HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-03-2021 Virtual Business meeting 1
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MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
VIRTUAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AND WORK SESSION
June 3, 2021
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Budget Public Hearing and
Work Session on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
and Commissioners Mark Dorosin (arrived at 7:02 p.m.), Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Sally
Greene, and Earl McKee
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
A roll call was called; all members were present, except Commissioner Dorosin.
Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
Budget Public Hearing and Work Session on Thursday, June 3, 2021. 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
http://www.orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on
channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
• Written submittals by email
• Speaking during the virtual meeting
Detailed public comment instructions for each method are provided at the bottom of this
agenda. (Pre-registration is required.)
1. Opening Remarks
Chair Price welcomed everyone. She dispensed with reading the public charge.
Public Charge:
The Board of Commissioners pledges its respect to all present. The Board asks those attending
this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward each other,
county staff and the commissioners. At any time should a member of the Board or the public fail
to observe this charge, the Chair will take steps to restore order and decorum. Should it
become impossible to restore order and continue the meeting, the Chair will recess the meeting
until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed. The BOCC asks
that all electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, and computers should please be turned
off or set to silent/vibrate. Please be kind to everyone.
2
Chair Price said Commissioner Dorosin has announced his resignation, effective July
31, 2021. She reviewed the process for replacing Commissioner Dorosin in light of his
resignation. She said the Democratic Party will screen nominees, make recommendations to
the Board, and the Board can take the Party's recommendation, or choose someone else. She
said the Board will have 60 days after Commissioner Dorosin's last day to make an
appointment, and if this is not done, the Clerk of Superior Court will do so. She said the Board
will work with the Democratic Party on a timeline, and keep staff informed.
Commissioner Greene said the appointee has to be a resident of District 1.
Commissioner Dorosin arrived at 7:02 p.m.
Commissioner Dorosin said he has accepted a position as Associate Professor and
Director of Clinical Programs at Florida A&M University School of Law, and will be moving to
Orlando, Florida in August. He said his last day as County Commissioner will be July 31, 2021.
2. Presentation of the County Manager's Recommended FY 2021-22 Budget
Bonnie Hammersley made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
FY2021-22
COUNTY MANAGER
RECOMMENDED BUDGET
Slide #2
ORANGE COUNTY FY2021-22 BUDGET
BUDGET PRIORITIES
• Prioritize funding ofthe social safety net services
• Redirectdiscretionaryspending and apply one time
emergency measures to blunt a tax increase
• UsetheAmerican Rescue Plan Act(ARPA)fundsto offset
expenses
• Balance the interests and needs oftheCounty'smost
vulnerable residents
3
Slide #3
ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 BUDGET
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Bonnie Hammersley said the purple line represents those most impacted, who need the
County's safety net services. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #4
ORANGE COUNTY FY2021-22 REVENUE BUDGET
ORANGE COUNTY
Bonnie Hammersley said this pie chart shows the types of revenue received by Orange
County. She said there was an expected decrease in sales tax for this year, due to the
pandemic, but there was actually an increase because North Carolina started collecting online
sales tax a couple of years ago. She said intergovernmental revenue is State and local money
that is dedicated to specific uses, the majority of which flows through child support, social
services, health, and housing, among others. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #5
ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 EXPENDITUREBUDGET
01AN,GE,SOOUMY
4
Bonnie Hammersley said 48% of the County budget goes to education, including
education operating funds and debt service. She said Human Services is the next largest
portion of the budget, but includes the inter-governmental revenue as indicated on the last slide
She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #6
ORANGE COUNTY FY2021-22 BUDGET
FY 2021-22 REVENUEASSUMPTIONS
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Slide #7
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
Debt Service Requirements for 2016
Bonds and CIP
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Bonnie Hammersley said the recommended tax increase is due to the $5 million bond
referendum in 2016. She said the recommended three-cent increase will generate $6.4 million
to cover the $6.6 million increase in annual debt service payments. She resumed the
PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #8
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
EDUCATION
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ORANGECOUNTY
5
Bonnie Hammersley said there was an increase of students in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
Schools (CHCCS) and a decrease in Orange County Schools (OCS). She resumed the
PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #9
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
EDUCATION
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Bonnie Hammersley said there was an increase for CHCCS, due to the increase in
students, and a decrease for OCS due to a decrease in students. She said the recommended
Per Pupil rate stayed the same for both districts. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #10
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
EDUCATION
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Slide #11
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
EDUCATION
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Slide #12
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
OUTSIDE AGENCIES
J A permissible use ofthe American Rescue Plan Act IARPAI funds is
support at non-profit agencles.The outside agencies are 190%funded
with ARPA.
Base 51 $1,5s4,174
Supplemental is $259.774
Total $11921,592
iJ The Beard of County Commissioners established a target of 1 2%o1
general fund-pan-es to outside agencies,FY2u21-42 auncates 1.44%
to outsideagencieSS
ORANGE COUMY
Bonnie Hammersley said agencies that received money last year, and are used within
County operations, are recommended to receive the same base amount. She said agencies
that provide social safety net services, which were most needed throughout the pandemic, are
recommended to receive supplemental one-time funding over the base, to help address needs
of County residents. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #13
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
FIRE DISTRICTS
FIRE DISTRICT REVEN E REQUESTED RECOMMENDED
NEUTRALUL TAX RATE TAX RATE
OW
ELOOUMY
Bonnie Hammersley said the fire districts in light blue are requesting fire tax rate
increases. She said State law requires any tax rate increase to be approved by the Board of
County Commissioners. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #14
FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET
EXPENDITURE REDUCTION INITIATIVES
❑Departments compiled with a mandated 5%reduction In operations;seven
(7)departments were exempt(S500,000)
0 No across the board wage increase for County Employeas—(31.200.000)
•Maintain Travel and Training funds restrlctiQns—(5455.000)
O Library Services—close McDougle Branch and expand Cybrary hours,
decrease hours at Hillsborough branch from fib houralweek to 54 hoursMeek
($148,083)
❑DFJIPR—reduce seasonal staff at Blackwood Farm Park during construction,
as well as other seasonal staff reductions(392.251)
ORANGE COUNTY
N[]NT]r C.RRC11.-
Bonnie Hammersley said the seven departments that were exempt from the 5%
operations reduction work most directly and closely in the social safety net for County residents.
She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #15
ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 BUDGET
ORANGE COUNTY
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Slide #16
ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 BUDGET
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8
Bonnie Hammersley said the Commissioners will now describe the amendments they
submitted. She said there are some staff amendments, which Paul Laughton, Deputy Financial
Services Director, will review.
Chair Price requested for staff to prepare an example of what the three-cent tax
increase would look like for homes of different values, in order to better demonstrate what the
actual change would be.
Bonnie Hammersley said staff would do that before the end of the meeting.
Chair Price asked if American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used to cover
the $50,000 for Durham Tech's Back to Work Initiative.
Bonnie Hammersley and Gary Donaldson, Chief Financial Officer, said yes.
Commissioner Dorosin referred to Slide #13 about fire districts, and asked if the entire
requested tax rate increase is being recommended.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified for the public that this is an additional tax increase on
top of the countywide increase for people who live in these districts. He said it would be helpful
to see how many people live in each district to demonstrate why the rates are so different.
Bonnie Hammersley said Commissioner Dorosin is correct, and noted that each district
generates different tax rates because of that.
Commissioner McKee said some fire departments cover larger areas, may have a main
station, and at least one substation. He said most departments have some paid staff and the
volunteer pool has decreased over time. He said the number of homes, area covered, facilities,
equipment, etc. creates the wide range of tax rates.
Commissioner Dorosin said that information is good for people to know generally.
Commissioner McKee agreed, because otherwise the tax rates look unequal.
Gary Donaldson answered Chair Price's question about the real example of how the
three-cent tax increase would affect homes of different values. He said a $225,000 would see
an increase of $67 on property tax bill from last year, and a $450,000 house would see an
increase of $135.
Chair Price said these examples are helpful for people to understand the potential
impact.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) presented its budget amendments:
Commissioner Greene explained she was persuaded by the presentation from Durham
Tech, and believes the County could do a much more effective job supporting small businesses
in Orange County with funding for the Small Business Center. She requested the center be
fully funded with ARPA money.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if staff could clarify what it means for an amendment to
utilize ARPA money.
Bonnie Hammersley said the Deputy County Manager will present the ARPA
recommendations after the Public Hearing. She said FY 21-22 budget has $3.2 million of
ARPA money in it, which does not account for all of the ARPA funding the County will receive.
She said Commissioner Greene's recommendation is to use an additional $70,000 of ARPA
money. She said staff has prepared three approaches of how to spend the ARPA money,
which will be discussed later in the evening.
Chair Price added Orange County will receive a total of $28 million in ARPA funding and
will get half this year and half next year. She said the Manager's current recommended use of
$3.2 million, within the recommended budget, is coming out of a total of $14 million that will be
available for FY 21-22.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if that means there is $9 million that is unallocated from
which the Commissioners could ask for money to be pulled for an amendment.
9
Bonnie Hammersley said yes, and that Travis Myren will go over the different
approaches staff has worked on for using the ARPA money. She said the Commissioners will
make the final decision. She said the request from Department Directors was over $40 million,
and management prioritized funding for safety net services.
Chair Price clarified that the County can plan for the whole $28 million, but will only have
half to spend this year.
Bonnie Hammersley said all of the ARPA money does not have to be spent until
December 31, 2024. She said one of the reasons the deadline is so far out, is because the
funds can be used for revenue replacement, but staff will not know if that is needed until all of
the revenues are received at the end of each year.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is $14 million available for this fiscal year.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
Commissioner Dorosin said this recommended budget does not include all that money.
Bonnie Hammersley said correct, and she only found $3.2 million in permissible uses for
this budget.
Commissioner Dorosin said the amendments proposing the use of ARPA money would
not cut other recommended items in the budget and would not impact the tax rate increase.
Bonnie Hammersley said that is correct, but reiterated that these are one-time funds.
Commissioner Dorosin said he would have put in some other amendments if he had
understood that earlier. He said his understanding of the budget has always been if one
wanted to add something, it had to be offset with cuts elsewhere, unless the tax rate went up
enough to cover both.
Bonnie Hammersley said his approach is correct under normal circumstances, and
noted the availability of ARPA money has made things a little different this year.
Chair Price said there was no guidance on ARPA until late May, so it made it difficult to
plan far in advance.
Bonnie Hammersley said there will be even more guidance coming.
Commissioner Greene said the Treasury Department is in the process of receiving
public comment. She said this year is confusing to her as well. She said her first thought was
for the $70,000 for Durham Tech's Small Business Center to come out of Article 46, as ARPA is
only one time, and at least Article 46 is a recurring sales tax. She asked if there is a plan or
thoughts to keep positions funded with ARPA money going after one year.
Bonnie Hammersley said if it is approved, it would be annual. She said it may be
possible to use ARPA money, until there is no more at the end of 2024. She said hopefully
there is a recovery, and it would probably be put on Article 46 at that time.
Commissioner McKee said Commissioner Greene's question is exactly what he asked
Durham Tech president today, but he did not get an answer.
Chair Price said the Manager's thought makes sense, and hopefully after three years
there will be a recovery, and enough taxes are generated to continue to cover the position.
The Commissioners proceeded with explaining their amendments:
Commissioner Dorosin said almost all of the departments in the County were required to
cut operational expenditures by 5%. He said given the reduction in SROs, jail population, and
ongoing conversations about Criminal Justice resource division, it seems reasonable the
Sheriff's department should also do the 5% operational cut.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the Sheriff is present to comment.
Bonnie Hammersley said the Sheriff is not on the call, but will be present on June 8.
Chair Price said she would like to know the impact as well. She said the Sheriff
provides public safety, and needs may have increased in other ways, and she would like to
know what sacrifices would have to be made to achieve this cut.
Bonnie Hammersley said all departments will be available on June 8 for any questions.
10
Commissioner Dorosin said his amendment is in reference to the operational budget.
He said he believes the Sheriff's Office has realized a savings over the past year with SROs not
being assigned to schools. He said this reduction is consistent with conversations held last
summer, and looking at how policing is done in Orange County.
Commissioner McKee asked what criteria was used to identify which departments, like
the Sheriff's Office, would not have to comply with the reduction.
Bonnie Hammersley said social safety net departments were not required to cut. She
also said the Sheriff is an elected official, and she usually leaves it up to other elected officials
to make decisions on that budget.
Commissioner Bedford explained her amendment. She said her concern for funding for
the Piedmont Wildlife after school program is that students are already served by after school
programs at their schools, and instead of extra options for some students, she would like to
focus efforts for those who do not have any options at all, when prioritizing the ARPA funds.
She said the Board has talked about moving the focus to the earlier preschool years, and this is
going in the other direction and opens floodgates for other schools to request extra funding.
She said department requests do illustrate the need for ARPA dollars for the basics, and even
though it is only$9,000, every dollar should be used for emergency funding.
Commissioner Dorosin said the schools mentioned by the program serve the highest
number of non-white students, particularly Stanback and New Hope, which primarily serve
Latinx students. He said there may be a need for more resources in these schools. He said
some schools have a high percentage of low wealth students and need additional resources.
Chair Price added that not all children have access to, or want to be part of, the existing
after school programs at schools. She said if there is an audience in those schools for further
enrichment that they would not normally get, she is in favor of more options. She recalled the
Commissioners previously reached a general consensus that since the outside agencies went
through a vetting process, Commissioners would take the recommendation as is from the
County Manager.
Slide #17
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11
Commissioner Dorosin said his amendment is to reduce funding to the Chapel Hill
Library by the same percentage as the Orange County Library. He said given the dollar amount
the percentage cut would save, he suggested even doubling the percentage decrease.
Chair Price said she agrees with at least making the reduction equal with the Orange
County library cut.
Commissioner Hamilton recommended sharing the ARPA money with the schools. She
said the budget is focused on the most vulnerable, and providing a safety net, and schools do
this. She said the effects of pandemic will not be going away anytime soon. She said the
schools are receiving some direct federal money, but schools also provide social safety nets for
the most vulnerable students, and the County should share ARPA money for technology, Social
Emotional Learning, mental health, and other permissible school uses. She said this is an
investment in children today, and to hopefully diminish their future reliance on social safety
nets. She said she is aware that this is one time funding, and hopes it would be stretched out
over the time the County has the funds and will not be needed permanently. She said if the
money is needed in the future, she hopes the BOCC will find the funds past the time ARPA is
available.
Commissioner Dorosin asked who is responsible for ensuring that money provided by
the County to another entity is used for something permissible under ARPA guidelines.
Bonnie Hammersley said the County can enter into an inter-local agreement with the
entity agreeing to comply with the regulations of the funding and report uses back to the County
to account for that. She said the language in Commissioner Hamilton's amendment is verbatim
from the permissible use guidance.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if ARPA money would be treated differently than the other
money in the budget that goes to the schools.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes, this money would be given outside of current expenses.
Commissioner Fowler asked if ARPA money could be used for expansion needs related
to mental health in the schools requested budget.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
Chair Price asked if this money is given to schools, would the language have to be
specific in the contract as to the actual items the money is used for.
Bonnie Hammersley said that would be ideal, and would be her recommendation. She
said there will be specifics as to what the money would be used for, like the Capital Budget for
the schools.
Commissioner Dorosin said he agrees with that, and would not want to approve it
without clear guidelines and reporting on results.
Commissioner Hamilton agreed having accountability and tracking is important.
Commissioner McKee asked for County staff or schools to provide an exact accounting
of all the federal funding received by schools to date.
Bonnie Hammersley said she would provide that information to all of the
Commissioners.
12
Slide #18
RAN GE COUNTYFY2 21-22 BUDGET
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Chair Price explained her amendment. She said there are residents struggling with
paying taxes related to the revaluation, and recommended using ARPA funds as a grant to
assist residents in paying their taxes, if their income is 30% AMI or lower. She said staff has
already been working on how this could work. She said residents could apply to the housing
department, and receive a check, which could be presented to the tax office. She said she is in
favor of the money going straight to the tax department.
Bonnie Hammersley said Gary Donaldson has been working with the Tax Administrator
on this, and invited him to make comment.
Gary Donaldson said the Housing Department would do the intake, and go to tax
department for eligibility verification. He said the Finance Department would then EFT the
difference (the increased taxes the eligible pool felt as a result of the increase), then a check
would be given to the taxpayer (more transparent, and better for audit), and the taxpayer would
pay the bill. He said staff has spoken with other jurisdictions about the mechanics, and Durham
and Mecklenburg Counties have similar programs.
Commissioner Greene said this sounds good, and is an expanded version of her petition
from early May, thinking about relief as a payback for decisions made at the County level over
the decades to not invest in communities, like Northside for example, resulting in gentrification.
She said she is interested in exploring this broader solution, but it is a lot of money, and this
could be setting a standard going into the indefinite future. She said the County needs to use
tax money very carefully so that, ironically, something like this proposal does not cause
everyone's tax rates to go up and then becomes unsustainable. She said she is a little
concerned that this is broader than needed, but is glad to hear that other jurisdictions have
done it.
Chair Price said when she first proposed it, it was not for that much, but Gary Donaldson
said the money would be there and any unused monies could stay in the fund and roll over to
the next year. She said staff is trying to determine how much money is needed this year in
order to help people based on current revaluation. She said she hopes the County can change
13
the way properties are classified going forward, so this does not happen again. She said this is
to help get through this year, and the County will look at continuous gentrification. She said the
Board was looking at certain neighborhoods, but the issue may be countywide, where people
may be tax burdened even though they are not senior citizens.
Bonnie Hammersley added the County Attorney said the program must be countywide,
and not targeted to a specific neighborhood.
Commissioner Greene said she spoke with the County Attorney and he said the
parameters could be defined as narrowly as Commissioners wanted, so the requirements may
end up satisfying needs of those who need it most, without specifying a neighborhood or area
directly.
John Roberts said this could be set up in a way that there would be a narrow pool of
people who qualified, and could help the people the Commissioners want to help, in addition to
others in similar situations.
Commissioner Dorosin asked John Roberts if the narrow qualifications could not be
geographical, but other things like income.
John Roberts said yes.
Commissioner Greene said how long people have lived there could also be considered.
Chair Price said younger families also need to be able to move into these
neighborhoods and help sustain them. She said if the County only helps senior citizens, when
they go, the property could potentially be given to a developer, so a way to help these
neighborhoods is allow families of modest means to be able to live there as well.
Commissioner Greene said to that point, if one can afford to pay for the house at the
bigger price, one can probably afford the taxes.
Chair Price said she would not make that assumption, and the property could be
inherited, or one may just able to buy the property at the time, but possibly be unable to afford it
year after year, depending on the situation.
Commissioner McKee asked when the appeal process opens and closes.
Bonnie Hammersley said on June 15, the BOCC will be presented with an abstract to
consider extending the appeals process until the end of September.
Commissioner McKee asked if there is any aid in place for people who do not know how
to navigate the appeals process for the revaluation.
Bonnie Hammersley said the tax office staff is available, by all means necessary, to
residents.
Commissioner McKee approved of the support for residents and said if there are
successful appeals, it may alleviate some of the assistance needed.
Chair Price said the appeals go to the Board of Equalization and Review now.
Commissioner McKee said he understands that, but successful appeals would alleviate
the problems of some of the folks impacted by the revaluation.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if Chair Price's suggestion of 30% AMI was based
specifically on community need, or was just a placeholder.
Chair Price said that number was actually suggested by staff.
Gary Donaldson said 30% AMI is the percentage used by other jurisdictions as a
benchmark for severely cost-burdened.
Commissioner Dorosin said it would be good to reach out to the neighborhoods most
impacted to see if any would qualify for this benchmark so the program is not too restrictive and
therefore does not achieve its goal.
Gary Donaldson said after looking at some of the information provided to him by the Tax
Administrator, it seems like 30% would address the issue, at least for the Northside community.
Chair Price said some of her amendment is a result of meeting with EmPOWERment
and the Tax Office, and this is an attempt to alleviate what is happening in the County.
14
Slide #19
0RAN G E COUNTY FY2 021-22 BUDGET
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ORANGE COUNTY
WR71 I CAR LINA
Paul Laughton reviewed the three staff amendments. He said the Board approved $14.4
million, half of the ARPA funds, as part of budget amendment. He said staff thought it would be
beneficial to pay for everything out of where the funds are budgeted in the Emergency
Recovery Fund. He said $3.2 in general fund that would be paid for by ARPA would still be
paid from ARPA funds, but would move out of the general fund and would be paid straight out
of the emergency recovery fund. He said this would prevent a transfer into the general fund,
and would make the payments easier. He said the County will receive the other$14.4 million
next year, and has until 2024 to spend the funds, so this is a multiyear fund and it will be helpful
to have everything come out of the one fund for tracking.
Paul Laughton said, in the recommended document, he neglected to put in $80,000 as
part of funding for the Little River Fire District to be used as a down payment on a new fire
engine. He said this is a technical amendment to increase their appropriation from $352,019 to
$432,019. He said it is not related to the general fund, and the funds are available in the Little
River Fire District fund balance.
Commissioner McKee said the truck will be needed for the Fire District's new substation.
Paul Laughton said the County recently received an Emergency Housing Choice
Voucher program grant award for FY 21-22, July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022. He said housing will
start spending the money July 1. He said this fund is also outside of the general fund, and it is
better to do this amendment now so the department can spend the money over the summer,
instead of waiting for a budget amendment in the fall.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if everything on the Operating Amendments was
approved, what the net impact on the budget would be.
Paul Laughton said the largest part of the reduction uses ARPA funds, thus the revenue
would leave the general fund, but so would the expenses. He said this would not affect the tax
increase, because all of the amendments suggested used ARPA funding. He said the only true
reduction in the General Fund is $150,125 related to Commissioner Price's amendment on the
last page, which would only take recommended tax rate from 81.87% to 81.80%.
15
The presentation continued with Commissioner amendments related to the Capital
Investment Plan (CIP) Budget:
Slide #20
RAN GE COUNTYF 1- B U DGET
ARMWMWE 8prnsan Dw.-AlIVIN
Amrdm Aaaunt
21-22GIP-001 G0MMG5i079r PhGOAM5 Ac0 F4D,10D Tor IR9 ROA Ir'proilPrl9I1t9 Io $
dw Ob CommDuse Weviralk and ertrance 0.0%00
21-22CIP-002 Ccmmmwrner Pme Emergency Peuuce Me s9i.m e for Me Emergency 5
s9nvices S ntces sWOy carautsnl or IA9 01m91e (410 6.OD)
Change funds
4
ORANGE COUNTY
NOV11 r CARD1.IN.-i
Chair Price said she does not want to take money from Emergency Services, if they
need the full requested amount for a study consultant, but if it is not needed she would like to
give $40,000 for ADA improvements at the Courthouse. She said she wants to make sure all
County buildings are accessible, and if the money needs to come from somewhere else, she
would recommend delaying, or taking money from, the Mountain to Sea (MTS) trail.
Paul Laughton said he has discussed this with Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services
Director, and there is a staff amendment to reduce the study from $250,000 to $150,000, so he
feels confident money can be allocated.
Commissioner Greene said she is glad to hear this, as she could not support taking
funding from MTS or the climate change fund.
16
Slide #21
ORANGE COUNTY FY 0 1- BUDGET
ap■runrnt am.ndm.aR Awiaunt
21-22CW-D33 Cormil99loner Uimale Tax ELnI15aIe V2 oitne Cindy Champs %258.332.56}
F0VhV Funds Idid90ion Flue pro%I d forFY2021-22
antl realmcate In 90WOL ao0 eawty
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W corAmw l4roup Me Tart process for
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funds.
21-220IP-004 Cortrnissioneff C11wel Hil- Trensfw 0D.3M of 114 of me projeo9ea 594,962 75
Fowler Carrtoro Clly CIImaW UmGla M*gMan Funds
SGIoa1s (Acre dmank N21-22CIP-00-3) to OHMS for
Gimala Mitigation p■ajects
21-22CIP-DO5 Ga mnI99laher Orange County T7am r M.94% of VA of Me pro)acM $
I=MW SC110* Urnam Cliwge M#gmbon Funds 53.193.60
(Amendment M21-22CIF-DG3) to OCS far
airnate Mmgatlon MjeaE
21-22CIP-C3B Gur nle9laher Aa9e! TranOer 112 arlhe prgecM Ctrnde $
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Services 22CIP-OW) IQ Caunty A99d Maoagemeht
SeMce9 rar C lmW Mmgatloo pro)acls
ORANGE COUNTY
MOR71 f CARlDIAWL
Commissioner Fowler read her amendment. She said the County currently has no
funds directed to County or school district climate-related projects. She said the sustainability
coordinator only has a $50,000 budget for all sustainability projects, which may or may not
directly impact climate. She said there are a large number of viable projects the County and
schools could do to address climate change, and simultaneously improve efficiency of county
and school operations. She said these projects would be proposed by the sustainability
coordinator, in collaboration with other County and school staff, and could allow conversion of
County and school vehicles to electric, installation of solar panels, creation of composting
projects, and more that would hopefully also bring efficiencies and reduce costs to County and
school budgets, like lowering electric bills or less gas or travel for trash trucks. She said she
sees this as a way to continue addressing climate change, but in a way that benefits the County
and school operational budgets. She said this past year, much of the climate funds were given
to Chapel Hill, which has its own taxing authority to address climate change, because it applied
for the County funds. She said she supports the projects the Town did but would like the
County and schools to carry out similar projects, and the sustainability coordinator only has
$50,000 for sustainability projects, while $500,000 was granted to other entities, including
municipalities with their own taxing authority. She said she would report out yearly on the use
of the funds to ensure they are being used for climate mitigation. She said there have been
emails from residents asserting that residents voted on the Climate Tax, however they did not,
and it actually came about during a budget amendment process. She said she is trying to
improve upon the climate tax by making it available to the two government entities for which
Orange County government is primarily responsible: K-12 school facilities and County facilities
and operations.
Commissioner Dorosin said it would be helpful to discuss Commissioner Greene's
amendment now, which is similar, on slide 23.
Commissioner Fowler said Commissioner Greene's amendment does not include any
funding to counties, just to schools, and continues the same vetting process. She said in her
17
own amendment, she wanted to make sure there was a reporting process to ensure fidelity to
the mission of climate mitigation, but did not want the schools to have to go through the same
vetting process because they are already at capacity with responsibilities, and she does not
think they should have to compete with other entities. She reiterated that some agencies
applying for the funding have their own taxing authority, so funds are being given away while
the County and schools are not getting anything to make operations more climate friendly.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified that under Commissioner Fowler's proposal, the schools
get the money and then have to report back to the County about how it was used, as opposed
to the current process where projects are vetted in advance before money is provided, so they
can be evaluated for the significance of the impact.
Commissioner Fowler said she envisions the sustainability coordinators from the County
and schools working together to achieve greater projects, and would trust them to report usage
and that the funds would be used for sustainability purposes.
Commissioner Dorosin said by having the vetting process up front, everything is
evaluated in advance, in an objective way, based on criteria designed to maximize the impact
on climate change. He said both of the schools got projects funded, and he does not believe
they were disadvantaged. He said climate change does not stop at jurisdictional lines, so he
does not mind that Towns receive money if the projects meet the objective criteria that were
determined to have a significant impact.
Commissioner Fowler said she would be open to the project review happening up front,
but does not like the County and schools having to compete with outside entities.
The Presentation skipped to slide #23 to review Commissioner Greene's amendment.
Commissioner Greene said her proposal is similar to Commissioner Fowler's but does
require upfront vetting. She said she likes this current process because entities can team up
for large proposals. She said the County has an interest in making sure all projects measure
up against same scoring criteria so that it is fair, and she feels strongly about vetting projects at
the beginning. She said her proposal does not give a percentage to school districts, but
requires them to apply competitively for projects that best support climate change mitigation
according to the County's criteria.
Chair Price said she understands both Commissioner Fowler's and Commissioner
Greene's points.
Commissioner Bedford asked Commissioner Greene if any of the money would be
allocated for County projects under her amendment.
Commissioner Greene said she would be open to County projects being able to apply.
She said the current process came about because the Commissioners wanted to get away from
County staff driving everything. She said she wants it to be competitive so that the money goes
to the best projects out there.
Chair Price said there was excitement when the funding opportunity opened up to the
community, but she also sees Commissioner Fowler's point about putting money to the
County's sustainability.
The presentation was returned to Slide #22.
18
Slide #22
ORANGE G UNT FY2D21-22BUDGEf
21-22OP-K7 O mnamnnerHwab, a y&&,� Delaytl-e6AkhP—MkweEUDPhm� &3mr �1,Z36,9D6.
Ada- mlKearl{F+2J21-22}4pYar2{FY2J71-23}
opnelary
ORANGE COUNTY
tit-1k 111 CARL 11.I\:t
Commissioner Hamilton said she is for economic development that includes a process
where County residents are heard from, and understand the impact; making sure to take into
consideration people from historically marginalized communities who have not been part of the
process. She said the County needs to have good conversations with Mebane. She said her
proposal is to delay for one year the funding of water and sewer extension, in order to take the
time to have a process where input can be gathered and people are educated, so there can be
economic development. She said she is concerned that funding without a clear plan will result
in a poor process.
Commissioner Dorosin said Commissioner Bedford has a similar amendment coming
up.
Commissioner Bedford said hers is very different.
Commissioner Dorosin said if work continues on the plan, and a plan is adopted in the
next few months, and money is not in the CIP then the plan cannot be carried out. He said if
the money remains in year 1 but the plan is not ready in time, the funds just sit there.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes, the funds can sit there unused. She said if the funds are
moved to year 2 but plan is ready sooner than planned, staff can bring a budget amendment to
move it back to year 1.
Commissioner Dorosin said he agrees with not doing anything until there is a plan, and
hopes there will be a plan soon, but does not think there's anything wrong with letting the funds
sit there. He said moving the funds to another year can make it seem like it is not going to
happen.
Commissioner Fowler asked if it stays in the budget, would Planning wait to proceed.
Bonnie Hammersley said staff cannot and would not go forward without BOCC approval.
Commissioner McKee said the process over the years has been that the money just sits
there until the Board authorizes it to be used.
19
Slide #23
0 RAN G E COU NTY FY2 021-22 BUDGET
Amendment3 3peeraar EMprrhmont k andrneat Amawt
21,220P.005 C4mirTiMidnef Gr Eene Canals TS> f Atocaie v2 ar T e uin'ale charge Nogaaan ;52M,83250I
FgnGIS Funds Wopemad for FY2021-22 lo Own
FAnigallon pry and 1P2lotha echoois iMthi
arse haft,oominue the grey[pracess rar
municipaybes ar norprofils is eppry For funts.'rF
mi emi.0 pra)nde more hghlp ena-gh io
aunlify or iF for arty reason tl-re funds arent
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this pael pean.tq the Cornmssan rot the
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ORANGE COUNTY
WORT1 r CAROL[NA
Slide #24
ORATE COUNTY F2021-22 BUDGET
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21-2XIP-ulu CannssrtrerEedktil 41'aler85ener RennieFY21.22hrdngal$115.000 and FY21-23 5 F1ut))0)0Wj
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aerie uneerwed and undee efved hou5el b in
Orarye Cou01g c"miefd wdh the Treasury
Dapadrrerd guidance or allowable
ryes peflarrTiarre.and speedl
ORANGE COUNTY
WORT)r CAROLFNA
Commissioner Bedford explained her amendment. She said based on recent
discussions the Board has had, regarding delaying any development in these areas in the
Buckhorn Area, this money for water and sewer does not need to be reserved in this budget.
Commissioner McKee said Commissioner Dorosin's comments from the last
amendment are relevant here as well. He said this money not be spent until the Board
approves moving into Area B. He said he understands the general consensus was not to move
20
into area B, but it was not a decision. He said the money for this amendment, and the last, can
just be left in the budget as placeholders.
Commissioner Dorosin said it would be worth it for the areas mentioned to be
separated. He agrees with keeping B in the plan, because there were collectively more
questions about that area. He said there was general agreement about areas C, D, and E
being taken out for the time being. He asked if the savings of$1.06 million could be parsed out
to show the amount that would apply to each area.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the Planning Department staff could do that.
Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
Commissioner Hamilton said she understands the Manager's point that the money is
flexible, when it is left as a placeholder, but if it is allocated and not used for the reason listed in
the budget, the money does not get spent on other projects that are needed.
Commissioner Fowler said she agrees with Commissioner Dorosin's request to parse
the areas out, because removing C, D, and E from the CIP over the next five years would affect
the debt service.
Bonnie Hammersley said that is correct, depending on what that is. She said this is for
water and sewer, and it may just be there regardless. She said staff will look at it.
Chair Price said the Board barely spoke about C, D, and E. She said the Board was
interested in moving forward with A, and possibly considering B.
Paul Laughton reminded the Commissioners that the water and sewer projects are not
tax-supported debts. He said these projects are Article 46 funded, and thus are outside general
fund debt for both of these projects.
Commissioner Bedford explained her next amendment, and said she is more fiscally
conservative. She said she spoke with Durham Tech President, JB Buxton, and assured him
the Commissioners are looking at $3.08 million for first year planning and site development.
She said there may be a delay for a year or two thereafter. She said after seeing all of the
needs throughout the budget sessions, she feels it is not wise to spend the $25.6 million on this
project right now. She said ARPA funds are one time, and the needs that have arisen during
Covid may be pandemic related, but also may have always existed, and just been unmasked by
Covid. She said she also realizes that staff will not have a pay increase. She said when the
moratorium is lifted on evictions she expects there will be a landslide of needs. She said school
districts will also need more funding as they spend down their general fund balances. She said
Durham Tech is getting $10 million in its own ARPA funds. She said the County is struggling to
make its hypothetical car payment, and it seems unwise to borrow money to buy a boat. She
said she appreciates that this project is an investment in education. She said she recommends
pushing this project out to years six and seven in the plan, where it was originally before being
expedited last year, when some current debt will already be paid off, and more will be available
for operating dollars.
Chair Price said she understands Commissioner Bedford's points, but also views this
expansion as an investment. She said the topic has been on the table a long time, and there is
an increase in the demand for community college education. She said the expansion needs to
be done. She said the proposed site is ideally located near UNC Hospital's Hillsborough
campus and medical center, which provides an opportunity for partnership and training. She
said people that have lost jobs during the pandemic will need support to find new ones including
training. She said one way to get around homelessness and low incomes is to have a good job,
which requires training and education. She said Durham Tech is also an expansion of the K-12
system, as Commissioner Bedford mentioned, and students go to the middle college there and
receive high school diplomas and associate's degree at the same time, and go onto a four-year
college thereafter. She said ARPA funds cannot be used for capital improvements, and she
feels very strongly that this project should stay on track.
21
Commissioner Dorosin left the meeting at 9:03 p.m., and returned at 9:04 p.m.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the amount by which the debt payment would be
lessened if this project were moved out to years six and seven of the CIP.
Commissioner Bedford said the principal payment would be $1.277 million without
interest.
Gary Donaldson said the debt service on $25 million issue is $1.5 million. He said over
the next couple of years in the CIP, there is about $1-$2 million rolling off, and in FY24, there is
about $2 or $3 million rolling off. He said staff will follow up with the precise numbers.
Commissioner Fowler said she shares some of the same concerns as Commissioner
Bedford. She asked if there is a way for the County to find funding for a diversion facility. She
said CIP does not truly reflect real school needs, because anything related to expansion does
not appear there. She said K-12 facilities are a County obligation. She said if the Board funds
this Durham Tech project, the County is not going to be able to make headway on any school
related projects within the next 10 years with this debt service. She said in an ideal world she
would love to build this building, but sees other things as obligations that the County has to
meet. She said there are other creative ways to address the needs of the students that will not
require building this right now.
Commissioner Dorosin said it would be a terrible mistake to move this project back five
years. He said this Board has talked consistently about its commitment to education, and it is
shortsighted and narrow to separate K-12 and post-secondary education in the County's
obligation to students. He said it is disingenuous to analogize the facility to a boat, as a luxury
item that is wanted, but not needed. He said the County does not have options for students
graduating high school who will not attend a four-year university, except telling them to go to
Durham or Alamance counties. He said there is also an obligation to adult learners who are
seeking vocational skills. He said this project is an economic development tool. He reminded
the Board about a letter received from CEO of the Hillsborough UNC Hospital that this new
facility has opportunities for important synergies for training students, but also growing health
care needs. He said it is problematic to distinguish the needs of K-12 and K-16 education and
discuss sacrificing one to fund the other. He said in his 10 years on the Board, one of the
persistent issues among Commissioners was the desire for parity for Durham Tech, and it was
a long fight to get the first facility here at all. He said there have been ongoing struggles, and
many feel Orange County has always gotten short end of the Durham-Tech stick. He said, over
the past five years, there has been a push for greater acknowledgement of needs in Orange
County and the Commissioners were instrumental in pushing through the scholarship program.
He said it would be a betrayal of the work already done to not build the building. He said
Durham contributes more money than Orange, and has a bigger student base, but Orange
County has worked hard to seek more resources for the residents of Orange County, and for
there to be more opportunities here. He said it is important to understand that Durham Tech
serves a part of population not served well as K-12 students. He said the traditional K-12
model does not serve the folks seeking alternative education opportunities, vocational training,
re-education, GED, etc. He said the economic arguments Commissioner Bedford mentioned
could be laid out for any project in the CIP.
Commissioner McKee said moving the project back to years six and seven is not a push
back, it reestablishes its position in the plan to where it was before it changed last year.
Commissioner Greene said she is in agreement with Commissioner Dorosin for all of the
reasons he stated, including the email from UNC Hospital. She said if the project is pushed
back, money spent for planning in the last year will virtually be lost, because it will have to be
redone. She said a lot of the training proposed in this facility cannot be taught online, as it is
22
hands-on skills and trainings. She said this project fills a need in the County that is unique, and
she supports keeping the project where it is.
Chair Price said the building will not be used online for middle college and other classes.
She said it would be used more for laboratory work that would connect with hands on training
for the hospital, medical center, and other 21 st century jobs that are very much needed. She
said it was shortsighted for the project to be so far back in the plan to begin with, and it
deserves to be prioritized. She said people will need a way to get education and skills in order
to get back on their feet after the pandemic, and a traditional four year college is simply out of
reach for many. She said community college is so essential, and it is a disservice to push it
back.
Commissioner Bedford said she agrees with everyone that the project is very valuable.
She said, financially, pushing the project out, and keeping the other cuts in the CIP from last
September, prevents a 2.43 cent tax increase on top of the other planned increases over the
next couple of years for debt service. She agreed with Commissioner Dorosin that the analogy
of a boat versus car was not right; and it is more like choosing between food and medicine.
She said if taxes are raised 2.43 cents on top of the other planned increases, it will push more
people out of the County. She said it is not fiscally sustainable to use one-time dollars for all of
these other operating expenses, so this project should not happen until year six of the CIP.
She said it is not her position to sub this out for any other schools project.
Chair Price said rather than people being tax burdened, or having to choose between
medicine and food, they would have the skills to get a job so they could buy both.
Commissioner Dorosin said he believes this project is a necessity and it is inconsistent
with Board's stated commitment to education to say it is not. He said this project is no different
than other school capital needs, distinguishing education levels does not make sense. He said
he appreciates the thought to be creative, but those options seem pie in the sky. He said it is a
mistake to underestimate opportunities for jobs, job training, and for critical medical field skills
that residents need. He said enhancing resources at Durham Tech should be part of post
pandemic recovery, and it is important for intergovernmental relationship with colleagues in
Durham to show Orange County has these commitments. He said delaying this project is a
deal breaker for him, and will not support the budget without it.
Commissioner McKee explained his amendment with Commissioner Greene. He said if
funds are not set aside to actually build infrastructure for broadband, the taskforce will have
only been an academic exercise. He said the amendment is for$5 million out of the first draw
of ARPA funds. He said he does not think it is feasible to ask for funding from the second
drawdown, but he will do so when that is possible. He said this amount will show commitment
to the community and service providers that this will move forward.
Commissioner Greene said the taskforce has been engaged and is very knowledgeable.
She said there is potential for federal grant money and, in theory, state money as well. She
said the group wants to ride the crest to put money together to fund this. She said the County
needs to have some money on the table to show serious commitment to funding broadband,
and understanding that the community is in desperate need of it. She said she wants to stress
the urgency of acting now, and the need to show a commitment by allocating dollars.
Commissioner McKee said the taskforce is ready to move forward with an RFP. He said
prior to doing so, there needs be a meeting with providers to show what the need is and
understand what the providers can give. He said broadband is directly mentioned in the ARPA
guidance, so there is no ambiguity about the appropriateness of using these funds for this
need.
Commissioner Fowler said this is a very tangible thing ARPA money could achieve and
would be viable and useful. She asked if this amount is flexible.
23
Commissioner McKee said his original inclination was to direct the whole $28 million to
broadband, but he knows that is not feasible. He said the taskforce has discussed asking for
up to $10 million, but $5 million shows the County is serious, and there are other needs that are
just as important. He said a lot of things will stay online after the pandemic, and not having the
ability to engage in this format is a disservice to the community. He said $5 million is a
reasonable amount, but is not enough. He said other funding pools will have to be used to
address the rest.
Commissioner Greene agreed completely, and said $5 million is a respectable amount
to put on the table to get the infrastructure started.
Commissioner McKee said it is enough to get providers attention.
Chair Price reiterated Commissioner McKee's point that there is action at the State and
Federal level to help pay for broadband, and the County can marry some of the different
programs together to have a full blown well rounded system.
Slide #25
ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 BUDGET
Aw1rWmw#
21-22CIP-D13 SmrrAmendrnenl Ernrrgancy Rove pre Wrnate for pre Emergency S
Sen+css Sermes s9udy consuFtanL (03,04D.007
21-22CIP-014 &affArno dmonl SoM Wam- Poarnawe SMO,WO horn*w 2{FY 22-237 $
Promnetary hrrrtlpg In the Sala Wwds -C&D Lsrrtrd & (589,Da6.D4J
Ordrance Area-Vemiola and Eoluiprnanl
FEsoKarneot 15n$xI tars Compsclor due to
tha rnnna*a6a naed to replace pre
Cornpaclor in FY 20-21
ORANGE COUNTY
011171[CARD].I.N.-i
Bonnie Hammersley said the Board will have further discussion on the amendments
during its June 8 meeting.
3. Public Comments
The Board held a public hearing to receive comments on the FY22 recommended
budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
open the public hearing.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
24
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Beth Bronson read the following statement:
Good Evening Commissioners and thank you for this opportunity to speak tonight. My
comment is in regard to the recommended proposed CIP budget for the planning & inspections
and Economic Development departments.
Having been following proposed development projects, including the BAP (study), I feel
that there is a clear message that needs to be communicated — removing funds for the
Buckhorn EDD could be detrimental to the County's ability to take action as a stakeholder. At
the same time, currently proposed allocation seems inconsistent with the position the Board has
taken on how rural industrial development should proceed. Mebane was prepared to adopt land
use amendments as a result of this study as if it were a plan; while Orange Ccounty is prepared
to classify this as a technical study, leaving no plan in place. Yet it has been included in the
proposed 2021-2023 budget projections. Based on tonight's comments— I am again unsure if
this is a study or a plan.
I am requesting that the county manager further clarify how funds are allocated for
Economic Development to working with Mebane in the development of the Buckhorn EDD, as
mentioned in Objectives for interdepartmental collaboration on page 367: "Evaluate our
Economic Development partnerships with City of Mebane, Town of Hillsborough and City of
Durham regarding land use development potential." It is worth making the comment that this is
an ambiguous and unmeasurable objective unless there is a binding Joint Planning Area aka, a
binding agreement in place.
I am here to show my support for both budget amendments regarding the Buckhorn
EDD. Residents, not potential developers who do not yet exist, deserve adequate public
engagement to ensure funds are allocated in coordination with County's Financial and Social
Justice Impact commitments. As you continue discussions around EDDs, I encourage elected
officials to consider the impending changes of the UDO, specifically Chapter 160D and the
public engagement process amendments. Residents are clearly asking to understand the
county's plans to proceed with development goals within its rural jurisdiction.
It is clear that discussions around the Hillsborough EDD and Buckhorn EDD are
occurring separately, despite their close proximity. The public input session held two weeks ago
regarding the Buckhorn EDD expansion lacked clear instructions for participation and
represents a missed opportunity for additional public comment. Based on the responses to two
public outreach meetings, more engagement is needed prior to being presented to BOCC for
budget amendments
Kelly Allen read the following statement:
Thank you so much for allowing me to speak this evening. My name is Kelly Allen, I am
a resident of Hillsborough, and I'm a teacher at East Chapel Hill High School. I am very grateful
for your service to our community, and I can imagine that "making everyone happy" when
creating a budget for the county is an impossible job. With that in mind, I come to you this
evening asking that you consider how the amount of money that is allocated for Orange County
and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools affects its employees and the community as a whole.
In 2017, the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce became the first living
wage certified chamber in North Carolina, and so it is clear that our community feels strongly
about the importance of employees earning a living wage. Board of County Commissioners,
you asked Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools to pay all employees a living wage. We did. Every
employee in the district, starting next year will earn a living wage, along with yearly increases
for inflation. This costs money that you need to provide, and so far you haven't. Put the county's
dollars where you say its values are.
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This is going to help bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria workers - the essential
workers that fed us, delivered food, and kept schools and buses clean and safe for students
and staff. Is zero dollars for them really your response to our community's heroes? This
budgetary investment is not only vital for the people earning this salary, for their physical,
mental, and emotional well-being, but it is also important for our local economy. Money earned
in our community by school employees will support local businesses and generate tax income
for the county when these same employees spend money in the community. If we feel that a
living wage is important for other people in our community, shouldn't school employees be
afforded this same basic living wage?
How can Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) afford to
increase the pay of its lowest paid employees? It would require the county to raise the budget
for schools. I urge you to strongly consider increasing the funds allocated for public schools in
Orange County to make this a reality. This increase will only strengthen the citizens and
businesses of our community. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hope Hynes Love said she is an educator with CHCCS, and is here this evening to
express gratitude for the many ways local government has supported educators during this past
year, allowing schools to provide uninterrupted educational services for Orange County
Students. She said she is looking towards in-person instruction resuming, and urged the Board
to look at past history and once again shoulder the burden of covering the gap caused by the
State's per pupil spending. She asked the Board to restore the County's education allotment to
50% of the general fund, the same as 2018-2019 level. She said this change, along the third
wave of federal support, would make up for the nearly $1,000 decrease in per pupil spending
created by the General Assembly's pattern of reductions in school funding. She said the
County's help will strengthen the districts' resolve to lobby state representatives to increase
funding for all counties in the state, so that local boards and taxpayers are not faced, year after
year, with figuring out how to pay for the kinds of schools all students in North Carolina should
have access to. She thanked the Board and community for working together, and said she is
honored to be educating the next generation of leaders.
Sally Merryman read the following statement:
Good evening, my name is Sally Merryman. I am a 24-year veteran teacher in Chapel
Hill and the current president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Association of Educators. I am also a
homeowner in rural Orange County, and my husband and I are both informed voters.
I'm here tonight to urge you to increase the per pupil spending for both school systems
in Orange County and to raise the local district tax for Chapel Hill-Carrboro.
CHCCS has already used the earlier disbursements from the American Rescue Plan
Act. And now it's time for you, our elected county officials, to allocate the latest ARPA
installment of$28 million. Funding our schools is your biggest responsibility, yet you are
currently allocating less than 50% of the county budget to our public schools. We thank
Commissioner Hamilton for her proposed budget amendment to allocate $3 million to the 2
school districts. We fully support this amendment and still urge you to increase the county's
overall funding of public schools by at least 1% to return to previous funding levels.
If the county fails to allocate more money to our schools, CHCCS will be forced to make
potentially disastrous cuts in other areas in order to implement a fully virtual academy for the
2021-2022 school year for students who need to remain remote, additional counselors, mental
health professionals, and other mental health resources, and wage increases for classified staff
to bring everyone to a living wage.
Regarding wage increases for classified staff, the commission has directed county-
funded entities to provide a living wage to all employees. CHCCS is making commendable
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progress in this area, yet the county hasn't provided additional funding to support them. It's
time that you do.
Finally, we have Project ADVANCE. Two of you on the commission, Dr. Fowler and Ms.
Bedford, have intimate knowledge of it from their longtime work on the CHCCS school board.
Years ago, our Association repeatedly expressed concerns about how it would be funded once
the grant from the state ran out. The staff who engaged in hours of professional development
on their own time over the course of several years are entitled to the compensation for that
work for the duration of their career in the district. Because this compensation is part of their
salary, as stated by the district in printed and online materials, it MUST be part of the
continuation budget. The local district tax has not been raised in years. Raise it this coming
year so CHCCS can keep its promise to its dedicated staff, and revise current taxation practices
and institute racially and economically equitable ones so that the burden of the tax increase
doesn't fall on the most vulnerable property owners in our community.
Thank you for your service to the people of our County. There is so much in our County
to be proud of.
Kim Piracci read the following statement:
Hello Commissioners. Some of you already know me as the current Chair of the
Commission for the environment.
There is an old saying I'm sure you've heard of: "If something's not broken, don't fix it."
That old saying can be applied to the distribution of the climate tax. Some of you would
like to funnel some of that to the schools for climate projects. I can hardly argue with that. We
could never do too much for our schools and our children.
Let's consider the method itself on how that money is spent. First, a group of really
smart people came up with a vetting process on how to decide who gets the grant money.
Then, a group of really smart people, most chosen by the BOCC, gets to weigh in on the
projects.
They consider, is this project socially equitable? Do the grantees have a proven record
of success? How much impact will be made on climate change? Will this group be able to take
this money and hit the ground running with it?
Are the Commissioners aware that there are currently $300,000. In the county coffers
waiting to be spent on solar panels for the schools? This is money the school systems have not
been able to get together and spend on solar panels.
Then the elected commissioners, get to vote on who will get the money. Ultimately, it's
all your decision.
As the process stands now, if the school districts wanted to, they could write a grant for
all of the money, and potentially receive all of the money. It's true they might be competing with
non-profits and local governments, and that's the beauty part of this. The money never
becomes a boondoggle. It goes to the organization that can verify that they will do the best
possible work with it.
Every person in the county benefits when that climate money is spent as wisely as
possible.
In summary, if something's not broken, don't fix it.
Brian Link said he is the 2021 District Teacher of the Year for CHCCS. He said he is
here to address the amendment filed by Commissioner Hamilton. He said last month he shared
a series of four numbers of which he wanted the public to be aware, and asks the Board to
closely examine them with respect to the budget: 1) $28 million in ARPA funds were awarded to
the County, versus zero dollars allocated to the schools; 2) hundreds of dollars in per pupil
funding requested by each school system,just to maintain services, versus no proposed
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increase under the County Manager's budget; 3) 1% difference between Manager's budget for
education, and the historical average for the last six; 4) 2014 is the last year the special district
tax was raised, 1998 is the last year the rate was lower than what it scheduled to be for FY22.
He said educators are thrilled that Commissioner Hamilton has offered her amendment to
assign $3 million of ARPA funds to OCS and CHCCS, and thanked her for her leadership, and
expressed support. He said those are just one-time funds, while ongoing needs are recurring.
He said CHCCS now has every employee earning a living wage, but if the increased salaries
are not accounted for then cuts will eventually have to occur elsewhere to ensure the wages are
paid. He said for each of the last six years, the Board has increased the percentage of the
County Manager's original quest for education to put it near 50% percent, and he hopes to see
the same this year. He said he does not want to take funding away from others, to adequately
fund schools, when it is not needed. He said solid revenue projections, low unemployment, and
soaring property values allow the funding request to be achieved by merely keeping the rate per
$100 on property taxes, what it was before the recent adjustment. He said 600 signatures of
Orange County residents, voters, and workers obtained in 72 hours in full support of this
statement and requests. He said residents are clear that they want schools funded first.
Melissa McCullough said she is chair of the Orange County Climate Council, and is
speaking tonight for the Orange-Chatham group of the Sierra Club. She said climate change is
a crisis, and there is not a lot of time to address it. She said the climate tax is there to get real
greenhouse gas emission reductions. She said she can support intent of Commissioner
Fowler's proposal, based on her comments, but wants to stress the importance for keeping the
selection process. She said climate action at schools is unimportant, but they do already have
$300,000 of first year funds which have not been spent, and that is a lost opportunity. She
emphasized the important of the selection process, which shows the capacity of the applicant
and whether they can get the work done. She said the selection process also looks at how
quickly the applicants can get the work done. She said that is really important, as giving the
unrequested money to school system without a project selection, without a project plan, without
designated staff, and without a project budget will lead to the money sitting unused instead.
She said a responsible use of the funds would require the school to plan and prepare so that
they can have a successful project. She said if the Board wants the County and schools to get
more projects, direct County staff to help develop more projects and give the schools help to do
so.
Amelia Covington urged the Commissioners to leave the climate tax grant process as it
is, and therefore continuing to allow schools to apply for grants. She agreed with Kim Piracci,
and said she wants to ensure the funds from the tax are going to equitable and thoughtful
projects, and the current selection system does just that. She said she appreciates the climate
tax and wants to express support for continued local climate action. She said, as a young adult,
she is deeply concerned for her future and for future generations and if bold actions are not
taken, we are in for climate catastrophe.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
close the public hearing.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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A motion for a three-minute recess was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by
Commissioner Hamilton, at 10:00 p.m.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price, to
reconvene the meeting at 10:04 p.m.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
4. Discussion on County Departments' Requests for American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) Funds
The Board discussed approaches to allocate approximately$28.8 million in Federal
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the County is designated to receive over two
draw down periods.
Travis Myren reviewed the following information:
BACKGROUND:
The Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides direct allocations to local
governments. Orange County is designated to receive approximately$28.8 million. The first
draw down of approximately $14.4 million was approved by the Board of Commissioners on a
budget amendment on June 1, 2021. The second draw down will occur in twelve (12) months.
ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and must be fully expended by
December 31, 2026.
The ARPA funds are intended to broadly address the negative impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic on individuals, government agencies, organizations, and small businesses. The
Treasury Department has issued interim guidance on the use of ARPA funds for local
governments. This guidance establishes five broad categories for potential investments:
1. Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical
expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff;
2. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including
economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and
the public sector;
3. Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to
the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic;
4. Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who
have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical
infrastructure sectors; and,
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5. Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to
improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater
infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet.
The interim guidance also indicates that the funds may be used to support education programs
aimed at addressing educational disparities and child care programs that promote healthy
childhood environments including:
1. Addressing educational disparities through new or expanded early learning services,
providing additional resources to high-poverty school districts, and offering educational
services like tutoring or afterschool programs as well as services to address social,
emotional, and mental health needs; and,
2. Promoting healthy childhood environments, including new or expanded high quality
childcare, home visiting programs for families with young children, and enhanced
services for child welfare-involved families and foster youth
County departments were asked to submit proposals consistent with the interim guidance and
the goals established by the Board of Commissioners in prior funding allocations. County
departments submitted requests totaling over $44 million. In addition to these proposals, the
County's Broadband Task Force will be reviewing proposals to extend broadband coverage to
unserved and underserved parts of the County over both the short term and long term. The
Task Force has indicated a desire to access County ARPA funds to implement this initiative
with the likelihood of being able to leverage State and Federal funding that is also available to
County governments for this purpose. Finally, Commissioners have submitted budget
amendments for the FY2021-22 Budget that propose to allocate $3,570,000 in ARPA funds to
education initiatives, individual property tax relief, and the Small Business Center at the Orange
County campus of Durham Technical Community College. These amendments will be
considered at the Board's work session on June 8. If the Board approves one or more of these
amendments, the approaches detailed in the attachments would be recalibrated prior to
consideration of a final draft spending plan on June 15.
This abstract outlines three different approaches to allocating ARPA funds. The first approach
(Attachment 1) creates a four year spending plan focused on services, providing financial
support to individuals and organizations and replacing County revenues lost due to the
pandemic. This approach generally assumes that pandemic related hardships will largely
persist for the next several years.
The second approach (Attachment 2) assumes a more swift and optimistic recovery by
reducing overall spending and limiting most program support to two years with the exception of
housing related programming which is funded for the four year period but at a reduced amount.
This approach preserves a balance of approximately $10 million to allocate at a later date for a
broadband expansion project or other high priority needs that may emerge as the longer term
effects of the pandemic may surface.
The third approach (Attachment 3) recommends a spending plan for the next fiscal year only.
The FY2021-22 plan is the same as in Approach 1, but this third approach reflects the
uncertainty of needs over the next four years and suggests a more incremental approach to
allocating funds. In general, this approach would require annual recommendations and
decisions about ARPA allocations based on the spending rate and needs expressed over the
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prior fiscal year. It would allocate approximately$10.3 million in fiscal year 2021-22 and
preserve a balance of approximately $18.5 million to be allocated in future years.
In each of the approaches, the largest spending category is eviction diversion and housing
supports. The Emergency Housing Assistance program is providing rental assistance, utility
assistance as well as other payments to low income households to avoid evictions and utility
disconnections. Based on experience with the Program over the past year, the Housing
Department requested a total of $4 million in direct assistance to households throughout the
County. However, during the past year, municipalities have contributed federal funds as well as
local funds to help support their residents. If municipalities were asked to contribute on the
same proportion as assistance has been paid to households over the past year, the total $4
million program would be divided among four entities. Chapel Hill residents have received 44%
of assistance to date. Carrboro residents have received 25%. Residents living in
unincorporated Orange County have received 23%, and residents in Hillsborough have
received 8%. On that basis, the County's share (23%)would be $920,000. County staff have
initiated discussions with Town staff about jointly funding this program, but the Town's may not
make final funding recommendations until later in the summer.
The Street Outreach, Harm Reduction, and Deflection program is experiencing the same set of
circumstances. County staff have been exploring a cost share framework to support this
program in both the short term and long term. However, those discussions have not been
finalized.
Travis Myren said the expanded lunch program is part of the current budget, and other
items in the current budget are identified on the chart similarly. He said the rest of the items are
not currently part of the recommended budget, and would be supplements to existing programs,
or continuations of existing programs. He said programming may be funded through grants for
a time, and after that there would be an expectation for the programs to either be picked up by
some other funding mechanism or discontinued. He said the Food Council items are things
that the Food Council is expecting to do, and the County share is represented in the chart
shared with the BOCC. He said the employment and childcare category is fully funded in option
1. He said the Eviction Diversion and Housing Supports programs, is almost fully funded, and
this does not include any contributions from the towns. He said the Towns previously
contributed to Emergency Housing Funds with CARES money, so this assumes none or very
low contribution from the Towns.
Commissioner Bedford asked if money would be used to cover parent fees.
Travis Myren said yes.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the County has been doing that already this year.
Travis Myren said yes.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if staff could clarify the different approaches. He said it
sounds like attachment 1 is a four year plan; attachment 2 is a more swift recovery, like a two
year plan; and attachment 3 is only for the next fiscal year. He said he assumed that the same
amount of money would be spent in each plan, just across different timelines; however, it
seems like the different approaches actually spend less money overall.
Travis Myren said the latter is accurate. He said there are two things going on: one is
the department requests, and the other is the Commissioners' amendments that propose using
ARPA funds. He said depending on the approach the Commissioners choose to take, some
choices will have to be made to rearrange funding to include the amendments.
Commissioner Dorosin further clarified that some of the plans do not spend all of the
$28 million in ARPA funds.
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Travis Myren said that is right. He said approach 2 reserves ARPA money for some of
those proposed amendments from Commissioners, and other things that are not currently on
the list, but may come up. He said it just suggests plans based on Department requests.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified that approach 1 spends the whole amount; approach 2
spends $18.8 million; and approach 3 spends $10.3 million.
Travis Myren continued reviewing Attachment 1. He said under revenue supports, there
were requests for the arts program and some small business grant programs, plus tourism and
hospitality recovery programs. He said there is currently$150,000 allocated in the
recommended budget, but this would provide additional funding for subsequent fiscal years.
Travis Myren said under the Response/Resiliency Category, there are one-time
expenditures, with the exception of the multi-factor authentication security initiative.
Travis Myren said under the revenue replacement category there is a unique feature of
the ARPA money being used to replace lost revenue. He said the County identified areas that
have lost revenue from the pandemic, including Arts Commission, the Visitors Bureau, and the
Sportsplex. He said revenue replacements are only intended to break even, and just gets those
funds back to zero.
Travis Myren said this makes the total requests about $7 million, plus the $3.2 million
that is already in the Manager's recommended budget, for a total of $10.266 million. He said
depending on amendments that are adopted Tuesday night, staff can go back and relook at the
plan, if the Board prioritizes other items.
Commissioner McKee said he sees personnel positions being funded with one-time
money. He asked if there is a plan for what happens after 2024, when all ARPA money has to
be spent. He asked if there is a plan if the County does not recover as quickly as anticipated.
He said he is always leery of accepting grant money for employment positions.
Travis Myren said these examples are the same as a grant funded position. He said the
conundrum is that in order to do the programs, the staff is needed to implement them, so
program expenditures are part and parcel to having staff available to fund the program.
Bonnie Hammersley said these positions were created because of COVID-19, and when
hired, the employees were advised that they are attached to grant money, and are time-limited
employees. She said if the need is still there when money is gone, staff will have to look at
other ways to fund the positions.
Commissioner McKee said his point is that residents may expect the County to continue
to fund these programs years down the road.
Bonnie Hammersley said it is everyone's hope that, while the programs may still be
needed, it will not be at this current level.
Commissioner Bedford suggested moving forward with the $3.2 million in the
recommended budget, discuss amendments at the next meeting, and include any that cannot
wait until September or October, include those. She said she needs more time to think about
the allocation that is available between now and June 15 at the last meeting.
Travis Myren said there will be other federal funds flowing through the Department of
Social Services (DSS) and Housing, and an internal task force is working to insure those funds
interact correctly with ARPA. He said staff does not yet know the amounts of this other funding.
He said if the Board wants to follow Commissioner Bedford's suggestion he can put something
together that will be a one year funding plan, with only the items that would be continuation
funding for June, July, and August, plus what is in the current recommended budget.
Commissioner Dorosin said he is interested in a two-year plan, but also in putting more
funds in, frontloading a bit. He said more money is needed sooner, as the need has never
been greater than it is now. He said he would like to push harder on high need areas, like
housing.
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Chair Price asked if the Board should accept this report, and Commissioners can
communicate their highest priorities to staff in the coming days.
Travis Myren said what may be more helpful is for staff to put together the plan
Commissioner Bedford described, and/or the one Commissioner Dorosin described to review at
the next meeting.
Commissioner Fowler clarified that only $14 million could be spent in the first year.
Travis Myren said that is the upper limit for the fiscal year.
Commissioner Dorosin said he would like to make it a two-year plan with more money.
Commissioner Greene agreed with front-loading money, and sees wisdom is going one
year at a time.
Commissioner McKee clarified the $14 million max in the first year, including any
Commissioner Amendments.
Travis Myren said yes, that is the max.
5. Options to Expand Affordable Housing Incentives and Opportunities
The Board discussed options to expand affordable housing incentives and opportunities
in Orange County.
BACKGROUND:
Staff from the County Attorney's Office, Housing and Community Development Department,
and Planning and Inspections Department were requested to explore opportunities to
incentivize affordable housing in Orange County, with a focus on modifications to the Orange
County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Staff met to discuss opportunities as they relate
to regulations contained in the UDO, but also examined other options including housing policy
and programs.
At the February 16, 2021 BOCC Business Meeting, the County Attorney's Office drafted an
information item (Attachment A) related to this request. The information item included an
affordable housing report examining regulations contained in the UDO and a proposed list of
items to incentivize affordable housing related to the UDO. At that meeting, Board members
requested the item be brought back at a later date to review and discuss further. The Board
further requested all options and opportunities to incentivize affordable housing be considered.
As a result of the Board's request, staff has compiled a revised list of twenty-two action items to
expand affordable housing incentives and opportunities in Orange County. This list includes
items related to land use, planning, and zoning regulations, which were in the list presented at
the February 16 BOCC meeting. In addition, the revised list includes proposed action items
related to housing programs and policies. Proposed action items, including brief descriptions,
timeframes, and complexity, are contained in Attachment B.
The Board agreed by consensus to postpone this item until a fall BOCC meeting.
Commissioner Greene said this is the second time this item has been postponed, and
she hopes adequate time can be allotted when this item is rescheduled.
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6. Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Paul Voss At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2023
NOTE — If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 06/30/2023 Vacant since 05/20/2020
The Board agreed by consensus on Paul Voss for the At-Large position.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
table the rest of the agenda.
VOTE: Nays, 3 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Price);
Ayes, 4 (Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Hamilton,
Commissioner Greene).
7. Agricultural Preservation Board —Appointments Discussion
The Board discussed appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Board.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NAME REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Howard Vol. Ag. District Second Full Term 06/30/2024
McAdams High Rock/Efland
Nels Anderson Vol. Ag. District Second Full Term 06/30/2024
Schley/Eno
Kim Woods At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2024
NOTE — If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Vol. Ag. District 06/30/2023 Vacant since 11/20/2020
Cedar Grove
This agenda item was tabled until the June 8, 2021 Budget Work Session.
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8. Animal Services Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Animal Services Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Brenda Non-Municipality First Full Term 06/30/2024
Baldwin
Scott
NOTE — If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
• None
This agenda item was tabled until the June 8, 2021 Budget Work Session.
9. Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Anthony Carey OC Lodging Assoc. Partial Term 12/31/2021
SPECIAL NOTATION: The request is being made to move Mr. Carey from his current
Economic Development Advisory Board Member position to the OC Lodging Association
position, because his appointment on the Economic Development Advisory Board ends
06/30/2021.
NOTE — If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Economic 12/31/2023 Would become vacant with move of
Development Anthony Carey to the OC Lodging
Advisory Board Association position.
Member
At-Large 12/31/2021 Vacant since 10/21/2020.
This agenda item was tabled until the June 8, 2021 Budget Work Session.
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10. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Orange County Parks and Recreation
Council.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Greg Hughes At-Large Partial Term 03/31/2022
NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Cedar Grove 03/31/2024 Vacant since 03/31/2021
Township
This agenda item was tabled until the June 8, 2021 Budget Work Session.
11. Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Olivia Fisher At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2023
NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
SPECIAL NOTATION: None of the other applicants have completed the mandatory pre-
appointment training, and are therefore not eligible for appointment at this time.
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 03/31/2022 Vacant since 12/09/2020
At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 10/17/2020
At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 05/12/2020
At-Large 10/31/2022 Vacant since 10/17/2020
At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 10/31/2017
REMINDER: As of July 1, 2017, HB248 was passed in the North Carolina Legislature
regarding the training period for pending members of the "Adult Care Home Community
Advisory Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee". Applicants
will be selected from our county "Applicant Interest List" for a condensed training and if
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the applicant successfully completes the training, they would be recommended for
appointment. Therefore, when an applicant is recommended for appointment, it would
initially be for a one year preliminary term and their training will have already been
completed.
This agenda item was tabled until the June 8, 2021 Budget Work Session.
12. Adjourn
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
adjourn the meeting at 10:41 p.m.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
Renee Price, Chair
Laura Jensen and Tara May
Clerk to the Board and Deputy Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.