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'` <br />`~ <br />Assuming that the 2001 Legislature does not change the roads/schools split, or <br />pool the road funds as it has done with the school funds, Lane County will <br />receive higher road fund payments than had been anticipated in past versions of <br />the Road Fund FinPlan. The Board has already received suggestions on how to <br />use this money. It seems prudent to set up a process to address this issue in a <br />comprehensive manner, rather than to respond to each request on a case-by- <br />case basis. <br />B. Analysis <br />One approach to using the monies is to establish a capital project partnership. <br />Under this program, the Board could identify road improvement projects that are <br />important to the community -regardless of the road jurisdiction -.and. implement <br />the project through the County CIP. There are several advantages to this <br />proposal: <br />1. It provides funding for important projects that otherwise might not be built <br />for many years. <br />2. It provides visibility for County government. <br />3. It provides accountability for use of the funds. <br />r ~> <br />In forecasting revenues available for capital project partnerships, I have made <br />several assumptions: <br />1. The legislature will not change the timber receipt distribution formula. <br />2. The planning horizon will be for the five years covered by the FY 02-06 <br />CIP. Because the safety net payments are scheduled to end. in County <br />FY 06-07, the five-year planning period provides a cushion for the. County <br />if it appears spending adjustments are needed as the Act. concludes. <br />3. Cost of living adjustments will be 3.25% through FY03, then 2% per year <br />thereafter; merit increases and medical insurance increases will add <br />.another 1.4% per year to County personnel expenses. <br />4. The Board will elect to set aside 20% of the funds for Title 11 and Title III <br />projects. <br />4. Lane County will continue to provide the same level of road maintenance <br />and preservation activities as we do at present. <br />5. Compliance with environmental regulations, like the Endangered Species <br />Act and Clean Water Act will not significantly increase operating costs. <br />6. Projects in the adopted FY01- FY05 CIP will be constructed as <br />programmed. <br />7. The Legislature will not increase the Oregon road user fees, transfers <br />from the State Highway fund will meet current ODOT forecasts. <br />8. County/City Road Partnership program remains in its current form and at <br />$2.5 million payments per year through FY 06. <br />9. Materials and services will increase approximately 2.5% per year due to <br />inflation. <br />