HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 08-26-2025; 8-a - Minutes 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: August 26, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-a
SUBJECT: Minutes
DEPARTMENT: Board of County
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Minutes (under separate cover) Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board, 919-
245-2130
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the draft minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board
as listed below.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
Attachment 1: May 22, 2025 Budget Work Session
Attachment 2: May 27, 2025 Budget Work Session
Attachment 3: May 29, 2025 Budget Public Hearing and Work Session
Attachment 4: June 3, 2025 Business Meeting
Attachment 5: June 5, 2025 Budget Work Session
Attachment 6: June 17, 2025 Business Meeting
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GUIDING PRINCIPLE — COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS
We provide information and opportunities for engagement in a transparent manner so that
all in our community have knowledge, understanding, and a voice.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
Attachment 1
1
1 DRAFT MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 BUDGET WORK SESSION
5 May 22, 2025
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Budget Work Session on Thursday, May
9 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
12 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter,Amy Fowler, Sally Greene (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Earl McKee,
13 and Phyllis Portie-Ascott
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: None.
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin
17 Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present,
21 except Commissioner Greene.
22
23 The Board reviewed and discussed:
24 • FY 2025-26 Fire Districts' Tax Rates;
25 • Countywide Revenue Changes;
26 • Countywide Employee Compensation; and
27 • County Departments' FY 2025-26 Recommended Budgets.
28
29 BACKGROUND: The County Manager presented the FY 2025-26 Recommended Operating
30 Budget at the Board's Business meeting on May 6, 2025. Since then, the Board has conducted
31 one public hearing to receive residents' comments regarding the proposed funding plan. At the
32 May 15, 2025 Budget Work Session, the Board discussed recommended FY 2025-26 budgets for
33 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education, Orange County Schools Board of
34 Education and Durham Tech Community College.
35
36 This budget work session offers the Board an opportunity to review and discuss the recommended
37 budgets for fire districts, countywide revenue changes, countywide employee compensation, and
38 County departments.
39
40 Functional Leadership Teams:
41 The following Functional Leadership Teams are scheduled to attend the budget work session:
42
43 Public Safety:
44 • Courts
45 • Criminal Justice Resources
46 • Non-Departmental
47
48 Human Services:
49 • Aging
50 • Alliance Health
2
1 • Child Support Services
2 • Civil Rights & Civic Life
3 • Health Department
4 • Housing Department
5 • Library Services
6 • Opioid Settlement Fund
7 • Non-Departmental
8
9 General Government:
10 County Manager's Office
11
12 1. Discussion Regarding Outside Agencies Funding for FY 2025-26
13
14 Travis Myren, County Manager, made the following presentation:
15
16 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NC)RTH CARC LINA
Budget Work Session #2
Fire Districts, Public Safety, Human
Services, and County Manager
May 22, 2025
Board of Orange County Commissioners
17
18
19
3
1 Slide #2
2
County Fire Tax District Map
c ye
L RIV • 12 Fire Tax Districts
• 10 of 12 Fire Districts
Requested Tax Rate Increases
OR G R R L • Total FY2025-26
Recommended Fire District
NE Expenditures -$11,092,785
E" Increase of$1,685,398 over
\ _AM FY2024-25
AN E G G E N OP
HILL,
r1 S B> SOU H A, GREATER CHAPEL HILL ORANGE COUNTY
2 u§ S ❑ RN TRIANGLE NORTH CAROLINA
3
4
5 Slide #3
Fire District Tax Rates
• Ten of Twelve Fire Districts Requested Tax Rate Increases
Taxing District FY 2025 Tax Rate Revenue Neutral Rate FY 2026 Request Requested Increase Over impact on$400,000 Home
Revenue Neutral per Year
CEDAR GROVE FIRE 9.00 &54 7.54 1.00 $40.00
CHAPEL HILL FIRE 13.87 10.79 11.50 0.71 $28.40
DAMASCUS FIRE 12.80 9.79 1020 0.41 $16.40
EFLAND FIRE 10.28 7.38 8.38 I Zo $40.00
ENO FIRE 11.98 8.71 8.71 - -
LITTLE RIVER FIRE 7.39 5.36 5.35 - -
NEW HOPE FIRE 13.84 10.15 12.50 2-35 $94.00
RANGE RURAL FIRE 11.49 8.21 9.21 1.00 $40.00
RANGE GROVE FIRE 8.27 5.81 7.00 1.19 $47.60
SOUTH ORANGE FIRE 9.09 6.67 8.17 1.50 $60.00
SOUTH TRIANGLE FIRE 12.80 8.75 1120 1.45 $58.00
WHITE CROSS FIRE 13.84 10.30 14M0 3.70 $148.00
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
6
7
8
4
1 Slide#4
Fire District Recommendations
Recommended Fire District Tax Rates and Revenue
$3,000,000 1e.00 15.00
22.50 13.00
$2,500,000 0
10.20 10.2 ' 11.00
$7,000,000
75 8.17 9.00 r_FY2025-26 Tax Revenue
7.00
C $1,500,000 7.00n
G
5.D0 E
$1,000,000
W 3.00 . —FY2025-26 R-To.Rate
$500,000
1.D0
S -1.00
Cedar Chapel Dania— Efland Eno Little New Orange Orange South Southern White
Grove Hill River Hope Rural Grove Orange Triangle Cross
�1
a ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Travis Myren said that both Eno and South Orange have about the same tax rate but one
4 generates a lot more revenue than the other.
5
6 Slide #5
Fire District Recommendations
• District Requests -- page 163-166
• Cedar Grove
— 1.00 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
— Increasing costs of maintaining personnel and fire equipment.
• Chapel Hill
- 0.71 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
Increasing costs of maintaining fire equipment and supplies.
• Damascus/Southern Triangle
- 0.41/1.45 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
— Service provided to both districts by North Chatham Fire Department
Maintains same tax rate across both Orange/Chatham Districts.
— Meet growing demand and transition to full scope medical program
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
7
8
9
5
1 Slide #6
Fire District Recommendations
• District Requests — page 163-166
• Efland Fire District
- 1.00 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
- Increasing costs of maintaining personnel and fire equipment.
• New Hope Fire District
- 2.35 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
- Increasing costs of maintaining personnel and fire equipment.
• Orange Rural Fire District
- 1.00 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
- Increasing costs of maintaining personnel and fire equipment.
- Support debt expenditures for Waterstone station
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Travis Myren said most requests have to do with increasing cost of personnel and
4 equipment.
5
6 Slide #7
Fire District Recommendations
• District Requests — page 163-166
• Orange Grove Fire District
- 1.19 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
- Increasing costs of maintaining personnel and fire equipment.
- Support capital expenditures for station and equipment upgrades
• South Orange Grove Fire District
- 1.50 cent increase compared to Revenue Neutral Rate
- Increasing costs of maintaining personnel and fire equipment.
- Support dedicated chief-level command officer on incident scenes
• White Cross Fire District
- 3.70 cent increase compared to FY 2024-25 Rate
Increasing costs of maintaining personnel and fire equipment.
- support capital expenditures for fire engine replacement. ORANGE COUNTY
7 NORTH CAROLINA
7
8 Commissioner McKee said there would be an impact on residents from the revaluation.
9 He asked the department chiefs in attendance what the effect would be if the tax rate increases
10 were not approved.
6
1 Philip Nasseri of White Cross Fire said they face personnel cost issues and inflation on
2 maintenance and apparatus purchases. He said their debt service is wrapped into the tax rate.
3 He said that a third of the request is for personnel. He said inflation has affected the cost of
4 maintaining equipment. He said they would cut staff if the tax rate is not approved. He said this is
5 the only place they can make cuts and that would impact the ISO rating and response times. He
6 said the insurance increase would be higher than the tax increase.
7 Commissioner McKee said he is aware of the impact of the ISO rating. He said the fire
8 service is one thing that every resident benefits from. He said that he is not suggesting a cut and
9 wanted to know the specifics for the impact.
10 Chair Bedford asked for an explanation of ISO ratings.
11 Tony Blake, President of the Board of Directors of the White Cross Volunteer Fire
12 Department said that this Board has supported the personnel needed. He said over four years,
13 their expenses are up 50% over that timeframe. He said they need the increase in revenue.
14 Jeff Cabe, Fire Chief of Orange Rural Fire, said that homeowners insurance has a rating
15 based on personal protection classification. He said that is an evaluation of the fire protection that
16 the property gets, the closeness to fire station, training, how many firefighers respond, the
17 equipment on the trucks, response time, and numbers of fire fighters that show up. He said in
18 Orange County they have ratings of 3, 4s, and 5s and the highest you can get is a 1. He said that
19 Orange County does not have the tax base to get to the 1 rating. He said the higher the rating,
20 the higher the cost of insurance. He said you must be within five miles of a fire station to get the
21 best rating. He said that the ISO rating considers a lot of things, and it directly relates to property
22 insurance premiums for real estate.
23 Chair Bedford thanked the fire chiefs and departments for their comments.
24 Vice-Chair Hamilton said asked for more information on the salary and wage increases.
25 Philip Nasseri said they are based on certifications and time and grade. He said they are
26 now at $14 - $17 an hour and are looking to increase to $18 - $22. He said they are in a wage
27 war in the Triangle area. He said the goal is to provide a regional wage. He said that $17 - $18
28 is not at the top market rate of the area.
29 Jeff Cabe said Orange Rural is a full-time paid staff department. He said they are
30 considered a private corporation and must pay general industry wage standards. He said their
31 starting salary is $35,000 a year and competitors are anywhere from $45,000-$50,000 with far
32 less certifications and way more people. He said the last ISO evaluation they received he was
33 told they need 20 per day. He said if they do not get the tax increase, the positions will not be
34 filled,there will be no raises, and there will be impacts. He said they cannot afford to hire additional
35 personnel.
36 Commissioner Carter said she attended the Cardiac Survivor reunion and many of the
37 folks in the room were in attendance too. She thanked them all for what they do to take care of
38 everyone in their highest moments of need.
39
40
7
1 Slide #8
Countywide Revenue Changes
Property Tax
Sales Tax
Interest Income
ORANGE COUNTY
8 NOWI-H CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #9
Countywide Revenue Changes
• Sales Tax Collections including Medicaid Hold Harmless
FY2025-26 budget fiat to FY 2024-25 Budget
Actual Sales Tax Collections
$50.000.000,00 19 4% 20.0%
545.000.000.00 S43AM $4I.64M S41.37M S44.15M
$40,000.000 UO 14.1% S36.M 15.0%
535.000.000,00
2.1M
$30,000,000.00 527.84M $28.13M 10.0%
$25,000.000.00
524.11M f25.65M
320,000,000.00 5,0%
515.000 aoo.00
$10.000.00o,00 0.0%
Ss.000.000.00
so oo -5 0
2017 2019 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Est._2026 Rea
moommAdual -Change from Prior Year1
9 NORTH CAROI..INA
5
6
7
8
1 Slide #10
Countywide Revenue Changes
• Budget Assumptions —Tax Base History
Percent Change in Assessed Value
Real,Personal,and Motor Vehicle
50
al.zz%
50
s0
sa
so
19.76%
s0
18.60%
So
SO
5.91%
so74K 1.37%
1.08% 0.94% 0.51%
50 1.54% 3.07% 2.07% 2.72%
FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY201C FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2021 FY2024 FV2025 FY2026
Re-
ORANGE COUNTY
110 NOR"1-H CAROI_.INA
2
3
4 Slide #11
Countywide Revenue Changes
• Budget Assumptions —Tax Base History
Property Tax Base-Assessed Value
Real,Personal,and Motor Vehicle
535.000.000,000
$30.000.000 coo
525,000,000,600
$20.000.000,000
315,000.000,Oo0
$10.000.000,000
85.000.000,Oo0
59
FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026
R—
1
1� ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROI..INA
5
6
7
9
1 Slide #12
Countywide Revenue Changes
• Manager's Budget Recommends Increase of 2.95 cents over Revenue Neutral
Tax Rate
County Tax Rate History
�20.60
99.80
1 W 00 49 00
88 U0 85.80 B7M 06.79 86.M
81.87 83.12 83.58
80.00
65.59
60 M
40.00
20.00
a.o9
FY2005 FY2006 FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY20L8 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 M026
Sec.
2
3
4 Commissioner Greene arrived at 7:15 p.m.
5
6 Slide #13
Countywide Revenue Changes
• Budget Assumptions -- Interest Income
— Assumed lower interest rates in FY 26 compared to FY 25. Tariffs could change that
in unpredictable ways.
Interest Income
$3.000.o00
32,500,000 S2,362.660 $2.400.000
52,000.000 $1.809.873 $1,800,000
31,500.000
$1.15B.576
51,000.000 $800469 $798,683
$see.a$0 $43- . ■
7.172
$151,392 $84.805
$0 $17,7a6
FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 P,M, FY 2026 R d"t
,a ORANGE COUNTY
NOR-rH CARDLINA
7
8
9
10
10
1 Slide #14
Countywide Employee Compensation Package
Wage Adjustments
Retirement Contributions
Health and Dental Insurance
Turnover and Retention
ORANGE COUNTY
14 NOWI-H CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #15
Investing in Employees
— 2%Wage Adjustment-$1,797,292
• Applies to all employees on payroll as of June 30,2025
• Adjustment is also applied to merit awards and 4 01 K contributions
— Continuation of Merit Awards-$451,000
Peer Comparison of Proposed Tax Rate Changes and Wage Adjustments
Jurisdiction 10roposed Tax liate increase Oroposed Wage Adjustment Proposed Merit
I Cents per 00 Value All Employees Compensation
Orange County(revaluation) 2.95 2% $561-$1,122
Wake County 0.25 1% 3-4%
Durham County(revaluation) 3.50 3%
Chatham County(revaluation) T04 4%
Chapel Hill(revaluation) 5.80 5%
Carrboro(revaluation) 9.72 5%
5
6
7
11
1 Slide #16
Investing in Employees
— Continuation of Step Program
• Wage rate increases based on years of service
• Applies to employees of Sheriffs Office, Emergency Services, Social Services
• Average annual percentage increase—2.1%
— Increase in Retirement Contribution - $145,035
• 14.35% general government employees from 13.60%
• 16.10% law enforcement officers from 15.10%
ORANGE COUNTY
16 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #17
Investing in Employees
— Increase in Health Insurance Costs-$1,308,285
• 6.5% rate increase for active employees
— $809,475 cost increase
• Pre-65 and Post-65 Retiree Coverage
— Increase due to both rate increase and additional participants
— $496,810 cost increase
— Increase in Dental Insurance Costs-$16,405
• 4%increase
ORANGE COUNTY
17 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
8
12
1 Slide #18
Investing in Employees
Comparison of TumoveF Rate by Department(FY2024 to FY2025)
EMERGENCY SERVICES - -
SHERIFF N�
PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS
ENVIRONMENT-AG,PARKS AND REC �
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
LIBRARY SERVICES �
1111L-
HOUSING
CHILD SUPPORT$ERVICES
OC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
DEPARTMENT ON AGING
HEALTH
$OCTAL$ERVICE$
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
TAX ADMINISTRATION
REGISTER OF DEEDS
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
HUMAN RESOURCES
ASSET MANAGEMENT SERVICES
FINANCE AND ADMIN SERVICES
onsomr-
ANIMAL SERVICES
COUNTY MANAGER
0A0% 10.00% 20.00% 80,001E 90.009E 60.00%
.FY 2026(SrW=6)TvmaveT Rolle .FY 2VA Tum"F Raw
2
3
4 Slide #19
Investing in Employees
— Retention has Improved
COUNTYWIDE ANNUAL TURNOVER RATE
25,00%
20.69%
20.0D%
15.s1% 1s.2w1 35.49%
ts.00%
12.07%
12.10% 11.21%
taaa°s
taDow
5.00%
D00%
FY11.16 FY1fi-19 FY19-20 Fn2 21 FY21-22 FY22-23 FY2324 FY24.25 Pmj FY25.26 Budgeted
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
19 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Chair Bedford said she wished they could provide a higher increase to employees and
7 expressed appreciation to employees for their work.
8
9
13
1 Slide #20
Public Safety Functional Leadership Team
Criminal Justice Resource Department
Courts
Emergency Services (moved to 5127 work session)
Sheriff's Office(moved to 5/27 work session)
ORANGE COUNTY
20 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #21
Courts — page 127
— Juvenile Justice Detention Facility Charges Reduction—($90,000)
• Raise the Age—December 1,2019
• Rate increase from$130 to$150 per day effective July 1,2023
• Reduction in Juvenile Detention Admisslons
— 21 in FY2023-24
— 5in FY2024-25
• Reduction in Average Length of Stay
— 55 days on average in FY2023-24
— 30 days on average for FY2024-25
— Length of stay is longer for cases transferred to Superior Court
• Remaining Budget of$147,350
— Sufficient to fund approximately 980 bed days
ORANGE COUNTY
21 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Travis Myren said they are unsure of the reason behind the decline in length of stay and
7 juvenile admissions.
8
9
14
1 Slide #22
Courts — page 127
Juvenile Justice Facility Charges
Number of Admissions and Bed Days
25 1600
1,364 1400
20 19 19
UM
R.-the Age Eftdc a 16
'@ 12-1-2019 1000
a 15 0
C 853
800 S
10
10 600
5p1 2
G ba2
6
5 On
5 22a
2 0 36 . J. p�
10
2012-16 2019-11 2019-20 202021 2021-22 2022-23 2023-2d 202125Y
aaa�pof Bed Gays —0 of Distina Juveniles
r
ORANGE COUNTY
22 NORTH CAROLINA
Z
3
4 Slide #23
Courts — page 127
Juvenile Justice Facility Charges
Juvenile Justice Facility Charges Billed to County
$200,000
5164,500
5160,000
5160,000
$140.000
$120,0D0 5115,155
$100,000
$$D.DDO
559,414
360,000 $�.$'+<
$90,000
$27,328 $26,650
520,000
$1.220 5/;392
2012-16 201b19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-21 2023-20 202.25 Yto
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
23 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
8
15
1 Slide #24
Criminal Justice Resource Department - page 128
Community Care and Diversion Response Grant
Grant funds were suspended on March 24.2025
Funding moved to Behavioral Health Maintenance of Effort budget
Department of Health and Human Services notified County on May 9.2025 that funding will be extended through September 30,
2025
— Clinical Coordinator Transferred to Opioid Fund
• Position supports six of twelve high impact opioid abatement strategies
Requesting 3% Increase from ABC Board to Offset Expense Increases
$25,200 in new revenue
$840.000 in ABC revenue in base budget
— Contract Services at FY2024-25 Budgeted Amounts
• Dispute Settlement Center-$107,200
The Compass Center-$104,700
ORANGE COUNTY
24 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Travis Myren said the grant that was removed is now reinstated and they will bring back a
4 budget amendment.
5
6 Slide #25
Criminal Justice Resource Community Care and Diversion
Department — page 128 Response Team
2023 to 3-24-25
Diversion ReferratTypes Gender 74 comprehensive clinical
assessments completed
W:W:•.n- •� 229 referrals to mental
health support services
■ �_ -} 128 referrals to housing
services
Age Range Race
ORANGE COUNTY
25 NORTH CAROLINA
7
8
9
16
1 Slide #26
Criminal Justice Resource Department - page 128
Clinical Referrals and Treatment/Release Rate
3:f1 100%
90% 1F%
70%
500
_ BOYe
fit%
250 70%
200 60% �NAaseaeed
550%
150
40% +%PmNded
Tre I-1 a
100 30% Released
20%
SQ
10%
FYM19.2a PY202021 FY2021.22 FY2M$-2S FY202" MV&2SPm4 FYM25.2613.ft ee
ORANGE COUNTY
NC7RTH CAROUNA
2
3
4 Slide #27
Criminal Justice Resource Department - page 128
Deflections and Diversions from Criminal Justice System
4W
su
350 070
Lenten+Frgecl
Qw oec 20z1
251 - Yalth Defie~
Y60
Nw 2021
400 - CC pwmM l
Dry iun July 2019
150 Slreo Dulraa h
[SCHRADr Dec
tp0
95 202D
1 - eC lth vr0 61pt
Health� Cdte6urahon
Jurm YOY3
9
Fv.•••t�• FV202671 FY1021.7p FY262YTa FY20[Y" FY2f4�25 Prq FY20252G BudpaM
ORANGE COUNTY
... NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Commissioner McKee said right after he came on the Board, he had conversations with
7 judges where he asked them questions about these programs. He said it was explained to him
8 as a would you rather pay up front or pay later. He said that if they can keep their job with a
9 reduced length of stay, they should take that because if they are sentenced for a week or a month,
10 they would lose their job and then would need to receive aid in some form. He said that when
11 they got out of detention, they might have a record and could not get a job. He said this helped
12 his view.
17
1 Slide #28
Criminal Justice Resource Department — page 128
Pretrial Bookings by Month
250
200
150
tGD
50
0
January February March Apri May J.— July August September odt b- Mo .bgr Oec h-
—2019 —2020 —2021 —2022 —2023 —2024 —2025
ORANGE COUNTY
28 NOR"1-11 CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked a question about slide #24. She asked if they are
4 confident that they will receive the increase.
5 Travis Myren said if they do not, they will have to decrease expenses.
6 Chair Bedford asked when the ABC board would adopt their budget.
7 Commissioner McKee said their budget was in process.
8
9 Slide #29
Human Services Functional Leadership Team
Aging
Behavioral Health/Alliance
Child Support
Civil Rights and Civic Life
Health
Housing
Library
Opioid Settlement Fund
Social Services (moved to 5127 work session)
ORANGE COUNTY
29 NOR-17H CAROLINA
10
18
1 Slide #30
Human Services Work Group
— Human Services Functional Leadership Team Departments plus CJRD
— Work Group Objectives
• Improve resident experience and ease access to services across departments and services in the
community
• Identify service gaps,duplication, inefficiencies, opportunities to collaborate, including non-profit partners
and outside agencies
• Monitor performance measures and outcomes across agencies
• Formulate strategies to address gaps and improve efficiency
— Next Steps
• Create set of recommendations to County Manager—Summer of 2025
• Report to Board of Commissioners—Fall of 2725
• Implementation
ORANGE COUNTY
30 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #31
Aging — page 64
— Take Away Meals-$19,760
• Program was funded through ARPA and then through one-time funding through FY 24-25
• Federal funding available for congregate meal program only
• Two months of funding to sunset on 8/31
• 10 homebound individuals being served will be connected to Meals on Wheels
— Aging in Place In-Home Respite Care-$40,204
• Program expanded during pandemic with ARPA funds and then one-time funds to continue expansion
through FY 24-25
• Requires W,204 to maintain expanded caseload—equates to 24 hours per week
— Travel and Training Reductions—($295)
ORANGE COUNTY
31 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
8
19
1 Slide #32
Aging — page 64
Senior Centers-Unduplicated Participants
14,000
12,061
12,000
10,000
9,149
8,791
8,000 —
fi,000 5,000
6,000
ON - 3,792
ZA51
1901
zooa
FY2017-1g FY203g•19 FY2039.20 FV2020.21 FY2021.21 FY2022-21 FY208.24 FY2024.25 Pra) FYz025-26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
32 NORTH CAROLINA
Z
3
4 Slide #33
Aging — page 64
Senior Lunch Program Meals Served
50,00o
46,333
45,000
40,000
35,000 33,023
30,000
30,000 �.000-
25.576 25,643
25,000
Z0,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021.22 FYZ022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 Praf FY2025-]660dge%
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
33 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
20
1 Slide #34
Aging — page 64
Aging in Place/Caregivers
$140.000
$230,171
5120,000
$111,958
MUM
5aa.o0o
$70.613 $67 4F5
$64,022 $63,351
$eo,000
550,960
$46,390
540,000
520,000
$_
FY2017-18 rY2018-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023_24 FY2024-25 Proj FY2025-26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
34 NOI2T1-1 CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Carter referred to slide #32. She asked if the decreasing number of
4 participants has had an influence on services.
5 Janice Tyler, Director of the Department on Aging, said they did not have good record
6 keeping in the past and that older numbers may be too high. She said the Seymour Center sees
7 about 400 people a day, and the Passmore Center sees about 300 people a day. She said they
8 are trying to get people to scan in at a kiosk and indicate what services they will be doing. She
9 said they are trying to get a true unduplicated count. She said the software on the kiosks will not
10 show instructions in Mandarin or Spanish.
11 Chair Bedford asked if family members can borrow medical equipment for visitors.
12 Janice Tyler said yes, and they do that a lot when older family members are visiting
13 residents.
14
15
21
1 Slide #35
Alliance Health - page 71
Maintenance of FY 2025-26 Recommended
Effort Allocation Budget
Managed by Alliance $842.388
Health MCO ($70,000)bottle tax
Funding to County $568,994
Departments
Total Maintenance $1,341,382
of Effort
• UNC Contract Reduction ($146,412)—Medicaid Expansion
• Clinical Coordinator Position ($79,240)—Moved from MOE to Opioid Fund
• Orange Enterprises Contract $74,757—Moved from Outside Agencies
• Mental Health Coordinator Position $111,691 —Moved from Grant to MOE
ORANGE COUNTY
35 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #36
Alliance Health - page 71
AILLiance Managed Agencies Services FY25 FY26 Recommend
Arc of Orange County Volunteer Coordination $31320 $ 33,200
E Enterprises Employment and Services $ - $ 74,757
lub Nava Community,Inc, PSR Services $191,750 $ 191,750
recdomHouse Orange County Crisis Services $241,677 $ 242,449
even House Youth Focused Services $19,000 $ 19,000
aramore 0rangeCcuntyApartments $112,560 $ 133,667
NC Dept.of Psychiatry Inpatient Services(funded through 12/31124) $15,687 $
NC Dept.of Psychiatry Outpatient Services(funded through 12/31/24) $130,725 $ -
l Future Outpatient Services $106.048 $ 106,048
NC Dept.of Psychiatry Psychiatry Servicesfor Detention Center $25,000 $ 25,000
lllance MCC) Admin Support for all p ra rams2% $18,915 16,517
otat $894,682 $ 842,388
ORANGE COUNTY
36 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
8
22
1 Slide #37
Alliance Health - page 71
iA Pr Services Recommend
riminelJustice Resource Dept Youth Behavioral Specialist Position 93.16
rim in at Justice Resource Dept Tempo ra ry C li n i ca I Position 19,37
riminat Just I ce Re s o urce Dept Menta I He alth Coordi nator Positio n 101,691
riminatJustice Resource Dept Operations for Mentall-Iealth Diversion 10,00
Health Department ClinicatSocial Worker II(Integrated Behavioral Health)Position 137,55
Housing Department Rapid RehousingSpecialist Position a0,20
apartment of Sociat Services Trauma Focused Therapist Contract 50,00
apartment of Social Services Counseling for Families in Protective Services Contract 22,00
e artmentof5ociatServices Reside ntialChildreninFosterCareContract 55,00
Total 568,994
37 OR D UN
RT H cA.RvATY
2
3
4 Slide #38
Child Support Services - page 103
— Revenue increase-$39,669
Reimbursement is set at 2/3 of costs and not capped
— Document Management System
$47,426 ongoing subscription
$8,500 additional for maintenance and support fees based on experience to date
GRANGE COUNTY
3I3 T.1 R-M C.A RCH T N A
5
6 Commissioner Greene referred to slide #35. She asked if there are other Rapid
7 Rehousing personnel that they pay for.
8 Blake Rosser, Housing Director, said there are two Rapid Rehousing positions, one paid
9 for by maintenance of effort and one from the HUD grant.
10 Commissioner Portie-Ascott referred to slide #37. She asked about the positions at the
11 UNC Department of Psychiatry and if those positions are going away.
12 Travis Myren said that was reallocated to other projects in this budget.
23
1 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what the positions were.
2 Travis Myren said they would not lose any services and that it was for a contract for
3 psychiatry services.
4 Commissioner Fowler asked if that reflected their salary and benefits.
5 Travis Myren said yes.
6
7 Slide #39
Child Support Services - page 103
Percent of Cases Under Order
100.00%
90.00% 96.0u% g7.53MM 87S,x g7ac
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
50,00%
4a.oa%
30.D0%
20.00%
30.00%
FY1&19 FY19-20 FY20.22 FY21-22 FY22-23 FY23-24 FY2024-25 Proj FY2025-26 Budget
. - wg--�
ORANGE COUNTY
39 NORTH CAROLINA
8
9
10 Slide #40
Child Support Services - page 103
Percent of Current Support Collected
100.00%
Sono%
M00%
72.47% 70.56% 70-70}6 73.22% 73.37% 73%
6g-77% 70%
]n oB96
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30,00%
20,00%
10.00%
0.00%
FM 19 FY19-20 FY20-22 FY21-22 FY22-23 FY23-24 FY2024-25 PMJ FY2025-26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
40 NORTH CAROLINA
11
24
1 Slide #41
Civil Rights and Civic Life - page 106
— Travel and Training Reduction—($400)
— Work Plan Highlights for FY2025-26
— Plain language training for communicators
— ADA compliance for County website
— First responder anti-bias training
— Assume responsibility for Civil Rights and Fair Housing programs
— Summer youth leadership academy
— Low barrier housing work group
— Human Services work group
ORANGE COUNTY
41 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #42
Civil Rights and Civic Life - page 106
Number of Language Access Assessments Conducted for Employees
30
25
25
zo -
16
15
15
12
11
10
5
0
GY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2a23-24 FY2024-25 proj rY2025-26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
42 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Travis Myren said this represents the number of employees that have a bilingual
7 credential.
8
9
25
1 Slide #43
Civil Rights and Civic Life - page 106
Number of Community
Workshops and Presentations
28
16 15
14 —
1
12 2
0 10
10
6 5
4
2
0
FY2021-22 FY2022-73 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 Prq FY2025-26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
43 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Vice-Chair Hamilton noted that this department would take over the fair housing program
4 again and this would come from the Housing Department. She asked how the department would
5 provide the programs in a way that is responsive to the federal guidelines and who would be
6 responsible.
7 Travis Myren said there is more capacity in Civil Rights and Civic Life to manage the
8 program.
9 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked who oversees the program and how many staff members there
10 are. She asked if there is any legal training required. She asked what trainings in general are
11 required for staff for Fair Housing.
12 Travis Myren said when they hire the investigator, they will be able to hit the ground
13 running.
14 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what specific training they will need.
15 Paul Slack, Director of the Office of Civil Rights and Civic Life, said that it is a Fair Housing
16 Investigations and Intake Training.
17 Chair Bedford asked if the county attorney serves as the attorney for the department.
18 Paul Slack said a county attorney is assigned.
19 Chair Bedford asked if this is the one that the state took over.
20 Blake Rosser said yes.
21 Paul Slack said they must process eight cases and hire an investigator. He said once that
22 is done, they can restart intake and case investigations.
23 Commissioner Fowler clarified that currently HUD is providing the service.
24 Paul Slack said yes.
25
26
27
26
1 Slide #44
Health Department - page 169
— Fund a portion of Pandemic Recovery project grant-$40,000
• Provided part time lab technician, staff training, vaccine supplies
County funding to retain vaccine supplies
— UNC Medical Director Contract-$93,067
• Required to operate medical clinics
• Writes prescriptions and oversees clinical protocols
— Dental Revenue Increase-$11,745
• Incremental fee increases to match costs
— Community Health Revenue Increase-$28,211
• Medicaid Maximization funds and Formerly Incarcerated in Transition (FIT)grant
ORANGE COUNTY
44 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #45
Health Department - page 169
— Environmental Health Revenue -$69,958
• Two new fees added for existing wastewater system inspections and operating permit revisions/renewals
— Personal Health Revenue Increase- $64,954
• Incremental fee increases to match costs
ORANGE COUNTY
45 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
27
1 Slide #46
Health Department - page 169
Dental Care Patient Visits
Boca
7,215
7000 0,840 8,424 8,992
8,506
6,131
Boca —
6.008 6.003 5,018 6.000
Boca 4,766 -
4000 3'S40
3Baa
2000
loco
a
FY2012-13 FY2013.14 FY2014-15 FY201546 FY2016.17 FY2017-18 FY201849 FY2014.20 FY202021 FY2021.22 FY2022.23 FY2023.24 FY2024.2025 FY2025.26
Pro] Budg
ORANGE COUNTY
46 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Fowler asked if the healthcare expansion in the 10-year CIP affects
4 revenue with services.
5 Quintana Stewart, Health Director, said that they are looking for a consultant to help do an
6 assessment. She said the thought is if they can get more staff and exam rooms, they will be able
7 to serve more people.
8 Commissioner Fowler said the expense of funding the position is typically offset by
9 revenue.
10 Chair Bedford said she submitted that budget amendment to hold-up on the expansion
11 because she wants to take another look at all departments and the boardroom that they are in.
12 She said they were informed that Medicaid dollars must be used for health department specific
13 programs.
14 Quintana Stewart said that Medicaid rules mean those funds can only be used where the
15 funds were originated.
16
17
28
1 Slide #47
Health Department - page 169
Dental Revenue by Source
ORANGE COUNTY
47 NORTH C'_AROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #48
Health Department - page 169
Percentage of Medicaid Dental Visits
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% 41% 40%
40% 32% 32% 329% 36% 34% 32%
30%
18%
20°h
10%
0%
FY2012-13 FY2013-14 FY2014-15 FY2015-16 FY2016.17 FY2017.18 FY2018.19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021.22 FY2022.23 FY2023.24 FY2446 FY2026.26
Proj Budg
ORANGE COUNTY
48 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
29
1 Slide #49
Health Department - page 169
New Food Establishment Permits Issued
90
s0
72 72 72
70 —
63
60
60 55
50 4g
4ii 48
40
30
20
70
0
FY2016.17 FY2017.18 FY2018.19 Eat. FY201940 FY2020-21 FY2021.22 FY2022.23 FY2023.24 FY2024-25 Proj FY2024.25 Budg
ORANGE COUNTY
49 NORTH CAROLINA
Z
3
4 Slide #50
Health Department - page 169
Number of Child Health Visits
1800
600
1600
1448 1474
1400
1213
1200
luau
800
600
400
200
0
FY22-23 FY23-24 FY24-25 Prci FY25-26 R-de-t
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
50 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Commissioner McKee said that the increase in visits indicated to him that people care
7 about making sure the children are healthy
8
9
30
1 Slide #51
Health Department - page 169
Personal Health Revenue by Source
546
In-r-n- Grant Revenue
ORANGE COUNTY
51 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Chair Bedford asked what the wait time is for dental appointments.
4 Quintana Stewart said they were only able to hire part-time hygienists and that increased
5 wait times. She said it is about 30-45 day waiting period for new patients, but existing patients
6 can be worked in daily.
7
8 Slide #52
Housing Department - page 178
Preserving the Long Time Homeowners Assistance Program-$274,000
• $24,000 increase from FY2024-25
- Emergency Housing Assistance
• Increase of$70.000 reallocated from other areas in the department budget
— Contracted Services at FY2024-25 Funding Amounts
• IFC Contract-$274,453
• PSH Contract-$150,000
• Community Home Trust-$308.476
— Increase of$41,666 to match FY25 actuals
— Partnership Budget
• Increase to Cover Cold Weather Cot Program based on FY25 experience-$25.000
• Increase of$9,320 for Point in Time Count contract
ORANGE COUNTY
52 NORTH CAROLINA
9
10
31
1 Slide #53
Housing Department - page 178
Increase in Housing Choice Vouchers-$1,101,678
Funding from federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
80%of the increase represents higher rents(average subsidy increases from$786 to$937 per month)
687 total vouchers available;650 under lease
— HOME Award Decrease Expected—($61,032)
• Reflects reduction experienced in FY2024-25
— Reduce temporary employee costs-$35,826
Use existing vacancy to provide staffing support at Southern Human Services instead of temporary employees
ORANGE COUNTY
53 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many more people the county will be able to assist
4 with the increases in emergency housing and long-time homeowners assistance program.
5 Blake Rosser said for emergency housing, they will likely serve the same number of
6 people. He said they anticipate serving 13-15 people a year at $4,500 per month. He said for
7 the Longtime Homeowners Assistance program, they will not know until they receive applications.
8 Commissioner Carter asked if they would have an increase in the HOME funding.
9 Blake Rosser said these materials were made before the notification of the increase and
10 they will increase. He said there is not going to be a decrease from the current year to the next
11 year.
12
13 Slide #54
Housing Department - page 178
Home Repair Program Funding
Program Name FY2025-26 Recommended Funding
Urgent Repair Program(State) $60,000
Urgent Repair Program(County) $100,000
Essential Single-Family Repair $35,500`
HOME—included in proposed Annual Action Plan $148.000
Master Aging Plan—Repair Program for Older Adults $62,000
TOTAL $405,500
"This is a three-year grant totaling$150,000. $35,500 is the amount remaining for FY2025-26.The Department may apply for an
additional$80,000 once the original award is exhausted.
ORANGE COUNTY
54 NORTH C:AROLINA
14
32
1 Slide #55
Housing Department - page 178
Housing Choice Vouchers Under Lease
goo
640 650 65Q
610
600
500
.no
300
l00
100
0
1
FY=y-=a Fr:a-�y P ra. FY23-M Budpl
ORANGE COUNTY
55 NORTH CARQLrNA
2
3 Chair Bedford asked if there are vouchers that have not been awarded yet.
4 Blake Rosser said most remaining vouchers are special purpose vouchers for veterans
5 and they are awaiting referrals from the VA in Durham. He said they are at the cap for other
6 vouchers. He said there is evidence that numbers are going down and they want those to be there
7 while they await certainty on funding for the next year.
8 Kirk Vaughn, Budget Director, continued the presentation:
9
10 Slide #56
Housing Department - page 178
— Longtime Homeowners Assistance Program increased$24,000 to provide sufficient funding to
cover the increase in taxes in the Recommended Budget for the average household as
compared to last year's award.
Original analysis did not account for the revaluation nor looked at the specific cohort that
received funding in FY 2025.
— Tax office provided information about the impact of the revaluation on that original cohort.
Their pre-appeal tax values have increased 59%from FY 2025, above the county average.
That cohort will see on average a 16% increase in County tax burden through the revenue
neutral rate calculation,and a 22% increase in burden based on the Manager's
Recommended Budget.
— Longtime Homeowner Assistance program benefit in FY 25 provided a greater benefit to the
587 households than just the increase in taxes from FY 24 to FY 25. On average reduced
their county tax burden by 25%.
ORANGE COUNTY
56 NORTH CAROLINA
11
33
1 Slide #57
Housing Department - page 178
— Based on that cohort, county staff estimated what level of relief FY 26 LHA program would
provide at different funding levels. However, staff can't estimate the number of applicants.
The more applicants to the program,the less benefit each household receives.
— Board could restrict program rules to 10 years of ownership, to ensure a larger benefit for a
smaller base. Would have made 80 applicants in FY 25 ineligible.
— Recommended funding levels would be able to absorb tax increases from FY 25 to FY 26 with
some ability to absorb an increased cohort. Would not provide the same proportional benefit.
AwardProvide both FY 25's
Cover tax FY 26 Provide the same award and cover
increases from Recommended proportional tax increase in taxes from
Funding Program FY 25 to FY 26 Budget relief as FY 25 rY 25 to FY 26
$268,656" $249,529 $774,000 $328,213 $501,362
Average Size ofAward $458 $428 $467 $565 $863
Percent of County Tax
Burden Alleviated 25% 19% 21% 25% 38%
'F{ousing Department ulilized internal funds to increase award above$250.D66 in budget
ORANGE COUNTY
57 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Fowler asked if any folks have a lower percentage increase, would they
4 differentiate between the groups.
5 Kirk Vaughn said that if they receive the same proportional benefit, he still included them.
6 He said the proportion of the benefit stays the same.
7 Commissioner Fowler asked for that small group they would only get an additional break.
8 Kirk Vaughn said he was not including changes in how the program was awarded but
9 rather benchmarking. He said they would still have the same rules unless the Board changes
10 them.
11 Commissioner Fowler said for the last one, if they had an increase from 2025-26 they
12 would not just give 38%.
13 Kirk Vaughn said they would only give them to what the tax burden was in 2025. He said
14 that they are the minority and on average there are more people needing more money.
15 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she is concerned about the approach to the program and
16 changing the rules. She said people who would want to apply to the program need consistency.
17 Chair Bedford asked if she would want to change the eligibility to 10 years or keep it at 5
18 years.
19 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she would keep it at 5 years.
20 Commissioner McKee said he would not want to change the eligibility. He said the
21 changes that this would create would eliminate people that still have a need. He said that some
22 benefit to a larger group is better. He asked if the funding recommended for the program would
23 cause a small increase in the 2.94%.
24 Kirk Vaughn said the value of the penny is $3.3 million.
25 Commissioner McKee stated that it would not make a difference on the tax bill, but it would
26 make a psychological difference.
27 Commissioner Greene said George Barrett of the Jackson Center said there is a rubric
28 which awards more points to people that have been in their homes longer and people who are
29 older. She said he seemed to think it would not make much difference to leave it at five. She said
34
1 that fixed amount of money that people are applying for. She concurred the rules needed to stay
2 the same.
3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she is in favor of helping as many people as possible.
4 Chair Bedford said she submitted an amendment with an estimated figure, but she was
5 happy to see the modeling. She said she thinks they should try to do a budget amendment for
6 the $225,000 because this is a revaluation year. She said that more people are likely to apply this
7 year. She said the County Manager had recommended more in the social justice fund and the
8 difference will be a little tax increase or possibly in fund balance.
9 Travis Myren said that there could be a slight tax rate increase and they can calculate that
10 and bring that back to the Board.
11 Chair Bedford asked for that scenario to be added to the budget amendment website for
12 people to review.
13
14 Slide #58
Library Services— page 190
— Travel and Training Reduction -$1,740
Library Circulation
Physical and Digital Collections
500,000
500,000
400,ODD
300,000 ■Digttal
•PhyM.t
200,000
1D0,0D0
FY2019-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2021-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 Proj FY2025-26 Budget
15
16
17
18
35
1 Slide #59
Library Services— page 190
Visits to Main Library
200,000
180,000
160,000
140,000 —
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
FY2013-19 FY2019-20 FY2020.21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 Proj FY2025-26 Budget
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
59 NORTI-E CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #60
Library Services— page 190
Visits to Carrboro Library Resources
140,000
120,0Bo
100,000
80,000
fio,00o
■Cyb—y
■Southern Branch
40,000
■McOaugle
20,000
]UAL-
FY2018-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY202I.22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 Prcj FYZ025-26 Budget
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
60 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
36
1 Slide #61
Library Services— page 190
Average Library Traffic by Day
February 1,2025—May 11,2025
600
533
593
Sao —
All all 42d ala
.1. 38fi 391
36n 364 366 368
390
322
3W
2D11
100
Sunday Montlay Tuesday Wednesday T6uraday Friday Satwdav
■Main aSomh—
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
61 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #62
Opioid Settlement Fund — page 199
— Expected to receive a total $12,748,445 over an 18-year period
— County wilf receive $1,019,496 in FY2025-26
— Community grants approved by the Board on 5120
• Piedmont Health—$50,400
• El Futuro—$50,000
• Freedom House—$72,000
• UNC SHAC—$37,600
• Reintegration Support Network—$20,000
ORANGE COUNTY
62 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
37
1 Slide #63
Opioid Settlement Fund - page 199
Previously
FY25-26
OPioid Settlement Fund Projects Approved Manager's Total
Recommended
Lantern Project $ 337,967 $ 201,747 $ 539,714
Freedom House $ 322,485 $ $ 322,485
NC FIT Program $ 143,500 $ 74,724 $ 218,224
County Vending Machines $ 68,000 $ 25,000 $ 93,000
SHAC Syrirge Exchange Program $ 101,800 $ $ 101,800
Reintegration Support Network $ 40,000 $ $ 40,000
Post-Overdose Response Team $ 244,020 $ 338,350 $ 582,370
Grow Your World $ 20,000 $ $ 20,000
Transition Support&Recovery $ 20,000 $ - $ 20,000
Harm Reduction Coordinator $ 108,025 $ 110,861 $ 218,886
CJRD Clinical Coordinator $ - $ 108,191 $ 108,191
Piedmont Health $ 50,400 $ - $ 50,400
EI Futuro $ 50,000 $ - $ 50,000
Total Allocated $ 1,506,197 $ 858,873 $2,365,070
Unallocated $ 2,128,601 $ 160,623 $2,289,224
Total Recommended Budget $ 3,634,798 $ 1,019,496 $4,654,294
Commundy grants approved on 5120 are included in the-Previously Approved"column. 1
ORANGE COUNTY
63 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Carter asked about a coordinator position that was removed from the
4 budget. She asked if the $160,623 unallocated funds could be used for that position.
5 Travis Myren said they would not need the full amount for the position.
6 Chair Bedford asked how it happened that there are unallocated funds.
7 Kirk Vaughn said the schedule for the opioid settlement fund was frontloaded. He said
8 they are spending the balance down over the years and this delays the programs from needing a
9 county subsidy.
10 Chair Bedford asked if Commissioner Carter's suggestion means that they would have to
11 add county funding a little earlier.
12 Kirk Vaughn said that coordinator contract was about$90,000, so if that is per year, it may
13 be 2030 or 2031 that they are at the break-even point.
14 Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a training plan for providing services after the opioid
15 funding runs out and encouraged training for staff.
16 Travis Myren said yes.
17 Commissioner Greene said that is a good idea and this is over eighteen years rather than
18 ten.
19
20
21
38
1 Slide #64
Opioid Settlement Fund — page 199
e Based on currently funded programs, fund may need General Fund subsidy by FY2031-32
5A11Prawd � —.11 1 FY27.28 FY28.29 FY29.3� FY30-31 MI-32
OpkId Seakinwnt Fund Pryacn Through Pw}� projected Projected Projected PrajUmd Projected Projected
FY24.25 I
_
Star gBalann $ 3,634,79615 2,128601 $ ] 9 24 S 176 3d S 1236668 5 903,616 5 552,907 S 5alm
'2W,t500 $ 20d,MO 5 20dd10 S
Now hlvena. 5 5 k,0t9,a% 5 606}62 5 63s�92 5 6s7.sa2 $ as9,aw $ (A9793,k33 $ 735,993
Annual Surplen](Odk3t) 5(1,506,197} 5 (69"M 5 (247-90} 5 (524$65} 5 (333,0a9 $ (350,712} 5 9.039} 1r1,5(67E7j
Endlnd Balance $2,126,681 S 2,659,224 S 1,761,234 $ 1,236,668 $ 983,6W $ MrS87 $ 53,868 $ 556,919}
Opleld Seulcvnent Fund PmjettF —2.33 FY33.34 FY3d-35 —1-116 FY36.37 FY37-- FYIM-39
P,nJeeted Prnjeeted Pnjeeeed Prnleeted P-i-iied P-Jeeted Pnjerted
Starkng balance None None Nnne Nnne Nene None Hone
New Revenue $ 676553 $ 535,633 S 503.108 $ 503,106 $ 416,069 $ 300,676 $ 300,676
Annual surphn/(wtkk) $ (727,565} $ (929,6901 (1.024.4321 (1,990,809} $ {1,247,5431 $(1,436,117} $ (1,512,957}
"14g 6llenc! N/A IY,'A N/A Ai lY,'A FIIA lY,'R
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
6d NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #65
Opioid Settlement Fund — page 199
North Carolina Orange County
TheasNmeted W¢rdame MaM stem N[is 29.]o¢t or 1pn.Wnresitlentsin 2a24,representing the e5tlmated oveMnse Oeatn rate inoranye is l0.0 oft of iv0,000 res1eents in2024,1epresentmg
(pi3,213 people wlw died or an overdose. (projeRedJ 15.00 people who died of an overdose.
a��efear FLT16Y�rM1 PWWHe'-nSeVulraerM
wini(e}:This rin¢ l`mn the N rates seen in NC. Cnmgan{6J:This rate' among the WESiratasseen�nNC-
Trend(i}rnrsrate�s -z8%d>erga tna vr�w Ywr. Trend{�}:Yhis rare is 36%change om the yrlor Yea,.
xc ar,e��.c¢au vc oK,r�oramcamr o,rns�w.,m:a orem xrz c,.s.�+dw:.¢x�newm
r�.t
uuV�l 1pp
Link to Dashboard
ORANGE COUNTY
65 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
39
1 Slide #66
Non-Departmental Appropriations - page 194
— Community Centers-three percent(3%) Increase from FY2024-25-$9,063
• Rogers Road Community Center Total $108,292
• Cedar Grove Community Center Total $111,931
• Efland Cheeks Community Center Total $109,486
— Social Justice Reserve
• $250,000 total
• $50,102 increase from FY2024-25
— Municipal Library Contribution—Flat to FY 2024-25
• Town of Chapel Hill Library Total $621,323
• Town of Mebane Library Total $700
ORANGE COUNTY
66 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #67
County Manager — page 120
— County Manager, Sustainability, Strategic Planning and Budget
• Travel and Training Reductions-$2,027
— Arts Commission and Eno Arts Mill
• $9,806 increase in Eno Mill and State grant revenue
• Addition of a Program Coordinator
• Overhead costs added-$32,264
• Additional funding for UpRoarthis summer$20,000
• All expenses funded through Occupancy Tax or other outside revenue
ORANGE COUNTY
67 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
40
1 Slide #68
County Manager— page 120
Number of Class Participants Served at Eno Arts Mill
2,000
900 679
B00 B00
800
698
700 —
600
500
400
300 232
Z200
FY2021.22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 P-j FY2025-26 Budges
r
ORANGE COUNTY
68 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #69
FY2025-26 Recommended Budget
• Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
69 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Chair Bedford reminded the Board that budget amendments are due May 28, 2025 at 8
7 p.m. so that the public can view them before the second budget public hearing. She explained
8 the process for making and presenting budget amendments to the County Manager's
9 recommended budget process.
10
41
1 Adjournment
2
3 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
4 adjourn the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
5
6 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7
8 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
9
10
11 Recorded by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
12
13 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
Attachment 2
1
1 DRAFT MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 BUDGET WORK SESSION
5 May 27, 2025
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Budget Work Session on Tuesday, May
9 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
12 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-
13 Ascott
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: None.
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin
17 Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below.)
19
20 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present.
21
22 The Board reviewed and discussed FY 2025-26 recommended departmental budgets.
23
24 BACKGROUND: The County Manager presented the FY 2025-26 Recommended Operating
25 Budget at the Board's May 6, 2025 Business meeting. Since then, the Board has conducted one
26 public hearing on May 13, 2025 to receive residents' comments regarding the proposed funding
27 plan. At its May 15, 2025 budget work session, the Board discussed recommended FY 2025-26
28 Outside Agencies funding and recommended budgets for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
29 Board of Education, Orange County Schools Board of Education and Durham Tech Community
30 College. At its May 22, 2025 budget work session, the Board discussed the recommended FY
31 2025-26 budgets for the Fire Districts, as well as departments in the Human Services and Public
32 Safety functions.
33
34 Tonight's work session offers the Board an opportunity to review and discuss the recommended
35 budgets directly with County departments and the Sportsplex within the structure of Functional
36 Leadership Teams, including operations, capital, and department fee schedule change
37 recommendations.
38
39 Functional Leadership Teams:
40 The following Functional Leadership Teams are scheduled to attend tonight's work session:
41
42 Public Safety:
43 • Sheriff
44 • Emergency Services
45
46 Human Services:
47 Social Services
48
49 Support Services:
50 • Asset Management Services
2
1 • Community Relations
2 • Finance and Administrative Services
3 • Human Resources
4 • Information Technologies
5
6 General Government:
7 • Board of County Commissioners
8 • Board of Elections
9 • County Attorney
10 • Register of Deeds
11 • Tax Administration
12
13 Community Services:
14 • Animal Services
15 • Cooperative Extension
16 • Environment, Agriculture, and Parks & Recreation
17 • Economic Development, including Article 46 Sales Tax
18 • Visitors Bureau
19 • Planning and Inspections
20 • Solid Waste
21 • Sportsplex
22 • Transportation Services
23
24 Travis Myren, County Manager, made the following presentation:
25
26 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Budget Work Session #3
Emergency Services, Social Services
Support Services, General Government, Community Services
May 27, 2025
Board of Orange County Commissioners
27
28
29
3
1 Slide #2
Emergency Services - page 152
Emergency Medical Services Revenue-$471,900
• $275,000 of total increase due to dedicated collections position
— Crisis Response Community EMT-$76,087
Moved to County Funds due to expiration of grant
• Cost offset by additional EMS revenue
— Additional investments
Document and Policy Management Software required for emergency and law enforcement certifications-$15,855
• Gracie Medical Defense Course for Workplace Violence-$17,500
— Reductions
• Adjustments to temporary personnel and overtime-$35,127
• Costs to Continue-$30,699
Travel and Training-$2.643
ORANGE COUNTY
2 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #3
Emergency Services - page 152
Emergency Medical Services Charges
$6,000,000
$5.510,552 $5,B70,000
$5200.000
$5.000.000 $I,9I8203
$4,000.000 33.039.011
$3,924.902 $3,120.BW $3,300,950
$3,000,000
$2000,000 -
$1.000,000
$0
FY201&18 FY201 F20 FrM-21 FY2021.22 FY2022.23 FY2023.24 FY202425 PM FY2025.2a Bu00et
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
4
1 Slide #4
Emergency Services - page 152
Collection Rates
80.00%
70.00%
65.0096 65.00%
80.00%
5776% 59.13% 08,29°/n 60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30,00%
20.00%
10.00%
000%
FY2018-19 FY2019.20 FY2020.21 FY2021-22 FY2022.23 FYM23-24 FY2024-25 P" FY2025-26 BWOM
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
4 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #5
Emergency Services - page 152
Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement
s1ag0.000
s1,600.000
S1400.a00
$1,200.000
S1.000.000
—Medicaid
Medicare
f800.000
—Medicare HMO
SW0,000
S490,000
S200.000
90
FV2018.19 FY2019.20 rY2020.21 rY2021-22 rv1022.23 FY2=124 Fr202a-25 Prq FY2025.26 Budget
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Travis Myren said the largest payer of EMS bills is Medicare and they are projected to
7 collect 42% of revenue from Medicare sources.
8
9
5
1 Slide #6
Emergency Services - page 152
EMS Annual Call Volume 1 Demand
25,000
23,238
22,396
21,773 21,990
20,93E
20.000 19,378
15.528 15,894
15.000
10 000
5,000
FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2022-23 FY2023.24 FY2024-25 Praj FY2025.26 Budgei
ORANGE COUNTY
6 NORTH CAROLINA
Z
3
4 Slide #7
Emergency Services - page 152
Calls Processed
100.000
a9=
90,000 a7.aw 93,714 easza �'a e4.079
80.000
70.000
60,090
50.000
40,000
30,000
20.000
10,000
FY2018-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 Praj FY2025-26 Bud
e 911 Calls
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
6
1 Slide #8
Emergency Services - page 152
Average Response Time
1ro9
17:45
11:30 1130
11:31
11:14
11:02 10:58
1Q,33
VM4
9:36
9:07
9 07
8:51
8:36
$:W
7A0
7:72
F1'2ffL1.22 FY2022-27 FY202329 FY2024.25 Proj FV2025-26 9etl
-Overall Average -Emergent Average
ORANGE COUNTY
8 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #9
Emergency Services - page 152
%of Vehicle Time Spent Idling
50%
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023./.: FY2024-25 Prq FY2025-26 Bud
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
9 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Chair Bedford thanked Emergency Services staff for their volunteer efforts after Hurricane
7 Helene. She said the divisions of the department are doing so much for the community and she
8 appreciates their efforts.
9
10
7
1 Slide #10
Sheriff's Office — page 210
• Jail Revenue Reduction—($491,000)
-- Due to housing fewer federal inmates
— 1 in March of 2025;11 in March of 2024;21 in March of 2023
• Overtime Closer to Actual Expenses-$400,000
Overtime necessary in any 24 X 7 operation
Detention Center staffing consultant identified overtime benchmark at 10%of salaries
Additional expense aligns budget more closely to the 10%benchmark
• Temporary Employee Expenses Closer to Actual-$500,000
— Court staff
— School Resource Officers in OCS Elementary Schools
— Administrative support staffing
• Fleet Maintenance Contract—($306,000)
— Corresponding increase in Fleet Services
ORANGE COUNTY
10 )R'FH CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason for why there are fewer federal inmates.
4 Travis Myren said the Federal Marshal decides where to take the inmates.
5 Chair Bedford said a new detention center opened in Virginia.
6 Sheriff Blackwood said there are several factors at play. He said during COVID, the
7 marshal service was asked to remove 27-30 inmates from their detention center. He said one of
8 the places they were taken to is in Virginia. He mentioned that they had an escape at the facility
9 and since that incident, the marshal service made improvements. He said they ended up
10 transferring all the inmates there. He said there are conversations about the reductions and those
11 are ongoing.
12
13 Slide #11
Sheriff's Office — page 210
Detention Center Population
Point in Time
140
120
1DD
so .
•Stete Serving
� •Federal
■Prelnel
as
zo
0
"� ry� ti ti ti 1� M1~ M1� M1� M1� h�' 'L1 M1� :4M1 hM1 hM1' M1M1' M1M1 M1'' '>' '6' :1 M1M1 M13 ti ti ti ti ti ;4 M1h 1`'
ORANGE COUNTY
11 NORTH CAROLINA
14
8
1 Travis Myren said you can see a decline in the number of federal inmates in 2024.
2
3 Slide #12
Sheriff's Office — page 210
Federal Jail Revenue
$1.4DD,D00
$1,200,000
51.2DD,DDO
$1,009,870
$1 OWD00
$892.65(1
5000,000
5709000
5600,000
$400.000 $386.044
S222,937
s2DD,DDD
$-
FY 22 Actual FY 23 Actual FY 24 Actual FY 25 Budget FY 25 To Date FY 26 Recommend
Sheriff expects increase in Federal usage in FY 26 than in prior years ORANGE COUNTY
12 NORTH CAROLINA
4
5
6 Slide #13
Sheriff's Office — page 210
Sheriff Overtime
52,00,000
$1,841 123
$1,800,000
$1,E00,000
$1 A00,000
$1,228,338 $1,233,270
S1,200,000
$1,000.000
$833.270
$BW,goo $71D.010
$800.000
$400,000
$205.217
$200,000
S
FY 22 Actual FY 23 Actual FY 24 Actual FY 25 Budget FY 25 To Date FY 26 Recommend
ORANGE COUNTY
13 NOR-1-H CAROLINA
7
8
9
10
9
1 Slide #14
Sheriff's Office — page 210
• Matrix Consultant provided an industry standard overtime ratio of 10% of permanent salary costs.
Overtime as a Percent of Salary
20.0%
8.4
18.0%
16.0%
14.2%
14.0%
12.0% 10.994
10.0% _______.. .-___ __ --
8.0%
6.0%
4.0% 2 6%
z9%
o.o%
FY 22 Actual FY 23 Actual FY 24 Actual FY 25 To Date FY 26 Recommend
-Overtime as Percent Target
ORANGE COUNTY
14 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner McKee asked if this is fiscal year or calendar year.
4 Travis Myren said this is based on fiscal year.
5
6 Slide #15
Sheriff's Office — page 210
Sheriff Temporary Personnel
$900,000
S800.0m $753.473 $772.823
$700,000 $683,370
$636.152
5600.000
$500,000
5418,023
$400.000
MUM $272,823
5200.000
$100,000
s-
FY 22 Actual FY 23 Actual FY 24 Actual FY 25 Budget FY 2025 To Date FY 26 Recommend
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
15 NORTH CAROLINA
7
8 Commissioner McKee asked if the temporary personnel are used to cut overtime.
9 Sheriff Blackwood said there are two separate components. He said that retirees can only
10 work 1,000 hours per calendar year and those drawing Social Security can only work 750 hours
10
1 per year. He said there are also officers that always want to work some overtime. He said they try
2 to absorb from the part time. He said that a factor they have to consider is that each deputy has
3 different training for their assignments. He said that because of their uniquities, it is beneficial to
4 use part-time employees to assist. He said that there is a move afoot that is supposed to expand
5 the 1000 hours. He said there is a Return-to-Work bill which would allow a retired deputy to keep
6 working without losing their supplement. He said that it allows them to keep seasoned, trained,
7 and certified officers in place.
8 Commissioner McKee asked if hiring full-time staff would alleviate overtime or would the
9 specific needs for each position require hiring more than would be reasonable.
10 Sheriff Blackwood said it would, but the cost would be much more than what they are
11 paying them now.
12 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the court staff are temporary employees. She asked
13 if they were the ones that transport people from the detention center to court.
14 Sheriff Blackwood said there is a separate transport staff. He said court staff are designed
15 to work in the courts. He said they have some full time and some part time employees in the
16 courthouse. He said there are several courts spread out in the county that his employees have to
17 staff.
18 Commissioner Carter asked about the budgeted number to support domestic violence
19 contacts and incidents. She asked what is behind the significant increase in the budgeted number
20 vs. the last projected.
21 Sheriff Blackwood said there has been a significant increase in the number of domestic
22 violence incidents. He said there are a lot of factors at play as to why, but the numbers are through
23 the roof and is a wave that is washing over them.
24 Chair Bedford asked for an update about getting a body scanner and other updates to be
25 able to use the classroom space for those held in the detention center.
26 Sheriff Blackwood said those discussions are ongoing and as soon as there is money for
27 the updates they will work with Asset Management Services. He said the funds are present for
28 the body scanner and the funds are in the body camera line. He said that there are several
29 approvals necessary in purchasing that and those are ongoing.
30 Chair Bedford asked how in-person visitation is going at the detention center.
31 Sheriff Blackwood said it is going well, and there have been no incidents.
32 Chair Bedford asked about the bus stop.
33 Sheriff Blackwood said the bus does not run during the visitation hours.
34 Commissioner McKee said everyone appreciates the work he and his staff do to keep
35 them out of the national news.
36 Sheriff Blackwood said he is blessed with wonderful teams. He said Orange County has
37 an amazing staff, including the County Manager. He said that with the leadership they have the
38 combination of his work and Tina Sykes work has been very rewarding.
39
40
11
1 Slide #16
Social Services - page 214
Revenue increase in Economic Services- — Cost increase for In-Home Aide Contracts-
$179,643 $100,000
• Food and Nutrition Services and Medicaid Home based care and support
Uncapped revenue follows cost increases To accommodate living wage increase and rise in
demand and need
— NC Integrated Care for Kids Grant(NC Ink) — Equipment,furnishings and routine
Loss of grant funding technology upgrades-$90,000
This loss will be offset by eliminating 1.0 FTE vacant Laserfishe project transfer from IT Governance
position. Council
• Replace ageing facility maintenance equipment
— Travel and Training
Reduction due to cut-S2,650 — Contracted Services—No change from Base
• Interfaith Council-$75,000
• 0CIM-$103,915
Scltys-$50=0
ORANGE COUNTY
16 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #17
Social Services - page 214
Medicaid Recipients Since Expansion
25,Op0
20'twt
u15,OOP
9 1
32
1]54e 1],609
17A53 1Y349 ,i0a s ]8,701 0
y 10,030 2 I
Y
SAD
- I 01 If 91
Nw-23 Oec-23 Jen-24 Tel)-24 Men-24 Apr-24 Mep-24 Jun-24 Jut-24 Aug44 Sep.24 Oct-24 Nw 24 D -24 Jen-25 Felr26 Mar-25 Ap
Months
■E�anslpn •86stft
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
17 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
12
1 Slide #18
Social Services - page 214
Medicaid Recipients
Monthly Average
30,000
15 000
21,939
19,84]
20,435 20.861 20,647
20,000
18,082
15,909 15,367 16,387 16,516
15,000 13,575 13,580 14,000
10,000
5,000
FY2013-14 FY2014.15 FY2015-16 FY2016.17 FY2017.18 FY2018.19 FY2019.20 FY2020.21 FY2021.22 FY2022.23 FY2023.24 FY2024-25 FY2025.26
Projected Budgeted
ORANGE COUNTY
18 NO(2T1H CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Greene asked why the increase is not higher after Medicaid expansion.
4 Lindsey Shewmaker said since COVID, a lot of people receiving services lost them at the
5 same time that expansion happened. She said they expected to see an increase, but it has
6 remained steady.
7 Commissioner McKee asked if some of those losing coverage were not able to reapply.
8 Lindsey Shewmaker said during COVID, recertification was not required, so those who
9 are truly not eligible anymore are those making up the majority of those who lost coverage.
10
11
13
1 Slide #19
Social Services - page 214
Households Receiving Food&Nutrition Services
Monthly Average
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000 637� 6.343
6A53 S,eie 57$� _ 5,832
6,000
5,151 5,074 4973 5.162 5,146 5.154
5,000 —_ 4-15-
4,000
3,000
2,000
I,000
FY2013-14 FY2014-15 FY2015-16 FY2016-17 FY201748 FY261849 FY2019120 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 FY2025.26
Pmjeaed Budgeted
ORANGE COUNTY
19 NORTH CAROLINA
Z
3
4 Slide #20
Social Services - page 214
Average Number of Children Served per Month by Child Care Subsidy
Wa
749
721 720
100
630 61S 610 616
500 S11 570
544
500
400
300
200
100
FY2016-17 FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 FY2025-26
Projected Budgeted
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
2C NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Commissioner Fowler asked about the slide#20. She asked how the proposed federal bill
7 will impact recipients.
8 Lindsey Shewmaker said the bill shifts at least 5% of the cost of benefits to states. She
9 said the federal government paid 100% of the SNAP benefit mounts. She said the 5% could go
10 up to 25% based on error rates. She said that NC would be responsible for around $625 million
14
1 based on NC error rates. She assumes most states will not be able to afford that so they will have
2 to decide the adjustments they will need to make.
3 Commissioner Fowler asked if she has talked to anyone at the state level.
4 Lindsey Shewmaker said those in DHHS are still processing the information. She said that
5 the other piece is shifting administration costs to the state. She said in NC, counties pay the non-
6 federal share, so that will be passing cost directly to the county. She said the total cost for both
7 cost shifting proposals will be up to $700 million or more per year.
8
9 Slide #21
Social Services - page 214
Children in D55 Legal Custody
140
120 113 —
97
100
88 B6 B6
78
fie fib 70
60
40
20
FYID18-17 FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20 PY2020.21 FY2021-22 FY2022-29 FY2023-24 FY202F2s F(oJ FY2025-26 Budgeted
• Needing more time to establish permanence
• FY 20-21 Erdiies:35.Exits:51
• FY 21-72 Emdes:40,Exiis:29
• FY 22.23 Erddea:35,Exlta:21 �
• FY 23-2 E d23.Exits:36 ORANGE COUNTY
FY 24-25 Erddeea:s:19.Exits:34)ihru March)
21 NnRTH 47,ARCDl.1NA
10
11 Travis Myren said children in DSS legal custody also stabilized. He said the number of
12 entries is less than the number of exits and that is good news, and they are happy to see that.
13
14
15
1 Slide #22
Social Services - page 214
Work Participants Gained Employment
so
72
20 68
64
60
51 52
so
45
40 36
30
25
20 - 19
10 —
Bv2019 16 Bv2010-19 1v2019-20 fv1L10.1! tv102]-22 1v102]-23 FY2 24 FY w02 P'.Je ¢0 6'1302 26 Mie1¢d
ORANGE COUNTY
22 NOR71 C CAROLINA
2
3 Travis Myren said that they expect the numbers to increase now that they are located
4 centrally in Carrboro.
5
6 Slide #23
Board of Commissioners — page 83
— Video and Cable Casting Services
• Increase of$36,540 for estimated quote to continue with current vendor and for additional Summer meetings
— Membership Dues
• Increase of$7,303 for organizational memberships
— Contract Services
Net increase of$1,060;offset by eliminating funds for unexpected contracts and switching from Zoom to Teams
ORANGE COUNTY
23 NORTH CAROLINA
7
8
9
16
1 Slide #24
Board of Commissioners — page 85
Goal: 100%of contracts posted to document management software within two weeks of completion
100.0% — —-—-— —-—-— — — ._ — — — —
95.0%
90.0%
85.0%
80.0%
75.0%
70.0%
65.0%
60.0%
55.0%
50.0%
FY2021-22 Actuals FY2022-23 Actuals FY2023-24 Actvals 2024-2025 Budget FY2024-25 Proj FY2025-26 Budgeted
—%of contracts posted to document management software within two weeks of completion —•-Target
ORANGE COUNTY
24 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #25
Board of Elections — page 85
— Increase in revenue due to four(4)scheduled municipal elections in FY2025-26-$102,250
Increase in operations and personnel
• Expenses associated with holding elections-$35.500
• Personnel to support elections-$190,286
— Travel and Training cuts-$1,276
ORANGE COUNTY
25 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
17
1 Slide #26
Board of Elections — page 85
Voter Registrations processed
100,000
90,0a0
60,000
75.253
70,000
60,000
50,000
55,224
s0,000
40,000
30,951 30,409 30,000
30.000
20,000 19' 18 257 19,644
15,292 15,552
10,000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
ORANGE COUNTY
26 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Carter said the legislature has made it so there is less time after an election
4 to process the results. She asked how this is reflected in the budget and if that need is fully
5 addressed.
6 Travis Myren said that the Board of Elections requested an additional staff person to
7 address the needs which was not included in his recommended budget. He said there is a
8 pending commissioner amendment to restore that position.
9 Chair Bedford asked for Elections Director, Rachel Raper, to come forward and talk about
10 the need for the position and what duties and responsibilities they would have.
11 Rachel Raper said she requested a position to serve as an election's coordinator position.
12 She said this would help with additional requirements from state and federal laws or bills. She
13 said the position would be the intake specialist and would interact directly with voters in the office.
14 She said there is a lot of correspondence because they must cure ballots within three days. She
15 said they will do whatever they have to do to meet the requirements within the three-day period.
16 She said the position will also help support the growing complexities in elections.
17 Chair Bedford said they will discuss budget amendments at a future meeting. She said
18 that even though there are more elections, there are fewer ballots because of the change in type
19 of elections. She said turnout is lower for municipal elections. She said she is torn when the ballots
20 are reduced.
21 Rachel Raper said the preparation for an election is the same regardless of the actual
22 turnout. She said more local elections result in more traffic in the office and more communications.
23 She said with the new three-day requirement, she is unsure how that will impact operations. She
24 said she is doing her due diligence in requesting what she thinks will be needed.
25 Chair Bedford said there is no primary in March, but the next fiscal year is the US Senate
26 election, and the turnout may be higher.
27 Rachel Raper said she believes there will be a higher turnout for that election in March.
28 Chair Bedford asked if a full-time position is not possible how many months of that position
29 would be necessary.
18
1 Rachel Raper said she would prefer someone to start July 1 to help with the municipal
2 election. She said if someone does not love working in elections it will be better to find out after a
3 municipal election vs. a presidential election.
4
5 Slide #27
County Attorney — page 118
— Base budget reduction-$627
• Countywide TravellTraining Cuts
Legal Review Completed in<10 Days
96%
94%
93%
92%
92%
91%
91%
90%
89%
FY20a23 FY2623.24 FY202425 P.1 FY2025.26 BUdpptnd
ORANGE COUNTY
27 NORTH CAROLINA
6
7
8 Slide #28
Register of Deeds — page 207
— Revenue-$7,500
• Additional for Credit Card Acceptance Fees
— Software-$28,035
• Partial cost(25%)of annual maintenance
— Capita!-$6,790
• Filing and Storage
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
28 NORTH CAROLINA
9
10
19
1 Slide #29
Register of Deeds — page 207
Register of Deeds Revenue
$4,0o0.000
$3,500 000 $3.42M
$3,000000
$2,600000 $2.35M $2.26M
f1.99M $1.9810 $2.09M $2.18M
$2000000 91.66M 51.94M $1.95M $1.97M
s1,5oo,000
$1,0W.000
M.000
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Est 2026 Rec.
ORANGE COUNTY
29 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #30
Tax Administration — page 226
Revenue from Chapel Hill-Carrboro City — Occupancy Tax audit increase-$15,000
Schools and Towns for collecting property Cost being offset by a transfer from the Visitors
taxes and stormwater fees-$143,260 Bureau funds(located outside of the department)
—increase for new FTE �.0-$65,131 Increase to base operations-$11,063
—
Assist with emergency services billing and overtime
forrevafuation — Travel and Training cuts-$2,000
• Offset by additional revenue in Emergency Services
Npartment
Increase in the county's payment of ACH fees
for taxpayer property tax bills-$25,000
ORANGE COUNTY
3l] NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Commissioner McKee asked if the fee for ACH is 3%.
7 Travis Myren said the fee is $3.25.
8 Chair Bedford said if you can transfer from the bank, it saves fees on credit cards as well.
9
10
20
1 Slide #31
General Government
• Assessed Home Value by Tax Jurisdiction
-- Based on 2025 Revaluation
— NCDCR notice indicates median sales assessment ratio 98.9%
Judsdicdon #of Qualified 2025 Median Assessed Value
Sales*
Carrboro 933 $604,950
Chapel Hill 2,652 $692,350
Hillsborough 964 $427,500
Mebane 857 $363,800
Orange County 8,613 $509,200
"Qualified sales from January 2021 through December 2024 �
ORANGE COUNTY
31 NOWI-H CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #32
Asset Management Services — page 78
Increased cost of utilities
$90.575 electricity
$33,446 water
• $24,223 natural gas
Facility Maintenance Tech for Life Safety Checks and Painting
• Monthly inspections of fire extinguishers,emergency lighting,exit signs
$672 cost savings and$35,000 cost avoidance
New building operating costs for Southern Branch Library and Skills Development Center
$296,924 total cost;$164.734 County share
Custodial services,utilities,building operations
Security Guard
32 pRNOR H C O COUNTY
5
6
7
21
1 Slide #33
Asset Management Services — page 78
Utility costs
$2,000,000
$1.300.000
S 1,600,000
$1,400,000
$1,200,000
51,000,000
$800,000
$500,000
11
5400,000
5200,000 —
50
FY201&19 FY201320 FY2020-21 FY2021.22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FV2024-25 Prol FY2025.26 Budges
■ELECTRICITY ■WATER .NATURALGAS
ORANGE COUNTY
33 NORTH CAROLINA
Z
3
4 Slide #34
Asset Management Services — page 78
%of Work Orders Completed within Time Standards
80%
74% 75%
72N
70%
65%
60%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY202425 Prof FY2025-26 Budgeted
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
34 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
8
22
1 Slide #35
Community Relations — page 110
— Travel and Training cut-$200
Soclat Media Outreach Metrics
5000
es0a
4000
'son
loco
2500
2000
�soo
I Doc
500
0
2➢23-23 2023-24 2026-2 2024-25 PtojecM 2025.26 BUW
—Faceb..k —1—g.. —VooTube •�New�Bttx
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
35 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #36
Finance and Administrative
Services — page 161
— Operational Savings-($5,571)
• Reduction in temporary employee costs
— Countywide Travel &Training Cuts-($2,050)
ORANGE COUNTY
36 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
23
1 Slide #37
Finance and Administrative
Services — page 161
Electronic Payments as Percent of Total Disbursements
300.0%
90.0%
B0.0% 75.5% 76.5% 75.4% 78.0%
7010%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
30.6%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
FY22.23 FUM4 FY24.25 Pruj FY25.26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
37 NOR-1-H CARCMANA
2
3
4 Slide #38
Human Resources — page 183
— Department budget realignment-$146,334
• Bonds and Insurance$83,760
• Works Comp Premiums$42,121
• Worker Claims$46,000
• Cost to Continue Reduction($23,907)includes software moving to IT
• Travel and Training Reduction($1,650)
ORANGE COUNTY
38 NORTH CARCAANA
5
6
7
24
1 Slide #39
Human Resources — page 183
Bonds, Insurance, Cyber and Worker's Comp Premiums
11'000,000.00
$1,612,372
E1600,000 00
$1,400.00000 $2,359,030 $1,387,470
$1,193.106 $2,176A27
$1206.000.00 $SA80,122
b1,000,000.00
s600.000 00
5600.000.no
6400,000.00
1200,000 00
s-
FY 2016-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021.22 FY2M-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 P.J FY2025-26 audgeMd
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
39 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #40
Human Resources — page 183
Workers Comp Claims
%WAW.00 Go
5546,875
5500,000.00 5C
54001000-00 9 4a
5530.000
5300,0W.00 527u,150 80
5200Amm 2C
$100A00-00 $78,911 SWABS $82,044 562.675 $64.775 $77,i46 10
S- ■ ■ . 0
FY 2017-Ia FY2016.19 FY M-20 #Y2020-21 FV2021.22 FY2022-23 M023-24 FY2024-251ia) FY2025-26 tudged
—Wnke15C4mp Cb1- —P ddnt4
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
40 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Travis Myren said the number of claims is the same; there were just a couple of high
7 claimants that impacted the numbers shown on this slide.
8
9
25
1 Slide #41
Information Technology — page 187
— Software subscriptions, maintenance and licensing-$567,131
• Increased costs of existing software—Increase of$335,778
• Added Servioes/Features for existing applications—Increase of$498,190
• Decommissioned features and applications—Savings of$266,837
— Operational Savings-($73,328)
• Countywide Travel&Training Cuts-($2,434)
• Ending of Management Services Contract—($65,000)
• Other Operational Savings—($5,894)
ORANGE COUNTY
41 NOR-1-H CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner McKee asked if the reduction of features and applications impacted the
4 serviceability of the software.
5 Travis Myren said no. He said the software that was decommissioned is without
6 consequence.
7
8 Slide #42
Information Technology — page
187
Service Desk Complete 90%of Routine Calls for Service Within 18 Hours
100%
90% 87% 68% 909;
85°0
60%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
70%
0%
FY22-23 FY23-24 FY24.25 Proj FY25-26 Budget
az ORANGE w COUNTY
LINA
10
26
1 Slide #43
Animal Services — page 72
— Animal Control Revenue—remains at base
• Services provided to Towns on a cost recovery basis
— Personnel, Operations and Capital-$8,977
• Net decrease
ORANGE COUNTY
43 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #44
Animal Services — page 72
Animal Control Services Responses
Mvw
9.000
8,000
7,000
6,189 6,179 6,941 6,292
6,024
5,000
4,864
5.Oc0
4,027 6,257
3,931 3,Sw
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
FY2013-14 FY2014-15 FY2015-16 FY2016-17 FY2017-18 FY201B-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023-24 FY2024-25 FY2025-26
Projected Budgeted
-4ftMz=- 1
ORANGE COUNTY
44 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
27
1 Slide #45
Animal Services — page 72
Cruelty and Neglect Investigations
Animal bites and rabies exposure cases
800
700
600
500 478 479
418 417 402 393 39B 424 +Cruelty&Neg1m1nvmtjgatfans
400 382 383 qqq
—F babies Espasures&81tes
300 EL275
2D0
100
0
FY2012-13 FY2013-14 FY2014-15 FY2015-16 FY2016.17 FY2017-19 FY2018-19 FY2019-20 FY2020-21 FY2021-22 FY2D22-23 N2023-24 FY2024-25 FY2025-26
Pmjeded Budgeted
ORANGE COUNTY
45 NORTH CAROLINA
Z
3
4 Slide #46
Animal Services — page 72
Animal Shelter Admissions
2,500
xDDD 1}30
1,757 1,798
1,500
1,443 1,486
1.196 1,232 1.24
1,326 1,375 1,151
1,288 1.237 �F—Dabs
1,000 —other
11.. 4DD2 1,015
$22 851
500
vimza3 FYzm3-ta Fy2ma15 Fvams.xc tnms.v t--fn F ... F-1 -z trims z3 pxai;aa Frzmbss
Prple[i SAC.6
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
46 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Travis Myren said the increase in the number of cats is attributed to the Community Cats
7 Program. He said the program vaccinates, sterilizes, and returns the cats to the farm within 72
8 hours.
9
10
28
1 Slide #47
Animal Services — page 72
Live Release Rates
120% — —
100% 26% 93% 93% 93%- _ -
92% 8 97�% 9% 91%
86% 07% 87%
80%
69% 8 88%
9% 9 92% 92% 91% 91%
�
79% 80% 91% 82%
fi0% +Ce15
AS—D.p
—Other
40%
20%
0%
M0 14 RY3 15 mmI w mm&17 MD17-15 P 1.19 PY20143Y M03621 M021-22 MM2-23 M023 M 25 FY202536
P1ot9u Bu1ge1
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
47 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Travis Myren said Orange County's shelter would be considered a high-performing shelter
4 based on the live release rates in slide #47.
5 Chair Bedford said she appreciates the department's focus on helping individuals and
6 families keep their pets and providing funding upfront to help address issues that might lead to
7 surrendering.
8
9 Slide #48
Cooperative Extension — page 113
— 20% Livestock Agent
• $16,000 Reimbursed by Durham County
• $1,000 less than FY24-25 due to more accurate
projections of personnel costs.Decrease in expenses
reflected in contract personnel costs.
— Contract Personnel Budget Alignment—
$4,295 increase from FY24-25
• Pays university for Cooperative Extension staff
• Due to typical salary changes and the addition of
longevity payments for some employees
4+
ORANGE COUNTY
48 NORTH CAROLINA
10
29
1 Commissioner Carter said she appreciates the focus on food security and highlighted its
2 importance if SNAP benefits are cut at the federal level.
3
4 Slide #49
Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation - page 133
Fee increases
Revenue Increase of$30,544 from fee increases and$5B,439 from updated projections in other areas
Summer Camp Base Fee-$75 to$65 a week
• Afterschool Fee-$160 to$165 a month
Farmer's Market Pavilion Resident Fee-$20 to$30 per half-day;$35 to$45 Full-Day
• Nsw Special Event Parking Fee-$5 per car
— Higher enrollments and expansion of Summer Programming
• $5,825 in increased expenses offset by$14,612 in new revenue
• Reduced the wait list from 474 to 127 after expanding programming
— Other Operating Changes
• Removing 2 FTES for ground maintenance.Shifting to providing these services via contract Swings.Net savings of$42,464
ORANGE COUNTY
4� NCJIt'1'l f C:AROI.TNA
5
6
7 Slide #50
Department of Environment,
Agriculture, Parks and Recreation
- page 133
Recreation Program Enrollments
moo
6250 6250
0000
7000
Iwo
S000
4000
3000
mo
1000
0
FY22-23 FY23-24 FY24-25 Prot FY25-26 B.d9.1
ORANGE COUNTY
50 NORTH CAROLINA
8
9
10
30
1 Slide #51
Department of Environment,
Agriculture, Parks and Recreation
— page 133
Recreation Division Cost Recovery
Mi.
S0ti 43% 49%
47%
1
J.'.
FY23.24 FY24.25 Prof FY25,26 Budge
ORANGE COUNTY
5t NC7RTH CARQLINA
2
3 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how this cost recovery compares to similar counties.
4 David Stancil, DEAPR Director, said other jurisdictions often calculate this formula
5 differently. He said that given this calculation includes the entire Recreation division budget, it is
6 in line with other jurisdictions.
7 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how this calculation is different from other jurisdictions.
8 David Stancil said other jurisdictions focus more on direct costs to revenues, while this
9 includes other overhead costs like copying, travel and training, and other operating expenses.
10
11 Slide #52
Small Business Grants
Economic Development— page
141 10 51
41
40
- Department costs funded in Article 46 30 0Applic Iron.
•Apwuyvd
20
20
- Overhead cast increase to General Fund-
$26,164 �o
a — -
PrriV0.1� ir1aQ�,21 W101i1f FeSD2bZ1 Fe10QHf Fnf R10ri16 SugN
Agriculture Enterprises Grants
n za
xs zz
20
17
IS 113
— 12 i�Appll"NMI
3-
52 0
]A 30 10 •ApWWed
10
5
rixmnn rvxm�,u enmaxa amxa�x4 mm�a wq mmsxsmxn
12
31
1 Slide #53
Economic Development — page 141
— Occupancy Tax revenue increase from Base-$236,529
• Based on FY24-25 projected actuals with no increase
— Town of Chapel Hill reducing payment by$175,000
— Visitors'Bureau final repayment of pandemic related General Fund loan-$224,000
Leaves Visitors'Bureau fund balance at$373,061 or 12%of budgeted expenditures
Two months of personnel expenditures would equate to approximately 6%of total expenditures
ORANGE COUNTY
53 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Travis Myren explained that the Town of Chapel Hill will contribute less of the occupancy
4 tax it collects.
5
6 Slide #54
Economic Development — page
141
Occupancy Tax Revenue History
$2,56Q060
$2,353,229 $2,363,229
52,669,000
$2,000,000 C1 naA,9I
51,671,71E 51,661,644
tu
S1,500,000
81,247,53E
51,666,666
SE22.049
5560,000
FY2016-17 FY MME FY2028-19 FY2019-20 FY2M8-11 FV2021-22 FY2022-23 FYL623-24 FY2024-25 Maj FY1025-26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
54 NOR-TH CAROLINA
7
8
9
10
32
1 Slide #55
Article 46 — page 76
— Total Projected Collections_$6,391,998
• Flat to FY 24-25
Due to large refund and declining growth,Article 46 revenues may miss budget by up to$200k
• Fund is driven by single revenue source,susceptible to economic contraction
Split between Economic Development and Education
Economic Development-$3,195,999
• Education-$3,195,999
Education allocation determined by average daily membership less Charter students
• Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools-$1,960,745
Orange County Schools-$1,236,264
ORANGE COUNTY
55 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Kirk Vaughn, Budget Director, began presenting here. He explained that the next few
4 slides are included for information due to a couple of commissioner amendments that have been
5 submitted.
6
7 Slide #56
Article 46 Sales Tax — page 76
Expenditure Category Amount Notes
Debt service on infrastructure $1,009.605 Actual projected debt service
Incentives $577,921 New funding for Incentives
Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center Audlt $10,000 Additional funding for audit
Agricultural Grants $165,376 $7,875 Increase from FY2024-25
Business Investment Grants $181.913 $8,663 Increase form M024-25
Agricultural Summit $6,000 Operating costs to host annual summit
Breeze Farm Contribution $15,000 Same as FY2024-25
Durham Tech Promise Scholarships $200,000 Same as FY2024-25
Durham Tech Back to Work Initiative $100,000 Same as FY2024.25
Economic Development Department Budget for FY25-26 $458,060 Operating Costs for Department
Indirect Costs Associated with Economic Development Department $165,963 $26,164 higher than FY2024-25
Chamber Dues $14,360 Dues to Chapel Hill Carrboro Chamber
ORANGE COUNTY
56 NC7RTI I C:ARC)I.INA
8
9 Kirk Vaughn said slide #56 shows the programs that are funded within the Economic
10 Development portion of Article 46 funding.
33
1
2 Slide #57
Article 46 Sales Tax — page 76
Expenditure Category Amount Notes
County's 75%share of Agricultural Economic Development $92,729 Actual position cost—remaining 25%paid by NC
Position State University
Part-Time Breeze Farm position in Cooperative Extension $18,000 Position to maintain equipment,assist farmers and
Department contribute to horticulture projects
Chapel Hill Chamber Contract for Community Advocate $30.000 Cost of contract
Durham Tech Small Business Program $70.000 Same as FY2024-25
DTCC Apprenticeship Coordinator $9.093 $328 more than FY 2024-25
Research Triangle Regional Partnership $52,ODD Membership dues
DTCC Innovation Hub $20.000 Same as FY2024-25
TOTAL $3,195,999
ORANGE COUNTY
W NORTH CAROLINA
3
4 Kirk Vaughn said slide #57 shows money that is diverted to the General Fund to pay for
5 related expenses and positions.
6
7 Slide #58
Article 46 Sales Tax — page 76
Recommirided Use of Reserve Funds Amount Notes
Incentives $577.921 Provides incentives for Medline,ABB,Morinaga,
and Wegmans
Economic Deveiopment Department Operations $46,713 Keeps department operations at Base
TOTAL $624,634
County has significant incentive payments scheduled for next few years. Table
shows fastest replacement schedule if all firms meet economic and employment
performance measures.
6
Medline $ 178,877 $ 178,877
egmans $ 400,000 $ 4ao,000 -
BB $ 324,13t]0 $ 178,583 -
Morinaga $ 185,953 $ 634,519 $ 739,494 $ 690,344
Total $ 1,088,830 $ 1,391,979 $ 739,494 $ 690,344
58 OR CANGRTH COUNTY
8
34
1 Commissioner Fowler said she recalls these incentive packages were about five years
2 and that if they met those criteria, they got back 75% of property tax. She asked how the 75%
3 amount was calculated.
4 Kirk Vaughn said it is also based on the anticipated investment that they make.
5 Commissioner Fowler said she thought that the awarded amount was 75% of their
6 property taxes for that year. She said if the bill is less in a year, then their bill will be 75%.
7 Kirk Vaughn said that is true but because of the other factors, it does not equal the same
8 percentages. He said for Medline, they invested more than the contracted amount and they are
9 still due to pay those even though the tax base may be lower over the next two years. He said
10 that Wegman's has a specific agreement that only 25% is affected. He said that Medline met
11 requirements earlier, so they were due sooner, and the county did not pay that then, so they are
12 paying it now. He said that Morinaga is uncertain because it is not built yet.
13 Commissioner Fowler asked why they were not paid earlier.
14 Chair Bedford said they all received deferments during the pandemic.
15 Kirk Vaughn said that this is the only one where this structure is not true. He said that
16 Morinaga has more flexibility, but they went with the amount that was put in to be conservative.
17
18 Slide #59
Article 46 Sales Tax — page 76
• Due to weaker revenues and significant incentive payments in coming years, County
may not be able to cover all services next year. If Article 46 can not make all
incentive payments, General Fund will have to absorb.
• There may be some flexibility: Unspent awards can be redirected to Incentives; not
all Incentives will be due at earliest contracted time due to performance agreements.
County can use one-time funds for FY 27 gap.
Article 46 Funding FY25.26 FY26.27 FY26-27 FY27.28
evenue 5 3,195,999 5 3,323,839 5 3,456,793 5 3.595,065
ebt service 1 009 605 1,031,75S 015 514 819,0713
commit Develo.—t De artrn nt 5 458,060 5 523.312 $ 545,979 5 569,779
u rt for General Fund Expenditures $ 276,692 S 289,627 $ 303,208 $ 317,468
utsideGrants and Initlaclves $ 873,721 S 901,277 $ SK99D $ 886,134
ew Incentive Money 577,921 $ 577.868 5 725,102 $1,002,605
Oft Ardde 46 Cads
ncentive Starting Balance $ 1,027,637 $ 516 728 $ $
ncentive Pavments $ 1,088,830 5 1,39L979 $ 739,494 $ 690,344
centive Deficit/Surplus S 518 M $ 297 3B3 $ 14 392 S 312 1
ORANGE COUNTY
59 NORTH CAROLINA
19
20 Kirk Vaughn said slide #59 shows the base model.
21 Chair Bedford said that they have seen changes and four years ago, staff were paid from
22 this, so it varies.
23 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked about the debt service on infrastructure.
24 Kirk Vaughn said that is the debt service schedule for water and sewer investments. He
25 said that it includes Buckhorn-Mebane, RLP, and possibly the loop in Mebane. He said they
26 anticipate the loop being in the 2026 financing. He said the CIP does not include any water sewer
27 payments so debt service will start rolling off. He said they are twenty-year payment periods.
28
29
35
1 Slide #60
Article 46 Sales Tax — page 76
• Board has requested staff review additional funding for Durham Tech from Article 46
pool. This will cause a larger gap in the fund.
Scenario 1-Add Durham Tech's Operating Gap of$44,379 to Article 46
Article 46 Funding FY25.26 FT26.27 FY27.29 FY28-29
Revenue $ 3,795999 $ 3373,839 5 3,456,793 $3,595,065
'
ONkn tNru��e $ 1,009,605 5 1.031755 $ 1,015,514 $ 819079
Economic Development Department 45800 523 12 545979 S 569779
Sup ort for General Fund Ex nditures $ 276,692 $ 284 27 $ 303 208 $ 317 468
Outside Grants and Initiatives+Durham Tach's Operating Gap 918 100 946 987 914 71 934,627
New Incentive Money 533,542 $ $32,158 $ 679,021 $ 954,112
Net Article 46 Cash
Incentive Sta rfing Balance $ 10 77637 Is 472 349
noentive Payments $ 1,08s,830 $ 2,391,979 $ 739 94 $ 690,344
n relive DeBcl 5u lus 4 349 387 72 61t 473 263 768
ORANGE COUNTY
F0 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #61
Article 46 Sales Tax — page 76
• Board has requested staff review additional funding for Durham Tech from Article 46
pool. This will cause a larger gap in the fund.
Scenario 2-Fund Student Liaison Position out of Article 46-$91,649
Article 46 Funding FY25-25 FT26-27 FY26.27 FY27.28
Revenue 5 3,195,999— $_ 3,323,839 S 3,456,793 $3,595,065
Oeh�Service $ 1,009,605 5 1,031,755 $ 1,015,514 $ 819079
Economic Development Department 45800 523 12 545979 569779
Support for General F Lind Ex penditures $ 276,692 $ 284627 $ 303,208 $ 317,468
Outside Grants and Initiatives+Durham Tech's Student Liaison 965,370 995,675 $ 964,220 $ 9%281
New Incentive Money 486,772 $ 483,470 $ 627,872 $ 902,458
Het Article 46 Costs
ncendw Sta ril ng Balance $ 1027637 425079
ncentive Payments $ 1,08s,830 $ 1,391,979 $ 739 94 $ 690,344
nc We Deficit/Surplus 42SAM 1483,430) 111622 212J24
ORANGE COUNTY
61 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Chair Bedford said the Senate does not have 3% for employees in the budget and she is
7 unsure about the House budget. She said the Durham Tech 3% was an assumption.
8 Kirk Vaughn said he thinks it was a combination of a one-time bonus and a percent
9 increase.
10
36
1 Slide #62
Article 46 Sales Tax — page 76
• Board has requested staff review additional funding for Durham Tech from Article 46
pool. This will cause a larger gap in the fund.
Scenario 3-Fund both Student Liaison Positions out of Article 46-$183,298,Reduce Durham Current Expense in General
Fund by$47,270 so it only covers operational gap
Article 46 Funding FM46 FT26.27 FT26.27 FT27.28
Revenue 5 3,195999 $ 3323,839 S 3,456,793 '5 3595,065
DNhr $ 1,009,605 $ i,031755 $ 1,D35,514 $ 8l`7 n7g
Economic Development Department 458060 523 12 545979 569,719
Sup ort for General Fund Expenditures
$ 276,fi92 5 229,627 $ 303,208 $ 317,468
Outside Grants.and Initiatives+Bath Durham Tach's Student Liaisons 1,057,019 $ 1A90,074 1,061,451 1,086,429
New Incentive Money 394,623 $ 389,071 $ 530,641 $ 902,310
Net Article 46 Casts
I ncentive Sta rfing Balance $ 1027637 $ 333 30
ncentive Payments $ 1,08s,830 $ 2,391,979 $ 739 94 is 690 34a
rwerdlve Deficit/Surplus 1 33MM Is 1669AM 1208,853) 11
62 ORANGE
RTH CA OUNATY
2
3 Kirk Vaughn said the General Fund is the backstop for all other funds so anything this fund
4 cannot cover the general fund would have to cover.
5 Commissioner McKee asked if that scenario would increase the spread in the deficit.
6 Kirk Vaughn said it would be the worst impact on the deficit.
7 Commissioner McKee said it seems to him that this is robbing Peter to pay Paul.
8 Chair Bedford said she thinks the Board should spend more time with the schools and
9 Durham Tech soon, because it seems that the schools should be funding those student liaison
10 positions. She said she appreciates seeing the numbers.
11 Commissioner Fowler said in Scenario 1, there is already a gap in paying incentives. She
12 said this assumes there are funds coming in through the general fund they did not anticipate.
13 Kirk Vaughn said yes, that is part of the natural growth assumed in the general fund.
14 Commissioner Fowler said they were at 80% revenues from residential and 20% for
15 commercial, then they worked hard to get the split to 70%-30%. She said she has heard that they
16 are now back to 80%-20%. She asked what the current split is. She asked for more research on
17 that trend. She said it makes her question why they should seek out commercial if it does not help
18 in the end. She said maybe certain types of commercial are more helpful.
19 Chair Bedford said the type of commercial matters more than she understood. She said
20 the jobs piece is also very important.
21 Commissioner McKee said it is important to factor in the radical expansion of housing. He
22 said the percentage of housing rising faster than percentage of commercial, shifts the split back
23 to 80% residential.
24 Commissioner Fowler said residential went up by 52% and commercial only up by 30%.
25 Commissioner McKee said it is convoluted because of the increase in the number of
26 houses, the value of the homes, and the revaluation. He said that it can easily outweigh a
27 commercial enterprise.
28 Travis Myren said staff can do some more analysis on this.
29
30 Slide #63
37
Fleet Services — page 167
In-house Sheriff's Office Vehicle Maintenance
Two FTE's starting on 1011 and annual vehicle maintenance expenses$266,502
• One-time purchase of equipment and parts to create inventory for servicing Sheriff Vehicles$39,498
— Operating cost decreases
• Temporary Personnel and Overtime-($16,091)
• Diesel Fuel-($19,250)
Leased Vehicles-($12,725)
Travel&Training Savings-($1,160)
ORANGE COUNTY
63 NORTH CAROLINA
1
2 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked about the Chamber contract for a Community Advocate and
3 when a report can be expected. She said she would like to see the metrics and the performance
4 indicators.
5 Travis Myren said there are a couple of different performance indicators.
6 Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, said he is meeting with the Chamber to
7 discuss performance.
8 Travis Myren said the results would be shared with the Board.
9
10 Slide #64
Fleet Services — page 167
Fleet Services Lost Increases
51.rao.w
51.400,000
51.200.000
S ld�
S1,Ow,u00
SLBM1N 51
SSSGI
5lW.CW
Srm,nooeC
5400.000
sluoouu
so
M019.19 FY3ri479 M02o-2i FT202i-22 P120224A Frml2-26 Fr202o-25 Prq rr2w54h 6 Rm
■VehldeWlil[enance ■W5901P 80eAF�n
y�
ORANGE COUNTY
54 NC]RTH CAROLINA
11
12 Slide#65
38
Planning and Inspections
— page 202
— General Fund-$84,350 increase in revenue
• due to incremental fee increases but mainly increased Erosion Control revenue projections
— Cost Recovery
Erosion Control:83.7%in FY25-26.Up from 74.2%in FY25.
— Mainly due to increased erosion control projections.
Inspections:80.1%in FY25-26.Up from 78.2%In FY25
— Mainly due to reducing positions
— Inspection Fund
Increase fees an average of 5%-$38,428
• Lower number of building inspections expected in the Town of Hillsborough due to a decrease in building activity
Reclassified one position to IT and will not be budgeting for another position due to the anticipated decrease in demand.Increase
in contracted services to cover some of the cost of the defunded position in case need arises mid-year-
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
1
2
3 Slide #66
Planning and Inspections
— page 202
Inspections Revenue
S1,600,000
51,399,439
$l,aoa,o99
$1.239.930 51,236,592
$1,200.000 — $1,179,563 U,156,450
$7,069,399 51,09ii,949
S1'000 oao -
Sa00,000 —
S600,009
$400.000
$290,wa
6-
FY1949 FYM20 FY20.21 FY21.22 FY22.23 FYZWU FY24.25 Prot FY25.26 Budget
ORANGE COUNTY
66 NORTH CAROLINA
4
5
6
39
1 Slide #67
Planning and Inspections
— page 202
Erosion Control Revenue
$1,600,000 $1p99,402
$1,400,000 — -
$1,200,000
$1,000,000 - -
$800.000
$000,000 $56%377 568 950
$495,172
$400,000 5293,469 $296,100 laS�11Y5 —
$200,000
FY18.19 FYIB-20 FY20.21 FY21.22 FY22-23 FY23-24 FY24-25 Pro] FY25-M Budgd
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
67 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #68
Planning and Inspections — page
202
Number of Building Permits*Issued
1200
1040 1847
1000 931
876
800 787 788 760 815
60o
40.0 —
200
0
FY1B-09 FY19-20 FY20-21 FY21-22 FY22-23 FY23-24 FY24-25 Pm) FY25-26 Budg.1
'A multifamily building has a single permit,so the number of dwelling units can be higher
ORANGE COUNTY
68 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Chair Bedford congratulated the Planning Department for winning the American Public
7 Works Association's North Carolina Chapter Stormwater Project of the Year Award.
8
9
40
1 Slide #69
Solid Waste — page 218
Solid Waste Fund in strong financial position
• 2024 Audited unrestricted net position-$8.9 million or Solid Waste Revenue Sources
65%of operating expenses
Recommended Budget utilizes$1,004,862 fund balance Charges}er
serokrs
to pay-go significant capital investments.Maintains long-
term health of fund.
LLod}gl Fen
Maintain Solid Waste Program Fee .% ?MV+,+F"
Outside of Mebane-$138 per parcel
• Inside of Mebane$92.07 InmineM
Earnings
1%
— Temporary Personnel and overhead to oeMrFaa.w.
accommodate growing demands at Recycling r"
and Household Waste Center—$173,505
— Overhead Funds paid to General Fund-
$119,142
— Contract Services-$135,015
— Dumpster Replacements-$194,033
ORANGE COUNTY
69 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #70
Sportsplex — page 222
— Final year of pay-back to GF - $316,000
Sportsplex Revenues
$7,W.o00 50.0%
Tao%
56,000,001)
60.0%
$s,aao,000 50.0%
40.0%
Sb.oaa.noo
30.0%
$3.000.000 z00%
1B.091
$2,OOQ000
o.o%
ao.0%
$1.000.000
-20O%
FY201G12 FYI011-18 FY2018-19 H7019-70 FY202G21 FY2021-22 M027-23 MOD-24 FY2024-25 Prni FY2025-26
Budgeted
Operating Revenue -Change lrom Prior Year
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
70 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
41
1 Slide #71
Transportation Services — page 231
— Increase in transit tax proceeds and increase in grant reimbursement -$469,451
— Rightsizing transit operations
• Overtime and temporary personnel to meet increased demand-$29,066
Cleaning&Maintenance Costs-$96,868
— Travel and Training Reduction-$800
ORANGE COUNTY
71 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #72
Transportation Services — page 231
OCTS Fare and Non-Fare Revenue
52,500,000
$2,0og000
51.500,000 52493
10,252
51091
57 459
51 o00,0V0 21,842
43,559
5500,000
50 —
FY2017.19 FY261&19 FY2019.20 FY2020,21 FY2021-22 FY2022-23 FY2023f24 FY202a25 Prq FY2025.16 kdgeled
■Nq F—R¢, ■Fare R,M
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
72 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
42
1 Slide #73
Transportation Services — page 231
OCTS Ridership
90,WU
62,000
fi0,000
53,988
S1.U00
so,000
41,614
40,000
35,000 35.000
29,484
30,000
26,000
24,253
20,000
io,apu
FY2017-19 FY2019-19 FY2015: FY2021-22 M022.23 FY2023.24 FY2024.25 Fro] FY2025-269udg—d
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
73 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Chair Bedford said she thinks a lot more people are working from home.
4
5 Slide #74
FY2025-26 Recommended Budget
• Questions?
— Amendments due tomorrow evening @ 8:00 PM
— Public Hearing on Thursday, March 28
— Approve Amendments and Resolution of Intent to Adopt the Budget—June 5"'
— Final Budget Approval -June 171"
ORANGE COUNTY
74 NORTH CAROLINA
6
7 Travis Myren addressed a typo on slide #74 and said the Public Hearing will take place
8 on May 29t"
43
1 Vice-Chair Hamilton thanked department directors and staff for their work and for
2 recognizing that this is a tight budget. She said the Board wishes they could do more for
3 employees.
4
5 Adjournment
6
7 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to
8 adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
9
10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11
12 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
13
14
15 Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board
16
17 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
Attachment 3
1
1 DRAFT MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 BUDGET AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN PUBLIC HEARING
5 AND WORK SESSION
6 May 29, 2025
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Budget and Capital Investment Plan
10 Public Hearing and Work Session on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted
11 Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC.
12
13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton
14 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-
15 Ascott
16 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
17 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
18 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin
19 Fenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Tara May (All other staff members will be identified appropriately
20 below)
21
22 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present.
23
24 1. Opening Remarks
25 Chair Bedford greeted those in attendance and read the public charge.
26
27 2. Presentation of the County Manager's Recommended FY 2025-26 Budget
28 County Manager Travis Myren made the following presentation:
29
30 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
FY2025-26 Operating Budget
Public Hearing
May 29, 2025
Board of Orange County Commissioners
31
32
33
2
1 Slide #2
Budget Priorities for FY2025-26
1. Minimize Tax Rate Increase
2. Create Budget Flexibility in Anticipation of Economic Downturn and
Potential Federal Reductions
3. Maintain County Investment in Social Safety Net Services
4, Provide Continuation Funding to Schools
5. Invest in Employee Compensation Package
6. Align Budget Investments with Strategic Plan Goals
2 ORANGE cCOUNTY
LINA
3
4 Slide #3
Revenue Neutral Tax Rate
Property Tax Base x Property Tax Rate=Property Tax Levy
Property Tax Base Revenue Neutral Tax Levy
I Property Tax Rate
$33,254,442,655 .006264 $208,306,757
Or...62.64 cents per$100 of Assessed Value
Breakeven percentage increase in value is just below 38%
3 O NO�R'1'I-i�NGE �COUNTY
5
6
7
3
1 Slide #4
Manager's Recommended Tax Rate
• Manager's Budget Recommends Increase of 2.95 cents over Revenue Neutral Tax Rate
• 1.94 cents to support school planning and design ➢ Impact on Home @$400.000=$118.00
• 1-01 cents to support school and County operations ➢ Impact on Home Qa $500,000=$147.50
County Tax Rate H[story
lIG.00
yy Orange Bars=Revaluation Years
100.00 0s.ca
]E.00 qc�, 6].B0 $GM 8fi.36
e1.•] 83.12 Bi98
80.00
65 59
W.W
40.00
20.00
0.00
FVMOS FV2006 FVZ007 FY2003 FY2009 FY2010 FVZ011 Fy2012 FY2013 RX14 FV2015 AM& F12017 FY2010 Fy2019 FV2020 Ff2021 FV2022 FM23 FY202A FM25 FV20M
A.-
2
3
4 Slide #5
Fire District Tax Rates
• Ten of Twelve Fire Districts Requested Tax Rate Increases
rY 2025 Tax Rate Revanue Neutral Rate FY 202G Raquest Pevenue Neutral per Year Taxing District Requested Increase• �0 111 Hol
CEDAR GROVE FIRE 9.00 6.54 7.54 1.00 $40.00
CHAPEL HILL FIRE 13.87 10.79 11.50 0.71 $28.40
DAMASCUS FIRE 12-80 9-79 1020 0.41 T16.40
EFLAND FIRE 10.28 7.38 8.38 100 $40.00
ENO FIRE 11-98 8-71 8.71 - -
LITTLE RIVER FIRE 7.39 5.35 5.35 -
NEW HOPE FIRE 13.84 10-15 12-50 2.35 $94.M
RANGE RURAL FIRE 11 R9 8-21 9.21 1.00 $40.00
RANGE GROVE FIRE 8.27 5-81 7.00 1.19 $47.60
SOUTH ORANGE FIRE 9.09 6.67 8.17 1.50 $60.00
SOU TH TRIANGLE FIRE 12.80 5.75 1120 1.45 $58.00
WHITE CROSS FIRE 13.84 10.30 14.00 3.70 $148.00
��
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
4
1 Slide #6
Strategies to Minimize Tax Rate Increase
r Department budgets held at or below base budgets (16 of 27 departments)
y Transition General Fund expenses to other funding sources ($176,084)
10% reduction to training and travel ($38,940)
y Eliminate four(4)vacant positions($188,077)
v Charge administrative overhead to Sportsplex and Arts Commission ($215,562)
i- Charge Special Tax District for collecting and remitting taxes ($135,000)
y Add four(4) positions to reduce expenses or generate revenue($395,447)
ORANGE COUNTY
6 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #7
Strategies to Create Budget Flexibility
r No budgeted sales tax growth from FY2024-25 Budget
is No budgeted growth in Register of Deeds revenue
Increase Social Justice Fund -$50,102
y Reduce Appropriated Fund Balance-$31,233
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NO I'H C:ARCILINA
5
6
7
5
1 Slide #8
Funding to Maintain Social Safety Net
r $24,000 increase in Longtime Homeowners Assistance program
Y $70,000 increase in Emergency Housing Assistance program through reallocation
Y $25,000 increase in Partnership to End Homelessness Budget to Continue Cold Weather Cots
y $100,000 increase in Department of Social Services In Home Aide and $40,204 in the Aging In-
Home Respite program
$62,000 in Master Aging Plan Balance to Urgent Repair Program
$40,000 Increase for Vaccine Supplies in the Health Department as Pandemic Grants Expire
GRANGE COUNTY
8 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #9
Continuation Funding to Schools
SchoolTotal Recommended District
FY2024-25 FY2025.26 $Difference %Increase
Approved Recommended
Current Expense $108,090,282 $111,328,011 $3.237,729 3.0%
Recurring Capital $3,060,000 $9.521,200 $6,461,200 211.2%
Debt Service $19,182,204 $20,840,115 $1.657,911 8.6%
Health&Safety Contracts $4 004,666 $4.160.806 $156.140 3.9%
+Enrollment Projections
TOTAL $134,337,152 $145,850,132 $11,508,233 8.6%
Calculation of Percentage of General Fund Revenues Dedicated to K-12 Education
Total School Funding Rec. $145.850.132=47.9%
Total General Fund Revenue $304,784,697 ^
ORANGE COUNTY
9 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
6
1 Slide #10
Continuation Funding to Schools
County Per Pupil Funding Amount History
S7,000
$211 increase from
$6,000 F 25
Y2024- _$5,877
$fi;fi66'
$5,346
$5,000
$4,000
$4,165 $4'352 $4,367 $4,367
53,571
$2,957 $3,069 $3,200 $3,096 $3,102 $3,167 $3,269
$3,000
S2,000
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
10 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #11
Continuation Increase to Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Continuation Request
FY2025-26 Manager Recommended Continuation Request difference
$65,133,984 $66,949,681 ($1,815,697)
CountyOrange ••ls Continuation
FY2025-26 Manager Recommended Continuation Request Difference
$46,575,225 $46,780,376 ($205,151)
ORANGE COUNTY
77 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
7
1 Slide #12
Investing in Employees
2%Wage Adjustment-$1,797,292
Continuation of MeritAwards-$451,000
➢ Increase in Retirement Contribution-$145,035
Increase in Health Insurance Costs for Active Employees and Retirees-$1,308,285
➢ Increase in Dental Insurance Costs-$16,405
ORANGE COUNTY
12 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #13
Strategic Plan Alignment
• Healthy Community • Public Education/Learning Community
-- Behavioral Health& In-Home Aide Investments — Continuation and Capital Planning Funds
• Housing for All • Environmental Protection and Climate
— Programs to Maintain Housing Action
— Capital Investments to Implement Climate Action
• Diverse and Vibrant Economy Plan
— Arts Commission Expansion
��
ORANGE COUNTY
13 NORTH C:AROLINA
5
6
7
8
1 Slide #14
Budget Consideration Schedule
FY2025-26 Budget Consideration Schedule
June 5 work SOSSW
• Resolution of Intent to Adopt
June 17 Business Meeting
Adoptlor,of FY2025-26 Operating Budget and Capital Budget
,a ORANNGE_COUNTY
LINA
3
4 Slide #15
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAR[?LtNA
5
6
7 3. Public Comments
8 Chair Bedford explained the process for making public comments.
9
10 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
11 open the public hearing on the budget and capital investment plan.
12
13 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9
1 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
2 Mae St. George said she thought there could more done to help people stay in their homes
3 and asked the Board to reduce the budget. She asked the commissioners to check their hearts
4 when making budget decisions.
5 Lynn Nilssen said she is a volunteer with Public Schools Strong. She said that there are
6 economic and social benefits to good schools. She said that good schools are high priorities for
7 families and benefit communities. She said there is great value provided by public schools. She
8 said Orange County Schools (OCS) and Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) are the
9 county's 3rd and 41h largest employers. She said that she is also a real estate agent and
10 understands the rise of property values and taxes over time. She said the tax burden has been
11 shifted to local governments because the state has a state regressive tax policy that will cut the
12 corporate and personal income tax to zero by 2030. She said that these cuts will result in $13
13 billion less in state revenue. She said that is equivalent to the total state budget revenue for 2024.
14 She said that the schools have requested an expansion budget from the commissioners. She said
15 that we are fortunate in Orange County to have the best quality education for the students, and
16 she hopes the county votes to approve the expansion budget.
17 Katie Harper said her children have attended Orange County Schools (OCS) and that her
18 family has been very happy there. She noted the high level of financial support given by the
19 county to the school systems. She asked the Board to fully fund the continuation budget and
20 some of the expansion budget. She thanked the Board for all the work that went towards the
21 2024 bond referendum.
22 Spring Dawson said she was born in Orange County and her dad is a farmer. She said
23 that her work focuses on early childhood education. She said that she is a parent of two children
24 with one in middle school and one in high school in Orange County. She said that North Carolina
25 is 48th in the nation for per pupil spending and 43rd for teacher pay. She said that the average
26 teacher salary in the state is below living wage. She said many of her children's teachers work
27 second and third jobs. She said even with this, Orange County is thriving. She said that the Center
28 for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education in NC has honored a teacher for the first
29 time in its history and that award went to Orange County 71h grade teacher, Serena Massey. She
30 asked that the commissioners read Mr. Jason Johnson's statement when he was honored as the
31 North Carolina Principal of the Year.
32 Chair Bedford noted that they will be doing a proclamation in honor of Mr. Jason Johnson.
33 Rachel Heller said her children attended CHCCS and OCS schools. She discussed
34 opportunity vouchers which provide subsidies for children to attend private schools. She said
35 opportunity scholarships were started to "reduce the socio-economic achievement gap." She said
36 they were targeted to families below a certain income level. She said that now, those income caps
37 have been removed and wealthy families already sending their children to private schools can
38 now receive the vouchers that are a tax-payer subsidy. She said over$3 million in voucher funds
39 have been given to students in Orange County. She said that private schools are not accountable
40 to the public and they are not required to track or report on academic achievement. She said they
41 are not required to hire licensed teachers or even teachers with a college degree. She said that
42 private schools have raised their average tuition 16% over the last year.
43 Kelly Suttles said that education for everyone is foundational to democracy. She said that
44 funding cuts at the state levels have put the funding burden on local governments. She said they
45 have been steadily losing investment in public education over the last two decades in NC. She
46 said the federal government is also cutting spending on education and there are two programs
47 that will directly affect students in Orange County. She discussed federal cuts to education that
48 affect Orange County. She said the two programs are: the Individuals with Disabilities Education
49 Act and Title I. She said these two federal programs account for 15%-20% of Orange County
50 school funding. She said that the county has some of the best educators. She said that this has
51 placed the county in a place of burden. She noted the award-winning programing and staff. She
10
1 ended by quoting some of Mr. Johnson's acceptance speech from NC Principal of the Year and
2 thanked the Board for their time and service to the community.
3 George Griffin expressed opposition to the proposed amendment to the County Manager's
4 recommended budget to reduce pay-go funding as part of the capital improvement plan. He said
5 reducing or walking-back the pay-go commitment after securing public approval for the bond
6 damages our collective credibility. He said that residents who voted in favor of the bond package
7 in November 2024 did so with the understanding that it was part of a comprehensive, multi-
8 pronged funding strategy. He said weakening the pay-go component creates the perception of a
9 "bait-and-switch" where voters feel they were promised one thing but delivered another. He said
10 sustaining the pay-go plan in full is essential, not just as a financial mechanism, but as a statement
11 of integrity, accountability, and follow-through. He said it is a moral imperative and a vital
12 investment in the future of Orange County's children, schools, and community. He said that he
13 recognizes that the tax increase required to support this level of investment is significant;
14 however, it was publicly understood from the outset that such an increase would be necessary to
15 fund this historic and long-overdue investment in school capital needs.
16 Beverly Walton invited everyone in attendance who supported the home repair program
17 to stand up. She said that many of the homes in her community are in disrepair and that residents
18 need help. She asked the Board to increase the amount of funding available for making home
19 repairs.
20 Barry Jacobs expressed appreciation for the work undertaken by the commissioners. He
21 said there are three main issues that Orange County residents care about. He said that is quality
22 public education, equality and opportunity for all, and protection of the environment. He said there
23 is a proposed amendment to reduce funding for the Lands Legacy program in the capital
24 improvement program. He asked the Board to stick with the County Manager's recommendations
25 for the program.
26 Horace Johnson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. He said he wanted
27 the Board to meet more of the residents in the county and learn about the issues they are facing.
28 Diane Thompson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. She said she is
29 experiencing well issues and needs help having clean water in her home.
30 Rich Shaw read the following statement regarding the Lands Legacy Program:
31
First off,thank you commissioners and staff for your public service. We're grateful for what you
all do on our behalf.
I served Orange County for over 20 years—most of that time as Land Conservation Manager,
overseeing the LLR Now,it may seem self-serving to ask you to maintain funding for a program I
once managed. Well,jLj�,sse f-serving,but for different reasons. I'm retired from County gov't.
But as a resident, I experience the benefits of the County and its partners conserving farmland,
protecting historic sites and natural areas,and establishing parks and trails. That's the purpose
of Lands Legacy. To protect special places that help distinguish OC from other communities,
32 places that give OC its unique identity,and help make it a wonderful place to live,work and play.
33
11
My understanding is there is a budget proposal that would freeze new funding for Lands Legacy
for up to 90 years. No new funds for[and acquisition or for conservation easements. Existing
funds will be used up within just a few years,so I suggest maintaining some level of funding each
year to keep the program operating,and to be ready when new opportunities arise.
■ i know first-banal that the opportunity to protect land depends on a lot of factors—willing
landowners, having partners,sometimes Luck,and available funds. It is vital to have
money available when those situations line up.
• The County is in the process of writing a Trails Plan; I attended a public input session just
last week. The new Trails Plan will help further goals from the County's 2030 Parks&
Recreation Master Plan,which found that the kind-s-ofrecceationJaciiitie_s_0_C_r_e ' ents
want most are trails—walking trails,nature trails,bike trails,greenways. Trails and
greenways are relatively low-cost facilities that benefit alt_people. Funding will be needed
to acquire land to establish new trails. Similarly,the current Lands Legacy Action Plan
prioritizes working with partners,here and in neighboring counties,to protect important
wildlife corridors—altowing wildlife to navigate safety between existing green spaces.
• Land acquisition for trails and for wildlife corridors is much less costly than buying land
for parks and preserves. But there needs to be a dedicated source of funds at the ready.
So again, I recommend maintaining an adequate level of funding in future years to keep the
Lands Legacy program operating,and to be ready when opportunities arise that would enable
the County to protect special places,either on its own,or better,in partnership with one of our
fine land trusts and with matching contributions from state trust funds.
1 Thank you for this opportunity to comment.
2
3 Shirley Thompson said she is a lifelong resident of Orange County. She said that she has
4 a problem with her water and has spent $7,000 and was told it would take another $8,000 to fix
5 the issue. She said that she does not have that kind of money and borrowed the $7,000. She said
6 she has not had water in her home since January 2024 and cannot afford to continue to look for
7 solutions. She asked the Board for assistance.
8 Charlotte Holmes spoke on behalf of her mother who does not have a ramp to her home
9 and could not get and out of her home after experiencing medical issues. She said there are
10 several residents in northern Orange County who need home repair assistance.
11 Allan Green said that conservation easements are needed to preserve farmland in Orange
12 County. He said there are elderly people who have easements at risk. He asked the Board to
13 remember the comments they made at the Whole Orange effort. He said that it is clear that the
14 easements are needed. He said they will also need trails and connectivity. He said this is a high
15 priority in the Parks and Recreation surveys.
16 Roger Callahan said he participates in the Handy Helpers program. He said his groups
17 helps people who need ramps, grab bars, or toilets fixed in their homes. He said that this is his
18 chosen work in retirement. He said this is a moral responsibility for our elders. He said there are
19 about 20 volunteers that work with them, and they use the money from the Department on Aging,
20 but that funding sometimes runs out. He said there is much work that needs to be done. He said
21 there is an estimate of about$2 million in need and a two-year wait time for the work to be finished.
22 He said they literally have elders falling through the floor. He said that the work he does allows
12
1 residents to age in place and can make a difference. He encouraged the Board to support funds
2 to continue these repairs.
3 Erin Kent said her children attend schools in CHCCS. She said families move to the
4 county for its high-quality public schools. She said her family moved to Orange County eight
5 years ago for that reason. She said that as a parent, she sees the benefits that public schools
6 provide. She said that she is a faculty member at UNC, and she can see the impact of public
7 schools every day. She said that currently, the state pays one of the lowers teacher salaries in
8 the nation. She said that they have a democratic process that passed a bond package to improve
9 the schools. She said that failing to uphold that investment, will widen divides and threaten the
10 education infrastructure that this county is known for. She said that investing in schools is
11 investing in the county's future. She said that she understands that there is a tax increase
12 associated with this investment, but the voters overwhelmingly said "yes."
13 Rebecca Paul said she is proud of the schools and feels that public schools are under
14 attack. She said that local governments need to fund it more than ever. She asked the Board to
15 expand the budget and allow for the needs to be met. She said she voted for the bond and asked
16 that the Board fully fund it.
17 Elizabeth Young said she is in favor of extending the Rogers Road sewer program. She
18 said that many of the septic systems are failing and leaking into the water table. She said that
19 the Church of the Advocate has applied for a grant with other local churches, and they hope to
20 be able to use the grant funds, with matching funds from the county, to be able to finish the 23
21 houses that remain needing sewer hookup. She said that Rogers Road is being hit by property
22 taxes doubling and tripling. She said that to avoid displacement due to the catastrophic property
23 tax increases, the commissioners should look into the tax increase. She asked the Board to have
24 concern for the Rogers Road community.
25 Kenzie Patrick said she is a kindergarten teacher at Scroggs Elementary and she asked
26 for the Board to approve the expansion budgets that will help fund much needed teacher pay
27 programs.
28 Sasha Harrison asked the Board to fully fund the CHCCS continuation budget and some
29 of the expansion budget request. She said she works at Scroggs Elementary asked the Board to
30 fund the budget in a way that benefits the schools. She said that restoring masters level pay would
31 be game-changing for the districts and teacher recruitment. She said that students deserve more
32 than another year of cuts.
33 Leslie Fernandez said she is a parent of children in the schools and asked the Board to
34 fund the expansion budget. She noted the previous support of the Board for education. She said
35 asked the Board to restore pay-go capital funding. She asked the Board to lead with courage and
36 show that in Orange County, we show up for our kids.
37 Marci Hansen said she is a parent of two children in CHCCS schools. She asked the
38 Board to fully fund the continuation budget for the schools. She said that they have lost electives,
39 teacher assistants, and bus drivers. She said the proposal to remove pay-go funding from the
40 capital funding is not what the county voted for and that as a taxpayer and voter, it feels like a
41 slap in the face.
42 Amanda Hanig said she is a parent of children in the public school system. She said she
43 believes in the value of public schools. She said her family moved to Chapel Hill due to the
44 reputation of the school system.
45 Johnny Randall spoke in favor of the Lands Legacy program. He said this is one of the
46 most successful land stewardship programs in the state. He said he was speaking on the Triangle
47 Connectivity Collaborative. He spoke about the Triangle connectivity plan. He said he served for
48 8 years on the Orange County Commission on the Environment and on the Orange County
49 planning board. He said he was the director of conservation for 25 years at the NC Botanical
50 Garden. He said that Orange County has been a leader in land preservation. He said he is an
51 Orange County appointee to the OWASA Board. He said that Orange County is working on a land
13
1 use plan and land purchases through Lands Legacy, will be critical for supporting habitat
2 conservation. He asked the Board to continue to support the Lands Legacy program.
3 David Remington said the longtime homeowner assistance program is another program
4 that helps residents stay in their homes. He said he has found it very encouraging that the
5 commissioners continue to support that program. He thanked the Board for their efforts.
6 Sarah Whitley said she is an EC teacher in the CHCCS and graduate of Elon College.
7 She said that she loves what she does. She thanked the Board for what they do. She said that
8 she reviewed their biographies and noted that none of them have served as an educator like she
9 has. She said that she has served in all levels of schools and loves it. She asked the Board to
10 support the continuation budget and said that it is important to have EC teachers, EC TAs, and
11 OC classes. She said that there have been many cuts to these programs. She said that she fully
12 supports public schools and thinks that more funding should go to the schools. She thanked Chair
13 Bedford for her advocacy for education and students with disabilities. She said that she is a single
14 parent and widow, and has a hard time making ends meet sometimes. She said that teachers
15 should be appreciated, and salaries should be raised.
16 Jenna Neilsen said that she is a 51" grade teacher and resident of Orange County. She
17 said that she understands that the federal and state governments are not helping with the issues.
18 She said that these are unprecedented times and asked the Board to look outside of the box at
19 ways they can fund the continuation and expansion budgets.
20 Bailey Normann said she is a school librarian and a resident of Orange County. She asked
21 the Board to fully fund the continuation budget and the expansion budget. She said that they need
22 highly trained teachers. She said that reinstating masters pay acknowledges the time spent to
23 better themselves in ways that improve outcomes for kids. She said that elementary teacher
24 assistants are incredibly valuable and without them, teachers are stretched too thin. She said they
25 can also restore their technology facilitators. She said they are an essential part of making the
26 classrooms vibrant and interactive. She said that cutting these positions would be a huge step
27 back. She asked the Board to invest in the people that invest in the kids every day.
28 Robin Jacobs said she served as the executive director of the Eno River Conservation
29 Group for 15 years. She said that there are almost never any conservation or protection projects
30 done without a partnership. She said that the Lands Legacy program in Orange County has
31 facilitated many good projects. She said that Orange County has been an incredible partner for
32 land trusts. She asked the Board to continue to support the Lands Legacy program and she wants
33 them to understand how important it is.
34 Ana Rosario said she is a parent and first year teacher in CHCCS Schools. She said she
35 entered education from a different industry and has been amazed at the amount of work that the
36 teachers do with such a small amount of resources. She said the pay does not even make sense.
37 She said the experience has been amazing. She said it is like trying to explain motherhood —yes,
38 it is hard, but it is amazing. She said that when she heard there is a risk that they may have even
39 less next year, she immediately thought it would be impossible. She asked the Board to fund the
40 continuation budget and the expansion budget.
41 Katie Harrison said she is a social worker at Carrboro Elementary. She said that she is
42 paying for a babysitter to be able to attend. She said the school is slotted to be rebuilt with the
43 bond. She said they remind themselves everyday it will be fixed because they are dealing with
44 problems daily. She said it floods and they have water issues. She said they need to keep the
45 staff members that are there in the building next year. She said that they must make the building
46 work and be safe and on top of that, teach. She asked the Board to do whatever can be done so
47 that they can keep teaching kids in a safe space.
48 Brian Link, president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Association of Educators, said that he
49 has worked and lobbied to have a bi-partisan budget bill at the General Assembly that will
50 reinstate masters pay. He said the work is getting done on that level. He said that the public can
51 agree that cutting the Department of Education and taking funds from public education is not the
14
1 way to go. He said that he is worried because usually, they are all on the same page for public
2 education at the local level but that it does not seem to be the case tonight. He thanked
3 Commissioner Fowler for the budget amendment that will fully fund the continuation budget with
4 a tax increase. He said that he does not agree with the four commissioners that signed onto an
5 amendment that pulls $10 million from the schools. He said the public voted for a tax increase for
6 education. He said the problem is not the voters but rather, an issue of public will. He said that
7 support for public schools is needed now more than ever. He said that he has80 colleagues gone
8 due to a reduction in force. He said that "pay-go" means fixing issues as they arise, and if they
9 do not have that funding, they will not be able to address things like failing HVACs. He said that
10 Commissioner Hamilton stated that she wants to get "back to basics" and he said that is exactly
11 what pay-go supports—the basics. He thanked Commissioner Carter for standing with them, and
12 asked that she vote with them now. He said that Commissioner McKee said he would be the
13 backstop if the schools spent down their surplus, and now it is time. He asked the commissioners
14 to remember commitments they made.
15 Chair Bedford thanked everyone for their participation. She said that there is $4 million
16 existing in the Lands Legacy program. She said that the longtime homeowners program for
17 Orange County residents that meet certain requirements. She said that it has had $250,000 in
18 the program for the last 3 or 4 years and there is an amendment to add another $100,000 this
19 year. She said the program generally goes live in August and they want to make sure that anyone
20 that is struggling with their taxes to apply.
21
22 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
23 close the public hearing on the budget and capital investment plan.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 The budget public hearing portion of the meeting ended, and the Board transitioned to a work
28 session.
29
30 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton,to recess
31 the meeting for seven minutes.
32
33 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
34
35 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
36 reconvene the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
37
38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
39
40 4. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointments Discussion
41 The Board discussed appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
42
43 BACKGROUND: The Advisory Board on Aging suggests policy and makes recommendations to
44 the Board of Commissioners and the Department on Aging while acting as the liaison between
45 older adults of the County and County government. It is charged with promoting needed services,
46 programs, and funding that impacts older residents.
47
48 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members.
49
50 The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
51
15
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Vibeke Talley Ex Officio N/A N/A
non-votin
Mary Lucas Hillsborough Town First Full Term 06/30/2028
Limits
1
2 If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain.
3
4 Tara May introduced the item.
5 The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicants.
6
7 5. Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion
8 The Board discussed an appointment to the Advisory Board on Aging.
9
10 BACKGROUND: The Affordable Housing Advisory Board prioritizes affordable housing needs
11 and assesses project proposals. The board also publicizes the County's housing objectives,
12 monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works
13 to increase the community's awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in
14 producing attractive affordable housing.
15
16 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15)At-Large members.
17
18 As a general practice, this board has decided not to make recommendations.
19
20 The following position is presented for Board consideration:
21
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
BOCC At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2027
Appointee
22
23 If the position listed above is filled, no vacancies remain.
24
25 Tara May introduced the item.
26 Commissioner Fowler suggested Anna Jefferson for the vacancy.
27 Vice-Chair Hamilton suggested Christopher Oneal.
28 The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Anna Jefferson.
29
30 6. Arts Commission —Appointment Discussion
31 The Board discussed making an appointment to the Arts Commission.
32
33 BACKGROUND: The ABC Board has the authority to buy, sell, transport, and possess alcoholic
34 beverages for the operation of its stores. This board also adopts rules for the ABC system and
35 has the authority to hire and dismiss employees.
36
37 BACKGROUND: The Arts Commission recommends strategies to promote the artistic and
38 cultural growth of Orange County, advises the Board of Commissioners on matters involving the
16
1 arts, and acts as the granting panel for funding programs available to individual artists and non-
2 profit groups sponsoring arts projects in Orange County.
3
4 The Board of County Commissioners appoints fourteen (14)At-Large members and one (1) UNC
5 Student who serves a one-year term.
6
7 The following individual is recommended for Board consideration:
8
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Alexander Gast UNC Student One-year term 06/30/2026
Representative
9
10 If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancy remains:
11
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 03/31/2028 Vacant since 03/31/2025
12
13 Tara May introduced the item.
14 The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicant.
15
16 7. Economic Development Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion
17 The Board discussed appointments to the Economic Development Advisory Board.
18
19 BACKGROUND: The Economic Development Advisory Board works cohesively with the
20 County's Economic Development staff and other economic development partners to position
21 Orange County as a competitive location for business opportunities.
22
23 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all ten (10) members, with representatives from
24 various fields.
25
26 The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
27
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Dr. Ivy Taylor UNC Chapel Hill First Full Term 06/30/2028
Sharon Hill Core Business Core Business 06/30/2028
Community
Camilla Hargett Core Business Core Business 06/30/2028
Community Community
28
29 If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain.
30
31 Tara May introduced the item.
32 Commissioner McKee suggested Dave Gephardt for one of the Core Business Community
33 positions.
17
1 Chair Bedford noted that Dave Gephardt previously served. She reviewed the other
2 applicants.
3 A majority of commissioners supported Sharon Hill and Dave Gephardt for the Core
4 Business Community positions.
5 The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Ivy Taylor, Sharon Hill, and Dave Gephardt.
6
7 Adjournment
8
9 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
10 adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m.
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
14
15 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
16
17
18 Recorded by Laura Jensen, Deputy Clerk to the Board
19
20 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
Attachment 4
1
1 DRAFT MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 BUSINESS MEETING
5 June 3, 2025
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 3,
9 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
12 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter,Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott
13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Earl McKee
14 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT. John Roberts
15 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT. County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen
16 (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below).
17
18 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present
19 except Commissioner McKee.
20
21 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
22 Chair Bedford made a motion to remove item 8-k from the Consent Agenda and refer it to
23 the Planning Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Fowler.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 Kristin Prelipp, Assistant Community Relations Director, introduced the graduates of the
28 2025 Orange County Government Academy. She shared some information about what they
29 learned during their classes, and the group took a photo with the Board of County Commissioners.
30 Chair Bedford read the public charge and explained the process for making public
31 comments.
32
33 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour)
34 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
35 Allison Mahaley said she understands and appreciates the needs that the Board is trying
36 to balance with the budget. She asked the Board to give special scrutiny to the Orange County
37 Sheriff's Office budget. She mentioned new employees over the past few years and updates to
38 law enforcement vehicles, along with other items. She said Orange County includes seven law
39 enforcement jurisdictions including the Sheriff's Office. She said SROs are not necessary in
40 school buildings based on her personal experience. She said the 16 years she worked with 11,
41 12, and 13-year-olds she never needed a law enforcement officer.
42 Bernadette Pelissier said she was previously on the Board of County Commissioners and
43 during that time she was the liaison to the Ag Preservation Board. She said that agricultural land
44 peres and if farmland is not preserved and houses are built, that land will never come back. She
45 said this is something happening nationwide. She said that she is concerned that if the
46 conservation easements are deferred for ten years, it will be forgotten. She said there was a
47 survey done in 2023 and 70% of respondents said farming was not their main source of their
48 income. She said that high cost of land and small profit margins make it hard to make a living
49 farming. She said that development is considered by residents and farmers as the biggest threat
50 to farmland in this county. She said that there is a lot of demand for conservation easements. She
51 said a lot of farmland has been lost. She said that they need to let farmers know that conservation
2
1 easements will be available, and they are supported. She said that farming is a local business,
2 and this county supports local businesses.
3 Susan Walser said she is part of the Maple View community and there was a meeting last
4 week to educate the community on the agritourism improvement requests from Union Grove
5 Farm. She said these requests are detrimental to the Maple View community and neighbors. She
6 said that this was a standing room only crowd and she estimates there were 300 at the event and
7 they were all in support of the neighbors and the community. She said that they will be making
8 public comments to the Board at the next several meetings. She said that one of the largest
9 concerns is seeing bona fide farm owners abusing the agritourism statute to advance their goals
10 of large commercial enterprising in areas of the county where the businesses would never be
11 permitted but for the loose definition of agrotourism. She said the farm exemption properties are
12 exempt from zoning except for electrical, water, and septic reviews. She said there are no other
13 inspections. She said that they have concerns about public safety. She said this is especially true
14 in the rural buffer. She said agrotourism can be better defined and they are already working with
15 legislators to do that. She asked the Board to review their website.
16 Marilee McTigue said that she is a thirty-year resident of Bingham Township. She said that
17 she wanted to add some to what Susan Walser spoke about. She said that there was a party in
18 Northern Orange County recently with 2,500 people. She said the party was in the rural buffer
19 and in a protected watershed. She said the implications of this are clear.
20 Elizabeth Young said she met with a resident that wanted to do an appeal of her property
21 valuation. She said the latest revaluation was one of the largest in history. She thanked the Board
22 for taking this issue seriously and said that it is important to address each neighborhood issue.
23
24 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
25 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.)
26
27 3. Announcements, Petitions, and Comments by Board Members
28 Commissioner Fowler said she attended the Board of Health meeting last Wednesday and
29 heard updates from the Child Fatality Task Force. She said local teams are no longer required to
30 review every death of a resident child, and instead will review deaths of residents under age 18
31 that fall into one of 9 categories. She said interestingly, perinatal deaths were removed from the
32 list, which was one of the largest subsets. She said she believes they should still be investigated
33 in order to understand factors that affect prematurity and perinatal deaths. She said the Board of
34 Health also received an update on the opioid settlement and approved allocations for the coming
35 year. She said she also heard concerns from a Board of Health member who is an Emergency
36 Room physician at a private hospital in Roxboro. She indicated that the hospital offered a $120
37 million parachute to their departing CEO, while she has trouble finding sutures in order to sew up
38 people in the ER.Along those lines, she said the Board received a letter from a resident concerned
39 about the state of care for seniors in nursing care facilities. She said the corporatization of medical
40 care is to blame in this case as well. She explained that direct care workers are stretched thin
41 across large number of seniors who are therefore receiving inadequate care. She thanked the
42 Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for their regular visits to
43 these facilities. She said this is another reason the Board should continue to advocate for
44 Medicaid funding. This past Friday, she said she attended the measles symposium, which
45 included a table-talk exercise on how to respond to a measles outbreak. She acknowledged that
46 the Board has heard many concerns about the revaluation and the impact it will have on residents,
47 with particular concern about vertical inequity. She said something of particular concern to her is
48 that commercial apartment properties were valued less than recent sale values, while single
49 family homes saw a much larger increase. She said she is glad residents can appeal their
50 revaluation and encouraged them to do so. She said there is an avenue for more systematic
51 review via the Board of Equalization and Review and hopes the county will use what tools are
3
1 available to ensure greater vertical equity and ensure commercial property values are equitable
2 when compared to residential. She said she respects colleagues that have proposed
3 amendments to lower the tax increase, but believes getting the tax valuations right is the most
4 appropriate means of ensuring vertical equity.
5 Vice-Chair Hamilton thanked everyone who has come to a public hearing, written, and
6 commented on the budget. She said the last Budget Work Session will be on Thursday, June 5t"
7 where the Board will approve an Intent to Adopt Resolution. She said according to state law, the
8 County Manager recommends a budget, and commissioners can propose amendments to the
9 recommended budget. She said the Board will go through the budget amendments on Thursday
10 and approve them or not. She explained that this is the perfect storm for a budget cycle with the
11 federal and state cuts and the property revaluation. She said she attended the Central Pines
12 Board of Delegates meeting on May 28t" and was shown an economic analysis that underlines
13 the unprecedented economic uncertainty. She said she is looking to have a balanced view of the
14 budget that supports and invests in the future, and also projects that support the most vulnerable
15 residents. She said because of the revaluation, the Board will have to hold the line or retract on
16 other projects. She said the County Manager's budget does not fully fund the schools'continuation
17 budget, but how the funds are spent is the determination of the school boards and residents
18 should speak to the school boards directly if they have questions about financial decisions and
19 why fund balance was spent. She said there will be sacrifices that will have to be made, but unlike
20 the federal budget, the Board is not going to ask those with the least resources to make the
21 greatest sacrifices. She said the "big, beautiful bill" is not sound policy but is also a type of
22 gaslighting. She said as Commissioner Fowler mentioned, she heard and shares concerns about
23 the fairness of the revaluation. She said she is looking forward to conversations about vertical
24 equity in future revaluations. She said she is glad she attended the Memorial Day service in
25 Chapel Hill and heard the inspiring words from Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray that
26 reminded attendees that our Democracy was a vision, and all are responsible to manifest that
27 vision. She said in the face of tyranny to remember that others have sacrificed, and we will have
28 to make sacrifices.
29 Chair Bedford said there is a gathering on Friday at the Peace and Justice Plaza on gun
30 violence prevention. On Saturday, she said there is a similar event at Fairview Park where she
31 will read the proclamation approved by the Board. She said gun violence is the number one killer
32 of children in this country, and this Board supports common-sense regulation. She shared that
33 the Local Government Commission (LGC) approved the county's annual financing package. She
34 said Travis Myren will share comments about tax appraisals during his report this evening.
35 Commissioner Greene said she attended the Visitors Bureau Meeting last week or the
36 week before and the guest speaker was Ivy Taylor, who is the UNC representative on the board.
37 She said that Ivy Taylor indicated the University is committed to the Day Center Idea on
38 Homestead Rd. She said she also talked about UNC's budget, which is facing a lot of threats, but
39 their goal is to increase the undergrad population by 5,000 students over the next 10 years. She
40 said they are also working on a master plan for Carolina North, which in addition to Dean Dome
41 2.0, would be a living-learning campus that would include housing, campus recreation, dining,
42 etc. She said tomorrow she is having lunch with the new GoTriangle CEO. She brought the
43 Board's attention to the cover of the County Quarterly, which shows work by Hillsborough's Max
44 Dowdle, who is embarking on a plan to paint murals in all 100 counties.
45 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she will use her time tonight to reflect. She said there
46 are 55,259 households in Orange County according to the 2020 Census, and they include real
47 people with real issues. She thanked those who have reached out to say they can pay more and
48 are willing to support a tax increase for schools and the social safety net. She said that generosity
49 means a lot, and wishes those who can, could, but state law does not allow for a graduated tax
50 rate. She said she must think about all constituents. She said she is also thinking about those
51 who cannot afford to pay more, especially in a year with so much uncertainty. She said that when
4
1 systems fail, it is county government that provides the safety net to provide for people. She said
2 as someone who proudly supports public schools and has been involved in public schools when
3 her children attended, she knows what is at stake. She said the state is failing children and has
4 for over a decade now. She said families of students must also be supported, and risk making
5 their homes unaffordable by increasing taxes. She said housing, mental health services, and crisis
6 response, are essentials. She said every voice of residents who have spoken out stay with her,
7 and she hopes they understand that this budget is a balancing act for the Board, and they will
8 continue to work for the residents of Orange County.
9 Commissioner Carter said she is also grateful there have been so many engaged
10 residents who advocate for their community and for staff who provide services that impact so
11 many areas of our lives. She said she also understands many residents may not know how to
12 engage in this process. She said she was grateful to hear that long time homeowners on fixed
13 incomes who are concerned about being able to pay their tax bills and repair their homes. She
14 said she is also grateful to hear from those who say they would be willing to pay higher taxes
15 towards schools. She said as someone who deeply supports public schools, it is vexing to know
16 that federal cuts that support children in school are likely to come, like for nutrition support. She
17 said local governments are going to be severely strained and will only be able to respond if there
18 is some capacity to buttress the social safety net. She said she has also been grateful to see so
19 many staff that support emergency response. She said their work reduces overall costs. She said
20 Orange County Elections staff ensure that residents are able to cast their vote in free and fair
21 elections. She said 153,000 Orange County residents are depending on the Board to balance all
22 needs across the county. She said she commits to faithfully consider all as budget season ends.
23
24 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
25 a. Juneteenth Freedom Day Proclamation
26 The Board approved a proclamation designating June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in
27 Orange County.
28
29 BACKGROUND: On June 19, 1865 — more than two (2) years after the signing of the
30 Emancipation Proclamation — U.S. Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas,
31 to inform the last enslaved African Americans that they were free. This day, now known as
32 Juneteenth, marked a powerful moment of delayed liberation and became a defining milestone in
33 the struggle for Black freedom. The first Juneteenth celebration was held in Texas in 1866, where
34 communities gathered for prayer, food, music, and dance. As Black families migrated from Texas
35 to other parts of the country, they carried Juneteenth's cultural and historical traditions with them.
36
37 In 2007, North Carolina approved legislation that allowed Juneteenth National Freedom Day to
38 become an official state holiday once federally recognized. In 2020, Orange County and the
39 Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough affirmed Juneteenth as a local holiday. Today,
40 Juneteenth is celebrated as a federal holiday across all 50 states, recognized as a time of both
41 jubilation and reflection.
42
43 Juneteenth not only honors freedom — it invites us to reckon with the ongoing legacy of slavery
44 and the long, unfinished journey toward justice. Historian Ira Berlin, in The Long Emancipation:
45 The Demise of Slavery in the United States, argues that emancipation was not a singular event,
46 but "a near century process" driven by the resistance, resilience, and determination of Black
47 Americans. Freedom was not granted — it was fought for. Through centuries of struggle, Black
48 Americans have expanded the meaning of citizenship and reshaped the promise of American
49 democracy, redefining who is included in the phrase "We the People."
50
51 This year, Orange County will host a Juneteenth celebration on June 13, 2025.
5
1 Paul Slack, Department of Civil Rights and Civic Life Director, introduced the item.
2 Paul Slack and Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
3
4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2O25
6
7 WHEREAS, Orange County has recognized Juneteenth as the moment when freedom finally
8 reached all enslaved African Americans, marked by the arrival of Union troops in Galveston,
9 Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — reminding us of the strength
10 of those who, even in bondage, sowed the seeds of liberation and began reuniting their families
11 in the aftermath of slavery; and
12
13 WHEREAS, the Board has reflected on Juneteenth as both a celebration and a solemn reminder
14 of the long struggle for true freedom — recognizing that the end of slavery did not immediately
15 bring justice, and that Black Americans have continuously led efforts to expand the meaning of
16 democracy and belonging for all; and
17
18 WHEREAS, the 2025 Juneteenth celebration, themed "Where Freedom Gathers, We Rise,"
19 builds on this legacy by uplifting the stories of Black families who persevered after emancipation
20 and continue to shape our communities through generations of strength; and
21
22 WHEREAS, this year's events honor the service and sacrifices of Black veterans who fought for
23 freedom abroad while being denied it at home—demonstrating unwavering commitment to justice
24 in the face of systemic exclusion; and
25
26 WHEREAS, Orange County affirms the essential role of youth in imagining and shaping a better
27 future, and we commit to listening to their voices and supporting their leadership as builders of
28 what's next; and
29
30 WHEREAS, we are reminded by the words of Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong
31 children than to repair broken men," — a call to nurture young people as an act of ongoing
32 liberation; and
33
34 WHEREAS, the June 13, 2025 Orange County Juneteenth celebration will offer opportunities to
35 gather and learn together—creating space for connection, remembrance, and shared purpose;
36
37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that we, the Orange County Board of
38 Commissioners, honor Juneteenth as a living tradition — a reminder of how far we've come, and
39 a commitment to continue building a community rooted in truth, dignity, and repair.
40
41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we proclaim Thursday, June 19, 2025 as JUNETEENTH
42 FREEDOM DAY in Orange County, North Carolina, and encourage all residents to take part in
43 commemorating this historic day—by learning from the past, gathering in the present, and carrying
44 the work of freedom forward.
45
46 This, the 3rd day of June 2025.
47
48
49 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
50 Orange County Board of Commissioners
51
6
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
2 approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
3
4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5
6 Chair Bedford said many proclamations are on the consent agenda, but there are some
7 that the Board feels are critically important to read aloud.
8 Paul Slack shared information on some of the events taking place on June 13tn
9
10 b. Proclamation Recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month in Orange County
11 The Board approved a proclamation designating June 2025 as Pride Month in Orange County.
12
13 BACKGROUND: Each June, communities across the nation celebrate the courage and
14 contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals while honoring the movement's roots in resistance and
15 resilience. Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City — a
16 spontaneous response to police harassment that sparked a nationwide push for LGBTQ+
17 liberation and visibility. The first Pride marches, held one year later, transformed that momentum
18 into public demonstrations for equality, dignity, and freedom.
19
20 Since Stonewall, LGBTQ+ advocacy has driven significant progress, including landmark Supreme
21 Court decisions affirming marriage equality and workplace protections, as well as expanded
22 federal hate crime legislation. Today, LGBTQ+ individuals serve in leadership roles across every
23 level of government, and Pride events around the world continue to amplify voices of joy, identity,
24 and justice.
25
26 Despite this progress, challenges persist. Discrimination, targeted legislation, and violence —
27 especially against transgender women of color— remain pressing concerns. LGBTQ+ youth still
28 face disproportionate levels of bullying and mental health risks. In Orange County, local data
29 echoes national trends, underscoring the need for affirming spaces in schools and communities.
30
31 Pride Month calls us not only to celebrate how far we've come, but to reaffirm the commitment to
32 a more inclusive and equitable future where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender
33 identity, are treated with dignity and respect.
34
35 There are several Pride Month events happening around Orange County in June, including:
36 • Chapel Hill Pride Promenade — June 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm
37 • Carrboro's Pride Piper Walk— June 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm
38 • Carrboro Orgullo Pride Celebration — June 14, 2025 from 5-8 pm
39
40 Paul Slack, Department of Civil Rights and Civic Life Director, introduced the item.
41 Paul Slack and Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
42
43 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
44 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2025
45 AS PRIDE MONTH
46
47 WHEREAS, LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) Pride Month is
48 celebrated nationally each year in the month of June, this month being chosen to commemorate
49 the riots that took place at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan on the morning of June 28, 1969, often
50 viewed as the birth of the modern LGBTQ rights movement; and
51
7
1 WHEREAS, Pride Month honors the legacy of LGBTQ trailblazers who paved the way for greater
2 acceptance, visibility, and equality—from the courageous acts at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 to the
3 ongoing advocacy that has led to transformative social and legal progress across the nation; and
4 June serves as a time to reflect on these milestones, celebrate the rich diversity of the LGBTQ
5 community, and recommit to building a future rooted in equity, inclusion, and justice for all; and
6
7 WHEREAS, Orange County has a history of advancing the rights of its LGBTQ residents,
8 including Carrboro becoming the first town in the state to enact a domestic registry for same sex
9 partners, extending eligibility for employment benefits to same-sex partners of County employees
10 in September 2004, and the election of a gay and lesbian elected officials within the County; and
11
12 WHEREAS, additionally, in January of 2021, Orange County was among the first local
13 governments in the state (along with Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill) to pass a local
14 nondiscrimination law extending protections in public accommodation and employment for
15 persons based on their sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression; and
16
17 WHEREAS, Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of love, authenticity, and community, honoring
18 the strength and resilience of LGBTQ individuals who continue to shape culture, drive progress,
19 and inspire future generations; and Pride events across the country and in Orange County—such
20 as the Chapel Hill Pride Promenade on June 7th - provide opportunities for education, artistic
21 expression, joyful visibility, unity, and foster environments where people of all identities can be
22 seen, supported, and celebrated; and
23
24 WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to standing with and supporting the LGBTQ community,
25 and to working to ensure that all of people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity
26 or expression, are treated with respect and dignity;
27
28 NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the
29 month of June 2025 as PRIDE MONTH in Orange County.
30
31 This the 3rd day of June 2025.
32
33 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
34 Orange County Board of Commissioners
35
36
37 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
38 approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
39
40 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
41
42 5. Public Hearings
43 a. Application for Zoning Atlas Amendment — 1125 New Grady Brown School Road,
44 Hillsborough, Hillsborough Township
45 The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on a County-initiated Zoning Atlas
46 Amendment to rezone +/- 69.58 acres (PIN: 9863-28-1858) located at 1125 New Grady Brown
47 School Road, Hillsborough, within the Hillsborough Township of Orange County.
48
49 BACKGROUND: A Conditional Zoning Atlas Amendment application (Attachment 1) was
50 received proposing to rezone approximately 69.58 acres of property at 1125 New Grady Brown
51 School Road, Hillsborough. Orange County is the property owner on record of Cedar Ridge High
8
1 School, which is located on the parcel. The Staff Report in Attachment 2 contains additional
2 information, maps, and analysis in regard to the application's consistency with County-adopted
3 plans. Approval of a site-specific plan is part of the conditional district rezoning process, and the
4 site plan and any agreed-upon conditions are binding to the development permitted for the zoning
5 district.
6 Basic Review Process: A conditional district rezoning application requires submission of a site
7 plan and other documents, in accordance with Section 2.9.1(C) of the Unified Development
8 Ordinance (UDO). Sections 2.8 and 2.9 of the Orange County UDO require the following review:
9 • FIRST ACTION —Applicant holds a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM).
10 Staff Comment: The NIM was held on January 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at Cedar Ridge
11 High School.
12
13 • SECOND ACTION —The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting
14 and makes a recommendation to the BOCC.
15 Staff Comment: The Planning Board reviewed this application at its regular
16 meeting on April 9, 2025.
17
18 THIRD ACTION — The BOCC receives the Planning Board and staff
19 recommendations at an advertised public hearing and makes a decision on the
20 application.
21 Staff Comment: The public hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025.
22
23 A formal site plan is required as part of a conditional rezoning application and has been submitted
24 (Attachment 1). Orange County, in coordination with Orange County Schools, has initiated a
25 Zoning Atlas Amendment in order to bring the existing Cedar Ridge High School site into
26 compliance with the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance and to allow for future
27 development. Additional background information related to this request is contained in the Staff
28 Report (Attachment 2).
29
30 Proposed Conditions
31 Per Section 2.9.1 (F) (3) of the UDO, mutually agreed upon conditions can be imposed as part of
32 this process if they address:
33 a. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
34 b. Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways, and access points, screening and buffer areas,
35 the timing of development, etc.), and/or
36 c. All other matters the County may find reasonable and appropriate or the petitioner may
37 propose.
38
39 Orange County Development Advisory Committee staff has recommended the imposition of
40 conditions, as included in the Ordinance in Attachment 8.
41
42 Public Notification: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the UDO, notices of the Public Hearing
43 were mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject parcel. These
44 notices were mailed on May 19, 2025— 15 days before the hearing. Staff also posted the subject
45 parcel with signs on May 19, 2025 — 15 days before the hearing. See Attachment 3 for the
46 notification materials.
47
48 Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the zoning atlas amendment at
49 its April 9, 2025 regular meeting. At this meeting the Board voted unanimously to recommend
50 approval of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and the proposed Zoning Atlas
51 Amendment (Attachment 8).
9
1 An excerpt of the approved minutes from the meeting, as well as the Planning Board's signed
2 Statement of Consistency, are included in Attachment 6. Agenda materials from the meeting can
3 be viewed at:
4 htti)s://www.orangecountync.gov/AgendaCenterNiewFile/Agenda/ 04092025-2215.
5
6 Planning Director's Recommendation:
7 The Planning Director recommends that the Board of County Commissioners:
8 1) Consider the matter for action;
9 2) Acknowledge that legally-sufficient public notice was given for the application and this
10 meeting, in accordance with State law and the Orange County UDO;
11 3) Review the staff report(Attachment 2), featuring analyses of UDO compliance, impact
12 of the use to the surrounding area, safety and efficiency of land use, and consistency
13 of the application with the Orange County's adopted plans;
14 4) Allow for the applicant's presentation of materials;
15 5) Conduct the public hearing, receive public comments, and consider the Planning
16 Board recommendation;
17 6) Close the public hearing; and
18 7) Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas
19 Amendment Ordinance (Attachment 8).
20
21 Ashley Moncado, Planner III, made the following presentation:
22
23 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting
June 3, 2025
7:00 p.m.
24
25
26
10
1 Slide #2
Conditional District Overview
Conventional District Zoning Conditional District Zoning
Standards must he uniformly Request is use-specific with
applied throughout the County individualized development
conditions and standards
No site-specific,Individualized site-specific develment plan op
conditions may be imposed. is part of review and approval
process
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #3
i
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Item 5a: Zoning Atlas Amendment
(Conditional District)
R-1 Zoning to NR-CD Zoning
Location: 1125 New Grady Brown School Road
PIN: 9863-28-1858
Applicant: Orange County
Case#: MA24-0005
5
6
7
11
1 Slide #4
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0004 (Cedar Ridge High School)
1 1 2 5 New Grady Brown School Road
Overview:
Address 1125 New Grady Vicinity Mapfor Rezoning Application-PIN 9863z81858
Brown School Road j
9863-28-1858
Township Hillsborough t
T
Lower Eno
:.
Watershed Unprotected
\ -
• •• Orange County " ""m�� -— A
-_ tea.. r °'
2
3 Ashley Moncado explained that in 2021 Orange County adopted several amendments to
4 the UDO to address zoning changes at the state level. She said as part of this, the UDO no longer
5 allowed for Schools: Preparatory to be in the R-1 District, resulting in Cedar Ridge becoming a
6 non-conforming use. She said illegal non-conforming uses are allowed to continue operating but
7 are not allowed to expand, so when the pole barn proposal was submitted, it could not be
8 approved as an accessory structure.
9
10 Slide #5
Zoning Atlas Amendment- MA24-0004 (Cedar Ridge High School)
1 1 2 5 New Grady Brown School Road
• - (continued):
Rezoning Application to R-CI7 for PIN 9863zS,858
. .
Current Zoning _--------` - L
• Rural Residential(R-1)
Requested Zoning -- ~— --
• Non-Residential Conditional Districto
(NR-CD)
• Use-Schools:Preparatory -
Surrounding Zoning
■ Rural Residential(R-1)
• R20 Residential(Town of Hillsborough) = ea�,mnn
11 _
12
12
1 Slide #6
'oning Atlas Amendment- MA24-0004(Cedar Ridge High School)
1125 New Grady Brown School Road
• ■ -■
Adopted rut um Land Uw Map with Parcel 0632Ri 85B peplcted
Future Land Use Map Designation
10-Year Transition
Areas that are in the process of
changi rig from rural to urban
densities and/or intensities,that 4
are suitable for higher densities
and/or intensities and could be
provided with public utilities and
services within the first 10-year
phase of the Plan update or where — —
such utilities and services are
already present or planned.
• No proposed amendment
3
4 Slide #7
.7oning Atlas Amendment- MA24-0004(Cedar Ridge High School)
1125 New Grady Brown School Road
• ■ '■
Conditional District Application Requirements R—rrlrg(ApplicatbntoR-CD for PIN 9963281858
■ Site Specific Plan ' -{
Environmental Assessment --
• Biological inventory _•,
Additional Information as Identified by
Reviewing Agencies
5
6
7
13
1 Slide #8
Site-Specific Plan
,37
ti. • �.�, r„ ,n
� a , glllll 11 it
�1
3 Ashley Moncado said the landscaping, parking, and stormwater control measures all
4 conform with the UDO. She said access is provided along two entrances at New Grady Brown
5 School Rd. and no traffic impacts are expected.
6
7 Slide #9
Applicant Presentation
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
g
14
1 Cy Stober, Planning and Inspection Director, began presenting here. He explained that he
2 is acting as the applicant because he initiated the change when the school system submitted this
3 project.
4
5 Slide #10
Orange County Planning Board
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
1 ENGAGE.CHALLEHO E.INS PIA E.
JOIN Orange
County
Schools
6
7
8 Slide #11
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
ENGAGE. CHALLENGE.INSPI?
9
10
15
1 Slide #12
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
Why Are We Here?
2021 UDO Amendment placed all Schools:Preparatory in conditional zoning districts
TABLE OF PFRMjTTFD USES
PERMm1FDUSK A-SUBJECT TO USE STANDARDS S-SPECiAL USE
C 0.ga S E W GlgxnL FAL!!IT V SFS
B. Centel n a Resdence a a a a a a a 6 a a JA
19. Care Fft S S S S S S S S S a a a a
spocm..g,e a e a a e e e I e a e e
ENGAGE CHALLENGE. INSPIRE.
2
3
4 Slide #13
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
The applicant will provide a single boundary survey of the high school
property to replace the four currently recorded.The road R.O.W.
internal to the campus that runs perpendicular to New Grady Brown
School Road will be abandoned.The survey will be completed and
recorded with a revised deed no later than 18 months from zoning
approval. tlltl
The property shall be developed consistent with the reviewed site J —
plan and application as acted upon by the Orange County Board of — e
Commissioners on June 3,2025. 9 e
ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE.
5
16
1 Slide #14
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
The applica nt proposes two future development areas as shown an-site
plan CM dated 2/12/2025,A.Area In northwest came r of existlnA site;and 13.Area on the east side at existing$te.Pmpussd Future development
c9AWInedwithiotheseareasshall follow the Non Residential Zoning .0
ComplianmPermitproms -1 -
The applica nt proposes a 3ff V wide pedestrian easement along Orange ll
Gmva Read and a portion of New Grady Brown SeWol.Read Ito provide a
pedestrian connect]on from this intersection to the school).The site plan `
dated 2/12/2025 shows it behind the existing buffers;hr ,wever,the final t r'
location is to 6a determined and is con[ingunl on the approval or the _ ..
Orange C aunty Schad l board.
ENGAGE.CHALLENGE. INSPIRE.
Z
3 Cy Stober indicated that any future additions will still need to conform to all ordinance
4 standards. He said the easement is a small step in achieving a long-sought goal to provide for
5 pedestrians and possibly bicycle access to this high school.
6
7 Slide #15
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
T
Questions?
M
f1
-,I�fit,
ENGAGE CHALLENGE. INSPIRE
8
17
1 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what the final easement will look like.
2 Cy Stober said it will be a concrete or asphalt-like surface. He said typically a multiuse
3 path is 8-10 ft. and the easement is 30-ft ft. He said it would allow access from Orange Grove Rd.
4 and possibly Grady Brown School Rd.
5 Chair Bedford said this was in the top five most requested transportation projects in
6 Orange County.
7 Cy Stober said this does not fully achieve the goal, but it is a step in the right direction.
8 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if this is the only non-conforming school.
9 Cy Stober said all schools in OCS are now non-conforming. He said he is in discussion
10 with the school system about that. He said Planning has received an application from Carolina
11 Friends School to expand their campus and they are in a similar situation. He said he hopes to
12 bring that to the Board as a conditional zoning request in September.
13 Chair Bedford asked if schools have to pay fees for this conditional zoning request.
14 Cy Stober said Carolina Friends School did have to pay fees, but Orange County was the
15 applicant in this case, so there were no fees.
16 Chair Bedford asked if there would be fees if these changes were text amendments.
17 Cy Stober said no, and Ashley Moncado has been a strong advocate for that approach.
18 He said that it can be brought to the board for approval.
19
20 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open
21 the public hearing.
22
23 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
24
25 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
26 There was one signed up to speak.
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to close
29 the public hearing.
30
31 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
32
33 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
34 approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas Amendment Ordinance
35 (Attachment 8).
36
37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
38
39 b. Application for Zoning Atlas Amendment — 9900 NC 57, Rougemont, Little River
40 Township
41 The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on an applicant-initiated Zoning
42 Atlas Amendment to rezone +/- 11.22 acres (PIN: 0910-24-6642) located at 9900 NC 57,
43 Rougemont, within the Little River Township of Orange County.
44
45 BACKGROUND: A Conditional Zoning Atlas Amendment application (Attachment 1) was
46 received proposing to rezone approximately 11.22 acres of an +/- 80.52-acre parcel located at
47 9900 NC 57, Rougemont. The Staff Report in Attachment 2 contains additional information, maps,
48 and analysis in regard to the application's consistency with County-adopted plans. Approval of a
49 site-specific plan is part of the conditional district rezoning process, and the site plan and any
50 agreed-upon conditions are binding to the development permitted for the zoning district.
18
1 Basic Review Process: A conditional district rezoning application requires submission of a site
2 plan and other documents, in accordance with Section 2.9.1(C) of the Unified Development
3 Ordinance (UDO). Sections 2.8 and 2.9 of the Orange County LIDO require the following review:
4 FIRST ACTION —Applicant holds a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM).
5 Staff Comment: The NIM was held on December 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Orange
6 County Main Library.
7
8 SECOND Action —The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting and
9 makes a recommendation to the BOCC.
10 Staff Comment: The Planning Board reviewed this application at its regular meeting on April 9,
11 2025.
12
13 THIRD Action — The BOCC receives the Planning Board and staff recommendations at
14 an advertised public hearing and makes a decision on the application.
15 Staff Comment: The public hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025.
16
17 Aformal site plan is required as part of a conditional rezoning application and has been submitted.
18 The required site plan identifies the proposed structures, parking, landscaping, and setback
19 information for the project (Attachment 1). The applicant is proposing "Storage of Goods" (Use
20 62(P), UDO Table of Permitted Uses)to locate a self-storage business on this site. This use would
21 include a total of 41 storage buildings, including an office, to be developed in three (3) phases.
22
23 Proposed Conditions
24 Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3) of the UDO, mutually agreed upon conditions can be imposed as part of
25 this process if they address:
26 d. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
27 e. Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways, and access points, screening and buffer areas,
28 the timing of development, etc.), and/or
29 f. All other matters the County may find reasonable and appropriate or the petitioner may
30 propose.
31
32 Orange County Development Advisory Committee staff has recommended the imposition of
33 conditions, as included in the Ordinance in Attachment 9.
34
35 Public Notification: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the LIDO, notices of the Public Hearing
36 were mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject parcel. These
37 notices were mailed on May 19, 2025— 15 days before the hearing. Staff also posted the subject
38 parcel with signs on May 19, 2025 — 15 days before the hearing. See Attachment 3 for the
39 notification materials.
40 Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the zoning atlas amendment at
41 its April 9, 2025 regular meeting. At this meeting the Board voted 10-1 to recommend approval
42 of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment
43 (Attachment 9), as presented, with the exception of amending Condition #15 to state all required
44 landscaping plantings shall be selected from the Orange County Preferred Plant List.
45 An excerpt of the approved minutes from the meeting, as well as the Planning Board's signed
46 Statement of Consistency, are included in Attachment 6. Agenda materials from the meeting can
47 be viewed at:
48 https://www.orangecountync.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/ 04092025-2215.
49
50 Planning Director's Recommendation:
51 The Planning Director recommends that the Board of County Commissioners:
19
1 1) Consider the matter for action;
2 2) Acknowledge that legally-sufficient public notice was given for the application and this
3 meeting, in accordance with State law and the Orange County UDO;
4 3) Review the staff report (Attachment 2), featuring analyses of UDO compliance, impact
5 of the use to the surrounding area, safety and efficiency of land use, and consistency
6 of the application with Orange County's adopted plans;
7 4) Allow for the applicant's presentation of materials;
8 5) Conduct the public hearing, receive public comments, and consider the Planning
9 Board recommendation;
10 6) Close the public hearing; and
11 7) Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas
12 Amendment Ordinance (Attachment 9)
13 OR
14 Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a statement as to why the application is
15 not reasonable and/or not in the public interest, as detailed in the Statement of Inconsistency
16 (Attachment 8).
17
18 Ashley Moncado, Planner III, made the following presentation:
19
20 Slide #1
r�
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting
June 3, 2025
7:00 p.m.
21
22
23
20
1 Slide #2
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Item 5b: Zoning Atlas Amendment
(Conditional District)
AR Zoning to REDA-0-1 Zoning
Location: 9900 NC 57
PIN: 0910-24-6642
Applicant: Justin Chandler
Case#: MA24-0006
2
3
4 Slide #3
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
Overview:
Address 9900 NC 57 Vicinity Map for Rezoning Application-PIN D9102 4 6 6 4 2
I
J :...,
0910-24-6642Township ~`-
ta„ 5
Little River
Watershed Flat River Protected
Applicant Justin Chandler
5
6
21
1 Slide #4
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
• • -•
Rezoning Application to REDA-CD for PIN 0910246642
Current Zoning
■ Agricultural Residential(AR)
Requested Zoning
■ REDA-CD-1(NC Highway 57 Speedway
Area Rural Economic Development Area
Conditional District) FWRlwrho1etbd
0910246642
• Use-Storage of Goods
Surrounding Zoning
■ REDA-CD-1(NC Highway 57 Speedway
Area Rural Economic Development Area
Conditional District)
• Agricultural Residential(AR)
■ Existing Commercial(EC-5)
■ R:Residential(Person County)
LitlN RMrProletla0
���Sw9wtivw+waMab
2uip
2
3
4 Slide #5
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
• • - •
Aerial Ima a with Parrel 0910246642 Outlined Existing Zating
I \ i
GEN.
11� 1
,
S' 1
.
A— '.A.
5
6
22
1 Slide #6
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
,Overview • -•
Adopted Future Land Use Map with Parcel 0910246642 Depicted
Future Land Use Map Designation
Agricultural Residential
• Agricultural activities and
associated residential and
commercial uses predominate. 0910246642
i
• No proposed amendment •
r
� Flat River Protected
I� II
i
--' n ry Llnle n—,Prme—d ,I
�a A
2
3
4 Slide #7
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
,Overview • e•
Rezoning Application to REDA-CP for PIN c91024e642
Conditional Conditional DistdctApplication Requirements Requirements
• Site Specific Plan --7
• Environmental Assessment
■ Landscape Plan
■ Additional Information as Identified by PM 11MrPrWx ed
0970246642 �
Reviewing Agencies
l�
--
�
G�'-'"r evnw.v Liltle RNer P�
__wmswwwwa.m
rsrvq
5
6
7
23
Slide #8
Site-Specific Plan
eel
G
MM2
-E7
El 4/ Atv
Ashley Moncado said both entryways meet NCDOT requirements.
Slide #9
Applicant Presentation
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
6
24
1 Justin Chandler, applicant, addressed the Board. He said he lives on the proposed lot
2 being subdivided. He said that the OCS raceway has been an area of concern and that it was
3 assigned a to small area task force. He said that since purchasing the property he has cleaned it
4 and is trying to make it as appealing as possible. He said that he would like to provide a vital
5 service to the community that is low impact, quiet, and clean. He said upon approval, he would
6 like to decommission the raceway and make it a better use for all in the community.
7 Commissioner Fowler asked how long does the paved area need to be.
8 Ashley Moncado said 70 feet and that is based on NCDOT guidelines.
9 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how many employees will be hired.
10 Justin Chandler said it would just be himself.
11 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked where bathroom facilities would be.
12 Justin Chandler said it will be within the office.
13 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if he could point it out on the map.
14 Justin Chandler showed the Board the location on the map.
15 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what will happen to the cart track.
16 Justin Chandler said it will be decommissioned. He said he cleaned up the dilapidated
17 structures, removed 1300 stockcar tires, and took down fencing. He said that he has made as
18 much improvement as he could.
19 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what he sees for the future.
20 Justin Chandler said he would like for it to be a nice pasture.
21
22 Slide #10
Public Notification
■ Notices were mailed via first class mail to property owners within
1,000 ft. of the subject parcel on May 19, 2025.
■ Signs posted the subject parcel on May 19, 2025.
■ Legal Ad published on May 21, 2025 and May 28, 2025.
■ Application information has also been posted on the Planning
Department's "Active Development" webpage.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
23
24
25
25
1 Ashley Moncado continued the presentation:
2
3 Slide #11
Proposed Conditions
Per NCGS 160D-703, imposed conditions and site-specific standards
are limited to those that address conformance of the development and
use of the site to local government ordinances and adopted plans or the
impacts reasonably expected to be generated by the development or use
of the site.
Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3)of the UDO,mutually agreed upon conditions
can be imposed as part of this process if they address:
a. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
b. Proposed support facilities(i.e.roadways,and access points,screening
and buffer areas,the timing of development,etc.),and/or
c. All other matters the County may find reasonable and appropriate or the
petitioner may propose.
ORANGE COUNTY
NUHTH C.AROLINA
4
5
6 Slide #12
Proposed Conditions (Attachment 9)
Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3)of the UDO,the following conditions are being proposed:
1. The pro pertyshaII be developed consistent with the reviewed site plan and application as acted upon by
the Orange County Board of Commissioners on June 3,2025.
2. The existing Go Kart use andtractcontainod on the existing 80.52-acre tract shall be terminated and
shall no longer ape rate on site.
3. Retail sales from the proposed rental office shall be limited to pa eking supplies(i.e.boxes,tape,
packing materials,etc.)and shall not involve the sale of general retail items such as food,drinks,or
other similar items not consistent with the use of the property as a self-storage facility.
4. No ancillary commercial in residential use of individual storage facilities shall be permitted.This
includes the use of storage facilities foraAmotive repair or retail sales.
5. No hazardous materials shall be stored on the property.
U. The applicant shall contract with a private solid waste contractor to remove trash from the site
cons i stent with the submitted site plan and in accordance with the Orange County Solid Waste
Management Ordinance.
7. The facility shall meet all applicable requirements of the State of North Carolina Building Code.
load �
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
7
8
9
26
1 Slide #13
Proposed Conditions (Attachment 9)
Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3)of the LIDO,the following conditions are being proposed:
B. The storage facility's hours of operation shall not be before 6:00 am nor after9:O0 pm.
9. Outdoor I ighti ng fixtu res s hal I not exceed 25-feet in height from ground level. All lighting shall be
downward to minimize Iighttrespass and obtrusive lighting.
10. The property owner shall record a final pi atdividingthe+/-11.22-acre parcel from the existing+�-
80.52-aere tract within 120 days of BOCC approval of the rezoning application.
11. Offsite easements for water,wastewaters utilitest and access shall be recorded within 120 days after
approval of the rezon I ng a p pi icati o n.
12. Offsite landscape preservation easement shall be recorded within 120 days after approval of the
rezoning application.
13. Impervious surface transfer shall be recorded within 120 days after approval of the rezoning
application.
14. The project shall maintain the existi ng vegetati on on the north,south,and west sides of the site and
incorporate an offsite easement area of approximately 1.28 acres along the northem,southern,and
waste parcel IInes in Ileu of standards contained in Section 6.8,Landscaping,Buffers,and Tree
Protection:Street Treas,Between Lot Plantings,Foundation Plantings,Landscaping of Ve h icu la r Areas,
and Screening of the Unified Development Ordinance.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORI-H CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide#14
Proposed Conditions (Attachment 9)
Per Sectlon 2.9.1(F)(3)of the LID0,the folIowing conditions are being proposed:
15. The final landscape plan will be reviewed as part of tha Zoning Compliance Permit process.I existing
vegetation contained on site or within the recorded landscape preservation easement area does not
meet UDO standards,additional plantings shall be required.All required landscaping plantings shall be
selected from the 0range County Preferred Plant List.
16. Al required landscaping for Phase 1 shall be installed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of
Compliance for Phase 1 allowing forthe units to be rented/occupied.Required landscaping shall be
Installed per phase.
17. The applicantshaII be required to maintain all required land use buffers,including those of preserved
vegetation,in accordance with the requirements of the 0range County Unified D eve]opment 0rdinance
Section 6.8,Landscaping,Buffers,and Tree Protection.
18. Proposed driveway con nectionswith NC-57 shall be paved with asphalt.
19. The parking and drive aisles shall be surfaced with Type 57 washed stone.
20. The Planning Director shall have the authority to review and approve minor changes to the approved
plan,per Section 2.9.1(1),Alterations to an Approved Conditional District of the Orange County Unified
Development Ordinance,specificto the location and arra ngem a nt of deve lop ment with I n the limits of
disturbance and the proposed"activity area".The"activity area"shall be defined as the edge of gravel
as shown on the provided conditional zoning plan set.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
27
1 Slide #15
Staff Analysis
1. The application is complete in accordance with Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 of the UDO.
2. Staff review of the application included considerations for how the request relates to the Orange
County 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
3. Per Section 3A of the UDO,the purpose of the NC Highway 57 Speedway Area Rural Economic
Development Area Conditional Tuning District(REDA-CD-1)is to encourage additional,
compatible,and unique nnn-residential development opportunities in a predefined area of the
County as identified within the adopted 2 00 7 NC Highway 57 Small Area Plan.
4. The REDA-CD-1 district shall be located consistentwith the parcels designated as°Rural
Economic DeveIapmentArea"within the aforementioned Small Area Plan.The subject parcel is
located within the Rural Economic Development Area of the NC Highway 57 Small Area Plan
aIlowingfor rezonIngto the REDA-CD-1 to be considered.
5. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan identifies Agricultural Residential as land designated in the
Comprehensive Plan as land for agricultural activities and associated residential and commercial
uses.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #16
Zoning and Land Use Review
This,istnd snap he kp ted C went w h the parce35 dagnatk as
Rural Eoorgmec Oevdopmenl Area within fie aforeme Wl d Smaa
area Plan,a map of whch a provded henhn for dlusbawe purposes
�Y
A
EA RURAL ECONOMIC
PIEVELOPMENT NkPOSE
1•
The purpose of the NC Hrgtmay 57 Speedaay Mao Rural Eomwmc
CJevdapmenl Area Cundrtiorrsl Zmng Disnlet(REUAC6.1s o to
Courage addFta 1, oompalible. and ~ rarwesde"b.�l
Ocvdopmenl oppodonihes m a preddlned Mee ee"County a
'denbhed w+thl" the adopted NC Highway 57 Small Atea plan
Further.this distnd ie fl..d d to prove...bg Mf—formmq lann
an opportunity to be a oanfombng through a devdopm-;
review process so that property a—m Can upWode theu eKr tb
busiaeea to address[hangmg nsedh while f8CDgnUN and b-1
oofsusslent wth local land use letlons.
Unified Development Ordinance—Section 3.8 1
Conditional Districts ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
28
1 Slide #17
Zoning and Land Use Review
QM H�.r pee S S 5 S
lyyyym I*oMd
Bt INI Stwep W
P141�w
!]IO! G b
Rryl BIrpMC�oaa
6T 101 T>..E..IM 8 A A A b A 6
Unified Development Ordinance—Section 5.2
Table of Permitted Uses ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #18
Planning Director Recommendation
The Planning Director recommends that the Board of County Commissioners:
1. Considerthe matter for action;
2. Acknowledge that legally-sufficient public notice was given for the application and this
meeting,in accordance with State law and the Orange County UDO;
3. Review the staff report(Attachment 2),featuring analyses of UDO compliance,impact of the
use to the surrounding area,safety and efficiency of land use,and consistency of the
application with Orange County's adopted plans;
4. Allow forthe applicant's presentation of materials;
5. Conduct the public hearing,receive public comments,and considerthe Planning Board
recommendation;
6. Close the public hearing;and
7. Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency(Attachment 7)and ZoningAtlas Amendment
Ordinance(Attachment 91
OR
Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a statement as to why the
application is not reasonable and/or not in the public interest, as detailed in the
Statement of Inconsistency(Attachment 8).
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
29
1 Slide #19
Planning Board Recommendation
Planning Board reviewed the rezoning application at its April 9, 2025 meeting
Voted 10-1 to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 7 and the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment(Attachment 9), as
presented,with the exception of revising Condition #15 to include all required
landscaping plantings shall be selected from the Orange County Preferred
Plant List
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #20
Recommendation
The Manager recommends the Board:
1. Conduct the public hearing and receive the Planning Board and
staff recommendations and public comments;
2. Closethe public hearing; and
3. Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency(Attachment 7)and
Zoning Atlas Amendments(Attachment%.
OR
Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a
statement as to why the application is not reasonable and/or not
in the public interest, as detailed in the Statement of
Inconsistency, (Attachment 8).
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Commissioner Carter said she is supportive of the application. She asked if the applicant
7 is amenable to the condition about plantings.
30
1 Justin Chandler said yes.
2 Commissioner Fowler asked if the current track is paved, and if so, will that be demolished.
3 Justin Chandler said it is paved and yes.
4 Chair Bedford noted that is not part of the rezoning application and should not be
5 considered.
6 Ashley Moncado said there is a condition that references that the raceway will be
7 decommissioned.
8 Commissioner Fowler asked about the impervious surface conditions.
9 Ashley Moncado said the applicant is working on those with staff.
10 Commissioner Fowler asked if the paved track must be taken up to meet the impervious
11 surface requirements.
12 Ashley Moncado said that is not the case in this situation.
13
14 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open
15 the public hearing.
16
17 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
18
19 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
20 There was no one signed up to speak.
21
22 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
23 close the public hearing.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
28 approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas Amendments
29 (Attachment 9).
30
31 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
32
33 c. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Telecommunication Facilities
34 Standards
35 The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on County-initiated text
36 amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to telecommunication
37 facilities standards in order to: better achieve established LIDO and 2030 Comprehensive Plan
38 goals; be consistent with Federal and State Law; clarify language for improved administration and
39 enforcement; and reflect contemporary best professional standards.
40
41 BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department has initiated
42 amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance — Sections 5.2: Table of Permitted Uses,
43 5.10: Standards for Telecommunications Facilities, and Article 10: Definitions, as well as creating
44 a new section, 8.14: Nonconforming Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. These amendments
45 are supported with legal services provided by the Brough Law Firm, PLLC.
46
47 The proposed amendments to the ordinance represent the first update to these standards since
48 the adoption of the LIDO on April 5, 2011. In an effort to protect residential areas, minimize new
49 facilities, and encourage new telecommunication facilities to locate in non-residential areas,
50 County staff has identified the need to update the text to reflect current federal and state laws as
51 well as professional best practices. A community and industry meeting detailing the proposed
31
1 ordinance amendments was held on April 7, 2025, to notify and receive input from stakeholders.
2 Comments were received from industry representatives and addressed.
3
4 Joint Planning Area (JPA) Review: In compliance with the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro
5 Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement, the proposed amendments were sent to both
6 towns for comment on March 27, 2025. To date, no comments have been received.
7
8 Planning Board Recommendation: At its May 7, 2025 meeting, the Board voted 7-3 to
9 recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with
10 some changes to the proposed text amendments. The changes recommended by the Planning
11 Board have been incorporated into the proposed Ordinance contained in Attachment 2. The
12 Planning Board's signed Statement of Consistency and an excerpt of the draft May 7, 2025
13 meeting minutes are included in Attachment 3. Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning
14 Board had reviewed the materials in an "Ordinance Review Committee" (ORC) meeting on April
15 9, 2025. The amendments were modified since the Planning Board recommendation to focus
16 solely on those utilities related to communications.
17
18 Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
19 1. Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are
20 reasonable and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1.
21
22 2. UDO text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2.
23
24 Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director for Development Services, made the following
25 presentation:
26
27 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Agenda Item 5-c:
UDO Text Amendment -
Telecommunications Standards (5. 10)
28
29
30
32
1 Slide #2
Summary of Need for Text Amendment
• Telecommunications elements of the UDo has not been
amendedlupdated since adoption on April 5, 2011.
■ Since adoption, numerous federal and state laws
pertaining to telecommunications have changed.
■ Technology (e.g. 5G), the market and best
industry/regulatory practices have changed significantly
in the last 5-10-years.
• Current regulations and procedures don't align with the
public need for adequate and equitable rural coverage or
the County's long-range plans and goals.
■ Current system doesn't meet the current public safety
service needs.
-
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #3
Telecommunication Sites
s
•
• • e
•
•
• o,w
• aew.
• •bw
ORANGE COUNTY
NORI'H C:AROLINA
5
6
7
33
1 Slide #4
Approved Master Telecommunications Plar Map
r
J
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3 Patrick Mallett said the white areas are gaps in coverage.
4
5 Slide #5
Summary of Proposed Amendments
Drafted through contract with Brough Law Firm
Amendment would repeal and replace all of UDO
Section 5.10 Standards for Telecommunications
Facilities, and revise:
■ 5.2 Table of Permitted Uses; and
■ 10 Definitions
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
6
7 Lydia Lavelle with the Brough Law firm said that after Orange County adopted this version,
8 the General Assembly then adopted mandatory standards that track the FCC standards, thus
34
1 making the Orange County code out of compliance. She said this is an effort to bring all into
2 compliance.
3
4 Slide #6
Summary, continued
■ Continues the trend to allow staff approvals for
lower impact towers.
■ streamlined approval processes for stealth
towers (60 days or less), administrative approval
for towers on government and university owned
lands 214' feet or less.
■ Includes the mandatory statutory definitions.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7 Slide #7
Other related efforts and next steps
• Coordinated efforts with AMS, IT and EMS to
better integrate existing and planned
infrastructure opportunities.
■ Update applicable long-range plans.
■ Update fees to align with federal and state law.
■ Improve community and industry access to
telecommunications data and information.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
8
9
10
35
1 Slide #8
Planning Board Recommendation
Planning Board Ordinance Review Committee reviewed and
discussed at their April 9, 2025, meeting.
Planning Board voted (7-3) to recommend approval of the
proposed amendments at their May 7, 2024, meeting.
ORANGE COuiW i T
N011TH CARCII.INA
2
3 Patrick Mallett said the split vote was not due to lack of support for the change but an
4 issue with the way the tense of one word was used — a grammar correction. He reviewed some
5 of the recent proposed changes since the agenda was published.
6 Chair Bedford asked why#70, footnote 1, remained.
7 Commissioner Fowler said it is because they want to keep water and sewer.
8 Patrick Mallett said it is really a different way of presenting it.
9 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the added footnote is saying.
10 Patrick Mallett said they propose repealing an entire section and adding back the new
11 section with the remaining information in #70 for water treatment plants.
12
13 Slide #9
Recommendation for Tonight
The Manager recommends the BOCC:
1. Consider the Planning Director's and Planning Board's
recommendations,
2. Conduct the Public Hearing and accept public comment,
3. Deliberate an the proposal, and
4. Decide and vote on the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 1)and the proposed ordinance (Attachment
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH C;AROLINA
14
36
1 Slide #10
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CARAI_INA
2
3 Commissioner Carter asked about the tower height changes for a streamlined approval
4 process. She asked about terminology for micro towers. She said she thinks she understands
5 stealth tower.
6 Patrick Mallett said those terms are born in SEC, federal, and state regulations.
7 Lydia Lavelle said that they had a good discussion around "stealth" and it means
8 camouflage. She said that it is an attempt to conceal with something that is already there, so it is
9 not readily apparent.
10 Commissioner Carter asked how they can track where the gaps start to close. She said
11 that this version will not have them regularly meeting with the industry.
12 Patrick Mallett said there probably is a need for a call to industry folks to collaborate with
13 Emergency Services and he sees that as a next step.
14 Commissioner Carter asked the characteristics of a micro tower.
15 Patrick Mallett said they would be well below 75 feet. He said it would be on a telephone
16 pole in many cases.
17
18 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open the
19 public hearing.
20
21 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
22
23 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
24 There was no one signed up to speak.
25
26 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to close
27 the public hearing.
28
29 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
30
31 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
32 approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 1) and the Ordinance in Attachment 2, with
33 the discussed changes.
34
35 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
36
37
1 d. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Solar Array Standards
2 The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on County-initiated text
3 amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to solar array standards to
4 better achieve established UDO, 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and Climate Action Plan goals,
5 clarify language for improved administration and enforcement, and reflect contemporary best
6 professional standards.
7
8 BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department, in partnership with
9 the Sustainability Office, has initiated amendments to UDO Section 5.9.6, Solar Array, and
10 revisions to Article 10, Definitions. The proposed amendments are intended to be comprehensive
11 in addressing overly complex text, and to improve interpretation and application for both staff and
12 applicants.
13
14 These amendments represents the first update to the solar standards since the adoption of UDO
15 section 9.5.6: Solar Array UDO on November 8, 2012. Because best practices surrounding solar
16 array residential and accessory standards have since changed, County staff has identified the
17 need to update the language to reflect current practices.
18
19 Orange County's Climate Action Plan prioritizes solar energy adoption as a foundational strategy
20 for achieving renewable energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Strategy Built
21 Environment and Energy (BE) 2.5.1 of the Climate Action Plan specifically calls for
22 "implementfingl an expedited permitting process for all new solar projects across the county." The
23 purpose served by this text amendment is to carry out these objectives.
24
25 As part of the commitment to advancing solar energy, Orange County earned a SolSmart
26 designation, recognizing the County's efforts to make solar more accessible. By updating the
27 Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with best practices in solar zoning, the County can
28 eliminate regulatory obstacles, simplify permitting, and provide greater clarity for property owners.
29 These updates will further the SolSmart goals, directly support BE 2.5.1, and ensure faster
30 approvals, reduced administrative burdens, and a smoother transition to clean energy for the
31 community.
32
33 Joint Planning Area (JPA) Review: In compliance with the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro
34 Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement, the proposed amendments were sent to both
35 towns for comment. Town of Chapel Hill provided comments which were incorporated with
36 revisions.
37
38 Planning Board Recommendation: At its May 7, 2025 meeting, the Board voted unanimously
39 to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with
40 one amendment to the proposed changes. The changes recommended by the Planning Board
41 allow for administrative edits as recommended by the staff attorney and have been incorporated
42 into the proposed Ordinance contained in Attachment 2. The Planning Board's signed Statement
43 of Consistency and an excerpt of the draft May 7, 2025 meeting minutes are included in
44 Attachment 3. Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning Board had reviewed the
45 materials in an "Ordinance Review Committee" meeting on April 9, 2025.
46
47 Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
48
49 1. Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are
50 reasonable and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1.
51 2. UDO text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2.
38
1 Patrick Mallett made the following presentation:
2
3 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Agenda Item 5-d:
UDO Text Amendment - Solar Array
Standards (5.9.6)
4
5
6 Slide #2
Summary of Need for Amendment
■ Solar elements of the U DO has not been
amended/updated since November 8, 2012.
■ Since adoption, numerous best practices and
technology changes have occurred in the solar
industry.
• Orange County Strategic Plan identifies
"Environmental Protection and Climate Action"
as the first priority strategy.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLTNA
7
8
9
39
1 Slide #3
Summary of Proposed Amendments
■ Revised UDO Section 5.9.6 -Solar Array, and
Article 10-Definitions.
■ Revisions only cover solar regulations for
residential and non-residential accessory uses.
Solar as a Public Utility is unchanged.
• Addresses overly complex text, and to improve
interpretation and application for both staff and
applicants.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #4
Other related efforts and next steps
■ Future efforts will look at a fast-track
permitting process for some solar related
permits.
■ Fees will be revisited.
■ Also conducting work on solar/EV located
on government facilities.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
40
1 Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager, continued the presentation:
2
3 Slide #5
Solar Energy: A Key Strategy in Meeting
Climate Action Plan Goals
Reduce GHG emissions 50%by 2030 and 100%
by 2050
Energy use accounts for 54%of total GHG
emissions(residential energy= 18%)
■ Solar energy is key strategy for cutting emissions
Top Priorities in the Climate Action Plan:
ACTION Meet GHG reduction targets
PLAN Expand community-wide solar capacity
H3Build resilient infrastructure for climate emergencies
Updating the UDO:
-Enables broader solar adoption
-Supports emission reductions and energy resilience
-Aligns land use policy with climate action
ORANGE COUNTY ORANGE COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY NORTH CAROLTNA
4
5
6 Patrick Mallett continued the presentation:
7
8 Slide #6
Planning Board Recommendation
Planning Board ordinance Review Committee reviewed and
discussed at their April 0, 2025, meeting.
Planning Board voted unanimously(10-0)to recommend
approval of the proposed amendments at their May 7, 2024,
meeting.
,409
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
9
10
41
1 Slide #7
Recommendation forTonight
The Manager recommends the BOCC:
1. Consider the Planning Director's and Planning Board's
recommendations,
2. Conduct the Public Hearing and accept public comment,
I Deliberate on the proposal, and
4. Decide and vote on the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 1), and the proposed ordinance(Attachment
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROL]NA
Z
3
4 Slide #8
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open
8 the public hearing.
9
10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
42
1 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
2 There was no one signed up to speak.
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to close
5 the public hearing.
6
7 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8
9 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if there is a height maximum.
10 Patrick Mallett said heights are governed based on zoning classification. He said that
11 maximum building heights are anything with a roof. He said a structure could be there and that
12 would not be a building, like a fence. He said that it is typically 25 feet but there is a bump up in
13 height if setbacks are increased. He said that ground mounted solar arrays usually do not reach
14 anywhere close to 20 feet.
15 Vice-Chair Hamilton said it could be a concern in a residential area if it blocks a view.
16
17 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
18 approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 1) and the Ordinance in Attachment 2.
19
20 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
21
22 6. Regular Agenda
23 a. Approval of Solid Waste Master Plan — Path to Zero Waste
24 The Board approved the Solid Waste Master Plan as revised based on the Board of
25 Commissioners' guidance to staff in February 2024.
26
27 BACKGROUND: Orange County issued a Request for Proposals on April 9, 2021 for
28 development of a Solid Waste Master Plan that would move the County to "Zero Waste" by
29 2045. As approved by the Solid Waste Advisory Group, the overarching goals for the Solid
30 Waste Master Plan and its development are as follows:
31
32 Goal 1. Develop a comprehensive and easily understandable Solid Waste Master Plan,
33 with identifiable action items and a plan summary.
34
35 Goal 2. Develop a comprehensive strategy that by 2045 will lead to "Zero Waste," as
36 defined by the County.
37
38 Goal 3. Integrate the Plan's efforts with the ongoing climate action plans of the County,
39 the Municipalities, the University and the University Health Care system.
40
41 Goal 4. Select a sustainable business model that incorporates the financial, social and
42 environmental, including carbon footprint reduction impacts on our community.
43
44 Goal 5. Identify future programs, initiatives, facilities, and infrastructure to achieve the
45 "Zero Waste" goal, as defined by the County, while ensuring the long-term
46 financial stability of the County's solid waste and recycling program.
47
48 Goal 6. Identify strategies to increase public education and participation in waste
49 reduction and waste diversion programs through awareness of reduction, reuse,
50 recycling and composting; while addressing ordinance and enforcement
51 requirements.
43
1 Goal 7. Develop and include an equitable comprehensive public engagement process
2 that effectively includes input by the general public, including groups that
3 historically have been marginalized, and key interest groups, including the
4 municipal and university partners, and keeps the public informed and updated on
5 the process.
6
7 Goal 8. Ensure all proposed programs and policies are in regulatory compliance with
8 local, state and federal requirements.
9
10 The BOCC awarded the contract to develop the Plan to Gershman, Brickner&Bratton, Inc. (GBB).
11
12 The Board provided guidance to staff on the Plan at its February 6, 2024 Business meeting, and
13 revisions reflecting that guidance have been incorporated. While making the revisions and
14 reshaping the Plan, staff conducted an audit of material collected in the County's waste stream.
15 The audit included waste from the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Orange
16 County. Information obtained from the audit was used to help inform the Plan.
17
18 Robert Williams, Solid Waste Director, made the following presentation:
19
20 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Department of Solid Waste
Management
Path to Zero Waste
Robert Williams
Director
June 3, 2025
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1 Slide #2
PURPOSE:
Request BOCC Approval for the Solid Waste
Master Plan.
The Solid Waste Master Plans outlines a
sustainable waste management model that
balances financial, social, and
environmental impacts.
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Path to Zero Waste
Orange County's Definition of Zero Waste
The reduction of solid waste to nothing, or as
close to nothing as possible, by minimizing
excess consumption by means of responsible
production, consumption and reuse and
maximizing the recovery of solid wastes through
recycling and composting.
..�_
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1 Slide #4
Background/History
In 2022, Solid Waste Management was tasked with hiring a consulting
firm to create a Solid Waste Plan that would lead to the county having
an effective Zero Waste Plan.
Solid Waste Management Department contracted with Gershman,
Brickner& Bratton
Inc. (GBB)to create the Plan
Eight project goals were established to guide the County's Zero Waste efforts:
• Goal 97—Develop a comprehensive and easily understandable plan
• Goal#2—Develop a comprehensive strategy that will lead to-Zero Waste,"by 2045.as defined by the County.
Goal#3—Integrate the Plan's efforts with the ongoing climate action plans of the County
Goal#4—Select a sustainable business model
• Goal 95—Identify future programs,initiatives,facilities,ano infrastructure to achieve the Zero Waste goal,
• Goal 96-Identify strategies to increase public education and participation in waste reduction and waste diversion
• Goal#7-Develop and include an equitable,comprehensive public engagement process
Goal#8-Ensure all proposed programs and policies are in regulatory compliance
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Path to Zero Waste?
Community Outreach and Engagement
When developing the Road to Zero Waste Plan,the County advocated for the collection of community
feedback and input throughout the planning process.
The County sought opinions and feedback from the public via the following in-person and virtual methods:
✓ Formed a solid waste advisory group and identified key stakeholders and one-on-one interviewees
✓ Held four(4)public meetings
✓ Promoted the efforts online through the Solid Waste Management website and social media accounts
✓ Participated in three(3)farmers markets located throughout the County
✓ Participated in a fall Shred-a-thon event
✓ Advertised in print media and on television
Conducted online surveys in multiple languages(English,Spanish,Mandarin,Burmese)
✓ Conducted one-on-one interviews and Small Group Listening Sessions
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6 Robert Williams said there were 1,400 completed surveys.
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1 Slide #6
Path to Zero Waste?
Sustainable Materials Management Hierarchy
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Path to Zero Waste
What's In The Trash?
Other Materials,lT.8% Corrugated Cardboard.l,7%Other Recydable Paper,
10.6%
oiapsra,3.71A_ _RaM.Belaes,Jars,aad
Tubs,2.1%
Metal Cans,1 4%
_ Glass Bonles and
Jars.2,2%
Plastic Film.7.7%—--
Other Potential
Recoverablea.4.3%_
TeatlleslLeather,6.6% F—d Waste_269%
Potentially Recoverable -
PEastic,4 4%
Other Potential
Compostahles.50%
Canpostable PdPCT. Vard Waste.2,1%
8.4%
`will
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1 Slide #8
Potential Recoverables — 15.3%
Textiles/Leather-6.6%
Potentially Recoverable
Plastic-4.4°Io
• Plastic drink cups
• Plastic clomsholls
• Other plastic co ntoi tiers
• Bulky rigid plastics
• Packaging expanded
polystyrene roam
• Retail bags and stretch film
oi.cr wtannar
Rt_rnve rattles,4.
Other Potential WOMMEW P/W
Recoverables-4.3%
• Other ferrous metals T.AIWLaathn,
66%
• Aluminum foil
• Other non-ferrous metals
• Other C&D debris Paxntairy
necoveraeie P�asx,
• Other hazardouswaste 4.4%
• Lead acid batteries
• Dry cell batteries
Oil filters
Electronics
Reusable waste
Tires and rubber1
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Potential Compostables — 42.3%
Food Waste-26.9%
Compostable Paper--8.4%
Yard Waste-2.0%
Other Potential
Compostables-5.0%
Waxy cardboard
Other organics
Wood pallets
Wood lumber
• Stump/heavy sections Food waste,26.W.
Other Potential i
Compostabfsa, '
ll
5.0% Cwnpostade Paper, 'L Yard Waste,21%
8.4%
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1 Slide #10
All Other Materials — 24.1 %
Older M.I.M.
Plastic Film—7.7% 2.13%
Diapers—3.7% r,�pe 3
Other Materials—12.8%
• All other paper
• Food expanded polystyrene foam Pimlic Film,7 7%
• All other plastics
• Other glass
• Small appliances
• Pal ntedltreatedwood
• Infectious waste
Large items
• Composite materials
Liquids
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Program Recyclables — 18.1 %
Plastic Bottles,Tubs,Jugs,and Cof11ge1etl L8fO�tl' o,ner lk-yeW.
Jars—2.7 Pope,.10 0%
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Metal Cans--1.4% Meld C.-1.4%
Ulu.balU.1
Glass Bottles and Jars—2.0% �J
Other Recyclable Paper—10.0%
• Newspaper
Glossy magazines
• Mixed recyclable paper
• Aseptic containers
Corrugated Cardboard—1.7%
ter:r�
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Slide #12
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Potential Recoverables
1'
••
Potential Compostables
... Waste
0E0 tons) It
Program
Other Recyclable Paper—10.0% cod Waste.26.9%
11! tons)
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i Slide
rth to Waste and Recommendations:
Scenario q Recommendation
1 Update Marketing(imagery,Public education&social mediaM;Creates rallying point
2 Focus on all language speakers in signagelmessaging.
3 Ra ise awareness on reuse and waste prevention.
4 Advocate for more material bans and revise the solid waste ordinance.
One
5 Create County-level commercial and multifamily recycling requirements.
6 Innovation partnerships with UhIC and UfJC health system-
? County purchasing for waste preventionlsoil health.
B Consider becoming part of a reuse maritetplace.
9 Consistency across items accepted at WRCs(with exception of HHWE
i0 Enforcement at WRCs(with staff and/or security cameras}.
11 More accessibtedrop-off optionsltocations for multifamily buildings.
Fro
12 Offer multiple cart sizes.
13 Create model programs across schools far waste reduction,recycling.and composting
14 Implement deconstruction ordinance updates/facility audits/collect C&D recycling data.
Three 15 Organics program development
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1 Robert Williams said they have a serious problem with dumping of illegal materials, and
2 they are monitoring with cameras. He said they are running a pilot program for organics collection
3 with the schools.
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5 Slide #14
Path to Zero Waste Implementation Timeline
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Questions
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A
A
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1 Commissioner Fowler asked if compost is a separate pick up.
2 Robert Williams said yes.
3 Commissioner Fowler asked if assignments have been made for who will be in charge
4 Robert Williams said yes, and the website is being updated along with the social media.
5 He said the containers have been secured by grants. He said there are people are in place to
6 lead the divisions.
7 Commissioner Greene asked about glass recycling. She said she understood that glass
8 is easily recyclable and asked if it is okay to put it in with all the rest of the recycling.
9 Robert Williams said there is glass on the side program with bars and restaurants. He said
10 they started separating that from co-mingled materials. He said they took a lot of the high-volume
11 places out. He said that it generates revenue because it is separated and hauled.
12 Commissioner Fowler said they get some funds back on recycling but pay for glass, so it
13 pays for the program.
14 Commissioner Carter asked when the pilot program for organics would start.
15 Robert Williams said it would start next fiscal year. He said the goal is to put collection
16 containers in front of restaurants and farmer's markets. He said that it will be moved around to
17 find the most effective locations.
18 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the QR code for containers.
19 Robert Williams said that the QR code will take you to the app to download and the app
20 will then give you the location.
21 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if an app is the only way to access it.
22 Cheryl Young said there may be a way to do it with a code rather than an app. She said
23 they are fairly new in the market in this country.
24 Chair Bedford said this is a great opportunity to partner with Community Relations on
25 education campaigns.
26 Commissioner Greene said she would like to continue to encourage people with enough
27 land on their property to do composting at home.
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29 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to
30 approve the attached Solid Waste Master Plan as revised based on the Board of Commissioners'
31 guidance to staff in February 2024.
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33 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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35 7. Reports
36 None.
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38 8. Consent Agenda
39
40 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
41 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
42 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
43
44 Chair Bedford reminded the Board that Item 8-k was removed at the beginning of the
45 meeting and referred to the Planning Board. She called attention to the increase in CHCCS's
46 special district tax in the budget amendment.
47
48 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
49 approve the consent agenda.
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51 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
52
1 a. Minutes
2 The Board approved the draft minutes for the April 8, 2025 and April 15, 2025 BOCC Meetings
3 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
4 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
5 The Board approved a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for seven (7)
6 taxpayers with a total of eight (8) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
7 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
8 The Board approved a resolution to release property tax values for six (6) taxpayers with a total
9 of twelve (12) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
10 d. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Durham County for Billing and Collection of
11 Orange County Solid Waste Program Fees for Town of Chapel Hill Properties Located
12 in Durham County
13 The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between Orange County and Durham County
14 under which Durham County will administer billing and collection of Orange County's Solid Waste
15 Program Fee for those properties that are located within the Town of Chapel Hill and also within
16 the jurisdictional limits of Durham County.
17 e. National Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation
18 The Board approved a proclamation recognizing June 6, 2025 as National Gun Violence
19 Awareness Day.
20 f. Pollinator Week Proclamation
21 The Board approved a proclamation declaring June 16-22, 2025, as "Pollinator Week" in Orange
22 County.
23 g. National Trails Day Proclamation
24 The Board approved a proclamation declaring June 7, 2025 as "National Trails Day" in Orange
25 County.
26 h. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Amendment#10
27 The Board approved budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for Fiscal Year
28 2024-25.
29 i. Approval of Staff Computer Lease Purchase Agreement for Orange County Schools
30 The Board approved a resolution approving the Orange County Schools District lease agreement
31 to replace staff computers.
32 j. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance — Approval and Certification of 2025
33 Report
34 The Board approved and certified the 2025 Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance
35 Technical Advisory Committee (SAPFOTAC) Report.
36 k. Manor Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application — Eden View Acres
37 The Board removed this item from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.
38 I. Request for Road Additions to the State-Maintained Secondary Road System for Zieger
39 Lane and Cattail Lane
40 The Board made a recommendation to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
41 and the North Carolina Board of Transportation (NC BOT) concerning a petition to add Zieger
42 Lane and Cattail Lane in the Rusch Hollow Subdivision to the State-Maintained Secondary Road
43 System.
44 m. Lease Amendment for the Communications Tower at 3605 Walnut Grove Church Road,
45 Hillsborough
46 The Board approved an amendment to the TowerCo lease for County-owned property at 3605
47 Walnut Grove Church Road in Hillsborough and authorize the County Manager to sign the
48 amendment upon final review by the County Attorney.
49 n. Approval of FY26 Annual Work Program for Transit Updates
50 The Board approved the FY26 Annual Work Program for transit updates.
51 o. Contract Approval for Recycling and Municipal Solid Waste Processing
53
1 The Board approved and authorized the County to enter into a contractual agreement with WM
2 Recycling America, LLC and Waste Management of Carolina, Inc., to provide Recycling material
3 processing and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal services.
4 p. Approval of Sportsplex Management Services Agreement
5 The Board approved a Management Services Agreement between Orange County and
6 Recreation Factory Partners to operate the Orange County Sportsplex.
7 q. Approval to Increase in the Letter of Credit Required from Travelers Indemnity
8 Company for Secure Payment of Workers Compensation Deductibles
9 The Board approved an increase in the Letter of Credit (LOC) required from Travelers Indemnity
10 Company (Travelers), the County's insurance carrier, from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
11 r. Renewal of Health Services Agreement with Southern Health Partners for Medical
12 Services at the Orange County Detention Center
13 The Board approved a renewal of the Health Services Agreement with Southern Health Partners
14 for medical services at the Orange County Detention Center.
15 s. DSS Computer Peripheral Surplus Declaration and Donation to Triangle Ecycling
16 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution declaring items listed below as
17 surplus and authorizing the donation of those items to the non-profit Triangle Ecycling.
18 t. Resolution of Approval — Conservation Easement on Property owned by Jane Saiers
19 and Darin Knapp (RambleRill Farms)
20 The Board approved a resolution approving the purchase of and acceptance by Orange County
21 of a conservation easement on property owned by Jane Saiers and Darin Knapp (RambleRill
22 Farms).
23 u. Approval of Health Department Fee Changes
24 The Board approved changes to the Personal Health Services fee schedule as recommended by
25 the Board of Health and amend the FY 2024-25 County Fee Schedule.
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27 9. County Manager's Report
28 Travis Myren reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule and topics listed below:
29
30 Projected June 5, 2025 Budget Work Session Items
31 Decisions on Proposed Budget Amendments to Manager's Recommended FY 2025-26 Budget&
32 2025-35 C I P
33 Decisions on Tax Rates
34 Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY 2025-2026 Budget
35
36 Chair Bedford asked the Clerk to print out all of the proposed amendments for the next
37 meeting.
38 Travis Myren said they will also be in his PowerPoint presentation.
39 Travis Myren said in response to some of the concerns about vertical equity and the
40 revaluation, as a short-term effort, Orange County will retain a vendor to run mathematical models
41 that will identify potential areas where there are vertical equity problems so that the Tax Office
42 can take those to the Board of Equalization and Review for changes. As a longer-term strategy,
43 Travis Myren said he will convene a work group in the late summer or early fall of subject matter
44 experts, community members, and Tax staff to look at different tools to use in the future that can
45 measure vertical equity so those tools can be used proactively, as well as some recommendations
46 to build staff capacity. He explained that this is highly technical statistical work.
47 Chair Bedford reminded the Board that the meeting on Thursday will take place at the
48 Southern Human Services Center, and the Closed Session to evaluate the Manager, Attorney,
49 and Clerk will be next Tuesday at the Whitted Building.
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1 10. County Attorney's Report
2 John Roberts had no report for the Board.
3
4 11. *Appointments
5 None.
6
7 12. Information Items
8 • May 20, 2025 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
9 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
10 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
11 • Tax Collector's Report— Foreclosure Chart
12 . Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
13 • April 2025 Child Care Subsidy Monthly Report
14
15 13. Closed Session
16 None.
17
18 Adjournment
19
20 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
21 adjourn the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
22
23 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
24
25 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
26
27
28 Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board
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30 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
Attachment 5
1
1 DRAFT MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 BUDGET WORK SESSION
5 June 5, 2025
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Budget Work Session on Thursday, June
9 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
12 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-
13 Ascott
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: None.
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin
17 Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below.)
19
20 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present.
21
22 1. Discussion and Decisions on FY 2025-35 Capital Investment Plan
23 • Funding Decisions on the Capital Investment Plan Amendment List
24 • Accept FY 2025-35 Capital Investment Plan and Approve the Intent to Adopt Capital
25 Funding for FY 2025-26
26
27 The Board discussed the FY 2025-35 Capital Investment Plan, accept the Ten-Year Capital
28 Investment Plan, and approve the Intent to Adopt Capital Funding for FY 2025-26.
29
30 BACKGROUND: For over 20 years, the County has produced a Capital Investment Plan (CIP)
31 that establishes a budget planning guide related to capital needs for the County as well as
32 Schools. The current CIP consists of a 10-year plan that is evaluated annually to include year-to-
33 year changes in priorities, needs, and available resources. Approval of the CIP commits the
34 County to the first year funding only of the capital projects. All other years are used as a planning
35 tool and serves as a financial plan.
36
37 Capital Investment Plan — Overview
38 The FY 2025-35 CIP includes County Projects, School Projects, and Proprietary Projects. The
39 School Projects include Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, and Durham
40 Technical Community College — Orange County Campus projects. The Proprietary Projects
41 include Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Sportsplex projects.
42
43 The CIP has been prepared anticipating moderate economic growth of approximately 2% in
44 property tax growth and 4% sales tax growth over the next ten years. Many of the projects in the
45 CIP will rely on debt financing to fund the projects.
46
47 Travis Myren, County Manager, made the following presentation:
48
49
2
1 Slide #1
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ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
FY2025-26 Budget
Intent to Adopt Work Session
Board ❑f Commissioners Work Session
June 5, 2025
z
3
4 Slide #2
Decision Points
1. FY2025-26 Capital Investment Plan
Consider and approve amendments to the County Manager's Recommended Capital Investment Plan(CIP)
2. FY2025-26 ❑perating Budget
Consider and approve amendments to the County Manager's Recommended Operating Budget
3. FY2025-26 County Fee Schedule
• Consider and approve amendments to the County Manager's Recommended Fee Schedule
4. FY2025-26 Tax Rates
• Adopt a Countywide Ad Valorem (Property)Tax
• Adopt a Special District Tax Rate for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District
Adopt tax rates for the County Fire Districts
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1 Slide #3
Decision Points
5. Break to finalize the Intent to Adopt Resolution
6. Resolution of Intent to Adopt
• Approve the Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY202,T6 Operating Budget at the Business Meeting on June
17,2025
— Operating Budget for FY2025-26
— Year One[FY2025-26]of the Capital investment Plan and Acceptance of the Ten -Year Plan
— Countywide Properly Tax,Special District Tax,and Fire District Tax Rates
— County Fee Schedule
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Capital Budget Amendments
Amendment Sponsor CIP Budget Page Department Amendment Year I Impact 10 Year CIP
9 Impact
Reduce Construction funds for Crisis Diversion -$285,00C -$285,00
lP-S01 Staff 53 AMS aciiity that we re advanced to FY 24-25 in a prior
udget Amendment
Iliad mont Food Processing Center-Uti4ize Article $
IP-SO2 Staff 82 AMS funded Financing rather than Pay-as-you-Go
ending for FY 26
1lit
idence Storage Building-Reduce size by -$1,278, $1.278,50
IP-503 Staff 63 AMS ticipating moving Sheriff's Office and"active
idence storage"to renovated Link Center
ave"Justice System Space Needs"to years 1 $1,400, $
IPSO4 Staff 78 AMS Id 2 to renovate the Link Center and move the
eriff into the facility.
145 148 CHCCS late Recurring Capital and Article 46 Funding $
1PS05 Staff Schools between districts to FY 26 Budgeted ADM
161-163 OCS th Article 46 excluding charter students
Reduce Article 46 funding for schools by$63,921 63,921 767,441
146 CHCCS n FY 25-26 based on revised sales tax
1P-306 Staff 161 OCS Schools rojections and reduce 10 years projection to
ssume 4%growth from the revised FY25-26
rojection.
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6 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
7 approve budget amendments CIP-SO1, CIP-SO2, CIP-SO3, CIP-SO4, CIP-SO5, and CIP-SO6.
s
9 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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4
1 Slide #5
Capital Budget Amendments
Tax Impact of All Staff Amendments:
Current Debt Model Staff Amendments
D$to GF Debt Tax Debt Tax Rate
Year Revenues Rate DSto GF Revenues Equivalent
Equivalent
026 11.20% - 11.20% -
2027 13.10°/a 2.424 13.09°/6 2.41�
028 14.16% 1.424 14.29% 1.584
2029 16.50% 2.844 16.86% 3.14�
030 17.78% 1.554 17.98% 1.370
2031 17.87% 0.184 17.81%
032 17.75% - 17.69%
2033 18.61% 0.990 18.61% 0.694
2034 19.16% 0.804 19.12% 0.984
2035 18.00% - 17.96% -
otalImpact 10.194 10.160
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4 Slide #6
Capital Budget Amendments
Amendment Sponsor CIP Budget Department Amendmant Year I Impact 10YearGIP
# Page Impact
IP-Bo1 Bedford 52 AIMS educe scope of Animal Services -$298,72 -1298,72
enovation to just USDA required
GIP-B02A Bedford 57 Sustainability emove funding in years 7.8 and 9 for $0 4636,00
ommunity Resilience Hubs
IP-8028 Greene 57 Sustainability emove funding in years 7 and 9 for $ 4424,00
ommunity Resilience Hubs
Remove window Coverings for Great Hall -$B1100 -$B7100
IP-B03 Bedford 76 AIMS t Seymour Center.Department to use
AP balance for this expense instead
Reduce scope of RENA renovation to$1 -$1,890,00
IP-1304 Bedford 88 AMS Vl,split between county and the
unici lities
IP-1305 Bedford 91 Sustainability Remove Solar Photovoltaic System for $0 4532,11
Hillsborough Commons in Years 2 and 3
ORANGE COUNTY
6 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Chair Bedford gave the gavel to Vice-Chair Hamilton to lead the meeting while she
7 presented the budget amendments she sponsored.
8 Chair Bedford referred to slide #10. She said that the impacts of her proposed budget
9 amendments are small. She said it is mostly in the outer years. She said that they are very strong
10 because they have a ten-year plan and a debt model in the CIP. She said that was added in 2016.
5
1 She said that the Board of Commissioners is legally mandated to provide facilities for schools,
2 judges, sheriffs, and that they also need to make sure the county employees have safe
3 workspaces. She said that the budget aligns more and more with the strategic plan every year.
4 She said there is a line item for climate mitigation and $100,000 for public EV chargers, and
5 $50,000 every other year. She said that there are solar projects of $1.8 million over ten years.
6 She said there are staff EV chargers, and most vehicle replacements will be electric. She said
7 that residents have noted they are very concerned about the tax rate impact. She said there are
8 no wasteful projects in the CIP. She said many of her amendments suggest deferring some
9 projects, but she wants to keep working on the big projects. She said they also preserved health
10 and safety investments. She said they are also continuing to work to renovate the Link building
11 and create a judicial complex. She said there were 3 projects that jumped out as needing a work
12 session. She said Orange County Schools asked if they can they use Soccer.com as a school
13 site and the majority said yes. She said the other two are the Southern Human Services
14 expansion and the RENA expansion. She said looking at the 10 years, the judicial placeholder is
15 insufficient. She said more will be needed because they need to make the spaces safe for judges.
16 She said if they make those spaces, it is good not to fill them immediately. She said that the result
17 is somewhat minor, but it shows the public that they are serious about balancing needs and wants.
18 Chair Bedford reviewed budget amendment CIP-1301, which she sponsored.
19
20 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve
21 budget amendment CIP-1301.
22
23 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
24
25 Chair Bedford reviewed budget amendment CIP-1302A, which she sponsored. She
26 suggested that her amendment be reviewed along with CIP-130213, sponsored by Commissioner
27 Greene.
28 Commissioner Greene reviewed amendment CIP-1302B.
29 Commissioner McKee said it would have no impact on year one, thus no impact on this
30 year's tax rate. He said they can make changes as necessary, so he supported Commissioner
31 Greene's amendment.
32 Commissioner Greene gave further information about her amendment. She said that they
33 got a climate resilience kit from Central Pines and heat is the number one weather related killer
34 and is preventable. She said the rural community is the most vulnerable.
35
36 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Chair Bedford, to approve
37 budget amendment CIP-B02B.
38
39 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
40
41 Chair Bedford withdrew amendment CIP-1302A.
42 Chair Bedford said she did not have anything to add to amendment CIP-B03, which she
43 sponsored.
44 Commissioner McKee said it makes a savings in year-one.
45
46 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to
47 approve budget amendment CIP-1303.
48
49 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
50
6
1 Chair Bedford reviewed CIP-B04, which she sponsored. She noted that there was a copy
2 of a 2021 letter from a RENA representative at their places. She said including a commercial
3 kitchen would be a higher cost. She said the cost of the expansion of $2.8 million was in the
4 previous year's CIP. She said that the architect is putting in a second story and an elevator. She
5 said there should be a work session to discuss the needs at RENA. She said the county cannot
6 afford $3 million for this expansion. She said that she has a note that there will be a cost-sharing
7 agreement with Carrboro and Chapel Hill, but she thinks the expansion should be a county cost.
8 She said that the $1 million is what she proposes to remain.
9 Commissioner Greene asked if the amendment leaves $1 million.
10 Chair Bedford said it leaves $1 million for an addition. She said they should hear from the
11 architect and Asset Management Services. She said they also need to discuss if they will seek
12 partnership from the towns.
13
14 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve
15 budget amendment CIP-B04.
16
17 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that comments have been received and asked if it would
18 be hard to put the$1.8 million back. She said there is a trust issue with the community. She asked
19 if there has been any feedback from the residents.
20 Commissioner McKee said he has not heard any.
21 Commissioner Greene said that they likely don't know.
22 Chair Bedford said Rev. Caldwell should know.
23 Commissioner Greene asked if the rethinking would include participation from the RENA
24 community.
25 Chair Bedford said yes.
26 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the conversation is about the remaining dollars or if
27 it is about all the funds.
28 Chair Bedford said it should be about their needs and they would need to see what it costs,
29 and if the county can afford it.
30 Commissioner Carter said she agrees that before they make a change, they should have
31 the conversation with the community. She said that the community is developing and growing and
32 maybe this can positively impact that effort.
33 Commissioner McKee asked Travis Myren when the first year of expense would be for this
34 project.
35 Travis Myren said year 3.
36 Commissioner McKee said in his opinion it would not hurt to look into it. He said he was
37 not sure it needed to be $2.8 million, but he thinks that having the discussion is important.
38 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she supported the change. She said the CIP has been used to
39 have things in the out years that may not be aligned with what is possible. She said she is willing
40 to rethink what they are doing in the out years and give themselves flexibility. She said they also
41 have the debt model.
42 Commissioner Fowler asked if they know the amount needed.
43 Travis Myren said in 2022 an architect developed the plans and estimated the costs. He
44 said the numbers would need to be updated.
45 Commissioner Greene said that for her it is a trust issue and that backing off on the
46 commitment does not feel right. She said for her this is a special case.
47 Chair Bedford said she agrees and that she would likely vote against her own vote.
48
49 VOTE: Ayes, 0; Nays, 7 (unanimous opposition)
50
51 MOTION FAILS
7
1 Commissioner McKee said they should start preliminary planning so they can develop a
2 number to talk to the community about.
3 Chair Bedford reviewed CIP-1305, which she sponsored. She said the total across 10
4 years is $1.8 million. She said that they lease the DSS building, and they put a new roof on, and
5 it still leaks. She said they should focus funds on buildings they own.
6
7 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to approve
8 budget amendment CIP-1305.
9
10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11
12 Slide #7
Capital Budget Amendments
Arm ndment 9 Sponsor CF Budget Depamnent Amendment Year 1 Impact 10yearclP
Page rnpact
Reduce Scope of Southern Human Services $ �9,828,67
IP-BD6 Bedford 93 AMS FxpansionrRenovation to only improve Health
Department spaces.
IP-BD7 Bedford 105 DEAPR efer Blackwood Farm Park Equipment $ -$100,00
urchases to outside of 10 Year CIP Wndow
Defer all Conservation Easement $ -$1,500.00
IP-BD8 Bedford 106 DEAPR nvestments outside of 1 D Year CIP wlydow.
rojecthas existing balance of$1,977.669,
$ -$750,DD
IP-B08B Greene 106 DEAPR I alf Conservation Easements
efer all Lands Legacy investments outside $ -$1,750,00
IP-B09 Bedford 110 DEAPR A 10-year CIP window.Project has existing
lance of$2,145.205.
$ -$875,00
IP-130913 Greene 110 DEAPR aR Lands Legacy Investments
IP-1314 Bedford 108 DEAPR Defer Fairview Park Expansion outside of 10- $ -$1,959.68
fear CIP window
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NORTH CAROLINA
13
14 Chair Bedford reviewed amendment CIP-1306, which she sponsored. She said that this
15 project was approved a long time ago. She said one part of the project was to expand the
16 Southern Human Services Center BOCC meeting room. She asked about pros and cons of the
17 project. She said she did not consider this project when looking at the other needs in the county.
18 Commissioner McKee said expanding the meeting room was when they were meeting in
19 different areas ten or fifteen years ago. He said they seldom have an overflow crowd.
20
21 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to approve
22 budget amendment CIP-1306.
23
24 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
25
26 Chair Bedford reviewed amendment CIP-1307, which she sponsored. She said there's
27 funding for the park that has not been spent that could be used for the project.
28 Commissioner Greene said that was helpful information.
29 Travis Myren said the balance is $1.3 million, which is sufficient.
30
8
1 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve
2 budget amendment CIP-B07.
3
4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5
6 Chair Bedford reviewed amendments CIP-1308 and CIP-1309, which she sponsored. She
7 said the next two amendments should be considered with it. She said she had forgotten about
8 the grant. She said they have a match of over $1 million. She said Commissioner Greene has a
9 substitute.
10 Commissioner Greene reviewed amendments CIP-B08B and CIP-1309B. She said what
11 is really remaining is $2.45 million. She said they have matching funds from the state. She said
12 that some funds could also come from third parties. She said that this makes sure there is steady
13 income in the easement funding. She said that she proposes taking the funds and cutting them
14 in half. She said there are non-monetary reasons to do it as well. She said that Farmland
15 Preservation understood there was several million remaining in the fund.
16
17 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
18 approve budget amendments CIP-B08B and CIP-B09B.
19
20 Commissioner McKee said this does not impede their work and it also reigns in future
21 expenses.
22
23 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
24
25 Chair Bedford withdrew amendments CIP-B08 and CIP-B09.
26 Chair Bedford reviewed amendment CIP-1310, which she sponsored. She said she has
27 zero faith that DEQ will fund the treatment and cleanup. She said that when that happens, they
28 would do phase 2. She said there are bad chemicals there. She said it could even be a superfund
29 site. She said they will have a report later and this project would go on the horizons list. She said
30 there is no reason that they should have funds holding space in the CIP.
31 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they can move forward before the state does their
32 part.
33 Chair Bedford said no, but they are still doing the soccer goals.
34 Commissioner McKee said some of the buried items are working their way back up to the
35 top of the ground. He said it is not safe to put anyone in the area.
36
37 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to approve
38 budget amendment CIP-B10.
39
40 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
41
42
9
1 Slide #8
Capital Budget Amendments
Lands Legacy and Conservation Easements Balances
• Balance of funding at 612 for bath projects
Project Conservation Easements Lands Legacy Total
Project Balances at 612 $ 1,972,011.81 $2,144,205.43 $4,116,217.24
Budgeted Anticipated Grant Match $ 266,248.00 $ - $ 266,248.00
PendinglApproved Projects[County Share] $ 500.065,00 $ 228.000,00 $ 728,065,00
Current Unassigned County Funding $ 1,205,698.81 $1,916,205.43 $3,121,904.24
Average 10 year Annual Spend $ 161,235.65 $ 28,67&12 $ 187,910.77
• Pending/Approved Projects includes
- $228,000 approved ey Board of CommVssloners
- $222,000 pending approval on 613
— $278,065 idenlified projects not yet approved by Board of Commissioners1
ORANGE COUNTY
8 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #9
Capital Budget Amendments
Amendment# Sponsor CIP Budget Page Department Amendment Year 1 Impact 10 Year CIP Impact
CIP-B11 Bedford 108 DEAPR dd funding for Soccer goals at Fairview Park in $30.00 $30,00
ear 1 of CIP.
$C 43,450,00
CIP-B12 Bedford 112 DEAPR Defer Millhouse Park outside of 10-year CIP window
CIP-B13 Bedford 117 DEAPR efer Soccer.COM Phase II expansion outside of $ -$3,960,00
10•year CIP
ORANGE COUNTY
9 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6 Chair Bedford reviewed amendment CIP-B11, which she sponsored. She said the schools
7 said they would like to use the Soccer.com site for an elementary school location. She said that
8 also changes how in depth they need to go thinking about Millhouse Park. She said that she
9 suggests deferring because they do not have funds for the park now. She said that they should
10 have a work session about this.
10
1 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve
2 budget amendment CIP-1311.
3
4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5
6 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve
7 budget amendment CIP-1312.
8
9 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
10
11 Chair Bedford reviewed amendment CIP-1313, which she sponsored.
12
13 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to approve
14 budget amendment CIP-1313.
15
16 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
17
18 Slide #10
Capital Budget Amendments
Tax Impact of Bedford Amendments:Does not include Staff or School Pay-Go Amendments
Current Debt Model All Bedford Amendments
Year D5 to GF Debt Tax Rate D5 to GF Debt Tax Rate
Revenues Equivalent Revenues Equivalent
2026 11.20% - 1120% -
2027 13.10% 2.424 13,10% 2.424
2028 14.16% 1.420 14.15% 1.414
2029 16.50% 2.844 16.47% 2.824
2030 17.78% 1.554 17.71% 1.484
2031 17.87% 0.184 17.73% 0.104
2032 17.75% - 17,60% -
2033 18.61% 0.994 18.38% 0.864
2034 19.16% 0.804 18.79% 0.644
2035 18.00% 17,62% -
atalImpact 10.194 1 9.744
❑ebt Model does not change if amendment 02B is ORANGE COUNTY
1° substituted. N()11111 CARCJI-TNA
19
20
21
11
1 Slide #11
Capital Budget Amendments
Amendmen Sponsor CIP Budget Page Department Amendment Year I Impact 10 year CIP
t# Impact
nable a 1.79 cent reduction in the FY
5-26 tax increase by amending Scheol
apital Pay-Go Phase-in to $500k in
Carter,Portie Mar 1.$6M in year 2,$10M in year 3.
IP-814 Ascott,Hamilton, 131-154 Schools tanning for Major Projects fully funded -$5DD,000 $9,900,000
McKee
y accelerating pond spending in year 1
and year 2.Reduces 10 year Pay-Go
unding for School Major Projects by
9.9 M.
11 ORANGE
RTH CA OUNATY
2
3 Commissioner Carter reviewed amendment CIP-B14, which she co-sponsored. She said
4 the objective was to see if there was a way to minimize tax increases, considering feedback from
5 the community and economic uncertainty. She said residential property owners will pay more in
6 taxes due to the increase in valuation of their properties. She said voters approved a bond
7 referendum in Fall 2024 for schools. She said that the Board is looking for a balance between the
8 two approaches. She said that the Board was presented several options by staff in May, and this
9 amendment was part of"Framework 2." She reviewed the changes in funding as listed on slide
10 #9.
11 Commissioner McKee said that the impact of the change will reduce the 2025-26 to be
12 much closer to the revenue neutral rate. He said that this amendment would make the rate 63.0
13 and that is only 1.19 cents higher than revenue neutral rates. He said this does not account for
14 the CHCCS special district tax, fire district tax, or municipalities. He said it might make a difference
15 for someone living paycheck to paycheck.
16 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that while this amendment reduces the total available in
17 the pay-go bond plan, it is an opportunity to blunt some of the impact of the multi-level tax impacts
18 they are seeing this year. She said another upside is that it smooths out the revaluation. She said
19 that it is worth noting that the bond referendum did not mention the pay-go amounts. She said the
20 Board has made it clear that the intent of the pay-go was to provide flexibility and due to the
21 unique moment, this flexibility is needed.
22 Commissioner McKee said support for this amendment would be very much appreciated
23 by many residents that are on fixed incomes or working lower paying jobs.
24 Vice-Chair Hamilton said her colleagues did a great job on the amendment. She said that
25 everyone must make adjustments considering the budget situation. She said they must think of
26 those who don't have much and that even small reductions could make a difference.
27 Commissioner Fowler said she respects the concerns, but she would rather support what
28 was recommended by the County Manager because the tax rates will need to be raised in future
29 years. She said they have reviewed the debt model in detail. She said even with the current plan
30 it gets them only about 1/3 of the need.
12
1 Commissioner Greene said she had said that this is backtracking on their commitment but
2 due to the times and the needs, she supports it.
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Portie-Ascott,
5 to approve budget amendment CIP-1314.
6
7 VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Chair Bedford, Vice-Chair Hamilton, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner
8 Greene, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Portie-Ascott); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
9 Fowler)
10
11 MOTION PASSES
12
13 Commissioner McKee said for anyone who listening, there was a reasonable statement
14 and valid reason to oppose this. He said there are occasionally "no" votes, and he asked people
15 to listen to the explanation.
16
17 Slide #12
Capital Budget Amendments
Tax Impact of Pay-Go Amendment: Does not include impact of Staff or Bedford
amendments.
FY 25-26 Pay-Go is reduced to$500 K for project management, FY 26-27 Pay-Go is reduced to$6 M.FY 27-28 remains at
$10 M. No additional Pay-Go is added back.
Year Debt to AV DStoGF Debt Tax Rate Pay Go Tax Rate
Impact on School Projects Revenues Equivalent Equivalent
$9.9 M reduction in total pay-go funding for schools 2026 1.24% 11.42% - 0.154
over 10 years,pushing out multiple High Priority Needs 2027 1.53% 13.27% 2.424 1.63t
Reduction puts pressure on either 3rd 2028 1.81% 14.26% 1.51t 1.164
project or rest of district portfolio. Districts would have 2029 1.81% 16.74% 3M4 -
to prioritize how to absorb their cuts. 2030 1.62% 18.05% 1.584 -
2031 1.63% 18.06% 0.094
Impact on Tax Impact 2032 1.80% 17.79% -
2033 1.69% 18,67% 0-684
Borrowing is accelerated s0 tax increases for debt 2034 1.46% 19.16% 0.87t
come in faster in 28-30, but same total. 2035 1.34% 17.99%
Pay-Go impact in 26 reduced to.15 cents,but Total Impact 10.18t 2.95k
consecutive multi-cent tax increases between 27-29, ORANGE COUNTY
7z including 4A5 cent tax increase in 27. NCM1 1-a CARnr.TNA
18
19
20
13
1 Slide #13
Capital Budget Amendments
Tax Impact of All Amendments Passing:
Current Debt Model All Amendments Approved Model
Year DS to GF Debt Tax Rate Pay Go Tax Rate DS to GF Debt Tax Rate Pay Go Tax Rate
Revenues Equivalent Equivalent Revenues Equivalent Equivalent
2025 11.20% - 1.940 11A2% 0.15t
2027 13.10% 2.42� 1.070 13.24% 2.40t 1.634
2028 14.16% 1.42� - 14.35% 1.670 1.160
2029 16.50% 2.84� 17.06% 3.314 -
2030 17.78% 1.55t 18.14% 1.33t
2031 17.87% 0.18t 17.80%
2032 17.75% 17.54%
2033 18.61% 0.99t 18.44% -
2034 19.16% 0.800 18.77% 0.794
2035 18.00% - 17.60% -
otal 10.19d 3.014 9.5N 2.95G
ORANGE COUNTY
13 NC7R"1-H CAROL_ NA
2
3
4 2. Discussion of FY 2025-26 Operating Budget
5 • Funding Decisions on the Operating Budget Amendment List
6 • Funding Decisions for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools
7 o Current Expense (Per Pupil)
8
9 The Board reviewed, discussed and made decisions regarding the FY 2025-26 Manager's
10 Recommended Orange County Annual Operating Budget and approve a Resolution of Intent to
11 Adopt the FY 2025-26 Orange County Annual Operating Budget.
12
13 BACKGROUND: The County Manager presented the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget on May
14 6, 2025. Subsequently, the Board has conducted two public hearings to receive residents'
15 comments regarding the proposed funding plan. In addition to the public hearings, the Board
16 heard presentations and held discussions with representatives of the County fire districts, the
17 local boards of education, representatives of the community college, and County Functional
18 Leadership Teams as related to the proposed funding plan for FY 2025-26.
19
20 Tonight's Agenda: Tonight's work session offers the Board an opportunity to discuss the
21 recommended budget, including discussion and review of the Budget Amendment list. As soon
22 as these discussions are completed, the Board will deliberate and make decisions regarding the
23 FY 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget and approve a Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2025-
24 26 Annual Operating Budget. The Board is scheduled to adopt the final FY 2025-26 Annual
25 Operating Budget for Orange County at its Business meeting on June 17, 2025.
26
27 A DRAFT Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2025-26 Budget is attached for reference. The
28 sections highlighted in yellow reflect areas that could be adjusted based on the current list of
29 posted amendments.
30
14
1 Travis Myren continued the presentation:
2
3 Slide #14
Operating Amendments
Amendment Sponsor Budget Department Amendmont General Fund General Fund General Fund
Page Revenue Expense Total
Remove County Funding for
CJRD& S]1 of CJRD and Sheriffs
OP-S01 Staff 126&210 Sheriff Mental Heath Staff due to ($50,400) ($50,400)
resumption of grant funds for
10 Quarter
Staff amendment based on NC Department of Health and Human Services notice that Community Care and
Diversion Response Grant funding would be restored through September 30,2025.
Creates$50,400 savings that could partially offset other Board Amendments,or lower tax rate between.01 and.02
cents-
Savings are one-time
"General Fund Total"reflects the running total impact orrevenues and expenditures of cumulative amendmenfs.County must pub fish a
balanced budget,so final amendment will be to adjust the budget to balance revenues and expenditures.
ORANGE COUNTY
14 NORTH CAROLINA
4
5 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to approve
6 budget amendment OP-S01.
7
8 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9
10 Slide #15
Operating Amendments
Amendment Sponsor Sudget Department Amendment General Fund General Fund General Fund
Page Revenue Expense Tota I
Provide$44,379 in Article 46
OP-B01 Greene 148 Durham Tech Funds to Durham Tech to close ($50,400)
operational gap
OP-B01 Greene 76 Economic Reduce$44,379 in Incentive
Development Payments in Article 46 {$50,400)
ORANGE COUNTY
15 NORTH CAROLINA
11
15
1 Commissioner Greene reviewed amendment OP-B01, which she sponsored. She asked
2 the County Manager to discuss the reduction of incentive payments.
3 Travis Myren said for them to have the funds to spend on operating on Durham Tech, the
4 funds must come from somewhere. He said it would not have to come from the incentive
5 payments, and it could come from another area, but these may not as dramatic.
6 Commissioner McKee asked what the other options would be because he wants to keep
7 a balance in the incentive fund.
8 Commissioner Greene said these are incentives that have already been obligated.
9
10 Slide #16
Operating Amendments
• 0P-B01 may expand the modeled gap in the Article 46 fund in FY 2026-27
• The gap can be reduced by reallocating unspent balances each year to fund incentives, by reducing other
investments in the fund, or if Incentive schedule is lighter than modeled due to lower tax burdens, slowed
investments or missing performance benchmarks.
• Gap would be expanded if Article 46 Sales Tax revenues continue to miss budgeted targets.
• Because the funding gap is non-structural, county may be able to use one-time revenues to cover in FY 26-2T
Anicle 46 Funding FY25-26 FY2&27 FV21-28 FY28-29
avenue 3 19S,999 Is 2,329,939 3 45G 793 3 595,065
Debt Service 1 t709 605 1 031 755 1 O15 514 819,079
conomlc Development Depa rtment S 452 OG0 $ S73 312 S S45 979 S69 779
uppat for General Fund Expenditures 276 692 289 627 303,208 317,468
utside Grants and InKlatives+Durham Tech's Operating Gap, 5 918 100 $ 946,997 S 914,071 $ 934,627
hiEw Incentive Money 533 542 532,159 679,021 954 112
Met Ardde 46 Costs S ' S 5
ncentive Starting Balance $ 1,027r637 $ 472 349
ncentive Payments $ 1.088.SK 5 1,392,979 5 739,494 S 690,344
ncentive DeHck Ius 3 472,149 $ W7.4721 $ 71 261788
ORANGE COUNTY
16 NORTH CAROLINA
11
12 Chair Bedford referred to slide #16. She said that it really is a timing issue.
13 Commissioner McKee said it sets a precedent for going to that fund when they need to.
14 He said that is his opposition. He said he would prefer to find another revenue source.
15 Commissioner Fowler said they will have to pay that no matter what so the rest will come
16 from the general fund.
17 Chair Bedford said it is a timing issue and next year they will have to supplement. She
18 said there is a long list of where it could come from, but they do a budget amendment every
19 month, so maybe if scholarships are not funded, they could adjust the money.
20 Commissioner McKee said he will vote against the second part and not the first part.
21 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if the incentive starting balance is the fund balance in Article
22 46.
23 Travis Myren said it is the balance in that particular project.
24 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if there are other Article 46 balances.
25 Kirk Vaughn, Budget Director, said to close accounts and gaps, they review each balance
26 every year and reallocate them towards to incentives. He said that Article 46 has projects that are
27 getting funding and there are some that have not gone forward.
28 Commissioner McKee said it makes sense.
16
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
2 approve budget amendment OP-1301 and reduce Article 46 surplus funding at the Budget
3 Director's discretion by $44,379.
4
5 Commissioner McKee asked that the two parts of OP-1301 be voted on separately.
6
7 Chair Bedford said they are both part of the same amendment and would not be
8 separated.
9
10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11
12 Slide #17
Operating Amendments
General Fund General General Fund
Amendment Sponsor Budget Page Department Amendment Revenue Fund Total
Expense
Increase CHCCS district tax by.76
cents,generating$1,614,484 for the
OP-802 Fowler 148 CHCCS district.Leaves district$301,213 short $7,610
of Continuation Estirnate.County tax {$58,D10y
collection fee will generate additional
funding for General Fund
FP-BO3A Fowler 178 Housing Dlrect surplus from District Tax $7,81❑ ($54,4t70
Collection Fee to LHA program
Would result in a$30.40 tax increase on a$400,000 home in the CHCCS District
ORANGE COUNTY
17 NORTH CAROLINA
13
14 Commissioner Fowler reviewed amendments OP-1302 and OP-1303A, which she
15 sponsored.
16 Vice-Chair Hamilton said that there is a difference between the northern and southern
17 parts of the community of what they believe they can pay for.
18 Commissioner McKee said the issue for him is that there are two systems in the county
19 that are not funded at the same rate. He said he was going to remain consistent.
20 Chair Bedford said it is indirect.
21 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said they all value education, and another one of their
22 priorities is housing for all. She said she would not support the amendment.
23 Commissioner Greene asked if there is an alternative to the proposal.
24 Chair Bedford said there might be.
25 Commissioner Carter said she greatly appreciates her colleagues' advocacy for the
26 schools, and she shares the passion. She said this change will result in a $30 increase on a
27 $400,000 home. She said this negates the$70 savings that theyjust approved in the other budget
28 amendments. She said they have received emails from people saying they would happily pay a
29 tax increase for the schools. She said that there are also people that they do not hear from. She
30 said this is difficult because both of her children graduated from CHCCS, and she wants to
17
1 continue to support them. She said the solace she received is that the funding provides an
2 increase for both districts. She said that since 2024-25, Orange County is providing 1.3% from
3 the special district tax, which is less than the continuation ask, but more than where they landed
4 at the end of 2024-25. She said there is also an increase of Orange County's contribution to
5 CHCCS. She said the amendment would increase the amount of the special district tax 6.6%.
6 She said this is different from the request. She said that many people think there is a cut to the
7 budget but there is not. She said they are trying to find ways to meet the increase that has been
8 requested.
9 Commissioner Fowler said the increase is to meet their continuation budget. She said that
10 means they need an increase just to meet what they provided last year.
11 Vice-Chair Hamilton said it is important to realize that the continuation budget is just trying
12 to maintain what they currently have. She said that is a big gap to fill. She said she must balance
13 the investments for children, and she thinks the gap is too large
14 Chair Bedford said that two years ago the county increased the special district tax by 1.5
15 cents. She said that had not been done since Northside Elementary School opened. She said
16 they have gone down by 1,000 students and in the recent SAPFO report, they were down another
17 113. She said that the school board had a plan to save $2.5 million annually going forward and
18 they had a one-time $100,000. She said she was expecting to see their fund balance increase,
19 but it is only $40,000, and negative once they have the required set-aside. She said she is
20 concerned about the school board's decisions to not close an elementary school, which would
21 save personnel funding. She said they also have not redistricted since Northside and that was
22 12 or 13 years ago. She said the school board needs to right size their budget. She said she
23 believes in the district tax when it is used wisely. She said she could not support the full request,
24 but can compromise on half of that.
25
26 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Chair Bedford to approve
27 budget amendment OP-1302 to increase the CHCCS district tax by .38 cents and to direct the
28 district tax collection fee of$3,805 to the LHA program as part of OP-1303A.
29
30 Commissioner Greene said she has been going back and forth on her decision. She said
31 that she does support the half measure.
32 Commissioner Carter said it is interesting to consider if they are at a point to have
33 conversations with their colleagues at Orange County Schools to change their taxing model.
34 Chair Bedford said that the school board said no because the tax base is inequitable. She
35 said they said that the per pupil is more important to meet their needs, which she agrees with.
36 She said she would ask at school collaboration meetings.
37 Commissioner Carter said there is a perception that one district has more resources and
38 it's important to ask how to continue to progress. She said demographics are changing. She said
39 there maybe there is a moment in time when the districts discuss what they are looking for.
40
41 Chair Bedford said that is what the joint meetings should be focused on, especially
42 knowing what they know. She said she will bring it up at the next school collaboration meeting.
43
44 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair Bedford, Vice-Chair Hamilton, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner
45 Fowler, Commissioner Greene); Nays, 2 (Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Portie-
46 Ascott)
47
48 MOTION PASSES
49
50
18
1 Slide #18
Operating Amendments
DepartmentAmendment Sponsor Budget
Page Revenue Expense Total
0P•B0313 Hamilton 178 Housing Increase LHA program budget $100,000 $49,600
by$100,000 to$374,000
013-9039 Hamilton 194 won- Recrease So
ci
al JusSJce ($100,000) ($50,400)
departmental Reserve Fund to cover LHA
Would leave$150,000 in Social Justice Reserve for emergent needs
18 ORANGE
ORTH CA OU ,TY
2
3 Vice-Chair Hamilton reviewed amendment OP-130313, which she sponsored. She said that
4 the revaluation is going to affect a lot of residents and the program will need more funds. She
5 said it is appropriate to take the funds from the Social Justice Reserve Fund.
6 Commissioner Fowler said she wholeheartedly agrees.
7
8 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
9 approve budget amendment OP-B03B.
10
11 Chair Bedford said she is concerned it is not enough money.
12 Commissioner McKee said they can shift funds later if more is needed.
13 Chair Bedford asked Travis Myren to keep them informed.
14
15 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
16
17
18
19
1 Slide #19
Operating Amendments
— From May 22 Presentation, shows impact of L H A program on FY 2025 LHA cohort.
— Hamilton-Fowler Amendments would increase funding to provide proportional benefit and absorb an increased cohort.
Funding Program FY26 Recommended Fowler Amendment Hamilton Amendment Fowler+Hamilton
dme
1 $274,06O $281.610 $374,000 $381,61
$472 $485 $644 $65
• 21% 21% 28% 29
19 ORANGE
ORTH CA OUN,A Y
2
3
4 Slide #20
Operating Amendments
DepartmentAmendment Sporisor Budget
Page Revenue Expense Total
Emergency, Continue Crisis Counselor
OP-B04 Carter 152 Services eontractwith Town of Chapel Hill $97.211 $46,811
with General Fund.
County has applied for another year of NCDHHS grant funding for CARES team,including this position;will likely not
know funding outcome in time for FY 2025-26 Budget Ordinance
Funding for contract will cost equivalent of.03 cent tax increase,though is partially offset by Staff amendment
20 ORANGE
ORTH CA OUNq Y
5
6 Commissioner Carter reviewed budget amendment OP-1304, which she sponsored. She
7 said this amendment would help ensure that the position would continue despite state funding
8 uncertainty. She said this position may not be renewed and this is an insurance policy to make
9 sure that position is funded. She said that the position works to direct individuals in a mental health
10 crisis away from law enforcement and into appropriate care. She said this is a two-year pilot and
20
1 is a partnership between Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill Police Department. She
2 said that the position is housed in Chapel Hill because they have the oversight required for this
3 crisis counselor. She said the team is the crisis counselor and the mobile team that has a peer
4 support specialist, an EMT, and a mobile crisis counselor. She said in the 10 months ending in
5 March 2025, the team has served 824 individuals, 1,395 events, and 98% of the events did not
6 result in, or were diverted from an arrest. She said the total personnel cost for the position is
7 $97,111 and that is partially offset by staff's first operating amendment, B04. She said that
8 provided $50,000 back for mental health and police work. She said the return of that money to
9 the general fund provides the opportunity to offset some of that. She said the effective cost is less
10 than $1 for a home that is appraised at $400,000. She said this small investment provides
11 preventative measures for community members in crisis.
12 Chair Bedford asked if this is related to the 911 position the County Manager discussed.
13 Travis Myren said part of the mobile crisis team is a response team and in addition to that
14 response team, the original program design had a crisis counselor that is in the 911 center that
15 would help divert calls and deescalate while the team is enroute. He said that in the recommended
16 budget, the DHHS grant has expired, and his recommendation was to preserve the response unit
17 but not the crisis counselor in the 911 center. He said they have applied for a grant to support the
18 entire team and if they receive that, they will contract with Chapel Hill. He said that Chapel Hill
19 has a crisis apparatus and supervision with all the appropriate training. He said that is why they
20 contracted with Chapel Hill instead of creating a county position.
21 Chair Bedford said that cleared it up.
22 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how busy the 911 center is for a clinician, and she said that
23 Travis Myren said a lot of times they are taking regular calls because they do not have a lot of
24 opportunity. She said there is also a national phone number 988 that people can call. She said it
25 is not clear to her that the position is key. She said that she is assuming if the mobile team is
26 going out, they will make the contact. She said that paying a clinician in the 911 center may not
27 be a good use of tax dollars, because the position is not being fully used for their level of
28 credentialing.
29 Commissioner Carter said that as a family member of someone who struggles with mental
30 health issues, that call to the first person who picks up the phone and knows how to interact with
31 the caller, is essential. She said that even if a fraction of those individuals receives de-escalatory
32 engagement, then that saves the mobile crisis team from having to go out at all. She said that
33 they could learn more about the numbers if they continue this part of the pilot program. She said
34 these are good questions. She said this could give them more information.
35 Commissioner Fowler asked what happens to funding if they receive a grant.
36 Chair Bedford said it would go back into the General Fund with an amendment.
37 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said it is important to have a person who is a clinician who
38 can help them. She said that she received a call from a community member, and she also thinks
39 the clinician position is important. She said she supports the amendment.
40
41 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Portie-Ascott,
42 to approve budget amendment OP-1304.
43
44 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
45
46
21
1 Slide #21
Operating Amendments
Amendment Sponsor Budget Department Amendment General Fund General Fund General Fu
Page Revenue Expense Total
Fortie Ascott, Board of Fund 1.0 FTE starting
FOP-1-305
Carter 85 Elections 1111202E for Election $35,905 $82,715
Coordinator
Board of Elections requested 1.0 FTE Election Coordinator due to increasing complexity and requirements of
State and Federal Election laws
Amendment would fund position starting mid-year, costing equivalent of.01 cent tax increase
• County would have to annualize cost for FY 26-27 budget
21 ORANGE
ORTH CA OUN,A Y
2
3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott reviewed budget amendment OP-1305, which she co-
o sponsored. She said the demands on election staff are year-round and require institutional
5 knowledge and they should start building the capacity mid-year, which is a fiscally responsible.
6 She said that this would help prepare for the 2026 general election and beyond and gives staff
7 critical support.
8
9 A motion was made by Commissioner Portie-Ascott, seconded by Commissioner Greene,
10 to approve budget amendment OP-1305.
11
12 Commissioner McKee said that this is a wise move especially given the atmosphere of
13 politics. He said that he does not want to allow any opportunity for anyone in Orange County
14 called into question because they were not fully staffed.
15 Commissioner Fowler said this is a bargain for ensuring election integrity.
16 Commissioner Carter agreed with Commissioner Fowler, and said that the legislature
17 continues to pile on additional requirements and changes.
18
19 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
20
21
22
1 Slide #22
Operating Amendments
SponsorAmendment
Page Revenue Expense Total
Apply 101Y,Travel and
OP-BO6 Carter 83 BoCC Training reduction to ($2,540) $80,176
Board of County
Commissioners.
• Departments headed by elected officials were excluded from Countywide Travel&Training reductions
ORANGE COUNTY
22 NOWI-H CAROLINA
2
3 Commissioner Carter reviewed budget amendment OP-1306, which she sponsored.
4
5 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
6 approve budget amendment OP-1306.
7
8 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9
10 Commissioner McKee asked that they all be mindful that there are seven total when they
11 are signing up for travel, himself included. He said he went to Michigan last year and likely won't
12 due to the cost.
13 Chair Bedford said that Laura Jensen looked at the reduction and that they should be ok.
14 She said that the funds cover ten people because it is seven commissioners and three employees.
15 She said she would monitor the fund and provide a quarterly report.
16
17
23
1 Slide #23
Operating Amendments
Amendment Sponsor Budget DePage Revenue Expense Total
partment Amendment General Fund General Fund General Fund Portie- Reduce FY 25-26 tax
Ascatt, 230& increase by 1.79 cents
GP-607 Hamilton, 148 Schools based on reduction of ($5,906,173) [$5,900.000) $86,349
McKee Transfer to School Capital
for Pay-Go;see CIP-B14
• This amendment accounts for the impact of C1P-1314 on the General Fund, if passed.
• 1.79 cents would equate to a$71.60 savings on the tax bill of a$400,000 property
ORANGE 23 NORTH CARC3ENA Y
2
3 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Portie-Ascott,
4 to approve budget amendment OP-1307.
5
6 VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Chair Bedford, Vice-Chair Hamilton, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner
7 Greene, Commissioner Portie-Ascott, Commissioner McKee); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
8 Fowler)
9
10 MOTION PASSES
11
12 Slide #24
Operating Amendments
Amendment Sponsor Budget Department Amendment General Fund General Fund General Fund
Page Revenue Expense Total
Balance budget based on
P-B99 All approved board $86,349 LO
9 $0
amendments.
This amendment balances the budget based on combination of approved Amendments to Proposed Budget.
Would represent.03 cent increase if all amendments pass as written. Staff will provide updated impact based on final
adopted amendments.
ORANGE COUNTY
24 NOICI H C:ARC]LINA
13
24
1 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve
2 budget amendment OP-B99.
3
4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5
6 Slide #25
Operating Amendments
Countywide Tax Impact on $400,000 Home
i� ��0 Home
tx Rate per 00 .
(County Portion)
Manager's Recommended Tax Rate 65.59 cents $2,623.60
School Pay-Go Amendment -1.79 cents -$71.60
Proposed Operating Amendments 0.03 cents $1.20
New Tax RateITax Bill 63.83 cents $2,553.20
Difference from Recommended _1.76 cents
Budget
1.19 cents above revenue neutral
ORANGE COUNTY
25 NORTH CAROLINA
7
8
9 Slide #26
Operating Amendments
Pre-Revaluation Comparison with Fire District Tax
AmendedFY2024-25 Recommended
FY2025-26
Property Value $257,964 $400,000 $400,000
County Tax Rate 86.29 cents 65.59 cents 63.83 cents
Per$100 of Value
County Tax Bill $2,226 $2,624 $2,553
Orange Rural Fire District 11.49 cents 9.21 cents 9.21 cents
Fire District Tax $296 $368 $368
Total $2,522 $2,992 $2,921
Difference from $470 $399
FY2024-25
ORANGE COUNTY
26 NORTH CAROLINA
10
25
1 Slide #27
Operating Amendments
Pre-Revaluation Comparison with CHCCS District Tax
FY2024-25 Recommended Amended
Property Value $257.964 $400,000 $400,000
County Tax Rate 86.29 cents 65.59 cents 63.83 cents
Per$10 0 of Value
County Tax Bill $2,226 $2,624 $2,553
Special District Tax Rate 19.80 cents 14.41 cents 15.17 cents
Per$100 of Value
Special District Tax $511 $576 $607
Total $2,737 $3,200 $3,160
Difference from $463 $423
FY2024-25
ORANGE COUNTY
27 NORTH CAROLINA
2
3
4 Slide #28
Recommended School Funding
PupilPer Special District Tax for Chapel
Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Total Current Expense Budget $111,328,011 District
Total Countywide Budgeted Students 18,943
— 14.41 in Manager's Recommended
Per Pupil Amount $5,877 Budget.
— Would Generate$28,800,416
— OP-B02 would increase to 15.17
District Budgeted Countywide ' — Would Generate$30,314,900
PupilStudents Per Allocation
7CHCCS 11,018 $6,877 $64,752,786
OCS 7,925 $5,877 $46,575,225
ORANGE COUNTY
28 NORTH CAROLINA
5
6
7
26
1 3. Discussion and Decision on the FY 2025-26 County Fee Schedule
2
3 Slide #29
County Fee Schedule
• No amendments proposed
ORANGE COUNTY
29 NORTH CAROLINA
4
5
6 4. Discussion and Decision on the FY 2025-26 Tax Rates
7 i. County Ad Valorem Tax
8 ii. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Special District Tax
9 iii. Fire District Tax Rates
10
11 Slide #30
Tax Rates Table I
Recommended Fire District Tax Rates
• Approve the Countywide Ad Valorem(Property)Tax
r FY2025-26
Rate Cedar Grove , 7.54
FY2025-26 rate based on approved operating budget
amendments Chapel Hill 11.50
Damascus 10.20
Efland 8.38
• Approve the Chapel Hill-Carrbom City Schools Eno 8.71
Special District Tax Rate—14.41 cents or 15.17 Little River 5.35
Cents. New Hope 12.50
-Orange Grove 7.00
• Approve the County Fire District Tax Rates in Orange Rural 9.21
Table 1 South Orange 8.17
Southern Triangle 10.20
White Cross 14.00
Q�
ORANGE COUNTY
30 NORTH CAROLINA
12
13
27
1 5. Break(to allow Budget staff to formulate the Draft Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY 2025-
2 26 Operating Budget)
3
4 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to recess the
5 meeting for 15 minutes.
6
7 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8
9 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to reconvene
10 the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
14 6. Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2025-26 Orange County Budget
15 Approval of Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget at the
16 Board of County Commissioners' Business Meeting on June 17, 2025
17
18 Kirk Vaughn, Budget Director, reviewed the following resolution:
19
20 Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2025-26
21 Orange County Budget
22
23 The items outlined below summarize decisions that the Board acted upon June 5, 2025 in
24 approving the FY2025-26 Orange County Annual Operating Budget and the FY2025-26 (Year 1)
25 Capital Investment Plan Budget.
26
27 WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has considered the Orange County
28 FY2025-26 Manager's Recommended Budget and the FY2025-26 Manager's Recommended
29 Capital Investment Plan Budget; and
30
31 WHEREAS, the Commissioners have agreed on certain modifications to the Manager's
32 Recommended Budget as presented in the FY2025-26 County Manager's Recommended
33 Budget on May 6, 2025; and to the FY2025-26 Manager's Recommended Capital Investment
34 Plan Budget as presented on April 1, 2025;
35
36 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
37 expresses its intent to adopt the FY2025-26 Orange County Budget Ordinance on Tuesday,
38 June 17, 2025, based on the following stipulations:
39
40 1) Property Tax Rates
41
42 a) The ad valorem property tax rate shall be set at 63.83 cents per $100 of assessed
43 valuation.
44
45 b) The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District Tax shall be set at 14.79 cents per
46 $100 of assessed valuation.
47
48 c) The Fire District and Fire Service District tax rates shall be set at the following rates
49 (all rates are based on cents per $100 of assessed valuation):
50
51
28
• Cedar Grove 7.54
• Greater Chapel Hill Fire Service District 11.50
• Damascus 10.20
• Efland 8.38
• Eno 8.71
• Little River 5.35
• New Hope 12.50
• Orange Grove 7.00
• Orange Rural 9.21
• South Orange Fire Service District 8.17
• Southern Triangle Fire Service District 10.20
• White Cross 14.00
1
2 2) County Employee Pay and Benefits Plan
3
4 Provide a County employee pay and benefits plan that includes:
5
6 a. 2% wage increase for permanent employees in active status on June 30, 2025.
7 Continuation of Merit Pay Program on employees' base salaries, payable in January
8 2026, at tiers of$561 for proficient performance; $842 for superior performance or
9 $1,122 for exceptional performance. Page 235
10
11 b. A change in the salary schedule recognizing $18.18 per hour as the living wage for
12 permanent and temporary employees and recognizing the 2% wage increase, effective
13 July 1, 2025. Page 237
14
15 c. Increase the per pay period County contribution to non-law enforcement employees'
16 supplemental retirement accounts to $102 per paycheck, continue the mandated Law
17 Enforcement Officer contribution of 5.0% of salary. Page 251
18
19 d. Continue the County's required contribution to the Local Governmental Employees'
20 Retirement System (LGERS) for all permanent employees. For FY 2025-26, the Law
21 Enforcement Officers' (LEOs) rate increases from 15.10 to 16.10 percent of reported
22 compensation, and all other employees' rate increases from 13.60 to 14.35 percent of
23 reported compensation. Page 250
24
25 e. Continue to provide medical, dental, vision plans, and current voluntary benefit plans to
26 employees. Page 258
27
28
29
1 3) Adjustments to Operating And Capital Budget
Amend M7��nt udget Page Departme ndment eneral Fund Revenue General Fund Expens
Remove County Funding for Q1 of CJRD
mtgr
OP-S01 Staff 126&210 CJRD&Sheriff and Sheriffs Mental Health Staff due to ($50,400)=_e: 1 ($50,400)
restart of rant
OP-B01 Greene 148 Durham Tech Provide$44,379 in Article 46 Funds to ($50,400)
Durham Tech to close operational gap
an
OP-B01 Greene 76 Economic Reduce$44,379 in Article 46 ($50,400)
Development
Increase CHCCS district tax by.38 cents,
generating$757,242 for the district.
OP-1302 Fowler 148 CHCCS Leaves district$1,058,455 short of $3,805 ($54,205)
Continuation Estimate.County tax
collection fee will generate additional
funding for General Fund
Direct surplus from District Tax Collection
OP-B03A Fowler 178 Housing $3,805 ($50,400)
Fee to LHA program
OP-B03B Hamilton 178 Housing Increase LHA program budget by $100,000 $49,600
$100,000 to$374,000
OP-B03B Hamilton 194 Non- Decrease Social Justice Reserve Fund to
Departmental cover LHA ($100,000) ($50,400)
OP-1304 Carter 152 Emergency Continue Crisis Counselor contract with $97,211 $46,811
Services Town of Chapel Hill with General Funds.
013-1305 Portie-Ascott,Carter 85 Board of Fund 1.0 FTE starting 1/1/2026 for $35,905 $82,716
Elections Election Coordinator
OP-1306 Carter 83 BoCC Apply 10%Travel and Training reduction
to Board of County Commissioners. ($2,540) $80,176
Carter,Portie-Ascott, Reduce FY 25-26 tax increase by 1.79
OP-1307 Hamilton,McKee 230&148 Schools cents based on reduction of Transfer to ($5,906,173) ($5,900,000) $86,349
School Capital for Pay-Go;see CIP-1314
Fund all board amendments,.03 cent tax
OP-1399 All increase,slight decrease to Fund $86,349 $0
Balance.
Grand Total r r r
4
30
CIP-S01 Reduce Construction funds for Crisis Diversion -$285,000 -$285,000
Staff 53 AMS Facility,advanced to FY 24-25 in Budget
Amendment
CIP-SO2 Piedmont Food Processing Center-Utilize Article 46 $0 $0
Staff 82 AMS funded Financing rather than Pay-as-you-Go Funding
for FY 26
CIP-S03 Evidence Storage Building reduce footage by -$1,278,500 -$1,278,500
Staff 63 AMS anticipating moving Sheriffs Office and"hot storage"
to Link Center Renovations
CIP-SO4 Move"Justice System Space Needs"to years 1 and $1,400,000 $0
Staff 78 AMS 2,to renovate the Link Center and move the Sheriff
into the facility.
CIP-S05 145-148 CHCCS Update Recurring Capital and Article 46 Funding split $0 $0
Staff 161-163 OCS Schools between districts to FY 26 Budgeted ADM.With
Article 46 excluding charter students
CIP-S06 Reduce Article 46 funding for schools to$63,921 in -$63,921 -$767,440
146 CHCCS FY 25-26 based on revised sales tax projections,and
Staff 161 OCS Schools reduce 10 years to assume 4%growth from that
number.
CIP-B01 Bedford 52 AMS Reduce scope of Animal Services renovation to just -$298,720 -$298,720
USDA required
CIP-B02B Greene 57 Sustainability Remove funding in years 7 and 9 for Community $0 -$424,000
Resilience Hubs
CIP-B03 Remove window Coverings for Great Hall at -$61,000 -$61,000
Bedford 76 AMS Seymour Center.Department to use MAP balance for
this expense instead
CIP-B04 Bedford 88 AMS Reduce scope of RENA renovation to$1 M,split $0 $0
between county and the municipalities
CIP-B05 Bedford 91 Sustainability Remove Solar Photovoltaic System for Hillsborough $0 4532,114
Commons in Years 2 and 3
CIP-B06 Bedford 93 AMS Reduce Scope on Southern Human Services $0 -$9,628,672
Expansion/Renovation to only touch Health spaces.
CIP-B07 Bedford 105 DEAPR Defer Blackwood Farm Park Equipment Purchases $0 -$100,000
to outside of 10 Year CIP window
CIP-B08A Bedford 106 DEAPR Half Conservation Easements Investments $0 -$750,000
CIP-B09A Bedford 110 DEAPR Half Lands Legacy investments $0 -$875,000
CIP-B10 Bedford 108 DEAPR Defer Fairview Park Expansion outside of 10 year $0 -$1,959,683
CIP window
CIP-B11 Bedford 108 DEAPR Add funding for Soccer goals at Fairview Park in year $30,000 $30,000
1 of CIP.
CIP-B12 Bedford 112 DEAPR Defer Millhouse Park outside of 10 year CIP window $0 -$3,450,000
CIP-B13 Bedford 117 DEAPR Defer Soccer.COM Phase II expansion outside of 10 $0 -$3,960,000
year CIP
CIP-B14 Enable 1.79 cent reduction in FY 25-26 tax increase -$500,000 -$9,900,000
by amending School Capital Pay-Go Phase-in to
Carter,Portie-Ascott, $500k in year 1,$6M in year 2,$10M in year 3.
Hamilton,McKee 131-154 Schools Planning for Major Projects fully funded by
accelerating bond spending in year 1 and year 2.
Reduces 10 year Pay-Go Funding for School Major
Projects by$9.9 M.
Grand Total Change from Recommended Budget -$1,057,141 -$34,240,129
2
31
1 4) Changes in County Staff Positions (Increase in FTE Approved).
2
Department Position Name Fund Start Date FTE
Asset Management Services Facilities Maintenance Technician I General Fund 7/1/2025 1.00
Solid Waste-Fleet Automotive Mechanic General Fund 10/1/2025 1.00
Solid Waste-Fleet Automotive Mechanic General Fund 10/1/2025 1.00
Tax Administration Emergency Management Billing&Collection Technician I General Fund 7/1/2025 1.00
Board of Elections Elections Coordinator General Fund 1/1/2026 1.00
County Manager-Arts Commission Program Coordinator Visitor's Bureau Fund 7/1/2025 1.00
CJRD Clinical Coordinator Opioid Fund 7/1/2025 0.25
Irotals 6.25
4 5) General Fund Appropriations for Local School Districts
5
6 The following FY2025-26 General Fund Appropriations for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
7 and Orange County Schools are approved:
8
9 a) Current Expense appropriation for local school districts totals $111,328,011 and
10 equates to a
11 per pupil allocation of$5,877
12
13 1) The Current Expense appropriation to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
14 is
15 $64,752,786
16
17 2) The Current Expense appropriation to the Orange County Schools is
18 $46,575,225.
19
20
21 b) School Related Debt Service for local school districts totals $20,840,155.
22
23 c) Additional net County funding for local school districts totals $7,782,006
24
25 (1) School Resource Officers and School Health Nurses Contracts - total
26 appropriation of$4,124,806 to cover the costs of School Resource Officers
27 in every middle and high school, and a School Health Nurse in every
28 elementary, middle, and high school in both school systems.
29 (2) Recurring Capital —total pay-as-you-go funding of$3,621,200 to cover
30 recurring capital funding at both school districts and planning and design
31 funds for bond projects.
32 (3) Enrollment Projections—total funding of$36,000 to contract with Carolina
33 Demography to provide enrollment projects for both districts. This is utilized
34 in the annual SAPFO process and is used to guide capital planning.
35
36 6) Capital Investment Plan Funding for FY2025-26 (Year 1)
37
38 The following FY2025-26 (Year 1) Capital Investment Plan Appropriations are approved:
39 a) Overall Total Capital Investment Plan Funding of$75,322,781
40
41 b) County Capital Projects Funding of$38,035,068
42
43 c) School Capital Projects Funding of$33,543,419
32
1 d) Solid Waste Project Funding of$3,274,294 and Sportsplex Project Funding of
2 $470,000
3
4 7) County Fee Schedule
5
6 To adopt the County Fee Schedule to include changes in the FY2025-26 Manager's
7 Recommended Annual Operating Budget and approved by the Board of County
8 Commissioners on June 5, 2025.
9
10 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
11 approve the resolution of intent to adopt the FY 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget at the Board
12 of Commissioners Regular Meeting on June 17, 2025.
13
14 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
15
16 Adjournment
17
18 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
19 adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m.
20
21 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
22
23 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
24
25
26 Recorded by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
27
28 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
Attachment 6
1
1 DRAFT MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 BUSINESS MEETING
5 June 17, 2025
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 17,
9 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
12 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-
13 Ascott
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTYATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Laura
17 Jensen (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below).
18
19 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.All commissioners were present.
20
21 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
22 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to remove item
23 6-c from tonight's agenda.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 Chair Bedford read the public charge and explained the process for making public
28 comments.
29
30 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour)
31 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
32 George Barrett said he is part of the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition. He
33 said the group is made up of residents who care about the recent inequitable property tax
34 revaluations in neighborhoods. He said that they have seen dramatic increases that outpace
35 market realities. He said the increases are not felt equitably. He said that many are elders or on
36 a fixed incomes and represent historically underrepresented groups. He said they face
37 possibility of being priced out of homes that they have spent generations building and
38 protecting. He said that in those neighborhoods, they are seeing between 25-80% increase in
39 property taxes totaling over $2 million in total increases. He said that other wealthier
40 neighborhoods in the county are seeing a million dollar decrease even after seeing a whopping
41 increase in property values over the last four years. He said that 270 people in the community
42 have signed onto a petition saying that the property tax values need to be addressed
43 systemically. He said they have six clear concerns and asks for the county (noted the first three
44 are urgent and could not wait): 1) Work with the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition
45 to present the identified neighborhood inequities to the BOER and that it be considered as
46 evidence for adjustments; 2) Undertake a fair reassessment of the neighborhoods named in the
47 letter to make adjustments and address inequities in land values; 3) Correct undervalued luxury
48 apartment buildings so they carry their fair-share of the tax burden; 4) Integrate well-
49 documented mass-assessment tools for future evaluations to seek and ensure virtual equity and
50 fairness in valuations that could help prevent regressivity; 5) Improve the fairness of land values
51 by working with the UNC School of Government and the NC Housing Coalition; 6) work with
2
1 community experts rather than hire a consultant. He thanked the Board for their time and their
2 consideration of the requests.
3 Lillie Brown said she owns two properties on Rogers Road and her new tax assessment
4 is up $80,300 on one and up $118,800 on the other. She said she wants to know why the values
5 have gone up so much. She said she appealed but it was denied.
6 Heather (last name not given) said her grandmother lives on Oak Hill Road in Chapel Hill
7 and was displaced because she could not pay the taxes on her home. She said her mom's
8 taxes doubled and she lives in a modular home. She said it does not make sense. She said
9 that her aunt is working class and indigenous and that her grandmother is 90 years old and that
10 they should not be dealing with this.
11 Beverly Walton said in her community there are two houses that sold for $250,000 that
12 were gutted and remodeled, while her house has not had anything done to it since it was built in
13 1977. She said her house is therefore not comparable to the other two houses and should not
14 be valued the same.
15 Regina Merritt said she is a member of Councilville and has lived there all her life. She
16 said her mom is 88 years old and her taxes have gone up and social security will not cover it.
17 She said she would love to know how the values are being set. She asked if anyone had been
18 to Councilville like she requested. She said it seems a lot of people do not understand what is
19 going on in Orange County. She said she looked at differences between white community taxes
20 and black community taxes and she said she does not understand if they are trying to be run
21 out of their property. She said her property was given to her by her grandparents. She said all of
22 Chapel Hill has been gentrified. She said something needs to be done because this is
23 heartbreaking. She said they are owed answers on how they are coming up with the numbers.
24 Elizabeth Young said she is a volunteer at RENA. She said she first met Ms. Brown in
25 2022 and that is what sparked her interest in the property valuations. She said that in 2020, her
26 lot was only $400 in taxes. She said in 2021, it doubled to $800. She said that since that, it will
27 be $1800 now. She said it is an empty lot with a mobile home. She said Ms. Brown's case
28 shows that a quadruple increase since 2020.
29 William Gattis said he has tried to hold onto family property in Carrboro. He said one
30 house he has required him to take a loan out just to pay the taxes on it. He said he has a two
31 bedroom that is 760 square feet with a tax value of $425,000 in 2025. He said that he is on a
32 fixed income and is 79 years old. He said there is a house within 600 feet of his house, and it
33 has a tax value of $403,000 and it is 6 bedrooms, 2k square feet, and is a rental property. He
34 said he is trying to understand how this can be. He said he asked about tax relief but was told
35 that he and his wife's annual income of about $50,000 puts them over the income limit.
36 Betty Gear said she is 81 years old, and she has lived in Chapel Hill her whole life, and
37 so were her parents. She said it is not right for the taxes to have increased this much. She said
38 she does not want to be run out of her town.
39 Commissioner Greene asked if the coalition could go to the BOER.
40 John Roberts said only individual property owners can appeal to the BOER, the coalition
41 can attend as support, but cannot appeal on behalf of property owners.
42
43 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
44 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.)
45
46 3. Announcements, Petitions, and Comments by Board Members
47 Commissioner McKee had no comments.
48 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she was heartbroken over the assassination and
49 attempted assassinations of lawmakers in Minnesota. She said that violence has no place in
50 democracy — anywhere. She said when they disagree, they should turn to conversations,
51 compassion, and the ballot box rather than fear or force. She said that the strength of our
3
1 country lies in the ability to disagree with debate and to move forward together even when we
2 see things differently. She said as the Orange County representative to the NC Association of
3 County Commissioners (NCACC), she has asked the executive director to issue a statement
4 condemning political violence. She said that it is time to speak in a unified voice. She said she
5 also attended the County Advocacy Days at NCACC and urged legislators to vote no on Senate
6 Bill 205. She said the bill's title is around swimming pool regulations, but the text includes
7 sweeping land use regulations that were pulled from HB 765. She said the regulations
8 undermine local authority over development decisions. She said that she had the chance to
9 speak with Rep. Price over these concerns but was unable to connect with the full Orange
10 County delegation. She said that legislators need to continue to hear from them about the
11 serious problems of the bill. She said some of the key issues are strict and inflexible times to
12 review development applications with automatic approvals if local government miss a deadline,
13 even if the application is incomplete. She said there is also language that increases the legal
14 risk for local governments. She said there is language that limits zoning and other land use tools
15 that they depend on like density classifications, conditional rezonings, and UDO language
16 changes. She said the changes take power from local governments and hand it over to the state
17 without regard for local context or consequences. She said that she is asking the Board to
18 support a resolution opposing the land use provisions in SB 205 as recommended by NCACC.
19 Chair Bedford said the request matches the record of the Board as shown in the adopted
20 legislative agenda and that Board can approve a resolution in July if it is timely.
21 Commissioner Greene echoed Commissioner Portie-Ascott's comments on political
22 violence. She shared two petitions. She said the first one involves the presentation of the transit
23 work plan and she said that she believes they can do better on presenting the plans to the
24 public along with the regional transit tracker which shows how transit money is being spent. She
25 said that the second petition is about development proposals. She said the Board and public
26 could benefit if the decision were to be made over the course of two meetings. She said that the
27 presentation can occur at the first and then approval at the second.
28 Chair Bedford said they will work out a way to prevent redundant comments. She said
29 they will figure a way to manage the public comments with the time needed for the Board to
30 discuss and decide.
31 Vice-Chair Hamilton said on June 5th, the Board had a work session on the budget that
32 will be adopted today. She said this has been the most difficult budget since she became a
33 commissioner. She said they are dealing with federal and state cuts, and concerns about
34 property valuations and fairness. She said she takes concerns seriously and that she will be
35 following up and keeping the conversations going. She said there will be a business meeting on
36 July 8th and petitioned to have a report on the property valuation and the fairness. She said she
37 has tried to be as balanced as they can be and move forward with projects that invest in the
38 future. She thanked Orange County staff and recognized they are only getting 2% raises. She
39 said Alliance Health provides physical and mental health care for people that are uninsured and
40 on Medicaid and covers seven counties. She echoed comments about the assassination and
41 attempted assassination in Minnesota. She said her thoughts and prayers are with everyone
42 that is witnessing the unraveling of the nation's civic and peaceful democracy. She said she
43 attended the No Kings rally and appreciated the civil process it represented. She said that we
44 are all Americans and will find our way with liberty and justice for all.
45 Commissioner Carter thanked the residents who came out tonight who continue to share
46 information with the Board and staff that helps them get better. She thanked staff for holding the
47 increase on the tax rate as low as possible and said they are coming in at 1.19 cents over the
48 revenue neutral rate. She said that staff has worked hard to try to reduce the impact. She also
49 condemned political violence and supported Commissioner Portie-Ascott's petition. She said
50 NACo has issued a statement about the events in Minnesota. She quoted some of the
51 statement. She said that political violence is unacceptable. She said she extended her
4
1 condolences to the families in Minnesota. She said that they can help set the tone of how to
2 deal with those that are struggling. She said a lot of people in communities are struggling. She
3 said she attended a session by the Department on Aging last week called Anyone Can Be a
4 Mental Health Advocate. She said political violence and mental health are not the same thing,
5 but a lot of violence does come from other sources. She said she isa proud of how this local
6 government normalizes mental health as part of overall health. She thanked everyone for the
7 feedback and the colleagues for modeling the way they should go forward.
8 Commissioner Fowler said she attended the Board of Health's behavioral health
9 subcommittee meeting, and they are supporting the increasing the prevention of suicide and to
10 provide mental health resources. She said she also attended the Triangle West TPO, and they
11 approved putting out Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2026-2035 for a 45-day comment period
12 and the SPOT 8 public comment period. She said that elected members asked how they can
13 start preferring transit and bike-ped without losing funds from the state. She said that 90% of
14 transportation funds go to highways from the state. She said that 4% goes to transit and
15 bike/ped, ferries, airports and the remaining 6% gets flexed between highways and the other
16 categories. She said that she also attended the Juneteenth observance last Friday and the No
17 Kings protest. She said that she appreciates that 99.5% of them were peaceful. She called for
18 civil discourse amongst all and said she shares her colleagues' sentiments about the heinous
19 political violence in Minnesota. She said that she just attended two different gun violence events
20 the prior weekend. She said she also attended the groundbreaking for Almond Village with 75
21 affordable housing units. She thanked Habitat for Humanity and all that helped. She thanked
22 those who came to the meeting tonight to speak about tax fairness and justice. She said that in
23 prior meetings they have asked the manager to work on vertical equity and noted that the
24 Manager is forming a work group to focus on equity in tax values.
25 Chair Bedford said she agrees with her colleagues on their thoughts on the political
26 violence and expressed her appreciation to all of those that speak at the meetings and how they
27 remain civil. She said that tomorrow morning there is a grand opening of a new EMS station in
28 Efland. She said there is a job fair on June 25th from 9am-1 pm in Hillsborough at DSS. She
29 reminded everyone that county offices, including the landfill and recycling, are closed on
30 Juneteenth. She said the celebrations last Friday celebrate freedom and remind people to keep
31 hopes alive and to work through peaceful protests. She encouraged everyone to be careful in
32 the summer heat and announced the county cooling centers. She said the board will approve an
33 increase in funding for the longtime homeowners assistance program tonight to help with county
34 portion of tax bills. She thanked county department directors and staff for their work throughout
35 the year.
36
37 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
38 a. Proclamation Honoring Jason Johnson as the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina
39 Principal of the Year
40 The Board approved a proclamation honoring Jason Johnson as the 2025 Wells Fargo North
41 Carolina Principal of the Year.
42 BACKGROUND: Principal Jason Johnson of Orange High School was named the 2025 Wells
43 Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. Principal Johnson was also named the Orange
44 County Schools Principal of the Year in 2010 and 2024. North Carolina has recognized
45 outstanding principals through its Principal of the Year program since the 1980s, helping
46 promote the profession through advocacy and support while recognizing principals who are
47 implementing best practices in schools across North Carolina. Johnson will spend the 2025-26
48 school year traveling the state as an ambassador for the profession. The NC Principal of the
49 Year serves in an advisory capacity to the North Carolina State Board of Education for a two-
50 year term and also serves on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Public School Forum.
5
1 Chair Bedford introduced the item.
2 Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
3
4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 PROCLAMATION HONORING JASON JOHNSON
6 AS THE 2025 WELLS FARGO
7 NORTH CAROLINA PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
8
9 WHEREAS, Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson has generously contributed and
10 worked tirelessly in public education for 28 years; and
11
12 WHEREAS, Principal Johnson served as a teacher, school transformation coach, assistant
13 principal, and executive director of Orange County Schools before returning to his calling as a
14 principal; and
15
16 WHEREAS, working with students, teachers, and families is at the heart of who Principal
17 Johnson is as an educational leader; and
18
19 WHEREAS, as principal, Jason Johnson is an advocate for equity in schools and ensuring that
20 student voices are heard; and
21
22 WHEREAS, under his leadership, Orange High School exceeded academic growth in 2024 and
23 rose from a C to a B school as rated by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; and
24
25 WHEREAS, Principal Johnson was previously the 2010 and 2024 Orange County Schools
26 Principal of the Year; and
27
28 WHEREAS, Mr. Johnson has also lent his expertise and experience to the Orange County
29 Schools Equity Task Force, the Orange County Government School Bond Education
30 Committee, the Orange County Business Advisory Council, and the North Carolina State
31 Employees' Credit Union (SECU)Advisory Committee; and
32
33 WHEREAS, Principal Johnson leads by listening to teachers, students, staff members, and
34 members of the community, and fosters a collaborative culture at Orange High School;
35
36 NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby honor
37 Principal Jason Johnson as the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year and
38 encourage the residents of Orange County to join with us in expressing gratitude for his
39 dedicated service to education.
40
41 This the 17th day of June, 2025.
42
43
44 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
45 Orange County Board of Commissioners
46
47 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Portie-
48 Ascott, to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
49
50 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
51
6
1 Principal Jason Johnson thanked the Board for their support and the proclamation. He
2 said without the support of the County Commissioners, the work at Orange High School and
3 other schools in the county cannot be done. He introduced his family, and thanked the Board
4 again for this recognition.
5 Dr. Danielle Jones, OCS Superintendent, said she is proud of Principal Johnson and
6 said this award is well-earned. She said he has been a joy to work with since he started with
7 OCS, and loves the students and loves his community. She said the Principal of the Year goes
8 on a tour and supports principal leadership throughout the state. She said after the tour, he will
9 come back home to OCS, and she looks forward to working with him in the many years to
10 come.
11 The Board took a photo with Principal Johnson.
12
13 5. Public Hearings
14 a. Hillsborough Circulator Transit Improvements
15 The Board conducted a public hearing and approved improvements to the existing Hillsborough
16 Circulator fixed route service.
17
18 BACKGROUND: Orange County Transportation Services has completed an operational
19 analysis of the existing Hillsborough Circulator fixed-route service and is ready to move forward
20 with enhancements as outlined in the 2022 Orange County Transit Plan, Annual Work Program
21 and the 2024 Short Range Transit Plan. These planned improvements focus on increasing
22 operational efficiency, boosting ridership, and more effectively serving key destinations such as
23 government offices, grocery stores, and residential communities.
24 The improved Hillsborough Circulator:
25 1. Realigns the existing fixed route into two (2) fixed routes to reduce travel times and
26 improve connectivity (Attachment 1).
27 2. Reduces wait time from 60 minutes to 45 minutes to enhance service frequency and
28 rider convenience (Attachment 2).
29 3. Adds a new stop at the Orange County Health Department and Whitted Building.
30 4. Establishes the Orange County Library as a transfer point with a 15-minute wait time.
31
32 The notice for this public hearing has been issued (Attachment 3) and scheduled to present the
33 improved service and collect additional community feedback. The enhanced circulator is
34 expected to increase ridership and overall service quality without any new budget
35 appropriations.
36
37 Sarah Williamson, Deputy Director of Transportation Services, introduced the item and
38 reviewed the background information.
39
40 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open
41 the public hearing.
42
43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
44
45 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
46 No one signed up to speak.
47
48 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
49 close the public hearing.
50
51 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7
1
2 A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
3 approve the improvements to the existing Hillsborough Circulator fixed route service.
4
5 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6
7 Chair Bedford said this is a long time coming, and it is exciting to see these changes.
8 She said she thinks this will increase ridership even more.
9 Sarah Williamson said staff hopes so, and reminded the Board about the route's ribbon-
10 cutting next Tuesday morning.
11
12 6. Regular Agenda
13 a. Approval of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Ordinances and County Fee Schedule
14 The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Ordinances and County Fee Schedule,
15 and approve the Opioid Settlement Fund spending authorization resolution.
16
17 BACKGROUND: At the June 5, 2025 budget work session, the Board of County
18 Commissioners made decisions regarding the County's FY 2025-26 budget. See the
19 following attachments related to those decisions:
20
21 • Attachment 1 — the Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2025-26 Orange County
22 Budget outlines the actions approved by the Board of County Commissioners at the
23 Budget work session on June 5, 2025
24 • Attachment 2 — the FY 2025-26 Budget Ordinance is the legislation implementing the
25 FY 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget for Orange County, including Grants Project
26 Ordinances
27 • Attachment 3—the FY 2025-26 County Fee Schedule
28 Attachment 4 —the spending authorization resolution for all Opioid Settlement Fund activities that
29 are included in the Approved Budget in compliance with the State's Memorandum of
30 Understanding with the County on reporting spending in the Opioid Settlement Fund.
31
32 Travis Myren introduced the item.
33
34 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Greene,
35 adopt the FY 2025-26 Budget Ordinances which sets the countywide tax rate at 63.83 cents per
36 $100 of value, adopt the FY 2025-26 County Fee Schedule, and approve and authorize the
37 Chair to sign the Opioid Settlement Fund spending authorization resolution, consistent with the
38 parameters outlined in the Board's Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY 2025-26 Orange County
39 Budget.
40
41 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
42
43 b. Accept the Ten-Year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and Approve the FY 2025-26
44 Orange County Overall CIP Projects
45 The Board accepted the FY 2025-35 Orange County Ten-Year Capital Investment Plan
46 (CIP),and approve the FY 2025-26 Orange County Overall CIP Projects.
47 BACKGROUND: For over 20 years, the County has produced a Capital Investment Plan (CIP)
48 that establishes a budget planning guide related to capital needs for the County as well as
49 Schools. The current CIP consists of a 10-year plan that is evaluated annually to include year-
50 to- year changes in priorities, needs, and available resources. Approval of the CIP commits the
8
1 County to the first-year funding only of the capital projects; all other years are used as a
2 planning tool and serves as a financial plan.
3
4 Capital Investment Plan — Overview
5 The FY 2025-35 CIP includes County Projects, School Projects, and Proprietary Projects. The
6 School Projects include Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, and
7 Durham Technical Community College — Orange County Campus projects. The Proprietary
8 Projects include Water and Sewer, Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Sportsplex projects.
9
10 The CIP has been prepared anticipating moderate economic growth of approximately 2% in
11 property tax growth over the next ten years, and 4% sales tax growth. Many of the projects in
12 the CIP will rely on debt financing to fund the projects.
13
14 Attachment 1 is the FY 2025-35 Capital Investment Plan Overall Summary of $75,322,781
15 (individual projects were provided to the Board of County Commissioners at previous work
16 sessions, and revised project funding was discussed at the June 5, 2025 budget work session).
17
18 Attachment 2 lists County Capital Projects Summary totaling $38,035,068 in FY 2025-26 (Year
19 1).
20
21 Attachment 3 lists Proprietary Capital Projects Summary totaling $3,744,294 in FY 2025-26
22 (Year 1).
23
24 Attachment 4 lists School Capital Projects Summary totaling $33,543,419 in FY 2025-26 (Year
25 1).
26
27 Travis Myren introduced the item.
28
29 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
30 accept the FY 2025-35 Orange County Ten-Year Capital Investment Plan, and approve funding
31 for FY 2025-26 and adopt the FY 2025-26 County Capital projects as stated in Attachment 2;
32 the FY 2025-26 Proprietary Capital projects as stated in Attachment 3; and the FY 2025-26
33 School Capital projects as stated in Attachment 4.
34
35 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
36
37 c. Condominium Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of
38 Carrboro for the Operation of the Drakeford Library Complex
39 This item was removed from the agenda at the start of the meeting.
40
41 7. Reports
42 a. Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Point-In-Time Count and
43 Monthly Homelessness Report
44 The Board received a report on the most recent homelessness data from 2025's Point-In-Time
45 (PIT) Count as well as the first installment of OCPEH's new monthly report on outputs.
46 BACKGROUND: The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people
47 experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The United States Department of
48 Housing & Urban Development (HUD) requires that Continuum of Care Programs (CoCs)
49 conduct an annual count of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered in emergency
50 shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens on a single night. CoCs also must conduct a
9
1 count of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness every other year (odd numbered
2 years). Each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally.
3
4 OCPEH's Monthly Data Report is a new report on program outcomes that will be relayed at
5 each monthly OCPEH Leadership Team meeting. The first monthly report was presented at the
6 May 2025 Leadership Team meeting and included data on outcomes from the Housing Helpline,
7 Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection (SOHRAD), SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and
8 Recovery (SOAR), and Housing Access Coordination. The monthly reports starting in June
9 2025 will also include outcomes from the Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program.
10
11 Blake Rosser, Housing Director, made the following presentation:
12
13 Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
HOMELESSNESS DATA
Danielle DeCaprio,LCSW
4CPEH Homeless Program Manager
06.17,2025
Orange Coun-,.
]� Partnership to
End Hornelessnes.-
14
15
16
17
10
1 Slide #2
PIT COUNT
• HUD required reporting
"Snapshot of Homelessness"-one point in time
■ This year on Monday,January 27
• Same as Durham
• Collected surveys through Friday
■ Issues with Accuracy
• Self reporting
• Can be environmental dependent-i.e.CWC, raining
• Transitional Housing=Men's Shelter
■ Note Data in OCConnect
• Active List=127
• Not Yet Service Connected=114
�] C]rangc Cnun<<
PartnersEZip tv
Homelessnes.-
2
3 Blake Rosser indicated that Orange County coordinated with Durham County for the PIT
4 count to avoid double counting.
5
6 Slide #3
TOTAL EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
200
lea 176
160 149 149
140 124 t33 126
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
■Total Expu ienclog Homelessness 11
)r Inge Coun,•.
'{ EZip tv
*PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated.* `[' ^ End H Partnership
p snes.
7
8
9
10
11
1 Slide #4
TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
Total Households
Adults Only
= 115
Adult with
Children = 7
Adults w!Children •Adult Only
`� J l�fiI1gOC_oullrV
Partners
*PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated. hip t❑
�[ ^ End H0171elessnes
2
3
4 Slide #5
LOCATION
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
Location Emergency
Shelter=54
• Families-7
households/
21 individuals
Adult Only
—
33 individuals
me
• Transitional
1W Housing=47
•Emergency Shelter •Transitional Housing •Unsheltered • UnsheLtered=48
()llly
W: Z7
Partnership to
*PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated End Hornelessnes
5
6
7
8
12
1 Slide#6
AGE
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
Age Less than 18=14 individuals
18-24=12 individuals
25-34=22 individuals
35-44=27 individuals
Top 45-54=28 individuals
55-64=35 individuals
.cla •1&14 -zs-34 a35-44 a4s-s4 a55.64 -cs+ 65+=11 individuals
�]r Orange Cnun<<.
� Partnership tv
2 *PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated* �� ^ End Homelessnes.
3 Danielle DeCaprio, OCPEH Manager, said over 50% of those counted are over age 45.
4 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked a question about slide #3. She asked if the people
5 counted this year are different than those last year.
6 Danielle DeCaprio said the surveys are completed anonymously, so they would only be
7 able to tell that about sheltered individuals by looking at shelter records, not unsheltered.
8
9 Slide#7
RAC E
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
3%
Race Black—44
HispaniclLatinx—4
Pacific Islander— I
I% Pacific IslanderlHispanic/Latinx— I
I%
3� White—39
.BI.Gk WhitelHispaniclLatinx—4
•Pacific Islander .I mik Idan ler/HispanidLadnx
•Whi[e •White/Hispanic/Launx Multiple(not Hispanic)—b
.Multiple(not Hispanic)
�] Orange Cnunr}
Partnership t❑
*PIT Data presented here is locaLly confirmed,but non-HUD validated* �� `^ End Homelessne5
10
13
1 Slide#8
GENDER
PIT COUNT - 01 .27,2025
Gender
#44W
Women=43
Men=105
Fransgender=1
710
•Wvmen •Men •Trarugender
*PIT data resented here is tocaLl confirmed* >- r' Partnership
sh i p tv
p y i� Partnership to
2 *HUD has removed the gender from federally submission this year.* �(' ^ End Homelessnes
3
4 Slide #9
IF
UNSHELTERED COUNT
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
eo-
so 48
40 36
33
30
So-
2D
!0
10 . 0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
■Unsheltered
�] Orange Coun[y
} Partnership to
5 *PIT Data presented here Is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated* Jr ^ End Homelessnes
6 Chair Bedford asked if the demographic breakdown of those sheltered vs. unsheltered.
7 Danielle DeCaprio said that she can get that information.
8
14
1 Slide#10
SHELTERED COUNT
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
140
140
120 115
los I03 I01
100 vo
so
60
40
20
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
■Sheltered Count
Orange County
� Partnership t❑
*PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated.* A �' End H Partnership
2
rnelessnes
3 Commissioner McKee noted that the sheltered count goes down almost identically to the
4 unsheltered count increase. He said that it makes him wonder if the individuals that were once
5 sheltered are now unsheltered.
6 Danielle DeCaprio said that her guess is that they are not correlated because IFC's
7 home start shelter has units rather than persons. She said that there may be different numbers
8 of people in each room depending on the evening and that accounts for those differences.
9
10 Slide #11
SPECIAL POPULATION: CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
35 33 33
30 27 28 2025
25
20 Families with
IS
Is I3 Children =8
to
s Adults only=20
0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
■Chronic Homelessness[individuals]
._. J Orange County
} Partnership to
*PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated* r� End Homelesanes
11
15
1 Chair Bedford asked for the definition of chronic homelessness.
2 Danielle DeCaprio said someone that has a disability and an accumulation of a year's
3 worth of homelessness within the last three-year period. She noted that disability includes
4 substance abuse as well as mental and physical disabilities.
5
6 Slide #12
SPECIAL POPULATION: FAMILIES
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
14
12
12
10 y
B
B
d 5
� 3
0 ■
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
■Famllles with Children(Households)
�] Oralige C o II)[y
} Partnership to
7 *PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated.* Jr ^ End Homelessnes
8
9 Slide #13
SPECIAL POPULATIONS: VETERANS
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
14
12
12
10
10 y
B
d 5
4 3
0 ■
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
■Veserans
�] Orange Coun[y
Partnership to
10 *PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated.* �� ^ End Homelessnes
16
1 Blake Rosser said staff has been in touch with Durham VA about the increase in Veteran
2 homelessness and connecting them with HUD VASH Vouchers.
3
4 Slide #14
SPECIAL POPULATIONS: OTHER
PIT COUNT - 01 .27.2025
60 55
so
40
30
20 Is
■ 10
10 4
a
Serious MH DO Suhsmnce Ul DO HMAIDS Dome5dc VlofeMe
Survivors
•*dal Pop:Ocher
�. �] Orange COunty
Partnership to
*PIT Data presented here is locally confirmed,but non-HUD validated.* �� r` end HoE7 iele55nes
5
6 Chair Bedford asked if the Compass Center grant that the county took over has expired.
7 Danielle DeCaprio said that is still active.
8 Blake Rosser said there are currently 6 families housed.
9 Blake Rosser said it took until the end of April to compile the data from the PIT count, so
10 it will be May/June before staff can present this information annually.
11 Commissioner Carter said she appreciates the information and is interested t know how
12 the information helps formulate a plan of action.
13 Blake Rosser said this is more about what the numbers tell HUD so then the Partnership
14 is eligible for grant money.
15 Danielle DeCaprio said there are multiple reporting data points that have to go to HUD.
16 She said that she feels that the PIT count is the most inaccurate. She said they also present a
17 longitudinal study analysis (LSA) at the end of the year and that shows what has happened over
18 the year. She said that study is used to help formulate plans. She said there are three or four
19 required reporting periods.
20 Commissioner Fowler said that she had referred a parent to the helpline, and they let her
21 know they called but that they could not be helped until August. She asked how she should
22 respond to that.
23 Blake Rosser said it depends on the program they need assistance for. He said that
24 since it is August, they might be talking about the longtime homeowner assistance program.
25 Commissioner Fowler said that it was for someone that does not have a home.
26 Blake Rosser said that he is unsure of the details of the call or why they were told that.
27 He asked Commissioner Fowler to forward that person directly to him so he could look into this.
28 Danielle DeCaprio said that the person could possibly be in a lease seeking emergency
29 housing assistance and the requirement is that they have to be within two weeks of eviction so it
30 may be what they were calling about.
17
1 Commissioner Fowler said this is a person that is living in a shelter in Raleigh.
2 Danielle DeCaprio said they would need to go through coordinated entry in Raleigh.
3 Blake Rosser said it could be that they know they will be in the shelter until August and if
4 they are considered housed, they would not be able to perform a coordinated entry interview
5 with them until they are two weeks away from being unhoused and that is due to federal
6 regulations.
7
8 Slide #15
MONTHLY REPORT - HOUSING HELPLINE
JuL-24 Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov- Dec- Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- Total Percentage
24 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25
Tota I Cc o rd i n ated Entry 54 27 36 36 33 53 34 28 29 21 351
Conducted
Phone 26 14 14 21 20 20 16 11 6 12 760 46%
In-person 28 13 22 15 13 33 18 17 23 9 191 54%
Total Number of Households 54 27 37 36 33 53 34 28 19 21 342
Total Number of Families 11 8 10 7 5 14 4 4 3 4 70 20%
Total Number of Adutt Only 43 19 27 29 28 39 29 24 26 17 281 82%
Total Contacts 627 541 484 578 379 446 454 316 337 372 4534
�] Orange County
PartnersEZip tv
�[' ^ os
9 End H me le snes.-
10 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for clarification on the two weeks away from eviction
11 requirement for emergency housing assistance.
12 Danielle DeCaprio said she misspoke about that.
13 Blake Rosser said that the two weeks is for coordinated entry interviews and that
14 evictions summons is not required anymore for emergency housing assistance and it would not
15 be a program that would cause a delay until August.
16 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many staff are assigned to the Helpline.
17 Blake Rosser said there are 3 full-time CE employees and one coordinator that oversees
18 the program.
19 Danielle DeCaprio said the in-person opportunity has expanded and people could apply
20 in-person every day at Southern Human Services and now on Wednesdays at Mayo St. in
21 Hillsborough.
22
23
18
1 Slide#16
MONTHLY REPORT - SOHRAD
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE
Jul•24 llu9•24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Npv-24 Dee-24 Jan-25 Feb-25 Mar-25 Apr•25Totat
Number of PerlOna Enralted 28 21 16 17 14 1fi 19 32 32 31
❑l those enrolled,Number of Pg rsoo3 Engaged 20 16 13 11 7 7 72 12 17 1$ 11
Tote l Households 22 16 14 15 13 15 78 30 31 30
Adult Only 20 15 14 15 13 15 16 30 31 30
Families 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Current Living$ituatigne
Homeless 16 13 11 11 8 11 1 24 28 25
—titutional 1 0 0 0 ❑ 0 0 0 0 0
Temporary 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 3
Par—ant 3 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 2
Unknown 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
Tota l persons okiting to poMtrve hour i ng d 95tinati6n 6 3 3 3 1 1 0 6 2 0 25
Income
No 10 9 9 10 6 9 10 16 17 18 116
Ves 12 8 6 6 0 6 0 1 1 12 52
Unknown 2 1 ❑ ❑ 5 0 6 14 14 1 45
P. ma with Income 50% 44% 40% 38% 3% 33% 24%
`r J �Im1 LC1Uf1[y
- Partnership to
2 �r ^ End Homelessnes
3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what the goal was for housing placement.
4 Danielle DeCaprio said the goals are being created now. She said that the positive
5 outcome during the goal setting is getting people off of the street. She said that only street
6 outreach considers shelter a positive outcome.
7 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what institutional means.
8 Blake Rosser said people coming from hospitalization or incarceration.
9 Danielle DeCaprio said the Outreach Team will go into jails and conduct CEs if they
10 know they are going to be released into homelessness.
11
12 Slide #17
MONTHLY REPORT - SOHRAD !F7
Services Provided 7uly August 8aptowtwr ccralwr Hovmbw Oecembor lanuery February Momh A&I TOTAL
Comprehensive Clinical Assessments Completed 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 J 5
Assistance with Completing Housing Applications 1 2 1 1 3 0 3 0 2 1 14
oMloctions from arrests-Fxamplo:businesses contact]ng Tca m, 14 4 5 10 4 6 10 7 a 6 14
Instead of notice
Diversion PlacemanUHousing-connactiona to treawm m.bridge 2 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 n 7
housing
EuMval Suppllos-4 o7 parson provided to 13 33 12 a 9 25 18 14 14 13 119
Harm Reduction.a 0f conracra'name n.PORT team 0 0 0 1 ❑ 3 $ 11 2 Y 11
F 0f culmmh s0 Jail 4 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 2 1 13
Transportation assistance 4 9 1 4 2 4 3 2 8 3 32
Co•msponse 3 4 3 2 0 2 4 2 1 8 2S
-- �] Orange County
Partnership to
13 Jr `� End Homelessnes
19
1 Blake Rosser indicated that co-responses occur with Chapel Hill's Crisis Team.
2 Commissioner Carter asked about the survival supplies.
3 Danielle DeCaprio said tents, snack bags, warm clothes, hygiene bags, or anything they
4 might need. She said they always try to find the resource.
5 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how those things are kept or offered.
6 Danielle DeCaprio said the team brings those supplies out to those in the community
7 directly.
8 Commissioner Carter asked how many of those getting the survival supplies are routed
9 into shelter.
10 Danielle DeCaprio said part of the coordinated entry process is to ask if they want to be
11 put on the waitlist for the shelter and are considered as beds become available.
12
13 Slide #18
MONTHLY REPORT - SOAR
Jul-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 Nov-24 Dec-24 Jan-25 Fed-25 Mar-25 Apr-25 TOTAL
New Referrals To SOAR 2 0 1 1 2 3 0 3 5 2 20
Number of Cases thatOC isAuth Rep(duplicated) 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 5 1 3 24
Newlyassigned cases asAuth Rep 1 ❑ 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 10
Number of Cases❑C Provided Informal Support 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 9
Number of Cases Submitted for the First Time 1 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 2 0 9
Number of Successful Outcomes
As Authorized Representotive ❑ 0 0 0 0 0 ❑ 0 0 0 0
As Informal Support ❑ ❑ 1 ❑ 0 1 1 ❑ 1 0 4
Partnership to
14 End Homelessnes
15 Blake Rosser said this program works to ensure people are able to access SSI/SSDI
16 benefits. He said this is a federally sponsored program.
17 Commissioner Greene asked if SOAR case workers could be placed in UNC Hospitals
18 again.
19 Danielle DeCaprio said there is an ongoing discussion. She said that they plan to
20 present to the community monthly and have presented to UNC Family Medicine Clinicians and
21 are working to schedule one with UNC Behavioral Health Specialists.
22
23
20
1 Slide#19
MONTHLY REPORT - HOUSING ACCESS
1u1-24 Aug-24 Sep-24 Opt-24 Nov-24 Oec-24 )an-25 Feb-25 Mar-26 Apr-25 Total
Landlords Engaged through Outreach b 1 5 4 3 1 8 3 4 2 37
NumheralLeasesSIgned" 21 14 25 17 14 6 20 19 6 6 148
HCV 21 14 25 17 14 6 20 19 6 6 148
Number at New Landlords Enrolled' 2 3 4 4 4 1 0 3 3 1 25
HCV 2 3 4 4 4 1 U 3 3 1 25
LIP's Processed 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 2 1 14
Risk Mitigation Processed 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 16
OnItSAdded to MaSter HousingLISt 7 9 9 4 4 9 11 12 6 23 84
.rr.QIDmmYDLty�09 3 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 7
Landlord Engagement Roundtable 1 0 0 1 0 ❑ 1 0 0 0 3
Commun ity a n d Provider Tm i nings 2 0 0 0 1 ❑ 0 ❑ 0 0 8
Client FocusedTrainings 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
r] Orange Count),
Partnership to
Jf End Homelessnes
2
3 Blake Rosser said the housing access coordinator is funded through the Partnership
4 and has been a position for four years. He said the principal purpose is to engage with rental
5 owners. He said there has not been good output data but that Danielle DeCaprio is working
6 hard to correct that. He said they are surveying eight different landlords and they will have
7 information to present. He said they are going to add rapid rehousing data to the information as
8 well.
9 Chair Bedford asked who would be considered a provider.
10 Blake Rosser said IFC, Community Empowerment Fund, those entities that attend the
11 meetings as a service provider.
12
13
21
1 Slide#20
NEXT STEPS
• Will continue to report program level data monthly
• Housing Helpline—Coordinated Entry
■ SOHRAD
• SOAR
• Rapid Rehousing(to be included starting June 2025)
• Housing Access
• Will also share high level overview of Continuum of Care's
Data Quality Reports quarterly
Questions: Danielle DeCaprio ✓ �]� C]range Couili"
OCPEH Manager �) V Partnership tb
2
ddecaprio@orangecountync.gov Jr ^ End Hornelessnes.-
3 Chair Bedford asked if the three towns are fully funding the Partnership.
4 Blake Rosser said they are waiting until the end of the week to know for sure after
5 municipal budgets are adopted.
6
7 8. Consent Agenda
8
9 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
10 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
11 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
12
13 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
14 approve the consent agenda.
15
16 Commissioner Carter asked about the terms of the closing documents for the Crisis
17 Diversion Facility and what will be completed after closing.
18 Travis Myren said the amendment on the consent agenda allows the County to close at
19 the end of the month without having all the easements completed. He said that once more
20 information is gathered on where the utilities will be going and where the cross-access
21 easements are needed, those items will be finalized later.
22 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if it has been customary to have items left to
23 complete after closing on a property, like the easements.
24 Chair Bedford said the county does not build a lot so it is hard to answer, but it is not
25 unusual in general construction.
26 Travis Myren said there are no construction renderings, so there is no way to know
27 where the easements would go.
28
29 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
30
22
1 a. Minutes
2 The Board approved the draft minutes for the April 22, 2025,April 29, 2025, and May 6, 2025
3 BOCC Meetings as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
4 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Release/Refund
5 The Board adopted a resolution to release a motor vehicle property tax value for one (1)
6 taxpayer with a total of one (1) bill that will result in a reduction of revenue.
7 c. Changes in BOCC Meeting Schedule for 2025
8 The Board approved changes to the Board of Commissioners' meeting calendar for 2025.
9 d. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Amendment #11
10 The Board approved budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for Fiscal Year
11 2024-25.
12 e. Approval of the Visitors Bureau's FY 2025-26 Marketing Agreement with Clean, Inc.
13 The Board approved a services agreement for tourism marketing and advertising with Clean,
14 Inc. for FY 2025-26.
15 f. Approval of the Visitors Bureau's FY 2025-26 Agreement with Media Two Interactive,
16 LLC
17 The Board approved a services agreement for a digital media leisure campaign with Media Two
18 Interactive, LLC for FY 2025-26.
19 g. Approval of Acquisition of ElectionWare 5.2.4.0 Election Management Software
20 The Board approved the acquisition of ElectionWare 5.2.4.0 Election Management Software
21 from Election Systems & Software, LLC (ES&S), in accordance with North Carolina General
22 Statute § 163-165.8 and as recommended by the Orange County Board of Elections.
23 h. Contract Renewal with OE Enterprises for Courier Services for FY 2025-26
24 The Board approved a contract renewal with OE Enterprises for courier services.
25 i. Contract Renewal with SunStates Security for Eno River Parking Deck Security
26 Services for FY 2025-26
27 The Board approved a contract renewal with SunStates Security for security guard services at
28 the Eno River Parking Deck.
29 j. Contract Renewal with Siemens for HVAC Controls and Building Automation Services
30 for FY 2025-26
31 The Board approved a contract renewal with Siemens for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air
32 Conditioning) controls and building automation services.
33 k. JCPC Certification and County Plan for FY 2025-2026
34 The Board approved the Orange County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Certification
35 and County Plan for FY 2025-2026.
36 I. Approval of Resolution Conveying a Surplus Vehicle to Grow Your World
37 The Board approved a resolution authorizing the County Manager to convey a surplus County
38 vehicle to Grow Your World, a local nonprofit organization.
39 m. Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement for Property for the Crisis Diversion
40 Facility
41 The Board approved an amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement to purchase property
42 for the Crisis Diversion Facility and authorized the County Manager to sign the amendment
43 upon final review by the County Attorney.
44 n. Approval of North Carolina Local Government Commission Audit Contract with
45 Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC
46 The Board:
47 1) Authorized a contract with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC to perform full FY 2025 audit services
48 which includes financial, single audits and financial statement preparation; and
49 2) Authorized the Chair and Finance Officer to sign the North Carolina Local Government
50 Commission audit contract on behalf of the BOCC pending staff and attorney review.
51
23
1 o. Approval of HOME 2025-29 Consolidated Plan
2 The Board approved the 2025-29 HOME Consolidated Plan, based on the recommendation of
3 the Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative.
4 p. Approval of HOME 2025 Annual Action Plan (AAP)
5 The Board approved the HOME 2025 Annual Action Plan (AAP).
6 q. Boards and Commissions —Appointments
7 The Board approved the Boards and Commissions appointments as reviewed and discussed
8 during the May 29, 2025 Work Session.
9
10 9. County Manager's Report
11 Travis Myren said staff do not believe an excessive heat warning will be triggered, which
12 would require the opening of cooling shelters under the Emergency Operations Plan. However,
13 he said hot weather resources are available on the county website, which includes public
14 buildings that can be used as cooling shelters.
15
16 10. County Attorney's Report
17 John Roberts said the state legislature is moving bills rapidly through committee. He said
18 an anti-DEI bill is up for discussion tomorrow. He said it has substantial negative repercussions
19 for local governments. He said what the county has done to address presidential executive
20 orders should mean there will be little direct impact to Orange County if this bill passes. He said
21 he will keep the Board updated.
22
23 11. *Appointments
24 None.
25
26 12. Information Items
27 • June 3, 2025 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
28 • Tax Assessor's Report - Release Refunds under $100
29 • Memorandum - Recognition of County Employee Retirements from April 1, 2025,
30 through June 30, 2025
31 • Memorandum - Update on Manager's Work Group to Address Low-Barrier Housing
32 Needs and Opportunities
33
34 13. Closed Session
35 None.
36
37 Adjournment
38
39 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
40 adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m.
41
42 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
44 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
45
46
47 Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board
48
49 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board