HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 08-26-2025-Business Meeting 1
APPROVED 9116/25
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUSINESS MEETING
August 26, 2025
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday,August 26,
2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Marilyn Carter
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen
(All other staff members will be identified appropriately below).
Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. She noted that Commissioner
Carter was absent as she was traveling for her daughter's wedding.
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
Chair Bedford announced two additions to the agenda: a discussion on bridge funding
from the Social Justice Fund for residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal, and
Commissioner McKee's request to discuss senior meals. She said the Board would need to be
flexible on timing for the first discussion, as they were waiting for members of the public to arrive,
and will discuss the second item as item 6.
The Board approved the agenda modifications by unanimous consent.
The Board recognized Tiana Oxendine, recipient of the North Carolina Association of
Black County Officials Scholarship.
Commissioner Port-Ascott noted this was the first year Orange County had an applicant.
Oxendine graduated from Cedar Ridge High School with a 4.0 GPA while playing basketball,
volunteering in the community, and participating in several clubs. She obtained her certified
nursing assistant certification over the summer and is enrolled at UNCG studying to become a
nurse.
Tiana Oxendine shared that her first week of college was challenging with heavy textbook
reading for biology class, and she's taking sociology, two honors courses, an English history
course, a mandatory honors course, and a nursing instruction course.
2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour)
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
Kari Hamel addressed the Board, requesting opportunities for community input at the joint
school board meeting next month, specifically regarding the terms of the interlocal agreement
between the school districts and the county. She noted that over $1 billion in funding would go to
school districts over the next 10 years. She referenced a wellness check conducted at Chapel
Hill-Carrboro schools five years ago by two retired Winston-Salem Forsyth School executives,
noting that Winston-Salem Forsyth School now has over $48 million in debt. She requested
tangible open government practices as requirements for funding, including suspending vendors
who violate state statutes, creating a dashboard with granular financials, and requiring both school
districts to record and post all school board meetings subject to open meetings laws. She
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emphasized wanting to see students like scholarship recipient Tiana Oxendine get quality
education and have bright futures.
b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.
3. Announcements, Petitions, and Comments by Board Members
Commissioner Portie-Ascott reported on the NCACC annual conference themed
"Cultivate: Inspire County Growth." She celebrated that Health Director Quintana Stewart was
honored through the Heroic Hands Initiative for going above and beyond the call of duty, and
Orange County Cooperative Extension was recognized as runner-up for the Northern Central
District Extension County Partnership award. She said she had lunch with Navya Sharma, a 4-H
student from East Chapel Hill High School, who participated in Youth Voices and shared her
passion for addressing food insecurity and disaster preparation. Commissioner Portie-Ascott
highlighted two impactful sessions on emergency preparation and affordable housing strategies.
She said the key takeaways included securing redundant communications, planning for volunteer
and donation management, ensuring generators for public buildings are accessible, and
recognizing that real recovery happens after week two. She noted the Community Giving Fund
was cited as innovative, though Orange County wasn't named specifically. She said the
conference strongly suggested that each county develop strategies for affordable housing,
specifically for those with middle income.
Commissioner Hamilton welcomed everyone back to school and highlighted several
activities. She said she made comments at the Opioid Settlement Funding Annual Meeting, and
was impressed with Health Director Quintana Stewart and staff showing that initiatives were
benefiting the community with lower opioid deaths. She shared that she attended the opening of
the FitLot outdoor exercise facility at the Seymour Center and attended multiple community events
including the walk at Fairview and Unity in the Community at Rogers Road Community Center,
where she heard many concerns about the tax reevaluation. She emphasized her commitment to
ensuring a fair process.
Chair Bedford noted committees have continued meeting through summer break and
reported that Durham Tech Community College received needed funding for increased
enrollment. She attended the grand opening of Thermo Fisher Scientific, which will manufacture
pipettes with federal funding. She said the public art tour, UPROAR, closed out Saturday. She
said that she and Commissioner McKee spent three days in court as defendants in a jury trial
regarding impact fees, where the jury unanimously found in the county's favor, though litigation
will continue.
Commissioner Fowler reported on her two-week vacation to Iceland. She said she was
impressed with the country's emphasis on avoiding plastics and disposable products to preserve
the climate, noting visible evidence of rapidly receding glaciers. She said she attended the
Triangle West TPO meeting, where they authorized staff to release the preferred option for the
2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan for 45-day public comment and the ADA Transition Plan
for 30-day comment. She attended the FitLot ribbon-cutting and tried the equipment. Due to
travel, she missed the Opioid Settlement Annual Meeting, but said she looks forward to attending
the Board of Health meeting the following day. She emphasized priorities of ensuring equitable
tax valuations, supporting Tropical Storm Chantal-impacted residents, and ensuring a
comprehensive land use plan.
Commissioner Greene also attended the Opioid Meeting and the Thermo Fisher event.As
Grow Triangle representative, she attended the Triangle West meeting. At the Visitors Bureau
meeting, she learned all UNC home games are sold out, but the University encourages people to
attend anyway for Chapel Thrill concerts, the Modelo Kickoff Club, and food trucks at every home
game. At the meeting, she said Lynn Mines from the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging
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Association made her annual presentation, noting that the industry does $35 billion in sales
annually and employs 11% of the state's workforce. She mentioned the General Assembly wants
to remove municipalities' power to regulate short-term rentals.
Planning and Inspections Director Cy Stober confirmed the county regulates short-term
rentals with different standards for owner-occupied versus non-owner-occupied properties,
though they cannot charge special licenses or track them due to state law.
Commissioner Greene also reported on the completed GoTriangle audit.
Commissioner McKee thanked the Board for adding the senior meals agenda item, calling
it a critical mission for elderly residents. He petitioned the Board to move forward with the Cedar
Grove Athletic Association's request to name a field at Cedar Grove Community Center for Mr.
Lawrence Van Hook, who had boys' and girls' teams that traveled throughout North Carolina and
the Southeast. Commissioner McKee is meeting with the group on Sunday to get details. The
petition would follow the normal two-meeting process, with action potentially in October for a
player reunion.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Labor Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation recognizing September 1, 2025 as Labor Day and honoring
Orange County's workers.
BACKGROUND: Orange County has over 78,000 workers and enjoys a low unemployment rate.
Workers of all backgrounds, skills and professions contribute to the County's economy and the
community's well-being. On the eve of the Labor Day holiday, this proclamation shows
appreciation and recognition of Orange County's workers and recognizes the County's
commitment to the them, fair labor practices and to a Living Wage.
Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
LABOR DAY PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on June 28, 1894, the United States Congress passed an act making the
first Monday in September of each year the legal Labor Day holiday; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Labor Day holiday occurs on September 1st; and
WHEREAS, the federal holiday pays tribute to the achievements of workers in the United
States by recognizing their contributions to the country's strength, prosperity and well-
being; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has a labor force of 78,648 residents and an unemployment
rate of 3.6%; and
WHEREAS, while the Orange County median household income is $86,736, many
residents are still employed in jobs that do not pay the current living wage of$17.65 per
hour; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina remains one of just 16 states that have not adjusted their
$7.25 minimum wage, even for inflation, over the past fifteen years; and
WHEREAS, many workers in Orange County earn less than living wages and are living
in poverty and even experiencing homelessness despite full-time employment; and
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WHEREAS, Orange County's Strategic Plan recognizes a diverse and vibrant economy
as one of its six Strategic Priorities; and
WHEREAS, this strategic priority's goal is to foster an environment that attracts and
retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, employment opportunities, and
diversifies our tax base; and
WHEREAS, Labor Day is an opportunity for Orange County to recognize the
contributions of all of our workers to the county's economy; and
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim September 1, 2025, Labor Day, as a day to honor the hard-working residents
of Orange County who contribute so much energy, skill and innovation to our broader
community and encourage all Orange County employers to ensure workers have a living
wage, as well as safe and supportive work environments.
This the 2611 day of August, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Hamilton, who proposed the proclamation, thanked Deputy Manager
Caitlin Fenhagen for preparing it, emphasizing the importance of recognizing all workers in public
and private sectors, as well as unpaid caregivers. She noted Americans work harder than many
others worldwide.
Commissioner McKee highlighted the absurdity of the $7.25 minimum wage, sharing his
shock when he took a job after 50 years of farming and realized people struggle to live on $20
per hour, much less minimum wage.
Chair Bedford reminded residents about employment assistance available at senior
centers for those 55 and older facing age discrimination, and workforce centers at Drakeford
Library and DSS for resume help and job search assistance.
b. Bridge Funding for Residents Displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal
The Board approved Budget Amendment #1, transferring 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.
BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Housing Department have
been providing case management for County residents who have been displaced from housing
due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. On July 11, 2025, the County, in partnership
with the Town of Chapel Hill, began paying for hotel rooms for displaced residents as they
searched for new housing. The Town of Chapel Hill has provided $100,000 of emergency housing
funds to support these residents to avoid homelessness. Under the terms of an agreement with
the Town of Chapel Hill, DSS determines the use of funds, provides case management services,
and helps residents secure alternate housing arrangements.
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DSS is currently paying for 20 rooms using a combination of County Emergency Assistance funds
and the funding from the Town of Chapel Hill, although this number does fluctuate from day to
day. The cost of the rooms is approximately $2,000 per night. As of August 22, 2025, a total of
approximately$83,000 has been expended. Funding identified for this purpose will be exhausted
shortly, and residents staying at the hotel have been informed that the last day of funded hotel
stays is August 29.
Of the residents currently at the hotel, 13 have Housing Choice Vouchers. Eight of those residents
have identified housing and are only waiting for the landlord to make the units available. Five are
actively searching for housing. Of the seven residents without a Housing Choice Voucher, one
owns their unit at Camelot Village and intends to return while the remaining six are actively
searching for housing. Some are waiting for approval of other benefits.
The County has received $83,462 in Community Giving Fund donations for Chantal recovery.
These funds will be jointly administered by the County and the three municipalities, with the
County acting as fiscal agent. Temporary housing and other supports to reestablish housing may
be an appropriate use of these funds. As this intergovernmental group forms, this abstract
transfers 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. This would include apartment application fees, security deposits, and essential
household items and furniture.
Eligibility for this funding will follow the current guidelines. Recipients must be County residents
earning up to 200% of the poverty level who have experienced displacement from their primary
residence due to impacts from Tropical Storm Chantal. Qualifying income in dollars would be
$31,300 for a single person or$64,300 for a family of four.
Travis Myren made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Bridge Funding for Residents Displaced by
Tropical Storm Chantal
Board of Commissioners
Business Meeting
August 26, 2025
6
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 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #3
Background
• Orange 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
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #4
Bridge Funding Proposal
• $20,000 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
• $31,300 for single person
• $64,300 for family of four
• Remaining Social Justice Reserve balance: $130,000
ORANGE COUNTY
4 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #5
Next Steps
• Work with State Individual Assistance to assume cost of hotels beginning August 30
— Decision expected mid-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
ORANGE COUNTY
S NORTH CAROLINA
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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
6 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #7
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Pam Wright described losing everything in the July 6th flash flood at her home, with water
gushing through the front door, toilet, and bathtub. She emphasized needing a roof over her head
and ability to maintain personal hygiene, criticizing different treatment of homeowners versus
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renters though all were flooded. She doesn't want to return to the flood zone and said
homeowners insurance isn't releasing information about programs to help.
Jessica Tickles was unable to speak but had a representative convey her need for support
recovering documents destroyed in the flood.
Heather Gibbs appreciated the help received but emphasized timing issues. She was on
housing lists before Camelot Village and only went there as a last resort after a homeless shelter
said she'd be on the street otherwise. She didn't know it was a flood zone until signing her lease.
With physical disabilities including cognitive issues, stroke, and seizures, she shouldn't be in such
a location. She's been actively applying since July but faces constant barriers - being on lists for
2-4 years, waiting weeks for apartments to be ready, units failing inspection. She's still waiting for
her current application to be processed. She said extended funding would help navigate these
barriers, especially for those needing special accommodations with limited availability.
Quinton Simmons said additional funding is needed. He doesn't want to return to Camelot
where he almost lost his life in the flood. Even when not flooding, rain causes paranoia about
when it will flood again. He said the apartment he applied for may not be ready, so the funding
will keep him and others from becoming homeless until their housing is ready. He asked the Board
to keep their promise that residents wouldn't be homeless.
CR Clark from Triangle Tenant Union stated $20,000 isn't enough, as it goes to hotels and
landlords for application fees rather than directly supporting residents. He explained that with
individual assistance not coming until October, residents need help for the next month-plus. He
said those not already on public services lack case management support, relying on individual
volunteers without resources or ability to cut red tape. He believes the county should provide
relocation support and ensure appropriate housing; he explained that some disabled residents
were offered inaccessible third and fourth floor apartments.As one of the state's richest counties
that heard about billion-dollar corporations, food trucks at sporting events, and Icelandic
vacations, he said that Orange County can afford more for its most vulnerable. With $130,000
remaining in the Social Justice Fund, he requested that more should go to these residents.
Mei Wang celebrated the community response through Triangle Mutual Aid, Triangle
Tenant Union, and volunteers mucking out apartments and helping residents navigate finding
affordable housing. They particularly recognized Devin Gilgor delivering meals nightly to Comfort
Inn residents. They shared that four residents still lack appropriate housing options and urged
continued support and more direct assistance to displaced residents rather than money
exclusively going to hotels and landlords. At a press conference, they said residents discussed
Camelot's cycle of flooding, displacement, and landlords repainting to re-rent to new tenants, and
many countywide face similar unsafe conditions. They said the county should work with tenants
to stand up for their rights.
Devin Ceartas of Triangle Mutual Aid reported their collective has been involved in several
hundred situations across Orange, Alamance, and Durham counties. They've carried belongings
from flooded houses, bought clothes, provided food and funds for people to stay with relatives.
Mental health professionals support their ad hoc casework. He said that the visible pattern shows
poor people live in places that flood. He said if you must live where your life is endangered
because you lack money, you don't have a right to live in America - you must earn it. He
emphasized that everyone deserves dignity. He said Triangle Mutual Aid has distributed $86,916
across three counties, half directly to impacted people. On a different topic, he criticized Tyler
Technology for controlling information and making it inaccessible to the public, citing their
statewide system preventing bulk data analysis of mandated public information.
Devin Gilgor represented residents unable to attend, including Dale, an amputee whose
prosthetic leg was swept off in the flood. He said the fire department's boat motors were
insufficient, and couldn't reach those needing the most help. Second-floor residents carried
people including Quinton and Dale upstairs until emergency services arrived. He said one resident
struggles with unbearable PTSD after living through three Camelot floods, and others couldn't
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attend this meeting due to trauma. While $20,000 is appreciated, he said it won't fix the ongoing
issue of housing vulnerable people in flood zones, and someone will die. He said lives are worth
more than the current efforts. He said everyone lost their documentation and challenged
commissioners to try getting a license without ID, birth certificate, or social security card, or getting
a replacement social security card without documents or mental/emotional/physical capacity. He
said volunteers are driving people to replace the documentation they need for jobs, housing, and
DSS assistance.
Kari Hamel emphasized the post-traumatic stress burden of being a natural disaster victim
with near-death experiences and daily housing insecurity. She requested the Board direct the
county manager and deputy manager to form a legal services team for individual legal
assessments and action plans, hopefully pro bono. She asked for Orange County Health
Department to enact a 24-month medical plan for all willing individuals covering physical and
mental health. Regarding DSS case management, she wanted to hear what's happening now and
after the meeting. The $20,000 won't last long enough - she asked the Board to remove the cap,
meet all needs for 90 days, and schedule another meeting.
Chair Bedford said $20,000 is to bridge the gap until the next meeting with state, which is
scheduled for Thursday. She said it was initially thought that individuals who applied would get
that initial check, so learning that it would take a month the Board wanted to make sure funds
were available until then. She invited Lindsey Shewmaker, DSS Director forward to share some
of the assistance those with case management are receiving and how those who are not
connected can get in touch with DSS staff.
Lindsey Shewmaker said staff have been doing case management since the initial shelter
after the storm was opened. She said staff transitioned the shelter to hotels when return home
wasn't possible. She said initial property management estimates of 4-6 weeks for repairs led to
the current funding timeline, but the damage was more significant. She said it looks like that
process will take a lot longer, and it is understandable that some people who were displaced don't
want to go back. She said it is a time-consuming process to get people housed, and DSS helps
with deposits, applications, transport, and securing personal documents. She said Deputy
Manager Fenhagen attends weekly case staffings, discussing progress and action steps. She
shared that today, the county is down to 17 hotel rooms that DSS is supporting, and Alliance
Health is supporting 4 others. She said staff is out at the Comfort Inn 3-4 days a week. She said
DSS staff have also worked with Animal Services to provide pet food, other pet needs. She
encouraged anyone who is not connected with case managers to call DSS and say they were
displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there aren't enough units in the county that will
accept the Housing Choice Vouchers, leading residents to flood-prone units like those at Camelot
Village.
Lindsey Shewmaker said she doesn't work in Housing, but that Camelot Village is
attractive because it's affordable, on a bus line, and some residents who have been approved
there had trouble getting approved at other units.
Chair Bedford added that there aren't enough vouchers from the Federal government to
meet the demand. She asked Sarah Pickhardt to come forward to talk about next steps from
Emergency Service's standpoint.
Sarah Pickhardt said there will be an after-action report that will examine what worked well
in the response to Tropical Storm Chantal and what needs improvement. She said Chantal
stressed every system, with 911 taking 8,000 calls in seven hours, exceeding Hurricane Florence
records. She said they're working with vendor IEM to gather partner feedback for a
comprehensive report focused on immediate response and initial recovery, with findings rolling
into the Emergency Operations Plan update.
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Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the residents' statement that all poor people live
in flood-prone areas and whether the county could prevent property owners from repeatedly
housing vulnerable people there.
Cy Stober clarified that Camelot Village is in Chapel Hill's Planning Jurisdiction. He said
Orange County doesn't permit residential dwellings in 100-year floodplains, only 500-year
floodplains, with exceptional 65 - 80-foot buffers around all floodplains restricting development.
Chair Bedford requested information on HUD rules about placing voucher holders in
floodplains after multiple disasters and clarification on perceived rules requiring people to accept
dangerous floodplain apartments or lose their housing eligibility.
Commissioner Fowler asked if there were other thoughts about how to use what's left in
the Social Justice Fund.
Chair Bedford shared some ideas, including allocating more money to the Long-time
Homeowner's Assistance Program.
Travis Myren said this money will keep hotels booked through the next Board meeting on
September 4th, where they can add more funding if needed.
Commissioner McKee brought up the discussion of senior meals, which was scheduled
later on the agenda. He said he initially planned to ask the Board to consider approving $29,000
to continue this program, but more of the Social Justice Fund could be used for this immediate
housing need, and the Board could revisit the fund to address the meal program.
Commissioner Greene thanked everyone who came to speak tonight and appreciated
their testimony. She said Camelot Village could never be built where it is now. Chapel Hill has
tried to find solutions including working with FEMA for buyouts and considered condemnation.
She said the latter would cost tens of millions for the town.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said the county needs to figure out how to be more nimble in
emergencies, including in how it sets up communications to the community and to the Board. She
said given federal budget cuts, more money will be needed for social services, so the county
needs to be ready. She said she supports this item, but wants to get a report that looks out at
upcoming needs. She said the uncertainty is traumatic for people who just went through an
emergency. She asked if there is a policy that can be put in place that allows the county to refuse
housing people in a floodplain.
Travis Myren explained the county would need to amend the HUD admin plan and has
asked the Housing Director to identify how many units would be lost if the amendment went
forward.
Commissioner Hamilton emphasized the community must understand that such a policy
means less available housing but would prevent repeated losses.
Commissioner Greene said it was concerning to her that one resident was told she would
be out on the street if she didn't accept the apartment at Camelot Village.
Travis Myren said neither HUD nor the county have a policy that would remove someone
from a housing waitlist if they decline a unit. He said it may be a shelter-specific policy and he will
get more information from the Housing Director, Blake Rosser.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
approve Budget Amendment #1 to transfer $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.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5. Public Hearings
None.
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6. Regular Agenda
Additional Fundinq for Department on Aging Takeaway Meal Program
(This item was added at the beginning of the meeting.)
Commissioner McKee expressed concern that the takeout program at the Senior Centers
ends on Friday. He wants to ensure no hard stop for those truly needing meals without
transportation. He said that at $9 per meal/day, continuing through December would cost under
$10,000, allowing reassessment later.
Janice Tyler, Aging Director, said there are 41 meals being taken away every day, and 8-
10 are for truly homebound individuals. She explained that those delivering meals to homebound
individuals also take their own meals. She said Aging staff have been notifying people for a while
now that the funding for the take-out meals program is ending. She said she has spoken with
Susan Jarmin of Orange County Meals on Wheels, and they can accommodate taking meals to
homebound individuals. She said Orange County is the only county still doing pandemic-era
takeout meals. She highlighted that one of the benefits of Meals on Wheels is that meals are
guaranteed to be delivered and those who are homebound won't be relying on one person to
bring them a meal each day.
Travis Myren explained that the program was extended 2 months during the budget
process, which is why the program is ending now.
Chair Bedford emphasized participants need to accept Meals on Wheels without feeling
they have choice, as she won't vote to continue for 10 people if Meals on Wheels can serve them.
Commissioner McKee said his only concern was ensuring no hard stop for truly
homebound individuals.
Janice Tyler suggested continuing the program for two weeks at$675 weekly to give Meals
on Wheels time to work with homebound individuals to get them on their route and assure them
they will still get meals delivered.
Chair Bedford shared her positive volunteer experience with Meals on Wheels, which
provides pet food, 15-minute social visits, sugar-free treats for diabetics, and various delivery
options, including cooler drop-off.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said people should be encouraged to call the Department on Aging
for information if needed.
Janice Tyler said information has been included with each takeaway meal about who to
contact to get more meals.
Commissioner Fowler agreed Meals on Wheels is the appropriate entity to help.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if everyone understood the communication that came
with the meals.
Janice Tyler said she thinks so but will have someone from her staff contact individuals
who are eligible for Meals on Wheels.
A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve
enough funding for two weeks of the program.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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b. Approval of Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Board approved a resolution adopting the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan as
approved by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM).
BACKGROUND: In October 2000, the "Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000" (DMA 2000) (Public Law
106- 390) was signed into law amending the "Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Act of 1988." DMA 2000 requires local governments to adopt a hazard mitigation plan in order to
be eligible for hazard mitigation funding. To remain eligible for funding, each local government
must update the hazard mitigation plan every five years.
In addition, North Carolina General Statute §166-A- 19.41 states as a condition of State public
assistance funds following a disaster that "the eligible entity shall have a hazard mitigation plan
approved pursuant to the Stafford Act."
In an effort to reduce costs associated with hazard mitigation planning, the State prioritizes
planning funding provided to counties to those who collaboratively create regional hazard
mitigation plans with neighboring jurisdictions that are face comparable or similar hazards. The
goal is to combine efforts and have counties create comprehensive, multi-
county/multijurisdictional plans while using fewer resources. No local control is lost by any
participating entity in the regional plan, and each participant retains the right to apply for State or
Federal funding. Furthermore, as an additional benefit, any combination of participants can
choose to share the cost of any required local match when applying for project funding.
In accordance with State and Federal regulations, the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation
Planning Team, which consists of representatives from Orange County Planning and Inspections,
Orange County Emergency Services, and the other participating jurisdictions began meeting in
September 2024 to work with WSP, a consultant provided by the State, to create the 2025 update
to the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Collectively, the team evaluated past hazards
and incidents, the geographical profile, the population profile, recently updated Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs), assessments from the Triangle Regional Resiliency Study, and other data to
compile a profile for the region. Additionally, mitigation goals, strategies, and actions were
developed for the region.
A draft of the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to the State Hazard
Mitigation Officer for review in April 2025, and NCEM approved the plan in May 2025. The
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently reviewing the plan and is
expected to issue an approval. Local government approval of the plan is occurring ahead of the
expected FEMA approval in order to ensure necessary deadlines are met. If FEMA's review
results in any significant revisions, the plan will be brought back to the BOCC for re-adoption at
a later date.
Sarah Pickhardt, Division Chief of Emergency Management, introduced the item.
Chair Bedford asked her to explain a bit about the Emergency Management team.
Sarah Pickhardt explained her team's role in coordinating the county's disaster response,
preparedness, recovery, and mitigation across all hazard types from hurricanes to hazardous
spills. She said when local resources might be overwhelmed, her team connects needs with
resources rather than taking over scenes.
Sarah Pickhardt introduced Hannah Tuckman, Emergency Management Planner, who
made the following presentation:
14
Slide #1
ENO- HAW REGIONAL
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
2025 UPDATE
ORANGE
COUNTY
Slide #2
Hazard Identification
AThis plan identifies disaster risks to our
community using historical and census data.
Mitigation Strategies
A This plan outlines ways our community can
lessen the impacts of disasters before they
happen.
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
<� Federally Required
�. This plan is required for our jurisdiction to be
cqj
eligible to receive FEMA grants and
discounted flood insurance premium rates.
1
Hannah Tuckman said the Emergency Management Plan is updated every 5 years. She
said North Carolina Emergency Management divides counties into regions and provides
contractors to lead the planning process.
15
Slide #3
1
THE
P RO&Ef6S
Organize to Prepare the Plan i
• 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 Plate
Hannah Tuckman said the four-phase process involves: organizing resources and
stakeholder orientation; conducting risk assessments through technical analysis and community
input; developing mitigation strategies; and adoption/implementation. She said they're currently
in phase four, presenting the draft action plan for adoption.
Slide #4
REGIONAL COLLABORATION
ORANGE �+
�qlx ra COUNTY y
ISONifH ChIiOLINA °9ysoMouAll.
k
r
CITY nF 9W
DURHAM
.34'<M�
III
•
rowN or
H I LLS BOROUG H
Hannah Tuckman said the Eno-Haw region includes Alamance, Durham, Orange, and
Person counties, collaborating on one comprehensive plan. She said Carrboro and Hillsborough
already adopted the plan this summer, with Chapel Hill following shortly.
16
Slide #5
SUMMARY OF HAZARD RISKS
HIGH RISK MODERATE RISK LOW RISK
Dam Failure
Tornadoes&Thunderstorms
Excessive Heat Wildfire
Flooding Cyber Threat
Drought Earthquake
Hurricanes&Tropical Storms Civil Unrest Landslide
Hazardous Materials Incident
Critical Infrastructure Failure
Infectious Disease
Severe Winter Storm
Terrorism/Mass Casualty
Radiological Emergency
Priority Risk Index is determined by probability of the event occurring,
severity and spatial extent of impact,warning time, and duration.
Slide #6
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
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 1.1: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 mitigation into new development
and post -disasterredevelopment.
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:Implement 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.
17
Slide #7
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (CONT.) i4
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 multijurisdictional
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.
Slide #8
SELECTED ACTIONS
o 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 Wildfire Protection Plans
Natural Resource Protection
�j 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 UDO
The full plan,to include all of Orange County's planned actions is available at www.EnoHawHMP.com
Hannah Tuckman said new actions are listed on the slide in Orange.
Commissioner Greene asked about wildfire protection plans, given the shift from fire
suppression to controlled burns.
18
Hannah Tuckman explained it includes burn ban protocols and community protection, with
the action enabling future funding eligibility for wildfire or agricultural/forestry initiatives.
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 improve/retrofit with generators
• Conduct cost/benefit 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
the full plan..to include all of Orange County's planned actions is available at www.EnoHavvHMP.com
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what happens when they can't acquire a flood-prone
property.
Hannah Tuckman said it is more of an opt-in program for owners of repetitive loss
properties who don't want to sell the risk to others.
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
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
The full plan,to include all of Orange County's planned actions is available at www.EnoHawHMP.com
Chair Bedford asked if situational awareness is for the emergency managers.
19
Hannah Tuckman explained this included both emergency managers and the broader
county, citing examples like after-action discussions, technological strategies integrating 9-1-1
data, and exercises with OWASA on dam operations.
Sarah Pickhardt said there is a dashboard in the EOC now that shows the number of calls,
where they are, and the status of those calls. She said they are looking at ways to leverage
technology solutions to make informed and quick decisions and improve situational awareness.
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 fleet/facilities 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
Slide #12
���
QUESTIONS?
Hannah Tuckman
Emergency Management
htuckman@orangecountync.gov
EmergencySarah Pickhardt
Division Chief of Management
.- ..
GE COvV
�r www.Read Oran e.or READY
y g g ORANGE
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked to go back to Goal 3 on slide #7. She asked what
regional communication would look like.
20
Hannah Tuckman said that could look like getting information from neighboring
communities to ensure efficiencies and learn from each other, and coordinate communications
with residents.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she had a lot of conversations at the NCACC conference
about misinformation spreading during emergencies. She asked if that was an issue here during
Tropical Storm Chantal.
Sarah Pickhardt said she's not aware of anyone purposefully sharing misinformation or
disinformation, but there was confusion, and people were not looking to reputable sources for
their information. For example, she said there was an untrue rumor the University Lake dam failed.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how they would respond to misinformation.
Sarah Pickhardt said they do their best to be honest and just share the information they
have available in a timely manner. She said having strong community relationships like we do
here is important and can help combat misinformation. She said silence often breeds
misinformation, so it's important to provide an update, even if there is no new information.
Hannah Tuckman said the after-action survey results showed that the Community
Relations Department was consistently praised in the feedback received in the survey, and was
vital in getting ahead of misinformation.
Commissioner Greene asked about a resident's complaint regarding insufficient boat
motors for rescues.
Sarah Pickhardt said the amount of rain in a short amount of time was unprecedented in
this community, and some emergency vehicles were damaged. She said she will get more
information from the Chapel Hill Fire Department about what specifically happened with those
boats.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution adopting the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Update on Revaluation Appeals, Studies, and the Tax Assessment Work Group
The Board received an update on the status of property tax appeals, the countywide and
neighborhood level equity studies, and approved the charge, composition, and role of the Tax
Assessment Work Group.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Tax Administration Office completed a revaluation of real
property in 2025. The goal of the revaluation is to make assessed values more reflective of market
values. Orange County currently conducts a revaluation of real property every four years.
Although the 2025 revaluation followed this four-year schedule, the County was also mandated
by the N.C. Department of Revenue to conduct a revaluation in 2025 because the difference
between assessed values and market sales had reached a threshold that required it.
Property owners received notices of their new assessed values in March 2025. Most property
owners experienced a marked increase in assessed value compared to the prior year. On
average, the assessed value of residential properties increased by 52%.
The new assessed values caused concern among some property owners about the accuracy and
fairness of the revaluation process. Concerned residents noted particular disparities in historically
Black neighborhoods. In response, the County emphasized the importance of the appeal process
to adjust assessed values if errors or oversights in the revaluation process resulted in an
inaccurate value. The Tax Office offered educational and technical support on how property
21
owners could file an appeal of their new assessed value and offered to schedule appeal
workshops in communities.
The County also contracted with a vendor to conduct a countywide vertical equity analysis.
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.
The Tax Administration Office is also conducting neighborhood level equity analysis to determine
if inequities or other anomalies exist in assessed values at the neighborhood level.
This report provides a status update on appeals, the results of the countywide and neighborhood
level equity analysis, and the Tax Assessment Work Group the County Manager recommended
in June.
Appeal Status
The Tax Office received a total of 3,348 informal appeals during the informal appeal window that
was open from March 21 to April 30, 2025. Following the informal appeal window, the Tax Office
received an additional 908 formal appeals for a total of 4,256 appeals. Of those, there are 3,909
unique properties, with the overlap representing properties that were appealed at both informal
and formal levels. Of the 908 formal apeals, 35 were not submitted by the deadline and will not
be considered. Additional appeals will be received as property owners have 30 days to appeal
decisions, and the last mailing of decision notices on informal appeals is expected to be at the
end of August.
Of the 3,909 unique properties appealed, a total of 3,637 were appeals of residential property,
and 272 were appeals of nonresidential property. The Tax Office and the Board of Equalization
and Review have issued decisions on 3,094 residential appeals and 173 nonresidental appeals.
Value adjustments made on residential appeals had a median decrease of $25,990 in value, or
about 6%, while value adjustments on nonresidential properties had a median decrease of
$288,700, or about 13%.
The 944 remaining appeals, along with additional appeals of informal decisions, are scheduled to
be completed by mid-December 2025. The Board of Equalization and Review approved post-
adjournment meetings through December 11, 2025.
Countywide and Neighborhood Equity Analyses
As stated above, the County contracted with a vendor to conduct a vertical equity analysis of
countywide values. The analysis stratified properties by age, value, and geographic location.
Graphs of the results are attached. That analysis showed that, in general, values were within the
standards for vertical equity established by the International Association of Assessing Officers
(IAAO) when outliers were removed from the analysis. The vendor removed any property where
the assessed value deviated from the actual sale price by 25% or more which accounted for
approximately 950 of 5,800 sales.
The Tax Office independently conducted an equity analysis on the County's 1,026 assessment
neighborhoods. The IAAO specifies that measures of vertical equity are only representative of
possible inequities in neighborhoods with five (5) or more sales. Of the neighborhoods with more
than five (5) sales, the Tax Office identified 86 neighborhoods that were outside of the equity
standards used by the IAAO. Of the neighborhoods with less than five (5) sales, the Tax Office
22
examined those neighborhoods for consistency and reasonableness and identified an additional
76 neighborhoods that require a more thorough review. The Tax Office is also studying the 19
neighborhoods identified by the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition for possible value
adjustments. A total of 171 neighborhoods have been identified by the Tax Office for closer
review.
In order to expedite that review, the County Manager has authorized the Tax Office to contract
with private professional appraisers to supplement current staffing. With this additional staffing,
the Tax Office estimates that the neighborhood reviews will be completed by mid-November, prior
to the Thanksgiving holiday.
If value adjustments are made, property owners will receive a notice of the change and will have
15 days to appeal that change. If the change in value also changes the amount of property tax
due, tax payers who have already paid their property taxes will be issued a refund if the amount
is lower than their original tax bill or a notice of additional tax due if the amount is higher than the
original tax bill.
Tax Assessment Work Group
In June, the County Manager recommended the creation of a Tax Assessment Work Group to
study and make recommendations to improve and ensure the fairness, accuracy, and consistency
of the tax assessment process. The Manager is also recommending that the County select a
consultant through a request for proposal (RFP) process to work with the Work Group to examine
processes and procedures, identify best practices, and make recommendations to improve the
equity, consistency, and accuracy of the assessment process. The consultant would also be
asked to recommend the organizational capacity, staffing, and structure required to implement its
recommendations. The County Manager is seeking the Board's approval of the charge,
composition, and role of the Work Group as described below.
• Charge
The Tax Assessment Work Group is charged 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 assesment process that will
improve and ensure the accuracy and fairness of property assessments.
• Composition
1. Three Commissioners 9. Representative from the Orange
2. County Manager County Property Tax Justice
3. Tax Administrator Coalition
4. Budget Director 10. Non-Profit Housing Provider
5. Director of Civil Rights and Civic Life 11. Community Representative from
6. Community Relations Director District 1
7. Durham and/or Wake County Tax 12. Community Representative from
Assessor District 2
8. Representative from the North
Carolina Housing Coalition
23
The County Manager is requesting feedback on this composition in general, the
appointment of three (3) Commissioner representatives, and a discussion of whether and
how community representatives from District 1 and District 2 could be selected and
appointed. One (1) of the three (3) Commissioners will also need to be appointed to serve
as Chair of the Work Group.
• Roles
The roles of the Work Group will be partially driven by the timeline to begin and finalize
the work. For example, if the Work Group is asked to review the scope of services for
consulting services and participate in vendor selection, the actual study would not begin
for several months. As a core role for the Work Group, the County Manager is
recommending that the Work Group provide feedback to the consultant at milestone
stages of the project: data gathering, data analysis, alternatives analysis, recommendation
development, and the finalization of recommendations.
• Timeline
The timeline for this evaluation will depend on the ultimate scope of work and availability
of data. Once a consultant is in place, the Work Group will establish a timeline to complete
its work.
Travis Myren made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Update on 2025 Revaluation and
Tax Assessment Work Group
Board of Commissioners
Business Meeting
August 26, 2025
24
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
2 OP,ANG CA OILINA COUNTY
TTOR'FHSlide #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 NCGS 105-286(a)(2):
— 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
than.85 or greater than 1.15,as indicated 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 third year following the year the county received the notice.
b. The eighth year following the year of the county's lost reappraisal.
• In 2022, Orange County received notice of a mandatory revaluation
- Sales ratio for 2022 was 0.8197 which was below the standard of 0.85
- By 2024,sales ratio dropped to 0.6445
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CARC+LINA
25
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 Date
- 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 1, 2025
Tax payments past due after January 5, 2026
Past due payments begin accruing interest penalties
a ORANGE
COUNTY
TTOR'FHCA
Slide #5
Status of Appeals
• The number of appeals is higher than previous revaluations
� 2025 Appeals 2021 Appeals 2017Appeals
Informal Appeals 3,348 1,682 2,238
Formal Appeals 908 412 316
Total Appeals 4,256 2,094 2,554
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
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
26
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 Value/Actual 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
ORANGE COUNTY
6 NORTH CAROLINA
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 over-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
27
Slide #8
Countywide Vertical Equity Analysis
1.04 PRD by Value Range Quintiles - Actual Sale Price vs TASP
1.03 ..................... I............................................................................1........................................,, ...
6
a 1.02 1 1.013 1.017
z 1 1.01 1.008
W 1
c 0.99
0
g0.98 ....._....._........._...................................................................
0.97
0.96
n 0.95
$0-$314,700 $314,800- $443,400- $594,500- $803,100+ All
$443,300 $594,400 $803,000
VALUE RANGE QUINTILES
—PRD by Useable Sales —PRD by Time Adjusted Sales
•- IAAO Upper Bound(1.03) -- IAAO Lower Bound(0.98)
Parcel Count-Value Quintiles
$0-$314,700 $314,900-$443,300 $443A00-$594,400 $594,500-$803,000 $803,100. All _
631 1,457 1054 796 974 4902 �
ORANGE COUNTY
8 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #9
Countywide Vertical Equity Analysis
Residential Price Related Differential by Building Type
1A5
0.1.04 1.034
.—1.01 1.012 1.01 1.012
y 1.01 1.004 1.005 1.013
� 1
O 0.99
y 0.96
=0.97
0.96
e
0.95
Residential Cando Manufactured Home Modular Home Single family 7awnhome T1'f Family All
Building Type
—PROby Useable Sales —PRD WTime Adjusted Sales •••••••••IAAOUPPer Bound(1.03) •••••••••lWLOWerl3Wnd(0.98)
Parcel Count-Buildine Type
Residential Condo Manufackwed Home Modular Home Single Family Townhome TFF Family All
4 107 41 3865 830 55 4902
ORANGE COUNTY
9 NORTH CAROLINA
28
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 Concentration
- Low measures of variability indicate data are clustered tightly around the mean,and high measures indicate data are
more spread out
ORANGE COUNTY
10 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #11
Neighborhood Level Equity Analysis
• Conducted by the Tax Office
- Analyzed all 1,026Assessment 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 Bias(PRB)—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
ORANGE COUNTY
11 NORTH CAROLINA
29
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
12 NORTH CAROLINA
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
Property Tax Justice
Coalition
- ORANGE COUNTY
13 NORTH CAROLINA
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the role of the data person will be in this.
Travis Myren said the data person would gather on-site measurements and verify property
details.
Nancy Freeman said appraisers would analyze this information against sales data to
identify any disparities.
30
Commissioner Greene said it seems like the data collector would almost always want to
look at the property.
Nancy Freeman said it depends on the review because part of what they'll be looking at
is the sales information for that neighborhood. She explained that if they aren't satisfied with what
they see in the sales data, they would start looking at individual properties and that's when we
might see that there will be properties that might have a change in value.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how the appraisal company was chosen.
Nancy Freeman explained they contacted four companies, heard from three, and selected
one with experience in Durham and Chatham Counties that was immediately available and
familiar with the area. She elaborated that one of the companies had been utilized in Orange
County previously, which added a level of familiarity and trust in their capabilities. The other two
companies that responded, while reputable, did not have the same level of proximity or current
knowledge of the local real estate market. She said one of the firms had most of its experience
rooted in the western part of the state, which was a significant factor in opting for a company with
more regional experience. Nancy Freeman highlighted that proximity was an essential criterion
for the selection to ensure the appraiser would not need additional time to acclimate to the local
market dynamics and logistics, making the process more efficient. The selected company
displayed an eagerness to begin the project, emphasizing their immediate availability and
capacity to deploy necessary resources promptly. She said this readiness was evidenced by their
follow-up communications, in which they repeatedly reached out, showing anticipation to start as
soon as contracts were finalized.
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?
Parlicipate in vendor selection?
- Others?
ORANGE COUNTY
14 NORTH CAROLI NA
31
Slide#15
Tax Assessment Work Group
Composition
— Three Commissioners — Durham and/or 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 2?
• 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
ORANGE COUNTY
i 5 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #16
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Chair Bedford asked the Board to review the role for the work group.
Vice-Chair Hamilton advocated for prompt action to show responsiveness to community
concerns, emphasizing that a timely approach would demonstrate the county's dedication to
addressing resident issues. She said that delaying processes, such as involving the work group
in extensive reviews of the Request for Proposals (RFP), might hinder the Board's ability to
32
immediately address the inequities exposed by the valuation discrepancies. She said that moving
forward with developing the RFP without waiting for the work group's input would prevent further
delays and expedite the hiring of a consultant who could analyze and recommend changes to the
tax assessment processes. She noted that once a consultant was on board, the work group could
play a more significant role in examining the solutions and adjusting as necessary.
Commissioner McKee expressed some concerns with how the Board will be able to
identify what will be included in the RFP.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said she wants to see a consultant who sees the difference between
what is happening because of gentrification and what is caused by the county's own processes.
Commissioner Greene said she thinks the questions Commissioner McKee are asking are
important, and the question is whether the Board will have that conversation, or the Work Group
will.
Chair Bedford said she thinks it's worth the time for the work group to pose the questions
for the RFP. She argued for involving the work group's expertise in reviewing the RFP for a
consultant to ensure it was comprehensive and tailored to address community concerns
effectively, even if it meant a longer timeline.
After additional discussion and input from Travis Myren, Chair Bedford made a motion to
have the work group review the RFP for the consultant before issuance. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Fowler.
VOTE:Ayes, 4(Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Fowler, Chair
Bedford); Nays, 2 (Vice-Chair Hamilton and Commissioner Portie-Ascott)
MOTION PASSES
The Board agreed to add two community members from District 1 and two from district 2
through an application process.
Chair Bedford nominated Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Portie-Ascott, and
Commissioner Fowler to serve on the committee. She also shared names of other people that
have volunteered to serve in the other proposed positions.
The Board agreed that the deadline for applications will be September 30tn
The Board agreed that the other county's Tax Assessor would attend and present as an
expert rather than a member.
7. Reports
a. Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 — Board Request for Additional Information
The Board received an updated draft presentation schedule for the Board to receive additional
background information requested for the drafting of the Land Use Plan 2050 and provided
feedback on potential costs associated with guest presenters, Clarion's attendance during
presentations, and any meeting facilitation services.
BACKGROUND: At its April 8, 2025 Work Session, the Board reviewed a draft schedule for
receiving presentations from County staff and guest presenters. In response, the calendar
preference was for staff to schedule agenda items through November and possibly beyond, to
receive the information.
Subsequently, Planning staff has coordinated with the Clerk's and Manager's Offices to schedule
items on BOCC work session agendas and add two half-day retreats to the Board's meeting
calendar. Attachment 1 is an updated schedule for the Board to receive the information
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requested. Presentations are proposed for work sessions on September 9, October 14, and
November 11, 2025; and at half-day retreats scheduled for November 14 and November 21, 2025.
Staff is requesting feedback from the Board on the draft presentation schedule (Attachment 1)
and use of County funds for expert presenters and professional services. Following are some
additional details on anticipated costs:
Independent Expert Presenters — Subject matter experts are needed to address the topics of
groundwater hydrology and the economics of housing supply/demand. Planning staff has
identified a representative from Applied Resource Management, which has expertise in geologic
consulting, well drilling, and geothermal systems; and the UNC School of Government,
Development Finance Initiative (DFI),for housing supply/demand expertise and a market analysis
of Rural Activity Nodes. Applied Resource Management has provided an estimate of$2,250 for
meeting preparation, attendance, and presentation, and staff is in coordination with the School of
Government towards receipt of its cost estimate. Most recently, staff has reached out to Randall
Arendt for additional expertise on Conservation Subdivisions and staff can update the Board on
its communications during the meeting.
Clarion Associates — For continuity purposes, it would be helpful to have a staff person from
Clarion Associates attend the meetings for hearing presentations, discussions, and for note taking
of items that will require changes to the draft Land Use Plan 2050 prior to its release for public
review and comment during Community Engagement Window (CEW) #3. Clarion has provided
a cost per meeting estimate of $580 for a 1-hour meeting and $850 for a 4-hour retreat. This
includes travel, attendance, and note taking. Total cost for the four (4)work sessions and two (2)
half-day retreats would be $4,020.
Meeting Facilitator — Following the presentations and completion of the Board's request for
additional information, it may be helpful for a meeting facilitator to help the Board identify the
changes to the draft Plan that will be needed prior to the scheduling of CEW #3. Staff is in
coordination with the School of Government, Center for Public Leadership and Governance, to
discuss the Land Use Plan 2050 process and the possibility of providing retreat facilitation to the
BOCC. Staff can update the Board on its progress during the meeting.
Why does Orange County Need to Update its Land Use Plan? - In North Carolina, local
governments that apply "...zoning regulations... shall adopt and reasonably maintain a
comprehensive plan or land-use plan (North Carolina General Statute 160D-501(a)). This statute
requires that zoning regulations are "in accordance with a comprehensive plan" and requires that
local governments make statements of consistency when making rezoning decisions on a
development application. The existing Orange County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in
November 2008.
Additional information about the project, including e-mail sign-up for project updates, is available
on the project website: https://www.orangecountVIanduseplan.com.
Completed project deliverables, including Fact Book; outreach summaries; and more, are also
available on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com/resources
Next Steps with the BOCC— Planning staff proposes to present an agenda item covering aspects
of County demographics, the planning process, plan implementation, watershed regulations, and
planning agreements at the September 9, 2025 BOCC Work Session.
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Tom Altieri, Senior Planner for Long Range Planning, introduced the item and reviewed
the background information. He also reviewed the following costs associated with the item:
Subject Matter Experts:
Applied Resource Management—Groundwater hydrology and community wells.
$2,250
UNC School of Gov., Development Finance Initiative—Market analysis of rural activity nodes,
housing needs, and residential supply/demand.
$45,100
Randall Arendt—Conservation subdivisions
($8,500 plus travel est.)$12,000
Sub-Total $59,350
Clarion Associates:
A staff member to attend BOCC presentations to hear presentations, Board discussion, and note
taking for items that will require changes to the Draft Land Use Plan. (4 work sessions and 2
retreats)
$4,020
Meeting Facilitator:
True North Performance Group—Facilitation of two retreats.
$17,500
Total $80,870
Commissioner Greene asked who True North Performance Group was.
Tom Altieri said it is a consulting firm led by Rebecca Jackson, who is also an adjunct
faculty member at the UNC School of Government.
Commissioner Greene asked if she would have expertise in local government that other
facilitators do not have.
Tom Altieri said yes, and that they wanted someone with a basic understanding of land
use and planning.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Laura Streitfeld from Preserve Rural Orange urged ensuring an informed, equitable
planning process. She questioned whether proposed presenters (volunteer board members and
for-profit companies) provided truly independent scientific viewpoints, suggesting University
scientists instead. She said the board hadn't requested the proposed market analysis and
encouraged university planning experts for rural node insights. She criticized the consultant's
website as a significant barrier, disconnected from the county site with no government logos or
links, making the plan inaccessible when searching the county website. She asked the Board to
take action tonight for a thorough, accessible and inclusive land use planning process.
Given time constraints and questions about costs, the Board agreed to proceed with the
September 9th presentations but bring back cost discussions at the September 4th meeting.
Commissioner McKee said he had a problem discussing $80,000 in consultant costs after
hearing from flood victims receiving limited assistance.
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Commissioner Greene defended the importance of comprehensive planning while
acknowledging the need to address both issues.
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
• Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the consent agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
a. Minutes
The Board approved the draft minutes for the May 22, 2025, May 27, 2025, May 29, 2025, June
3, 2025, June 5, 2025, and June 17, 2025, BOCC Meetings as submitted by the Clerk to the
Board.
b. Tax Collector's Annual Settlement for Fiscal Year 2024-25
The Board received the Tax Collector's annual settlement, approved and authorized the Chair to
sign the resolution accepting it as reported for entry into the minutes; approved and authorized
the Chair to sign, and issued the Order to Collect to the Tax Collector for Fiscal Year 2025-2026;
and approved and directed the Tax Collector to release debts charged including 2019 EMS
ambulance bills and 2015 ad valorem personal property tax and fee bills.
c. Refund Request for Overpayment of Excise Tax from Attorney Kendall Page's Office
The Board approved a refund request for overpayment of excise tax in the amount of$1,650 from
Attorney Kendall Page's Office (if approved the funds will be issued to Alexandra Elder as the
funds came from her personal account).
d. Adoption of Program and General Records Retention and Disposition Schedules for
Local Government Agencies
The Board adopted the records retention and disposition schedules for local government agency
program and general records, as required by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural
Resources.
e. Approval of Tyler Software as a Service (SaaS) MUNIS to the Cloud
The Board approved and authorized the Manager to sign an agreement with Tyler Technologies,
Inc. for $343,920 to move the County's Enterprise Resource Planning financial system (MUNIS)
to a Software as a Service (SaaS) model.
f. Approval of a Contract for an On-Premise Backup System Purchase and Consolidation
The Board approved and authorized the Manager to sign a twelve-month contract and any future
amendments with Data Network Solutions (DNS) in the amount of $149,933.54 to purchase a
new on-premise backup solution (Rubrik) to replace the existing data backup solutions currently
in use, and consolidate all data backups into one (1) system.
g. Purchase of Electric Vehicles for the Asset Management Services Department,
Planning & Inspections Department, Department of Social Services, and Department of
Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation
The Board approved and authorized Orange County Fleet Services to purchase two (2) Nissan
Leaf Electric Vehicles (EVs), two (2) Chevy Silverado 1500 EV trucks, and two (2) Ford MachE
EVs.
h. Purchase of Three (3) Replacement Vehicles for the Transportation Services
Department
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The Board approved and authorized Orange County Fleet Services to purchase three (3) Original
Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Modified ADA Mobility Mini-Vans (Chrysler Voyager) to provide
accessible transportation options to individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-
route bus service.
9. County Manager's Report
Travis Myren reminded everyone of next Thursday's meeting at the Whitted Building.
10. County Attorney's Report
John Roberts had no report for the Board.
11. *Appointments
None.
12. Information Items
• July 8, 2025 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
13. Closed Session
A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to enter in to
closed session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 143-318.11(a)(3), "to consult with an
attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege
between the attorney and the public body regarding the National Prescription Opiate Litigation
(MDL 2804) and other topics," and for the approval of closed session minutes.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
reconvene into open session.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Adjournment
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
adjourn the meeting at 11:07p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board