Conflict Arises Over Tax Increase Proposal

The board decided at its Monday meeting to withhold the proposal for the tax from the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Some board members said they hope the tax proposal will be ready by May.

According to The (Durham) Herald- Sun, officials are considering a tax of 6 cents per $100 for residents living within the district's boundaries as an alternative source of funding.

The proposal, written by a committee formed by the board members, was voted down because some board members requested more information on whether a tax increase is necessary.

Board attorney Mike Parker said he would rather keep taxes as low as possible.

"I think we should consider alternatives," Parker said. "It's a good policy to keep taxes as low as we can.

"I'd hate to see a tax increase unless it's absolutely necessary," he added. "I hope it won't come to that."

The source of the conflict is a difference in opinion on whether schools in Orange County need more funding for programs and facilities.

"There's serious disagreement," board member David Kolbinsky said. "Some people think there is no limit to the amount of money we can ask for. They think the fourth highest funding in the state is insufficient."

But Kolbinsky said he thinks there is enough money in Orange County Schools. "Governments that tax and tax and tax have never been efficient with money," Kolbinsky said. "Right now we're spending $7,700 on each student. I think that's sufficient."

Board member Robert Bateman said he also thinks the tax amount does not need to be raised, maintaining that the system is considered one of the best-financed in the state.

"I don't think Orange County needs any more taxes," Bateman said. "Orange County is among the highest-taxed counties in North Carolina. We have one of the four top-funded school systems (in the state)."

But board member Delores Simpson said the school district needs more money so it can provide more opportunities for students. "We have a necessity for money in our schools to keep up standards," Simpson said. "I'm not sure what the best method is, but I'm wondering if (the tax) is the most effective."

Simpson said taxes exist in other districts, specifically citing the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools' neighbor. "We must provide for the needs of the students," she said.

According to its Web site, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education approved an about $11.6 million tax for the 2001-02 school year. This makes up 15.3 percent of the system's budget.

Barbara Chapman, principal of New Hope Elementary School in Orange County Schools, said funding is what has helped the school's quality.

"We hope to be able to maintain our high standards for instructors," Chapman said. "(They are) a result of the funding and support we've had."

Board members will soon start reviewing the board's finances and will then determine what steps to take.

Bateman said the purpose of the audit is to find out ways to spend less money. "They're going to audit the way we do business," Bateman said. "We'll see if we can save money."

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.