BC 2013 03 18 Special Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

March 18, 2013 (Special Meeting) Page 1444 • Protect Soil & Water Conservation grants and /or funding streams per the `2012 Policies, Positions and Action Items" • Request to maintain current model of the county's provision for and funding of Medicaid Transportation. 2013 NCACC Legislative Priorities and Hot Topics The following legislative priorities and hot topics from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners were provided as a guide for the course of the meeting and generally discussed: 2013 Legislative Priorities • Oppose shift of state transportation responsibilities • Reinstate ADM & Lottery funds for school construction • Oppose unfunded mandates and shifts of state responsibilities to counties • Ensure adequate mental health funding • Preserve the existing local revenue base 2013 Legislative Hot Topics • State Budget • Motor Vehicle Property Tax • Inmate Medical • Nonemergency Medicaid Transport • Tax Reform Motor Vehicle Property Tax Representative Ford inquired about the County's position on the motor vehicle property tax. Vice Chairman White expressed hope that the motor vehicle property tax would increase the collection rate. A general discussion followed concerning the benefits and difficulties associated with the upcoming changes. Charlotte Regional Airport Authorit Representative Pittman expressed concern over how the creation of a Charlotte Regional Airport Authority would impact the Concord Regional Airport. Representative Ford advised the SB81 bill sponsor assured him that although the involvement of the surrounding counties was encouraged, the creation of an airport authority would not affect other local airports. Vice Chairman White advised the Board needs to discuss SB81 further to establish their position. General discussion followed with Senator Hartsell listing concerns over bonding for the airport authority. m�v Ro��rm The topic of tax reform was generally discussed with Representative Ford predicting part of the tax reform to be initiated this year. Ford also advised that no additional sales taxes would be allowed this year. Vice Chairman White expressed concerns over the possibility of the state shifting costs to counties. Representative Pittman stated the goal is to end up with an 8.05 percent sales tax, with the possibility of eliminating corporate income taxes and gradually reducing personal income taxes over a period of years. He also noted that taxation of services is being considered in the tax reform plan. Pam Dubois, Deputy County Manager, discussed complications regarding the refund process through which non - profits and counties receive their sales tax refund. She advised more efficiency and cost- savings would be realized if sales tax refunds were eliminated. Commissioner Measmer arrived at 9:03 a.m. and was present for the remainder of the meeting. sales. Commissioner Morris inquired about sales tax being added to internet Senator Hartsell advised the internet sales tax is an issue that cannot be resolved on the state level until it is first addressed on the federal