HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-05-2026-Business Meeting 1
APPROVED 4/7/26
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUSINESS MEETING
March 5, 2026
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Thursday, March 5,
2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Building in Hillsborough, NC.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jean Hamilton, Vice-Chair Amy Fowler, and
Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford, Marilyn Carter, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-
Ascott
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT. None.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT. John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin
Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below.)
Chair Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.All commissioners were present.
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to add
a discussion on large-scale data center development as item 6-c
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Hamilton read the public charge and reviewed the instructions for making public
comment.
2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour)
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
David Terrell read a statement regarding the establishment of a Cedar Grove Veterans
Memorial. Speaking on behalf of the Northern Orange County Veterans Association (NOVA), he
explained their proposal to create a memorial at the Cedar Grove Community Center. The
memorial would consist of an indoor panel listing names of individuals who attended Cedar Grove
School between 1951 and 1969, and outdoor inlaid bricks around the existing Flag Plaza honoring
all veterans from World War II to the present. NOVA identified over 200 veterans in the Cedar
Grove community with no current recognition beyond VA grave markers. The estimated cost for
the indoor panel is approximately $30,000, while the outdoor elements would be self-funded
through brick sales and other revenue sources. NOVA has committed to maintaining the Flag
Plaza, flying flags 24/7, and providing resources to veterans. David Terrell requested the Board
consider and approve the project.
Gary Linz expressed concerns about an incident involving the transfer of his property to
another individual without his knowledge or consent, which he discovered when he was
investigated by Bank of America for fraud when he applied for a loan. While his property was
returned to him, he said that he has not been given satisfactory answers from the county about
how this occurred. He does not believe it was a clerical error as he has been told by county staff.
He said he will continue to speak at commissioners' meetings on this issue going forward.
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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 McKee strongly endorsed the Cedar Grove veterans' memorial request,
noting he and Commissioner Bedford had met with David Terrell and GI Allison recently. He asked
staff to check available funding, indicating approximately$4,500 may already be available for the
wall panel. Commissioner McKee made two additional petitions: first, asking the board to instruct
staff to work on a 2% reduction across the board for the upcoming budget, and second,
announcing he would bring a motion for the board to endorse an additional 5% cut to
commissioner salaries, believing the budget pain should be equally shared. He concluded his
remarks by acknowledging his recent loss in the primary and shared a poem about counting
blessings instead of crosses.
Commissioner Bedford supported Commissioner McKee's petition for the veterans'
memorial, noting she had also met with the veterans and that staff indicated the project could
move forward with phased funding, starting with available funds and working toward the full
$30,000 needed overtime.
Commissioner Carter reported on her visit to Washington, DC with Commissioner Portie-
Ascott for the National Association of Counties (NACO) legislative conference from February 21-
24. They met with North Carolina's congressional delegation, and she shared that North Carolina
had the largest state contingent at the conference. Key topics included nutrition, healthcare,
disaster recovery, mental health, farmland preservation, transportation, cybersecurity, tax policy,
and election security. They also met with Japan's ambassador to thank him for Morinaga's
investment in Orange County. Commissioner Carter noted remarkable bipartisan alignment on
housing affordability and concerns about federal cost-shifting to counties. She then addressed
the recent military conflict in the Middle East, acknowledging the impact on community members
with family and friends in affected regions and those with deployed family members, while
describing the conflict as occurring in a country with systematic citizen oppression and controlled
media and elections.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott thanked Commissioner McKee for his comments and
supported his petition for the Cedar Grove Community Center. She acknowledged a resident's
concern about a recent Sons of Confederate Veterans gathering in the Research Triangle Park
area, emphasizing that conversations attempting to reinterpret or minimize racism and
Confederate history can be troubling for community members. She stressed the importance of
acknowledging history honestly to build an inclusive community. Commissioner Portie-Ascott also
acknowledged community heartbreak over the conflict in the Middle East, noting that while foreign
policy is federal, global events carry emotional weight for local families and faith communities.
She elaborated on the NACO conference, highlighting the value of multiple commissioners
attending to bring back broader perspectives. She said a major conference theme was housing
supply challenges, noting that 84% of Orange County's land is under restrictions limiting water
and sewer access, reflecting environmental and farmland preservation commitments but requiring
strategic housing planning. She discussed federal resources like Community Development Block
grants and Section 108 loan guarantee programs, and was particularly struck by conversations
about partnering with faith-based organizations that have land and community service
commitments to create affordable housing opportunities.
Commissioner Greene congratulated Commissioner Bedford on her victory in the primary
and provided updates on transit initiatives. She reported on a GoTriangle meeting where the
agency received a $17.7 million federal grant for modernizing bus operations facilities, thanks to
Congresswoman Deborah Ross's office. She highlighted the Triangle Mobility Hub development
as part of the Research Triangle Park's reinvention from a bedroom community to a workplace
with housing options. Commissioner Greene provided statistics on the low-income Transit
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Assistance Program (TAP), which serves over 10,000 unique riders, 70% of whom are employed,
with 24% reporting they would struggle to pay grocery bills without the program. The annual
program cost is $353,000, with Orange County's transit plan contributing $28,000. She also
discussed the Triangle West Destination 2055 document, emphasizing strong connections
between land use and transit planning for mixed-use development within a half-mile of frequent
transit
Vice-Chair Fowler thanked other commissioners for their comments, the veterans in
attendance, and the service members who lost their lives in the most recently initiated conflict.
She noted attending the Triangle West meeting, where they approved the 2055 MTP plan, which
includes comprehensive bike, pedestrian, public transit, and technology components for
congestion improvement. She reported on a Tax Assessment Work Group meeting featuring
presentations from commercial appraiser Paul Snow and Stanley County's in-house appraiser
Clinton Swearingen about the pros and cons of in-house appraisal services. She said the next
Tax Assessment Work Group meeting will review RFQ responses from two organizations. She
concluded by acknowledging Women's History Month.
Chair Hamilton thanked other commissioners for their thoughtful comments. She
petitioned for the Board to recognize March 15th as International Long COVID Awareness Day,
noting that one in six North Carolinians experience long COVID, with many suffering severely
despite COVID being considered over. She planned to bring a formal recognition to the March
17th meeting. Hamilton encouraged individual commissioners to respond directly to a resident's
email about concerning groups in the county, feeling that it was not appropriate for her to respond
on behalf of the board. She also reminded commissioners to review a petition requesting that the
board sign a resolution asking Governor Stein to examine Duke Energy, noting individual
responses were welcome, but board action would require discussion.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Women's History Month Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women's History Month in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The celebration of Women's History Month traces its roots to the socialist and
labor movements in New York City. The first Women's Day took place on February 28, 1909,
marking the one-year anniversary of the garment workers' strikes in which thousands of women
marched for economic rights. This strike followed another in 1857, when garment workers took to
the streets demanding equal rights and a 10-hour workday. Within two years, the movement grew
into an international event. In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women's
Day, which will be celebrated on March 8, 2026.
When Women's History Month was first established, feminists in the United States saw it as an
opportunity to highlight the contributions of women — contributions that had been largely
overlooked in American history. The celebration began as a national observance in 1981, when
Congress authorized and requested that President Jimmy Carter proclaim the week of March 7,
1982, as "Women's History Week." In 1987, the Women's History Month Project successfully
petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. President Ronald
Reagan was the first to issue a proclamation declaring March as Women's History Month.
Today, local, state, and federal government agencies continue this tradition, recognizing March
as Women's History Month with events, programs, and celebrations.
The County will again be hosting the same Color Me Bad Event similar to last year. This event is
a Women's Retreat examining rest as resilience and resistance. Tricia Hersey, an American poet,
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performance artist, and activist, popularized this concept, arguing that rest is a direct challenge
to systems of oppression that demand constant productivity, especially from women. The Color
Me Bad event will occur on March 28, 2026.
Chief Civil Rights Officer, Paul Slack, reviewed the background information for the item.
Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and background have shaped our
nation through their innovation, creativity, and leadership—successfully rewriting the narrative for
a nation that has not always recognized their contributions; and
WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play vital economic, cultural,
and social roles in every sphere of the life of the nation —excelling in academics, the arts, politics,
medicine, sports, and beyond —while navigating challenges both seen and unseen; and
WHEREAS, women have been at the forefront of every major progressive social change
movement, often advocating for justice when their own struggles were overlooked, including the
suffrage movement, the abolitionist movement, the industrial labor movement, the Civil Rights
Movement, and many more; and
WHEREAS, the courage of countless trailblazing American women has shattered barriers
and glass ceilings, inspired people regardless of gender, sparked groundbreaking discoveries,
and propelled America toward a more just and equitable society; and
WHEREAS, despite critical contributions, women's stories have too often been
marginalized in the teaching and retelling of history, making it our collective responsibility to uplift
and honor the women who have shaped our past and continue to shape our future; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 national theme for Women's History Month —"Leading the Change:
Women Shaping a Sustainable Future" — celebrates women who are reimagining and rebuilding
systems to ensure long-term sustainability across environmental, economic, educational, and
societal spheres, and it invites all communities to recognize and support women's leadership in
creating a future that works for everyone; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to fostering True Community, which Reverend
Dr. Pauli Murray defined as "being based upon equality, mutuality, and reciprocity," and will
continue to elevate the dialogue on women's history and their collective power in shaping a more
just and equitable society;
NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina, hereby proclaim March 2026 as "Women's History Month" and commend this
observance to Orange County residents, urging them to recognize the women in their lives with
appropriate programs, activities, and celebrations that reflect this year's theme of leadership and
sustainable change.
THIS THE 5th DAY OF MARCH, 2026.
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Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler, to approve
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Final Report on Neighborhood Reviews and Revaluation Appeals
The Board received a report on neighborhood level reviews and property tax appeals following
the 2025 revaluation and to provide input on future reporting for the 2026 appeal period.
BACKGROUND: The Board of Commissioners received an update on neighborhood reviews and
property tax appeals at the December 9, 2025 Business Meeting. This report provides a final
analysis of the completed neighborhood reviews, the value adjustments resulting from those
reviews, and the geographic distribution of the reviews.
Neighborhood Reviews
Early in the 2025 tax year, the Tax Office conducted an equity analysis on the County's 1,026
assessment neighborhoods using International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)
statistical standards. The Tax Office reviewed the neighborhoods with five (5) sales or more and
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 examined those neighborhoods for
consistency and reasonableness and identified an additional 76 neighborhoods that required a
more thorough review. The Tax Office also included twenty (20) neighborhoods identified by the
Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition (OCPTJC) for possible value adjustments, and
reviewed Habitat for Humanity home values based on deed restrictions. A total of 172
neighborhoods were identified by the Tax Office for closer review.
At the July 31, 2025 meeting of the Board of Equalization and Review, the Tax Office asked the
Board to grant the authority to review these neighborhoods and make changes as needed. The
Tax Office selected Tanner Valuation Group (TVG) to assist in the review through the Request
for Proposals process.
The Tax Office reviewed the neighborhoods that make up the Northside Neighborhood
Conservation District prior to TVG being hired. Supplemental work and field reviews were
completed on these neighborhoods by TVG. Tax Office staff also made changes to Habitat for
Humanity homes based on deed restrictions on those homes that affect resale value. All other
neighborhoods were reviewed by Tanner Valuation Group, and recommendations were made to
the Tax Office. The Tax Office reviewed the recommendations and made value adjustments
accordingly.
Of the 172 neighborhoods reviewed, recommedations for value adjustments were made for
properties in 57 of those neighborhoods. 2,761 properties received a value change resulting in an
overall reduction of $98,757,700. Of these properties, 257 were the Habitat for Humanity
referenced above. The total value reduction for the Habitat properties was $15,751,700. Tanner
Valuation Group recommended no changes in value for the remaining 115 neighborhoods
identified for further review.
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Tanner Valuation Group provided a Summary Report for the Orange County 2025 Reappraisal
Findings and Recommendations which is included as Attachment 3.
Appeal Status
The Tax Office received 3,380 informal appeals during the informal appeal window from March
21 through April 30, 2025. Of those informal appeals, 2,148 resulted in adjustments to the value
of the property, or 64% of the appeals. Total value reduction was $201,005,498 which is an
average reduction of$93,578.All informal decision notices were mailed as of November 26, 2025.
The formal appeal period was April 1 through July 31, 2025. There were a total of 1,038 formal
appeals, and 686 resulted in adjustments to the value of the property, or 66% of the appeals. The
total value reduction was $158,887,883, resulting in an average reduction of$231,615.
The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget assumed a tax base reduction of 3%, or $936,162,977,
resulting from the appeal process. The total value reduction from appeals was$359,893,381. The
overall value reduction including appeals and neighborhood reviews is $458,651,081, which is a
reduction of 1.47%.
As of February 25, 2026, there have been thirty-four (34) appeals to the North Carolina Property
Tax Commission (PTC) with a total of 94 properties. To compare to previous revaluation years:
➢ 2009— 120 PTC appeals
➢ 2017— 22 PTC appeals
➢ 2021 — 12 PTC appeals
The last of the formal appeal decision notices were mailed on February 20, 2026. There is a 30-
day window for the property owner to appeal to the PTC from the date the final decision notices
were mailed, which means that the number of 2025 PTC appeals could increase.
Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
i
ORANGE COUNTY
NC)RTH CAROLINA
Tax Office Neighborhood Review
Report and Appeal Results
Board of Commissioners
Business Meeting
March 5,2026
7
Slide #2
Purpose
• To receive reports on neighborhood level reviews and
property tax appeals following the 2025 revaluation.
• To provide input on the content of the reports and on the
content and frequency of future reporting requirements for
2026 appeal period.
ORANGE COUNTY
2 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #3
Background
The most recent update on neighborhood reviews and
property tax appeals was at the December 9, 2025 Business
Meeting.
This presentation provides:
Final report on Neighborhood Reviews, value adjustments
resulting from those reviews, and geographic distribution of
the reviews.
Final report on 2025 Appeals, completed February 11 , and
maps of both the informal and formal appeals.
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #4
The Need for Neighborhood Review
• After the 2025 Revaluation notices were mailed, questions arose about the vertical equity in
Orange County's Revaluation.
• Many concerns were raised by Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition (OCPTJC).
Tax Office used vendor services for an analysis county-wide using multiple metrics, with a
conclusion that Orange County was largely within statistical norms.
• Tax Office also conducted a neighborhood level analysis internally and 172 neighborhoods were
identified for further review.
• After dialogue with Habitat for Humanity staff and research, it was noted that some Habitat For
Humanity homes needed further review.
• Tax Office asked the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER)to direct staff to review the
neighborhoods and Habitat properties and make changes as needed.
• Tanner Valuation Group (TVG)was hired to review the neighborhoods. ORANGE COUNTY
4 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #5
Neighborhood Review Results
• 172 neighborhoods were reviewed and 57 neighborhoods saw some sort of
adjustment.
• Tax Office reviewed the neighborhoods that make up the Northside
Neighborhood Conservation District before Tanner Valuation Group (TVG) was
hired and made changes to the properties based on information provided by the
Coalition. Additional work was done on these neighborhoods by TVG.
• County staff reviewed Habitat for Humanity properties and changes were made
to 257 based on deed restrictions that had not been noted previously in the
County's record resulting in a reduction of $15,751 ,700.
• 2,763 total properties received a value change resulting in an overall reduction of
$98,757,700. ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #6
Neighborhood Review Findings — Tanner
Valuation Group
Tanner Valuation Group provided a statement to summarize what
was found in their review:
While there are several factors that can cause Vertical Inequity in
mass appraisal, the main cause in Orange County was due that
properties with deferred maintenance were assessed using the
same methodology as properties that were either
renovated/remodeled, or properties that have been maintained
throughout the years.
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s ORAN GE H ECOUNATY
Slide #7
Neighborhood Review Findings — Tanner
Valuation Group
Additional points identified by Tanner Valuation Group:
• Orange County has
— "unique neighborhoods"
— conservation districts and restrictions
— some neighborhoods with elevated land values compared to similar
neighborhoods
• Some neighborhoods that were found to be statistically out of acceptable
range during the identification of neighborhoods for review are within range
when excluding sales from 2021 and 2022 and focusing on the more recent
2023 and 2024 sales.
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #8
Neighborhood Review Findings — Tanner
Valuation Group
Additional points identified by Tanner Valuation Group:
• A county-wide calculated Standard Time Adjustments was used in the original statistical
analysis, and TVG recommends that county-wide calculated time adjustments not be
used because different parts of the county experienced growth at different rates.
• Vacant sales should also be excluded from statistical analysis. Orange County
experienced a substantial increase in vacant sales during 2021 and 2022. This could
skew the data as most land sales would be on the lower end of the valuation scale and
those property values may now include improvements resulting in significantly higher
ratios.
• Information related to the interior quality of the properties in identified neighborhoods
was provided by the Coalition and would have otherwise been unavailable to_the Tax
Office. ORANGECOUNTY
OUNTY
8 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #9
Neighborhood Review Recommendations — Tanner
Valuation Group
• Analyze all sales to make sure the property data and characteristics
accurately match the property at the time of sale. Make sure to avoid sales
chasing.
• Incorporate the use of Neighborhood Factors further into practice.
• Spend additional time and analysis on upper end properties for the next
revaluation.
• Review base rates, residential in particular is likely low.
• Consider switching from one land line per property to multiples nt
OR
for residual acreage. ORANGE H CCouNAY
11
Slide #10
Neighborhood Review Recommendations — Tanner
Valuation Group
Orange County has some "unique neighborhoods" with situations very few
other counties have. For example, there are neighborhoods that have all of
these types of properties:
• owner occupied
• business owned student rentals
• very poor condition with deferred maintenance
• extensively renovated
• properties with obvious signs of gentrification.
Additional time should be spent on these unique neighborhoods for the next
revaluation.
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ORANGE COUNTY
10 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #11
Neighborhood Review Statistics
Current calculation of the primary statistical measures based on the 2023 and
2024 sales as recommended by TVG are listed below.
Only Reviewed Neighborhoods Current Acceptable Range
Median 0.994 .9 to 1.1
COD 7.059 5.0 to 15.0
PRO 1.02 .98 to 1.03
Only Neighborhoods with Changes
Median 0.984 .9 to 1.1
COD 8.041 5.0 to 15.0
PRO 1.019 .98 to 1.03
County Wide,All Neighborhoods
Median 0.999 .9 to 1.1
COD 15.785 15.0 to 15.0
PRO 11.014 1.98 to 1.03 �
ORANGE COUNTY
11 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #12
Neighborhood Review Statistics Meanings
Median 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
➢ COD - Coefficient of Dispersion measures horizontal uniformity in a sales
ratio study, and shows how tightly individual property assessments are
grouped around the median.
y PRD Price Related Differential (PRD) — measures uniformity of 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
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ORANGE COUNTY
12 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #13
Neighborhood Reviews — Additional Appeal
Any property that received a change in value due to the neighborhood review
received a value change notice, which allowed them the opportunity to appeal that
value.
Of the 2,763 properties that received a change in value from the neighborhood
reviews, 17 appealed the new value.
All appeals were residential properties
Total reduction $585,600
Thirteen received additional reduction from their appeal
One property increased in value
s Three properties did not change
ORANGE COUNTY
13 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #14
Finding Your Neighborhood
• "Neighborhood" — In property valuation, a defined geographic area, or a
group of complementary land uses, containing properties that share similar
market, economic, and physical characteristics. Also known as market area.
• 1,026 defined neighborhoods in Orange County, identified by neighborhood
codes (NBC)
• Go to County's GIS Maps:
https://qis.orangecountync.gov/orangeNCGIS/default.htm
— Enter PIN, owner name, or address
— See Review Results, your neighborhood code, or NBC is shown at the bottom
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is ORANGE ECOUNATY
Slide #15
Finding your Neighborhood — GIS Results Page
Resutts Layers
Results List
LANDVAtUE 2a3800
BLDGVALUE 356200
BLDGCNT 1
VALUATION 640000
TAXSTATUS A
FARMUSE
USEVALVE 0
DEEDREF .... ,
LEGALREF
DATESOLD Mar 9201012700AM
TAXSTAMPS 0
STAMPVALUE 0
YEAR BUILT 2000
SOFT 2178.75
SUBDIVISION NAME
CONDO NAME
SCHOOL-SYSTEM Orange County Schools
NBC 30021
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
Nancy Freeman went to the Orange County GIS website and demonstrated how to find
an NBC and how to use the code to see all the properties in a neighborhood.
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Slide #16
2025 Revaluation Appeals
• In addition to Tanner Valuation Group assisted with data collection for
informal and formal appeals.
• Original estimate for reduction to Tax Base was 3%, or $936,162,977
• At completion of formal appeals, reduction is at 1.47%, or $458,651,081.
— This is in line with the amount of reduction at the 2021 revaluation, which was 1.5%
• Additional reduction expected from next step in appeals process to the NC
Property Tax Commission.
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ORANGE COUNTY
16 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #17
2025 Revaluation Appeals - Informal
• 3,380 Informal appeals received through April 30, 2025
— 3,204 Residential, 176 Commercial
• 2,148 resulted in adjustments, 64% of the total informal appeals
— Total reduction $201,005,498
— 14.6% of beginning value
— Average reduction $93,578
— 2,079 Residential, 69 Commercial
ORANGE COUNTY
17 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #18
2025 Revaluation Appeals - Informal
• 388 of informal appeals also appealed formally to the Board of
Equalization and Review (BOER)
— Total reduction $10,957,700
— 361 Residential, 27 Commercial
• At BOER, 300 had additional reduction,10 increased, 78 had no
change
— Total reduction $37,115,588
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1$ ORAN GE COUNTY
NTOSlide #19
2025 Revaluation Appeals - Formal
• The Board of Equalization and Review is a 3-member volunteer board
— Apply to the Board of Commissioners
— Appointed by the Board of Commissioners for a 2-year appointment
• 2025 Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) held meeting to convene
May 5, 2025 to begin accepting formal appeals
■ 15 pre-adjournment meetings
■ 2025 BOER adjourned July 31, 2025
■ 58 post-adjournment meetings to hear all appeals received through July 31st
■ Final meeting February 11, 2026
19 CW I I I CARC)I_INA
16
Slide #20
2025 Revaluation Appeals - Formal
• There were 1 ,038 formal appeals
— 869 Residential
— 169 Commercial
• Total Reduction $158,887,883
— 686 resulted in adjustments, 66% of the total formal appeals
— Average reduction $231,615
— 612 Residential
— 74 Commercial
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ORANGE COUNTY
20 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #21
North Carolina Property Tax Commission Appeals
• As of February 19, there have been 34 appeals to the NC
Property Tax Commission (PTC)
❑ Includes 94 properties
• 79 of the properties are residential and total $27,428,600
• 15 of the properties are commercial and total $154,543,500
• Window for PTC appeals will end March 25, 2026.
ORANGE COUNTY
21 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #22
ooking Forward — 2026 Appeals
• Currently have received 148 Informal Appeals
• Appraisers have completed 128 of those appeals
• Notice of Decisions will be mailed early April and have the option
to appeal formally
• Value change notices for new construction and others will be sent
late February so they may appeal informally.
• First version of 2026 Appeals Dashboard will be provided at the
early April BOCC meeting
ORANGE COUNTY
22 NORTH CAROLINA
Commissioner Bedford asked if this is the first opportunity for people who had homes
damaged during Tropical Storm Chantal to have their adjustments considered.
Nancy Freeman said yes.
Chair Hamilton asked if value change notices are also sent to people who have renovated
their homes.
Nancy Freeman said yes.
Chair Hamilton confirmed the Board would like staff to maintain the 2026 Appeals
Dashboard.
Slide #23
1 noking Forward — 2026 Board of Equalization and Review
• 2026 Board of Equalization and Review will convene April 31St
• Members will be encouraged to attend:
— NC Department of Revenue presentation that covers "The Charge to the
Board"
— UNC-School Of Government Best Practices for BOER Webinar
• 2025 BOER requested Tax Staff to note several matters during
2025, and bring those matters to the 2026 BOER for review
— concerning changes in procedures
— will include advising staff attorney
ORANGE COUNTY
23 NORTH CAROLINA
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Chair Hamilton requested that training be made mandatory rather than encouraged and
asked to receive training information to determine formal policy requirements. She asked what
changes to the procedures are being made.
Chad Phillips explained that the changes primarily involve commercial property
representation rules and scheduling time allocations.
5. Public Hearings
None.
6. Regular Agenda
a. Approval of Employee Health and Dental Insurance Renewal and Continued
Participation in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool
The Board approved employee health and dental insurance premium equivalent rates for the plan
year July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and approved continued participation in the North
Carolina Health Insurance Pool (NCHIP).
BACKGROUND: The County provides health and dental benefit plans for employees and their
families, as well as health benefit plans for pre-65 retirees. The Board of Commissioners has the
responsibility to approve the health and dental insurance rates each fiscal year. This approval is
made in advance of the annual budget so staff can hold an open enrollment period prior to the
beginning of the fiscal year, July 1. Open enrollment is scheduled for the period of April 27, 2026,
through May 10, 2026.
Health Insurance
In FY 2019, the Board of County Commissioners approved Orange County's participation in the
North Carolina Health Insurance Pool. Based on stable claims experience, from FY 2019 through
FY 2022, the County maintained no increases in premium equivalent rates for health insurance
and dental coverage for employees and pre-65 retirees.
In subsequent years, the Board approved 5% increases in premium equivalent rates for health
insurance coverage each year through FY 2025 and a 6% increase in FY 2026. The County has
absorbed the cost of these increases and has not increased the employee contribution to the
health plan for active employees or pre-65 retirees since 2015.
Funding for the health plan is based on estimated premium equivalent rates that are calculated
to pay for incurred claims, administrative and reinsurance costs, and expected liability of claims
Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR). The plan also carries a reserve balance which helps to ensure
the County's ability to pay any claims that exceed the budgeted amount in any given year.
Best practice recommends maintaining reserves between 1.5 and 3.0 times IBNR. Based on the
December 2025 IBNR liability of $922,644, the recommended reserve range is between $1.4
million and $2.8 million. A target of approximately two (2) times the IBNR, or $1.85 million, is
recommended to stabilize the fund.
The County's current fund ratio is—1.3% as of December 2025 indicating that reserves are below
the target. Increasing premium equivalent rates to cover actual claims incurred will provide the
opportunity to help build reserves in the future.
19
Financial Review
The following table details the Count 's claims experience from FY20 through FY25.
FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25
Jul 19-Jun 20 Jul 20-Jun 21 Jul 21-Jun 22 Jul 22-Jun 23 Jul 23-Jun 24 Jul 24-Jun 25 YoY Change
need$ $6,895,698 $8,857,216 $10,946,908 $8,883,956 $9,921,942 $10,689,943 8%
Rx$ $3,611,785 $3,362,195 $3,666,862 $4,257,610 $5,138,699 $7,173,975 40%
Total$ $10,507,483 $12,219,410 $14,613,770 $13,141,565 $15,060,642 $17,863,919 19%
Average Employees Covered 1078 1050 1024 1064 1111 1127
Avg Per Claimant Per Year $9,743 $11,635 $14,278 $12,349 $13,558 $15,846
Banded Layer$>40K $1,740,760 $2,701,986 $27,772,535 $2,547,489 $3,140,986 $4,150,593
Banded Layer Claimants>40K 45 57 53 73 74 88
Stop Loss Reimbursements $647,818 $549,098 $2,165,540 $483,352 $611,414 $767,884
Stop Loss Claimants 2 4 8 2 2 1'
#of Claimants over$10K 221 262 266 296 357 414
#of Claimants over$20K 111 130 139 149 182 208
'ISL increased from$200K to$400 K
From FY 2020 through FY 2025, the Health Insurance plan has experienced increases in the
frequency and severity of large claimants, overall increases in gross claims, and growth in plan
enrollment.
From FY 2024 to FY 2025, the cost of total claims increased by $2,803,277 or approximately
19%. Of that increase, medical claims increased by $768,001 or approximately 8%, while
pharmacy claims increased by over$2 million or 40%.
Cost of Claims
Actuarial analysis from NCHIP recommends a 12.5% rate increase to both the employee and
employer share of premium equivalents to meet the cost of expected claims. If the County absorbs
the entire cost of this increase and does not increase employee contributions, the County's cost
would need to increase by a total of 13.7%.
Pharmacy Cost Drivers
One of the primary cost drivers for pharmacy claims is the increased use and high relative cost
of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
o Approximately 100 members are using GLP-1's for weight loss.
o The cost of covering these medications for weight loss is approximately$1 million.
o Other employers that have continued to cover the GLP-1's have also needed a
"catch up" increase as employers did not anticipate the demand associated with
these drugs.
Medical Cost Drivers
The primary cost drivers for medical claims are more varied.
• The cost of cancer treatments and other cancer therapies have increased by 34%. New
treatments are being discovered, approved, and put into use with unprecedented
frequency. As the covered population continues to age, cancer rates are also expected to
increase.
• The cost of musculoskeletal outpatient surgeries has increased by 11%.
• The cost of psychiatry, primary care, and specialist visits has increased by 12%. The
utilization of these services by individuals covered by the Orange County plan is above
the industry standard.
20
Enrollment Increases
In addition to the cost of claims, employee enrollment in the County plan has increased over time.
Enrollments have increased 7% over the past five (5) years. The most significant increases have
occurred in employee-only plans which are 100% County funded. The number of enrollments for
employee-only plans has increased by 12% over the past five (5) years, or by approximately 80
enrollments.
Considerations for Cost Containment Measures
Staff have explored several strategies to manage rising costs while maintaining current benefits
and is recommending that the Board consider two changes to the health insurance plan design.
1. Implement a RxSaveCard for GLP-1's used for weight loss
• The RxSaveCard offers a projected savings of $500,000 annually based on current
utilization.
• The RxSaveCard provides a mechanism for consumers to have direct relationships with
GLP-1 drug manufacturers through Lilly Direct and NovoCare.
• This direct-to-consumer relationship lowers the cost to the health plan by eliminating the
premium associated with the Pharmacy Benefit Manager that would otherwise serve as
an intermediary between the manufacturer, pharmacy, and consumer. For example, the
cost of a Wegovy prescription under the County's current plan is $950 per month. The
direct-to-consumer price is $350, saving the health plan $600 per month.
• Instead of insurance plan coverage for this drug, employees would purchase medications
directly from the manufacturer. In practice, employees would receive an RxSaveCard,
and the County would provide a subsidy of$375 on this card each month for the employee
to purchase their medication. If the actual cost of the prescription is less than the $375
monthly subsidy, the excess funding is returned to the County. For example, the direct-
to-consumer price of the Wegovy injectable medication is$350. Since the County subsidy
($375) is greater than the direct-to-consumer cost, the employee receives the drug for$0,
and $25 is returned to the County at the end of each month. The savings and cost to the
employee under this plan are detailed in the table below.
CURRENT PBM RxSaveCard
Drug Dose Estimated Employee Direct Price OC Subsidy Employee
Insurance Price Monthly monthly
(after rebate) Cost(PPO) cost
Wegovy(inj) all $950 $25 $350 $375 $0
Zepbound (inj) low $850 $25 $299 $375 $0
Zepbound (inj) mid $850 $25 $399 $375 $24
Zepbound (inj) high $850 $25 $449 $375 $74
Wegovy(oral) low $800 $25 $149 $375 $0
Wegovy (oral) mid $800 $25 $249 $375 $0
Wegovy(oral) high $800 $25 $229 $375 $0
• The only drug for which the employee would have to contribute is for the Zepbound
injectable at medium and high doses. Those prescriptions would carry an employee
responsibility of$24 and $74 respectively. The current co-pay under the County's current
plan is $25.
2. Implement a Surcharge for Spousal Health Insurance Coverage when Alternative
Coverage is available to the Spouse
21
• Implement a$200 per month surcharge to the employee contribution for spousal coverage
when spouse has health insurance coverage with their employer.
• Currently, 144 spouses are enrolled in the County's health plan. Staff from the North
Carolina Health Insurance Pool (NCHIP) estimate that 20% of spouses or approximately
29 spouses would choose to remain on the County plans despite having alternative
coverage.
• If those employees were charged an extra $200 to maintain spousal coverage, direct
revenue to the plan would increase by $70,000.
Below is a chart showing the estimated direct financial impact:
Spousal Surcharge Modelin
Current Covered Spouses 144
Estimated % w Other Coverage 20%
Monthly Surcharge Amount $200
Estimated Spouses Impacted 29
Estimated Surcharge Revenue $69,120
Surcharge Revenue Offset $69,120
• The spousal surcharge may also have an indirect savings to the plan by discouraging
migration to the County's plan from coverage available to the spouse of a County
employee. The County currently contributes an additional $600 per month to move
from an employee only plan to an employee plus spouse plan and an additional $800
per month to move from an employee plus children plan to a full family plan.
Discouraging migration to the County plan has the potential to save the additional
County premium contribution associated with coverage a spouse as well as the
additional cost of claims incurred by the spouse. Predicting the claims savings is
difficult without direct experience.
Dental Insurance
The County provides dental coverage for active employees. No rate increase is recommended
for FY 2026-27.
Brenda Bartholomew, Human Resources Director, reviewed the background information
for the item. She made the following presentation:
22
Slide#1
OC Health Insurance
Renewal
For enrollment period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
Orange County Board of Commissioners
March 5, 2026
Slide#2
Key Insights from FY26/27 Renewal Discussion
OC Current Financials
What factors are driving the increase in health care costs
Cost Containment Considerations
23
Slide #3
1
Orange County Current Financials with NCHIP
FY20 FY21 FY22 FY28 FY24 FY25 From FY 2020 through FY 2025,the
Jul 19-Jun 20 Jul 20•Jun 21 Jul21-Jun 22 Jul 22•Jun 23 Jul 23•Jun 24 Jul 24•Jun 25 YoYChange Health Insurance plan has experienc
Ned $6,895,698 $8,857,215 $10,946,908 $6,863,956 $9,921,942 $10,689,943 8% increases in the frequency and severity of
RK$ $3,611,785 $3,3621195 $3,666,862 $4,257,610 $5,138,699 $7,173,975 40% large claimants,overall increases in gr s
Total$ $10,507p83 112,219,410 $14,613,770 $13,141,566 $15,060,642 $17,983,919 19% claims,and growth in plan enrollment.F
Average Ern ployeesCovered 1078 1050 1024 1 1064 1111 1 1127
kg PerChimaM PerYear $9,743 $11,635 $14,278 $12,319 $14560 $16,e46 From FY 2024 to FY 2025,the cost of t
Banded Layer$>40K $1,740,760 $2,701,986 $27,72,535 $2,547,489 $3,140,986 54,150,593
Banded Layer Claimants 540K 45 57 53 73 74 claims increased by$2,803,277 or
Slap Lose Reimbursements $647,818 $549,098 $2,165,540 $463,352 $611,414 $767,884 approximately 19%.
Slap Loss Claimants 2 4 8 2 2 1'
• Of that increase, medical claims increase
001Cielmenls over 51OK 221 32 266 296 357 414 by$768,001 or approximately 8%,while
#olCle mants over$20K 111 130 139 149 182 206 pharmacy claims increased by over$2
'13L in,Nseu Gam 52M 10$400 K million or 40%.
A4
Slide #4
What factors are driving the increase in health care cost
Healthcare costs are rising faster than enrollment, driven primarily by pharmacy and high-cost
claims.
Claims Have Increased Pharmacy is the Primary Driver
Significantly
Pharmacy increased 40%in one year
FY24 to FY25: +$2,8M (19%) Over$2M increase in Rx.alone
• Major contributor to renewal pressure
Taul Claims Trend(FY20-FY25)
Pharmacy(Rx)Growth(FY20-FY25)
L7 To
Lfi e
�La.0
E 55
12
3 �
24
Slide #5
Cost Drivers
Medical Cost Drivers
Pharmacy Cost Drive
Cancer treatments+34%
Musculoskeletal surgeries +11%
Behavioral Et specialist visits+12% GLP-1 drugs for weight loss
✓ 100 members utilizing
✓ $1M annual cost
✓ Usage far exceeded projections
Slide #6
Health Insurance Renewal - Status Quo
Recommended Status Quo Renewal
12.5%total rate increase recommended
• 13.68%employer impact if County absorbs full increase
Employer
• $15,470,177
$17,587,217 $2,117,040 13.68% I
25
Slide#7
Cost Containment Strategy Considerations
• RxSaveCard Monthly Surcharge for Spousal
Require use of RxSaveCard for Coverage
coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight $200 per month surcharge if spouse has
loss alternative coverage available
Direct to consumer approach— Would applyto Employee+Spouse Plan and
prescriptions received from Family Plan
manufacturer by mail
Employee receives$375 monthly 144 spouses currently enrolled in County
health plan.
allowance
Drug costs below$375 per month NCHIP estimates 20%or 29 spouses would
are returned to the County remain on County plan
v$500,000 savings projected based Potential revenue increase to the plan
on continued utilization -$64,000
May deter spousal migration to County plan
Positive impact on employee costs from other coverage
for most prescriptions
- Avoids increased cost of spousal claims
Slide #8
1,
RxSaveCard provides a direct-to-
consumer relationship with GLP-9 drug
RxSaveCard manufacturers,Lilly Direct and
NovoCare
CURRENT PHM RasayeCard Eliminates cost associated with the
D.g Dose Isrrrded Psployee OlredPrlce OCSubsidy Employee pharmacy Benefits Manager(PBM)
Insurance Price Monthly —thly
iafter rebate) C-1(PPO) coat
Wegovy(inj) all 5950 $25 $350 $375 s0
zephound(lnj) Inw 5850 $25 $299 $375 so Wegovy Injectable Example:
Zepbound(inj) mid $850 $25 SM $375 $24 $950 per month=cost to current plan
Zepbound(inj) high $850 $25 $449 S37$ $74
Wegovy(oW) Iow $= $25 $149 $375 $0 • $350 per month=cost direct-to-
Wegovy(om1) mid sm $25 $24a $375 so consumerplan through RxSaveCard
jweg.vY high ROD $25 $229 $375 $0
• $600 per month savings to County plan
Reduces employee costs for most
prescriptions from$25 per month to$0
with exception of Zepbound Injectable
26
Slide#9
Manager's Recommendation
• Continue participation in NCHIP; and
• Approve one of the plan design options as outlined in the
DesignPlan following table; and
Option Approve the renewal for dental insurance with no changes
Comparison
WtFY25/26 $15,470,177
atus quo $17,587,217 13,68% $2,117,040 $2,117,040 13.68%
xSave Card $16,486,356 6.57% $1,016,179 $450,000 $1,466,179 9.48%
•. Spousal Surcharge $17,517,217 13.23% $2,047,040 $2,047,040 13.23%
Option 4 Option 2 and 3 $16,416,356 6.12% $946,179 $450,000 $1,396,179 9.02%
Slide #10
QUESTIONS
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
approve the continued participation in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool, approve option
#4 for plan design and associated employer costs, and approve the renewal for dental insurance.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
Commissioner Bedford thanked Brenda Bartholomew for the presentation and for the rX
card option for employees.
Commissioner McKee thanked staff for these cost-saving options. He said the resulting
increase is more reasonable.
Chair Hamilton said she thinks it is important to invest in employees and help them do the
best job that they can do for the county.
b. Orange County's Proposed 2026 Priority Legislative Issues
The Board reviewed and discussed the proposed Orange County 2026 Priority Legislative Issues
as developed by the Legislative Issues Work Group (LIWG), and approved the Top 5 Orange
County 2026 Priority Legislative Issues and the full list of twenty-one (21 ) Priority
Legislative Issues for submittal to Orange County's legislative delegation.
BACKGROUND: Orange County's Legislative Breakfast with Orange County's legislative
delegation, in conjunction with the 2026 North Carolina General Assembly session, is scheduled
for March 23, 2026. The Board of Commissioners has historically approved a set of priority
legislative issues each year for presentation to/discussion with the delegation.
The Board historically has designated two members to work with staff on a Legislative Issues
Work Group (LIWG)to develop a proposed legislative priorities document. Based on the work of
the LIWG, the BOCC has then reviewed and approved a package of legislative items to present
to Orange County's legislative delegation. Commissioners Phyllis Portie Ascott and Marilyn Carter
are serving on the 2026 LIWG and have worked with staff on the attached 2026 legislative
materials.
As the LIWG considered its approach for this year, the Group determined to identify a list of
Legislative Priority Issues in conjunction with:
• The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Advocacy
Goals; and
• Orange County's Strategic Plan Goals/Priorities.
During its review, the Group identified twenty-one (21) Priority Legislative Issues (Attachment 2).
From that list, the Group determined its "Top 5 Priority Legislative Issues" (Attachment 1). It is
recommended that the Board review the proposed Top 5 Legislative Issues as well as the full list
of twenty-one (21) items, consider modifying both documents as may be necessary based on
discussion, and consider any other potential revisions.
It should also be noted that the LIWG has been developing an expanded document regarding the
Orange County 2026 Priority Legislative Issues that provides background information and talking
points for the priority issues. Upon completion, that document will be shared with Board members
and staff for use as pursuit of the Board's adopted Legislative Priority Issues moves forward.
Following discussion of and any amendments to Attachments 1 and 2, the Board is asked to
approve both documents. Staff will then work with the Chair to share the approved documents
with Orange County's legislative delegation in preparation for discussion at the March 23, 2026
Legislative Breakfast.
The work of the Legislative Issues Work Group to this point is based on the current information
available for the 2026 General Assembly Session. The issues addressed by the Group may
28
evolve and change over the session and require additional attention by the Group and Board of
Commissioners. New issues may also arise necessitating additional review.
Greg Wilder, Assistant to the County Manager for Legislative Affairs, reviewed the
background information for the item.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott explained that the new format of the document provides
talking points and local impact information to help commissioners defend goals at NACO steering
committee meetings and assist the legislative delegation in understanding Orange County's
specific impacts.
Commissioner Carter noted that the document underwent multiple iterations to achieve
alignment, highlighting the top five priorities: agricultural and farmland preservation, housing
preservation, behavioral health capacity, health services and local detention facilities, and tax and
finance protecting county fiscal stability. The broader list addresses environmental protection,
clean water, watershed protection, storm resilience, disaster recovery, rural water and sewer
infrastructure, workforce housing, transportation access, and education workforce development.
Chair Hamilton thanked the work group and staff for their work on the alignment.
Commissioner Greene questioned including the longer list, preferring to focus on five
priorities as the Board had previously decided.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott explained that the additional items acknowledge strategic
priorities and prevent important issues from being lost.
Vice-Chair Fowler advocated for six priorities by adding public education, noting that half
the county's budget goes to schools and adequate state funding would reduce pressure on the
county. She wanted to include pre-K investment advocacy and opposition to school vouchers for
families already attending private schools. She also emphasized the need for specific Medicaid
codes for behavioral health urgent care centers to be included under the behavioral health priority.
Commissioner McKee supported keeping five focused goals while noting that
commissioners could individually contact legislators about other issues. He shared an example
of contacting legislators about controlling rogue agritourism operations affecting legitimate
farmers.
Chair Hamilton reminded the Board that this is the document used to talk to delegation at
the Legislative Breakfast. She said they don't have to just stick to 5 and can make sure the
document works for the Board.
Commissioner Bedford supported the new format and suggested adding bullet points
under public education for pre-K emphasis and voucher reduction, plus adding back the IDD
waiver wait list clearing under health and human services, noting over 17,000 people wait for
services with only 1,000 new vouchers added in recent years.
Vice-Chair Fowler raised questions about water and sewer infrastructure expansion
conflicting with current WASMPBA agreements restricting such expansion. She also advocated
for non-partisan redistricting inclusion.
Commissioners discussed the water/sewer language, with Commissioner Carter clarifying
the intent was seeking funding for infrastructure work rather than legislation to change restrictions.
Commissioner Greene suggested changing "legislation" to "funding" and adding invasive
species research funding.
After Board discussion, Chair Hamilton called for individual positions on the addition of
support for non-partisan redistricting. With five commissioners supporting, non-partisan
redistricting was added to the list.
The Board reached consensus on the following amendments:
• Top priorities increased from five to six by adding public education
• Added pre-K investment and school voucher opposition under education
• Added IDD innovation waiver wait list clearing under health services
29
• Added Medicaid code for behavioral health urgent care centers
• Added non-partisan redistricting under general government
• Changed water/sewer language from "seek legislation" to "seek funding"
• Added invasive species research funding support under environment
Chair Hamilton said the talking points in the packet are good for the NCACC meetings,
but also for commissioners when talking in the community.
A motion was made by Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve
the Top 6 Orange County 2026 Priority Legislative Issues document, as amended, and the full list
of twenty-one (21) Priority Legislative Issues, as amended, for submittal to Orange County's
legislative delegation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Greg Wilder confirmed that the legislative breakfast packet would include both amended
attachments plus the eight-page talking points document as supplemental information.
c. Discussion on Large-Scale Data Center Development in Oranqe County
This item was added at the beginning of the meeting.
Commissioner Carter introduced this agenda item, explaining that NACO's Legislative
Conference strongly encouraged counties to prepare for the data center industry's arrival by
reviewing potential impacts and assessing land use guardrails.The explosive growth in computing
power and data centers driven by Al creates concerns about utility impacts on residential bills and
water usage demands for cooling systems. She referenced Loudoun County, Virginia's
experiences and noted bipartisan North Carolina legislation from previous sessions addressing
resident protection from electrical utility impacts, including House Bills 638 and 1002. She noted
the timing was appropriate given the World Day for Water proclamation in the consent agenda.
A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, for
the Board to direct County staff to prepare a presentation for our next Business Meeting on
March 17, 2026 that addresses the following:
1. The potential impacts of large-scale data center development in Orange County,
including electricity demand, water usage, land use compatibility, environmental
considerations, and potential impacts on residents' utility costs, and water quality.
2. Policy options available to the County, including, but not limited to, a temporary
moratorium on data center development, revising the Orange County Land Use Plan and
UDO, and the legal process required to implement each option.
3. Recommendation(s)for Board action.
Commissioner McKee noted land has reportedly been purchased in Person County for a
data center that would draw power from Mayo Lake Power Station via lines running through
Orange County, potentially raising rates countywide.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott supported gathering additional information to understand
impacts.
Vice-Chair Fowler agreed, noting that data centers provide few jobs relative to their utility
costs and environmental impacts.
30
Commissioner Bedford requested that environmental considerations include noise and
environmental justice issues, suggesting consultation with experts, including the Southern
Environmental Law Center.
Commissioner Greene mentioned Loudoun County's experience with data centers
generating substantial property tax revenue from computer equipment, but warned against
reliance on single revenue sources, given other negative impacts.
Vice-Chair Fowler noted that data centers aren't addressed in the current UDO and should
be considered in the comprehensive plan update.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7. Reports
None.
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 Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to approve
the consent agenda.
Commissioner Greene commented on the Transit Employee Appreciation Week
proclamation, noting that Orange County's fixed routes are currently fare-free for the year.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
a. Minutes for February 3, 2026 Business Meetinq and February 10, 2026 Work Session
The Board approved the minutes for the February 3, 2026 Business Meeting and February 10,
2026 Work Session.
b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for four(4)taxpayers
with a total of four (4) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution to release property tax values for eight (8) taxpayers with a total
of nine (9) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
d. Late Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
The Board approved two (2) untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem
taxation for two (2) bills for the 2025 tax year.
e. Try Transit Week and Transit Employee Appreciation Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation recognizing the week of March 16, 2026 as Try Transit Week
in Orange County and March 18, 2026 as Transit Employee Appreciation Day.
f. World Water Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation designating March 22, 2026 as World Water Day in Orange
County.
g. Orange County Creek Week 2026 Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation declaring March 21-29, 2026, as "Orange County Creek
Week".
31
h. Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Animal Services Improvements
The Board:
1) Approved the County entering into a professional services agreement with Smith Sinnett
Architecture, P.A., for the Animal Services Improvements; and
2) Authorized the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the
County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen requirements
up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.
L Whitted Complex Chiller Installation Service Contract Award
The Board:
1) Approved the County entering into a service contract with Brady Trane Service, Inc. for
the purchase of services to install a replacement chiller and chilled water pumps at the Richard
E. Whitted Complex; and
2) Authorized the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the
County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen requirements
up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board.
j. Approval of Eno Arts Mill Suite 17 Lease Amendment for Orange County Arts
Commission
The Board approved Amendment One to the Eno Arts Mill Suite 17 Lease.
k. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Carrboro and
Orange County for County Enforcement of Carrboro's Erosion and Sedimentation
Control (E&SC) Regulations
The Board adopted a resolution approving amendments to an existing Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the Town of Carrboro and Orange County regarding the provision
of Erosion Control services by Orange County to the Town as requested by the Town to support
its Stormwater and Erosion Control program, its delegated authority granted by the North Carolina
Environmental Management Commission (NC EMC), and the Town's mandated program
requirements administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC
DEQ).
I. Professional Services Contract with Catawba Valley Engineering and Testing, P.C., for
Lake Orange Intake Tower Replacement Project Geotechnical Services
The Board approved a professional services contract in the amount of $97,075 with Catawba
Valley Engineering and Testing, P.C., for Professional Geotechnical Services (hereafter the
"Project").
m. Amendments to the Series 2019 A and B Limited Obligation Bond Documents
The Board adopted a resolution related to an Orange County request to the North Carolina Local
Government Commission (LGC) to amend the financing documents associated with its 2019
Limited Obligation Bonds (Series 2019A and Series 2019B) to reallocate remaining bond
proceeds to eligible project costs.
9. County Manager's Report
Travis Myren reminded the Board about the work session next Tuesday.
10. County Attorney's Report
John Roberts addressed two items. First, he acknowledged Commissioner McKee's
earlier comments about large farm parties and noted ongoing cross-aisle legislative discussions
about addressing such issues, with hopes for presentation in the short session. Second, he made
his annual inquiry about proposed local bills, noting departments had no requests and asking
commissioners to consider any local bills they might want to present to the delegation, requesting
advance notice for proper language preparation.
32
11. *Appointments
None.
12. Information Items
• February 17, 2026 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
• Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
• Tax Collector's Report— In-Rem Foreclosure Progress Report
• Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
• Memorandum — Funding Request from Veterans Memorial Committee
13. Closed Session
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, 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 opioid litigation, number
1:17-and-02804 and other topics.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler, to
reconvene into regular session at 9:29 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler, to adjourn
the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board