The county commissioners focused on many less controversial cuts in staffing and services in their work session Thursday night.

County Manager Laura Blackmon has proposed a $177.6 million budget, down $5.4 million or 3 percent from the current year's original budget.

In addition to cuts to schools and libraries, Blackmon proposes reducing senior center hours, closing a waste convenience center and more minor cuts.

SENIOR CENTERS: Under the proposed budget, the Seymour Center on Homestead Road would be open only two evenings a week instead of four, saving $4,370. Programs held Monday and Thursday evenings would be canceled, rescheduled or moved to the Central Orange Senior Center, which will not reduce hours.

Commissioners did not express any opposition to the changes, which would start Sept. 1.

COMMISSIONER TRAVEL: Several commissioners said they were concerned about the $24,000 budgeted for their travel to conferences and other events.

"I really think we should take some money out of there," Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier said. "We don't all need to go."

The amount could be cut 50 to 60 percent, a suggestion no one opposed.

EFLAND SEWER: Sewer rates for Efland residents will rise July 1 as the county tries to cover the costs of the system, which it previously subsidized. (See related story page A6.)

Commissioners said the county needs to educate residents about the rate change by providing material in both Spanish and English. Commissioner Mike Nelson asked staff to make sure it's easy to understand, which he says many county documents are not.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: No cuts are proposed for Orange Public Transportation due to increased ridership in recent months.

"This is one of those services that when times are tough people tend to seek out," said Jerry Passmore, director of the county Department on Aging.

But the budget eliminates the Wheels for Work program, which provides low-income residents with donated vehicles for their commute to work.

The county will save $21,909 by transferring state and federal grant money to the Department of Social Services, which will provide vehicle repairs, insurance payments and fuel vouchers for those in need.

PARKS AND REC: Under the proposed budget, the Parks and Recreation Department will increase fees and cut some classes and festivals.

"We're still trying to keep it affordable, and we have waiting lists for all our programs," Director Lori Taft said.

The classes being cut, which include certain hip-hop, cooking and pottery courses, had low enrollments. The Community Theater, Jazz and Gospel Festivals will be eliminated, saving $25,240.

SOLID WASTE: The budget proposes to close the solid waste convenience center on Bradshaw Quarry Road in the southwestern part of the county. Coupled with reduced hours at other centers, the move will save $119,726.

But several commissioners said they worried about the staff position cut at the Bradshaw Quarry site, given their commitment to avoiding layoffs. Blackmon assured the board that another job could be found for the employee.

"There is a consistent turnover in the solid waste department," she said.

The county will also save $33,307 by no longer accepting mattresses for disposal. Residents will now be responsible for taking old mattresses to the landfill themselves.

PROPERTY TAXES: Commissioner Barry Jacobs asked about the effects of conducting property revaluation every two years instead of every four years.

Tax Assessor John Smith said more frequent revaluations would cost more, but he didn't know how much. The issue will be discussed at a later meeting.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will discuss a proposed tax cut, proposed closings of the Carrboro Branch and Cedar Grove libraries and other department budget cuts at their next work session, 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Link Government Services Center, 200 S. Cameron St. in Hillsborough.