at the June 16 meeting
during the final budget vote.
Commissioner McKee said the Board needs to have a much less convoluted
process and discussion. He said two different scenarios have been proposed, and the
Board is trying to mix and match to find a way to fund these approved changes. He said
a Commissioner who voted favorable to move the projects up could make a motion to
rescind that vote, thus allowing the BOCC to table to discussion.
Commissioner Dorosin said the BOCC would need to revote in order to table the
discussion with the delays on year one. He said he would like the Board to review the
slide with his proposed cuts, and have the Board vote on each one, up or down.
Commissioner McKee said Commissioner Dorosin is pushing an item that does
not have a plan to bring it to fruition.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like to support the Durham Tech
expansion, but he wants to understand the implications of each of these cost offsets,
and how they will impact the community. He said he would like to review each proposed
cut, so that he can be fully informed on the rationale for his vote. He said this will likely
take a few work sessions.
Chair Rich said the Board already passed pushing this forward, as well as the
first year of funding.
Commissioner Greene said the question is if the Board has to commit the money
now, or can it do so after the budget is approved.
Travis Myren said the Board can approve the appropriation of year one, and
accept the rest of the plan, which can always be amended in September.
Chair Rich said the Board has approved year one to move up, etc.
Bonnie Hammersley said the Board has also approved $14 million and $11
million in years two and three. She said if the Board is going to offset these amounts, it
needs to do before the County goes out for borrowing, otherwise the rating agencies will
see this negatively. She said rating agencies will not be contacted until spring 2021, so
the Board could make changes in the fall. She said without these amounts being offset,
the rating agencies will expect to see a tax increase in future years to cover the costs.
Commissioner Greene suggested holding some work sessions before June 301n
the final date by which the Board must have an approved budget.
Commissioner Marcoplos said if the BOCC can fund the planning, and defer the
cuts, he would be supportive.
Commissioner Dorosin said the Board has already covered year one.
Commissioner Price asked if the Board could finish years 2 and 3 in September.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes, as long as a plan can be in place prior to the
County going out for borrowing.
Travis Myren said the Board should be mindful that if just the planning is in the
budget, the Local Government Commission (LGC) will not allow the County to borrow for
just the planning, unless there is a capital project following, so the Board will need the
full plan to be resolved in the fall.
Commissioner Price asked if the park monies would stay in the budget until next
week.
15
Travis Myren said yes.
Chair Rich said to come back in September to find the money.
Commissioner Bedford asked if it is allowed to do year one now, and put the year
2 and 3 in years in years 6 and 7 of the CIP, so that the BOCC can adopt a CIP; or does
the LGC require the BOCC to have a plan that includes three sequential years.
Travis Myren said the Board would have to have the project budgeted within a
reasonable time, and spring would be sufficient. He said the Board cannot put the rest
of the project in years 6 and 7.
A motion was made by Commissioner Price to come back in September to work
out the funding for years 2 and 3.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Board cut $1 million out of year one.
Commissioner Price said yes.
Commissioner Marcoplos asked if he could be reminded of how this $1 million
was accounted for.
Travis Myren showed slide 13, with offsetting cuts in the morgue, partial IT, etc.
Commissioner Greene seconded the motion.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he cannot support any of these cuts without more
discussion.
Chair Rich said these cuts have already passed.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he is uncomfortable with the haste of these
discussions.
Chair Rich said the Board is voting on what was passed tonight, including cuts,
and having more discussion in September.
Commissioner McKee said this is crazy.
Commissioner Bedford clarified that the Board is required to pass a balanced
budget.
Bonnie Hammersley said the Board only passed year one.
Commissioner McKee asked if year one is balanced.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
VOTE: Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Price, Chair Rich, Commissioner Greene); Nays, 4
Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Marcoplos, Commissioner McKee,
Commissioner Dorosin
Impasse
Commissioner Dorosin reiterated his suggestion of going line by line.
No Board members were interested in doing so.
Commissioner McKee respectfully requested one of the affirmative voters, to
move the project to years 1, 2 and 3, rescind the motion to move the project up.
Commissioner Dorosin said he would change his vote on the previous motion.
Motion again to move it.
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Greene
to move the discussion of years 2 and 3 to September.
VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Commissioner Dorosin Commissioner Greene Commissioner
Price Chair Rich); Nays, 3 (Commissioner Bedford Commissioner McKee
Commissioner Marcoplos)
16
Slide 18- Travis Myren — no amendments to County Fee schedule
Fund ($20,000) to support a new
nonprofit Reentry House Plus, Inc.
20-21OP-001 Commissioner Outside Agencies that is in the process of opening a $
Greene reentry house for men emerging 20,000.00
from their sentences at Orange
Correctional.
Commissioner Use $20,000 from the Social Justice $
20-21OP-002 Greene Human Services Fund to support the new nonprofit (20,000.00
Reentry House Plus, Inc. )
Commissioner Repeal the salary increase for $
20-21OP-003 Bedford BOCC Commissioners effective December (12,710.00
Commissioner 1, 2020. The cost is $12,710.00 )
McKee including FICA and retirement.
Commissioner
Eliminate funding for the National
$
20-21OP-004 Marcoplos BOCC Association of Counties (NACo) �(2,666.00)
membership dues.
Direct funds allocated for NACo
20-21OP-005 Commissioner Human Services memberships dues to the Social $
Marcoplos 2,666.00
Justice Fund.
Commissioner Eliminate funding for the UNC $
20-21OP-006 Marcoplos BOCC School of Government (UNC-SOG) (17,168.00
membership dues. )
Direct funds allocated for UNC-SOG
Commissioner $
20-21OP-007 Marcoplos Human Serices memberships dues to the Social 17,168.00
Justice Fund.
17
Eliminate funding for the North $
20-210P-008 Commissioner BOCC Carolina Association of County (12,755.00
Marcoplos Commissioners (NCACC) )
membership dues.
Commissioner
Direct funds allocated for NCACC
$
20-210P-009 Marcoplos Human Services memberships dues to the Social 12,755.00
Justice Fund.
Commissioner Eliminate funding for the Triangle J $
20-210P-010 Marcoplos BOCC membership (22,213.00
Direct funds allocated Triangle J
Commissioner $
20-210P-011 Marcoplos Human Servies membership dues to the Social 22,213.00
Justice Fund.
Amendment Sponsor Department Amendment Amount
20-21OP-012 Staff Debt Service Reduce Debt Service Payments $
in FY 20-21 due to lower interest(209,779.
rate realized as part of the G.O. 00)
Bond issuance in May 2020
20-21OP-013 Staff Transfer to Reduce County match to the $
Affordable HOME Program as a result of a (3,654.00
Houisng calculation error in determining )
Initiatives/Com the match requirement
munity
Development
Fund
139 Suspend the $568,
Commissioner Non- $
20-210P-014 Rich Departmental proposed for the Chapel Hill (568,139.00)
Library in FY 2020-21
Set up a COVID focused
"Education Fund"to assist
students in need of
20-210P-015 Commissioner Education technology and broadband $ 500,000.00
Rich in both districts, in order to
prevent the opportunity gap
from growing larger during
the COVID-19 pandemic
Set up a fund to assist non-
Chapel Hill residents (on a
sliding scale)with a
Commissioner Non- household library card if
20-210P-016 Rich Departmental Chapel Hill decides to $ 68,139.00
charge a fee for the use of
the library by non-Chapel
Hill residents
18
Fund the development of a
Racial Equity Index Platform
20-21OP-017 Staff Human Rights & to track progress of the $ 35,000.00
Relations County's racial equity
initiatives, and to follow
trends in racial disparities
Receipt of$410,000 in
Article 46 Sales Article 46 Sales Tax Small
20-21OP-018 Staff Business Loan Funds to be
Tax Fund used for Emergency Grants
to small businesses
Reduce the Visitors Bureau
Visitors Bureau Fund expenditure budget by
20-21OP-019 Staff Fund $19,308 to correct an error
related to indirect cost
allocation
Increase the Solid Waste
Enterprise Fund expenditure
20-21OP-020 Staff Solid Waste budget by$475,000 to
Enterprise Fund reflect the Transfer of funds
to the General Fund as an
expense
Fund Phase II Feasibililty
Commissioner Non- Study of Operations and
20-21OP-021 Marcoplos Departmental Maintenance of a Skilled $ 20,000.00
Construction Trades Center
CAPITAL BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Total Commissioner
Project Amendment Expenditure Dorosin Commissioner Price Amendment
Amount Amendment
Move the Durham
Durham Tech Tech Expansion
Expansion Project Planning up $ $
Project to Year 1 1,000,000 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000
Move the Durham
Durham Tech Tech Expansion
Expansion Project Phase 2 up $ $
Project Ito Year 2 114,000,000 114,000,000 $ 14,000,000
19
Move the Durham
Durham Tech Tech Expansion
Expansion Project Phase 3 up $ $
Project to Year 3 11,547,911 11,547,911 $ 11,547,911
Total 26,547,911 26,547,911 $ 26,547,911
Commissioner
Dorosin
Total Commissioner Price Amendment
Amendment Expenditure Amount Amendment Financing Impact Notes
Financing
Impact
Delay the following CIP projects from Year 1 (FY 20-21) to Years 6-10
Conservation $ $ $ _ $500,000 County Portion
Easements (1,000,000) (500,000)
Roofing Projects— $ $
Library Design (25,000) (25,000) $ (25,000) Project Withdrawn
EMS Substation — $ $
Morgue Project (675,000) (675,000) $ (675,000) Project Budget Reduced to $525,000
Blackwood Farm $ $ $ (300,000) Price Defers Millhouse Instead
Park (350,000) (350,000)
IT—
Infrastructure,
Laptop/Desktop $ $ $ - $934,500 Total Budget
Replacement, (900,000) (900,000)
C ber Security
Vehicle $ $
Replacements (250,000) (250,000) $ (100,000) $1,106,400 Total Budget
Total $ $ $ (1,100,000)
(392009000) (2,7009000)
Commissioner
Total Dorosin Commissioner Price
Amendment Expenditure Amendment Amendment Notes
Amount Financing Financing Impact
Impact
Delay the following CIP project from Year 2 (FY 21-22) to Years 6-10
Soccer.com (4,589,000) (4,589,000) $ (4,589,000)
Some IT
Infrastructure— $ $ $ (382,300) $2.8 million Total Project Budgets
Infrastructure, (1,500,000) (1,500,000)
County Fiber
Millhouse Road $ _ _ Funded with PAYGO, Not
Park (4009000) $ $ Financed
20
Lands Legacy (500,000) (250,000) $ - $250,000 County Portion
Lake Orange Dam(50 526) (50 526) $ - $395,000 Total Project Budget
Little River Park, $ $ $ (250,000) 50%Split with Durham County
Phase II (500,000) (250,000)
Roofing Projects— $ $ $ (250,000) Project Withdrawn
Library (250,000) (250,000)
Twin Creeks Park (220,000) (220,000) $ (220,000)
Old Courthouse
Square—Exterior $ $ $ - $220,000 Total Budget
Restoration (220,000) (200,000)
Vehicle $ $ $ (100,000) $933,592 Total Budget
Replacements (250,000) (250,000)
Total $ $ $ (5,791,300)
�(8,479,526) (7,559,526)
Delay the following CIP projects from Year 3 (FY 22-23) to Years 6-10:
Millhouse Road $ $ $ (3,200,000) $3.2 million County Portion
Park 6,400,000 3,200,000
Twin Creeks Park 3,780,000 (3,780,000) $ (3,780,000)
Conservation $ $
Easements 1,000,000 500,000) $ - $500,000 County Portion
Blackwood Farm $ $
Park 300,000 300,000) $ (300,000)
Fairview Darla -$ $
State F=upded-, No County Geist
Old Courthouse $ $
Square (390,000) (390,000) $ (350,000) Remove Landscape and Plantings
IT—
Infrastructure,
Laptop/Desktop (748,385) ($748,385) $748,385 Total Project Budget
Replacements,
C ber Securit
Vehicle $ $
Replacements 250,000 250,000 $ (100,000) $961,599 Total Budget
Total (14,868,385) (9,168,385) $ (7,730,000)
Commissioner
Total Dorosin Commissioner Price
Amendment Expenditure Amendment Amendment Notes
Amount Financing Financing Impact
Im act
IDelay the following CIP projects from Year 4 (FY 23-24) to Years 6-10:
EMS Substation— $ $
New Standalone (4,000,000) (4,000,000) $ -
21
Facility in
Northern Corridor
Total (4,000,000) (4,000,000) $ -
Delay the following CIP projects from Year 5 (FY 24-25) to Years 6-10:
Facility Safety and Accessibility Projects— $
Fire Alarm System Upgrades $ (1,095,980) $ (1,095,980) -
Lake Orange Dam—Intake Tower and De- $
mucking $ (1,900,000) $ (1,900,000) -
HVAC Projects—New Courthouse HVAC $
Replacement $ (124,020) $ (124,020) -
Total $ (3,120,000) $ (3,120,000) -
Grand Total CIP Projects Delayed $ (31,267,911) $ (26,547,911) (14,621,300)
Balance to Finance I $ 111,926,611
mendment Sponsor Budget Page Department Amendment Amount General Fund Total Other Funds
Total
20-21 OP-001 Commissioner Outside Agencies Fund($20,000)to support a new 20,000.00$ $20,000.00
Greene nonprofit Reentry House Plus, Inc.that is
in the process of opening a reentry
house for men emerging from their
sentences at Orange Correctional.
20-21 OP-002 Commissioner Human Services Use$20,000 from the Social (20,000.00)$ $0.00
Greene Justice Fund to support the
new nonprofit Reentry House
Plus, Inc.
20-21 OP-003 Commissioner BOCC Repeal the salary increase for (12,710.00)$ ($12,710.00)
Bedford Commissioners effective
Commissioner December 1,2020.The cost is
McKee $12,710.00 including FICA
and retirement.
20-21 OP-004 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the (2,666.00)$ ($15,376.00)
Marcoplos National Association of
Counties(NACo)membership
dues.
20-21 OP-005 Commissioner Human Services Direct funds allocated for 2,666.00$ ($12,710.00)
Marcoplos NACo memberships dues to
the Social Justice Fund.
20-21 OP-006 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the UNC $(17,168.00) $(29,878.00)
Marcoplos School of Government(UNC-
SOG)membership dues.
20-21OP-007 Commissioner Human Serices Direct funds allocated for $ 17,168.00 $(12,710.00)
Marcoplos UNC-SOG memberships dues
to the Social Justice Fund.
20-21 OP-008 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the North $(12,755.00) $(25,465.00)
Marcoplos Carolina Association of
County Commissioners
(NCACC)membership dues.
20-21 OP-009 Commissioner Human Services Direct funds allocated for 12,755.00$ $(12,710.00)
Marcoplos NCACC memberships dues to
the Social Justice Fund.
20-21 OP-010 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the (22,213.00)$ $(34,923.00)
Marcoplos Triangle J membership
Amendment Sponsor Budget Page Department Amendment Amount General Fund Total Other Funds Total
22
20-21OP-011 Commissioner Marcoplos Human Servies Direct funds allocated 22,213.00$ $(12,710.00)
Triangle J membership
dues to the Social Justice
Fund.
20-21 OP-012 Staff 141 Debt Service Reduce Debt Service (209,779.00)$ $(222,489.00)
Payments in FY 20-
21 due to lower
interest rate realized
as part of the G.O.
Bond issuance in
May 2020
20-21 OP-013 Staff 366 Transfer to Affordable Reduce County (3,654.00)$ $(226,143.00)
Houisng match to the HOME
Initiatives/Community Program as a result
Development Fund of a calculation error
in determining the
match requirement
20-21OP-014 Commissioner Rich 285 Non-Departmental Suspend the (568,139.00)$ $(794,282.00)
$568,139 proposed
for the Chapel Hill
Library in FY 2020-21
20-21OP-015 Commissioner Rich Education Set up a COVID 500,000.00$ $(294,282.00)
focused"Education
Fund"to assist
students in need of
technology and
broadband in both
districts, in order to
prevent the
opportunity gap from
growing larger during
the COVID-19
pandemic
20-21OP-016 Commissioner Rich Non-Departmental Set up a fund to assist 68,139.00$ $(226,143.00)
non-Chapel Hill
residents(on a sliding
scale)with a
household library card
if Chapel Hill decides
to charge a fee for the
use of the library by
non-Chapel Hill
residents
20-21OP-017 Staff 253 Human Rights& Fund the 35,000.00$ $(191,143.00)
Relations development of a
Racial Equity Index
Platform to track
progress of the
County's racial equity
initiatives,and to
follow trends in racial
disparities
20-21 OP-018 Staff 64 Article 46 Sales Tax Receipt of$410,000 $(191,143.00) 410,000.00$
Fund in Article 46 Sales
Tax Small Business
Loan Funds to be
used for Emergency
Grants to small
businesses
20-21OP-019 Staff 143 Visitors Bureau Fund Reduce the Visitors $(191,143.00) (19,308.00)$
Bureau Fund
expenditure budget
by$19,308 to correct
an error related to
indirect cost
allocation
20-21OP-020 Staff 350 Solid Waste Increase the Solid $(191,143.00) 475,000.00$
Enterprise Fund Waste Enterprise
Fund expenditure
budget by$475,000
to reflect the Transfer
of funds to the
General Fund as an
expense
20-21OP-021 $(191,143.00)
20-21OP-022 $(191,143.00)
23
20-21OP-023 $(191,143.00)
mendment Sponsor Budget Page Department Amendment Amount General Fund Total Other Funds
Total
20-21 OP-001 Commissioner Outside Agencies Fund($20,000)to support a new 20,000.00$ $20,000.00
Greene nonprofit Reentry House Plus, Inc.that is
in the process of opening a reentry
house for men emerging from their
sentences at Orange Correctional.
20-21OP-002 Commissioner Human Services Use$20,000 from the Social Justice Fund to (20,000.00)$ $0.00
Greene support the new nonprofit Reentry House
Plus, Inc.
20-21 OP-003 Commissioner BOCC Repeal the salary increase for (12,710.00)$ ($12,710.00)
Bedford Commissioners effective December 1,2020.
Commissioner The cost is$12,710.00 including FICA and
McKee retirement.
20-21OP-004 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the National (2,666.00)$ ($15,376.00)
Marcoplos Association of Counties(NACo)
membership dues.
20-21OP-005 Commissioner Human Services Direct funds allocated for NACo 2,666.00$ ($12,710.00)
Marcoplos memberships dues to the Social Justice
Fund.
20-21OP-006 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the UNC School of $(17,168.00) $(29,878.00)
Marcoplos Government(UNC-SOG)membership dues.
20-21OP-007 Commissioner Human Serices Direct funds allocated for UNC-SOG $17,168.00 $(12,710.00)
Marcoplos memberships dues to the Social Justice
Fund.
20-21OP-008 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the North Carolina $(12,755.00) $(25,465.00)
Marcoplos Association of County Commissioners
(NCACC)membership dues.
20-21OP-009 Commissioner Human Services Direct funds allocated for NCACC 12,755.00$ $(12,710.00)
Marcoplos memberships dues to the Social Justice
Fund.
20-21OP-010 Commissioner BOCC Eliminate funding for the Triangle J (22,213.00)$ $(34,923.00)
Marcoplos membership
Amendment# Sponsor CIP Budget Page Department Amendment Amount
20-21CIP-001 Commissioner 135 Educatioin Move the Durham 1,000,000.00$
Dorosin Tech Expansion
Project planning up
to year 1
20-21CIP-002 Commissioner 135 Education Move Durham Tech 14,000,000.00$
Dorosin Expansion Project
phase 2 up to year 2
20-21CIP-003 Commissioner 135 Education Move the Durham 11,547,911.00$
Dorosin Tech Expansion
Project phase 3 up to
year 3
20-21CIP-004 Commissioner Various County CIP Projects Delay the following (3,200,000.00)$
Dorosin CIP projects from
Year 1 (FY 20-21)to
Years 6-10:
Conservation
Easements
($1,000,000);
Roofing Projects
(25,000); EMS
Substation—Morgue
Project($675,000);
Blackwood Farm
Park($350,000); IT
($900,000);Vehicle
Replacements
($250,000)
20-21CIP-005 Commissioner Various County CIP Projects Delay the following (8,479,526.00)$
Dorosin CIP projects from
Year 2(FY 21-22)to
Years 6-10:
Soccer.com
($4,589,000); some
IT Infrastructure
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($1,500,000);
Millhouse Road Park
($400,000); Lands
Legacy($500,000);
Lake Orange Dam
($50,526); Little
River Park, Phase II
($500,000); Roofing
Projects($250,000);
Twin Creeks Park
($220,000); Old
Courthouse Square
($220,000);Vehicle
Replacements
($250,000)
20-21CIP-006 Commissioner Various County CIP Projects Delay the following (14,868,385.00)$
Dorosin CIP projects from
Year 3(FY 2022-23)
to Years 6-10:
Millhouse Road Park
($6,400,000);Twin
Creeks Park
($3,780,000);
Conservation
Easements
($1,000,000);
Blackwood Farm
Park($300,000);
Fairview Park
($2,000,000);
Courthouse Square
($390,000); IT
($748,385);Vehicle
Replacements
($250,000)
20-21CIP-007 Commissioner Price 135 Education Move the Durham 1,000,000.00$
Tech Expansion
Project planning up
to year 1
20-21CIP-008 Commissioner Price Various County CIP Projects Remove the (1,100,000.00)$
following CIP
projects from Year 1
(FY 20-21): EMS—
Substation—Morgue
project($675,000);
Millhouse Road Park
($300,000); Roofing
Project($25,000);
Vehicle
Replacements
($100,000)
20-21CIP-009 Commissioner Price 135 Education Move Durham Tech 14,000,000.00$
Expansion Project
phase 2 up to year 2
20-21CIP-010 Commissioner Price Various County CIP Projects Delay the following (6,041,300.00)$
CIP projects from
Year 2(FY 21-22)to
Years 6-10:
Soccer.com
($4,589,000); some
IT Infrastructure
($382,300); Little
River Park, Phase II
($500,000); Roofing
Projects($250,000);
Twin Creeks Park
($220,000);Vehicle
Replacements
($100,000)
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(GRANICUS RECORDING STOPPED, ZOOM RECORDING REFERENCED TO
END OF MEETING)
Commissioner McKee said there are staff initiated CIP amendments on the back
of attachment a, and asked if these have been addressed (on the green sheet).
Travis Myren said only the solid waste amendment needs to be addressed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner
Bedford to approve staff initiated amendment 15.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Break
The Board of County Commissioners to a Break at 11:02 p.m. (to allow Finance and
Administrative Services to formulate Draft Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2020-21
Operating Budget)
The meeting resumed at 11:25 p.m.
5. Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2020-21 Annual Operating Budget
• Approval of Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2020-21 Annual Operating Budget at
the Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting on June 16, 2020
Paul Laughton reviewed the Resolution of Intent, and said will be part of the
agenda packet for the June 16t" meeting:
Commissioner McKee asked if the capital CIP of$11 million was what the Board
did tonight.
Paul Laughton said that was the reduction of$1,894,500 in year 1 for the County
projects; deferring the solid waste projects $570,800 from year 1 to year 2; and school
capital increased by $1 million for the Durham Tech project in year 1.
Chair Rich said the next step is for the Board to vote on this budget next week.
Paul Laughton said yes.
Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2020-21
Orange County Budget
The items outlined below summarize decisions that the Board acted upon June 9, 2020
in approving the FY2020-21 Orange County Annual Operating Budget and the FY2020-
21 (Year 1) Capital Investment Plan Budget.
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has considered the Orange
County FY2020-21 Manager's Recommended Budget and the FY2020-21 Manager's
Recommended Capital Investment Plan Budget; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners have agreed on certain modifications to the Manager's
Recommended Budget as presented in the FY2020-21 County Manager's
Recommended Budget on May 5, 2020; and to the FY2020-21 Manager's
Recommended Capital Investment Plan Budget as presented on April 7, 2020;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners expresses its intent to adopt the FY2020-21 Orange County Budget
Ordinance on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, based on the following stipulations:
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1) Property Tax Rates
a) The ad valorem property tax rate shall be set at 86.79 cents per$100 of
assessed valuation.
b) The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District Tax shall be set at 20.18 cents
per $100 of assessed valuation.
c) The Fire District and Fire Service District tax rates shall be set at the following
rates (all rates are based on cents per$100 of assessed valuation):
• Cedar Grove 8.10
• Greater Chapel Hill Fire Service District 14.91
• Damascus 10.80
• Efland 6.78
• Eno 9.68
• Little River 5.92
• New Hope 10.67
• Orange Grove 6.81
• Orange Rural 9.48
• South Orange Fire Service District 9.68
• Southern Triangle Fire Service District 10.80
• White Cross 12.37
2) County Employee Pay and Benefits Plan
Provide a County employee pay and benefits plan that includes:
a. No Wage increase or Merit pay for FY 2020-21
b. Continue the $27.50 per pay period County contribution to non-law enforcement
employees' supplemental retirement accounts and the County matching
employees' contributions up to $63.00 semi-monthly (for a maximum annual
County contribution of$1,512)for all general (non-sworn law enforcement officer)
employees; continue the mandated Law Enforcement Officer contribution of 5.0%
of salary, and continue the County's required contribution to the Local
Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)for all permanent
employees. For FY 2020-21, the Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) rate
increases from 9.70 to 10.90 percent of reported compensation, and all other
employees rate increases from 8.95 to 10.15 percent of reported compensation.
c. Continue to participate in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool (NCHIP), and
continue medical and prescription third party administrators with Blue Cross Blue
Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Prime Therapeutics, a division of
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BCBSNC, respectively. No increase to health appropriations, and an increase of
$92,236 for dental appropriations. No increase to employee premium equivalent
for health, dental, or vision insurance. No increase for health coverage premium
equivalent for pre-65 retirees enrolled in the County's group plan, and an
increase of$106,003 for the post-65 (Medicare eligible) retirees.
d. Maintain the current Living wage of$15.00 per hour for all permanent employees
and $14.95 per hour for temporary employees.
e. Continue the additional eight hours of annual leave to be awarded at an
employee's anniversary date, prorated for part time employees.
f. Continue the six-week paid parental leave policy.
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3) Modifications to County Manager's FY2020-21 Recommended Annual
Operating Budget
The following modifications to the County Manager's Recommended Budget are
made:
Adjustments to the Manager's Recommended FY2020-21 Budget
On June 9, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners approved the following changes to the Manager's
Recommended annual operating budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The information below summarizes
changes made by the Board.
Revenues Increase Decrease
Manager's Recommended Revenue Budget $239,046,307
Total Revenue Changes $0 $0
Revised Revenue Budget 239,046,307
Expenditures Increase Decrease
Manager's Recommended Expenditure Budget $239,046,307
Fund new nonprofit Reentry House Plus, Inc. $20,000
Use Social Justice Reserve Fund to fund Reentry House Plus, Inc. ($20,000)
Repeal Salary Increase for Commissioners ($12,710)
Reduce Debt Service Payments in FY 20-21 ($209,779)
Reduce County Match to the HOME Program ($3,654)
Fund the development of a Racial Equity Index Platform in HR & R $35,000
Increase per pupil by $9 $183,447
Increase to Social Justice Reserve $7,696
Total Expenditure Changes $246,143 ($246,143)
Revised Expenditure Budget $239,046,307
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4) Changes in County Staff Positions (Increase in FTE Approved).
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND -RECOMMENDED
Off-Setting
Total Salary Operating Revenue or Total
and and Start- Budget County
Department Position Start Date FTE Benefits up Costs Reduction Cost
Housing Administrative Support II July 2020 0.625 34,297 1,496 (35,793)
Housing Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist July 2020��� 1.000 60,991 3,020 (64,011)
Housing Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist July 2020��� 1.000 60,991 3,020 (64,011)
Housing Housing Access Coordinator July 2020 1.000 58,012 5,402 (63,414)
Totals 3.625 214,291 12,938 (227,229) -
(1)Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist Positions start date conditional on start date of HUD Grant
5) General Fund Appropriations for Local School Districts
The following FY2020-21 General Fund Appropriations for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools
and Orange County Schools are approved:
a) Current Expense appropriation for local school districts totals $89,012,561
and equates to a
per pupil allocation of$4,367
1) The Current Expense appropriation to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools is
$53,395,309
2) The Current Expense appropriation to the Orange County Schools is
$35,617,252.
b) School Related Debt Service for local school districts totals $18,297,557.
c) Additional net County funding for local school districts totals $6,629,597.
(1) School Resource Officers and School Health Nurses Contracts - total
appropriation of$3,629,597 to cover the costs of School Resource
Officers in every middle and high school, and a School Health Nurse
in every elementary, middle, and high schools in both school
systems.
(2) Deferred maintenance funding of$3,000,000 by ADM is allocated to
the school systems by the following: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools appropriation is $1,799,700 and Orange County Schools
appropriation is $1,200,300.
6) Capital Investment Plan Funding for FY2020-21 (Year 1)
The following FY2020-21 (Year 1) Capital Investment Plan Appropriations are
approved:
a) Overall Total Capital Investment Plan Funding of$35,003,347
b) County Capital Projects Funding of$11,188,082
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c) School Capital Projects Funding of$21,387,313
d) Water & Sewer Project Funding of$130,000; Solid Waste Project Funding of
$1,375,952; and Sportsplex Project Funding of$922,000
7) County Fee Schedule
To adopt the County Fee Schedule to include changes in the FY2020-21
Manager's
Recommended Annual Operating Budget and approved by the Board of County
Commissioners on June 9, 2020.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner
Price to adopt the Resolution of Intent.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
The meeting adjourned at 11:42 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Penny Rich, Chair
Donna S. Baker
Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by David Hunt, Deputy Clerk to the Board.