HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-15-2021 Virtual Business meeting 1
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MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
June 15, 2021
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on Tuesday,
June 15, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
and Commissioners Mark Dorosin, Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Sally Greene, and Earl McKee
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
A roll call was called; all members were present, except Commissioner McKee.
Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Members of the Board of Commissioners
participated in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to
view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at
http://www.orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on
channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
• Written submittals by email
• Speaking during the virtual meeting
Detailed public comment instructions for each method are provided at the bottom of this
agenda. (Pre-registration is required.)
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Board Of County Commissioners (BOCC) could add
a discussion about signing onto the letter from Mike Ogle in support of renaming the University
of North Carolina (UNC) Student Stores in honor of James Cates. He said some Commissioners
have signed on individually, but he would like to discuss a collective board endorsement.
Chair Price asked if that discussion should be open to public comment.
Commissioner Dorosin said the letter asked the Board to sign on collectively, so he
recommends the Board voting on it as it would with any similar request.
Chair Price said Commissioner McKee wants to add a discussion about the Alcoholic
Beverage Control Board. She said there will also be an addition on the process for filling
Commissioner Dorosin's vacancy on the BOCC.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the Board has to vote to approve the changes to the
agenda.
Chair Price said yes, and the Board will also decide when to address the items.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin, to
add discussion on the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board request to exceed state salary limit for
the ABC Board General Manager, discussion on Board of Commissioners Vacancy, and
discussion on the renaming of UNC Student Stores in honor of James Cates to the agenda.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Dorosin,
Commissioner Bedford, and Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner Hamilton)
Laura Jensen said staff recommends placing the ABC Board discussion on the Agenda
as Item 6-e, and the Commissioner Vacancy discussion as Item 7-b.
Chair Price asked if the Board must vote on the process to follow filling the
Commissioner Vacancy.
John Roberts said the Board will need to decide on a process, and it should probably be
done by vote.
The Board agreed by consensus to add the additional items under Item 6 as e, f, and g.
Chair Price dispensed with reading the public charge.
Public Charge: The Board of Commissioners pledges its respect to all present. The Board asks
those attending this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward
each other, county staff and the commissioners. At any time should a member of the Board or
the public fail to observe this charge, the Chair will take steps to restore order and decorum.
Should it become impossible to restore order and continue the meeting, the Chair will recess the
meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed. The
BOCC asks that all electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, and computers should
please be turned off or set to silent/vibrate. Please be kind to everyone.
Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting.
2. Public Comments
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
None
b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
(These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
below.)
3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
Commissioner Hamilton said it would have been helpful to be able to review some of the
items added to tonight's agenda prior to voting.
Commissioner Fowler said she attended the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
meeting on June 4, and the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization (TARPO) meeting on
June 10. She said several updates were received at the JCPC meeting, including a finance
report that indicated Boomerang will not receive funding. She said there are two vacancies on
the JCPC Board: one for a youth representative and one for a member of the faith community.
She said the Board has received an extensive update from JCPC within this evening's agenda
packet. She said the TARPO meeting also included various updates. She said there is a new
app for truck drivers that provides real time road alerts. She said the remaining TARPO
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meetings will be in person, with a virtual option. She said she received a citizen petition for the
BOCC to consider a noise ordinance that limits the amount of bass and treble, and not just the
total amount of decibels.
Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:07 pm
Commissioner Greene said she and Commissioner Bedford attended a Family Success
Alliance (FSA) meeting this week, where they received a presentation on the Emergency
Housing Assistance program from the young man who is now managing that program. She also
formally congratulated Corey Root on being named the new Department of Housing and
Community Development Director.
Commissioner Bedford congratulated Elementary School Teacher Eugenia Floyd for
being named not only the CHCCS Teach of the Year, but also the North Carolina State Teacher
of the Year. She petitioned the Board to bring Item 12-c, on the Mountains to Sea Trail, back for
discussion in the fall.
Commissioner Dorosin said the judge in the Leandro Case (adequate school funding
case) signed an order last week, recognizing that the State and the State Board of Education
have submitted plan to address the State's 17 year constitutional liability for failing to provide
students their constitutional right to a sound basic education. He said the plan calls for the
State to increase school funding in the next two years by $500 million in the first year, $1 billion
in the second year. He said Governor Cooper's budget includes the first few years of funding,
and it now up to General Assembly to pass a budget including it. He said the Court has
instructed the parties to report back in August as to whether or not that funding has been
allocated and will make a final order in the case, following a hearing in September. He said all
are hopeful that this case will be moving towards the State honoring its constitutional obligation.
He said some feel the Judge has over reached, but the State has been found constitutionally
liable and needs to fund the remedy. He said all will watch the budget closely.
Commissioner McKee thanked the Board and staff for the budget process running
smoothly this year, and reiterated the importance of meeting in person in the fall.
Chair Price said Jaki Shelton Green has been designated as the North Carolina Poet
Laureate again, and she would like to recognize her properly in September. She said Scott
Washington sent out information about a commemoration of the Regulators from the
Revolutionary War period, and there will be events in Hillsborough on Saturday. She said
Juneteenth is on Saturday and there will be events across the County. She said the theme from
the two branches of the NAACP is to support black businesses.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations 14:40
a. Proclamation Recognizing Paul Laughton
The Board considered approving a proclamation recognizing and expressing gratitude to
Paul Laughton for his devotion and service to Orange County.
BACKGROUND:
After nearly 22 years of dedicated service to the Orange County community, Paul Laughton is
retiring August 1, 2021.
Paul Laughton began his career of service with Orange County in 1999 as a Budget and
Management Analyst working with County Departments, Fire Districts and the Enterprise Funds.
Paul worked closely with department directors assisting with the preparation of the operating
budget and capital budgets. Paul's professionalism, commitment to excellence and hard work
resulted in his promotion to Deputy Director of Finance and Administrative Services in 2012.
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Paul's distinguished career includes serving the Finance Department and the County through
three recessions. He has been part of senior management that implemented transformative
financial policies including both debt and fund balance policies that are now integral elements of
the County's financial administration.
Paul Laughton served with distinction on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Local
Government Budget Association from 2005 through 2007. His active participation in various
government national and state associations has provided important leadership and knowledge
of financial best practices in budgeting and finance. Paul's most recent efforts during the
COVID-19 Pandemic have been instrumental in the County's strong financial results. Paul can
be counted on to provide prudent policy recommendations and insights into the workings of the
County's operating and capital budget administration. His commitment to excellence is
evidenced in the successive Government Finance Officers Association Budget Awards received
by the Finance and Administrative Services Department. Paul Laughton has led with integrity,
compassion, professionalism and commitment to his staff, County Management, County Board
and department colleagues. His devotion to his profession is matched by his love for his alma
mater UNC-Chapel Hill, especially the Tar Heel basketball and football teams.
Commissioner Bedford read the proclamation:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO
PAUL LAUGHTON,
RETIRING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
WHEREAS, Paul Laughton, after nearly 22 years of dedicated service to the Orange County
community, is retiring August 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Paul began his career with Orange County in 1999 as a Budget and Management
Analyst working with County Departments, Fire Districts and Enterprise Funds, and has worked
closely with department heads in preparation of the operating budget and capital budgets; and
WHEREAS, Paul's professionalism, commitment to excellence and hard work resulted in his
promotion to Deputy Director of Finance and Administrative Services in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Paul's distinguished career includes serving the Finance and Administrative
Services Department and the County through three recessions, and Paul was part of senior
management that implemented transformative financial policies including both debt and fund
balance policies that are now integral elements of the County's financial administration;
WHEREAS, Paul served with distinction on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Local
Budget Association from 2005 through 2007, and his active participation in various government
national and state associations has provided important leadership and knowledge of financial
best practices in budgeting and finance; and
WHEREAS, his most recent efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic have been instrumental in
the County's strong financial results; and
WHEREAS, his commitment to excellence is evidenced in the successive Government Finance
Officers Association Budget Awards received by the Finance and Administrative Services
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Department, and Paul has led with integrity, compassion, professionalism and commitment to
his staff, County Management, County Board and department colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Paul's devotion to the government finance profession is matched by his love for his
alma mater UNC-Chapel Hill, especially the Tar Heel basketball and football teams;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize and
express deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by Paul Laughton to the
Orange County community, and wish him well in his retirement.
This the 1511 day of June, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Price thanked Paul Laughton for all of his work. She said he always made finance
sound easy, and has been there in a calm cool manner to help. She said he will be missed, and
wished him well-deserved relaxation.
Commissioner McKee said he is grateful for all the help Paul Laughton has provided.
Commissioner Dorosin said it has been a pleasure to work with Paul Laughton, and how
he maintained humor and optimism. He said he is grateful for his patience and thoughtfulness
and for taking the Board's ideas and making it work in the budget.
Commissioner Bedford said Paul Laughton has been helpful during her years as a
Commissioner, but said she also worked with him when she was a school board member and
with the collaboration team. She said she could always go to him for information and
assistance. She said she appreciates his patience despite the Board asking him the same
questions year after year. She wished him the best in his retirement.
Gary Donaldson, Chief Finance Officer said he thinks of integrity, professionalism, hard
work, and a commitment to excellence when he reflects on working with Paul Laughton. He
said Paul has been a trusted advisor, and has worked through two difficult fiscal years through
the recession, and he can always count on him. He said he has been able to get to know Paul
Laughton personally, and will miss him as a colleague and a friend. He said Paul Laughton
deserves all the best.
Paul Laughton said he is humbled by the kind words. He said, in almost 22 years of
working in Orange County as a public servant, he had great mentors and coworkers and feels
very fortunate to have had them to guide him in this journey. He said it has been a pleasure to
work for Orange County, and it has given him great opportunities and great people to work with.
He thanked the BOCC for all it does in leading the County and the work it puts in even outside
of meetings. He thanked senior management, including the County Manager and Deputy
County Manager. He said he has worked with Greg Wilder, Assistant to the County Manager
for Legislative Affairs, almost his whole time with the County and it has been a pleasure to work
with him, as well as Bonnie Hammersley, Travis Myren, and Gary Donaldson over the past
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several years. He said they have provided him great guidance and direction and he is
appreciative of the opportunity to work for Orange County.
b. Distinquished Budget Presentation Award
The Board received a presentation recognizing the budget staff of the Orange County
Finance and Administrative Services Department for earning the Government Finance Officers'
Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2020-21 fiscal year
budget document.
BACKGROUND:
GFOA is an internationally recognized organization that offers guidance and support to local
and state government budget and finance professionals throughout the United States and
Canada. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is the highest form of
recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement by the
organization. Its attainment represents a major achievement by a governmental entity and its
budget team. In order to receive this award, the County's budget and capital planning
documents must meet stringent program criteria such as policy documents, operations guides,
financial plans, and communications devices.
This year marks the twenty-ninth year that Orange County has received the GFOA
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Eligibility standards and expectations for the award
become more stringent and rigorous each year. The County commends the budget staff for
their ability to consistently achieve the high standards required to receive this esteemed award.
Gary Donaldson said this is the 29`" year the County has received this award. He said
the criteria are rigorous, and a list is provided to the Commissioners in the evening's agenda
packet. He recognized the budget staff for its work leading to this award, and the leadership of
the County Manager and Deputy County Manager, as well as the Board. He said the budget is
a team effort and this award is something they can all appreciate together.
Gary Donaldson said the certificate acknowledges the Orange County Finance
Department for its excellence in financial reporting and the publishing of the Fiscal Year 2021
Budget document.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
recognize the budget staff of the Finance and Administrative Services Department for the
receipt of the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Price recognized the budget staff on the call: Kirk Vaughn, Budget Analyst, Kelly
Warring, Budget and Management Analyst, and Paul Laughton.
Paul Laughton recognized other staff who were instrumental in the FY 2021 Budget. He
said it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to put together the budget document. He also said
the document would not be what it is without the work of all department heads. He said the
Budget Document is a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a
communications device, and those are the four criteria the award has to meet, as well as 14
mandatory criteria within those categories. He said there are a lot of people who helped the
County receive the award.
Chair Price thanked the whole budget and finance team.
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c. Proclamation Recognizing June 2021 as Pride Month in Orange County
The Board considered approving a proclamation recognizing June 2021 as Pride Month
in Orange County, North Carolina.
BACKGROUND:
Each year the month of June affords the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of individuals who
have fought and continue to fight for the equality of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and
Queer (to include intersex and asexual groups) (collectively referred to as "LGBTQ+") residents
and recall the trials they have endured.
The month of June was selected as Pride Month in honor of the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in
June 1969, which sparked a liberation movement. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969,
New York police raided a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. Officers began
shoving customers and employees into police vehicles when one lesbian, instead of going
quietly, began fighting and cried to the crowd watching, "Why don't you guys do something!"
Instead of dispersing as they normally did, the crowd began chanting, throwing bottles and
bricks. Violent demonstrations continued over the following days. Stonewall's violent
demonstrations amid the protest over the Vietnam War, civil rights and gender equality, marked
a decisive break from the passive sexual-orientation politics of the day. In the wake of
Stonewall, organizations flourished that were not afraid to use confrontation to push reform such
as the Gay Liberation Front.
The Pride marches began after young activists in 1969 at the Eastern Regional Conference of
Homophile Organizations called for nationwide demonstrations each June to honor the
Stonewall Uprising. In 1970, the first Pride March called, "Christopher Street Liberation Day"
was held in New York City. The event attracted thousands of people. Now cities and towns
around the world host Pride marches. These marches were not only the first highly visible public
events for gay people to express their sexuality, but also to demonstrate their political
expression. In 1987, the Washington, D.C. Pride March coincided with first showing on the
AIDS Memorial Quilt on the National Mall. The Quilt covered a space larger than a football field
adorned with 1,920 panels capturing the names of those who had died from the disease. Today,
the AIDS Memorial Quilt is a 54-ton tapestry that includes nearly 50,000 panels dedicated to
more than 105,000 individuals.
The LGBTQ+ community in America has achieved remarkable progress since Stonewall.
Historic Supreme Court rulings in recent years have struck down regressive laws, affirmed the
right to marriage equality, and secured workplace protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in every
State and Territory. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
broadened the definition of hate crimes to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation or
gender identity. Members of the LGBTQ+ community now serve in nearly every level of public
office— in city halls, State capitals, Governors' mansions, halls of the Congress, the White
House and the military.
For all of the progress, there are many states in which LGBTQ+ individuals still lack protections
for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, public accommodations, and other
spaces. There are tragic spikes in violence against transgender women of color. LGBTQ+
individuals —especially youth who defy sex or gender norms—face bullying and harassment
in educational settings and are at a disproportionate risk of self-harm and death by suicide.
Some states have chosen to actively target transgender youth through discriminatory bills that
defy the Nation's values of inclusivity and freedom for all. Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools 2017
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Youth Risk Behavior Survey data indicates that 16% of high school youth and 10% of middle
school youth identify as LGBT or questioning.
The country continues to face tragic levels of violence against transgender people, especially
transgender women of color. And the public is still haunted by tragedies such as the Pulse
Nightclub shooting in Orlando. Ending violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+
community demands continued focus and diligence. Society must be committed to defending
the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals.
Annette Moore, Human Rights and Relations Director, reviewed the background
information. She said there are still many states where LGBTQ individuals lack protection for
fundamental rights and dignity and hospitals, schools, public accommodations. She said some
states have actively chosen to target transgender youth by enacting discriminatory legislation.
She said, this year, five Governors have signed legislation banning transgender individuals from
sports, and 30 other states have introduced legislation. She said in North Carolina, HB 358
"Save Women's Sports Act" was an attempted ban on transgender women from Sports in North
Carolina. She said the bill was set-aside in this legislature, but is expected to be taken out next
year. She said only 20 states have banned conversion therapy, and it is still legal in NC. She
said CHCCS and OCS have conducted a Youth Risk Behavioral Survey. She said OCS
decided not to include information about sexual identity in its survey, thus the only source of
LGBTQ youth data is from CHCCS. She reviewed some of these statistics. She said a great
source of information about youth is the Trevor Project, which recently conducted a nationwide
study of 35,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13-24. She said 12% of white youth attempted suicide
compared to 31% of native or indigenous youth, 21% of Black youth, 21% of multi-racial youth,
18% of Latinx youth, and 12% of Asian youth. She said 48% of LGBTQ youth wanted
counseling but were unable to receive it in the last year, and 75% experienced discrimination
based on sexual orientation or gender at least once in their lifetime. She said half of LGBTQ
youth of color reported discrimination based on race or ethnicity in the past year, including 67%
of Black LGBTQ and 60% of Asian-Pacific Islander LGBTQ youth. She said 62% of LGBTQ
youth reported symptoms of major depressive disorder in the past two weeks. She said the
study also found that LGBTQ youth who had more pride, had lower odds of attempting suicide
compared to those with lower levels of pride, and this relationship was even stronger among
transgender and non-binary youth. She said she cannot disaggregate for LGBTQ youth in
Orange County, but as a whole, 12% of all high school students and 15% middle school
students seriously considered suicide. She asked the Board to urge the General Assembly to
protect rights of LGBTQ residents in NC, especially children.
Commissioner Dorosin read the proclamation:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2021
AS PRIDE MONTH
WHEREAS, LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) Pride Month is
celebrated nationally each year in the month of June, this month being chosen to commemorate
the riots that took place at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan on the morning of June 28, 1969,
often viewed as the birth of the modern LGBTQ rights movement; and
WHEREAS, several major United States Supreme Court decisions impacting LGBTQ rights in a
positive way have been announced in June, including Lawrence v Texas, U.S. v Windsor,
Obergefell v Hodges, Pavan v. Smith, and Bostock v. Clayton County, and another decision is
forthcoming this month that will impact LGBT rights in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia; and
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WHEREAS, Orange County has a history of advancing the rights of its LGBTQ residents,
including Carrboro becoming the first town in the state to enact a domestic registry for same sex
partners, extending eligibility for employment benefits to same-sex partners of County
employees in September 2004, and the election a gay and lesbian elected officials within the
County; and
WHEREAS, additionally, in January of this year, Orange County was among the first local
governments in the state (along with Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill) to pass a local
nondiscrimination law extending protections in public accommodation and employment for
persons based on their sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression; and
WHEREAS, much physical and psychological violence is still inflicted on LGBTQ people both at
home and abroad, violence toward transgender people of color is increasing, bullying and
harassment of LGBTQ youth who make up a disproportionate number of homeless youth in the
United States continues, and the North Carolina General Assembly continues to entertain bills
targeting the transgender community; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to standing with and supporting the LGBTQ
community, and to working to ensure that all of people, regardless of their sexual orientation or
gender identity or expression, are treated with respect and dignity;
NOW, THEREFORE, we the Orange County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the
month of June 2021 as PRIDE MONTH in Orange County and urge the North Carolina General
Assembly to pass the following bills into law:
1. The "Equality For All Act," which would establish comprehensive statewide
nondiscrimination protections for all LGBTQ people in NC (HB 450/SB 396)
2. HB 451/SB 438, which would fully and cleanly repeal HB142 and get the
discriminatory law off of the books. (sponsored by Senator Valerie Foushee)
3. "Mental Health Protection Act," which would prohibit the practice of `conversion
therapy.' (HB 452/SB 392)
4. HB 449/SB 409, which would ban the so-called "gay/trans panic" defense, a defense
that historically has been used to dismiss anti-LGBTQ violence and justify "heat of
passion" assaults.
This the 15t" day of June 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Resolution of Commendation for Commissioner Mark Dorosin
The Board considered approving a proclamation commending Commissioner Mark
Dorosin for his service to Orange County.
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BACKGROUND:
After almost 9 years of service as a member of the Orange County Board of Commissioners,
Commissioner Mark Dorosin will step down from his position on July 31, 2021. The Orange
County Board of Commissioners would like to thank Commissioner Dorosin for his hard work,
dedication, and exemplary service to the residents of Orange County, and wish him and his
family the very best in their future endeavors.
Chair Price read the resolution:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION
FOR
COMMISSIONER MARK DOROSIN
WHEREAS, the residents of Orange County first elected Mark Dorosin to the Board of County
Commissioners in 2012, and re-elected him in 2016 and in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Mark Dorosin has served the residents of Orange County
regardless of geographic location faithfully and with honor, integrity, and distinction for the past
nine years; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Dorosin has taken special interest in addressing social justice and
community engagement, focusing on poverty, affordable housing, education equity, racial and
socio-economic inclusion, and broad-based resident participation in county government; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Dorosin was a vocal advocate for the rights and well-being of the
residents of the Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood, voting to close the county landfill, to
provide water and sewer to the neighborhood and to build a new community center; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as an Orange County Commissioner, Mark Dorosin has served
on many boards and commissions, including the Orange County Local Government Affordable
Housing Collaborative, the Justice Advisory Council, the Durham Technical Community College
Board of Trustees, Healthy Carolinians, the Chatham Orange Joint Planning Task Force, the
Legislative Issues Work Group, the ABC Board, the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group, and
the Fire Chiefs Association; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Mark Dorosin served as Chair of the Orange County Board of
County Commissioners in 2016 and 2017, following his service as Vice Chair in 2015;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
officially commends Commissioner Mark Dorosin for his hard work, dedication and exemplary
service to the people of Orange County, and wishes him and his family the very best in their
future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution of commendation be presented to
Commissioner Mark Dorosin and that the Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this
meeting.
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This the 1511 day of June 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Price thanked Commissioner Dorosin for his service and for being an ally. She
wished him well.
Commissioner Bedford said the Board will miss Commissioner Dorosin's ability to think
fast on his feet, to keep the Board on track and organized when going down a rabbit hole and to
help the Board come to good decisions. She commended Commissioner Dorosin for taking a
position and it not being personal, even if one disagrees with him. She said the Board will miss
him.
Commissioner Fowler said she has enjoyed working with Commissioner Dorosin, and
appreciates where he comes from, regardless of any difference in opinion, and appreciates his
advocacy for social justice. She wished him the best in his next chapter.
Commissioner Greene said the County will miss Commissioner Dorosin's strong social
justice voice that comes from the same conviction that is causing him to leave the Board and go
to Florida. She wished Commissioner Dorosin the best in training new young civil rights lawyers
to pick up the torch.
Commissioner Hamilton thanked Commissioner Dorosin for his service as a
Commissioner and his other public service, and said he has made a difference to the
community. She said this is North Carolina's loss and Florida's gain. She said she is
disappointed because she was looking forward to learning from Commissioner Dorosin on how
to be effective as a County Commissioner. She wished him and his family the best.
Commissioner McKee said he enjoyed working with Commissioner Dorosin for almost
10 years now, and he made him a better commissioner. He said he will consider him a
Commissioner until the end of the day on July 31.
Commissioner Dorosin thanked the Board for its words. He said the generous
outpouring of support humbles him. He said his family has been in NC for 30 years, and it was
a difficult decision to move. He said the work he has been a part of on the BOCC has been
transformative for the community and for him as an individual. He said he has learned so much
from his colleagues, both current and previous. He said it has been challenging work, but
meaningful, and he appreciates the time and energy staff and the commissioners have put in.
He said the County is very fortunate to have such wonderful staff. He said it has been a
wonderful experience, and on one hand it has exceeded his wildest expectations, but he wishes
he could have done more. He said the Board faces a hostile state legislature and statutes that
constrain it from being as creative as it would like to be. He said he is humbled to have had the
opportunity to work with the community and the BOCC.
5. Public Hearings
None
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6. Regular Agenda
a. Approval of Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Ordinance, County Grant Projects, and
County Fee Schedule
The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Ordinance, County Grant Projects,
and County Fee Schedule
BACKGROUND:
At the June 8, 2021 budget work session, the Board of County Commissioners made decisions
regarding the County's FY2021-22 budget. See the following attachments related to those
decisions:
• Amendment 1, the Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2021-22 Orange County Budget
outlines the actions approved by the Board of County Commissioners on June 8, 2021
• Attachment 2, FY2021-22 Budget Ordinance, is the legislation implementing the
FY2021-22 Annual Operating Budget for Orange County
• Attachment 3, FY2021-22 County Grant Projects
• Attachment 4, FY2021-22 County Fee Schedule
Paul Laughton reviewed the background information for the agenda item. He said there
were some questions about the fee schedule at the Board's June 8 meeting, which Travis
Myren sent answers to by email to commissioners last Friday.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
adopt the FY2021-22 Budget Ordinance, the FY 2021-22 County Grant Projects, and the
FY2021-22 County Fee Schedule, consistent with the parameters outlined in the Board's
"Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2021-22 Orange County Budget.
John Roberts said he made some recommendations to the Board about adjustments to
the language that would differentiate it from last year. He said he thought it would be a separate
page, but those changes have already been incorporated. He said he wants to make sure the
Commissioners are comfortable with the changes before they vote.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if John Roberts could flag those changes. He also asked
if there will be a separate motion for each item the Board is approving, or one motion for all.
Chair Price said the motion was for all three items.
Commissioner Dorosin said since he will vote against the budget because of the removal
of the Durham Tech project from the CIP, he wanted to make sure so he can vote against the
motion.
John Roberts said the changes are on the top of page 15 of the agenda packet, the
bottom of page 9, Section 14, Contractual Obligations and Disposal of Property. He said the
primary change is that it adds a disposal of property section, with subsection b changing to
$90,000; subsection c changes language and requires one board approval before the Manager
signs. He said if the Board has approved a specific item in a project, up to a certain amount, the
Manager can sign the contract for that project. He said this excludes projects that require the
Board to award a bid, which would exclude most really large projects. He said new sections G
and H were added, which allow the Manager to dispose of property up to $30,000 value, which
is authorized by statute, and would include personal property. He said these sections also allow
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the Manager to sign short-term leases up to one year, and anything longer would have to be
approved by the Board.
Commissioner Dorosin said the motion on the floor includes 6-a Attachment 1, which
includes the capital funding for fiscal year one. He said he does not support the CIP funding for
FY21-22, and will need to vote against this motion.
Paul Laughton said item 6-b would be the CIP.
Commissioner Dorosin said he will not vote for this because he does not want there to
be any misunderstanding.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee, and Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
Dorosin)
b. Accept the Five-Year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and Approve the Orange
County Overall CIP Protects of$50,915,167 for FY2021-22
The Board accepted the FY2021-26 Orange County Five-Year Capital Investment Plan
(CIP), and approved the Orange County Overall CIP Projects of$50,915,167 for FY2021-22.
BACKGROUND:
For over 20 years, the County has produced a Capital Investment Plan (CIP) that establishes a
budget planning guide related to capital needs for the County as well as Schools. The current
CIP consists of a 5-year plan that is evaluated annually to include year-to-year changes in
priorities, needs, and available resources. Approval of the CIP commits the County to the first
year funding only of the capital projects; all other years are used as a planning tool and serves
as a financial plan.
Capital Investment Plan —Overview
The FY2021-26 CIP includes County Projects, School Projects, and Proprietary Projects. The
School Projects include Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, and
Durham Technical Community College — Orange County Campus projects. The Proprietary
Projects include Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Sportsplex projects.
The CIP has been prepared anticipating moderate economic growth of approximately 2% in
property tax growth over the next five years, and 4% sales tax growth. Many of the projects in
the CIP will rely on debt financing to fund the projects.
Attachment 1 is the FY2021-26 Capital Investment Plan Overall Summary (individual projects
were provided to the Board of County Commissioners at previous work sessions, and revised
project funding was discussed at the June 8, 2021 budget work session).
Attachment 2 lists the overall Orange County CIP projects of$50,915,167 in FY2021-22 (Year
1).
Attachment 3 lists County Capital Projects Summary totaling $18,518,992 in FY2021-22 (Year
1).
Attachment 4 lists Proprietary Capital Projects Summary totaling $4,891,311 in FY 2021-22
(Year 1).
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Attachment 5 lists School Capital Projects Summary totaling $27,504,864 in FY2021-22 (Year
1).
Paul Laughton reviewed the background information for the agenda item. He said the
CIP is a budget planning guide, and approval of the CIP commits the County just to the first year
funding, FY 21-22.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee and seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
accept the FY2021-26 Orange County Five-Year Capital Investment Plan, and approve funding
for FY2021-22, as stated in Attachment 2, Year 1 (FY2021-22) in the Capital Investment Plan;
and adopt the FY2021-22 County Capital projects as stated in Attachment 3; the FY2021-22
Proprietary Capital projects as stated in Attachment 4; and the FY2021-22 School Capital
projects as stated in Attachment 5.
Commissioner Dorosin said he will vote against this motion, as it is a mistake to remove
the Durham-Tech building project from the CIP for this year. He said it is inconsistent with
everything the Board talked about related to education, social justice, economic equity, diversity,
economic development, and he is heartbroken the Board has chosen to remove this.
Chair Price said she will vote for it, but with a lot of disappointment because she thinks it
is a mistake to delay the building. She said with the economic situation in the country, the
Board should want people to move forward and they need to have jobs to do so, and they need
to have the skills training in order to get the jobs.
Commissioner Greene echoed Chair Price's comments.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee, and Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
Dorosin)
c. American Rescue Plan Act Funding Allocations
The Board approved an allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that the
County is designated to receive over two draw down periods.
BACKGROUND:
The Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides direct allocations to local
governments. Orange County is designated to receive approximately$28.8 million. The first
draw down of approximately$14.4 million was approved by the Board of Commissioners
through a budget amendment on June 1, 2021. The second draw down will occur in twelve (12)
months. ARPA funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and must be fully expended by
December 31, 2026.
The ARPA funds are intended to broadly address the negative impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic on individuals, government agencies, organizations, and small businesses. The
Treasury Department has issued interim guidance on the use of ARPA funds for local
governments. This guidance establishes five broad categories for potential investments:
1. Support public health expenditures, by funding COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical
expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff;
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2. Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, including
economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the
public sector;
3. Replace lost public sector revenue, using this funding to provide government services to
the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic;
4. Provide premium pay for essential workers, offering additional support to those who
have borne and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical
infrastructure sectors; and,
5. Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure, making necessary investments to
improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater
infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet.
The interim guidance also indicates that the funds may be used to support education programs
aimed at addressing educational disparities and child care programs that promote healthy
childhood environments including:
1. Addressing educational disparities through new or expanded early learning services,
providing additional resources to high-poverty school districts, and offering educational
services like tutoring or afterschool programs as well as services to address social,
emotional, and mental health needs; and,
2. Promoting healthy childhood environments, including new or expanded high quality
childcare, home visiting programs for families with young children, and enhanced
services for child welfare-involved families and foster youth
County departments were asked to submit proposals consistent with the interim guidance and
the goals established by the Board of Commissioners in prior funding allocations. County
departments submitted requests totaling over$44 million. In addition to these proposals, the
Board of Commissioners approved budget amendments for FY2021-22 allocating $5,320,000 to
support a broadband infrastructure project, an economic assistance program for property tax
relief, and staffing for the Small Business Center at the Orange County Campus of Durham
Technical Community College.
This abstract provides two options for allocating the funds. The first option (Attachment 1)
takes an incremental approach to funding decisions. It funds the items approved in the FY2021-
22 Budget, including $5.3 million in budget amendments, as well as situations where funding will
be required to close FY2020-21 in a positive fund balance positon and initiatives that require
funding between the date of adoption and November 1, 2021.
This option contemplates another review of funding allocations in September and October which
may result in additional allocations during the FY2021-22 fiscal year. In total, this option
allocates $12,366,261 and preserves $16,473,461 for future funding decisions.
The second option (Attachment 2) accelerates funding allocations to provide most funding in
the first two years of the plan. This option is limited by cash flow availability in the first year as
the County has only accepted approximately $14.4 million of its total $28.8 million allocation in
FY2021-22. As a result, the broadband infrastructure project is divided over two fiscal years,
and funds for emergency housing assistance direct payments are reduced by $750,000 from the
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total $4 million request in the first year and are spread over a span of three years instead of two
years.
Over the summer, staff will continue to monitor and review opportunities to use ARPA funding in
partnership with other jurisdictions, to leverage outside funding, and to structure other potential
funding sources in a way that serves residents with the most appropriate programs while
maintaining the County's flexibility to respond and adapt as conditions and needs dictate. For
example, some departments are currently aware of potential streams of funding for programs
that are also eligible for ARPA expenditures. In an effort to prioritize funding sources and
streamline access to those programs, a team of County department directors will be convening
bi-weekly to ensure efficient and user friendly processes.
The Housing and Community Development Department also requested a total of$4 million
annually in direct assistance to households throughout the County. However, during the past
year, municipalities have contributed federal funds as well as local funds to help support their
residents. This partnership would allow the County to potentially repurpose funds currently
designated for emergency housing support. County staff have initiated discussions with Town
staff about jointly funding this program, but the Towns may not make final funding
recommendations until later in the summer. County staff have also been exploring a cost share
framework to support the Street Outreach, Harm Reduction, and Deflection program that would
be sustainable in the long run after federal funding is exhausted.
Finally, the County's Broadband Task Force is closely monitoring State and Federal programs
where the County's ARPA investments may leverage outside funding support. That group will
continue to meet over the summer to recommended a design and implementation approach that
can be executed swiftly and can leverage those outside funding partnerships.
Travis Myren reviewed the background information for the item, and indicated this is a
follow up from the Board's discussion on June 8, 2021. He said the revenue replacement for
the Sportplex and Visitors Bureau is unique to this round of ARPA funding and allows use of
federal funds to replace lost revenue as a result of the pandemic. He said the amounts are
estimates for the end of FY 2021 that will prevent a fund deficit. He said the County will only
apply what is required to prevent a fund deficit, and the balance would be available for
repurposing when this is reviewed in the fall.
Travis Myren reviewed the second option, which shows all ARPA funding accelerated in
the first three years of the spending period. He said allocations would roll over if not used. He
said the County can only spend up to $14.4 million in the first year, so broadband expenditures
are spread over two years and EHA expenditures are spread over three years to account for
this limitation.
Commissioner Dorosin said in the background information for option 2 it says payments
are reduced by $750,000 but does not see that reflected in the attachment.
Travis Myren said in order to stay under the $14.4 million maximum he had to take out
$750,000 out of the first year of EHA programming in order to push it out across three years
instead of two.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified there would not be a net loss of$750,000.
Travis Myren said no.
Chair Price said she asked to see the funding for the Arts Commission included in the
proposals. She said it is in the second schedule, but not exactly what she was hoping for. She
asked if it is possible to get some of that funding in FY21-22 in order to jumpstart some
economic development. She said the Arts were the hardest hit industry, and the request from
Arts Commission is not huge. She said she would like to have it in year one.
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Travis Myren said if Board approves option 1, the requested $100,000 could be added
under the "Restart the Arts" item and could be started over the summer instead of waiting until
November.
Chair Price said that would be her request. She asked if Arts on the Hill will have to wait.
Travis Myren said that program could be funded in the first year as well, if the Board
would like. He said there is not any time pressure for that item (it is in the planning stage next
year), so it was left off the list for now. He said he can provide resources for Arts Commission
to give grants over the summer.
Commissioner Fowler said she recalled a discussion on $10 million being needed for
broadband, and asked if there would be enough in option 2 for that funding.
Travis Myren said option 2 would only accommodate $5 million for broadband.
Commissioner Greene said when the time comes she would like to make a motion to
include the Restart the Arts money mentioned by Chair Price.
Commissioner McKee said he would like to go with Option 1 because it provides
flexibility if conditions change over the next year.
Commissioner Hamilton agreed, and said she wants there to be more flexibility. She
said this money can be used for public health and sewer and water, which would be helpful in
some communities. She said Option 1 gives time to see about other projects that may be
needed. She said she also supports moving the arts up.
Commissioner Greene asked if Commissioner McKee would consider a friendly
amendment to include arts funding.
Commissioner McKee said absolutely.
Commissioner Dorosin said he supports option 2, and thinks it is a mistake to not
frontload the money. He said the Board should take most aggressive approach possible and
there are more needs than can even be accommodated. He said the Board can always adjust
as needed, and he believes it is critical for the funds to get back into the community as quickly
as possible.
Chair Price said the County will not get the money all at one time, and only gets half of it
for now.
Commissioner Dorosin said option 2 spends more of the currently available money now.
He said option 1 leaves at least$2 million on the table.
Commissioner Greene said she agrees with Commissioner Dorosin, and will vote with
him.
Commissioner Bedford said she is leaning towards Option 1, because it gives the Board
the opportunity for a quarter-by-quarter approach. She said the Governor just extended the
eviction moratorium, and the Board will have a better idea of how much is needed in each
category as that ends.
Commissioner Dorosin said he does not want the money to go into the rainy day fund,
and the Board can make regular budget amendments and look at it every quarter regardless of
which plan it approves. He said the question is making a commitment to the community to push
the money out as quickly as possible. He said the BOCC is not losing the opportunity to review
it at any time with option 2. He said the list of needs, as a result of the pandemic, is well
documented, so he is not concerned about misspending. He said the money is meant to
address the crisis, and it sends wrong message to say to wait and see how bad things get
because things are bad now.
Chair Price asked if the dollar amount difference in year 1 spending between the
approaches could be identified.
Travis Myren said there would be a balance of$16 million after the first year of Option 1
for the Board to make decisions about in the future.
Chair Price said there is a difference of about $2 million between the options.
Travis Myren said yes, and Option 2 would spend all remaining money in year 2.
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Chair Price said she the State and Federal governments are still working on allocations,
and if the County can get money for broadband from the state or federal government, she does
not want to take it from County funding now.
Commissioner Greene said there will be so many millions of dollars needed for
broadband, and $5 million is just a good faith commitment of the County.
Chair Price said broadband was probably a bad example to use. She said she wants to
have funding for the arts in year 1, regardless of which option is chosen.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
approve Attachment 1 of American Rescue Plan Act funds to be distributed for use upon
adoption of this abstract with the addition of$100,000 for the Arts Commission.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner Fowler,
Commissioner Bedford, and Chair Price); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Greene, Commissioner
Dorosin)
d. Extension of 2012 Formal Appeals Period
The Board considered and approved a proposed resolution extending the 2021 formal
appeals period from June 30, 2021 to September 1, 2021 by delaying of the adjournment of the
2021 Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) in order to provide additional time for property
owners to appeal the value of their real property in a revaluation year.
BACKGROUND:
The Tax Office completed its countywide revaluation of real property as of the appraisal date of
January 1, 2021. Notices were mailed to property owners on March 24, 2021. The entire
appeals period, including both informal and formal appeals periods, began when the notices
were received in March, and is scheduled to end when the BOER adjourns on June 30, 2021.
After the revaluation notices were mailed, local community leaders of the Northside
Neighborhood Conservation District in Chapel Hill brought to the attention of the Tax Assessor's
Office that there were possible inequities in the values of some properties located in the
Northside Neighborhood Conservation District and other neighborhood conservation districts in
Chapel Hill due to the use restrictions in these districts. These community leaders requested the
Board extend the period for taxpayers to file informal appeals for the valuations of their
properties.
The informal appeals period began with the mailing of the revaluation notices in March, and
statutorily ended upon the convening of the BOER on Monday, May 3, 2021. In accordance with
North Carolina General Statute (N.C.G.S.) 105-322(c), there is no option to extend the informal
appeals period past the convening of the Board of Equalization and Review, which statutorily
must convene no later than the first Monday in May.
An option that is available is to extend the formal appeals period past its current June 30, 2021
adjournment date. N.C.G.S. 105-322(e) states that in a revaluation year the BOER shall
complete its duties no later than December 1, meaning that the current adjournment date could
be extended.
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If the Board chooses to extend the date of the BOER's adjournment, the recommendation of the
Tax Office is to extend the BOER's adjournment date to no later than September 1, 2021 by
publishing the notice(s) required by statute. This date will allow additional time for property
owners to appeal their value and at the same time minimize the impacts to the County as much
as possible.
Extending the formal appeals period to September 1 creates impacts for the County that should
be considered. Doing so will result in increased costs to the County. It may result in impacts to
the Finance and Administrative Services Department's estimated tax revenues. An extension
may also result in appeals that are based on issues that cannot be considered, such as an
increase in a tax bill overall.
Currently the Tax Office has received 1,777 appeals. Of those, 1,679 are informal and 98 are
formal appeals. Decision notices for many of the informal appeals were mailed on May 5, 2021
and more notices were mailed on May 28, 2021. A chart is provided that details the number of
appeals that have been submitted per week. The chart shows that the filing of appeals peaked
at the end of April, reflecting that the greatest surge of appeal submission has passed.
The Tax Office has contracted with the firm that provided commercial values for the revaluation
to defend those values for commercial appeals through the original ending date of June 30,
2021. Currently 239 commercial appeals have been received. If the formal appeals period is
extended until September 1, commercial appeals submitted after June 30 will not be defended
by the firm under contract, which could result in unplanned loss of value as a result of the
additional appeals.
Board of Equalization and Review members are paid for the hearings they attend. For each
meeting there are three members present, including one Chair, totaling a cost of$250 per
hearing. The funding level requested by the Tax Office in the FY 2021-22budget did not take
into consideration the possibility of additional hearings, which could cost the County as much as
an additional $6,000.
Should the Board choose to extend the formal appeals period, which would be achieved by
extending the adjournment of the BOER, an extension may be accomplished by complying with
the notice requirements for later adjournment described in N.C.G.S. 105-322(f): publishing
notice at least once in the newspaper(s) in which the first notice was published. The publication
must be prior to the date first announced for adjournment.
Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, reviewed the background information for the item.
Commissioner Greene referred to the proposition of hiring an outside party to defend
against the appeals, and asked if more information could be provided and if that is customary.
Nancy Freeman said the appeals that would be defended would be commercial. She
said the County had a contract with the company CCA, who handled commercial values for the
revaluation. She said they would also be the ones used to defend those values for appeals that
come in for commercial properties. She said this is customary when there is a company that
handles commercial properties that they would also handle the appeals part of the process.
Commissioner Greene clarified that this would only be for commercial properties.
Nancy Freeman said that is correct, and this company would only handle commercial
appeals, no residential appeals.
Chair Price said the issue that brought this forward was the residential properties. She
asked if there will there be issues for commercial properties.
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Nancy Freeman said with an extension, there would possibly be more commercial
appeals after the end of the contract with CCA, so those would have to be handled internally by
the tax office.
Commissioner Hamilton clarified that the company that does the appraisals for
commercial properties is only contracted through June 30, and after that date the tax staff would
have to handle the appeals. She asked if there is a reason why that would lead to unplanned
loss of values.
Nancy Freeman said the company does all the background work to show how to value
the commercial properties, and are in a better position to do the appeal. She said it is not that
staff cannot do it, but the company has the most information.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the company provides the information the staff.
Nancy Freeman said yes.
Commissioner Fowler asked if staff is still seeing a large flow of appeals, and if those
requesting an extension are those who say they cannot get it in before June 30.
Chad Phillips, Deputy Tax Administrator, said there are 1,866 total appeals, including
308 commercial appeals.
Nancy Freeman said within that total, 1679 are informal and 185 formal appeals have
been submitted since the switch to formal. She said the peak of appeals was through the end of
April, and has decreased dramatically since that point. She said in the last week of May, there
were 100 appeals; in the end of May to the first week in June there were 39; and there were 48
last week.
Commissioner Fowler clarified the appeals have gone up slightly in June from the
graphic in the agenda packet. She asked if the number of calls received requesting an
extension beyond June 30 could be identified.
Nancy Freeman said she has not had any requests.
Chad Phillips said he has not received any.
Chair Price said the request for the extension came from her through organizations
working with residents in historically African American neighborhoods, with people needing
more time to understand what is happening and for community organizers to help people file
appeals.
Commissioner Greene said she spoke with director of the Jackson Center, and there is a
strong desire for the extension. She asked for Nancy Freeman to confirm the period for informal
appeals is over.
Nancy Freeman said yes.
Chair Price said EmPOWERment is also helping residents on this.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified that currently a resident can file appeal as late as June
30,2021.
Nancy Freeman said that is correct, through June 30th.
Commissioner Dorosin said the extension is really only about two months, until
September. He said it does not seem surprising that numbers are going up in June, as the
deadline approaches. He said it seems reasonable to extend it two months with a plan to
advertise it, and he is not concerned about commercial properties, etc. He said given the outcry
from the community, it seems like a reasonable accommodation.
Commissioner McKee said he supports the extension. He said he wants to know what
the County is doing to insure that the appeals process is pleasant and hospitable. He said
every time there is a revaluation, people have said the process is arduous and that the County
is defensive.
Nancy Freeman said there is an online form for appeals rather than the physical form.
She said there is an option for an appellant to ask for an onsite visit, ask an appraiser to contact
them, come into office, etc. She said her office has not set up workshops to help outside of the
tax office, but that can be done. She said appraisers speak to appellants to make sure the right
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information is in hand and go over comparable properties, which is educational for property
owners to be able to compare and see the difference. She said if staff is being seen as
aggressive, she would like to know, as her office's customer service is very good.
Commissioner McKee said he is not criticizing staff, only relaying information received
from residents. He said he wants to make sure everyone walking away from process feels they
have been heard, whether the outcome is to their liking or not. He said he appreciates the
online option, but paper copies are still pertinent, and he is glad to have both options. He said
the County has to have a process and has to follow the law, but it can be done in a way that is
helpful to the residents, rather than making them feel in contest with the County over an
appraisal.
Chair Price clarified that tax office workers are not going out into the field.
Nancy Freeman said that has not happened. She said there has been a tour, but there
has not been a workshop to do the appeals. She said they would prefer to have the appeals
done as informal, and additional help may not be as necessary because the process is formal
now.
Chair Price said she and community organizers were encouraging residents to pursue
the informal process so they could speak to staff, as opposed to going to a hearing.
Nancy Freeman said she misunderstood, and appraisers are doing field visits. She said
her staff is going to increase its presence in the field to make more progress.
Chair Price asked when that would be completed.
Nancy Freeman said her aim is to have them all done by June 30.
Bonnie Hammersley said she has also heard challenges County residents have had
during the revaluation process in the past, but commended the response of the tax office not
only to this issue, but with everything that has come up in the past year. She said if there are
residents listening this evening, they can certainly contact the tax administration office to get
help with anything they need. She said staff is definitely doing field visits, and it helps residents
hear that the County will do anything it can to help people throughout his process
Chair Price thanked staff for meeting with residents and leaders of the community
organizations.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proposed resolution to extend the formal appeals
period until September 1, 2021 and direct the Tax Office to advertise the Board of Equalization
and Review's new adjournment date in the newspaper(s) where the original advertisement for
the Board of Equalization and Review schedule was placed.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
e. Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board Request to Exceed State Salary Limit for
the ABC Board General Manager
The Board considered a request from the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board to
exceed the statutory salary limitation imposed on ABC Board General Managers by up to five
percent (5%).
BACKGROUND:
North Carolina General Statute stipulates that the salary of the General Manager of a local
ABC board "shall not exceed the salary authorized by the General Assembly for the clerk of
superior court of the county in which the appointing authority was originally incorporated
unless such compensation is otherwise approved by the appointing authority."
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The Chair of the Orange County ABC Board has requested that the Board of Commissioners
consider allowing the ABC Board to grant a performance based salary increase to the ABC
Board's General Manager that exceeds the State limitation. The FY2020-21 authorized salary
for the Orange County Clerk of Superior Court is $107,625. The ABC General Manager's
current salary is at that statutory maximum. Therefore, any merit based salary increase would
exceed the State salary limit.
According to the ABC Board's compensation policies, a performance rating of average or
above would qualify for an increase of between three percent (3%) and five percent (5%). The
ABC Board General Manager does not receive any additional compensation beyond the
amount reported in his annual salary. The ABC Board is considering an across the board five
percent (5%) increase for all ABC employees at its June 15, 2021 meeting.
The ABC Board Chair is requesting authorization to grant a performance based salary
increase of up to five percent (5%), which would result in a maximum salary of$113,006.
Travis Myren reviewed the background information for the item.
Commissioner McKee said he brought this item forward, and this has been done several
times in the past. He said some communities were providing lavish salaries in the past, which
may have generated the State law.
Chair Price said she has an issue with providing this increase when no increases were
provided for other County employees.
Commissioner Dorosin said he has issues with percentage increases at the top end of
the spectrum. He said it sounds fair because everyone receives it, but in truth, the gap in pay
between top earners and lower earners, just increases.
Commissioner Hamilton said she shares the concerns of Chair Price and Commissioner
Dorosin. She said she does not know all the finances of the ABC board, but it seems that, given
the impact of their service, more money should be flowing to impact people who suffer from the
effects of alcohol. She said she has concerns giving ABC staff raises, when current County
employees have not gotten any raises.
Commissioner McKee said the raise would not be coming from County funds, and the
ABC Board is an independent organization that is revenue positive. He said the more profits
they make, the more they are able to provide back through the County, and organizations that
address the impacts of alcohol. He said the increase is up to 5%, and the exact percentage is
up to the ABC Board. He said new stores that have been built are doing extremely well, as well
as remodeled stores. He said he understands that County did not give raises, but the ABC
board is not part of the BOCC's budgetary process. He said the BOCC is just allowing the raise
to be possible, and the ABC board will determine the specifics. He said this has been done
before without any discussion.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the ABC board has been able to maintain living wage for
all employees.
Commissioner McKee said yes, as far as he knows.
Chair Price said she understands it is not County money, and it has been done before,
but the County has not been in a pandemic before. She said if it was something that dealt with
health, she would vote yes, but she will vote against it.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee to approve the ABC Board's request to
exceed the statutory limit on the General Manager's salary by up to five percent (5%).
The motion failed due to lack of a second
23
f. Board of Commissioners Vacancy
The Board considered the process by which the July 31 BOCC vacancy will be filled.
BACKGROUND:
Commissioner Mark Dorosin recently notified the BOCC he will be resigning his position
effective July 31, 2021. Orange County is subject to North Carolina General Statute NCGS
153A-27, which provides that in Orange County a vacancy is filled by the Board of
Commissioners subject to several pre-requisites for filling a vacancy. The nominee must be a
member of the same political party as that of the member being replaced and a resident of the
same district. Before filling the vacancy the Board of Commissioners must consult the
appropriate political party, but is not bound by the party's recommendation.
The Board of Commissioners must fill the vacancy within 60 days of the date (7/31) the vacancy
becomes effective. In this situation the deadline to fill the vacancy will be September 29, 2021.
If not filled by that date the Clerk of Superior Court must fill the vacancy. The appointee will
serve in the position until the first Monday in December following the 2022 general election.
The remainder of the unexpired term will be served by the winner of the seat in the November
2022 general election. The last vacancy on the BOCC in 1981 was filled through an open
process in which the Orange County Democratic Party presented three applicants to the BOCC
for consideration. A twist in this vacancy is that the district may require adjustment to its
boundaries once census numbers are received.
The Orange County Democratic Party (OCDP) proposes to begin the application process in
July. It will create an application, including questions from the BOCC; it will accept applications
through July and potentially some part of August; it will host an open public meeting and
advertise that meeting to the public; and will nominate three candidates to the BOCC in time for
the first BOCC meeting in September. The party requests that: 1) the BOCC inform them of
how the BOCC will fill the position, whether through motion and vote, or nomination and ballot,
2) the BOCC refer all interested applicants to the party to participate in the process, and 3) the
BOCC, if it so desires, provide questions to include in the application form, by forwarding those
questions to the BOCC Chair who will send them to the Party by July 10.
Chair Price said she met with the Orange County Democratic Party. She said the Party
will accept and review applications, and will hear 2 minute speeches at an open meeting. She
said the Party will then send 3 nominations to the BOCC. She said it is important to note that
nothing the Party does is binding, and the BOCC makes the final decision. She said the Board
can submit questions to the Party by June 26. She said the Board needs to vote on the Party's
proposal. She said the Party intends to have everything ready for a BOCC vote at its first
meeting in September.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the Board should direct questions to a particular person.
Chair Price said to send any questions to her, and she will submit them to the Party.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the Board will be able to see all applications that are
received.
Chair Price said yes, the Party will send a list of the candidates and applications to the
BOCC for review. She said the process would be similar to appointments to Advisory Boards.
Commissioner Hamilton said she is concerned about timing. She said if the BOCC does
not support any of the recommendations from the Party, she is concerned there may not be
enough time to get something in place before September 29t". She said she wants to make
sure there is enough time built in.
24
Chair Price said there are 60 days and the Party wants to get applications in July, vet
them in August, and make a recommendation to the BOCC for its first September meeting. She
said this still gives Board a full month to advertise and hear from anyone else they wanted to.
Commissioner Hamilton suggested to move up some deadlines, and said she would be
happy to meet earlier if needed. She said she would like to see in writing, in a public document,
that the BOCC has the authority to reject all nominees presented by the Party, if it so chooses.
Commissioner Greene said she is surprised by the conversation so far, and the notion
that the BOCC may not be satisfied by the Party's recommendations. She said she expected
the Party to nominate three qualified candidates, and it is be reasonable to assume that the
Board would choose one of the recommendations. She said she is not worried about timeline.
Chair Price agreed, and said the BOCC just has to consult the Party, and does not have
to accept the Party's proposal. She said they all represent the same party, and she is hopeful
the BOCC will be able to appoint one of the nominees.
Commissioner Dorosin said he agrees with Commissioner Hamilton's point about timing.
He said a more expedited process might be to allow the Board to solicit the applications, so it
can review them simultaneously along with the Democratic Party, as opposed to waiting on the
Party and then potentially needing to restart the process.
Commissioner McKee supported Commissioner Dorosin's proposal.
Commissioner Bedford echoed support.
Chair Price said the Board will get the applications, and asked if the Board wanted to
submit questions to be included on the application, along with the Party. She said anyone
interested must apply by the deadline. She said the BOCC will allow the Party to do whatever it
wants as far as vetting the applicants, then give nominations to the Board for the first
September meeting, or try to come back in August.
Commissioner McKee said he does not see the need for questions to be answered by
the applicants, but would rather have the applicants make their best pitch as to why they are
best for the job.
Commissioner Fowler said she spent time making questions, and would like to be able
to submit them. She said she would like at least two or three questions to come from the
BOCC, along with the applicant's best pitch. She supported Commissioner Dorosin's proposed
timeline. She asked if the County can advertise the position, as she would like to cast as wide a
net as possible.
Chair Price noted the vacancy can only be filled by someone from District 1.
Commissioner Greene said she would like to also submit questions for the application.
She asked if the BOCC will have the Party's 3 nominations come to speak before the BOCC.
Chair Price said that is up to the BOCC. She said the other thing to consider would be
accepting comments from the public, which she would oppose.
Commissioner McKee said he would not want to hear from the public, but would like to
hear from all of the candidates themselves.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the Board would have opportunity to sit in on interviews
as part of the Democratic Party's executive committee.
Commissioner McKee said he likely would not sit in, due to a conflict.
Chair Price said she would support letting any and all candidates come forward to speak
to the BOCC.
Commissioner Hamilton said if the Board is going to have the party nominate, she would
want to look at those three first and call on others if none of the three are preferred by the
BOCC.
Chair Price said she thinks the BOCC is overworking this. She said a deadline is
needed and the Clerk can compile all applications and distribute them accordingly for everyone
to review in August, followed by verbal presentations at the first BOCC meeting in September.
She said the Board could then vote, and the County Attorney recommends a ballot vote.
25
Commissioner Bedford said she would like 5 recommendations from the Party.
Commissioner Greene said she thinks 3 is a good number, and if more are needed the
BOCC can consider others.
John Roberts said there should be a motion to clarify exactly what the Board wishes to
happen.
Chair Price said applications will come to the County Clerk to the Board; the Board and
OCDP should submit questions for the application by June 26 to Clerk to the Board; the
deadline for applications is July 19 at 4:59 pm; and everyone interested must apply. She said
the deadline for the party to provide its nominations to the BOCC is August 16, with agenda
review on August 23rd
Commissioner Bedford said this gives time for elections to check eligibility, and the
BOCC can plan to vote at the September 2 meeting by ballot.
A motion made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee on the
application process for the upcoming Commissioner vacancy as follows:
• Anyone interested in the position must apply.
• Applications will be received by the Clerk to the Board.
• The Board and the Orange County Democratic Party shall submit questions for the
application by June 26 to the Clerk to the Board.
• The deadline for applications is 4:59 pm on July 19, 2021.
• The deadline for the three Democratic Party's nominations is August 16, 2021.
• The Board will vote on the nominee at their September 2, 2021 meeting by ballot.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
RECESS
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
recess the meeting for five minutes at 9:29 p.m.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE THE MEETING
Commissioner McKee was not yet present, but due to a quorum of board members
being present, Chair Price asked for a motion to reconvene the meeting.
A motion was made by Commission Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
reconvene the meeting at 9:36 p.m.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
g. Discussion on the Renaming of UNC Student Stores in Honor of James Cates
Chair Price reminded the Board that this item was added at the beginning of the meeting
by Commissioner Dorosin. She said there is a petition being circulated to rename the Student
Stores Building at UNC, formerly named after Josephus Daniels, in honor of James Cates, who
was murdered there 50 years ago.
Commissioner Greene said she understands the concern about the lack of a public
hearing, but this petition is asking the Commissioners to speak with a collective voice. She said
she has personally added her name, and feels strongly it would be a very important and good
gesture to name this building after James Cates. She said the nation is in a time of racial
reckoning, and this is an important gesture and she thinks the Board should lend its support.
Commissioner Bedford said she also added her name personally, but is concerned the
Board is getting out of its lane by supporting a building name change at a separate institution.
She said it may not be appropriate for the BOCC to weigh in on the University's decision.
Chair Price said the University is changing the names for several buildings, with more to
come. She said she expects many names to be submitted for those various buildings on
campus.
Commissioner Dorosin said he does not think the Board is getting out of its lane, and is
not telling anyone what to do, but is rather letting the Board's position be known. He said the
BOCC has taken repeated public stands about racial equity and against white supremacy. He
said James Cates was murdered by white supremacists, and the people pushing for this change
are longtime residents and constituents. He said there is MLK Jr. quote that is pertinent, but
ultimately, this is a situation where the BOCC cannot afford to be silent.
Chair Price said the quote is silence is violence.
Commissioner Hamilton read portions of the email sent to the Board soliciting its
endorsement of the petition. She agreed with Commissioner Dorosin, and said this is an
endorsement, as a body supporting the renaming of the building. She said the Board has
passed many resolutions as part of the push for racial reckoning and this endorsement is in line
with those actions.
Commissioner McKee said he did not say he had any issue with not having public
comment.
Chair Price said it was she who brought up the question of whether public comment was
necessary.
Commissioner Dorosin clarified the quote of which he was speaking.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene, for
the Board to endorse the petition to rename the UNC Student Stores after James Cates.
Commissioner Fowler said she supported the petition personally, and is also in favor of
the Board endorsing it as a body.
Chair Price said she to supported the petition personally, and James Cates' story will be
a part of the exhibition at the Visitor's Bureau.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
7. Reports
a. One Orange County Racial Equity Plan—A Framework for Moving Forward
The Board received an overview of the Framework for moving forward with the
Countywide Racial Equity Plan and provide staff with any feedback and questions on the Racial
Equity Plan.
BACKGROUND:
In October 2020, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved staff moving forward to
work collaboratively with the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough on a Countywide
Racial Equity Plan. After each board agreed, Orange County staff along with the staffs from
each of the three jurisdictions began working in five multi-jurisdictional subcommittees on
separate parts of the racial equity plan. The Subcommittees led by at least one jurisdictional
lead are: Training, Racial Equity Tool Kit, Community Engagement, Racial Equity Index, and
Evaluation and Accountability.
The work of the Subcommittees will be the basis of the racial equity plan. Staff is planning to
include a few other sections in the Plan such as:
1. Definition Section - There will also be a definition section so that the public can fully
understand the terminology used throughout the document.
2. History- This summer staff will engage local historians to include the racialized history of
Orange County as part of the Plan.
3. Current Demographic and Economic Data Analysis -Also a current demographic and
economic analysis will be part of the Plan so that each jurisdiction can assess whether a
disparity study is needed before entering into any race- or gender- based remedial
programs so they each project developed based on racial equity principles can withstand
scrutiny in a court of law.'
The Subcommittees adhered to the Projected Timeline found in Section III of the Framework.
Prior to bringing this document to the Commissioners, team members conducted some
preliminary community engagement. Staff held a Public Comment Period and an Information
Session on the Racial Equity Framework for leaders of Community groups to provide feedback
on the framework and on how to engage with the communities they serve. A sample of those
community stakeholders is included in Section IV of the attached Framework. One comment
was received during the period; but between 40 - 50 stakeholders came to the Community
Forum and actively participated in a discussion about the Framework. The overarching themes
of the responses received were:
1. The Community wanted to be involved in developing a racial equity plan;
2. The Community thought there must be reach out to marginalized communities; and
3. The Community believed the schools must be involved in the Plan.
28
After receiving all the feedback from each jurisdiction, staff will incorporate the changes into the
Plan as well as the feedback from the community stakeholders.
Next Steps
1. Community Engagement - Over the summer, staff plans to conduct additional
community engagement. The Racial Equity Plan Framework has been translated into
Spanish, Chinese, Burmese and Karen. Staff will take the racial equity plan to
communities of color and other communities groups to get their feedback on the plan.
Staff will also reach out to both schools systems to see if they want to join in this
process. The Department has also hired a social media consultant to provide
information and get feedback from diverse groups of residents about the racial equity
plan.
2. Training —
a. Racial Equity Foundation Training - The Carrboro GARE Team has almost
completed providing training to their employees on the Racial Equity Foundations
Training and will be starting to provide this training to their Advisory Boards and
Commissions. County employees have received DEI Training, while not the
same as the Foundation training. Staff would like to bypass employees and begin
training County Boards and Commissions on the Racial Equity Foundations
Training. Staff believes that the next training employees may need is anti-bias
training.
b. Racial Equity Tool Kit - Staff would also like train a small group on the racial
equity tools so efforts can begin to pilot the racial equity tool with a small group in
each jurisdiction to see how it works in the field.
3. Subcommittees - The multijurisdictional subcommittees will continue working on their
specific sections of the Plan during the summer. The intent is that all jurisdictions will
work on these efforts as a team including.
In the fall, staff will hold public hearing or a series of public hearings on the draft of the Final
Plan prior to bringing the Racial Equity Plan to the elected officials.
Annette Moore, Director of Human Rights and Relations, and Nancy Coston, Director of
the Department of Social Services made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
One Orange Racial Equity Plan:
A Framework for Moving Forward
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Slide #2
One Orange Mission Statement
One Orange is a commitment by Orange
County leaders and staff to uncover and
address implicit racial biases in our
institutions to ensure that race can no longer
be used to predict life outcomes in our
community.
ORANGE COUNTY
�k1RT]I CA LINA
Slide #3
Framework Report
1. Overview
2. Committee Reports
3. Next Steps
3. Questions
ORANGE COUNTY
3 1 i_41 INA
Slide #4
What is Racial Equity?
• "When race can no longer be used as to
predict life outcomes and outcomes for all
groups are improved."
• The difference between racial equity and
equality is equity is about fairness,while
equality is about sameness.
ORANGE COUNTY
�)1 I C-SR LINA
30
Slide #5
Why Race?
• Normalizing conversations about race and
operatlonallzing strategizes for advancing racial equity
allows us to build systems that address income and
wealth inequity and recognize bias based on gender,
sexual orientation, ability, age, religion, and other
protected categories.
• Allows us to develop a framework, tools and resources
that apply to other areas of marginalization, recognizing
that different strategies will be necessary to achieve
equity in other areas.
ORANGE COUNTY
S ']L]R7]I GLMILLNA
Slide #6
Why Race?
• Allows us to move past looking atjust
disparities to finding racialized systems
that are costly, depress outcomes, and life
chances for all groups.
• Systems that are failing communities of
color are failing us all by depressing life
chances and outcomes
ORANGE COUNTY
o M1%Wn I i_4ROLLMA
Slide #7
Government Alliance on Race and
Equity ("GARE")
• Support state and local jurisdiction that are
advancing racial equity by addressing
institutional and structural racism.
• Training staff to not only do the work but
also build internal capacity to undue
racism within their organization.
• Help expand and strengthen local and
regional collaboration that are inclusive
and focused on achieving racial equi �
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31
Slide #8
Racial Equity faction Planning Process
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Slide #9
Racial Equity as a Strategy for Change
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32
Slide #10
Committee Repots
• Racial Equity Tool
• Community Engagement
• Racial Equity Index
• Training
• Evaluation and Accountability
Annette Moore said each committee is led by at least one jurisdictional GARE team
member. She said each team will draft a portion of the plan, and the public will have the
opportunity to review and comment on plan before submission to each of the elected bodies.
She resumed the Power Point presentation.
Slide #11
Racial Equity Tool
• The Racial EquityAction Plan sets forth a
process and a set of questions to guide the
development,implementation and evaluation
of policies,initiatives,programs,and budget
issues to address the impact of racial equity_
The racial equity tool helps align racial equity
goals with desired outcomes.
ORANGE COUNTY
11 �)M I CAA INA
Slide #12
Community Engagement
• Develop a plan to provide for meaningful
community engagement.
Consider the current and unlikely partners
needed to accomplish the organizational
outcomes.
• Who are the decision makers with whom you
need to inform,consult,or collaborate?
ORANGE COUNTY
12 �)R I CAA INA
33
Annette Moore said community engagement will occur this summer. She said
engagement tools have already been translated to numerous other languages. She resumed
the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #13
Racial Equity Index (Data Collection)
+ The use of data and metrics to track progress of County's
racial equity initiatives and to follow trends in racial
disparities_
• Metrics also facilitate the alignment of outputs with
outcomes and the coordination of efforts across departments
and jurisdictions.
• The Racial Equity Index will be a transparent public access to
data with built public data dashboards to help assess
questlons of equity.
• The dashboards contained within the Index will Include sub-
county maps and key performance indicators(KPIs)to help
track essential indicators and equity performance.
• Wherever possible these XP1s would be disaggregated by
geography, race/ethnicity, income,and gender.
ORANGE COUNTY
15 '-X)Wn I CARL-LIMA
Slide #14
Using Analyfics
• The use of data and analytics is integral to the work of DARE
to:
• Present a descriptive picture of where the county and
municipalities are currently in racial equity work;
• Provide prescriptive information to inform decision making;
and
+ Track progress over time
• The DARE data plan includes a three-stage process that will
begin with descriptive analysis of the problem, a statistical
analysis of the factors informing racial equity in the workforce,
and then a racial equity index that combines and weights
several indicators in a prescriptive analysis that can inform
decision making. —
ORANGE COUNTY
14 yk)Wn I CA W3LINA
Annette Moore said the racial equity plan (REP) will be based on data, to avoid gaps and
mistakes. She said the County will be collaborating with SAS on the data for the project, and
SAS will be working on the first phase of the racial equity index over the next three months.
She expressed thanks to Nancy Coston who worked on developing this relationship and getting
this work done by SAS for free. She said the REP will use data to show and provide
prescriptive information about problem solving. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
34
Slide #15
Stage 1 : Descriptive Analytics
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Slide #16
Stage 2: Analyzing Workforce Data
• Collect workforce data by race from public sources
• Identify source5 of granular data on Salaries for racial
comparison within and across 5eetor5
• Work with partners to analyze data and look for
correlations
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Same,data from NC Commerce ORANGE COUNTY
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35
Slide #17
Stage 3: Racial Equity Index
• Using the "workforce Analysis" model, build out a full
Racial Equity Index to include multiple factors that
influence racial equity
• Develop prescriptive statistical model that weights
the factors based on statistical correlation
• Use the Racial Equity index to inform decision making
ORANGE COUNTY
16 �Y]R3'i I CAM INA
Slide #18
Training
The training committee will develop a plan to
provide training to poIicymakers,managers,
staff, boards and commission members, and
community partners to build capacityto
advance racial equity and to embed racial equity
into countywide systems.
ORANGE COUNTY
I iA1 INA
Annette Moore said the training committee will work with municipalities to train and
provide assistance. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #19
Evaluation and Accountability
• The Evaluation and Accountability Committee will
develop an Evaluation Plan based on the principles of the
Results-Based Accountability t"RBA")framework.
RBA is a national model and provides a disciplined,
data-driven,decision-making process to help local
governments take action to solve problems.
• An Evaluation Plan will help local governments appiy
racial equity principles embedded into the Results-Based
Accountability(RBA)methodology into Racial Equity
Action Plans.
ORANGE COUNTY
16 ^)Kn I i_SR LINA
36
Slide #21
Advancing Racial Equity
• Next Steps
• Questions
ORxA�iE CO�UINRY
Annette Moore said a subcommittee conducted preliminary community engagement, and
asked people to identify others with whom the County should engage. She said the
subcommittee spoke with 40-50 community members to determine who else should be talked to
over the summer. She said the overarching themes were that the community wants to be
involved with developing the plan; must reach out to marginalized communities; and include
schools. She said there will be a definition section, as well as a section of a racialized history of
Orange County. She said there will be current demographic and economic data analysis, racial
equity foundations training for the County and all municipalities. She said there will also be a
pilot for the racial equity tool in each jurisdiction to see how it works and if there are kinks that
need to be fixed. She said the subcommittees will work throughout the summer, and there will
be another public hearing in the fall.
Commissioner Greene asked if staff could more about the partnership with SAS
Nancy Coston, DSS Director, said SAS does small, time-limited projects called "Data for
Good". She said SAS agreed to work with the County on this index. She said SAS has a strong
team with statistical expertise, and this is an exciting opportunity for the County. She said she
hopes SAS can help the County determine where the biggest impacts need to be made.
Commissioner Hamilton said the presentation helped her understand the direction this is
going. She said she is excited to have the collaboration with SAS and is interested to see what
data they come up with. She said she will have to pull old skills out of the back of her mind to
analyze their findings.
Commissioner Fowler said she sees a lot of questions, and is curious to know when
those questions will be answered.
Annette Moore said over the summer, some of the questions will be answered. She said
there will be a written narrative to the racial equity tool, which will answer some of those
questions, and some questions will be answered after engagement with community.
Commissioner Fowler referred to the dashboard, and asked if there are any other
demographics that will be examined.
Annette Moore said income.
Commissioner Fowler asked about disability, and recommended it be included.
Annette Moore said half of fair housing cases involve a disability.
Commissioner Fowler commended the collaborative effort.
Commissioner Bedford referred to the different types of training on the abstract, and
asked if the differences between then could be clarified. She asked if there is a process by
which the Commissioners fit in with training, the use of tools, and timelines.
Annette Moore said the hope is that the BOCC will be involved in this process just like
staff and boards and commission members. She said the desire is for everyone to be on the
same page and have the same knowledge. She said the difference between the trainings, is
37
that one is more foundational knowledge, and the anti bias training will focus on unconscious
biases and how to recognize them. She said the trainings will offer various levels of equipping.
Commissioner Bedford asked whom she should follow on social media.
Annette Moore said to follow the Human Relations Commission (HRC) on social media.
She said the HRC has a young person conducting the social media outreach to help capture the
younger folks now and have them engaged and involved for a lifetime. She said a calendar of
events will be put out, and the HRC will host engagement opportunities.
Commissioner Bedford said the interns can help with this.
Chair Price said it is important for the work to be intergenerational.
Commissioner Bedford said it is incredible and valuable that the towns are coming
along, and everyone can be on the same page.
Annette Moore said one of the suggestions was to present at the Assembly of
Governments meeting. Orange County is the first in the nation where all jurisdictions are having
the discussion to be on the same page.
12. Information Items (This item was moved from later in the agenda)
• June 1, 2021 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under$100
• Memorandum — NC Mountains to Sea Trail Progress Report
The Board agreed by consensus to go to item 12 in order to allow the public to speak.
Bonnie Hammersley said she was hoping to have a presentation for this meeting, but
that could not happen. She decided to put a quarterly report on the agenda, and will continue to
do this. She said there will also be a presentation by staff on the status.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Allan Green said he was hoping to hearing from Chris Henley on the status of the MST,
but he has read the report. He said he was encouraged to find that there was progress made
over the last year, though not as much as the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail would have
preferred. He said in the absence of a report, and given the time, he would ask the Board to
encourage David Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation
Director, to participate more frequently in the planning process.
Commissioner Greene thanked Mr. Green for his comment, and endorsed his request
for County staff to be more directly engaged in this process.
Chair Price said thanked Mr. Green for his comments, and for his patience in waiting so
long.
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
None
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
approve the consent agenda.
Roll call ensued.
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VOTE: UNANMIOUS
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes for the May 11, 2021 and May 13, 2021 Board of County
Commissioners meetings.
b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle
property tax values for two taxpayers with a total of two bills that will result in a reduction of
revenue.
c. Voluntary Agricultural District Designation — Multiple Farms
The Board considered applications from five (5) landowners/farms to certify qualifying farmland
within the Caldwell, Cane Creek/Buckhorn, New Hope and White Cross Voluntary Agricultural
Districts; and enroll the lands in the Orange County Farmland Preservation Program's Voluntary
Agricultural District program.
d. Construction Bid Award for Blackwood Farm Park Phase II Construction
The Board authorized the Manager and staff to negotiate a final construction contract with J.
Kester& Rose, LLC; of Fuquay-Varina, NC, the determined low bidder for the construction of
Blackwood Farm Park Phase II Project; and authorized the County Manager to execute the
Agreement, subject to final review by the County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for
contingent and unforeseen requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the
Board.
e. Quarterly Report (2021 Q1) for Orange County's CDBG-CV Grant
The Board received the first quarterly update on Orange County's Community Development
Block Grant— Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) grant from the NC Department of Commerce.
f. Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Amendment#14
The Board considered approval of budget, grant, and capital ordinance amendments for fiscal
year 2020-21 for Food Council; Criminal Justice Resource Department; Arts Commission;
Partnership to End Homelessness; Department on Aging; Sheriff's Office; Efland Sewer
Operating Fund; County Capital Projects; American Rescue Plan Act Funding; Debt Service;
and Non-Departmental Technical Amendment.
g. JCPC Certification and County Plan for FY 2021-2022
The Board approved the Orange County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Certification
and County Plan for FY 2021-2022.
h. Contract for Recycling Processor
The Board approved and authorized the County Manager to sign a two year contract with Waste
Management Recycling America, LLC, for the Processing, Marketing and Sale of Recyclable
Material.
i. Contract for Construction and Demolition Landfill Phase 2 Cell Construction
The Board approved and authorized the County Manager to sign a contract with Shamrock
Environmental Corporation for the Phase 2 construction of the Orange County Construction and
Demolition Landfill.
j. Compactor Purchase for Construction and Demolition Landfill and Approval of
Budget Amendment#14-A
The Board approved and authorized the County Manager to purchase a landfill compactor for
the purpose of compacting material delivered to the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Landfill,
and approve Budget Amendment#14-A.
k. NEOGOV Multi-Year Contract
The Board reviewed and authorized the Manager to sign a multi-year maintenance and support
contract for$396,288.42 (paid over five years) with Govern mentJobs.com (NEOGOV).
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I. Innovative Interfaces, Inc. Multi-Year Contract
The Board authorized the Manager to sign a multi-year maintenance and support contract for
$164,396.09 (paid over three years) with Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
m. Lease for 110 E. King Street
The Board reviewed the lease for 110 E. King Street, adopt the resolution approving the lease,
and authorize the Manager to sign the lease upon final review by the County Attorney.
n. USDA Lease of a Portion of the Orange County Bonnie B. Davis Environmental and
Agricultural Center
The Board reviewed the lease for a portion of the Orange County Bonnie B. Davis
Environmental and Agricultural Center to the United States Department of Agriculture; adopted
a resolution approving the lease; and authorized the Manager to sign the lease upon final
review by the County Attorney.
o. Contract Approval for Southern Human Services Center Roof and HVAC Replacement
and Approval of Budget Amendment#14-13
The Board approved a construction contract with Riggs-Harrod Builders, Inc. for the
replacement of the existing roofing system and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) equipment at the Southern Human Services Center; authorized the County Manager to
execute the Agreement and to execute any subsequent amendments for contingent and
unforeseen requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board, upon final
County Attorney review; and approved Budget Amendment#14-B.
p. Advisory Boards and Commissions— Appointments
The Board approved the Advisory Boards and Commissions appointments as reviewed and
discussed during the June 8, 2021 Budget Work Session.
q. Resolution Supporting a United States Department of Agriculture - Regional Food
Systems Partnership Planning Grant Application by Triangle J Council of
Governments
The Board approved a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, supporting a United
States Department of Agriculture - Regional Food Systems Planning grant, applied for by the
Triangle J Council of Governments.
r. Medicaid Transformation - Public Ambulance Providers (PAPs) Contracts with Public
Healthcare Providers (PHPs)/Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
The Board approved entering into agreements with the five (5) Managed Health Care
Organizations in order to be eligible for direct payments for Medicaid transports by Orange
County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
9. County Manager's Report
Bonnie Hammersley said the Southern branch library is on budget and schedule, after
the design development stage. She thanked the BOCC for its support and work on the budget,
and wished them all a good summer. She wished Commissioner Dorosin the best.
10. County Attorney's Report
John Roberts said the redistricting bill has passed the legislature and is sitting on the
governor's desk. He said this bill gives the Board the opportunity to respond to census data and
redraw districts by November 17. He said this is an extension of time, but is still a very short
turn around. He said census data will not be final and submitted until early October. He said if
there are changes, it will impact the vacant BOCC seat. He said the new Commissioner will be
appointed in the current district 1, but that district could change come the next election.
11. *Appointments
The Board discussed an appointment to the Board of Equalization and Review
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BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
BOCC Regular Member Partial Term 03/31/2023
Appointment
SPECIAL NOTATION: The Board may consider moving a current alternate member to the
vacant regular member position.
NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 03/29/2017
Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 05/04/2021
Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 03/31/2017
Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 03/31/2015
Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board introduced the item.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
move Leon Myers, a current alternate position, to a member position for a partial term ending
03/31/2023 on the Board of Equalization and Review.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
Commissioner Greene referred to the process discussed earlier in the evening,
pertaining to filling the vacant Commissioner seat, and said there was no time allotted in the
timeline for the Clerk to create the application and someone to harmonize the questions. She
proposed changing the June 26 date to the close of business on June 22, so the 23rd can be
reserved to harmonize the questions, and the Clerk can have a few days to pull the document
together. She said the form can them be announced on Monday June 28t"
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
amend earlier motion with the following dates:
• Questions due by 22
• Chair and Clerk will work on application on June 23-25
• Application to go live on June 28
12. Information Items (This item was moved to earlier in the agenda, after item 7.)
• June 1, 2021 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
• Memorandum — NC Mountains to Sea Trail Progress Report
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13. Closed Session
None.
14. Adjournment
Chair Price thanked all staff and the Board for all their efforts this year.
All of the commissioners wished Commissioner Dorosin well.
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
adjourn the meeting at 10:27 p.m.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
Renee Price, Chair
Tara May
Deputy Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.