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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 09-16-2025; 8-a - Minutes for August 26, 2025 Business Meeting 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 16, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 8-a SUBJECT: Minutes for August 26, 2025 Business Meeting 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: August 26, 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 BUSINESS MEETING 5 August 26, 2025 6 7:00 p.m. 7 8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday,August 26, 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 Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott 13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Marilyn Carter 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. She noted that Commissioner 19 Carter was absent as she was traveling for her daughter's wedding. 20 21 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda 22 Chair Bedford announced two additions to the agenda: a discussion on bridge funding 23 from the Social Justice Fund for residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal, and 24 Commissioner McKee's request to discuss senior meals. She said the Board would need to be 25 flexible on timing for the first discussion, as they were waiting for members of the public to arrive, 26 and will discuss the second item as item 6. 27 The Board approved the agenda modifications by unanimous consent. 28 29 The Board recognized Tiana Oxendine, recipient of the North Carolina Association of 30 Black County Officials Scholarship. 31 Commissioner Port-Ascott noted this was the first year Orange County had an applicant. 32 Oxendine graduated from Cedar Ridge High School with a 4.0 GPA while playing basketball, 33 volunteering in the community, and participating in several clubs. She obtained her certified 34 nursing assistant certification over the summer and is enrolled at UNCG studying to become a 35 nurse. 36 Tiana Oxendine shared that her first week of college was challenging with heavy textbook 37 reading for biology class, and she's taking sociology, two honors courses, an English history 38 course, a mandatory honors course, and a nursing instruction course. 39 40 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) 41 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda 42 Kari Hamel addressed the Board, requesting opportunities for community input at the joint 43 school board meeting next month, specifically regarding the terms of the interlocal agreement 44 between the school districts and the county. She noted that over$1 billion in funding would go to 45 school districts over the next 10 years. She referenced a wellness check conducted at Chapel 46 Hill-Carrboro schools five years ago by two retired Winston-Salem Forsyth School executives, 47 noting that Winston-Salem Forsyth School now has over $48 million in debt. She requested 48 tangible open government practices as requirements for funding, including suspending vendors 49 who violate state statutes, creating a dashboard with granular financials, and requiring both school 50 districts to record and post all school board meetings subject to open meetings laws. She 2 1 emphasized wanting to see students like scholarship recipient Tiana Oxendine get quality 2 education and have bright futures. 3 4 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda 5 These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below. 6 7 3. Announcements, Petitions, and Comments by Board Members 8 Commissioner Portie-Ascott reported on the NCACC annual conference themed 9 "Cultivate: Inspire County Growth." She celebrated that Health Director Quintana Stewart was 10 honored through the Heroic Hands Initiative for going above and beyond the call of duty, and 11 Orange County Cooperative Extension was recognized as runner-up for the Northern Central 12 District Extension County Partnership award. She said she had lunch with Navya Sharma, a 4-H 13 student from East Chapel Hill High School, who participated in Youth Voices and shared her 14 passion for addressing food insecurity and disaster preparation. Commissioner Portie-Ascott 15 highlighted two impactful sessions on emergency preparation and affordable housing strategies. 16 She said the key takeaways included securing redundant communications, planning for volunteer 17 and donation management, ensuring generators for public buildings are accessible, and 18 recognizing that real recovery happens after week two. She noted the Community Giving Fund 19 was cited as innovative, though Orange County wasn't named specifically. She said the 20 conference strongly suggested that each county develop strategies for affordable housing, 21 specifically for those with middle income. 22 Commissioner Hamilton welcomed everyone back to school and highlighted several 23 activities. She said she made comments at the Opioid Settlement Funding Annual Meeting, and 24 was impressed with Health Director Quintana Stewart and staff showing that initiatives were 25 benefiting the community with lower opioid deaths. She shared that she attended the opening of 26 the FitLot outdoor exercise facility at the Seymour Center and attended multiple community events 27 including the walk at Fairview and Unity in the Community at Rogers Road Community Center, 28 where she heard many concerns about the tax reevaluation. She emphasized her commitment to 29 ensuring a fair process. 30 Chair Bedford noted committees have continued meeting through summer break and 31 reported that Durham Tech Community College received needed funding for increased 32 enrollment. She attended the grand opening of Thermo Fisher Scientific, which will manufacture 33 pipettes with federal funding. She said the public art tour, UPROAR, closed out Saturday. She 34 said that she and Commissioner McKee spent three days in court as defendants in a jury trial 35 regarding impact fees, where the jury unanimously found in the county's favor, though litigation 36 will continue. 37 Commissioner Fowler reported on her two-week vacation to Iceland. She said she was 38 impressed with the country's emphasis on avoiding plastics and disposable products to preserve 39 the climate, noting visible evidence of rapidly receding glaciers. She said she attended the 40 Triangle West TPO meeting, where they authorized staff to release the preferred option for the 41 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for 45-day public comment and the ADA Transition Plan 42 for 30-day comment. She attended the FitLot ribbon-cutting and tried the equipment. Due to 43 travel, she missed the Opioid Settlement Annual Meeting, but said she looks forward to attending 44 the Board of Health meeting the following day. She emphasized priorities of ensuring equitable 45 tax valuations, supporting Tropical Storm Chantal-impacted residents, and ensuring a 46 comprehensive land use plan. 47 Commissioner Greene also attended the Opioid Meeting and the Thermo Fisher event.As 48 Grow Triangle representative, she attended the Triangle West meeting. At the Visitors Bureau 49 meeting, she learned all UNC home games are sold out, but the University encourages people to 50 attend anyway for Chapel Thrill concerts, the Modelo Kickoff Club, and food trucks at every home 51 game. At the meeting, she said Lynn Mines from the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging 3 1 Association made her annual presentation, noting that the industry does $35 billion in sales 2 annually and employs 11% of the state's workforce. She mentioned the General Assembly wants 3 to remove municipalities' power to regulate short-term rentals. 4 Planning and Inspections Director Cy Stober confirmed the county regulates short-term 5 rentals with different standards for owner-occupied versus non-owner-occupied properties, 6 though they cannot charge special licenses or track them due to state law. 7 Commissioner Greene also reported on the completed GoTriangle audit. 8 Commissioner McKee thanked the Board for adding the senior meals agenda item, calling 9 it a critical mission for elderly residents. He petitioned the Board to move forward with the Cedar 10 Grove Athletic Association's request to name a field at Cedar Grove Community Center for Mr. 11 Lawrence Van Hook, who had boys' and girls' teams that traveled throughout North Carolina and 12 the Southeast. Commissioner McKee is meeting with the group on Sunday to get details. The 13 petition would follow the normal two-meeting process, with action potentially in October for a 14 player reunion. 15 16 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations 17 a. Labor Day Proclamation 18 The Board approved a proclamation recognizing September 1, 2025 as Labor Day and honoring 19 Orange County's workers. 20 21 BACKGROUND: Orange County has over 78,000 workers and enjoys a low unemployment rate. 22 Workers of all backgrounds, skills and professions contribute to the County's economy and the 23 community's well-being. On the eve of the Labor Day holiday, this proclamation shows 24 appreciation and recognition of Orange County's workers and recognizes the County's 25 commitment to the them, fair labor practices and to a Living Wage. 26 Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn: 27 28 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 29 LABOR DAY PROCLAMATION 30 WHEREAS, on June 28, 1894, the United States Congress passed an act making the 31 first Monday in September of each year the legal Labor Day holiday; and 32 33 WHEREAS, the 2025 Labor Day holiday occurs on September 15t; and 34 35 WHEREAS, the federal holiday pays tribute to the achievements of workers in the United 36 States by recognizing their contributions to the country's strength, prosperity and well- 37 being; and 38 39 WHEREAS, Orange County has a labor force of 78,648 residents and an unemployment 40 rate of 3.6%; and 41 42 WHEREAS, while the Orange County median household income is $86,736, many 43 residents are still employed in jobs that do not pay the current living wage of$17.65 per 44 hour; and 45 46 WHEREAS, North Carolina remains one of just 16 states that have not adjusted their 47 $7.25 minimum wage, even for inflation, over the past fifteen years; and 48 49 WHEREAS, many workers in Orange County earn less than living wages and are living 50 in poverty and even experiencing homelessness despite full-time employment; and 4 1 WHEREAS, Orange County's Strategic Plan recognizes a diverse and vibrant economy 2 as one of its six Strategic Priorities; and 3 4 WHEREAS, this strategic priority's goal is to foster an environment that attracts and 5 retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, employment opportunities, and 6 diversifies our tax base; and 7 8 WHEREAS, Labor Day is an opportunity for Orange County to recognize the 9 contributions of all of our workers to the county's economy; and 10 11 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby 12 proclaim September 1, 2025, Labor Day, as a day to honor the hard-working residents 13 of Orange County who contribute so much energy, skill and innovation to our broader 14 community and encourage all Orange County employers to ensure workers have a living 15 wage, as well as safe and supportive work environments. 16 This the 26th day of August, 2025. 17 18 19 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair 20 Orange County Board of Commissioners 21 22 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to 23 approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. 24 25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 26 27 Commissioner Hamilton, who proposed the proclamation, thanked Deputy Manager 28 Caitlin Fenhagen for preparing it, emphasizing the importance of recognizing all workers in public 29 and private sectors, as well as unpaid caregivers. She noted Americans work harder than many 30 others worldwide. 31 Commissioner McKee highlighted the absurdity of the $7.25 minimum wage, sharing his 32 shock when he took a job after 50 years of farming and realized people struggle to live on $20 33 per hour, much less minimum wage. 34 Chair Bedford reminded residents about employment assistance available at senior 35 centers for those 55 and older facing age discrimination, and workforce centers at Drakeford 36 Library and DSS for resume help and job search assistance. 37 38 b. Bridge Funding for Residents Displaced bV Tropical Storm Chantal 39 The Board approved Budget Amendment #1, transferring up to $20,000 from the Social Justice 40 Reserve to the Department of Social Services to support residents displaced by Tropical Storm 41 Chantal to extend temporary housing or to establish new housing. 42 43 BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Housing Department have 44 been providing case management for County residents who have been displaced from housing 45 due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. On July 11, 2025, the County, in partnership 46 with the Town of Chapel Hill, began paying for hotel rooms for displaced residents as they 47 searched for new housing. The Town of Chapel Hill has provided $100,000 of emergency housing 48 funds to support these residents to avoid homelessness. Under the terms of an agreement with 49 the Town of Chapel Hill, DSS determines the use of funds, provides case management services, 5o and helps residents secure alternate housing arrangements. 51 5 1 DSS is currently paying for 20 rooms using a combination of County Emergency Assistance funds 2 and the funding from the Town of Chapel Hill, although this number does fluctuate from day to 3 day. The cost of the rooms is approximately $2,000 per night. As of August 22, 2025, a total of 4 approximately$83,000 has been expended. Funding identified for this purpose will be exhausted 5 shortly, and residents staying at the hotel have been informed that the last day of funded hotel 6 stays is August 29. 7 8 Of the residents currently at the hotel, 13 have Housing Choice Vouchers. Eight of those residents 9 have identified housing and are only waiting for the landlord to make the units available. Five are 10 actively searching for housing. Of the seven residents without a Housing Choice Voucher, one 11 owns their unit at Camelot Village and intends to return while the remaining six are actively 12 searching for housing. Some are waiting for approval of other benefits. 13 14 The County has received $83,462 in Community Giving Fund donations for Chantal recovery. 15 These funds will be jointly administered by the County and the three municipalities, with the 16 County acting as fiscal agent. Temporary housing and other supports to reestablish housing may 17 be an appropriate use of these funds. As this intergovernmental group forms, this abstract 18 transfers up to $20,000 from the Social Justice Reserve to the Department of Social Services to 19 support residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal to extend temporary housing or to establish 20 new housing. This would include apartment application fees, security deposits, and essential 21 household items and furniture. 22 23 Eligibility for this funding will follow the current guidelines. Recipients must be County residents 24 earning up to 200% of the poverty level who have experienced displacement from their primary 25 residence due to impacts from Tropical Storm Chantal. Qualifying income in dollars would be 26 $31,300 for a single person or$64,300 for a family of four. 27 28 Travis Myren made the following presentation: 29 30 Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Bridge Funding for Residents Displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal Board of Commissioners Business Meeting August 26, 2025 31 32 6 1 Slide #2 Purpose • Consider transferring up to$20,000 from the Social Justice Reserve Fund to the Department of Social Services to support residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal • Funding to be used to extend temporary housing and/or to establish new housing ORANGE COUNTY 2 y ti)lt 11 1 CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #3 Background • Change County and Town of Chapel Hill partnered to house displaced residents in hotel rooms starting on July 11, 2025 Department of Social Services providing case management and emergency funding assistance Town of Chapel Hill provided$100,000 to help fund the cost of hotel rooms • As of August 22, 2025, Social Services and the Town were supporting 20 hotel rooms for displaced residents — The number of rooms can fluctuate from day to day — Town of Chapel Hill is also providing 29 hotel rooms for residents displaced from Town public housing • Local funding identified to fund hotel rooms will be exhausted by August 29, 2025 a ORANGE CC+UOIL t QTY NOR-5 6 7 1 Slide #4 Bridge 'Funding Proposal $20,004 transfer from Social Justice Fund to Department of Social Services — Extend temporary housing — Establish new housing • Examples: application fees,security deposits,essential household items,furniture • Eligibility County residents Displaced from primary residence due to impacts from Tropical Storm Chantal Earn up to 200%of federal poverty level • $31,340 for single person $54,340 for family of four • Remaining Social Justice Reserve balance: $130,000 OaRHCOUNTY a RE 2 3 4 Slide #5 Next Steps Work with State Individual Assistance to assume cost of hotels beginning August 30 — Decision expected raid-week — Payments to individuals for other recovery supports will not be available for at least 30 days Recovery group to determine uses for donations to the Community Giving Fund County and Town representatives(Housing, Emergency Management,Social Services) Current balance of approximately$83,500 Meeting Thursday • Relief Center at The Drakeford to be extended to September 12 5 OR aNNGE H CAROLINA 5 6 7 8 1 Slide #6 Manager Recommendation Approve the transfer of up to$20,000 from the Social Justice Reserve to the Department of Social Services to support residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal to extend temporary housing or to establish new housing ORANGE COUNTY fi y t)lt 11 1 CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #7 Questions? ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 5 6 7 PUBLIC COMMENTS: 8 Pam Wright described losing everything in the July 6th flash flood at her home, with water 9 gushing through the front door, toilet, and bathtub. She emphasized needing a roof over her head 10 and ability to maintain personal hygiene, criticizing different treatment of homeowners versus 9 1 renters though all were flooded. She doesn't want to return to the flood zone and said 2 homeowners insurance isn't releasing information about programs to help. 3 Jessica Tickles was unable to speak but had a representative convey her need for support 4 recovering documents destroyed in the flood. 5 Heather Gibbs appreciated the help received but emphasized timing issues. She was on 6 housing lists before Camelot Village and only went there as a last resort after a homeless shelter 7 said she'd be on the street otherwise. She didn't know it was a flood zone until signing her lease. 8 With physical disabilities including cognitive issues, stroke, and seizures, she shouldn't be in such 9 a location. She's been actively applying since July but faces constant barriers - being on lists for 10 2-4 years, waiting weeks for apartments to be ready, units failing inspection. She's still waiting for 11 her current application to be processed. She said extended funding would help navigate these 12 barriers, especially for those needing special accommodations with limited availability. 13 Quinton Simmons said additional funding is needed. He doesn't want to return to Camelot 14 where he almost lost his life in the flood. Even when not flooding, rain causes paranoia about 15 when it will flood again. He said the apartment he applied for may not be ready, so the funding 16 will keep him and others from becoming homeless until their housing is ready. He asked the Board 17 to keep their promise that residents wouldn't be homeless. 18 CR Clark from Triangle Tenant Union stated $20,000 isn't enough, as it goes to hotels and 19 landlords for application fees rather than directly supporting residents. He explained that with 20 individual assistance not coming until October, residents need help for the next month-plus. He 21 said those not already on public services lack case management support, relying on individual 22 volunteers without resources or ability to cut red tape. He believes the county should provide 23 relocation support and ensure appropriate housing; he explained that some disabled residents 24 were offered inaccessible third and fourth floor apartments.As one of the state's richest counties 25 that heard about billion-dollar corporations, food trucks at sporting events, and Icelandic 26 vacations, he said that Orange County can afford more for its most vulnerable. With $130,000 27 remaining in the Social Justice Fund, he requested that more should go to these residents. 28 Mei Wang celebrated the community response through Triangle Mutual Aid, Triangle 29 Tenant Union, and volunteers mucking out apartments and helping residents navigate finding 30 affordable housing. They particularly recognized Devin Gilgor delivering meals nightly to Comfort 31 Inn residents. They shared that four residents still lack appropriate housing options and urged 32 continued support and more direct assistance to displaced residents rather than money 33 exclusively going to hotels and landlords. At a press conference, they said residents discussed 34 Camelot's cycle of flooding, displacement, and landlords repainting to re-rent to new tenants, and 35 many countywide face similar unsafe conditions. They said the county should work with tenants 36 to stand up for their rights. 37 Devin Ceartas of Triangle Mutual Aid reported their collective has been involved in several 38 hundred situations across Orange, Alamance, and Durham counties. They've carried belongings 39 from flooded houses, bought clothes, provided food and funds for people to stay with relatives. 40 Mental health professionals support their ad hoc casework. He said that the visible pattern shows 41 poor people live in places that flood. He said if you must live where your life is endangered 42 because you lack money, you don't have a right to live in America - you must earn it. He 43 emphasized that everyone deserves dignity. He said Triangle Mutual Aid has distributed $86,916 44 across three counties, half directly to impacted people. On a different topic, he criticized Tyler 45 Technology for controlling information and making it inaccessible to the public, citing their 46 statewide system preventing bulk data analysis of mandated public information. 47 Devin Gilgor represented residents unable to attend, including Dale, an amputee whose 48 prosthetic leg was swept off in the flood. He said the fire department's boat motors were 49 insufficient, and couldn't reach those needing the most help. Second-floor residents carried 50 people including Quinton and Dale upstairs until emergency services arrived. He said one resident 51 struggles with unbearable PTSD after living through three Camelot floods, and others couldn't 10 1 attend this meeting due to trauma. While $20,000 is appreciated, he said it won't fix the ongoing 2 issue of housing vulnerable people in flood zones, and someone will die. He said lives are worth 3 more than the current efforts. He said everyone lost their documentation and challenged 4 commissioners to try getting a license without ID, birth certificate, or social security card, or getting 5 a replacement social security card without documents or mental/emotional/physical capacity. He 6 said volunteers are driving people to replace the documentation they need for jobs, housing, and 7 DSS assistance. 8 Kari Hamel emphasized the post-traumatic stress burden of being a natural disaster victim 9 with near-death experiences and daily housing insecurity. She requested the Board direct the 10 county manager and deputy manager to form a legal services team for individual legal 11 assessments and action plans, hopefully pro bono. She asked for Orange County Health 12 Department to enact a 24-month medical plan for all willing individuals covering physical and 13 mental health. Regarding DSS case management, she wanted to hear what's happening now and 14 after the meeting. The $20,000 won't last long enough - she asked the Board to remove the cap, 15 meet all needs for 90 days, and schedule another meeting. 16 17 Chair Bedford said $20,000 is to bridge the gap until the next meeting with state, which is 18 scheduled for Thursday. She said it was initially thought that individuals who applied would get 19 that initial check, so learning that it would take a month the Board wanted to make sure funds 20 were available until then. She invited Lindsey Shewmaker, DSS Director forward to share some 21 of the assistance those with case management are receiving and how those who are not 22 connected can get in touch with DSS staff. 23 Lindsey Shewmaker said staff have been doing case management since the initial shelter 24 after the storm was opened. She said staff transitioned the shelter to hotels when return home 25 wasn't possible. She said initial property management estimates of 4-6 weeks for repairs led to 26 the current funding timeline, but the damage was more significant. She said it looks like that 27 process will take a lot longer, and it is understandable that some people who were displaced don't 28 want to go back. She said it is a time-consuming process to get people housed, and DSS helps 29 with deposits, applications, transport, and securing personal documents. She said Deputy 30 Manager Fenhagen attends weekly case staffings, discussing progress and action steps. She 31 shared that today, the county is down to 17 hotel rooms that DSS is supporting, and Alliance 32 Health is supporting 4 others. She said staff is out at the Comfort Inn 3-4 days a week. She said 33 DSS staff have also worked with Animal Services to provide pet food, other pet needs. She 34 encouraged anyone who is not connected with case managers to call DSS and say they were 35 displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal. 36 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there aren't enough units in the county that will 37 accept the Housing Choice Vouchers, leading residents to flood-prone units like those at Camelot 38 Village. 39 Lindsey Shewmaker said she doesn't work in Housing, but that Camelot Village is 40 attractive because it's affordable, on a bus line, and some residents who have been approved 41 there had trouble getting approved at other units. 42 Chair Bedford added that there aren't enough vouchers from the Federal government to 43 meet the demand. She asked Sarah Pickhardt to come forward to talk about next steps from 44 Emergency Service's standpoint. 45 Sarah Pickhardt said there will be an after-action report that will examine what worked well 46 in the response to Tropical Storm Chantal and what needs improvement. She said Chantal 47 stressed every system, with 911 taking 8,000 calls in seven hours, exceeding Hurricane Florence 48 records. She said they're working with vendor IEM to gather partner feedback for a 49 comprehensive report focused on immediate response and initial recovery, with findings rolling 50 into the Emergency Operations Plan update. 11 1 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the residents'statement that all poor people live 2 in flood-prone areas and whether the county could prevent property owners from repeatedly 3 housing vulnerable people there. 4 Cy Stober clarified that Camelot Village is in Chapel Hill's Planning Jurisdiction. He said 5 Orange County doesn't permit residential dwellings in 100-year floodplains, only 500-year 6 floodplains, with exceptional 65 - 80-foot buffers around all floodplains restricting development. 7 Chair Bedford requested information on HUD rules about placing voucher holders in 8 floodplains after multiple disasters and clarification on perceived rules requiring people to accept 9 dangerous floodplain apartments or lose their housing eligibility. 10 Commissioner Fowler asked if there were other thoughts about how to use what's left in 11 the Social Justice Fund. 12 Chair Bedford shared some ideas, including allocating more money to the Long-time 13 Homeowner's Assistance Program. 14 Travis Myren said this money will keep hotels booked through the next Board meeting on 15 September 4th, where they can add more funding if needed. 16 Commissioner McKee brought up the discussion of senior meals, which was scheduled 17 later on the agenda. He said he initially planned to ask the Board to consider approving $29,000 18 to continue this program, but more of the Social Justice Fund could be used for this immediate 19 housing need, and the Board could revisit the fund to address the meal program. 20 Commissioner Greene thanked everyone who came to speak tonight and appreciated 21 their testimony. She said Camelot Village could never be built where it is now. Chapel Hill has 22 tried to find solutions including working with FEMA for buyouts and considered condemnation. 23 She said the latter would cost tens of millions for the town. 24 Vice-Chair Hamilton said the county needs to figure out how to be more nimble in 25 emergencies, including in how it sets up communications to the community and to the Board. She 26 said given federal budget cuts, more money will be needed for social services, so the county 27 needs to be ready. She said she supports this item, but wants to get a report that looks out at 28 upcoming needs. She said the uncertainty is traumatic for people who just went through an 29 emergency. She asked if there is a policy that can be put in place that allows the county to refuse 30 housing people in a floodplain. 31 Travis Myren explained the county would need to amend the HUD admin plan and has 32 asked the Housing Director to identify how many units would be lost if the amendment went 33 forward. 34 Commissioner Hamilton emphasized the community must understand that such a policy 35 means less available housing but would prevent repeated losses. 36 Commissioner Greene said it was concerning to her that one resident was told she would 37 be out on the street if she didn't accept the apartment at Camelot Village. 38 Travis Myren said neither HUD nor the county have a policy that would remove someone 39 from a housing waitlist if they decline a unit. He said it may be a shelter-specific policy and he will 40 get more information from the Housing Director, Blake Rosser. 41 42 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to 43 approve Budget Amendment #1 to transfer $20,000 from the Social Justice Reserve to the 44 Department of Social Services to support residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal to extend 45 temporary housing or to establish new housing. 46 47 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 48 49 5. Public Hearings 50 None. 12 1 2 6. Regular Agenda 3 Additional Funding for Department on Aging Takeaway Meal Program 4 (This item was added at the beginning of the meeting.) 5 Commissioner McKee expressed concern that the takeout program at the Senior Centers 6 ends on Friday. He wants to ensure no hard stop for those truly needing meals without 7 transportation. He said that at $9 per meal/day, continuing through December would cost under 8 $10,000, allowing reassessment later. 9 Janice Tyler, Aging Director, said there are 41 meals being taken away every day, and 8- 10 10 are for truly homebound individuals. She explained that those delivering meals to homebound 11 individuals also take their own meals. She said Aging staff have been notifying people for a while 12 now that the funding for the take-out meals program is ending. She said she has spoken with 13 Susan Jarmin of Orange County Meals on Wheels, and they can accommodate taking meals to 14 homebound individuals. She said Orange County is the only county still doing pandemic-era 15 takeout meals. She highlighted that one of the benefits of Meals on Wheels is that meals are 16 guaranteed to be delivered and those who are homebound won't be relying on one person to 17 bring them a meal each day. 18 Travis Myren explained that the program was extended 2 months during the budget 19 process, which is why the program is ending now. 20 Chair Bedford emphasized participants need to accept Meals on Wheels without feeling 21 they have choice, as she won't vote to continue for 10 people if Meals on Wheels can serve them. 22 Commissioner McKee said his only concern was ensuring no hard stop for truly 23 homebound individuals. 24 Janice Tyler suggested continuing the program for two weeks at$675 weekly to give Meals 25 on Wheels time to work with homebound individuals to get them on their route and assure them 26 they will still get meals delivered. 27 Chair Bedford shared her positive volunteer experience with Meals on Wheels, which 28 provides pet food, 15-minute social visits, sugar-free treats for diabetics, and various delivery 29 options, including cooler drop-off. 30 Vice-Chair Hamilton said people should be encouraged to call the Department on Aging 31 for information if needed. 32 Janice Tyler said information has been included with each takeaway meal about who to 33 contact to get more meals. 34 Commissioner Fowler agreed Meals on Wheels is the appropriate entity to help. 35 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if everyone understood the communication that came 36 with the meals. 37 Janice Tyler said she thinks so but will have someone from her staff contact individuals 38 who are eligible for Meals on Wheels. 39 40 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve 41 enough funding for two weeks of the program. 42 43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 44 45 46 13 1 b. Approval of Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2 The Board approved a resolution adopting the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan as 3 approved by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM). 4 5 BACKGROUND: In October 2000, the "Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000" (DMA 2000) (Public Law 6 106- 390) was signed into law amending the "Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 7 Act of 1988." DMA 2000 requires local governments to adopt a hazard mitigation plan in order to 8 be eligible for hazard mitigation funding. To remain eligible for funding, each local government 9 must update the hazard mitigation plan every five years. 10 11 In addition, North Carolina General Statute §166-A - 19.41 states as a condition of State public 12 assistance funds following a disaster that "the eligible entity shall have a hazard mitigation plan 13 approved pursuant to the Stafford Act." 14 15 In an effort to reduce costs associated with hazard mitigation planning, the State prioritizes 16 planning funding provided to counties to those who collaboratively create regional hazard 17 mitigation plans with neighboring jurisdictions that are face comparable or similar hazards. The 18 goal is to combine efforts and have counties create comprehensive, multi- 19 county/multijurisdictional plans while using fewer resources. No local control is lost by any 20 participating entity in the regional plan, and each participant retains the right to apply for State or 21 Federal funding. Furthermore, as an additional benefit, any combination of participants can 22 choose to share the cost of any required local match when applying for project funding. 23 24 In accordance with State and Federal regulations, the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation 25 Planning Team, which consists of representatives from Orange County Planning and Inspections, 26 Orange County Emergency Services, and the other participating jurisdictions began meeting in 27 September 2024 to work with WSP, a consultant provided by the State, to create the 2025 update 28 to the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Collectively, the team evaluated past hazards 29 and incidents, the geographical profile, the population profile, recently updated Flood Insurance 30 Rate Maps (FIRMs), assessments from the Triangle Regional Resiliency Study, and other data to 31 compile a profile for the region. Additionally, mitigation goals, strategies, and actions were 32 developed for the region. 33 34 A draft of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to the State Hazard 35 Mitigation Officer for review in April 2025, and NCEM approved the plan in May 2025. The 36 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently reviewing the plan and is 37 expected to issue an approval. Local government approval of the plan is occurring ahead of the 38 expected FEMA approval in order to ensure necessary deadlines are met. If FEMA's review 39 results in any significant revisions, the plan will be brought back to the BOCC for re-adoption at 40 a later date. 41 42 Sarah Pickhardt, Division Chief of Emergency Management, introduced the item. 43 Chair Bedford asked her to explain a bit about the Emergency Management team. 44 Sarah Pickhardt explained her team's role in coordinating the county's disaster response, 45 preparedness, recovery, and mitigation across all hazard types from hurricanes to hazardous 46 spills. She said when local resources might be overwhelmed, her team connects needs with 47 resources rather than taking over scenes. 48 Sarah Pickhardt introduced Hannah Tuckman, Emergency Management Planner, who 49 made the following presentation: 50 14 1 Slide #1 ENC]- HAW REGIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 2025 UPDATE ORANGE 2i COUNTY 3 4 Slide #2 Hazard Identification `I This plan identifies disaster risks toour community using historical and census data. Mitigation Strategies I i This plan outlines ways our community can lessen the impacts of disasters before Ihey happen. ENO-HAW Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan ti Federally Required This plan is required for our j urisdiction to be eligible to receive FEMA grants and discounted flood insurance premium rates. 5 6 Hannah Tuckman said the Emergency Management Plan is updated every 5 years. She 7 said North Carolina Emergency Management divides counties into regions and provides 8 contractors to lead the planning process. 9 10 15 1 Slide #3 1 THE Ph�1:Organize Pha�2,Risk Phase 3, Phase 4.AdoptionResources Assessment Mittgat�on ImplementationStrategyP organize to Prepare the Plan involve the Public Coordinate Assess the Hazard -. Assess the Problem Set Goals Review Possible Activities + : Draft an Action Plan • Adopt the Plan • ■ implement.Evaluate.&Revise the Plan 2 3 Hannah Tuckman said the four-phase process involves: organizing resources and 4 stakeholder orientation; conducting risk assessments through technical analysis and community 5 input; developing mitigation strategies; and adoption/implementation. She said they're currently 6 in phase four, presenting the draft action plan for adoption. 7 8 Slide #4 REGIONAL COLLABORATION Am& CORANGE COUNTY D . • l crrr o= ., nuellArn so,ate r �,:�� ra•sir 11 H.J USBOROUGri 9 10 Hannah Tuckman said the Eno-Haw region includes Alamance, Durham, Orange, and 11 Person counties, collaborating on one comprehensive plan. She said Carrboro and Hillsborough 12 already adopted the plan this summer, with Chapel Hill following shortly. 13 14 16 1 Slide #5 SUMMARY OF HAZARD RISKS HIGH RISK MODERATE RISK LOW R[SN Dam Failure Tomadoe9&Thunderstorms Excessive Hew Wildfire Flooding Cyder Threat Drought Earthquake Hurricanes&Tropical Storms Civil Unrest Landslide Critical Infrastructure Failure Hazardous Materials Incident Infectious Disease Severe Winter Storm Terrorismlrvlass Casualty Radiological Emergency Priority Risk Index is determined by probability of the event occurring, severity and spatial extent of impact,warning time,and duration. 2 3 4 Slide #6 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ir Goal 1:Change,enhance,or adopt plans,ordinances,policies,regulations,and other local tools and mechanisms to better facilitate risk reduction activities and improve overall resiliency. Objective 1•t:Strive to ensure that development occurs in such a way as to protect wetlands,floodplains, erosion control measures,and other natural features that serve to reduce hazard risk. Objective 1.2:Pursue policies that incorporate hazard mtigation into new development and post -disaster redevelopment. Goal 2:Protect the public health,safety and welfare by increasing training,education,and public awareness of hazards and by encouraging collective and individual responsibility for mitigating hazard risks. Objective 2.1:lmplement a public awareness campaign to educate citizens of possible hazards and mitigation options. Objective 2.2:Pursue strategies and technologies to improve warning and notification of hazard events and ensure that emergency services are adequate to protect public health and safety. 5 6 7 8 17 1 Slide #7 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (CONT.) Ir Goal 3:Improve technical,administrative,financial,and political capability to implement effective mitigation projects and respond to hazards. Objective 3-1:Improve operations for hazards and emergencies that cause disruptions to traffic, release times,power outages,sheltering,and communications. Objective 3-2:improve regular regional communication and foster the creation of more muftijurisdictional regional planning efforts related to risk reduction and resiliency. Goal 4:Implement structure and infrastructure projects to improve public safety,reduce risk to vulnerable populations,and protect buildings,transportation,and other critical and essential functions of the Eno -Haw Region. Objective 4-1:Strive to keep infrastructure extensions out of known hazardous areas in order to actively discourage development in high risk areas. Objective 4-2:Retrofit or otherwise protect existing property,critical facilities,and infrastructure against damages. 2 3 4 Slide #8 SELECTED ACTIONS Prevention • Incorporating Hazard Mitigation Plan priorities into the 2050 Land Use Plan • Continuing to implement the 2030 Comprehensive Plan • Continuing the Climate Action Plan • Continuing to update and implement recommendations in local/regional plans to improve the resiliency of water resources • Home Weatherization for low -to-medium income residents • Tree Giveaway program • Community Wiidfire Protection Plans Natural Resource Protection • Ensure future development occurs in a manner that protects floodplains, streams,and wetlands to reduce flood hazard susceptibility. • Continue to enforce existing regulations pertaining to storm water management and erosion control standards contained within the orange County UD© 5 The full plan,la include all of Orange County's planned actions is available at vrvw..r-noFa lawWp can 6 Hannah Tuckman said new actions are listed on the slide in Orange. 7 Commissioner Greene asked about wildfire protection plans, given the shift from fire 8 suppression to controlled burns. 18 1 Hannah Tuckman explained it includes burn ban protocols and community protection, with 2 the action enabling future funding eligibility for wildfire or agricultural/forestry initiatives. 3 4 Slide #9 SELECTED ACTIONS (CONT.) Property Protection ' Continuing to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program • Continuing to enforce North Carolina State Building Code • Expand situational awareness tools including installing additional stream gauges • Continue to acquire and/or elevate flood prone properties Structural Projects • Explore possibility of retrofitting critical facilities to harden against winds/lightning and i mprov el retrofit with generators • Conduct costlbeneft reviews during planning and design phases of new facilities to determine feasibility of equipping facility with back -up generators,lightening protection,and high wind protection • Implement drainage improvement projects to reduce flood risk l,---rayl Ply, +,.rna i1 �, .,i -�..-::N r..:�,-..v W, X .,: r-_Ho-�,H'P Cn 5 6 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what happens when they can't acquire a flood-prone 7 property. 8 Hannah Tuckman said it is more of an opt-in program for owners of repetitive loss 9 properties who don't want to sell the risk to others. 10 11 Slide #10 SELECTED ACTIONS (CONT.) Emergency Services • Continuing to provide warming/cooling centers during extreme temperatures • Develop a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan with integration of all three municipal Emergency Operations Plans Continue to improve situational awareness during hazard events Develop a Countywide Tactical Interoperable Communications Plan 1 Public Education and Awareness • Provide education and outreach in multiple languages before,during,and after _ disasters • Engage in regional events,activities,and training opportunities to improve planning efforts with other local jurisdictions • Develop and begin implementing an Orange County Heat Action Plan • Conduct heat mapping to understand which parts of Orange County are most vulnerable to excessive heat • Provide utility bill assistance to income eligible residents 12 he full plan,to include all of Orange Cmnty+splanned aclions is available al wv.+u.EnoH awH MP_c 13 Chair Bedford asked if situational awareness is for the emergency managers. 19 1 Hannah Tuckman explained this included both emergency managers and the broader 2 county, citing examples like after-action discussions, technological strategies integrating 9-1-1 3 data, and exercises with OWASA on dam operations. 4 Sarah Pickhardt said there is a dashboard in the EOC now that shows the number of calls, 5 where they are, and the status of those calls. She said they are looking at ways to leverage 6 technology solutions to make informed and quick decisions and improve situational awareness. 7 8 Slide #11 ORANGE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN The Eno-Haw Hazard Mitigation supports several priorities of the County's Strategic Plan. Objective 1:Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate Action Plan Priority one:Environmental Objective 2:Invest in our infrastructure to reduce the environmental impact of Protection and Climate Action the County fleellfacilities and improve safety Objective 3:Protect water supply/watersheds Priority Two:Healthy Community Objective 7:Provide sustainable,equitable,and high -quality community safety and emergency services to meet the community's evolving needs 9 10 Slide #12 '% EmergencyQUESTIONS? Hannah Tuckman _r^ htuckman@orangecountync.gov Sarah: P[ckhardt Division Chief of r^ Management spickhardt@orangecountync.gov U%l www.Read Oran e.or READY Y 9 9cc 11 ORANGE 12 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked to go back to Goal 3 on slide #7. She asked what 13 regional communication would look like. 20 1 Hannah Tuckman said that could look like getting information from neighboring 2 communities to ensure efficiencies and learn from each other, and coordinate communications 3 with residents. 4 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she had a lot of conversations at the NCACC conference 5 about misinformation spreading during emergencies. She asked if that was an issue here during 6 Tropical Storm Chantal. 7 Sarah Pickhardt said she's not aware of anyone purposefully sharing misinformation or 8 disinformation, but there was confusion, and people were not looking to reputable sources for 9 their information. For example, she said there was an untrue rumor the University Lake dam failed. 10 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how they would respond to misinformation. 11 Sarah Pickhardt said they do their best to be honest and just share the information they 12 have available in a timely manner. She said having strong community relationships like we do 13 here is important and can help combat misinformation. She said silence often breeds 14 misinformation, so it's important to provide an update, even if there is no new information. 15 Hannah Tuckman said the after-action survey results showed that the Community 16 Relations Department was consistently praised in the feedback received in the survey, and was 17 vital in getting ahead of misinformation. 18 Commissioner Greene asked about a resident's complaint regarding insufficient boat 19 motors for rescues. 20 Sarah Pickhardt said the amount of rain in a short amount of time was unprecedented in 21 this community, and some emergency vehicles were damaged. She said she will get more 22 information from the Chapel Hill Fire Department about what specifically happened with those 23 boats. 24 25 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to 26 approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution adopting the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard 27 Mitigation Plan. 28 29 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 30 31 b. Update on Revaluation Appeals, Studies, and the Tax Assessment Work Group 32 The Board received an update on the status of property tax appeals, the countywide and 33 neighborhood level equity studies, and approved the charge, composition, and role of the Tax 34 Assessment Work Group. 35 36 BACKGROUND: The Orange County Tax Administration Office completed a revaluation of real 37 property in 2025. The goal of the revaluation is to make assessed values more reflective of market 38 values. Orange County currently conducts a revaluation of real property every four years. 39 Although the 2025 revaluation followed this four-year schedule, the County was also mandated 40 by the N.C. Department of Revenue to conduct a revaluation in 2025 because the difference 41 between assessed values and market sales had reached a threshold that required it. 42 43 Property owners received notices of their new assessed values in March 2025. Most property 44 owners experienced a marked increase in assessed value compared to the prior year. On 45 average, the assessed value of residential properties increased by 52%. 46 47 The new assessed values caused concern among some property owners about the accuracy and 48 fairness of the revaluation process. Concerned residents noted particular disparities in historically 49 Black neighborhoods. In response, the County emphasized the importance of the appeal process 50 to adjust assessed values if errors or oversights in the revaluation process resulted in an 51 inaccurate value. The Tax Office offered educational and technical support on how property 21 1 owners could file an appeal of their new assessed value and offered to schedule appeal 2 workshops in communities. 3 4 The County also contracted with a vendor to conduct a countywide vertical equity analysis. 5 Vertical equity means that properties should be assessed at the same proportion of their fair 6 market value, regardless of the property's value, to ensure that lower-priced properties and 7 higher-priced properties exhibit the same ratio of assessed value to actual sale prices. 8 9 The Tax Administration Office is also conducting neighborhood level equity analysis to determine 10 if inequities or other anomalies exist in assessed values at the neighborhood level. 11 12 This report provides a status update on appeals, the results of the countywide and neighborhood 13 level equity analysis, and the Tax Assessment Work Group the County Manager recommended 14 in June. 15 16 Appeal Status 17 The Tax Office received a total of 3,348 informal appeals during the informal appeal window that 18 was open from March 21 to April 30, 2025. Following the informal appeal window, the Tax Office 19 received an additional 908 formal appeals for a total of 4,256 appeals. Of those, there are 3,909 20 unique properties, with the overlap representing properties that were appealed at both informal 21 and formal levels. Of the 908 formal apeals, 35 were not submitted by the deadline and will not 22 be considered. Additional appeals will be received as property owners have 30 days to appeal 23 decisions, and the last mailing of decision notices on informal appeals is expected to be at the 24 end of August. 25 26 Of the 3,909 unique properties appealed, a total of 3,637 were appeals of residential property, 27 and 272 were appeals of nonresidential property. The Tax Office and the Board of Equalization 28 and Review have issued decisions on 3,094 residential appeals and 173 nonresidental appeals. 29 Value adjustments made on residential appeals had a median decrease of $25,990 in value, or 30 about 6%, while value adjustments on nonresidential properties had a median decrease of 31 $288,700, or about 13%. 32 33 The 944 remaining appeals, along with additional appeals of informal decisions, are scheduled to 34 be completed by mid-December 2025. The Board of Equalization and Review approved post- 35 adjournment meetings through December 11, 2025. 36 37 Countywide and Neighborhood Equity Analyses 38 As stated above, the County contracted with a vendor to conduct a vertical equity analysis of 39 countywide values. The analysis stratified properties by age, value, and geographic location. 40 Graphs of the results are attached. That analysis showed that, in general, values were within the 41 standards for vertical equity established by the International Association of Assessing Officers 42 (IAAO) when outliers were removed from the analysis. The vendor removed any property where 43 the assessed value deviated from the actual sale price by 25% or more which accounted for 44 approximately 950 of 5,800 sales. 45 46 The Tax Office independently conducted an equity analysis on the County's 1,026 assessment 47 neighborhoods. The IAAO specifies that measures of vertical equity are only representative of 48 possible inequities in neighborhoods with five (5) or more sales. Of the neighborhoods with more 49 than five (5) sales, the Tax Office identified 86 neighborhoods that were outside of the equity 5o standards used by the IAAO. Of the neighborhoods with less than five (5) sales, the Tax Office 22 1 examined those neighborhoods for consistency and reasonableness and identified an additional 2 76 neighborhoods that require a more thorough review. The Tax Office is also studying the 19 3 neighborhoods identified by the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition for possible value 4 adjustments. A total of 171 neighborhoods have been identified by the Tax Office for closer 5 review. 6 7 In order to expedite that review, the County Manager has authorized the Tax Office to contract 8 with private professional appraisers to supplement current staffing. With this additional staffing, 9 the Tax Office estimates that the neighborhood reviews will be completed by mid-November, prior 10 to the Thanksgiving holiday. 11 12 If value adjustments are made, property owners will receive a notice of the change and will have 13 15 days to appeal that change. If the change in value also changes the amount of property tax 14 due, tax payers who have already paid their property taxes will be issued a refund if the amount 15 is lower than their original tax bill or a notice of additional tax due if the amount is higher than the 16 original tax bill. 17 18 Tax Assessment Work Group 19 In June, the County Manager recommended the creation of a Tax Assessment Work Group to 20 study and make recommendations to improve and ensure the fairness, accuracy, and consistency 21 of the tax assessment process. The Manager is also recommending that the County select a 22 consultant through a request for proposal (RFP) process to work with the Work Group to examine 23 processes and procedures, identify best practices, and make recommendations to improve the 24 equity, consistency, and accuracy of the assessment process. The consultant would also be 25 asked to recommend the organizational capacity, staffing, and structure required to implement its 26 recommendations. The County Manager is seeking the Board's approval of the charge, 27 composition, and role of the Work Group as described below. 28 29 Charge 30 The Tax Assessment Work Group is charged to evaluate the policies, processes, and 31 procedures used by the Orange County Tax Office to assess property values. The Work 32 Group will provide feedback and input to a consultant retained by the County to make 33 recommendations on changes and enhancements to the tax assesment process that will 34 improve and ensure the accuracy and fairness of property assessments. 35 Composition 36 37 1. Three Commissioners 47 9. Representative from the Orange 38 2. County Manager 48 County Property Tax Justice 39 3. Tax Administrator 49 Coalition 40 4. Budget Director 50 10. Non-Profit Housing Provider 41 5. Director of Civil Rights and Civic Life 51 11. Community Representative from 42 6. Community Relations Director 52 District 1 43 7. Durham and/or Wake County Tax 53 12. Community Representative from 44 Assessor 54 District 2 45 8. Representative from the North 46 Carolina Housing Coalition 55 23 1 The County Manager is requesting feedback on this composition in general, the 2 appointment of three (3) Commissioner representatives, and a discussion of whether and 3 how community representatives from District 1 and District 2 could be selected and 4 appointed. One (1) of the three (3) Commissioners will also need to be appointed to serve 5 as Chair of the Work Group. 6 • Roles 7 The roles of the Work Group will be partially driven by the timeline to begin and finalize 8 the work. For example, if the Work Group is asked to review the scope of services for 9 consulting services and participate in vendor selection, the actual study would not begin 10 for several months. As a core role for the Work Group, the County Manager is 11 recommending that the Work Group provide feedback to the consultant at milestone 12 stages of the project: data gathering, data analysis, alternatives analysis, recommendation 13 development, and the finalization of recommendations. 14 Timeline 15 The timeline for this evaluation will depend on the ultimate scope of work and availability 16 of data. Once a consultant is in place, the Work Group will establish a timeline to complete 17 its work. 18 Travis Myren made the following presentation: 19 20 Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Update on 2025 Revaluation and Tax Assessment Work Group Board of Commissioners Business Meeting August 26, 2025 21 22 23 24 25 26 24 1 Slide #2 Purpose 1. Receive update on appeals of property value 2. Receive update on countywide and neighborhood level equity studies and next steps 3. Review and approve the charge, composition, and role of the Tax Assessment Work Group 0RAN(JE COUNTY 2 1 r 9 CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #3 Background • Value all property in the County to reflect market conditions/market value at the time of the revaluation - Redistribute the responsibility for property tax payments based on market value • Required by N-QQ5 — A county whose population is 75,000 or greater according to the most recent annual population estimates certified to the Secretary by the State Budget Officer must conduct a reappraisal of real property when the county's sales assessment ratio determined under G.S.105-289(h)is less thou.85 or greater than 1.15,as indicoted on the notice the county receives under G.S.105-284.A reappraisal required under this subdivision must become effective no later than January 1 of the earlier of the following years. a. The thrid year following the year the county received the notice. b. The eighth year following the year of the county's last reappraisal. In 2022, Orange County received notice of a mandatory revaluation - Sales ratio for 2022 was 4.8197 which was below the standard of 0.85 - By 2024,sales ratio dropped to 9.5445 3 ORANGE� ACOUNATY 5 6 7 8 9 25 1 Slide #4 Background • Value notices were distributed in March of 2025 Residential properties increased by 52%on average Concerns from residents regarding the accuracy and fairness of the revaluation process particularly in historically Black neighborhoods • County Response to Gate Technical support from Tax Office on how to file an appeal of value - Countywide and neighborhood level equity studies Creation of Tax Assessment work Group to work with a consultant to evaluate and make recommendations on improvements to the assessment process,policies,and procedures Tax payments due on September f, 2025 Tax payments past due after January 5, 2026 - Fast due payments begin accruing interest penalties ORANGE COUNTY 4 NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #5 Status of Appeals The number of appeals is higher than previous revaluations 2025 Appeals 12021i informaIAppeaIs 3,348 1,682 2,238 Formal Appeals 908 412 316 Total Appeals 4,256 2,094 2,654 - Median residential decrease-$25,990 or 6%decrease in value Median nonresidential decrease-$288,700 or 13%decrease in value • 944 appeals pending decisions on value adjustments - 114 pending informal appeals may be appealed again to the Board of Equalization and Review All appeals completed by mid-December 2025 GRAIN GE COUNATY 5 6 7 8 9 26 1 Slide #6 Countywide Vertical Equity Analysis Vertical Equity - Vertical equity means that properties should be assessed at the same proportion of their fair market value, regardless of the property's value,to ensure that lower-priced properties and higher-priced properties exhibit the same ratio of assessed value to actual sale prices - Sales ratio=Assessed ValuelActual Sales Price 1.0—Assessed value matches sales price Above 1.0—Assessed value is greater than sales price • Below 1.0—Assessed value is below sales price • Countywide study - Analyzed sales bank of approximately 5.800 qualified'residential sales - Removed approximately 950 sales as outliers(difference between assessed value and sales price>25%) Data stratified by sales price, decade built, building type, township, census tract s ORAINGE CTH OUNATY 2 3 4 Slide #7 Countywide Vertical Equity Analysis Measures Analyzed Mean—average of sales ratios Median—middle value of sales ratios - Price Related Differential(PRD)—measures uniformity sales ratios between low and high values properties A PRD close to 1.0 indicates neutral assessment practices A PRD above 1.0 Indicates higher-value properties are under-assessed(regressive assessment). A PRD below 1.0 means higher-value properties are aver-assessed(progressive assessment) International Association of Assessing Officers(IAAO)specifies an acceptable PRD range between 0.98 and 1.03 ORANGE COUNTY 7 NORTH CAROLINA 5 6 7 8 9 27 1 Slide #8 Countywide Vertical Equity Analysis PRD by Value Range Quintiles - Actual Sale Price us TASP 1.04 ¢ 1.03 6 a1.02 1 013 i.012 F 1,003 1-088 1.008 y 1.01 a 1 0.99 0 0.9$ ..................................................................................,.,,..,,........_................,..,,.,..,..........,..,......._........._. g 0.97 0.9fi $0.$314,7(x0 $314,808- $443,400- $594,500- 5803,180+ All $943,300 $594,400 11803,000 VALUE RANGE QUINTILES PRD by Useable Sales PRD by Time Adjusted Sales IAAO Upper Bound(1.0.3) _.IAA0 Lower Bound(0.98) Parcel Count-Value Quintiles $0.$314,700 $314,800-$443,3010 $443,488.$594,400 $594,500•$803,000 $803,106+ 631 1,457 1054 786 974 ORANGE COUNTY 8 NC7I2'I'I-1 C_,.AR01-INA 2 3 4 Slide #9 Countywide Vertical Equity Analysis Residential Price Related Differential by Building Type a I.dd I.034 x ........................ 1.Q2 L013 L017 Lot 4-012 d 1.01 1.004 L005 0 n 0.99 a0.99 ................................................................................................................._-- 0.9� a 0.96 x45 Re dembal[:ands Manufarlured Home Moduhr Home single Famwlr Txrwnlwme a7F Famdy Jul Building Type —PRO tq 9Pi151t 14109 —PRD9y Tim*Mpwd59195 ••••••••1MO O9def 8Cand 11.031 ••••••••14M1Ia4V2r B(uvM{04R{ Parcel Cu unt-audding Type R-ldemial tondo Manufactured home Madda,Nome Single Family Tow tome TrF Famlly All 4 107 41 3865 830 55 4901 s ORANCii vUNTY IANA5 6 7 8 9 28 1 Slide #10 Countywide Vertical Equity Analysis Measures Analyzed Measures of Variability-dispersion or spread of sales ratios in relation to the mean or median sales ratio Standard Deviation Coefficient of Dispersion Coefficient of Variability Coefficient of Concontralion Low measures of variability indicate data ars clustered tightly around the mean,and high measures indicate data are more spread out ORANGE COUNTY 14 tit)x'I'l i CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #11 Neighborhood Level Equity Analysis Conducted by the Tax Office - Analyzed all 1,026 Assessment Neighborhoods • Neighborhoods with five or more sales (minimum threshold for reliability recommended by IAAO) - Used same equity measures for neighborhoods with five or more sales Added measure of Price Related Pias(PRR)—measures whether sales ratios are systematically higher,lower or steady as values increase. • A negative value indicates regressivity while a positive value indicates progressivity - 86 neighborhoods outside of statistical measures of equity Neighborhoods with less than five sales Granular review of values in neighborhoods with less than five sales - Looking for inconsistencies, reasonableness 76 neighborhoods identified for closer review ,1 ORANGE COUNTY NA5 6 7 8 9 29 1 Slide #12 Neighborhood Level Equity Analysis Neighborhoods identified by the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition Reviewing all 19 neighborhoods identified 10 of the 19 were also identified by the Tax Office study for closer review If adjustments to values are made... - Tax Office notifies property owner of revised value:Owner has 15 days to appeal If adjustments to values are made and property tax bill already paid... Lower value=lower tax bill=refund to taxpayer Higher value=higher tax bill=notice of additional tax due to taxpayer County Manager authorized use of contracted professional appraisers to expedite neighborhood reviews Expected completion in mid-November ORANGE COUNTY iz M AZ A a I CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #13 Orange County NBC Review Geographic distribution of neighborhood level reviews Pink-outside statistical standards • Teal-<5 sales; selected by Tax Office • Orange-identified by the Orange County r Property Tax Justice Coalition ORANGE COUNTY 13 NORTH CAROLINA 5 6 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the role of the data person will be in this. 7 Travis Myren said the data person would gather on-site measurements and verify property 8 details. 9 Nancy Freeman said appraisers would analyze this information against sales data to 10 identify any disparities. 30 1 Commissioner Greene said it seems like the data collector would almost always want to 2 look at the property. 3 Nancy Freeman said it depends on the review because part of what they'll be looking at 4 is the sales information for that neighborhood. She explained that if they aren't satisfied with what 5 they see in the sales data, they would start looking at individual properties and that's when we 6 might see that there will be properties that might have a change in value. 7 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how the appraisal company was chosen. 8 Nancy Freeman explained they contacted four companies, heard from three, and selected 9 one with experience in Durham and Chatham Counties that was immediately available and 10 familiar with the area. She elaborated that one of the companies had been utilized in Orange 11 County previously, which added a level of familiarity and trust in their capabilities. The other two 12 companies that responded, while reputable, did not have the same level of proximity or current 13 knowledge of the local real estate market. She said one of the firms had most of its experience 14 rooted in the western part of the state, which was a significant factor in opting for a company with 15 more regional experience. Nancy Freeman highlighted that proximity was an essential criterion 16 for the selection to ensure the appraiser would not need additional time to acclimate to the local 17 market dynamics and logistics, making the process more efficient. The selected company 18 displayed an eagerness to begin the project, emphasizing their immediate availability and 19 capacity to deploy necessary resources promptly. She said this readiness was evidenced by their 20 follow-up communications, in which they repeatedly reached out, showing anticipation to start as 21 soon as contracts were finalized. 22 23 Slide #14 Tax Assessment Work Group Charge - To evaluate the policies,processes,and procedures used by the Orange County Tax Office to assess property values. - The Work Group will provide feedback and input to a consultant retained by the County to make recommendations on changes and enhancements to the tax assessment process that will improve and ensure the accuracy and fairness of property assessments. Role - Provide feedback to the consultant at milestone stages of the project:data gathering,data analysis,alternatives analysis,recommendation development,and the finalization of recommendations - Review the scope of services for consulting services? - Participate in vendor selection? - Others? ORANGE COUNTY 14 NOR-FI-I CAROLINA 24 25 26 31 1 Slide #15 Tax Assessment 'Work Groin Composition Three Commissioners — Durham andlor Wake County Tax — Discuss community County Manager Assessor representatives and how to Tax Administrator — Representative from the North appoint,if needed Carolina Housing Coalition Budget Director — Representative from the Orange — Community Representative from Director of Civil Rights and Civic County Property Tax Justice District 1? Life Coalition — Community Representative from Community Relations Director — Non-Profit Housing Provider District 29 Appoint one of the Commissioner Representatives as Chair Timeline — once consultant is in place,the work Group will establish a timeline to complete its work 15 ORaR GE C�O�UNTY 2 3 4 Slide #16 Questions? ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 5 6 Chair Bedford asked the Board to review the role for the work group. 7 Vice-Chair Hamilton advocated for prompt action to show responsiveness to community 8 concerns, emphasizing that a timely approach would demonstrate the county's dedication to 9 addressing resident issues. She said that delaying processes, such as involving the work group 10 in extensive reviews of the Request for Proposals (RFP), might hinder the Board's ability to 32 1 immediately address the inequities exposed by the valuation discrepancies. She said that moving 2 forward with developing the RFP without waiting for the work group's input would prevent further 3 delays and expedite the hiring of a consultant who could analyze and recommend changes to the 4 tax assessment processes. She noted that once a consultant was on board, the work group could 5 play a more significant role in examining the solutions and adjusting as necessary. 6 Commissioner McKee expressed some concerns with how the Board will be able to 7 identify what will be included in the RFP. 8 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she wants to see a consultant who sees the difference between 9 what is happening because of gentrification and what is caused by the county's own processes. 10 Commissioner Greene said she thinks the questions Commissioner McKee are asking are 11 important, and the question is whether the Board will have that conversation, or the Work Group 12 will. 13 Chair Bedford said she thinks it's worth the time for the work group to pose the questions 14 for the RFP. She argued for involving the work group's expertise in reviewing the RFP for a 15 consultant to ensure it was comprehensive and tailored to address community concerns 16 effectively, even if it meant a longer timeline. 17 After additional discussion and input from Travis Myren, Chair Bedford made a motion to 18 have the work group review the RFP for the consultant before issuance. The motion was 19 seconded by Commissioner Fowler. 20 21 VOTE:Ayes, 4(Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Fowler, Chair 22 Bedford); Nays, 2 (Vice-Chair Hamilton and Commissioner Portie-Ascott) 23 24 MOTION PASSES 25 26 The Board agreed to add two community members from District 1 and two from district 2 27 through an application process. 28 Chair Bedford nominated Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Portie-Ascott, and 29 Commissioner Fowler to serve on the committee. She also shared names of other people that 30 have volunteered to serve in the other proposed positions. 31 The Board agreed that the deadline for applications will be September 30t" 32 The Board agreed that the other county's Tax Assessor would attend and present as an 33 expert rather than a member. 34 35 7. Reports 36 a. Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 — Board Request for Additional Information 37 The Board received an updated draft presentation schedule for the Board to receive additional 38 background information requested for the drafting of the Land Use Plan 2050 and provided 39 feedback on potential costs associated with guest presenters, Clarion's attendance during 40 presentations, and any meeting facilitation services. 41 42 BACKGROUND: At its April 8, 2025 Work Session, the Board reviewed a draft schedule for 43 receiving presentations from County staff and guest presenters. In response, the calendar 44 preference was for staff to schedule agenda items through November and possibly beyond, to 45 receive the information. 46 47 Subsequently, Planning staff has coordinated with the Clerk's and Manager's Offices to schedule 48 items on BOCC work session agendas and add two half-day retreats to the Board's meeting 49 calendar. Attachment 1 is an updated schedule for the Board to receive the information 33 1 requested. Presentations are proposed for work sessions on September 9, October 14, and 2 November 11, 2025; and at half-day retreats scheduled for November 14 and November 21, 2025. 3 4 Staff is requesting feedback from the Board on the draft presentation schedule (Attachment 1) 5 and use of County funds for expert presenters and professional services. Following are some 6 additional details on anticipated costs: 7 8 Independent Expert Presenters — Subject matter experts are needed to address the topics of 9 groundwater hydrology and the economics of housing supply/demand. Planning staff has 10 identified a representative from Applied Resource Management, which has expertise in geologic 11 consulting, well drilling, and geothermal systems; and the UNC School of Government, 12 Development Finance Initiative (DFI), for housing supply/demand expertise and a market analysis 13 of Rural Activity Nodes. Applied Resource Management has provided an estimate of$2,250 for 14 meeting preparation, attendance, and presentation, and staff is in coordination with the School of 15 Government towards receipt of its cost estimate. Most recently, staff has reached out to Randall 16 Arendt for additional expertise on Conservation Subdivisions and staff can update the Board on 17 its communications during the meeting. 18 19 Clarion Associates — For continuity purposes, it would be helpful to have a staff person from 20 Clarion Associates attend the meetings for hearing presentations, discussions, and for note taking 21 of items that will require changes to the draft Land Use Plan 2050 prior to its release for public 22 review and comment during Community Engagement Window (CEW) #3. Clarion has provided 23 a cost per meeting estimate of $580 for a 1-hour meeting and $850 for a 4-hour retreat. This 24 includes travel, attendance, and note taking. Total cost for the four(4)work sessions and two (2) 25 half-day retreats would be $4,020. 26 27 Meeting Facilitator — Following the presentations and completion of the Board's request for 28 additional information, it may be helpful for a meeting facilitator to help the Board identify the 29 changes to the draft Plan that will be needed prior to the scheduling of CEW #3. Staff is in 30 coordination with the School of Government, Center for Public Leadership and Governance, to 31 discuss the Land Use Plan 2050 process and the possibility of providing retreat facilitation to the 32 BOCC. Staff can update the Board on its progress during the meeting. 33 34 Why does Orange County Need to Update its Land Use Plan? - In North Carolina, local 35 governments that apply "...zoning regulations... shall adopt and reasonably maintain a 36 comprehensive plan or land-use plan (North Carolina General Statute 160D-501(a)). This statute 37 requires that zoning regulations are "in accordance with a comprehensive plan" and requires that 38 local governments make statements of consistency when making rezoning decisions on a 39 development application. The existing Orange County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 40 November 2008. 41 42 Additional information about the project, including e-mail sign-up for project updates, is available 43 on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com. 44 45 Completed project deliverables, including Fact Book; outreach summaries; and more, are also 46 available on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com/resources 47 48 Next Steps with the BOCC— Planning staff proposes to present an agenda item covering aspects 49 of County demographics, the planning process, plan implementation, watershed regulations, and 50 planning agreements at the September 9, 2025 BOCC Work Session. 51 34 1 Tom Altieri, Senior Planner for Long Range Planning, introduced the item and reviewed 2 the background information. He also reviewed the following costs associated with the item: 3 4 Subiect Matter Experts: 5 Applied Resource Management—Groundwater hydrology and community wells. 6 $2,250 7 UNC School of Gov., Development Finance Initiative—Market analysis of rural activity nodes, housing 8 needs, and residential supply/demand. 9 $45,100 10 Randall Arendt—Conservation subdivisions 11 ($8,500 plus travel est.) $12,000 12 13 Sub-Total $59,350 14 Clarion Associates: 15 A staff member to attend BOCC presentations to hear presentations, Board discussion, and note taking 16 for items that will require changes to the Draft Land Use Plan. (4 work sessions and 2 retreats) 17 $4,020 18 Meeting Facilitator: 19 True North Performance Group—Facilitation of two retreats. 20 $17,500 21 22 23 Total $80,870 24 25 Commissioner Greene asked who True North Performance Group was. 26 Tom Altieri said it is a consulting firm led by Rebecca Jackson, who is also an adjunct 27 faculty member at the UNC School of Government. 28 Commissioner Greene asked if she would have expertise in local government that other 29 facilitators do not have. 30 Tom Altieri said yes, and that they wanted someone with a basic understanding of land 31 use and planning. 32 33 PUBLIC COMMENTS: 34 Laura Streitfeld from Preserve Rural Orange urged ensuring an informed, equitable 35 planning process. She questioned whether proposed presenters (volunteer board members and 36 for-profit companies) provided truly independent scientific viewpoints, suggesting University 37 scientists instead. She said the board hadn't requested the proposed market analysis and 38 encouraged university planning experts for rural node insights. She criticized the consultant's 39 website as a significant barrier, disconnected from the county site with no government logos or 40 links, making the plan inaccessible when searching the county website. She asked the Board to 41 take action tonight for a thorough, accessible and inclusive land use planning process. 42 43 Given time constraints and questions about costs, the Board agreed to proceed with the 44 September 9th presentations but bring back cost discussions at the September 4th meeting. 45 Commissioner McKee said he had a problem discussing $80,000 in consultant costs after 46 hearing from flood victims receiving limited assistance. 35 1 Commissioner Greene defended the importance of comprehensive planning while 2 acknowledging the need to address both issues. 3 4 8. Consent Agenda 5 6 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda 7 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda 8 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 9 10 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to 11 approve the consent agenda. 12 13 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14 15 a. Minutes 16 The Board approved the draft minutes for the May 22, 2025, May 27, 2025, May 29, 2025, June 17 3, 2025, June 5, 2025, and June 17, 2025, BOCC Meetings as submitted by the Clerk to the 18 Board. 19 b. Tax Collector's Annual Settlement for Fiscal Year 2024-25 20 The Board received the Tax Collector's annual settlement, approved and authorized the Chair to 21 sign the resolution accepting it as reported for entry into the minutes; approved and authorized 22 the Chair to sign, and issued the Order to Collect to the Tax Collector for Fiscal Year 2025-2026; 23 and approved and directed the Tax Collector to release debts charged including 2019 EMS 24 ambulance bills and 2015 ad valorem personal property tax and fee bills. 25 c. Refund Request for Overpayment of Excise Tax from Attorney Kendall Page's Office 26 The Board approved a refund request for overpayment of excise tax in the amount of$1,650 from 27 Attorney Kendall Page's Office (if approved the funds will be issued to Alexandra Elder as the 28 funds came from her personal account). 29 d. Adoption of Program and General Records Retention and Disposition Schedules for 30 Local Government Agencies 31 The Board adopted the records retention and disposition schedules for local government agency 32 program and general records, as required by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural 33 Resources. 34 e. Approval of Tyler Software as a Service (SaaS) MUNIS to the Cloud 35 The Board approved and authorized the Manager to sign an agreement with Tyler Technologies, 36 Inc. for $343,920 to move the County's Enterprise Resource Planning financial system (MUNIS) 37 to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. 38 f. Approval of a Contract for an On-Premise Backup System Purchase and Consolidation 39 The Board approved and authorized the Manager to sign a twelve-month contract and any future 40 amendments with Data Network Solutions (DNS) in the amount of $149,933.54 to purchase a 41 new on-premise backup solution (Rubrik) to replace the existing data backup solutions currently 42 in use, and consolidate all data backups into one (1) system. 43 g. Purchase of Electric Vehicles for the Asset Management Services Department, 44 Planning & Inspections Department, Department of Social Services, and Department of 45 Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation 46 The Board approved and authorized Orange County Fleet Services to purchase two (2) Nissan 47 Leaf Electric Vehicles (EVs), two (2) Chevy Silverado 1500 EV trucks, and two (2) Ford MachE 48 EVs. 49 h. Purchase of Three (3) Replacement Vehicles for the Transportation Services 50 Department 36 1 The Board approved and authorized Orange County Fleet Services to purchase three (3) Original 2 Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Modified ADA Mobility Mini-Vans (Chrysler Voyager) to provide 3 accessible transportation options to individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed- 4 route bus service. 5 6 9. County Manager's Report 7 Travis Myren reminded everyone of next Thursday's meeting at the Whitted Building. 8 9 10. County Attorney's Report 10 John Roberts had no report for the Board. 11 12 11. *Appointments 13 None. 14 15 12. Information Items 16 • July 8, 2025 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List 17 18 13. Closed Session 19 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to enter in to 20 closed session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 143-318.11(a)(3), "to consult with an 21 attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege 22 between the attorney and the public body regarding the National Prescription Opiate Litigation 23 (MDL 2804) and other topics," and for the approval of closed session minutes. 24 25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 26 27 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to 28 reconvene into open session. 29 30 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 31 32 Adjournment 33 34 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to 35 adjourn the meeting at 11:07p.m. 36 37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 38 39 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair 40 41 42 Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board 43 44 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board