BC 2009 01 30 Board Retreat - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 30, 2009 (Board Retreat) Page 1217 • As a source of revenue for new school construction, the majority of residents oppose an increase in sales tax. • The majority of residents support (strongly or somewhat) the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and impact fees as sources of revenue. • Over half of the residents sampled report being only a little informed or are not at all informed on County issues. o The County Website is a significant source of information for many residents. o Residents who have visited the County Website are more informed on County issues than those who have not visited the site. • Althoughmost residents have access to the Internet, those who do not have access are less informed than those who have access. o This suggests that the County will need to continue to use multiple sources (in addition to the Website) to disseminate County related information. • Very few residents recall seeing this year's, Welcome to the Cabarrus Way, or are aware of the County's email newsletter. o More publicity of the report and newsletter are needed to make Cabarrus County residents aware of these sources of information. In addition, Aimee Hawkins, Communications and Outreach, responded to a variety of questions from the Board related to communication efforts and the County's Website. Recess of Meeting p.m. The Board took a short break at 9:44 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:57 Board of Commissioners' Goals: Review and Discussion of Existing Goals and Progress Made With the assistance of the Deputy County Managers, the County Manager facilitated a review and discussion of the Board's existing goals, including outcomes, progress and next steps. The "next steps" for some goals were revised during the process. The results are as follows: Goal No. 1 Preserve and enhance the quality of life by addressing growth with sound public policies that sustain resources, provide high quality services, and fund infrastructure needs. Goal No. 1 - Year 1 outaomea: 1. Approve a financing plan to fund the school systems' five-year critical needs. PROGRESS: Completed. See FY 2009 Budget, Five-Year Financial Plan. NEXT STEPS: Review and update for FY 2010 budget. BOC to consider accelerating construction of Northwest area elementary school currently scheduled far 2013 funding. 2. Develop a long-term financial model for providing for the capital needs of schools with a minimum of 10$ to be "pay as you go" (meaning 10$ of the cost will not be financed). This will work toward a long-term goal of paying for new schools with 20$ of construction funds designated as "pay as you go". PROGRESS: Minimum exceeded. FY 2009 Five-Year Financial Plan uses 16$ "pay as you go" funding. NEXT STEPS: Maintain or exceed minimum in updated FY 2010 budget. 3. Set the tax rate at a level that raises sufficient revenue to meet County needs and goals. PROGRESS: Tax rate of 63 cents maintained in FY 2009 to meet needs and goals identified by BOC. NEXT STEPS: Review in FY 2010 budget process. 9. Begin a comprehensive, sustainable community initiative, with the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund grant proposal as the centerpiece. This initiative will include a plan to "green" County