HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-07-2026-Business Meeting 1
APPROVED 5/5/26
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUSINESS MEETING
April 7, 2026
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday,April 7, 2026, at 7:00
p.m. at the Whiffed 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
None.
Chair Hamilton read the public charge and reviewed the instructions for making public comment.
She noted that comments on printed agenda items would be taken when those specific matters come
before the board.
2. Public Comments(Limited to One Hour)
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
None.
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 petitioned the board to include a discussion at the work session on Tuesday,
April 1,2026,regarding the possibility of adding a provision to the Longtime Homeowners Assistance(LHA)
Program. His proposal would hold harmless those residents 70 years or older who have owned their homes
for 20 years and have income levels at 30% or below of Area Median Income from tax increases, as long
as they own the house or until they pass away. He noted that this would benefit between 90 and 110
people and said he would bring information back to a work session.
Commissioner Greene reported on the most recent GoTriangle meeting, sharing the encouraging
news that ridership on routes 400 and 405 from Chapel Hill to Durham had doubled since the service
moved to 15-minute frequency. She said it is a game changer when you can just walk up to the bus stop
and know that a bus is coming any minute. On behalf of the Visitors Bureau, she announced that the
Savannah Bananas would be coming to town over the weekend. She said it is a major coup for Chapel Hill
because many towns were competing for this opportunity.She highlighted the Visitors Bureau's impressive
return on investment for fiscal year 2024-25, with a $776,000 investment returning $9.9 million, largely
driven by major soccer matches including the Manchester and Celtic Football Clubs and the Mexico and
2
Turkey teams. She noted that this year's investment of$130,000 in the Savannah Bananas is expected to
return about$7 million.
Commissioner Carter acknowledged they were entering budget season and emphasized that the
budget is a statement of the values of the Board and how it balances needs in an environment where costs
are being pushed down to counties from the federal and state governments.She noted that April is County
Government Month and looked forward to hearing about the county's applications for NACO's
achievement awards. She highlighted the Telecommunicators Week Proclamation on the consent agenda
and praised the outstanding 911 call center in Emergency Services, sharing that last year the center
received 88,000 calls with over 96% answered within 10 seconds. She mentioned attending a "100
Counties Prepared" training session on Thursday for disaster scenarios. She congratulated Jonah Garson,
an Orange County Planning Board member, who was designated as a Senate candidate for NC District 23.
Vice-Chair Fowler highlighted the many proclamations on the consent agenda that couldn't be
read individually, including Public Safety Telecom municators Week, Earth Day, Native Plant Month, and
Volunteer Week. She specifically mentioned adding the Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day proclamation
thanks to a constituent's request. She read a portion of the proclamation, which said the Board is
designating April 10th as Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Orange County, recognizing young people's
right to education, prevention, treatment, and care, and to live without criminalization, discrimination,
oppression, and stigma." She also mentioned the recent Triangle West Transportation Planning
Organization's(TPO)meeting and encouraged anyone interested in learning more to visit the Triangle West
TPO website.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott reported attending the General Services steering committee meeting
where they heard from the Division of Water Infrastructure with the Department of Environmental Quality
about new state water and sewer programs, including a pilot helping homeowners replace failing septic
systems through forgivable loans. She found this particularly notable given community members'
experiences with failing systems costing upwards of$60,000. She also attended a healthcare forum titled
"Can I Afford My Healthcare"where the Health Director and Director of Social Services provided clear and
practical insights on the challenges that residents are facing around their healthcare. She highlighted the
nomination period for the 2026 Civic Excellence and Innovation Awards with NCACC,encouraging Orange
County departments to apply by the April 20, 2026 deadline.
Commissioner Bedford reminded everyone to wear blue on Friday for Child Abuse Prevention
Week, noting it was moved from the first Friday due to Good Friday. As the Board's representative to the
Partnership to End Homelessness, she announced that there would be a reorganization meeting on April
16, 2026, at the Drakeford Library Complex. The goal of the meeting will be to comply with Housing and
Urban Development(HUD) requirements forthe Continuum of Care(CoC).She said the board composition
will change, and a public kickoff meeting is scheduled.
Chair Hamilton concluded by highlighting an information item recognizing county employees who
retired between January 1, 2026, and March 31,2026.She expressed gratitude to all the retirees for their
service to Orange County and its residents. She read the names and departments of the retirees.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/Special Presentations
a. County Government Month Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation designating April 2026 as County Government Month in Orange
County.
BACKGROUND: The National Association of Counties (NACo) celebrates National County Government
Month each April to educate the public about county government. A proclamation to acknowledge April
2026 as County Government Month is attached.
3
This year's national theme is "Brilliant Ideas at Work" The theme encourages counties, parishes and
boroughs to feature their most innovative and successful programs —those truly making a difference in
residents' lives.
To celebrate County Government Month, the Community Relations Department will coordinate a social
media campaign showcasing County employees and the important work they do. Staff will also spotlight
some of the County's most successful and innovative programs.
Community Relations Director, Wil Glenn, presented the County Government Month
Proclamation, explaining that every April NACO celebrates County Government Month as an opportunity
to tell residents about all the great things counties do to serve them. He noted that this year they would
be profiling employees as the most valuable county commodity.
Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH—APRIL 2026
WHEREAS,the nation's 3,069 counties serving more than 330 million Americans provide essential services
to create healthy, safe and vibrant communities; and
WHEREAS, counties fulfill a vast range of responsibilities and deliver services that touch nearly every
aspect of our residents' lives; and
WHEREAS, counties as intergovernmental partners enact local, state and federal programs to address the
needs of all residents; and
WHEREAS, Orange County and all counties take pride in our responsibility to protect and enhance the
health, well-being and safety of our residents in efficient and cost-effective ways; and
WHEREAS,the nation is celebrating 250 years of independence this year and counties have a long and rich
history of serving residents; and
WHEREAS, each year since 1991 the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the
country to elevate awareness of county responsibilities, programs and services; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has made tremendous investments in public
education, affordable housing, human services, economic development and public safety to enhance the
quality of life for all county residents;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT we,the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim April 2026 as County Government Month and express our appreciation to the County employees
who make our community such a special place to live,work, play and raise a family.
This the 7th day of April, 2026.
4
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford,seconded by Earl McKee,to approve and authorize
the Chair to sign the proclamation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Presentation of Manager's Recommended FY 2026-36 Capital Investment Plan (CIP)
The Board received the Manager's Recommended FY 2026-36 Capital Investment Plan.
BACKGROUND: Each year,the County produces a Capital Investment Plan (CIP)that establishes a budget
planning guide related to capital needs for the County and Schools. The 10-Year CIP is evaluated annually
to include year-to-year changes in priorities, needs, and available resources. Approval of the CIP commits
the County to the first-year funding only of the capital projects; all other years are used as a planning tool
and serves as a financial plan.
Capital Investment Plan—Overview
The FY 2026-36 CIP includes County Projects, School Projects, and Proprietary Projects. The School
Projects include Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, and Durham Technical
Community College—Orange County Campus projects. The Proprietary Projects include Water and Sewer,
Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, and Sportsplex projects.
The CIP has been prepared anticipating moderate economic growth of approximately 2% in property tax
growth and 4% in sales tax growth annually over the next ten years.The CIP will rely substantially on debt
financing to fund the projects and these required debt amounts are fully integrated in the County's Long-
Term Debt Model.
Travis Myren, County Manager, presented a high-level overview of the recommended Capital
Investment Plan (CIP) (PowerPoint presentation is attached to the minutes).
Slide#1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROL714A
Introduction of the Capital Investment
Plan for FY2026-36
Board of Commissioners Business Meeting
April 7, 2026
Travis Myren noted that a more in-depth discussion would occur on April 16, 2026, for year one
projects.
5
Slide#2
Purpose
• Purpose of the Capital Investment Plan
— Board Approves Year 1 of the Plan as the FY2026 -27 Capital Budget
— Ten Year Planning Horizon(FY2026-36)
• Imposes Planning Discipline
• No Surprises
— Debt Service Requirements
• Amount of Funds Required in the Operating Budget
• Measures Debt Capacity—Debt Service Compared to Expected General Fund Revenue
• Predicts Potential Tax Increases Required to Pay Debt Service
ORANGE COUNTY
2 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren explained the CIP's purposes: the Board approves year one as the Capital Budget, it
serves as a planning document imposing discipline and preventing surprises, and it examines how the
capital plan impacts the operating budget through debt service and long-term operating costs.
Slide#3
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• Implementation of Guiding Plans
- Long-Range School Optimization Plan - County Long-Range Facilities Plan
• Projects Aligned with Strategic Plan
— Strategic Plan Priorities — Responsive Projects
• Environmental Protection and Climate Action Climate Action Plan Projects
• Healthy Community Emergency Services Projects
• Housing for All Affordable Housing
• Multi-modal Transportation Transit Plan Update, Bus Shelters
• Public Education/Learning Community School Construction and Planning and Design
• Diverse and Vibrant Economy Piedmont Food Processing Center
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren explained this was the second year of implementing two guiding capital plans: the
Long-range School Optimization Plan (Woolpert Plan) and the county's Long-range Facilities Plan, both
covering 10 years starting in 2024-25. He noted that both plans align with the county's Strategic Plan
priorities.
6
Slide#4
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• Implementation of Long-Range School Optimization Plan—FY2026-27 and Capital
Funding Policy
— Major Projects -$105.8 million Major Projects Recommended
Appropriated by Project Carrboro Elementary Replacement $47.7 million
•
Financed Using Bond Proceeds and OCS Elementary Replacement $50.8 million
Supplemental Pay Go Estes Hills Elementary Design $6.3 million
$3.5 million PaYGo in FY2026.27 Project Maragement Funds $1 million
TOTAL $105.8 million
— High Priority Needs —$6.4 million High Priority Needs
Appropriated by Project East Chapel Hill High Roof Replacement $3.0 million
Specific Projects Enumerated Annually for Carrboro High Roof Replacement $1.2 million
Flexibility Mary Scroggs Elementary HVAC Replacement $56,400
• Financed UsingAnnual Debt,
Lottery Proceeds,and Remaining AL Stanback Viddle HVAC Replacement $2.1 million
Bond or Supplemental PayGo TOTAL $6.4 million
4
Travis Myren outlined two major school construction projects for 2026-27: Carrboro Elementary
replacement($44.7 million) built on the current site,and Orange County Schools'replacement elementary
school ($50.8 million) located next to Gravelly Hill Middle and the Soccer.com facility. These projects,
totaling$105.8 million,would be accompanied by$3.5 million in Pay-Go funds for planning and soft costs,
representing a $3 million increase equivalent to about 0.90 cents on the property tax rate.
Commissioner McKee questioned the disparity between Scroggs Elementary HVAC replacement
at$560,004 and A.L. Stanback HVAC replacement at$2.1 million.
Travis Myren explained that it was either a segment of the system or possibly just the system for
classroom trailers that need attention at Scroggs.
Slide#5
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• Implementation of Long-Range School Optimization Plan— FY 2026-27 and Capital
Funding Policy
— Other Capital Uses —$6.5 million
• Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools -$3.9 million
• Orange County Schools -$2.6 million
• Appropriated by Category
• Financed Using Recurring Capital and Article 46 Sales Tax Proceeds
— Rental Space
— Technology Plans
— Equipment Replacement
— Lifecycle Capital Replacements
5 ORAoRNGE COUNTY
7
Travis Myren noted that there are $6.5 million for the third category of spending, Other Capital
Uses,which covers things like rental space,technology plans, equipment replacement, and other lifecycle
capital replacements. He said this is funded through Recurring Capital and Article 46 proceeds.
Slide#6
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• Implementation of long-Range School Optimization Plan — 10-Year Plan
— School General Obligation Bond -$300 million
• Allocated by specific project over 6year window
— Pay-As-You-Go(Cash) -$94.8 million
• 3 Year Phase-In Recommended
— FY2026-27 $3.5 million
— FY2027-28 $6.5 million
— FY2028-29 $10 million in FY2028-29 and all subsequent plan years
• Provides Flexibility&No interest
• Reduces Impact of Borrowing on debt Service to General Fund Revenue Measure
• Enduring Source of Maintenance Funds After Bond is Exhausted
ORANGE COUNTY
6 NORTH CAROLINA
Looking at the full 10-year plan, Travis Myren noted the $300 million designated for school
renovations and replacements, with $94.8 million in Pay-Go funds over 10 years.
Vice-Chair Fowler said her calculation showed $90 million rather than $94.8 million.
Travis Myren said they would reconcile the figures, explaining that some Pay-Go was added back
in the final years, but the $94.8 million total was correct.
Commissioner Carter asked about potential software expenses related to the Tax Assessment work
group recommendations.
Travis Myren encouraged her to look at the page called Information Technology Governance
Council Recommendations in the CIP buget document. He said EagleView aerial photometric system
software was recommended, which helps track property changes over time and reduces the need for
intensive field work.
Commissioner Carter said she was more interested in statistical machine learning software that
they have heard about from other counties.
Travis Myren said other counties are using regression modeling to predict value, which can be
done with existing systems in the Tax Office, but utilizing it would be a new skill set that would need to be
acquired.
8
Slide#7
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• 10-Year Implementation — Long-Range School Optimization Plan
Dot MajorCaplital.Projects-Recommended r
Year Project Cash Financing Debt Financing
FY2026-27 Carrboro Elementary $0 $53,000,000
FY2026-27 OCS Replacement Elementary $2,500,000 $54,500,000
FY2027-28 Estes Hills Elementary School Replacement $3,319,063 $59,510,937
FY2027-28 ALStenback HVAC replacement $2,180,937 $3,100,000
FY2029-30 Chapel Hill High School Roof Replacement $5,000,000 $1,000,000
FY2030-31 Orange Middle School Major Renovation $12,300,000 $67,700,000
FY2031-32 Frank Porter Graham Elementary School $8,952,237 $61,189,063
TOTAL $34,252,237 $300,000,000
Refinements for FY2026-36
• Orange County Schools had originally planned for an elementary school renovation in FY 2033 -34.T hose funds were crowded out by the
cost of Orange Middle School increasing from$45 million to$80 million
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NORTH CAROLINA
Commissioner Greene questioned the significant cost increase for the Orange Middle School
renovation from $45 million to$80 million.
Travis Myren explained that initial estimates used general per-square-foot renovation costs, but
the actual scope,as determined bythe Board of Education,involves moving walls and reconfiguring spaces
so that it looks more like a new building than it does just a simple renovation.
Slide#8
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• Implementation of County Long-Range Facility Plan — FY2026-27
— Emergency Services Headquarters Planning and Design -$3.9 million
• Modern Security Standards for Emergency Communications and Operations
• Embedded Emergency Medical Services(EMS)Substation
— Serve Northern Orange County
— Avoids Cost of New Construction
• Estimated Cost of Construction and Fumishings/Equipment$44.5 million in FY202T28
— Budgeted Costs Increased by 35%to Reflect Current Construction Market
— Link Center Renewal -$15.5 million
• Relocate Sheriff's Office from Justice Center
• Backfill Justice Center Space-$4 million recommended in FY202&29
— Public Defender—currently in leased space
— District Attorney—currently in space in need of significant improvements
— Criminal Justice Resource Department —satisfies need for additional space _
8 OF ONG CA OUNATY
9
For year one county projects, Travis Myren recommended beginning design for the Emergency
Services Headquarters, likely located around the current motor pool site, replacing the 911 center and
Emergency Operations Center while including an embedded EMS station. He said the cost estimate was
escalated by 35% based on recent construction market realities in other counties for similar spaces. He
said the Link Center renovation would relocate the Sheriff's Office from the Justice Center,with the vacated
space to be filled by the Public Defender's Office, the District Attorney's Office, and the Criminal Justice
Resource Department. He said this project was budgeted at$15.5 million in the first year.
Slide#9
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• 10-Year Implementation — County Long-Range Facility Plan
County • - Recommended
7FY2027-28
026-27 Link Center Renovation $15,514,576
Emergency Services Headquarters $48,360,000028-29 Justice Facility Renovation $3,936,312
FY2029-30 Cedar Grove Document Storage $2,635,200
FY2029-30 510 Meadowlands Administration Renovation $3,641,385
FY2029-30 Southern Human Services $11,406,900
FY2030-31 Recreation Facility $21,630,703
FY2033-34 Deconstruct Old Recreation Facility $1,095,784
TOTALi
ORANGE COUNTY
9 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren said the 10-year Plan included the Emergency Services Headquarters construction in
2027-28 at $48.4 million and a recreation facility replacement. He said they refined the timing of the
recreation facility replacement to potentially align with Orange County Schools closing a Hillsborough
school that could be repurposed for county recreation needs. He said those conversations are underway.
10
Slide#10
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• 10-Year Implementation —County Long-Range Facility Plan
— Refinements for FY2026 -36
• Southern Human Services
— Scope refined to prioritize Health and Social Services staff —Housing could move to Homestead Road if phase 2
renovation is approved
— Health investment is eligible for Medicaid Maximization Funds and Social Services can be reimbursed for facility
costs
• Recreation Facility Replacement
— Project timing delayed to align with potential use of vacant school site in Hillsborough
— $120,000 recommended in FY 2027-28 for Community Feasibility and Needs Study
ORANGE COUNTY
10 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren said they also refined the scope of the Southern Human Services renovation to focus
on the Health Department and Social Services staff, thinking that Housing staff could move to the new
2700 Homestead Rd. site. He noted that both departments can receive reimbursements for facility costs,
which will help with the county's cost of the renovation.
Slide#11
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• 10-Year Capital Investment Plan —County Project Strategic Plan Alignment
• Environmental Protection and Climate Action Climate Change Mitigation Project $2,264,495
— Four Major Projects
— Premium Associated with Purchasing Sixteen(16) Public EV Chargers $200,000
Electric Vehicles Solar Photovoltaic Systems $1,337,654
Staff EV Chargers $4,279,711
• Health Community d
— Facilities for Sheriff's Office and Emergency Services 9-1-1 Backup Center $1,459,885
— VIPER Build Out Emergency Services Headquarters $48,360,000
— Public Safety Vehicles
• Ambulances-$13.2 million Emergency Services Renewal&Replacement $9,727,452
— Specialized Equipment -$9.7 million Emergency Services Substations $14,010,769
Radios,Defibrillators,Ambulance Equipment Justice Facility Renovations $3,936,312
Link Center Renovations $15,514,576
Public Safety Vehicles $20,051,224
VIPER Radio System Build Out $24,942,956
Travis Myren said there are also projects in the 10-Year CIP that are not included in the Long-Range
Plan, but are in alignment with the Strategic Plan, including approximately$8 million for projects that align
11
with Environmental Protection and Climate Action, such as the Climate Change Mitigation Project and
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for the county's electric vehicle fleet. He said there are also public safety
projects including not only the Emergency Services Headquarters and the Link Center Replacement, but
also public safety vehicles, and the VIPER Radio System Buildout. He noted that the VIPER buildout saw a
reduction from $32 million to $25 million.
Commissioner Carter asked about the reason for the Viper System Radio buildout cost reduction
from $32 million to$25 million.
Travis Myren explained they better utilized existing vertical assets and towers, and the
bidirectional antennae installed at schools resolved radio coverage issues in cinder block buildings, making
the overall system more efficient.
Slide#12
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• 10-Year Capital Investment Plan —County Project Strategic Plan Alignment
• Housing for All
— 2700 Homestead Road
$30,000 in FY2026-27 for renovations to use as Cold Weather Cots Space
Additional planning and design contingent of Board approval of concept plan in Fall of 2026
• If approved,$309,000 in FY 2026-27 and$3,345,000 in FY 2027-28 for full renovation,HVAC and Roof replacement
Potential sublease to Town of Carrboro Public Works department will reduce county costs in capital plan.
— Affordable Housing Subsidies
• $15 million included in 10 -Year Plan for Affordable Housing Development
Next allocation recommended for FY2027 -28
ORANGE COUNTY
12 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren proposed a two-phased approach for the renovations at 2700 Homestead Rd. The
first phase would be renovations to use the facility for Cold Weather Cots, and the second phase would
include a concept plan to be approved by the Board that could potentially include a sublease to the Town
of Carrboro, which would reduce county costs.
Commissioner Greene asked if he is confident UNC will approve a long-term lease.
Travis Myren said the proposal will go to the UNC Board of Governors in May and return to the
Board for approval in June. He said questions from UNC have been addressed, and no red flags have been
identified.
12
Slide#13
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• Capital Investment Plan by the Numbers
— Year 1:Total Recommended FY2026 -27 Capital Expenditures-$150.8 million
County Capital $29.5 million
Proprietary Funds $2.5 million
School Capital $118.8 million
— Total 10-Year Plan —$871.6 million
Increase of$24.2 M from FY 2025-35 CIP
ORANGE COUNTY
13 NORTH CAROL7NA
Travis Myren said the total year one plan of$150 million would be split 20%to county projects,
2%to proprietary projects,and 78%to school capital projects.
Slide#14
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
FY2026-36 Recommended Expenditures by Year
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$115,—,,178
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$142,zfi3,4M
14a,000,aoo —
lzB,00gao9 —
$98,193,9b2 •schoo l Bond P,,j d,
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•School Capital
Coo 000 $]5,851,be9 •Pt p—e Funds
•county capital
$5],8W,12P TOTAL
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$4],139,491 $44,752,559 $4B.PA.135
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FY20 1 FY 2D2]-28 FV]0]8-29 FY 2@9-3D FY LY30.31 FY 2031-32 FY M32-33 FY 2IXi}3d FY203435 FY M35-36
14 OR NOR HE COUNTY
Travis Myren noted that annual fluctuations are due to large projects, with significant increases
over the next year for school construction, in 2027-28 for the Emergency Services Headquarters
13
construction, and in 2030-31 for the Orange Middle renovation and Central Recreation Replacement. He
said the plan levels out after 2031-32 following the Frank Porter Graham replacement.
Slide#15
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
• 10-Year Focus on School and Public Safety Investments
— Of$837.2 million Total Recommended CIP,79.4%is dedicated to Schools and Public Safety
investments
School&County CIP Funding by Group
p i
'--AMAMOM19
ORANGE COUNTY
15 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren explained that over the 10-year plan totaling about $837,000 million, 63%would go
to school projects, 16%to public safety, 15%to general county facilities, and 6%to everything else.
Slide#16
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
Debt Service Schedule through 2026-36
59g600,600
$s2,9n,2s1 Se4,492,697 3a3oae,ln4
$81,213,2T/
$ag600,600
$]4,950,W8
$]0815,863 $]1,632,3]3
$6;902,683
b➢,OW,OW
$50,0M,0M $45,5Q3,
540,611,613
$40,OW,OW Botro
fi—Bond
$3o,aoo,aoo P/eats
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FY2026-27 FY202]-28 FY2028-29 FY2024� FY2030-31 FY2031-32 FY2032-33 FY2033-34 MOM 35 FY203S36
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
16 NORTH CAROLINA
14
Travis Myren explained the debt service schedule, which showed a steep slope from 2027-28 to
2028-29 due to large construction projects and interest payments on Estes Hills replacement.
Slide#17
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
Annual Debt Service Payments on Existing and Proposed CIP Debt
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00,000,000
F20,000.000
510,000,000
L
•Fx-W Del7t Semce .Proposed CIP D'W s""
ORANGE COUNTY
17 NORTH C:AROLINA
Travis Myren said the chart in slide#17 shows the same information in a different way.
Slide#18
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
Distribution of Debt Service
$9D,d0a,00D
$a2,sn,zat $&1,492.697 $s3,036,14a
$81,213,2P
$74,950,0M
$70,U5,863 $71,632,3]3
$7D,OOD,OOD
$62,902,6d3
$fiD,Daa,00n
SSD.00D.000 $45,543,709
$Oa,fi11,613
$9D,OOD,OOD
$3D,Daa,00n
S2D.WO.00D
$]D�Daa�00n
FY2026-27 FY2027-n FY2D2 FY20233D FY2030-31 FY2031-32 FYM32-33 FY2a3-34 FYMD 35 Fy20 W
■Schaal Debt-- ■County Debt Serv9re ■nCCC TOTAL
ORANGE COUNTY
18 NORTH CAROLINA
15
Travis Myren said the chart in slide #18 shows how much funding goes to school debt service,
county debt service, and Durham Technical Community College debt service.
Slide#19
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
Debt Service to General Fund Revenue Policy Compliance FY2026-36
22%
2os 19.n%
16.61% 1g,6p95 18.63%
1s3Dsc
14% 3fi4
12%
10%
FY2026-27 FY2027-28 FY202329 FY2029-30 FY2030 31 FY2D31-32 FY2032-33 FY2033-34 FY 2034-35 FY 2035-36
—kyTarget —.1—d
ORANGE COUNTY
19 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren explained that the debt service to general fund revenue rises above the 15%target
for several years beginning in 2028-29.
Commissioner Carter asked about interest rate impacts in the current environment.
Travis Myren explained they conservatively estimate around 4% rate over the course of a 20-year
bond. He noted that general obligation bonds for schools are backed by the county's full faith and credit
and carry lower rates, especially for AAA-rated counties like Orange County.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott noticed that the CIP was prepared estimating a moderate economic
growth of 2%. She asked if that is consistent with previous years' estimates.
Travis Myren confirmed this was consistent with prior years. He said that metric is important for
debt service calculations, as tax base growth increases the value of a penny for debt service.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what will happen if there is a recession and no growth.
Travis Myren said that is something to be cognizant of when taking on general obligation bonds
because the county must legally make those payments before paying back any other obligations. He said
he will be implementing some tools in the operating budget to respond to an economic downturn,
especially as it relates to fuel prices and there will be more to come on that front.
Commissioner McKee expressed concern about the debt service implications, noting that over the
10-year period,they were pushing$1 billion of borrowing and that debt service would increase from 12%
of revenue to 17-18%from 2028-29 through 2034-35, representing about 3 cents in tax increases just for
debt service without any operating changes.
16
Slide#20
FY2026-36 Recommended Capital Investment Plan
Funding the Plan
• Total FY2026-27 Capital Budget Impact—2.90 cents per$100 of value
— Pay-Go—89 cent tax rate equivalent
— Debt—2.01 cent tax rate equivalent FiscalYear Incremental Tax
• FY2028-29—Increase of 4.58 cents per$100 of value
— Principal and interest payments on FY2026 -27 borrowing 2026-27 2.01
— Interest payments on FY2027-28 borrowing 2027-28 1.09
2028-29 4.58
2029-30 1.61
2030-31
2031-32
2032-33 1.48
Total 10.77
ORANGE COUNTY
20 NORTH CAROLINA
Travis Myren confirmed that the debt service increase equated to about 2 cents on the tax rate,
with an additional 0.89 cents for pay-go,totaling almost a 3 cent in tax increase.
Commissioner McKee emphasized that this represented a baseline, not including inflationary
factors or increased services.
Chair Hamilton reminded the Board that they will have the opportunity to go into more detail on
April 16cn
Commissioner McKee said residents need to understand that there will likely be future tax
increases.
Chair Hamilton reminded the Board that the bond referendum was passed by voters, and that
understanding that tax increases may occur is part of the county's responsibility to communicate with the
public.
Vice-Chair Fowler said to Commissioner McKee's point of the increase in debt service,this was the
basis for her preference in keeping more pay-go last year to smooth out the increases.
Commissioner McKee said this Board and future boards will have the opportunity to delay projects
as needed.
Commissioner Bedford requested management suggestions for smoothing out the 2028-29
increase, possibly through project timing adjustments.
S. Public Hearings
a. Public Hearing on the Draft 2026-27 HOME Investment Partnership Annual Action Plan (AAP)
The Board held a public hearing to receive public comment on the Draft 2026-27 HOME Investment
Partnership Annual Action Plan (AAP).
BACKGROUND: The HOME Consortium Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative (LGAHC) is
made up of elected officials from all four(4) participating jurisdictions: Carrboro,Chapel Hill, Hillsborough,
and Orange County. The Collaborative reviews staff recommendations on strategy and policy around
HOME federal funding, and makes recommendations to the Boards and Councils of each jurisdiction for
final approval.
17
The Annual Action Plan shares how Orange County plans to use HOME funding in a given year.The Orange
County Board of Commissioners is conducting this public hearing on behalf of the HOME Consortium at
the Whitted Building(300 W.Tryon St., Hillsborough NC 27278)to receive public input about priorities for
the Draft 2026-27 Annual Action Plan.All members of the public are welcome, and Spanish interpretation
will be provided.
The 2025-29 HOME Consolidated Plan is carried out through Annual Action Plans. The Consolidated Plan
describes the jurisdiction's community development priorities and multiyear goals based on an
assessment of housing and community development needs, an analysis of housing and economic market
conditions and available resources. The Annual Action Plans provide a concise summary of the actions,
activities, and the specific federal and non-federal resources that will be used each year to address the
priority needs and specific goals identified by the Consolidated Plan.
The public comment period is open from March 23, 2026 to April 23, 2026. Comments may be submitted
in writing by mail or email, or by telephone to:
Alex Rubenstein, Community Development Program Manager
919-245-2490 1 arubenstein@orangecountync.gov
300 W.Tryon St., Hillsborough, NC 27278
Housing staff issued a request for proposals (RFP) in January 2026, with a deadline of February 27, 2026.
Two (2) applications were submitted — one (1) from Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for its
Rehabilitation program, and one (1) from the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH)
for tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA). Both applications align with the 2025-29 Consolidated Plan
priorities of Repair/Rehab and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance.
Last year, the HOME Consortium received a federal funding award of approximately $375,000. Over the
last four (4) years, the award amount has varied from a low of$367,000 to a high of$411,000. The U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announces the award amounts around June of
each year, and until then staff is using an estimate/placeholder of $375,000 for the County's award
amount.
Given the above factors, plus an estimated match amount of approximately $84,000, the LGAHC
recommendation for the 2026-27 HOME Award is to award Habitat's full funding request at$180,000,and
to award the remaining funds of$256,239 to OCPEH for TBRA.
Based on all comments received,the 2026-27 HOME Investment Partnership Annual Action Plan(AAP)will
be presented at an upcoming Board Business meeting for final approval.
Blake Rosser, Housing Director, made the following presentation:
18
Slide#1
HOME Public Hearings--2026r27
Annual Action Plan (AAP)
April 7,, 2026
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#2
Estimated available funds for 202W
HOME 26-27
HOME Award Amount $375,940
Match Amount $84,587
Program Income* $13,306
Administration ($37,594)
TOTAL $436,239
*Annual payments made by Community Home Trust
for previous assistance to The Landings at
Winnmore
OA
s •'" y ORANGE COUNTY
. y � NORTH CAROLiNA
o 7 sa i
RTIi�AwOy
Blake Rosser, Housing Director, presented the annual action plan for HOME spending. The
estimated available funds for 2026-27 totaled approximately $436,000, calculated by averaging recent
years' awards ($375,000), adding required municipal match (25%), adding program income from
Community Home Trust's Landings at Winmore development, and subtracting 10% administration costs.
19
Slide#3
Proposed funding allocation
Habitat for Humanity Repair& $180,000*
Rehabilitation
OC Partnership to End Tenant-Based Rental $256,239
Homelessness Assistance(TBRA)
Administration $37,594
TOTAL $473,833
*Includes required 15%set-aside for Community Housing
Development Organization (CHDO); by regulation 15%of
HUD funds must be allocated to such a designated
organization. Habitat qualifies as a CHDO.
S it• Z �1
W
oRy 54= ORANGE COUNTY
Y
Blake Rosser said the Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative recommended
allocating $180,000 to Habitat for Humanity for repair and rehabilitation programs and $256,239 to the
Partnership to End Homelessness for tenant-based rental assistance through their rapid rehousing
program. The Habitat amount included the mandatory 15% Community Housing Development
Organization set-aside.
Slide#4
Next Steps
• Board holds public hearing and offers any comments of
its own
• Public comment period ends April 23rd, 2026
• May - Staff presents AAP final draft to LGAHC for
approval and recommendation to Boards/Councils
• May -Towns and County approve final plan (May BOCC
meeting), contingent on notification of final allocation
amounts from HUD
• July/August- Staff submits plans to HUD (July/August,
once final allocation amounts announced)
OR
s y ORANGCAOUNTY
• � • �'• o I•• s� NOR CA TH ROLINA
RT
H OpFO�
20
Blake Rosser noted he had already received the actual award amount of $381,000, earlier than
previous years, allowing immediate submission after board approval in May.
Slide#5
• Blake Rosser
• brosser@orangecountync.gov
• 919-245-2492
• • ORANGE COUNTY
� xoirrH cnxocIxn
ATM cn.
Commissioner Carter asked about potential coordination with NC DEQ's septic pass-through
program for urgent septic repairs that might offset some repair needs.
Blake Rosser agreed to share this information with Habitat and the Home Preservation Coalition.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to open the
public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
There was no one signed up to speak.
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler,to close the public
hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Blake Rosser said the Annual Action Plan will be presented at an upcoming Business meeting for
final approval.
Commissioner Bedford highlighted that $256,000 was going to rental assistance, more than last
year's approximate$228,000 combined allocation. She asked why only Habitat applied for repair funding.
Blake Rosser explained that the Home Preservation Coalition is purely a coordinating entity with
one and a half staff members that doesn't perform actual repair work but coordinates repair agencies and
triages applications.
Commissioner Bedford asked if the repair providers are at capacity.
Blake Rosser speculated that the stringent federal documentation and record-keeping
requirements may be considered barriers by some agencies, though Habitat was expanding their repair
and rehabilitation programs and actively seeking additional funding sources.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for clarification about tenant-based assistance eligibility.
21
Blake Rosser confirmed that while technically available to very low-, low-, and moderate-income
individuals, the Partnership uses these funds specifically for people exiting homelessness through their
rapid rehousing program.
b. Zoning Atlas Amendment—Parcel Identification Number(PIN)9851433215, Bingham Township
The Board considered taking action on a County-initiated Zoning Atlas Amendment to amend the Jordan
Lake Unprotected Watershed Overlay District and University Lake Protected Watershed Overlay District
boundary line on one unaddressed parcel totaling approximately 19.4 acres (PIN: 9851-43-3215). State
law requires that Orange County hold a public hearing, receive the Planning Board and staff
recommendations, allow for public comment, close the public hearing, and vote on a zoning application
presented for action.
BACKGROUND: Protected Watersheds within Orange County are part of the County's delegated
Stormwater Management Program,as reflected in the adopted Orange County Watershed Boundary Map.
These watersheds are also adopted Zoning Overlay Districts in the Unified Development Ordinance(UDO),
requiring approval of a Zoning Atlas Amendment to modify the watershed overlay boundary line.
Based on State requirements,the Board was notified of the change in the watershed boundary line at the
March 18, 2025, BOCC meeting. The March 18, 2025, BOCC agenda item materials are available at this
link: http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/WebLink/O,0/doc/74970/Pagel.aspx.
Please note that the Property Identification Number (PIN) referenced in those materials is different than
the PIN used forthis application,as the subject property was subdivided(as documented in Orange County
Register of Deeds Plat Book 129/53) and new PINS were assigned to the resulting lots, per the County's
PIN Ordinance.
Following this action, the Orange County Planning & Inspections Director initiated a Zoning Atlas
Amendment application on December 10, 2025, to amend the Jordan Lake Unprotected Watershed
Overlay District and University Lake Protected Watershed Overlay District boundary line. This second
action is necessary so that the zoning overlay boundary line coincides with the now State-recognized
watershed ridge line.The Staff Report in Attachment 1 contains additional information,maps,and analysis.
The Project Narrative contained in Attachment 2 provides additional background information related to
this request.
Requirements: As detailed within 2.8 of the LIDO, Zoning Atlas Amendment submittals are required to
contain:
1. A completed Zoning Atlas Amendment application;
2. A map, at a legible scale, showing the land proposed for rezoning;
3. A detailed narrative; and
4. Plan review fee(s) consistent with the adopted Orange County Fee Schedule.
[Note: As a County-initiated action, no review fees were collected]
Basic Review Process: A rezoning application for an overlay district amendment requires submission of a
detailed area map and other documents, in accordance with Section 2.8.3(A) of the LIDO. A site-specific
plan is not required for overlay district amendment applications and conditions cannot be applied to an
approval action.The application was reviewed as follows:
FIRST ACTION—Staff holds a Development Advisory Committee Meeting.
22
STAFF COMMENT: The Development Advisory Committee Meeting was held on December 18, 2025, at
9:30 a.m.,via Microsoft Teams.
SECOND ACTION — The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting and makes a
recommendation to the BOCC.
STAFF COMMENT: The Planning Board reviewed this application at its regular meeting on February 4,
2026, and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the amendment.
THIRD ACTION—The BOCC receives the Planning Board and staff recommendations at an advertised public
hearing and makes a decision on the application.
STAFF COMMENT: The public hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026.
Public Notifications: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the UDO, notices of the Public Hearing were
mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject parcel. These notices were
mailed on March 20, 2026—18 days before the hearing. Staff also posted the subject parcel with signs on
March 20, 2026—18 days before the hearing.
Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the Zoning Atlas Amendment at its
February 4, 2026 regular meeting. At this meeting the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend
approval of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 3) and the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment
(Attachment 5), as presented.
The Planning Board's signed statement of consistency is included in Attachment 3. Agenda materials from
the February 4, 2026, meeting, including the draft minutes can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.orangecountync.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/ 03042026-2536.
Planning Director's Recommendation:The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the overlay zoning district amendment application is
reasonable and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 4.
Zoning Atlas Amendment Ordinance to reflect the zoning overlay change on the County's adopted Zoning
Atlas, as contained in Attachment 5.
Taylor Perschau, Current Planning and Zoning Manager, made the following presentation:
Slide#1
Attachment 6
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Item 5b: Zoning Atlas Amendment
Watershed Protection Overlay
Location An unaddressed parcel off Dodsons Crossroads
at Arden Estate Court
PIN:9851-43-3215
Applicant Orange County
Case#:MA25-0006
23
Taylor Perschau explained that the property was subject to three subdivision applications, with
one already recorded,and commissioners had seen this property before in March 2025 as step one of the
two-step process for watershed protection overlay amendments.
Slide#2
Watershed Protection in Orange County
Watersheds
Roanoke River Basin __-----------.__._._._`FI_.re______._.,.
: ex o,.IPIo 4.ypl:ee. 1 nor«mcl
Critical and Protected Water Supply i
Watersheds are part of Orange County's
delegated Stormwater Management
g
Program.
upper SDI
Eno `
fcMlcal) e[Eno C.i
IPro4ec etll .. -
The watersheds are regulated as
Hew C
Watershed Protection Overlay District, a
zoning overlay.
Cape Fear vvq Spy
cage ,River Basm —�'"'
I,umuaa4wadaa,
a Any changes to mapped watershed
boundaries require an amendment to the
Zoning Atlas since the watersheds are aW°°°°r _°. n. A
mapped as a zoning overlay district.
uke. '. i a+m.uu ti.n..e�•m....
IPoaecuW`'
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Taylor Perschau explained that the watershed protection overlay districts are part of Orange
County's delegated stormwater management program. Any change to watershed boundary lines, which
are ridge lines surveyed based on site contours, requires a zoning atlas change.
24
Slide#3
Designated Review Process for Watershed Boundary
Amendments
Step 1 Formal Notification:
Boundary line discrepancies are identified by survey fieldwork.
Property owner submits a request to Planning Department to amend a
watershed boundary line.
Planning staff notifies Board of County Commissioners and NC Environmental
Management Commission of the proposed boundary line change.
Step 2 Zoning Atlas Amendment:
With no objections from BOCC or EMC, Planning staff initiates Zoning Atlas
Amendment to update the County's Zoning Atlas to reflect the accurately
surveyed watershed boundary lines.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#4
Timeline of Actions Regarding MA28006
Step 1 Formal Notification:
Anew survey including this watershed boundary was recorded as a sealed land
survey at the Orange County Register of Deeds on September 23, 2024.
The owner, Jason Maslow, submitted a request to the Orange County Planning
Department to recognize the surveyed watershed boundary.
The Orange County BOCC approved a recommendation that the State of North
Carolina recognize the survey's description of the watershed boundary at its
March 18, 2025, meeting.
The NC EMC approved recognition of the new watershed boundary on October
3, 2025.
Step 2 Zoning Atlas Amendment:
Planning staff initiates this Zoning Atlas Amendment on December 10, 2025, to
align the County's Zoning Atlas to reflect the accurately surveyed watershed
boundary lines. �—
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
25
Taylor Perschau indicated that a new survey commissioned by property owners was recorded in
September 2024.The boundary change would move the line south, placing more of the property in Jordan
Lake unprotected rather than University Lake protected watershed.
Slide 5
Zoning Atlas Amendment MA25-0006
Case Information
Overview:
Watersheds
Ronnoke Rtver Baein }}1au1��rr
rpue r fir•ic•a�
Addres: Dodsons
Crossroads -
PIN 9851-43-3215
Township Bingham
p mk...r
University Lake
Watershed Protected .I'ti:rr fia:n
Applicant Orange County r
Slide#6
Zoning Atlas Amendment MA25-0006
Current Zoning Designations
Overview (c• - •
Proposed Zoning Arias Amendment
CurrentZoft
■ RB,Rural Buffer
5urroundinf!Zoning
• RB,Rural Buffer
• AR,Agricultural Residential
Overlay District
• University Lake Protected _ -- „
■ Jordan Lake Unprotected
e
A�r
26
Slide#7
Zoning Atlas Amendment MA25-0006
Application Request
• -d
Proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment
Request
■ Modify the University Lake Protected
Watershed Overlay District boundary line.
■ No amendments are proposed to the base
zoning district,or Future Land Use Map.
---
p ri xs,.suu _
Slide#8
Zoning Atlas Amendment MA25-0006
Original Survey Work
,Overview • - •
-41
44
nr�F wn ww[a,��� !7; •{
�aw�i' .oaulRwi4 r
I �
w.r w
�,®rye � `°, u _£f4�•""'w.+^�,[�[o'°""',�.1' -,ae.
27
Slide#9
Staff Analysis
As required under Section 2.8.5 of the UDO,the Planning Director shall cause an
analysis to be made of the application. In analyzing this request,the Planning
Director offers the following :
1. The application is complete in accordance with the requirements of Section
2.8.3 of the UDO.
2. The Orange County Development Advisory Committee fully reviewed the
application and has no outstanding concerns.
3. Staff review of the application included considerations for how the request
relates to the Orange County 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
■ Chapter - Planning Principles
■ Chapter 5 - Land Use Element,Section 5.6 Goals
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#10
?ublic Notification
■ Notices were mailed via first class mail to property owners within
1,000 ft. of the subject parcel on March 20, 2026.
■ Signs posted the subject parcel on March 20, 2026.
■ Application information has also been posted on the Planning
Department's "Active Development" webpage.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
28
Slide#11
Review Process at Present
Planning Staff
• Determine application completeness and analyze proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment
with Comprehensive Plan
Planning : •a •
• Hear from the applicant, staff, and the public
• Review and discuss analysis and staff recommendation
• Recommend approval or denial to Board of County Commissioners
: •. • of •unty Commissioners
• Schedule and hold public hearing to receive application
• Hear from the applicant, staff, and the public
• Review and discuss analysis and recommendations from staff and Planning Board
• Close public hearing
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#12
Recommendation forTonight
The Manager recommends the Board:
1. Conduct the public hearing and receive the Planning Board and staff
recommendations and public comments;
2. Close the public hearing;and
3. Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 4) and Zoning Atlas
Amendments (Attachment 5);
• OR
• Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a statement as to why the
application is not reasonable and/or not in the public interest.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
29
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to open the public
hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
There was no one signed up to speak.
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to close the
public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler, to Approve the
Statement of Consistency(Attachment 4) and Zoning Atlas Amendments (Attachment 5).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6. Regular Agenda
None.
7. Reports
a. Presentation of School Enrollment Forecast
The Board received a report and presentation from Carolina Demography on enrollment projections for
both school districts.
BACKGROUND: Over the past three (3)years the SAPFOTAC, a technical advisory committee representing
the County, the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS)
and Orange County Schools (OCS), have discussed making improvements to the School Adequate Public
Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO) enrollment projection, based on commonly identified limitations of the
process.
At the December 10, 2024 Business meeting, the Board of County Commissioners authorized staff to
provide notice to the parties of the SAPFO memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that the student
projection methodology will be changed to be one employed by OREd or Carolina Demography.On March
16, 2025, the SAPFOTAC held its annual meeting, and received presentations from both consultants. The
six (6) entities voted unanimously to recommend Carolina Demography to provide the future enrollment
projections. The technical advisory committee appreciated the variety of variables that were used in
Carolina Demography's previous enrollment projections, including population estimates, births, approved
developments, and charter school enrollment. Carolina Demography provides enrollment projections for
Wake County and Brunswick County. The Board approved use of Carolina Demography at the April 15,
2025 Business meeting and approved the contract on at the December 1, 2025 Business meeting.
The report from Carolina Demography breaks down the various local, statewide, and national
demographic factors that impact enrollment for both districts — aging population, declining birthrate,
school choice market share, loss of international migration, and new developments. The change in
international migration has only begun to occur in the last year, and so presents challenges for the long-
term projection.The impact of federal policies on international migration and school enrollment will need
to be followed in subsequent enrollment forecasts.
30
The ten-year enrollment projection estimates that enrollment in the CHCCS district will decline by 1,070
students, or 10% and OCS will decline by S93 students, or 9%. The major challenges identified for CHCCS
is declining birthrate in the district and declining in-migration post-Covid.The major challenges identified
for OCS are declining market share and possible out-migration from birth to kindergarten, as well as a lack
of new development to offset these decreases.
Kirk Vaughn, Budget Director, introduced the presentation, explaining this was the culmination of
changes to the forecasting process over recent years, moving from internal modeling to external expertise.
This was the first year of Carolina Demography presenting on underlying enrollment variables. He noted
the forecast showed declining enrollment, meaning there is no need to build additional school facilities.
He introduced Nathan Dollar, Executive Director of Carolina Demography.
Nathan Dollar made the following presentation:
Slide#1
ForecastReport: . •e
Daily Membership SY 2025-26
ASchool - 0
Dollar,Orange County Board of Commissioners
Dr. Nathan
Executive Director, Carolina Demography
Data for ' • • Christopher Dick
President, Demographic Analytics Advisors
CAROLINA
1 R• 1
[�l • .•' •• .• • '•
31
Slide 2
About Carolina • • •
• we are
Carolina Demography is the applied demography unit of the Carolina Population Center(CPC)at
LINC-Chapel Hill. We are a non -partisan team of population scientists working for the people of
North Carolina.
Our •
POPULATIONWe help people understand a changing North Carolina to make informed decisions.
IMUNC
Slide#3
About Demographic Analytics Advisors
Our team brings decades of experience working
on demographic, forecasting, and districting use
cases in the public (state, local, and federal),
nonprofit, and private sectors. Demographic
NM Analytics Advisors
I.
We merge state of the art methodology with a
collaborative engagement style to generate the
best results for our clients.
CAROLINA carolinademography.cpc.unc.edu C A a O L I N A
` yC
D E M 0 G R� P H Y
POPULATION CENTER
About Carolina Demography: What We Do
fix
Find and Collect Clean, Analyze, & Communicate data and
Data Interpret Data engage stakeholders
We work with you to determine We use rigorous methods to We strengthen the capacity
the data you need, and where translate the data and provide of your organization to
and how to access that data. meaningful context. communicate data-driven
ideas.
CAROLINA carolinademography.cpc.unc.edu CA0
MUV� L N A
POPULATION CENTEF D E M O G R_=P H Y
How do we approach an
enrollment forecast?
33
Slide#6
What is an mrolimcnt forccast...
What is it? What isn't it?
A scientific"most An g o
. .
correctlylikely"scenario based
guess at what
on all inputs. . enrollment
questioned. what enrollment will in 10 years.
be in 10 years.
Nathan Dollar noted we are experiencing some of the most demographic uncertainty in the
general population that has been seen in 50 years, which was affecting student membership populations.
Slide#7
Key Considerations — Forecasts
General Considerations: North Carolina Specific Considerations:
1. Historical Enrollment Patterns 1. The impact of The Opportunity Scholarship Program
2. School Capacity and Attendance Zones expansion
3. Demographic processes 2. Charter School proliferation
• Births
• Migration
• Age, sex, race, Hispanic Origin trends
4. Built environment
1. Building permits
2. Known development areas (especially residential)
and timing
5. Economics
6. COVID-19
T �T� CAROLINA C A R O L I N A
16 V 1 r carolinademography.cpc.unc.edu DEMOGRAPHY
POPULATION CENTER
Nathan Dollar explained that their methodology considered historical enrollment patterns, school
capacity and attendance zones, demographic processes (births, migration, age, sex, race, Hispanic origin
trends), the building environment including approved and proposed developments, economic variables,
34
COVID-19 impacts, and North Carolina-specific factors like opportunity scholarship expansion and charter
school proliferation. He said they also look at homeschool trends.
Slide#8
Key Considerations - Forecasts (cont.)
Bold=Complete Italics=Future Work
We begin with a weighted grade progression methodology
• Look, by school and feeder school patterns,at the ratio of students in the prior grade last year,
versus current grade this year. Ratio larger than one implies in movement,lower than one
attrition or out movement.
• Forecast this ratio into the future.
We tested several different weighting regimes and finalized with a 10 year weighted average with
weighting skewed slightly to more recent data.
Added in housing-based growth by attendance zone
Compared differences based on GPR vs housing growth
Added in net additional students based on housing growth.
Adjust for changes in market share
M. U.
� CAROLINA C A R 0 L I N A
LJ �J carol DEMOGRAPHY
POPULATION CENTER
Slide#9
t;o evel Context
Slide#10
35
State Population Continues to Increase, but. ..
North Carolina Estimates and Forecast
2010 to 2660
15,000,000
10,000,000
5,000,000
0
2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060
Source:OSBM Population Projections,2025
UNCCAROLINA carol CAROLINA
POP LATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Nathan Dollar noted that North Carolina is the third fastest growing state by population.
Slide#11
School Aged Population Share is on the Decline.
North Carolina Estimates and Forecast:Population Percent by Age
2010 to 2060
10a%
75%
50%
25
ai
2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060
65&Over 35 to 44 ■ 18 to 24 Under 5 Years
■ 45 to 64 ■ 25 to 34 ■ 5 to 17
Source:OSBM Population Projections,2025
tl T TAT CAROLINA C A K U L I N A
M LJl V carol D E M 0 G R I P H Y
POPULATION CENTER
Nathan Dollar said that despite North Carolina's population growth, the state's school-age
population is decreasing.
36
Slide#12
This Year 8 LEAs Grew, Only One by over 100 ADM
Month 2 ADM Changes,2025-26 vs.2024-25,Selected LEAs
NUMERIC CHANGE FROM PERCENTAGE CHANGE
RANK 2025-26 202a25 FROM 2024,25
North Carolina 0 1,345,074 -23.457 -2.7%
Washington County SChools 1 1,001 26 2.7%
Asheville City 5chools 2 3,797 78 2.1%
Brunswick County 5d"A' 3 13,669 194 1.4%
Haywood County Schools 4 4133 3$ 0.61-
Allegheny Counly5choals 5 1,286 7 0.5%
Orange County Schools 77 6,726 -192 -2.89
Chapel Hill-Carrlwro Cfty Schools as 10153 -341 -3.1%
Martin County Schuols 111 2,416 -131 -5.1%
Jones Countysdwols 112 903 -51 -5.3%
Elkin City 5chools 213 1,156 -10 -5.7%
Roanoke Rapids Clty&hools 114 2,439 -159 -6.1%
Geamille County Schools 115 5,860 -413 -6.6%
'Sour.:Month 2 ADM by LEA North Carolina Public Schools Statistical Profile,NC DPI
CAROLINA carol C A a O L I N A
TVNC POP ULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Nathan Dollar explained that only eight of 115 local education agencies gained students in 2025-
26, with only one gaining over 100 students. He said Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools lost 341 students
(3.1%decline) and Orange County Schools lost 192 students (2.8%decline).
Slide#13
37
Slide#14
Orange County Population is Growing, but has been
revised down the past two years.
Orange County Population Projections:Vintage Comparison
X20-2060 by V t.gy Year
25i;,IH1[1
205,280
20C,000
18a,102
M000
134,010
1OC,000
5C,000
2010 M15 2020 2025 M30 2035 2090 2 5 2050 2055 2060
V nMoe w M24+2025
Source:W OWN MpuWa Pmjeckw vkOap 2024 W2025
VNCCAROLINA carol C A a O L I N A
POPULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Nathan Dollar explained that Orange County's overall population projections were revised from
205,290 residents to 184,202 by 2060, reflecting ongoing demographic uncertainty, including fewer births,
reduced migration, and educational market share diversification.
Slide#15
38
Slide#16
CHCCS: Total District ADM: 2015 -16 to 2035-36
12,500 1z.oaa
75i1
0,084
10,000 — — 688
7,500
5,000
2,500
0
2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2D32 2034 2036
VNCCAROLINA carol C A R O L I N A
POP ULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;DAA calculations
Nathan Dollar said for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, the total district ADM was projected to
continue declining to 9,688 students by 2035-36, having lost 1,545 students since 2019-20.
Slide#17
Number of births in Chapel Hill/Carrboro on the decline
1,000
750
661
K • 547 536 520
500
m
250
0
2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036
Year
CAROLINA carol inademography.cpc.unc.edu C A R O L I NA
MI` VC POPULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Source:NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAAforecast
Nathan Dollar said that the number of births in Chapel Hill-Carrboro had declined and was forecast
to continue declining but level off.
39
Slide#18
Kindergarten-to-birth ratio >1 indicates in-migration of
families with young children and has declined since 2019 -
2020, but is still positive.
1000
1.18 1.24 1.31 1.24 1.21
750 1.06 1.02 1.18
1.21
1.02
500
250
0
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
■Babies born 5 years earlier Kindergarten
T TAT CAROLINA C A R O L I N A
G LJ1 V carol DEMOGRAPHY
POPULATION CENTER
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAA forecast
Slide#19
CHCCS: Changes in Migration, Especially Internationa
Migration are Impactful.
Headcount of English Language Learners:2016-17 through 2025-26
1,621
1,415 1,454 1,496 1,462 1,413
1,314 1,277 1,311 1,349
2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2D22-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
Data Source:Headcount of Limited English Proficient Students,
Report to the North Carolina General Assembly NC DPI
T T-I�T� CAROLINA C A R O L I N A
vl y carol DEMOGRAPHY
POPULATION CENTER
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAAforecast
Nathan Dollar explained that changes to foreign-born population significantly impacted
enrollment, with English Language Learner headcount declining for the first time since the pandemic.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro lost 208 ELL students this year alone.
40
Slide#20
CHCCS Still Holds Over 80% Market Share, Several
Percentage Points Higher than the State Average
Market share by School Type:2021-22 through 2024-25
100% ® mom =
9% 9'%
75%
50%
25%
I" T T�T� CAROLINA C A R O L I N A
M- LJ1 V carolinademography.cpc.unc.edu D E M 0 G R L P H Y
POPULATION CENTER
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAA forecast
Slide#21
Orange County
Schools
41
Slide#22
OCS: Total District ADM : 2015 -16 to 2035-36
OCS: K-12 ADM Development Adjusted Forecast
6411
�zz
AW9
s,ono
4,000
2,000
0
2016 2018 MID 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036
Source:OCS:Damograoho AnWo.Advisors(OAA)F-f
VNCCAROLINA carolinademography.cpc.unc.edu C A R O L I N A
POP ULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;DAA calculations
For Orange County Schools,Nathan Dollar said the district is projected to decline to 6,129 students
by 2035-36, having lost 649 students since 2019-20.
Slide#23
Number of births in OCS have increased, but are forecast to
begin declining
OCS Births:Actual and Projections(2016-2036)
1.00 D
750
r y y10—•�•� r 598 —. r�•� 586
500 505
'In
250
0
2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036
Year
Saume:NC Birth Fecads,NC Stale Center for Hearth Sfafislics,Demographic An®tyslics Advisors fDAA)Forecast
CAROLINA carol inademography.cpc.unc.edu C A R O L I N A
Q` VC POPULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Source:NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAA forecast
Nathan Dollar explained that while births had increased recently in Orange County, they were
forecast to begin declining toward the end of the decade, which could accelerate if fewer working-aged
people moved in.
42
Slide#24
Kindergarten-to-birth ratio <1 indicates less children
enrolling in Kindergarten than births 5 years prior.
OC&Kindergarten-lo-Birth Ratio
a00
500
1.13 1.U4
1.2 1.13 •99 ,91 -88 .90
.79 .8 58
400
200 —
0
2016 2017 201a 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Babies bon 5 years eariier Kindergarten
stun:P,�ra nwmNr awn rceery z1 xo+szoxs,rvc s<nn�,nb,uc sere cem�.r«+wm�sre"�a
VNCCAROLINA carol C A R O L I N A
POP ULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAA forecast
Nathan Dollar said Kindergarten-to-birth ratios were well below one, indicating out-movement
either through physical migration or enrollment in charters, homeschools, or private schools.
Slide#25
OCS: Changes in Migration, Especially International
Migration are Impactful.
Headcount of English Language Learners:201617 through 2025.26
1,043
975 976
907
771 769 802
722
671
592
2010-17 2017-16 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26
Defa S 1-1W Enquah Pofi ell SfWenre,
liWI ro the Natth G.—iA—My NC DP!
T T-I�T� CAROLINA CA R O L I N A
vl V carol POPULATION CENTER DEMOGRAPHY
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAAforecast
Nathan Dollar said Orange County Schools' ELL headcount has steadily increased,almost doubling
from 2015-16 to 2024-25, but saw a significant dip this year, similar to other districts.
43
Slide#26
OCS Marketshare Has Held Steady Since 2021 -22, 202!
26 Numbers in July Will Be Important.
Market share by School Type:2021-22 through 2024-25
ur
12% 12% 12%
75%
50%
25%
0%
2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
■Horne Schools■Private Schools■Charter Schools■OCS
Sarxa:WI°cipeV9 M ft Report rRMR 2)2018-M21;W DM;W DOA
T TAT CAROLINA CAROLINA
G LJ1 V carol D E M 0 G R L P H Y
POPULATION CENTER
Source:Principal's Monthly Report(PMR 2)2016-2026;NC Birth Records,NC State Center for Health Statistics,DAAforecast
Slide#27
CAROLINA
DEMOGRI PHY
u
Sign up for our Contact us via
newsletter: our website:
• - • •• *1111 ■ ■ ,l li-I,
•. •• • -• •
carol inademography.cpc.unc.edu
Commissioner McKee observed that fewer students with the same infrastructure meant higher
per-student costs for both the county and school systems. He wondered whether people moving in simply
don't have children or if people were having fewer children overall.
Nathan Dollar confirmed both factors were at play-people are having fewer children globally,and
Orange County's highly educated population tends to delay childbirth and have fewer children. He noted
44
there is evidence that people don't have as many children as they want, and the area is experiencing
reduced net migration both internationally and domestically, plus educational market share diversification.
Commissioner Carter asked about Orange County's working-age in-migration compares to its
neighbors.
Nathan Dollar confirmed Wake County had significantly more working-age in-migration, noting
Wake was much larger and not an apples-to-apples comparison. After incorporating development data,
they adjusted forecasts upward slightly, but noted some development types wouldn't yield as many
students as others.
Chair Hamilton asked about how development types affect student yield.
Nathan Dollar explained they ground-truth developments by visiting sites, reviewing marketing
materials, estimating completion timelines, applying census tract occupancy rates and market share
assumptions. Single-bedroom apartments yield fewer students than multi-family or single-family
dwellings, and much of the current development included smaller units like studios and one-bedrooms.
Vice-Chair Fowler said she found this report very interesting and hopes it was shared with the
school districts as well. She appreciated the granular school-level detail and noted clear enrollment drops
after COVID and recent federal administration immigration policies. She expressed hope that policy
changes might reverse trends,emphasizing the importance of annual updates rather than planning for the
full 10-year period based on current projections.
Nathan Dollar said that immigration policy could absolutely affect student membership, but noted
it isn't the only factor at play.
b. Discussion on Strategic Communications Approaches
The Board discussed and considered possible approaches to the County's Strategic Communications
efforts and provided direction to staff.
BACKGROUND: The County formed a Strategic Communications Work Group (Work Group) on June 17,
2014, as part of a three-phased approach to developing a Strategic Communications Plan. The original
Work Group included the Deputy County Manager, County department representatives designated by the
County Manager,and two members of the Board of Commissioners.The Work Group met periodically, but
also experienced periods of inactivity. The Work Group, as most recently comprised, included two
members of the Board of Commissioners and the Community Relations Director.
The BOCC discussed the Work Group at its November 11, 2025 work session and agreed by consensus to
sunset the Work Group's work.
This item provides the opportunity for the Board to discuss possible approaches to the County's Strategic
Communications efforts for the future and provide direction to staff.
Community Relations Director, Wil Glenn, explained they were developing a comprehensive
communication and engagement plan, that is due to the county manager in June. The plan will include
eight broad goals and strategies mapping opportunities to collaborate with residents and gather input and
feedback.
Wil Glenn made the following presentation:
45
Slide#1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CARC)LINA
Strategic Communications
Wil Glenn
Community Relations Director
April 7, 2026
Slide#2
Strategic Communications Work Group
• Established in 2014 (Communications Committee)
• Purpose: To develop a Strategic Communications Plan (part of a three-
phased approach)
• Original Work Group Composition:
— Two Members of the Board of Commissioners
— Deputy County Manager
County Department Representatives(designated by County Manager)
• Most Recent Work Group Composition:
— Two Members of the Board of Commissioners
— Community Relations Director
• Sunset on Nov. 11, 2025
ORANGE COUNTY
2 NEM I f:AR(]I_INA
Slide#3
Current Landscape
• The Work Group was Sunset on Nov. 11, 2025.
• No Formal Communications Advisory Body Currently Exists.
• The Strategic Communications and Engagement Plan (due in June 2026)will
include opportunities to collaborate with residents and gather input on
communications initiatives and functions.
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NLmkVH cJ ikc)LI NA
46
Slide#4
Strategic Collaboration Options
• Ongoing Community Listening Sessions
— Topic-specific,held throughout the year
— Open to all residents,rotating locations
• Project-Based Stakeholder Groups
— Short-term input groups tied to specific initiatives (e.g.,website redesign,band referendums)
— Disband after project completion
• Periodic Board Updates at BOCC Meetings
— Updates and feedback loops with Commissioners
— Keeps oversight with BOCC rather than a separate body
ORANGE COUNTY
4 NORTH CAROL INA
Slide#5
Strategic Collaboration Options
(Continued)
• Engagement Tools
— Surveys,polls,and feedback forms integrated into County platforms,events and meetings
— Broader participation without formal structure
• Department-Level Engagement
— Direct outreach by departments based on service area needs
— Tailored,subject-matter-specific feedback
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#6
Board Discussion and Direction
Board Discussion and Direction
6 O NORNGE'H COOUN TY
47
Chair Hamilton noted she had petitioned for a strategic communications advisory group to provide
ongoing feedback to community relations about how residents receive information and what works for
them. She saw this as addressing a gap, having served on the strategic communications work group for
two years when it was just commissioners and the communications director,which she felt was ineffective
for obtaining community input. She emphasized any advisory group would be advisory only, providing
input rather than creating policy,and could help address challenges like low listening session turnout while
creating community ambassadors.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about events mentioned under engagement tools.
Wil Glenn explained these included both community events outside county government and
county department events,noting they were trying to embed the Orange County roadshow within existing
events rather than creating standalone events, going to people instead of expecting them to come to the
county.
Commissioner Carter suggested commissioners might participate in listening sessions on a
rotating basis as open dialogues where residents could sign up in advance for topic-specific discussions.
This could boost participation and provide regular community connection opportunities. She also
supported project-based stakeholder groups for targeting specific initiatives with focused communication
strategies.
Commissioner Bedford agreed with project-based approaches, citing examples like the tax work
group's strategic social media timing around key decisions. She suggested piloting listening sessions but
noted the need to be careful about campaigning versus listening on behalf of the board, referencing
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools' PTA council-sponsored offsite meetings with specific parameters. She
preferred not to create another advisory board and was more interested in staff recommendations in the
June report. She also noted recent successful crisis communications during events like winter storms,
emphasizing staff's role in handling press and follow-up coordination.She observed that residents typically
don't care about government activities until they need information when something affects them directly.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott supported providing access to commissioners for community
members who might not typically reach out or attend meetings, particularly given the need to rebuild trust
after the revaluation issues.She wanted to be available at community events to hear concerns before they
escalate to formal complaint levels.
Vice-Chair Fowler appreciated multiple information-gathering approaches and supported going
out to meet people rather than expecting them to come to meetings. She noted most people don't care
until issues directly impact them and suggested the Board meeting was the appropriate forum for public
input. She was hesitant about regular commissioner listening sessions if attendance would be poor, and
didn't support creating another advisory group.
Commissioner Greene liked all the ideas presented by staff but agreed against creating a new work
group or standing committee.
Commissioner McKee related the challenge to sensory overload, noting people have lives to live
and generally only engage when government imposes on them too much,with the county providing ways
for them to communicate when needed.
Chair Hamilton said she is hearing a consensus for ongoing community listening sessions, project-
based stakeholder groups, and periodic updates in the form of information items.
Commissioner Carter said it would be nice to receive quarterly updates.
The Board reached consensus on receiving quarterly updates and holding project-based
stakeholder groups.
The Board continued discussing commissioner involvement in listening sessions.
Commissioner Carter proposed listening sessions tied to projects or topics as a pilot,
acknowledging the trust deficit requiring commissioner time investment balanced against staff time. She
saw value in commissioners receiving direct community input they might not get otherwise.
48
Commissioner Bedford said having listening sessions tied to the project-based initiatives would
make more sense.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she wants to be available to hear from the public. She said she
would like to get in front of controversial future issues to address community concerns.
Commissioner Carter said she agrees with tying sessions to specific topics as a pilot.
Commissioner Greene asked what constituted a pilot, leading to discussion about the format.
Commissioner Carter suggested that two commissioners could lead each session.
Chair Hamilton proposed that there be three pilot sessions so that each commissioner has a
chance to participate.
Commissioner Bedford distinguished between two purposes: rebuilding trust/community
availability versus communicating information and gathering input. She said she preferred staff-led topic-
specific sessions while commissioners maintain community relationships through other venues like
organizational meetings and community events.
The discussion revealed complexity around meeting notice requirements when multiple
commissioners attend, with Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen noting that four or more commissioners
conducting county business would trigger open meetings law requirements, including advanced notice,
minutes, and agendas.
Commissioner McKee emphasized keeping sessions informal, though acknowledged formal
requirements if multiple commissioners attended.
Chair Hamilton proposed returning to this discussion after further consideration, moving forward
with project-based stakeholder groups and periodic board updates while thinking more carefully about
listening session formats and goals.
Commissioner Carter asked when they would return to the topic.
Chair Hamilton indicated that the chair and vice chair would review the schedule during their
regular meeting reviews.
c.Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA)and Orange County's Online Content
The Board received a report on the changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and
how they will impact County business.
BACKGROUND: The 2024 update to the Americans with Disabilities Act sets a new standard for making
government websites and digital services accessible by requiring compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
Essentially, this means Orange County's online content (websites, forms, PDFs, and service portals) must
be easier to see, use, and understand for people with disabilities, especially visual and hearing disabilities.
The update puts more focus on mobile access, clearer navigation, and making sure all users can complete
tasks without barriers. For Orange County, this will require reviewing and fixing existing content, building
accessibility into new projects, and ensuring staff and vendors follow these standards going forward.
Jurisdictions of Orange County's size need to meet these requirements by April 24, 2026.
Paul Slack, Chief Civil Rights Officer, made the following presentation:
49
Slide#1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
ADA Guidelines Update Presentation
April P", 2026
Slide#2
Background
• In 2024, the DOJ released new guidance on the ADA, stating
that public-sector websites and social media need to update
their online services to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
—This update primarily concerns making content compatible with
screen readers for people who are blind or hard of seeing;accessibility
of content on mobile screens;accessible audio content for people who
are hard of hearing;clearer navigation on websites; an overall ability
to complete tasks without barriers.
• That guidance goes into effect on April 24, 2026.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTI I CAROLINA
Slide#3
Guideline Changes
1. Page structure and headings 1. Must follow a specific format to be
compatible with screen readers.
2. Plain-language content and 2. Aiming for 7 rh-grade reading level
readability 3. See 1.
3. Accessible PDFs 4. All images and videos need text to
describe them.Videos need to be
4. Image alternative text subtitled
5. Page layout consistency and 5. Web pages should be consistent to
content consolidation promote predictability for users.
6. Old,outdated material should be
6. Archiving and retiring retired to clear web pages.
unnecessary content
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
50
Vice-Chair Fowler asked if acronyms will also be going away with accessible language.
Paul Slack said that will also be part of this effort.
Slide#4
What We Have Done to Date
• Established an ADA Steering Committee and Work Group to identify the best
ways to meet this guidance.
• Acquired the software Aquia and Equidox to aid in auditing our digital spaces to
understand the scope of our remediation needs.
• Hosted county-wide trainings to teach employees how to remediate out of
compliance content and how to create new, compliant content.
• Hosted weekly work sessions and lunch and learns for employees working on the
remediation efforts and new content creation.
• Met I on 1 with departments to answer specific questions about how the update
will impact them.
• Met with Civic Plus to get an understanding of their timeline of remediation for
parts of our website that they control.
ORANGE COUNTY
4 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#5
Orange County ADA Based Digital Core Principles
• Accessibility FIRST design In practice:
• Plaln language — Single column layouts
• Consistency and ease of use — Use headings for web pages, Word
dots (Bold text is not a heading)
• Public-centered content — Short paragraphs
— Bulleted lists
— AVOID JARGON
— Use alt text
— Creating an accessible Word Doc
makes creating an accessible PDF
much easier
ORANGE COUNTY
s NORTH CAROLINA
51
Slide#6
Staff Responsibilities
• Content
• Links
• Images
• Layouts
ORANGE COUNTY
6 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#7
Current Training & Readiness Snapshot ( 1 /2)
Where We Are Today
Scope
• 31 departments have had at least one person trained.
• Minimum standard:2 remediators trained per department
Training Completion
• 75 staff members have completed the 2-day remediation training
• 98 staff members have completed the I-day content creator training
• 3 departments have no one trained for remediation
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NORTH CAROLINA
52
Slide#8
Current Training & Readiness Snapshot
(2/2)
New Content Training:Weekly on Goals
Thursdays • Train between 150 and 250
Time: Alternating between 9 am— content creators (98 trained so far
12 pm and 1 pm and 4 pm in this cycle)
Participants: up to 20 • All current content creators
Format: In person trained before the end of April.
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#9
Planning Dept. Agenda Packet Items (1/3)
• Current Practice
—Includes Abstract, Staff Report, Application with Supplemental
Materials, Staff/Agency Reviews & Reports, and Approval Materials
—Includes numerous third party materials and technical reports
ORANGE COUNTY
y NORTH CAROLINA
53
Slide#10
Planning Dept. Agenda Packet Items (2/3)
• Planning profession standard is to only feature
summary/abstract, staff analysis, and approval materials
• Professional staff reviews the application &technical materials
and reports any concerns/conditions to the boards
ORANGE COUNTY
to NORTH CAROLINA
Commissioner Bedford asked about providing links to removed materials for both board and
community access.
Paul Slack said that Cy Stober is working on determining the best method to deliver the
information. He said it is a challenging problem since anything posted online after April 24, 2026 must be
compliant.
Commissioner Greene said it would be important to the Board and the community to still have
that information available.
Slide#11
Planning Dept. Agenda Packet Items (3/3)
• New Practice
—Packets will be reduced from 100+pages to 10-20 pages
—Abstract, Staff Report, and Approval Materials
—We are reducing the packets because staff cannot remediate third party
materials and technical reports, including applications
—Aligns Orange County with the professional standards of peer
communities (Chapel Hill, Durham, Mecklenburg Co., Wake Co.)
ORANGE COUNTY
�i NORTH CAROLINA
54
Slide#12
Biggest Barriers to Compliance
• Funding
— We have the resources needed to facilitate standard remediation and creation but
remediating documents from the 1960s-1990s is challenging in addition to
remediating long,technical documents.
• Staff support/personnel
— Remediation is time consuming and pulls people away from their main roles,
with some departments struggling to meet their service responsibilities and ADA
work at the same time.
• Time
— The guidelines go into effect in 3 weeks,and the scope of the updates needed has
proven significant with many departments struggling to meet the deadline.
.ram
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#13
CRCL Suggested Timelines (1/2)
• January 30
— Depts need to have their digital assets prioritized and sorted.Directors should work with
the team to identify the most crucial documents and pages.All legal services should be
included.
— All employees involved in ADA efforts should be identified,and there should be a plan
for them to attend training.
— Depts should have a meeting with all employees involved in ADA remediation and create
a work plan for how they will make time for ADA remediation.This work plan should
include prioritization information for what is most critical.
• February 17
— Depts should complete a review of their web pages and delete all unnecessary pages,
removed purely decorative images,and remediated their homepages and department
pages.Community Relations has created a Style Guide outlining a consistent look for all
department pages.This will be sent to department directors by next Friday.
��
ORANGE COUNTY
13 NORTH CAROLINA
55
Slide#14
CRCL Suggested Timelines (2/2)
• March 31
— Depts should complete remediation of high -touch/traffic web pages and
PDFs
— Depts should complete adding Alt text to the remaining images on their
webpage.
• April24
— Depts should be actively remediating remaining web pages and PDFs that
are required to remain online or Depts have chosen to keep online but are
not high touch.
— Online videos should have a transcript and subtitles added.
ORANGE COUNTY
13 NORTH CAROLINA
Vice-Chair Fowler said it seems vast and detailed,but important to the people who need this done.
Chair Hamilton thanked Paul Slack for the presentation, noting the tremendous amount of work
involved and uncertainty about accessibility improvements versus potential difficulties for some users.
8.Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
Commissioner McKee removed 8-k from the consent agenda.
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve the
remaining consent agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
• Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
Commissioner McKee requested to table item 8-k (Resolution Authorizing Loan to Orange Grove
Fire District)to the April 21, 2026 meeting due to the absence of fire department representatives.
Chair Hamilton invited public comment on this item.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Susan Walser expressed surprise at seeing the $1.7 million loan for Rocky Ridge Fire Station
Number 2 on the agenda without prior community awareness. Her concerns included lack of transparency
with no meaningful communication to district residents about the project's purpose, budget, or progress;
unclear justification for the investment without demonstrated ISO rating improvement or clearly defined
community benefit; the station not being staffed 24/7; and ongoing lack of notification about meetings,
board elections, and financial decisions. She requested the Board delay loan approval until there was
community engagement by the Orange Grove Board of Directors.
56
Commissioner Bedford clarified that the board was not approving the fire district's project,which
was already approved by the fire district board in October with bids opened in March and tax increases
approved in June. The county's role was to allow the fire district to borrow through the county's spring
financing to get lower rates rather than obtaining a bank loan, with the fire district paying back the same
amount as the debt service. She emphasized this was different from approving the project itself and that
community members should work with their fire district board rather than the county commissioners.
Commissioner McKee made a motion to consider this item on April 21, 2026. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Portie-Ascott.
VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner Carter, Chair Hamilton,
Commissioner Portie-Ascott); Nays, 2 (Vice-Chair Fowler and Commissioner Bedford)
MOTION PASSES
a. Minutes for March 5, 2026, March 10, 2026, and March 17, 2026
The Board approved the minutes for the March 5, 2026, March 10, 2026, and 17, 2026 Board of
Commissioners Meetings, as corrected.
b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for three (3) taxpayers with
a total of three (3) 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 eleven
(11) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
d. Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation recognizing the week of April 12-18, 2026, as Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week in Orange County, highlighting First Responders for the amazing work they do
throughout the year.
e. Earth Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation designating April 22, 2026, as Earth Day in Orange County.
f. Native Plant Month Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation designating April 2026 as "Native Plant Month" in Orange County.
g.Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation designating April 10,2026 as Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in Orange
County.
h.Volunteer Week Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation declaring April 19-25, 2026, as "Volunteer Week" in Orange County.
i. Application for North Carolina Education Lottery Proceeds for Orange County Schools (OCS) to Draw
Down Funds from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
The Board approved an application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to
release proceeds from the NC Education Lottery account related to FY 2025-26 debt service payments for
Orange County Schools (OCS).
j. Application for North Carolina Education Lottery Proceeds for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
(CHCCS)to Draw Down Funds from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
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The Board approved an application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to
release proceeds from the NC Education Lottery account related to FY 2025-26 debt service payments for
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools(CHCCS).
k. Resolution Authorizing Loan to Orange Grove Fire District for Fire Station Improvements as Part of FY
2025-26 Spring Financing and Approval of Budget Amendment#8-A
The Board approved a resolution authorizing a loan to the Orange Grove Fire District in the amount of$1.7
million for capital improvements to Fire Station#2 and approve Budget Amendment#8-A.
I.Approval of Multi-Year Contract for Licensing and Support of Server Infrastructure
The Board authorized the Manager to execute a multi-year maintenance and support contract with
Carahsoft Technology Corporation in the amount of$225,552.88 for the renewal of server infrastructure
licensing and support.
m.Construction Contract Change Amendment for Piedmont Food Processing Center HVAC Replacement
The Board:
1) Approved the County issuing a construction change amendment with Brady Services, Inc. for the
replacement of the existing kitchen exhaust hood control panels at the Piedmont Food Processing
Center; and
2) Authorized the County Manager to execute the change, 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.
n. Authorization of Funding for Four (4) Priority County Solar Projects to Secure Federal Direct Pay
Incentives and Approval of Budget Amendment#8-B
The Board:
1) Approved full funding for four (4) priority solar installation projects which will take advantage of
Direct Pay solar incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act;
2) Authorized the County Manager to execute an agreement with the responsive/responsible bidder
following the bid process, subject to final review by the County Attorney, and to approve any
subsequent amendments for contingent or unforeseen needs within the approved budget on
behalf of the Board.; and
3) Approved Budget Amendment#8-B.
o. FY 2025-26 Memorandum of Understanding Renewal for the Orange County Partnership to End
Homelessness(OCPEH)
The Board approved an interlocal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) renewal with the towns of
Chapel Hill,Carrboro and Hillsborough to jointly fund the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness
(OCPEH).
p.Approval of Shelter Renewal Contract with Inter-Faith Council
The Board approved a contract renewal with the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) for IFC's Shelter program in
Orange County, providing shelter services to residents seeking housing assistance.
q.Approval of Agreements for School Sales Tax Recapture
The Board adopted a resolution approving agreements between Orange County and its two school systems
to facilitate the recapture of a portion of sales taxes paid on County-funded school capital expenditures.
9. County Manager's Report
Travis Myren reminded the board of upcoming meetings and topics.
10. County Attorney's Report
John Roberts announced that the legislative committee on property tax would meet again next
week. He said he would share a link with the Board to view the meeting.
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11.Appointments
None.
12. Information Items
• March 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—Opioid Litigation Settlement Report
• Memorandum—Countywide Strategic Plan Mid FY 2025-26 Progress Report
• Memorandum — Recognition of County Employee Retirements from January 1, 2026 through
March 31, 2026
13. Closed Session
None.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to adjourn the
meeting at 9:45 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