Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-05-2022 Business Meeting 1 APPROVED 5/4/22 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUSINESS MEETING April 5, 2022 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Jean Hamilton, Earl McKee, and Anna Richards COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None 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. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Bonnie Hammersley proposed removing items 6-a and 6-b from the agenda and delaying discussion until staff can conduct further research and analysis. She indicated 6-a will be brought back on May 3, 2022, and 6-b may be back as early as April 26, 2022. Chair Price said one of the reasons for the delay of item 6-b is so the Towns have an opportunity to review the plan. Chair Price dispensed with reading the public charge. 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda None. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members Commissioner Hamilton said she attended a Community Block party of the Gaines Chapel Community on Saturday, April 2, 2022. She thanked county staff from Environmental Health, Animal Services, and other departments that provided information to event attendees. She said she talked to residents in the area who are concerned about safe water and sewer. She also shared that she visited some Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools. She said that she was dismayed to see the conditions in some of the older schools and highlighted the need for the community to pull together and provide safe schools for children. Commissioner Greene congratulated the University of North Carolina men's basketball team and Coach Hubert Davis for a great season. Commissioner Bedford had no announcements. 2 Commissioner Fowler echoed Commissioner Greene's congratulations. She said the Climate Council will participate in Carrboro's Earth Day event on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 5:00-7:30 pm at Carrboro Town Commons. She shared that she joined several other commissioners in touring the Orange County Durham Technical Community College campus on March 21, 2022. She said it was great to see the programs and courses offered to students, especially the medical-related courses. She said that she attended the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) meeting and indicated the Board will hear a request from the ABC Board tonight. She shared that Juvenile Crime Prevention Council met and is getting ready to send out a request for proposal for the coming year. Commissioner Richards said she and Commissioner Greene visited Faithfull Farms a couple of weeks ago. She said it was a great opportunity to see a local food provider up close, and she learned a lot about modern farming. She shared that she also attended the tour of Durham Tech. She said the Partnership for Young Children met and made awards to partners in the community for providing childcare and early learning. Commissioner Richards congratulated this year's winners of the Pauli Murray Award. She said she also attended the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting. She said she listened in on the North Carolina Clean Transportation Plan virtual information session and intends to continue attending those meetings. She said she learned a lot about what the state is doing on transportation, and as the county does its capital planning, reducing emissions and similar goals should be kept in mind. Commissioner McKee had no announcements. Chair Price said she attended the tour of the schools with Commissioner Hamilton. She said it was revealing and showed the importance of regular maintenance, and in some cases showed the need for new buildings. She said that some school layouts are antiquated and are not amenable to 21st century needs. She praised teachers and staff for everything they do for students. She said she attended a meeting with the manager and mayors about the Greene Tract. She said that she has shared some preliminary notes with the Commissioners and will send further information when available. She said that some questions arising are if there is a need for a new school and when, and how to respond to area residents' request for commercial development in the area. She said past reports have shown interest in small convenience stores nearby but asked how that can be accommodated without leaving residents in a food desert. She petitioned the board and staff to request that the North Carolina Department of Transportation install signalization at the intersection of Buckhorn Rd. and West Ten Rd. She said as that area grows, there will be more activity and residents are expressing concerns about safety. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming the week of April 10 through 16, 2022 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Orange County. BACKGROUND: Every year across the nation, the second full week of April is dedicated to the professional women and men who serve as public safety telecommunicators. First conceived by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (California) Sheriff's Office in 1981, this practice was recognized by Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Massachusetts) in what became House Joint Resolution 284 to create "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week". With the continued efforts of the International Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association, the act to recognize public safety telecommunicators became a permanent proclamation in 1994. 3 Each day hundreds of Orange County residents and those passing through rely on the expertise and dedication of public safety telecommunicators. These professionals help save countless lives by responding to emergency calls, dispatching law enforcement, fire and emergency medical personnel and equipment and providing support to the residents and visitors to the County. Their skills in high- pressure situations allow rapid emergency response, aid and compassion in times of great distress and critical decision-making within seconds. Orange County Communications is the primary answering point for all emergency and nonemergency service calls in the County. In 2021 NC PSAP's (Public Safety Answering Points) answered 7.5 million 9-1-1 calls. Orange County 9-1-1 Telecommunicators answered 86,806 9-1-1 calls and handled 116,903 administrative calls. The telecommunicators dispatched over 180,000 calls for service with an average of six telecommunicators on duty. The communications center operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week with a staff of twenty-six full time telecommunicators. Orange County's telecommunicators continue to strive for excellence in performance and are among the highest trained in the state. Orange County's telecommunicators provide a valuable service to the residents, visitors and to public safety providers. Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services Director thanked the Board for this proclamation. He reviewed the background information for the item and commended the telecommunicators in Orange County for their work. Kevin Medlin, 911 Communications Division Chief, thanked the Board for honoring the telecommunicators with this proclamation. Commissioner McKee read the following proclamation: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOM MUNICATORS WEEK 2022 A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Thousands of dedicated Telecommunicators daily serve the residents of the United States and Canada by answering their telephone calls for law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services by dispatching the appropriate assistance as quickly as possible; and WHEREAS, Professional Telecommunicators are the link between those residents who call for help and the agencies which provide the help; and WHEREAS, The critical functions performed by professional Telecommunicators impact all aspects of public safety and include those performed by forestry and conservation operations, highway safety and maintenance activities, and many other operations performed by federal, state and local government agencies; and 4 WHEREAS, Professional Telecom municators work to improve the emergency response capabilities of these communication systems through their leadership and participation in training programs and other activities provided by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials - International and the National Emergency Number Association; and WHEREAS, These associations are organizations of more than 100,000 people engaged in the design, installation and operation of emergency response communications, and have set aside the week beginning April 10, 2022, to recognize Telecom municators and their crucial role in the protection of life and property; NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, hereby proclaim the week of April 10-16, 2022, as "Public Safety Telecom municators Week" in Orange County, North Carolina, in honor and recognition of our County's Telecommunicators and the vital contributions they make to the safety and well being of our residents, those passing through our County and our public safety providers. Adopted this 5th day of April, 2022. Renee Price, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve the proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign it. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The Board thanked Kirby Saunders and Kevin Medlin for their service to the community, as well as the telecommunicators. Chair Price said there is some movement afoot at the state and national level to recognize telecommunicators as first responders. She asked Kirby Saunders and Kevin Medlin to comment on this. Kevin Medlin said telecommunications are not currently recognized as part of public safety or first responders in federal job descriptions. He said they are now classified as a clerical position. He stated that telecommunicators are the first contact first responders and that the rest of the process and system breaks down without them. He said professional organizations are working to change this classification and he hopes to have the Board's support in this effort. Chair Price said he would have the Board's support. b. Native Plant Month Proclamation The Board considered proclaiming April 2022 as Native Plant Month in Orange County. BACKGROUND: The US Congress first designated April as National Native Plant Month in 2021. Congress has acted again in 2022 to designate April 2022 as National Native Plant Month. In both years, various states and local governments across the country have declared Native Plant Month. 5 In recent decades, the increase of invasive non-native plant species has become a national concern, as many of these species tend to force out native species, thus threatening the eco- system and species reliant on native plants, such as pollinators. The attached proclamation proposes that the Board of Commissioners designate April 2022 as Native Plant Month in Orange County. Commissioner Richards read the following proclamation: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS NATIVE PLANT MONTH PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, native plants are indigenous species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat; and WHEREAS, native plants are vital for maintaining and restoring the healthy ecosystem needed to sustain our environment, including but not limited to seed dispersal; pollination of crops and natural vegetation; prevention of flooding, drought, and erosion; regulation of disease-carrying organisms; and moderation of weather extremes; and WHEREAS, native plants provide shelter as well as nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, amphibians and other wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot; and WHEREAS, there are more than 17,000 native plant species in the United States, which include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers; and WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to more than 3,900 native plant species, including trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers, making it one of the most diverse states for native plants in the Southeast; WHEREAS, 969 of the native plant species in North Carolina have been designated as significantly rare and/or in decline and may be in danger of extinction; and WHEREAS, 94 of those 969 imperiled plants have been found in Orange County; and WHEREAS, habitat loss and degradation, extreme weather events, and invasive species have contributed to the decline of native plants in the United States; and WHEREAS, native plants are essential components of resilient ecosystems and our natural heritage; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby designates April 2022 as "Native Plant Month" in Orange County, and recognizes the benefits of native plants to the environment and economy of Orange County, the state of North Carolina, and the United States. THIS THE 5T" DAY OF APRIL, 2022. 6 Renee Price, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners A motion was made by Commissioner Richards, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve the proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign it. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Price invited Terri Buckner to address the Board. She noted this proclamation was brought to the Board through Terri Buckner's efforts. Terri Buckner thanked the Board for recognizing the importance of native plants. She said that native plants provide nectar and pollen for pollinators and seeds for wildlife. She said the recent loss of monarch butterflies has resulted in high demand in local nurseries for milkweed plants. She noted that pollinators are vital for pollinating food baring plants. She said that native plants have evolved over centuries to be in harmony with the environments around them. She said there is still a lot to learn about the role the native plants play. She said that non-native plants often spread rapidly and displace native plants that cannot compete with the new introductions. She said that she hopes to have a local program to educate landowners, gardeners, and nursery buyers on the importance of native plants in landscaping in environmental protection. She thanked the Board again for this proclamation. Christian Hirni, Land Conservation Manager, said staff supports the promotion of planting native plants on public and private lands. He also said that they support the removal or mitigation of non-native species. He said staff takes this issue seriously and there have been several workdays and efforts over the years to address non-native plants on county park lands and reserves. He said that county staff are part of campaigns to eliminate and mitigate the spread of several non-native and invasive plant species, including hydrilla in the Neuse River basin, and the fig buttercup. He said staff have drafted a proposal for an invasive species management policy for county-owned lands, and the policy is awaiting approval from the Commission for the Environment, and will likely come to the Board for adoption in the future. He said staff are also in the final stages of creating a countywide park and conservation stewardship volunteer program with a focus on identifying and locating invasive species. Commissioner Greene explained that native species are frequently found along roadways and often have power lines running along them. She said power companies like to eradicate plants below and can either do it chemically or by chopping. She asked if there has been any effort to eliminate use of herbicides by power companies in Orange County. She also asked if the county has any power to prevent them from using herbicides. David Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director, said he and the Commission for the Environment members spent time working on this issue with the Department of Transportation and the energy companies around ten years ago. He said they had a heavy spraying policy at that time along some of the most prominent roadways. He said he has not had a recent conversation with energy providers, but his understanding is they are taking a more multi-faceted approach now, focusing more on traditional practices. He said the Commission for the Environment passed a resolution about that in 2010 with the Board's support and he could mention the conversation again. Chair Price said she worked for an organization in the 1990's that asked Duke Energy to mow instead of using herbicides. She said if the property owner requested it, they would mow rather than use herbicides. She said if areas can be identified and convince landowners to request companies mow rather than use herbicides, it may make some headway. David Stancil said rights of way are important breeding areas for native species, and he will investigate this issue again. Commissioner Richards asked if there are programs actively engaged in promoting native species. David Stancil said the county has a sustainable landscaping policy, which means when the county builds parks and properties, native plants are used. He said this is done effectively on county-owned lands, and there are agencies locally that are great partners in educating on planting native species. He said staff could do a better job of reaching out to the community at large. Chair Price said at one time the Planning Board would suggest native plants for new developments. Commissioner Richards said she is a gardener and would like to plant native plants. Christian Hirni said staff works closely with Cooperative Extension and the North Carolina Forest Service for when people are looking for nurseries that provide native species. He said that list can be shared. Chair Price thanked Terri Buckner again for being present. c. Presentation of Manager's Recommended FY 2022-32 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) The Board received a presentation of the Manager's Recommended FY 2022-32 Capital Investment Plan. BACKGROUND: Each year, the County produces a Capital Investment Plan (CIP) that establishes a budget planning guide related to capital needs for the County and Schools. The CIP has been enhanced to provide specific project funding in years 6-10 as well. The 10-Year CIP is evaluated annually to include year-to-year changes in priorities, needs, and available resources. Approval of the CIP commits the County to the first year funding only of the capital projects; all other years are used as a planning tool and serves as a financial plan. Capital Investment Plan — Overview The FY 2022-32 CIP includes County Projects, School Projects, and Proprietary Projects. The School Projects include Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, and Durham Technical Community College — Orange County Campus projects. The Proprietary Projects include Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Sportsplex projects. The CIP has been prepared anticipating moderate economic growth of approximately 2% in property tax growth and 4% in sales tax growth annually over the next ten years. The CIP will rely substantially on debt financing to fund the projects and these required debt amounts are fully integrated in the County's Long-Term Debt Model. Travis Myren gave the following PowerPoint presentation: 8 Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA INTRODUCTION OF THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN FY 0 2- 2 Board of Orange County Commissioners April 5, 2022 I Travis Myren said tonight would be a high level overview of the Capital Investment Plan for FY 2022-32. He said he would be giving a more detailed project by project discussion next Tuesday, April 12, 2022. Slide #2 FY20 - 2 Recommended Capital Investment Plan IP Highlights and Changes 10 Year Project Enumerailon C"Pty Clow Nild5L RIM-W�m 14sm1fnmN23-32 U—.. forI FdMJ ruII rW4 Yr} 1NL 7N 7NL Yr9 fort] rr Mdln h di. h dr. 1a.11n Iw.11R ..11. for :J0.1M MM J0601 000 23 X410 Awr JM-.Y JMN Fl—,X JM31 ME 13r �{4' 61�OOL par{+}.ilrar,rC4' J!I.V J61%6 SKM uirov.h.k Fs W77.W s= nap 331 P rywrLrgLY�vra:v.w� sku5 xll;} SrI.F3 %.7I* C161M QQB& Kill 6l6M xrull3 'WI? ,l!"il {q;M r—.A�frl-wp-mt 1}J.Lz J1PVJ igm J11�A mLLL 70k1a rvx.ral�urx+ IZMJM I�''''.W' 1M7 W IJr1um 1pdpd tirWX 6MIA kft JKLOp Flu001 I�pRey',r.,er W�ar ?0)01 AI}0Y' Woya KOW) IkX)W wgva Clwa I]{Ikrdf FJLfJ kx}P r.}*R445}["kW--W11 y!W IZW!$ %R" LFio'W JU19 J'i PW T,a lulu 251.13P W.0 L11W L9CLJ43 I�rr:oaLFaa rw:. }ppppOp !.Y:51 :�I:'.i {H7,KI ORANGE COUNTY 1,T)K]'l I CARt71ANA 9 Travis Myren commented on some changes in this year's CIP. He said extending the tables allows enumerated planning for the completed 10 year period. He said the old plan had enumerated projects for years 1-5 and grouped 6-10 together. He said these changes allow for more specific modeling showing impacts of investments. Slide #3 FY2022- 2 Recommended Capital Investment Plan Highlights and Changes - 10 Year Debt Model Ing A941t1onw School Funding DuShG04(f �kjll4'a Iwo),Fwwc I i!:A V!sr I'u3xr! hn:wnl Fume Debi 5eev" __... it--;lti.Wo 44D z elenrtl AAenhens-rx M27.-�W.hv.bcd GEC d50M.Q00 SOD Trsrchr.1 2 g rarma T 2 2631 cxhehl.al GiC a6000.000 34f} Try,'{Ii� Ic GrVOTOW # 1$7.CCU,{XIIJ 24f} 1 1 .. _ W_z •E•dt�y Oa4k Senm ■CR Ce45+vtir iRble+tld1aro18rMd Ce4k ORANGE COUNTY NOFM I CAROLINA Travis Myren said that staff has renewed their focus on the operating side of the budget. He said that existing debt, deferred maintenance, and a hypothetical bond beginning in 2027 is all shown here. 10 Slide #4 FY02- 2 Recommended Capital Investment Pian Highlights and Changes Renewed Focus on Impact to Operating Budget epwwral lrq a Pial�-REr1CMM90 �..�� rae� ""i naa au�n way mFr n¢�n wro-ro x»w awv min ra i�Ak� xar+ ,� ,w„+irnir ir.in w'+.uz us�rn ws!eu aau+M �rwu . ,uu d1YxM+..... 10 SAES ?o I'* {ad uo��Rt«rr E ■ Ma m� >Suw aaoe a/oo- +ego- ua a�aa Iw:ran>.y:wr 4i y1 WJ I.M 1:} K?w YIf, rro.re..rro..m��..,nW. wSro- wur �ppr � ixw� �.eesx i.xuN rsxm�w iucir uwar�w amp rain x.x. _ :.aim nHE„o ORANGE COUNTY LNO]RT]L CARD].LNA a Travis Myren pointed out two impacts on this slide, the first being the Emergency Services substation. He said this is recommended to be a new station with personnel and operating cost. He said another new station will come forward in year 6 with its own new personnel and operating costs. He said staff is trying to do a better job of fully informing the Board on the impacts of Capital Investments. He said that sometimes the projects come with projected revenue, like the Sportsplex project in year 4. Slide #5 FY2022- 2 Recommended Capital investment Plan Major Education Projects Supplemental Deferred Maintenance Rouncl 1—FY 2020,21 - 530 Irtllan over llym(3)Beare-Now lour;41 Yeam - Akcaled by Average Milt'MunaerEip in FY2D20.21;CHCCS 59.99%; OCS d0.01%? Raund2—FY2022-23 - SS millon planning nn7e in FY W22-23 and 527 millet cangluman in FY 2D23-24 — AEocalad by Average Wiy klernberwip in FY 2022-23{r&DI RvicalVeLar necommenow FYMM-21 55,95DjID] 55,956,OR1 FY2021,22 $3.60DON $3.600.000 PY2022-23 L14,25].DID M.D]DGDI 517.Wi3j]D] ='i2023,24 S�).197.ow $27.000.000 333.197.000 TOTAL 630.00 .M 630.000,000 sso. 0 000 s 11 Travis Myren said $9.5 million of the Supplemental Deferred Maintenance funding has been appropriated already. He said the recommended CIP would recommend appropriating the rest of the $20.5 million and add $3 million in additional funding for planning next year and $27 million in FY 23-24. He said this provides planning time and allows schools to aggregate the funds to complete larger renovation projects. Slide #6 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan • Major Education Projects — Orange County Campus—QTCC -V500,000 Existing Buildng Expansion vs.New Stand Alone Facility 13,OOOto 18,000 Square Fool Addban Program Areas Served - Enmpncg kUdtal Shrci: Heath and VW'nem SAW TeadoL - axkw W"wdG"l E1� wCarrot - 31We�19uwifl 5 Or 0,"1 Stud Nil 5uvHLQL Orke UJU Consdrvcilon pudg►i I In FY2023.241or$110,5+n+an ORANGE COUNTY raDR71 r CARDLEWL Travis Myren said the campus proposal, at one time, was for a stand-alone facility and would have cost around $26 million. He said that project will now be covered by Durham County's bond at the main campus. He said the expansion is proposed at the Orange County campus with a total cost of$11 million. 12 Slide #7 FY 0 1- 6 Recommended Capital Investment Plan • Ma}or County Projects — EMS Substation Plan Pwa4 Locailon%Cx.dsd by EMS SysiomArwysls Years 1 and 2 Cclocationwith Chapel HE F-re-$300,004far Planning in FY2022-23 Two Not Now Sulsiabans wk Years Sand E — Emergency Responder Radio System • N"Aipimach Using 9FdwcWnalAndannas 10Rchl*va&Vding Pansiratan Reduce Number of Towam Naeded • Shrdy and Acaub+llon Funds wkFY202Z-23-$3d7.W — Blackwood Farm Park Phase II Planning N►*Hoot0%ncn Road QveftcR Picnic Anne Plonning Fuads.k FY2022-23-3110,000 ORANGE COUNTY r MOR71 I CAROLINA Travis Myren said that there is an EMS systems study underway that will align call volumes with where the stations are located. He said that colocation has been requested by Chapel Hill Fire. He said that there are no additional stations until years 5 and 8. He said that will allow time to plan for those stations. Commissioner McKee asked about the year 1-2 colocation with Chapel Hill Fire. Travis Myren said there is currently a colocation, and this will be an additional station. He said the system study will show which station will be best for the colocation. Commissioner McKee asked if the colocation would change after years 1 and 2. Travis Myren said no. Commissioner McKee said he feels strongly about colocation. Travis Myren said it makes sense from a capital and operating standpoint. Travis Myren said the Emergency Responder Radio System was a high ticket item at over $40 million and was driven by need to place towers at less densely populated areas of the county to achieve building penetration. He said technology has evolved, and bi-directional antennas are now an option. He said the CIP is recommending a study to review thirty sites and the outcomes will have a dramatic impact on the number of new tower sites that will need to be built. Travis Myren said the Blackwood Farm will be a nice addition to the county's park system. He said there is planning for a phase 3 that will be $775,000. 13 Slide #8 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan • Capital Investment Plan by the Numbers — Total Recommended CapRal Expenditures-$40.6 millian • County Cmlw-M.S mllllon Propriemry Ftw de-$1.2 mion SchmICOW-USSmllllon — Decrease from FY2021-22 -S10.3 million 203Sc-Ah GrtenskroPrctoctln FY 2021.22 Leet General Obligation School Bond Drew in FY 2021-22 - CHCCS-51.9rnihm - OGS-sw1 rnilion DebtServicc -McmaaeofS1,874.411 • FVM21-22debtsericeaffeethycae-time revenues. ORANGE COUNTY M01171 E CARDLEWL Travis Myren reviewed the totals of the investment plan. He said that there is an increase in debt service. Slide #9 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan FY2021-22 CIP Expenditures FY2022-23 CIP Expenditures woprmafry R.ik 10%- Fmprwary Funds —OC{ihlpai- DTCC 1% ORANGE COUNTY 5 MOWrl E CARDLEWL Travis Myren said the proportion allocated to school capital is going up due to additional appropriations for supplemental deferred maintenance program. 14 Slide #10 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan MOZZ42 Recommended CIP Expenditures Based on ReeommendedCM -MDMS a -- Sii,b15y5i9 aq e¢pm ib,GCCA6C 54g62B,531 d0.0CCA[C i9Aig&i98 i�yo 3g0¢pm '7rS,ii79C4 92A42r�K0 �2q+■aver 2D.0CCSW — :gospm — IY=175 ffID13.31 Ff2@425 T217.1e Ff2mr,27 Ff 2M7.20 R1@■.29 Fe=.SU ►F347Q31 ff 303 1-32 ■C-Mp C■pU ■Fr■prb Lwy Funs■ ■5chm1Cflr ■Sclo IEmdPF■,■mt 04CC■mpu■.CP7CC =AL ORANGE COUNTY 1 MOFM[CARDUNA d Slide #11 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan debt Service Schedule through PY20S1-92 J#ns�d au f7ecnm�rr�nd�d ft� $50•,040,006 547.LM547 5LSA395t7 545,U9U,494 E3+3ps7aon 8tLA6d897 5+1Mu.31:13 5+4515.7 $40 Hfl DM gm.- i Y 53ALOt35D 535.W.MD $30.000,WC 525A4 .W — 515.WAUU 91o,ova,ao-o PM FYZf FY35 F M FY37 F■M M9 FY30 M3 =V32 ORANGE COUNTY 1 NNDFM[CAROLINA 1 15 Slide #12 FY2022- 2 Recommended Capital Investment Plan. Proportion of County a nd School Debt Service SaSed an Recommended CAP $'A2P7.767 54 36L.3¢3 }sq}Y479Q MOM" l}no ix!) FM RO4 MS FY26 FY27 FY36 FY29 FY30 FY31 FY32 ■Schoch ■CPun1y ORANGE COUNTY NORT3[ChPXMNA ii Slide #13 FY2022- 2 Recommended Capita! Investment Plan Debt Service to General Fund Revenue Policy Compliance Sased on Recommended C;P MMI 152% 15.3% 15.5}i ]}�yK ,sue 10.9Af 19.1if VI 143% id% 15% 12H ii% iA CV23 e24 Pyn =r26 =r27 FY26 P29 CY94 PWM FY32 �af+liY 7Pr� � V� ORANGE COUNTY r10FM r-II.3 Travis Myren said the Board has set General Fund Revenue Policy at 15%. The said this essentially measures the county's ability to pay its debt. 16 Slide #14 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan Fiscal Year FY2022-U Need Raoammended CIF' FY2022-23 .2S cents To F%-d Curmwily Appmved O"t Rmjectq FY2D23,231 1cents To Fund SupplaTmrrhlSchoddeferred M�.ti1f+�nC• FY2D24-26 0 cents FY2025-26 0 cents FY2026,27 1.12 cents To Fund$19D M Und Ref nd" FY 20V-29 1hroWh D cents FY 2031-32 TOTAL 2.37eerts CRf�N"F C:CI,NTY 1 I.{I I I? A:I 11 1\A u Travis Myren said that to fund the CIP there will be a cumulative impact of 2.37 cents over the ten-year planning period. Slide #15 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan Horizon Issues — Pull Costs Not Included in FY2022-32 CIP • Full Funding of School Capital Needs CrIsIs Dltirerslon Fat Ili ty Affordable Housing Community Center Space Needs Central Recreatlon Center ErfewWoy Responder Radio"Iem Build Out County Master Facility Plan Recommendaliong ORANGE COUNTY is NOFM r CAROLFNA 17 Travis Myren said staff is currently tracking things that are under consideration, but not detailed enough to be in the CIP. He said these are "horizon issues." He said there is more school needs than the planned bond will cover. He said those issues need to be talked through to determine financing. He said staff will be working with the Board to model scenarios. He said that the Crisis Diversion Facility is under discussion and they are looking into how to get it to the design/development phase. He said Affordable Housing is an ongoing issue and hopefully there will be a plan for the Greene Tract within the 10 year period. He said there are also community center space needs. He said a feasibility study is being done for Rogers Road Community Center and their request for an expansion. He said the study will inform the amount of funding necessary for that project. He said they are also funding the emergency services radio upgrade issues. He said the County Master Facility Plan will take care of a lot of issues like what to do with old county sites. Slide #16 FY2022-32 Recommended Capital Investment Plan • Schedule for Consideration Introduction of the Capital Investment Plan—April 5 Work Session on Capital Investment Plan—Apr11 12 — Further Consideration through eudgetVuork Sessions — ApprovaI of the Operating and Capital aud got—June 21 (';RAN .F C'A.NTY sl I IX I I I[:'Ul 11.1 to li Commissioner Greene asked if the Link Building will be addressed in the master plan. Travis Myren said yes. Commissioner Bedford asked if a consultant was hired for the master facilities plan. Travis Myren said they are in the final stages of signing a contract for a consulting firm and the contract will come to the Board on April 26, 2022. Commissioner Bedford asked if that is for one year or longer. Travis Myren said they have asked for delivery in January of 2023, so there will be time to consider those recommendations in the next plan year. Commissioner Bedford asked about slide #14 and what the tax increase covered. Travis Myren said it would include everything for next year's plan. Commissioner Richards asked if Travis Myren was able to find out about charging stations and how many there may be. Travis Myren said he will have that information for the Board on April 121h Commissioner Richards said she is interested in an overhaul of the county's vehicle fleet. She said that she would like to know what the county is doing facilities wise to accommodate the electric vehicles and how that feeds into lowering emissions. She said that she hopes as they make the investments that they are looking at the climate responsibilities as well. She said she would like some answers back on the Piedmont Food Processing center and 18 how this facility is being utilized. She said that as these investments are made, hope to address county's environmental goals. Commissioner Hamilton thanked Travis Myren for his presentation, especially the horizon issues. She said the old schools are energy inefficient and renovations can also help address sustainability goals. She said that those issues can be addressed widely. Commissioner Fowler said she appreciates the addition of $30 million for school capital needs. She seconded Commissioner Richards's and Commissioner Hamilton's thoughts on sustainability. She said even without a climate plan, things should be as energy efficient as possible. She explained that is what she was trying to do last year with changing the Climate Tax funds to address that. She said that if they do not use those funds well then maybe the Board could reconsider that. Commissioner Bedford said at the tour of Durham Tech, one of the issues and barriers is access to transportation. She said it would be helpful to know what it would cost for busses, vans, and repairs and for a shuttle between the main and Orange County campus. She said this would include capital and operating. She said she is unsure how it ties into the transit tax. She said that she is interested in this for next year. Chair Price said she has mentioned this need to GoTriangle. Commissioner Greene said the transit plan the Board will see is based on constrained funding and is not recommending any new routes. She said there will be a section of plan that anticipates regional routes for future when there is funding. She said that a direct route in between the campuses has not been talked about in the plan. Chair Price thanked Travis Myren and the county manager for their work on this plan. Travis Myren commended Kirk Vaughn for his work with modeling. Chair Price recognized Gary Donaldson and Rebecca Crawford as well. Bonnie Hammersley said after next week's work session they can start thinking about amendments and how they want to submit them. She said on May 3rd she will be presenting the operating budget and amendments can be submitted as well. 5. Public Hearings a. Public Hearing on the Financing of Various Capital Investment Plan Protects The Board conducted a public hearing on the issuance of approximately $46 Million to finance capital investment projects and equipment for the fiscal year; and considered approving a related resolution supporting the County's application to the Local Government Commission (LGC)for its approval of the financing arrangements. BACKGROUND: County staff estimates that the total amount to be financed for capital investment projects and equipment will be approximately $46 Million. The statutes require that the County conduct a public hearing on the proposed financing. A copy of the published notice for this public hearing is provided (Attachment 2). The notice of public hearing was advertised in The Herald Sun and the News of Orange. After conducting the public hearing and receiving public input, the Board will consider the adoption of the resolution (Attachment 1). This resolution formally requests the required approval from the North Carolina Local Government Commission (LGC) for the County's financing, and makes certain findings of fact as required under the LGC's guidelines. County staff has been in contact with the LGC staff, and staff expects no issues in receiving LGC approval. 19 The total of the estimated project costs is $43 million, while the requested approval is for a loan amount not to exceed $46 million. The difference between the two figures covers financing costs. The $46 million figure was derived while staff was considering financing that would be a public sale bond offering, instead of the private bank placement now being pursuing. The public sale offering has higher financing costs, and the means in which bonds are sold to investors can lead to a higher loan amount even with no higher total cost to the County. The final loan amount will not exceed the amount the County needs to pay project costs and financing costs. If the Board adopts the resolution indicating its intent to continue with the financing plan, the Board will be asked to consider a resolution giving final approval to the financing plans at its Business meeting on May 3, 2022. Under the current schedule, County staff expects to set the final interest rates and close by the end of May. Gary Donaldson Gary Donaldson, Chief Financial Officer, gave the following PowerPoint presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Series2022 Limited Obligation Bonds Spring F[na ncing Resolution Gar,Ewakun Chlef FKUrk0A0ff1Cer April 5, 2022 20 Slide #2 Purpose )0, CondvetPuhllt Hearing for LlrmtediDbligatian Bands purs,wnttoNCSutu[e5e[Ian LECA-20 )�- Ckme PuN c Hearing )0- Obtaln Board ApproyalofReEa6tioato Proceed wlthFdngLmalGavernrneniComnwsianAppuradonfor Series 21122 Lmlted OhIlgadon Bonds Y Funds our FY2021-22CaD"lInye5tmentPldnthraugnthl55ene52O22LnwtedObl@ation9aFldEare aecu red by a Deed of Treat,with a se[urity intaraFt in various County aacf 5chcat fKWTtiea, )o. The Serim2022LrnitertOhllgarionBoadswlllfuadwarlausCountypraj tsInducing: -Vehicles aad EcviGmer t(5.8 Years useful fifef: S3,6 M R)n -CouiUVProliects(upto2Oyearsusefulkeo: $34.2Aiillror'. -SrhoolProjects1aoto20 Years;usefulfr k 55.2Milbzor TOTAL: $A3 mam ORANGE COUNTY MOR71[CAR)I.[N,k Gary Donaldson said the "not to exceed" amount is $46 million. Slide #3 Zc 25uAa3 2€2ArA 27AW E197M 93aAW 23A is �2vArA 79E EEA 12150W 6l 410 ,epfiE,J9e 2a,.5+ S4E3a2 1212,Ufi i7Ae9 2N 422 ,N 75E 717;2pe 'W 02 iG-0;332 7WAW 1�Te$19 2MAra 1WAp1 MAW s7ABe 7la 627 9[A d+7 4@9Ap7 810 8U5 164.172 217:!w ,GE 216 „ NGE COUNTY�i200 200 1 TT1[CARC}l.[N,k Gary Donaldson+said this is a list of all projects and they will come back in May with a final project list. He said there may be some changes. 21 Slide #4 Mire aeu36Mo@ Debt Model Metrics "0 58A 34A 14.0 ■E-RkVV 00at BeMm■GIP00at R'Mm•Mum Add mi 8cll3ol 001 cow Floe Euthtbs Debt RFUM Pocwcrarr Ta Pala C.j a jhrd u i Ram laK CIaI Mluahntl I Oabt to CB to NF l�w Equix w.a Sur¢4grd4}hl Nam UUlfeotl AV Fk W E"*3m nl 2aaa 025. McIaya: 551J130 113.:5a 179t 16.au% 2R24 LOOS r1.414.a451 5 1.1@@.344 14G.149 1'3- F% R.41 .4'.^.I :a%" J.3:4.@4} 16' �'r 2M, 2025 - 1 %-@87I �,892,7aG 95$859 gaN&7 its. «S"t ='CQ7 1.134 1q,f�:.9 T'a S 79E 79 OTE 37, 3a3G 277 1 i ,i 11 Z028 - R.laq,�5�1 5.@45..5T � a.T5@.a9@ 5.198.��a 1'=' 7686 - f5.149.331 Q.a93.335 1.393.992 '.SSa..4' 2W3 - 7 2q5=1 E 27 A f:^a OES EUE 651s Si: i XG;2 - 17 802 053I E a,".?.... ka93 S8a E,i85 e13 L-. L5 I %, �A EEA 7g3i E 3M%E 107T 297 if. f. . l A'S TCW 2 37C ORANGE COUNTY NORTIICAROLINA Gary Donaldson said the debt model is integrated into the decision-making process. He said staff may go through twenty iterations a week to review scenarios as requests are made. He said paying off the existing debt service provides capacity for future debt service. He said that staff has had presentations with rating agencies and they are extremely comfortable knowing that Orange County does a long term operating and debt model. Slide #5 Key Financing Terms Security Pledge County Assets serve as collateral and subject to Annual county Approprlatlons Y Maturity Term-5-2D Year matu rities matches the useful life of the assets February 1 and August 1 Repayment Dates to Bank Trustee Estimated Interest Rates- 2-3%subject to market oondltlons a* Series 2D22 LimitedOhligation Bands Maximum Annual Debt Service not exceeding$4-1 million in FT 2D24{based on current market interest rates) Sou roe of Repayment-Property TaK,Sal Id waste Fees a nd 5portsplex Fees Llmlted obllgatlon Rands are subordlnate Llen to AAA General obllgatlon Bonds Y Current Limited Obligation Bands-AAIIAA+/AAa from Mood-�'%Standard&Poor's and Fitch Ratings , ORANGE COUNTY NORT]I CAROLINA 22 Slide #6 Questions/Comments ORANGE COUNTY NOWrl[CAROLIN.-i Commissioner Fowler asked the total value of county assets. Gary Donaldson said the county has to achieve a 50% threshold for financing, and the estimated total of the county's assets are around $200 million. He said when looking at projects that will be put up as collateral, 50% of that number is what is deemed comfortable. Bob Jessup, Bond Counsel, clarified that on $100 million of assets, the county could borrow up to $200 million. He said county must maintain a collateral value equal to approximately 50% of the total amount of debt that's outstanding. He said every year as debt is added, the county may or may not have to add to collateral. He summarized that the debt capacity is twice what is pledged as collateral. He said that in this case there is close to $200 million, so there is probably $80 million used for collateral. Commissioner Hamilton asked about points A and B of the Resolution. Bob Jessup said that was a typographical error, and B should have stated $46 million. Commissioner Hamilton asked about the Southern Campus expansion on the list of projects to be financed. Gary Donaldson said that is for parking improvements at the County's Southern Human Services Campus and is not connected to the Durham Tech campus expansion. Commissioner Fowler said if B in the Resolution is meant to be $46 million, what should A have been. Bob Jessup said that the first number should be up to $46 million to pay all the project costs and the financing costs. He said that a more refined number will come back on May 3 for final approval. Commissioner Richards said it would be good to know if regular contributions, like the Conservation Easement fund, have been used. Bonnie Hammersley said staff will go in detail about that during the April 12, 2022 meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to open the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS There was no one signed up to speak for the public hearing. 23 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to adopt the resolution, supporting the application to the Local Government Commission for approval of the financing, as corrected. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Regular Agenda a. Longtime Homeowner Assistance (LHA) Program Evaluation This item was deferred until a later date. b. Manufactured Homes Action Plan This item was deferred until a later date. c. Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board Request for Salary Range Update for the ABC Board General Manager The Board considered a request from the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board to update the ABC General Manager's salary range to either correlate to that of a County department head or increase the salary cap for the ABC General Manager by 20% to $132,379.20. BACKGROUND: North Carolina General Statutes stipulate that the salary of the General Manager of a local ABC board "shall not exceed the salary authorized by the General Assembly for the clerk of superior court of the county in which the appointing authority was originally incorporated unless such compensation is otherwise approved by the appointing authority." The Chair of the Orange County ABC Board has requested that the Board of Commissioners consider allowing the ABC Board to grant a performance based salary increase to the ABC Board's General Manager that exceeds the State limitation. The FY2021-22 authorized salary for the Orange County Clerk of Superior Court is $110,316. The ABC General Manager's current salary is within statutory maximum at $110,316. According to the ABC Board's compensation policies, a performance rating of average or abovewould qualify for an increase of between three percent (3%) and five percent (5%). The ABC Board General Manager does not receive any additional compensation beyond the amount reported in his annual salary. The ABC Board Chair has provided the attached memorandum to support the ABC Board's request. The ABC Board Chair has indicated that updating the General Manager's salary range will address salary compression and align with other ABC Boards. The ABC Board Chair is requesting correlating the General Manager's salary range to that of a County department head. If that request is not BOCC approved, then the ABC Chair requests to increase the salary cap for the General Manager position by 20% to $132,379.20. The Durham and Wake counties' ABC General Manager caps are $145,000 and $194,463 respectively. 24 The Board of Commissioners previously considered a request from the ABC Board regarding the General Manager's salary in June 2021. An excerpt of the minutes from the Board's June 15, 2021 Business meeting is attached. Chair Price reviewed the background information for the item. Gary Donaldson stated that correlating the salary with department heads will not be feasible due to variations within that range. He said the salary cap of $132,379.20 is more likely. Commissioner Hamilton asked who sets the Clerk of Court's salary. John Roberts said that is determined by the state. Commissioner Hamilton said it is hard to know if 20% is an appropriate cap. She said she does not feel comfortable making the decision without more information. Commissioner Bedford said she served on ABC Board in the past and that the board puts a lot of effort and time into evaluating the General Manager's salary. She said she is comfortable with the decision making by that board. She said that there is compression within the management team. She said she is interested in approving the 20% salary increase cap. She said that since the BOCC appoints members of ABC board, she is comfortable with this. Commissioner Fowler said the Assistant General Manager's max is close to the General Manager's. She said she would feel comfortable with the 20% cap. She said that by statute next year the Clerk will go up to $113,000. She said this should help things for a few years. Commissioner Richards asked what the goal is with the increase. She asked if it is really compression issue. She said that she examined the Durham and Wake County salaries and asked if the increase will also help retain talent. Bonnie Hammersley clarified that this comes directly from the ABC Board by statute. She said that if they want to exceed the Clerk of Court salary, statute requires the BOCC approval. Chair Price elaborated that the county has no input on the Clerk of Court's salary and that it is controlled by the state. Commissioner Richards asked if it should be higher than 20%. Chair Price said she does not know if it will enough and that she is still struggling with why the ABC manager's salary is tied to the Clerk of Court salary. Commissioner McKee said the ABC Board is a state board and has no oversight other than members that the BOCC appoints to it. He said that the state limitation in the salary is in effect with this decision and requires the BOCC to override that. He said he does not want to determine whether it's effective or fair because that's for the independent board to decide. He said that his interest is simply determining whether it should exceed Clerk of Court. Commissioner Greene referenced minutes from June 15, 2021. She summarized the discussion. She said she feels she does not have enough information to vote yes. Patrick Burns, ABC Board Chair, said that comparing the General Manager's position to Clerk of Court makes no sense. He said that the ABC system is a retail operation. He said the General Manager is responsible for taking care of employees, building stores, and overseeing functions of a retail business. He said there is a lot of complexity to the position, and it has grown a lot the past few years. He said the last time, in June of 2021, it seems it was looked at as a raise for just one person. He said it is really room for the ABC Board to determine the GM salary and not allowing this will make the compression issue worse. He did say that no one can make more than the General Manager. He said that the ABC Board is trying to get to a point where they can evaluate and compensate and retain employees. He said that the pandemic has increased sales and that those increases have also been shared with contributions to treatment opportunities. He said that they are above the statutory requirement for contributions for 25 treatment opportunities. He said there are department heads within a salary range that are not at the top. Commissioner Greene said she wished more comparable had been included besides Durham and Wake since those populations are larger. Pat Burns said these positions seemed more comparable than the Clerk of Court position. Commissioner Greene said she meant more data from other ABC General Managers in counties that are similar sizes to Orange County. Chair Price said that Durham and Wake counties have many more stores and the comparison from those counties was also a concern to her. Pat Burns said there is a new store coming in Southern Village. Chair Price said Chatham or Alamance may be more comparable with the number of stores. Pat Burns said that for sales for the state, Orange County hovers around 10`h Commissioner Hamilton asked if the Board could get more information on the size of counties, number of stores, and number of employees. She said if she must make the decision, she wants to know the basis on which she is making it, Commissioner McKee said the BOCC is not approving a salary for the General Manager, only approving a salary cap for the ABC Board to decide the salary. He said this is a state statute board. He said that the BOCC's sole responsibility is to find a work around for the County Clerk tie in and that he would not want to tie it to department heads because it ties it to a county. He said he has no issue approving the increase in the salary cap. Chair Price said the question is if the percentage is reasonable. Commissioner McKee said this is a max of 20% for the cap but the 20% is not a guaranteed increase by the ABC Board. Chair Price said she understands. Commissioner Richards said she is comfortable with ABC Board's recommendation if they think 20% is appropriate. Tony DuBois, the General Manager for the Orange County ABC Board, said Durham County does about $50 million while Orange County does $30 Million. He said that Wake County is huge, so it is not really comparable. He said that Durham and Orange Counties both have ten stores. He said it's hard to compare between counties because of all the differences but they provided Durham and Wake because they are close neighbors, He said that Durham increased theirs to $180,000. Commissioner Fowler asked if there were numbers for Alamance. Tony DuBois said that Alamance only has five stores. Chair Price said Orange and Durham are the same in number of stores and close in number of employees. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to increase the salary cap for the ABC General Manager to $132,000. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 26 7. Reports a. Report on 2021 Tax Appeals Results The Board received a report on the results of the 2021 Appeals Process. BACKGROUND: 2021 was a Revaluation year, and in March 2021, the Notices of Revaluation were mailed to property owners. Due to public concerns, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at the June 15, 2021 Business meeting to extend the adjournment date of the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) until September 1, 2021, extending the corresponding appeal period as well. Based on information brought to the Tax Office by community leaders, and additional research by the Tax Office, the BOER directed the Tax Office on July 28, 2021 to review the additional properties in the Northside area because of use restrictions in the area. The BOER adjourned on September 1, 2021 and held post-adjournment hearings through mid- December 2021. As of December 16, 2021, all Decision Notices for 2021 formal appeals were completed and mailed. Appellants had a 30-day window from the date of the decision notice to appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission (NCPTS). This report provides the results of the 2021 appeals, and the effects of the additional time provided by the extension of the 2021 appeal period. It also provides the results of the neighborhood conservation districts review. It should be noted that a value appeal initiates a review of the property by the assigned appraiser, who will correct inaccuracies in the property record and adjust the value of the property accordingly through application of the approved Schedule of Values. Any resulting change in value may coincide with the appellant's opinion of value or be less or greater than the appellant's opinion. The resulting value must reflect market value as of the most recent revaluation date, as is required by the North Carolina General Statutes. Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, gave the following PowerPoint presentation: Slide #1 I 2021 Tax Appeals Results Nancy Freeman,Tax Administrator April 5.2022 27 Slide #2 2021 Value Appeals Process I 2021 was a Revaluation Year for Orange County Tax Ol'tice f Real Properties are valued based on January 1 current market value Revaluation Notices of New Values mailed March 24,2021 Appeals period began March 24 and ended September 1. 202 Inrormal Appeals period began March 24 and ended May 2 Formal Appeals period began May 3, with the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER)convening and ended September 1 with the DOER adjourning Slide #3 Appeals Overview • There were a lotal of 2097 appeaw 1662 Informal,413 Formal ■ overall,the appeals rendered a reduction of 17 to the values of the appealed properties. • The reduollon represents apprax nately 1.5%of the CowV Tax Base_ ■ The appeal process begins with an appella-t submitting an appeal,often using the appeal form provided by the Tax Office,in wtktn the appellant is encouraged to provide an opinion of value ane relevant oformadon to supporl their opinion. The appeal Is Ihen assigned to an appraiser who revlews the appellants evndenee, the propsny characlerlstlos on recore,mid reievanl market data relating to the properly. Based on their fin*Qs. the appraiser may correct inaxcurmies in the property record and adqust the value of the property aceord gly through application of the approved Schedule of Values. Any resuiag charge in value may coincide with the appellant's oparon of value or be less or greater Than the appellanl's oparan_ Nancy Freeman said that the 1.5% reduction aligns with the County's estimate. 28 Slide #4 Informal Appeal Period During Informal Appeals Eerlod, appealsare distributed to appraisers who review the properties and determined a new value or no change to value. In total,there were 1,632 Informal Appeals Decision notices for 2021 Informal appeals were maned five times, beginning on May 5 and end Ingon September 9, 2021 Decision Notices included: Property Identification Resulting ValuwDecislon Notification of Right to Appeal by September 1 or within 30 days of the Data of the Notice, whichever Is longer There were 67 properties appealed formally thatwere also appealed Informally. Slide #5 I Formal Appeal Period The Formal Appeals Period is established by the date the Board of Equalization and i Review(ROER)convenes and adjourns. Proper y owners may submit a formal appeal while the Board is in session-Both the property owner and the appraiser assigned tothe property gather information and provide it.to the Board of Equalization and Review as e 'dence_At the hearing, the property ownerrappellant may present evidence in person, or provide it for Board's review without being present_The appraiser presents evidence for County at the hearing_ Irt 2021 the BOER convened on May 3,which was the last day by statute that the BOER was allowed to convene. The o4oumment was eAer►dad to September I to allow more time for prop" owRars to a ppaal their value 29 Slide #6 Formal Appeal Period: Schedule of Hearings Month Number of Meetings Number ofAppeals May 2 9 I June B 55 I Fuly 2 26 August 7 78 5epte m bee 7 85 { October 6 75 November 5 47 December 3 38 40 413 Total number of formal appeals'413 20 Meetings Prior to Adjoumment,185 Appeals Hearts 20 Post-Adjournment Meetings, 228 Appeals Heard 10 Meetings for Commercial Properties 3 In-Person Meetings Slide #7 Formal Appeals Period (continued) v As the meetings were conducted,decision notices were mailed to the epwilants, Formal Cecislon Notices Include,. Property Ident rlicatlon Board's aeeisionlResulting Value Not&atlon or Property Owner's Right to Appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commissban (NCPTC)writhm 30 days of the Date of the Notice Bpecik Requirements of the Appeal to the NCPTC, including the requirement to notice both the NCPTC and the County of the appeal_ e,, The first decision notices were mailed on July 12, 2021. Notices were mailed nine more times, with the Find round of noes being mailed Mcember 16,2021_ %I, Minutes from the meetings are publishedon the Orange County webslte here'. hItps.11nc-- OrangecGuntV civicpi;.zs comfAgendaCenter 30 Slide #8 Further Appeals: North Carolina Property Tax Commission f Property owners who are not satisfied with the declsion of the BOER have the right to appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission (NO PTO) within 30 days of the pate of the Notice or Decision recelved In response to the BOER Hearing. The NCPTC requires that the appellant send notice of their Intent to appeal the BOER d eision to the NCPTC: and the County.AddMnal ly the NCPTC: requires that the appellant nd them a copy of the BOER notice, and com pletelretu rn a farm AV-14, which Is provided by the NCPTC when the appeal Is recelved. There were 12 appealsfor 2021 values to the Property Tax Commission inc Iudinga total of 20 parcels.Three properties owned by one appellant have been dismissed due to untimeliness. None or the properties appealed were in the Northslde Review area_ The average number or appeals to the NCPTC, for the last three years Is seven. In comparison, in 2017, the last revaluation year,there were 29 appeals to the NCPTS, Slide #9 Results of the North ideAppeals - After revaluatlon notices were mailed, Tax OVIce was made aware of Iroconslstencles In the valuation of properlies identified its Cthapel Hill's Northside Neighborhood Oomervatian piistrictand Oarrboro's Lloyd[Broad Neighborhood Preservation District - There were 191 informal appeals and 51 formal appeals in the ideritified areas.23 of the formal Wats were the result or an Informal appeal. + At the informal level, there was a net reduotion of 57.859.135 155 parcels had a reduction,with: the average amount of$71,925. 31 Increased In value, average of $106.1 H-5 properties had no change. - OF these 51 Formal appeals there was a net decreaseof$1.882,500.35 of the properties decreased in value, 15 inoreasedi5 value, and 1 had ria change. The Average decrease was$86.217 and the average irrcreasewas$75.673 Ori July 28,the Tax Office requested that the Board of Equalization and Review exercise its power and Mies as Hated in NO General 8tatuie 105-322(g)(1)(b,o_d) and requested the Tax Office review the remaining approxl maL4y 472 propertles In the Identlfled areas that had not been appealed and make any necessary corrections to these properties arrd Chair values to be oorisistent with the actions taker~orr properties that were informally or formally appealed 31 Slide #10 Results ult of North side Appeals (continued) + Reviews and fleld vAlts were made of the remelning properties in the affected neighborhoods,which included approximately 472 properties,68%decreased in value.29% Increased m value, and 3% had no change In value.Overall change In value was a reduction of S10,695,500, - After review, using data provided about the neighborhood conservation districts, data compiled based on sates in the area, and freed visits to the properties,values were adjusted on many of the properties. Smaller properties that were conforming to the restrictions of the Nurthside Neighborhood Conservation District on average received a reduction in value of at least 20%. The average reduction In value was $71.901_ - Langer, legally non-conforming properties were reviewed and some were adjusted to reflect an increase in value,The average increase was$79.400. Slide #11 Results of Northside Appeals (continued) - While the majority of the Nurthside appeals occurred early in the appeal period, thane were 42 appeals after the Brig ina I dead I ine of June 30th, i - In order for staff to review all properties and provide the most consistent and accurate review, most value notices were mailed for the properties appealed in the Northslde area in late August and early September.after all of the affected propertles were reviewed. - The involvement of the community,the property owners who appealed their value and the community leaders who provided informatlon about the nelghborhood conservation distrietswere key to making the ehengesto provide more equitable values. - We look forward to continued communication with property owners. involved government entities,and community leaders to provide information on changes that will provide vital Information for the hest valuation of properties in Orange County. 32 Slide #12 I Review of East 54 Condominiums On June 8, a formal appeal or a property located at East:54 Condominiums brought forth the fact that there was a notable difference in fair market values of the condo units in the ireferenced buildings that face the golf course versus the units that face the parking lot_ i The Tax Office researched the Issue and found that there was a need to review a total of 92 properties to determine more equitable valuations for the properties.At the August 12 Board of Equalization and Review meeting the Board directed the Tax Office to make .ecessary correcttons to these properties and thelr values to be consistent with the mtlon taken on the appeal from June S. 92 properties were reviewed, with 72 properties decreasing in value, 19 inoreasFng in value and 1 no change. Value notices were mailed eptember 7.The overall change In value for the affected condominiums was a reduction of 31.936.600. + As in the case of the NorthsWe Review, the information provided by the property owners who appealed their values and provided informatlon previously unknown to the Tax Ome was the key to making the adjustments to more equitably value these properttas, Commissioner Greene said it seems reasonable to her that the properties facing golf course are more valuable. Nancy Freeman said more reduced in value than were raised and that those facing the parking lot were overvalued. Slide #13 2021 Tax Appeals Results Real property sales increased steadlly prior to the January 1, 2021 revaluatlon date_ This resulted iri asubstantial inMcreasein,valuatiorM oovr)ty-wide forthe 2021 Revaluation. ! The function of the Revahrafion was complicated throughout by the onset of the COVID epidemic_Tax Office Staff was able to successfuly review and value a1 propertles and send notices I n March 2021. The extenslon of the deadline to appeal provided addltlonal We for property owners to appeal, due to tM COVID and also rlrre to the Information and subsequent review of properties in the Northside rraighhorhood conservationdistrlct, The online appeals module put into production in March 2021 successfully provided an effechve way for property owners to appeal value without as in-person visit The frr►al r;umbar of appeals is below the estimated nurnber for 2021.The original estimate was sat at Grp to 5,000 appeals, based on the nurnber of appeals irF 2009 Continued outreach to the communities. and the continued involvement of our taxpayers to provlcle Information about propertles in Orange County A help us to continue to provirte successful revaluatlons in the future_ 33 Commissioner Fowler thanked Nancy Freeman and the Tax Office for their work and expressed appreciation. Commissioner Bedford echoed Commissioner Fowler's comments in thanking tax office staff for their hard work. She also thanked the BOER for their time and work as well. Chair Price said it was a long process, but worth it. She said that in addition to helping people reduce their taxes, the appeals process also made the county more accessible to more people. 8. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda Commissioner Bedford asked to pull item 8-f from the consent agenda. A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve the remaining consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Minutes The Board considered corrections and/or approval of the draft minutes for the February 22, 2022, March 1, 2022, and March 10, 2022 Board of County Commissioners meetings. b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board considered adopting a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for seven taxpayers with a total of seven bills that will result in a reduction of revenue. c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board considered adopting resolution to release property tax values for eleven taxpayers with a total of nineteen bills that will result in a reduction of revenue. d. Advisory Boards and Commissions —Appointments The Board will consider approving Boards and Commissions appointments as reviewed and discussed during the March 10, 2022 Work Session. e. Amendment to the Advisory Board Policy The Board considered one substantive deletion from the Advisory Board Policy. f. Request for Road Additions to the State Maintained Secondary Road System for Bridgeton Place and Forest Creek Road in the Creek Wood Subdivision The Board considered making a recommendation to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and the North Carolina Board of Transportation (NC BOT), concerning a petition to add Bridgeton Place and Forest Creek Road in the Creek Wood Subdivision to the State Maintained Secondary Road System. g. Maior Subdivision Preliminary Plat Revision — The Lodges at Chapel Hill The Board considered a revision to a previously approved major subdivision Preliminary Plat for "The Lodges at Chapel Hill". h. First Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance — First Choice Medical Transport, LLC The Board considered, on First Reading, granting the renewal of a franchise agreement by ordinance to First Choice Medical Transport, LLC (First Choice) to provide routine convalescent transport services and surge capacity emergency services for basic life support (BLS) transportation. 34 i. First Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance — LifeStar Emergencv Services - 2023, LLC The Board considered, on First Reading, granting the renewal of a franchise agreement by ordinance to LifeStar Emergency Services - 2023, LLC (LifeStar) to provide routine convalescent transport services and surge capacity emergency services for basic life support (BLS) transportation. j. First Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance — South Orange Rescue Squad The Board considered, on First Reading, granting the renewal of a franchise agreement by ordinance to South Orange Rescue Squad, Inc. (SORS) to continue providing emergency services basic life support transport service, special event coverage, as well as technical rescue services. k. First Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance — North State Medical Transport The Board considered, on First Reading, granting the renewal and upgrade of a franchise agreement by ordinance to North State Investment Group, LLC d/b/a North State Medical Transport (North State) and the Franchise Agreement under which they will operate. I. Contract Award for Financial and Compliance Audit Services with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC The Board considered authorizing a one-year contract with two (2) one-year renewal options for Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC to perform full audit services which includes financial, single audits and financial statement preparation for Orange County; and considered authorizing the Chair to sign the North Carolina Local Government Commission audit contract on behalf of the BOCC pending staff and attorney review. Regarding item 8-f, Commissioner Bedford said her husband is listed as representing the Homeowner's Association and that is his job. She said there is no conflict of interest because this is his regular job, and he isn't receiving an increase or percentage for doing his work. She said that he wasn't assigned to this community because of her service as a commissioner. She said she wanted to bring it up so there was no perceived conflict of interest and because she has to vote. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to approveiltem 8-f. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. County Manager's Report Bonnie Hammersley said April 121h will be a Budget Work Session. 10. County Attorney's Report John Roberts said the legislature is in session this week but will not be taking any votes. He said he notified the board of when he would reinstate the collections policy and that he intends to do that in the next couple of months. He said there will be a phased approach for solid waste and environmental health and that July 1 will be the start of collections for other departments. 11. *Appointments None. 35 12. Information Items • March 15, 2022 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100 13. Closed Session None. 14. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to adjourn the meeting at 8:59 p.m. VOTE: UNANMIOUS Renee Price, Chair Tara May Deputy Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.