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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-29-2025-Work Session 1 APPROVED 8126/25 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUDGET AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN PUBLIC HEARING AND WORK SESSION May 29, 2025 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Budget and Capital Investment Plan Public Hearing and Work Session on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie- Ascott COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin Fenhagen, and Deputy Clerk Tara May (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present. 1. Opening Remarks Chair Bedford greeted those in attendance and read the public charge. 2. Presentation of the County Manager's Recommended FY 2025-26 Budget County Manager Travis Myren made the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA FY2025-26 Operating Budget Public Hearing May 29, 2025 Board of Orange County Commissioners 2 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 z ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #3 Revenue Neutral Tax Rate Property Tax Base X Property Tax Rate=Property Tax Levy Property Tax Base I 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% ORANGE COUNTY 3 NO R"TH CAROLINA 3 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 @$500,000 = $147.50 County Tax Rate History lzo.00 9sa0 Orange Bars=Revaluation Years 100.00 9s,D0 88.00 85.80 87.80 8679 86.34 818] 83.12 83.58 80.00 65M 60.00 4M 20.DO 0.00 FY2005 H2006 FY2007 FV2008 FY20A FY2010 FY2011 FY2D12 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 M018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 fY2022 FV2023 FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Rec. Slide #5 . i re D i stri ct Tax Rates • Ten of Twelve Fire Districts Requested Tax Rate Increases IncreaseTaxing District FY 2025 Tax Rate Revenue Neutral Rate FY Over .1 1 Revenue Neutral per Year 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 $16.40 EFLAND FIRE 10.28 7.38 8.36 1.00 $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 $94.00 ORANGE RURAL FIRE 11.49 8.21 9.21 1.00 $40.00 ORANGE 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 10.20 1.45 $58.00 WHITE CROSS FIRE 13.84 10.30 14.00 3.70 $148.00 ORANGE COUNTY 5 NORTH C.AROLINA 4 Slide #6 Strategies to Minimize Tax Rate Increase Department budgets held at or below base budgets (16 of 27 departments) y Transition General Fund expenses to other funding sources ($176,084) y 10% reduction to training and travel ($38,940) y Eliminate four(4)vacant positions($188,077) Y Charge administrative overhead to Sportsplex and Arts Commission ($215,562) Y Charge Special Tax District for collecting and remitting taxes ($135,000) Add four(4) positions to reduce expenses or generate revenue($395,447) ORANGE COUNTY 6 NOR-rH C,AR[]LINA Slide #7 Strategies to Create Budget Flexibility No budgeted sales tax growth from FY2024-25 Budget No budgeted growth in Register of Deeds revenue Increase Social Justice Fund-$50,102 Reduce Appropriated Fund Balance-$31,233 ORAORN H cACOUNITY 5 Slide #8 Funding to Maintain Social Safety Net ➢ $24,000 increase in Longtime Homeowners Assistance program ➢ $70,000 increase in Emergency Housing Assistance program through reallocation ➢ $25,000 increase in Partnership to End Homelessness Budget to Continue Cold Weather Cots ➢ $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 ORANGE COUNTY S NORTH CAROLINA Slide #9 Continuation Funding to Schools SchoolAL J Total Recommended FY2024-25 FY2025-26 Approved Recommended $Difference %Increase 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 9 ORANGE COOUNA Y 6 Slide #10 Continuation Funding to Schools County Per Pupil Funding Amount History $7,000 - $211 increase from $6,000 F 25 V202C 65,877 $6,666 $5,346 $5,000 S4 000 $3 868 $3,991 $4,165 $4.352 $4,367 $4,367 $3.571 $2,957 $3,069 $3,200 $3,096 $3,102 $3,167 $3.2fi9 $3,000 u,o6o — $1,000 s S� S{A '1C .Yti ^�' ,tib 1. y5 ,fib ,�•� tia .}9 .�O .�4 .ti'l. ti3 p .�5 �,. � rye,' �Otier ryotiti �titi Sys ryoya �OtiY �,,6' �,,�' �,,� ryo,,�' �tior Otis �,yti ti,;ti �otip' tibe o OR o.N GE�COUNTY Slide #11 Continuation Increase to Schools Chapel .. . City SchoolsContinuation .. FY2025-26 Manager Recommended Continuation Request Difference $65,133,984 $66,949,681 ($1,815,697) Orange County Schools FY2025-26 Manager Recommended Continuation Request Difference $46,575,225 $46,780,376 ($205,151) ORANGE COUNTY 31 NORTH CAROLINA Slide #12 Investing in Employees ➢ 2%Wage Adjustment-$1,797,292 Continuation of Merit Awards-$451,000 y 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 12 OR COUNTY R a. G c 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_ARQLINA 8 Slide #14 Budget Consideration Schedule FY2025-26 Budget Consideration Schedule June 5 Work Session • Resolution of Intent to Adopt June 17 Business Meeting • Adoption of FY2025-25 Operating Budget and Capital Budget ORANGE COUNTY 14 NORTH CAROLINA Slide #15 Questions? ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 3. Public Comments Chair Bedford explained the process for making public comments. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to open the public hearing on the budget and capital investment plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mae St. George said she thought there could more done to help people stay in their homes and asked the Board to reduce the budget. She asked the commissioners to check their hearts when making budget decisions. Lynn Nilssen said she is a volunteer with Public Schools Strong. She said that there are economic and social benefits to good schools. She said that good schools are high priorities for families and benefit communities. She said there is great value provided by public schools. She said Orange County Schools (OCS) and Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) are the county's 31 and 4th largest employers. She said that she is also a real estate agent and understands the rise of property values and taxes over time. She said the tax burden has been shifted to local governments because the state has a state regressive tax policy that will cut the corporate and personal income tax to zero by 2030. She said that these cuts will result in $13 billion less in state revenue. She said that is equivalent to the total state budget revenue for 2024. She said that the schools have requested an expansion budget from the commissioners. She said that we are fortunate in Orange County to have the best quality education for the students, and she hopes the county votes to approve the expansion budget. Katie Harper said her children have attended Orange County Schools (OCS) and that her family has been very happy there. She noted the high level of financial support given by the county to the school systems. She asked the Board to fully fund the continuation budget and some of the expansion budget. She thanked the Board for all the work that went towards the 2024 bond referendum. Spring Dawson said she was born in Orange County and her dad is a farmer. She said that her work focuses on early childhood education. She said that she is a parent of two children with one in middle school and one in high school in Orange County. She said that North Carolina is 481h in the nation for per pupil spending and 43rd for teacher pay. She said that the average teacher salary in the state is below living wage. She said many of her children's teachers work second and third jobs. She said even with this, Orange County is thriving. She said that the Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education in NC has honored a teacher for the first time in its history and that award went to Orange County 7th grade teacher, Serena Massey. She asked that the commissioners read Mr. Jason Johnson's statement when he was honored as the North Carolina Principal of the Year. Chair Bedford noted that they will be doing a proclamation in honor of Mr. Jason Johnson. Rachel Heller said her children attended CHCCS and OCS schools. She discussed opportunity vouchers which provide subsidies for children to attend private schools. She said opportunity scholarships were started to "reduce the socio-economic achievement gap." She said they were targeted to families below a certain income level. She said that now, those income caps have been removed and wealthy families already sending their children to private schools can now receive the vouchers that are a tax-payer subsidy. She said over$3 million in voucher funds have been given to students in Orange County. She said that private schools are not accountable to the public and they are not required to track or report on academic achievement. She said they are not required to hire licensed teachers or even teachers with a college degree. She said that private schools have raised their average tuition 16% over the last year. Kelly Suttles said that education for everyone is foundational to democracy. She said that funding cuts at the state levels have put the funding burden on local governments. She said they have been steadily losing investment in public education over the last two decades in NC. She said the federal government is also cutting spending on education and there are two programs that will directly affect students in Orange County. She discussed federal cuts to education that affect Orange County. She said the two programs are: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I. She said these two federal programs account for 15%-20% of Orange County school funding. She said that the county has some of the best educators. She said that this has placed the county in a place of burden. She noted the award-winning programing and staff. She 10 ended by quoting some of Mr. Johnson's acceptance speech from NC Principal of the Year and thanked the Board for their time and service to the community. George Griffin expressed opposition to the proposed amendment to the County Manager's recommended budget to reduce pay-go funding as part of the capital improvement plan. He said reducing or walking-back the pay-go commitment after securing public approval for the bond damages our collective credibility. He said that residents who voted in favor of the bond package in November 2024 did so with the understanding that it was part of a comprehensive, multi- pronged funding strategy. He said weakening the pay-go component creates the perception of a "bait-and-switch" where voters feel they were promised one thing but delivered another. He said sustaining the pay-go plan in full is essential, notjust as a financial mechanism, but as a statement of integrity, accountability, and follow-through. He said it is a moral imperative and a vital investment in the future of Orange County's children, schools, and community. He said that he recognizes that the tax increase required to support this level of investment is significant; however, it was publicly understood from the outset that such an increase would be necessary to fund this historic and long-overdue investment in school capital needs. Beverly Walton invited everyone in attendance who supported the home repair program to stand up. She said that many of the homes in her community are in disrepair and that residents need help. She asked the Board to increase the amount of funding available for making home repairs. Barry Jacobs expressed appreciation for the work undertaken by the commissioners. He said there are three main issues that Orange County residents care about. He said that is quality public education, equality and opportunity for all, and protection of the environment. He said there is a proposed amendment to reduce funding for the Lands Legacy program in the capital improvement program. He asked the Board to stick with the County Manager's recommendations for the program. Horace Johnson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. He said he wanted the Board to meet more of the residents in the county and learn about the issues they are facing. Diane Thompson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. She said she is experiencing well issues and needs help having clean water in her home. Rich Shaw read the following statement regarding the Lands Legacy Program: 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 Conservatfon Manager, overseeing the L.L.P. Now, it may seem self-serving to ask you to maintain funding for a program I once managed. Well,it is self-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, places that give OC its unique identity,and help make it a wonderful place to live,work and play. 11 My understanding is there is a budget proposal that would freeze new fundingfor Lands Legacy for up to 90 years. No new funds for land 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. • 1 know first-hand that the opportunity to protect land depends on a lot of factors—willing Landowners, having partners,sometimes luck, and available funds. It is vita(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 kinds of recreation facilities OC residents want most are trails--wa(kingtraits, nature trails, bike trails,greenways. Trails and greenways are relatively law-cost facilities that benefit all maple. Funding will be needed to acquire land to establish new trails. Similarly,the current bands Legacy Action Plan prioritizes working with partners, here and in neighboring counties,to protect important wildlife corridors—allowing wildlife to navigate safety between existing green spaces. • Land acquisition for trails and forwildlife 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. Thank you for this opportunity to comment. Shirley Thompson said she is a lifelong resident of Orange County. She said that she has a problem with her water and has spent $7,000 and was told it would take another $8,000 to fix the issue. She said that she does not have that kind of money and borrowed the $7,000. She said she has not had water in her home since January 2024 and cannot afford to continue to look for solutions. She asked the Board for assistance. Charlotte Holmes spoke on behalf of her mother who does not have a ramp to her home and could not get and out of her home after experiencing medical issues. She said there are several residents in northern Orange County who need home repair assistance. Allan Green said that conservation easements are needed to preserve farmland in Orange County. He said there are elderly people who have easements at risk. He asked the Board to remember the comments they made at the Whole Orange effort. He said that it is clear that the easements are needed. He said they will also need trails and connectivity. He said this is a high priority in the Parks and Recreation surveys. Roger Callahan said he participates in the Handy Helpers program. He said his groups helps people who need ramps, grab bars, or toilets fixed in their homes. He said that this is his chosen work in retirement. He said this is a moral responsibility for our elders. He said there are about 20 volunteers that work with them, and they use the money from the Department on Aging, but that funding sometimes runs out. He said there is much work that needs to be done. He said there is an estimate of about$2 million in need and a two-year wait time for the work to be finished. He said they literally have elders falling through the floor. He said that the work he does allows 12 residents to age in place and can make a difference. He encouraged the Board to support funds to continue these repairs. Erin Kent said her children attend schools in CHCCS. She said families move to the county for its high-quality public schools. She said her family moved to Orange County eight years ago for that reason. She said that as a parent, she sees the benefits that public schools provide. She said that she is a faculty member at UNC, and she can see the impact of public schools every day. She said that currently, the state pays one of the lowers teacher salaries in the nation. She said that they have a democratic process that passed a bond package to improve the schools. She said that failing to uphold that investment, will widen divides and threaten the education infrastructure that this county is known for. She said that investing in schools is investing in the county's future. She said that she understands that there is a tax increase associated with this investment, but the voters overwhelmingly said "yes." Rebecca Paul said she is proud of the schools and feels that public schools are under attack. She said that local governments need to fund it more than ever. She asked the Board to expand the budget and allow for the needs to be met. She said she voted for the bond and asked that the Board fully fund it. Elizabeth Young said she is in favor of extending the Rogers Road sewer program. She said that many of the septic systems are failing and leaking into the water table. She said that the Church of the Advocate has applied for a grant with other local churches, and they hope to be able to use the grant funds, with matching funds from the county, to be able to finish the 23 houses that remain needing sewer hookup. She said that Rogers Road is being hit by property taxes doubling and tripling. She said that to avoid displacement due to the catastrophic property tax increases, the commissioners should look into the tax increase. She asked the Board to have concern for the Rogers Road community. Kenzie Patrick said she is a kindergarten teacher at Scroggs Elementary and she asked for the Board to approve the expansion budgets that will help fund much needed teacher pay programs. Sasha Harrison asked the Board to fully fund the CHCCS continuation budget and some of the expansion budget request. She said she works at Scroggs Elementary asked the Board to fund the budget in a way that benefits the schools. She said that restoring masters level pay would be game-changing for the districts and teacher recruitment. She said that students deserve more than another year of cuts. Leslie Fernandez said she is a parent of children in the schools and asked the Board to fund the expansion budget. She noted the previous support of the Board for education. She said asked the Board to restore pay-go capital funding. She asked the Board to lead with courage and show that in Orange County, we show up for our kids. Marci Hansen said she is a parent of two children in CHCCS schools. She asked the Board to fully fund the continuation budget for the schools. She said that they have lost electives, teacher assistants, and bus drivers. She said the proposal to remove pay-go funding from the capital funding is not what the county voted for and that as a taxpayer and voter, it feels like a slap in the face. Amanda Hanig said she is a parent of children in the public school system. She said she believes in the value of public schools. She said her family moved to Chapel Hill due to the reputation of the school system. Johnny Randall spoke in favor of the Lands Legacy program. He said this is one of the most successful land stewardship programs in the state. He said he was speaking on the Triangle Connectivity Collaborative. He spoke about the Triangle connectivity plan. He said he served for 8 years on the Orange County Commission on the Environment and on the Orange County planning board. He said he was the director of conservation for 25 years at the NC Botanical Garden. He said that Orange County has been a leader in land preservation. He said he is an Orange County appointee to the OWASA Board. He said that Orange County is working on a land 13 use plan and land purchases through Lands Legacy, will be critical for supporting habitat conservation. He asked the Board to continue to support the Lands Legacy program. David Remington said the longtime homeowner assistance program is another program that helps residents stay in their homes. He said he has found it very encouraging that the commissioners continue to support that program. He thanked the Board for their efforts. Sarah Whitley said she is an EC teacher in the CHCCS and graduate of Elon College. She said that she loves what she does. She thanked the Board for what they do. She said that she reviewed their biographies and noted that none of them have served as an educator like she has. She said that she has served in all levels of schools and loves it. She asked the Board to support the continuation budget and said that it is important to have EC teachers, EC TAs, and OC classes. She said that there have been many cuts to these programs. She said that she fully supports public schools and thinks that more funding should go to the schools. She thanked Chair Bedford for her advocacy for education and students with disabilities. She said that she is a single parent and widow, and has a hard time making ends meet sometimes. She said that teachers should be appreciated, and salaries should be raised. Jenna Neilsen said that she is a 5th grade teacher and resident of Orange County. She said that she understands that the federal and state governments are not helping with the issues. She said that these are unprecedented times and asked the Board to look outside of the box at ways they can fund the continuation and expansion budgets. Bailey Normann said she is a school librarian and a resident of Orange County. She asked the Board to fully fund the continuation budget and the expansion budget. She said that they need highly trained teachers. She said that reinstating masters pay acknowledges the time spent to better themselves in ways that improve outcomes for kids. She said that elementary teacher assistants are incredibly valuable and without them, teachers are stretched too thin. She said they can also restore their technology facilitators. She said they are an essential part of making the classrooms vibrant and interactive. She said that cutting these positions would be a huge step back. She asked the Board to invest in the people that invest in the kids every day. Robin Jacobs said she served as the executive director of the Eno River Conservation Group for 15 years. She said that there are almost never any conservation or protection projects done without a partnership. She said that the Lands Legacy program in Orange County has facilitated many good projects. She said that Orange County has been an incredible partner for land trusts. She asked the Board to continue to support the Lands Legacy program and she wants them to understand how important it is. Ana Rosario said she is a parent and first year teacher in CHCCS Schools. She said she entered education from a different industry and has been amazed at the amount of work that the teachers do with such a small amount of resources. She said the pay does not even make sense. She said the experience has been amazing. She said it is like trying to explain motherhood—yes, it is hard, but it is amazing. She said that when she heard there is a risk that they may have even less next year, she immediately thought it would be impossible. She asked the Board to fund the continuation budget and the expansion budget. Katie Harrison said she is a social worker at Carrboro Elementary. She said that she is paying for a babysitter to be able to attend. She said the school is slotted to be rebuilt with the bond. She said they remind themselves everyday it will be fixed because they are dealing with problems daily. She said it floods and they have water issues. She said they need to keep the staff members that are there in the building next year. She said that they must make the building work and be safe and on top of that, teach. She asked the Board to do whatever can be done so that they can keep teaching kids in a safe space. Brian Link, president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Association of Educators, said that he has worked and lobbied to have a bi-partisan budget bill at the General Assembly that will reinstate masters pay. He said the work is getting done on that level. He said that the public can agree that cutting the Department of Education and taking funds from public education is not the 14 way to go. He said that he is worried because usually, they are all on the same page for public education at the local level but that it does not seem to be the case tonight. He thanked Commissioner Fowler for the budget amendment that will fully fund the continuation budget with a tax increase. He said that he does not agree with the four commissioners that signed onto an amendment that pulls $10 million from the schools. He said the public voted for a tax increase for education. He said the problem is not the voters but rather, an issue of public will. He said that support for public schools is needed now more than ever. He said that he has80 colleagues gone due to a reduction in force. He said that "pay-go" means fixing issues as they arise, and if they do not have that funding, they will not be able to address things like failing HVACs. He said that Commissioner Hamilton stated that she wants to get "back to basics" and he said that is exactly what pay-go supports—the basics. He thanked Commissioner Carter for standing with them, and asked that she vote with them now. He said that Commissioner McKee said he would be the backstop if the schools spent down their surplus, and now it is time. He asked the commissioners to remember commitments they made. Chair Bedford thanked everyone for their participation. She said that there is $4 million existing in the Lands Legacy program. She said that the longtime homeowners program for Orange County residents that meet certain requirements. She said that it has had $250,000 in the program for the last 3 or 4 years and there is an amendment to add another $100,000 this year. She said the program generally goes live in August and they want to make sure that anyone that is struggling with their taxes to apply. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to close the public hearing on the budget and capital investment plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The budget public hearing portion of the meeting ended, and the Board transitioned to a work session. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton,to recess the meeting for seven minutes. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to reconvene the meeting at 8:45 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 4. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Advisory Board on Aging suggests policy and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and the Department on Aging while acting as the liaison between older adults of the County and County government. It is charged with promoting needed services, programs, and funding that impacts older residents. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: 15 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Vibeke Talley Ex Officio N/A N/A (non-voting) Mary Lucas Hillsborough Town First Full Term 06/30/2028 Limits If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicants. 5. Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Advisory Board on Aging. BACKGROUND: The Affordable Housing Advisory Board prioritizes affordable housing needs and assesses project proposals. The board also publicizes the County's housing objectives, monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works to increase the community's awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in producing attractive affordable housing. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) At-Large members. As a general practice, this board has decided not to make recommendations. The following position is presented for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2027 Appointee If the position listed above is filled, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. Commissioner Fowler suggested Anna Jefferson for the vacancy. Vice-Chair Hamilton suggested Christopher Oneal. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Anna Jefferson. 6. Arts Commission —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed making an appointment to the Arts Commission. BACKGROUND: The ABC Board has the authority to buy, sell, transport, and possess alcoholic beverages for the operation of its stores. This board also adopts rules for the ABC system and has the authority to hire and dismiss employees. BACKGROUND: The Arts Commission recommends strategies to promote the artistic and cultural growth of Orange County, advises the Board of Commissioners on matters involving the 16 arts, and acts as the granting panel for funding programs available to individual artists and non- profit groups sponsoring arts projects in Orange County. The Board of County Commissioners appoints fourteen (14)At-Large members and one (1) UNC Student who serves a one-year term. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Alexander Gast UNC Student One-year term 06/30/2026 Representative If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 03/31/2028 Vacant since 03/31/2025 Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicant. 7. Economic Development Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Economic Development Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Economic Development Advisory Board works cohesively with the County's Economic Development staff and other economic development partners to position Orange County as a competitive location for business opportunities. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all ten (10) members, with representatives from various fields. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: 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 If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. Commissioner McKee suggested Dave Gephardt for one of the Core Business Community positions. 17 Chair Bedford noted that Dave Gephardt previously served. She reviewed the other applicants. A majority of commissioners supported Sharon Hill and Dave Gephardt for the Core Business Community positions. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Ivy Taylor, Sharon Hill, and Dave Gephardt. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to adjourn the meeting at 8:52 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Recorded by Laura Jensen, Deputy Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board