hillsborough-nc, ?

Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

CANCELED: Board of Commissioners Work Session

Historic District Commission Regular Meeting

The Hillsborough Historic District Commission will hold its regular meeting on September 2, 2026, to review and decide on three Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications. These include a mural and sign at 113 W. King St., window replacement at 324 W. Margaret Ln., and a major deconstruction and rebuild of the Link Building at 200 S. Cameron St. for a new sheriff's office. The commission will also approve minutes and written decisions from the August 5, 2026 meeting.

• COA application: 113 W. King St. - install mural on alley wall and sign on front entrance
• COA application: 324 W. Margaret Ln. - replace wood windows with fiberglass
• COA application: 200 S. Cameron St. - deconstruct Link Building and construct new sheriff's office
• Approve minutes and written decisions from August 5, 2026 meeting

Tourism Board Special Meeting (rescheduled and combined August/September meeting)

The Hillsborough Tourism Board is holding a special combined August/September meeting to review final contract partner reports for FY26, discuss updates to its funding structure, and receive staff updates. The board will also consider rescheduling its October meeting due to the CycleNC event.

• Final FY26 contract partner reports from Burwell School, Hillsborough Arts Council, OC Museum, and Alliance (Visitors Center)
• Discussion of Tourism Board funding structure updates (grants, contract partners, special projects/partnerships/sponsorship)
• CycleNC event on October 5th, funded via TDA, may prompt alternate date for October Tourism Board meeting
• Approval of minutes from January 5, 2026 and June 1, 2026 (Budget Public Hearing)

Board of Commissioners Work Session

The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss and potentially decide on several items, including appointments, consent agenda items, and in-depth discussions on demolition ordinances and the draft Affordable Housing Strategy. The meeting includes closed sessions for legal and property matters.

• Reappointment of Sara Riek to Historic District Commission
• Retirement of Canine Officer Jett and transfer to Cpl. Juan Duran
• Special event permits for half-marathon, bike rides, and ceilidh
• Water and sewer extension contract for Altera Meadowlands
• Demolition ordinances for 613 Buttonwood Drive and 380 Cornelius Street

Planning Board and Board of Commissioners Joint Public Hearing

The Planning Board and Board of Commissioners will hold a joint public hearing regarding annexation and rezoning requests for 2101 and 2109 NC 86 S. The boards will also consider the appointment of Megan Kimball as a Parks and Recreation Board Representative.

• Annexation and rezoning requests for 2101 & 2109 NC 86 S
• Appointment of Megan Kimball as Parks and Recreation Board Representative

Tree Board Regular Meeting

The Hillsborough Tree Board will hold a regular meeting to discuss the Unified Development Ordinance's recommended plant list and FY27 planting priorities. They will also receive updates on the Invasive Species Removal Team, the Garden Club, and staff activities including a pruning workshop and interpretive sign. The meeting is primarily for discussion and updates, with no final decisions listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Unified Development Ordinance recommended plant list
• Discussion of FY27 planting priorities
• Update on Invasive Species Removal Team
• Update on Garden Club
• Staff update on pruning workshop and interpretive sign

Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Board will meet to review meeting minutes and discuss the potential relocation of a picnic shelter to the skatepark. The board will also receive updates from various park stewards, the Board of Commissioners, the Planning Board, and the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group.

• Discussion on future picnic shelter relocation to skatepark
• Reports from stewards for Gold Park, Cates Creek Park, Murray Street Park, Kings Highway Park, Hillsborough Heights Park, Riverwalk, and Turnip Patch Park

Tourism Development Authority Regular Meeting- Rescheduled

Tourism Development Authority Special Meeting- Rescheduled

The Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority will consider three special project and partnership funding requests totaling $27,500, including $10,000 for CycleNC Mountains to Coast, $15,000 for Flushfest, and $2,500 for the Moorefields Bluegrass Festival. The board will also receive updates on a potential partnership with Hillsborough, Ireland, and discuss fund balance spend-down ideas and a vacancy on the Occupancy Tax seat.

• CycleNC Mountains to Coast funding request: $10,000
• Flushfest funding request: $15,000
• Moorefields Bluegrass Festival Partnership: $2,500
• Discussion of potential partnership with Hillsborough, Ireland
• Need to fill Occupancy Tax seat vacancy

Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will consider a water and sewer extension contract for the Orange County Crisis Diversion Facility. They will also review the Fiscal Year 2026 Strategic Plan Annual Report and discuss the process for the Fiscal Year 2028-30 Strategic Plan.

• Water and Sewer Extension Contract for the Orange County Crisis Diversion Facility
• FY 2026 Strategic Plan Annual Report
• Proposed FY 2028-30 Strategic Plan Process
• MOU with NC Dept. of Information Technology for Cloudflare Web Application Firewall Service
• Reappointment of David Blankfard to the Board of Adjustment

Historic District Commission Regular Meeting

The Hillsborough Historic District Commission will meet to review four applications for Certificates of Appropriateness regarding property modifications and new construction. The commission will also review and approve minutes and written decisions from their June 24, 2026, meeting.

• COA for 104 S. Hillsborough Ave. to replace wood windows with aluminum-clad wood windows
• COA for 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. for new windows, exit enclosure, and rooftop monitor
• COA for 404 Calvin St. for mud room, garage, stone walk, porch, trellis, and fence
• COA for W. Orange St. for new construction of a house with a basement

The Hillsborough Historic District Commission approved four Certificates of Appropriateness at its Aug. 5, 2026 meeting: window replacement at 104 S. Hillsborough Ave., new windows/exits at 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd., a mudroom/garage addition at 404 Calvin St., and a new house at West Orange and North Wake streets. All approvals were unanimous, with two members recused from specific applications due to conflicts of interest. The commission also approved prior meeting minutes and a written decision.

• Approved amended window replacement at 104 S. Hillsborough Ave. (4-0)
• Approved new windows, exit enclosure, and rooftop monitor at 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. (4-0)
• Approved mudroom, garage, and related work at 404 Calvin St. with conditions (5-0)
• Approved new house at West Orange and North Wake streets with conditions (5-0)
• Approved minutes from June 24, 2026 meeting with correction (5-0)
• Approved written decision for 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. and 131 E. Queen St. (5-0)

Historic District Commission Regular Meeting

The Hillsborough Historic District Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider five Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications for properties in the historic district. The applications include converting a screened porch to glass-enclosed at 400 N. Cameron St., constructing a wood carport at 212 S. Occoneechee St., adding fencing at 316 W. Orange St., a bathroom addition and window replacement at 131 E. Queen St., and two temporary modular classrooms at 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. The commission will also approve minutes and a written decision from the May 6, 2026 meeting.

• 400 N. Cameron St. – convert existing screened porch to glass-enclosed porch (PIN 9874184493)
• 212 S. Occoneechee St. – construct a 12’ by 19’ wood carport (PIN 9864757505)
• 316 W. Orange St. – add new front, side, and rear-yard fencing (PIN 9864882685)
• 131 E. Queen St. – add second-story bathroom, replace west bay with rectangular addition and glass room, replace one west window with three windows (PIN 9874172771)
• 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. – add two temporary modular classroom units to east parking lot (PIN 9864646207)

Board of Commissioners Work Session

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to receive comments on an ordinance imposing a one-year moratorium on data center development. The session also includes a consent agenda with budget amendments and a rezoning request for 515 Meadowlands Drive.

• Public hearing on data center development moratorium
• Rezoning request for 515 Meadowlands Drive
• Text amendment to Unified Development Ordinance Section 2.5
• Special Event Permit Application – Hog Day 2026
• Fiscal Year 2027 Salary Schedule

The Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to extend the town's moratorium on data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and related uses from 60 days to one year (until May 27, 2027) to allow staff time to develop zoning standards. The board also approved a rezoning and development agreement for 715 US Highway 70 East, changing the 13.4-acre property from Assistive Living Neighborhood to Multifamily, allowing up to 67 rental townhomes. All consent agenda items, including budget amendments, a Historic District Commission text amendment, a rezoning at 515 Meadowlands Drive, the Hog Day 2026 special event permit, the FY2027 salary schedule, and the NC86 Facility Renovation capital project amendment, were approved 3-0.

• Extended data center moratorium to one year, until May 27, 2027 (3-0)
• Approved rezoning and development agreement for 715 US Highway 70 East to Multifamily (3-0)
• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments, UDO text amendment, 515 Meadowlands Drive rezoning, Hog Day 2026 permit, FY2027 salary schedule, and NC86 capital project amendment (3-0)
• Adopted ordinance amending UDO Section 2.5 to remove two vacant Historic District Commission seats (3-0)
• Approved rezoning of 515 Meadowlands Drive from High Intensity Commercial to Economic Development District (3-0)
• Amended NC86 Facility Renovation capital project budget by $25,000 for furniture (3-0)

Tree Board Regular Meeting

The Tree Board will meet to discuss the Recommended Plant List for the Unified Development Ordinance. The board will also receive updates on invasive species removal and the Garden Club.

• Discussion of Unified Development Ordinance- Recommended Plant List
• Update on Invasive Species Removal Team
• Update on Garden Club
• Staff updates regarding Treasure Tree article, interpretive sign, and Community Services reorganization

The Tree Board held a regular meeting with a quorum present. It approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 20, 2026 meeting, both by 5-0 votes. The board discussed a recommended plant list for the Unified Development Ordinance, with members Tim Logue and Brian Mayell agreeing to share existing lists from Orange County, Audubon, and the City of Raleigh; this item will be continued on the August agenda. No other substantive decisions were made; updates were provided on invasive removal, a Garden Club film showing, and staff activities.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved May 20, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Continued plant list discussion to August agenda

Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Board will hold a regular meeting with discussion items including a Community Care Cabinet Silver Award project proposal at Cates Creek Park presented by Josie Higgins. The board will also receive reports from town boards, park stewards, and staff updates on recent repairs and the FY27 budget.

• Community Care Cabinet Silver Award project proposal at Cates Creek Park by Josie Higgins
• Reports from Board of Commissioners, Planning Board, and Intergovernmental Parks Work Group
• Park steward reports for Gold Park, Cates Creek Park, Murray Street Park, Kings Highway Park, Hillsborough Heights Park, Riverwalk, and Turnip Patch Park
• Staff updates on recent repairs and FY27 budget update

Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will meet to adopt the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. The agenda includes budget approvals for the Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Board, as well as a water and sewer extension contract for Collins Ridge Phase II.

• Adoption of Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
• Water and Sewer Extension Contract for Collins Ridge Phase II
• Tourism Development Authority and Tourism Board Fiscal Year 2027 Budgets
• Riverwalk Encroachment Agreement for 183 Faribault Lane
• Request for Orange County Board of Commissioners to appoint Eddie Sain to the Board of Adjustment

Tourism Board Budget Public Hearing Meeting

The Tourism Board will hold a public hearing to discuss the draft FY27 budget. The meeting includes updates on budget drafts and responses from contract partners, including HAC and Alliance.

• Public hearing for the draft FY27 budget
• Burwell School Scope of Work Response Presentation
• FY26 F&B tax report update

Board of Commissioners Work Session and Budget Workshop

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and discuss an ordinance to impose a temporary moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations. The session also includes a budget workshop for Fiscal Year 2027 and a review of the SecureNC partnership.

• Public hearing on a 60-day development moratorium for data centers
• Proposed ordinance on development approvals for data centers and cryptocurrency mining
• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Workshop #2
• SecureNC Partnership with the North Carolina Department of Information Technology
• Miscellaneous budget amendments and transfers

The Board of Commissioners adopted a 60-day moratorium on development approvals for data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and associated uses, effective May 28 through July 27, 2026, to allow staff to study impacts and develop zoning standards. The board also authorized the town manager to execute a SecureNC cybersecurity partnership MOU with the North Carolina Department of Information Technology. During the budget workshop, the board reached consensus on a recommended 2-cent property tax increase to 53.3 cents, increased park rental fees, and adjusted nonprofit allocations, including reducing Orange County Arts Alliance funding to $0.

• Adopted 60-day moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining (4-0)
• Authorized town manager to execute SecureNC MOU with NCDIT (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments and two proclamations (4-0)
• Recommended 2-cent property tax increase to 53.3 cents for FY2027 budget
• Increased Gold Park large picnic shelter rental to $30 residents/$60 non-residents
• Increased Gold Park athletic field rental to $25/hour residents/$50/hour non-residents
• Increased Orange County Congregations in Mission allocation to $21,000
• Reduced Orange County Arts Alliance allocation to $0

Planning Board and Board of Commissioners Joint Meeting

The Planning Board and Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding a property rezoning and a development ordinance change. The Planning Board will provide recommendations following the hearings.

• Rezoning request for property at 515 Meadowlands Drive
• Text amendment to Unified Development Ordinance Section 2.5 regarding the Historic District Commission

Tree Board Regular Meeting

The Tree Board is meeting to discuss nominations for the 2026 Treasure Tree program. The board will also receive updates on invasive species removal and staff activities.

• 2026 Treasure Tree nominations
• Invasive Species Removal Team update
• Garden Club update
• Staff updates on bark scale treatment and pruning workshop
• Staff updates on interpretive sign and Community Services reorganization

The Tree Board approved the agenda and the April 15, 2026 minutes, both unanimously. Members discussed a list of potential Treasure Trees and voted to nominate the Gingko tree on Wake Street as the 2026 Treasure Tree. Updates were given on invasive removal, Garden Club activities, and staff projects.

• Approved agenda with corrected date of 5/20/2026 (6-0)
• Approved April 15, 2026 minutes (6-0)
• Nominated Gingko tree on Wake Street as 2026 Treasure Tree (6-0)

Tourism Development Authority Budget Public Hearing Meeting

The Hillsborough Tourism Development Authority is meeting to hold a public hearing regarding the draft FY 2027 budget. The body will discuss budget updates and a recommendation for budget adoption to the Town Board.

• Public hearing for the draft FY 2027 TDA Budget
• Discussion of TDA Audit and Engagement Contracts (FY26)

Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting

The board will meet to discuss a proposal for the 'Painting Joy at Gold Park Silver Award' from Teagan Kelly and Harper Smith. The meeting also includes staff updates on recent repairs and the FY27 budget.

• Painting Joy at Gold Park Silver Award proposal from Teagan Kelly and Harper Smith
• FY27 budget update
• Reports from park stewards for Gold Park, Cates Creek Park, Murray Street Park, Kings Highway Park, Hillsborough Heights Park, Riverwalk, and Turnip Patch Park

The Parks and Recreation Board voted 9-0 to recommend approval of a Girl Scouts project to paint a section of greenway trail near the play area at Gold Park. The board also approved its agenda and the minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting, both by 9-0 votes. No other formal actions were taken; remaining items were informational reports.

• Recommended approval of Gold Park trail painting project (9-0)
• Approved meeting agenda as presented (9-0)
• Approved March 17, 2026 minutes with no corrections (9-0)

Board of Commissioners Budget Workshop & Public Hearing

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, followed by a workshop for in-depth discussion. No specific budget details or dollar amounts are provided in the agenda.

• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Public Hearing
• Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Workshop

The Board of Commissioners held a budget workshop and public hearing for Fiscal Year 2027, hearing from four residents and discussing the recommended budget. The board reached consensus to incorporate a two-cent property tax rate increase, confirmed a $15 stormwater fee increase and a 7.5% water and sewer rate increase, and directed staff to review several fees. Nonprofit funding allocations were also agreed upon, totaling $110,000.

• Consensus to add 2-cent property tax increase (~$100/year on $500,000 home)
• Confirmed $15 stormwater fee increase (final year of 3-year phase)
• Confirmed 7.5% water and sewer rate increase
• Directed staff to review fees (special event, park rentals, appeals, street permits, fire lane, documents) and return with amounts
• Allocated $110,000 to nonprofits: Disability Awareness Council $3,800, Exchange Club Park $7,500, Fairview Community Watch $10,000, FFORC $51,683, Hillsborough Arts Council $15,000, OCCIM $11,000, Orange County Arts Alliance $10,000, TABLE $0
• Approved agenda and opened/closed public hearing (4-0 votes)

Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting

The Board of Adjustment will hold a quasi-judicial evidentiary hearing regarding a structure at 120 West Corbin Street. The board will consider an appeal by Sam Coleman concerning a Code Enforcement Officer's order to meet town minimum housing standards.

• Case BA-02-2026: Appeal regarding structure at 120 West Corbin Street (PIN 9864-99-7146)

Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will hear the Fiscal Year 2027-29 Recommended Budget Presentation and discuss data centers and land use matters. They will also consider several proclamations, a special event permit, a SecureNC partnership, and the HOME Annual Action Plan. Appointments to the Tourism Board and routine consent items are on the agenda.

• Fiscal Year 2027-29 Recommended Budget Presentation
• Discussion of Data Centers and Land Use Matters
• Tourism Board reappointment of Megan Kimball and appointment of Blake Tedder
• Five proclamations: Police Week, National Public Works Week, Heat Awareness, Memorial Day, Community Home Trust
• Special Event Permit for The Big Run 5K by Fleet Feet

The board adopted a resolution stating its intent to consider regulations for data center development, including a possible 60-day moratorium, with a public hearing scheduled for May 27. It also received the FY 2027-29 recommended budget, which proposes a 7.5% water and sewer rate increase and no property tax change. All consent agenda items were approved, including the HOME Annual Action Plan submission.

• Adopted resolution of intent to regulate data centers (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including HOME plan submission (4-0)
• Approved Tourism Board appointments (4-0)
• Approved agenda as amended (4-0)
• Approved budget adjustments (4-0)
• Received strategic plan update and supported FY2027 extension year
• Received FY2027-29 budget presentation

Historic District Commission Regular Meeting

The Historic District Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness application for a residence. The body will also vote on updated Rules of Procedure and a rescheduled June meeting date.

• COA Application: 115 E. Queen St. to replace wood siding with Hardie Board
• Adoption of updated Rules of Procedure
• Finalization of rescheduled June meeting date

The Hillsborough Historic District Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for replacing wood siding with Hardie Board at 115 E. Queen St., with conditions to preserve historic features. The commission also adopted updated Rules of Procedure and rescheduled the June meeting to June 24, 2026. All votes were 4-0.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 115 E. Queen St. siding replacement (4-0)
• Approved updated Rules of Procedure (4-0)
• Rescheduled June regular meeting to June 24, 2026 (4-0)
• Approved March 4, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

Tourism Board Regular Meeting

The Tourism Board will discuss the FY 2027 draft budget and review grant request scoring. The board is also considering an audit contract for FY26 and updates to several service contracts.

• Alliance Visitors Center contract ($271,922)
• Burwell School proposal ($85,000)
• Hillsborough Arts Council contract ($75,000)
• OC Museum contract ($59,500)
• Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce Parade & Tree Lighting ($14,600)

The Hillsborough Tourism Board approved three tourism grants totaling $20,996, slightly over the $20,000 budget, and denied two others. They also approved the FY26 audit contract and directed staff to ask the Burwell School to reduce its contract proposal. The board discussed the FY27 draft budget, including a website update and contract adjustments.

• Approved $3,000 grant to Hillsborough Garden Club (8-0)
• Approved $10,000 grant to Orange County Arts Commission for UPROAR (8-0)
• Approved $7,996 grant to Orange Community Players for 'Anything Goes' (8-0)
• Denied grant to Chickenfoot Art Collective for 'Babushka and the boiling frogs'
• Denied grant to Humanity International for 'Flow Fest'
• Approved FY26 audit contract and engagement letter with Preston Douglas & Associates (8-0)
• Directed staff to provide feedback to Burwell School to reduce contract ask closer to $65,000 (8-0)

Board of Commissioners Work Session

The Board of Commissioners will review a proposed zoning district rewrite, approve capital project ordinances for bridge and dam repairs, and hold a public hearing on nonprofit funding requests for the 2026-27 budget.

• Proposed zoning districts – Unified Development Ordinance rewrite project
• Capital Project Ordinance Amendment – Exchange Club Road Bridge Repairs
• Capital Project Ordinance – West Fork Eno Reservoir Dam Repairs
• Nonprofit Partnership Funding Requests – Public Hearing
• Resolution Adopting the Heat Action Plan for Orange County

The Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to cancel the municipal fiber loop construction project and instead contract with a third-party internet service provider to deliver fiber connectivity to all town facilities. The board also approved the consent agenda, including budget amendments, proclamations, and capital project ordinances, and expressed support for an annexation request for two parcels on NC 86 South. Nonprofit funding requests totaling approximately $139,795 were discussed, with the board setting a placeholder of $100,000–$110,000 for FY 2026-27 allocations.

• Cancelled fiber loop construction project, directed staff to contract with third-party fiber provider (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments, proclamations, and capital project ordinances (4-0)
• Approved $255,219 amendment for Exchange Club Road Bridge Repairs (4-0)
• Approved $14,000 amendment for NC86 Facility Renovation (4-0)
• Adopted $115,840 capital project for West Fork Eno Reservoir Dam Repairs (4-0)
• Expressed consensus for Tricor Investments to proceed with annexation petition for 2101 and 2109 NC 86 S
• Set $100,000–$110,000 placeholder for FY 2026-27 nonprofit partnership funding

Parks and Recreation Board Regular Meeting

The Parks and Recreation Board will meet to approve minutes from March, receive reports from board liaisons and park stewards, and hear staff updates on recent repairs, the FY27 budget, and the Orange County Trails Plan. The agenda is largely procedural with no votes on ordinances, contracts, or rezonings.

• Staff update on recent repairs and FY27 budget
• Staff update on Orange County Trails Plan
• Park steward reports for Gold Park, Cates Creek Park, Murray Street Park, Kings Highway Park, Hillsborough Heights Park, Riverwalk, and Turnip Patch Park

Tree Board Regular Meeting

The Tree Board will convene to approve minutes from March 2026 and discuss debriefing Creek Week and Climate Challenge events. The agenda includes tabling the Earth Day Celebration at RambleRill Farm and exploring a future film screening idea.

• Approval of March 18, 2026 minutes
• Tabling Earth Day Celebration at RambleRill Farm
• Debriefing Creek Week and Climate Challenge events
• Discussion of future film screening idea
• Updates on invasive species removal and garden club

The Tree Board held a regular meeting with all members present. They approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the Feb. 18, 2026 meeting, both by 7-0 votes. Discussion items included a debrief of Creek Week and Climate Challenge events, an upcoming Earth Day tabling event, and a potential future film screening. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved Feb. 18, 2026 minutes (7-0)

Tourism Development Authority Regular Meeting

The Tourism Development Authority is meeting to discuss funding requests for special projects and partnerships. The body will also review the draft FY 2027 TDA budget and receive occupancy tax reports.

• Alliance Outlandish Festival Shuttle Sponsorship: $5,000 (FY27)
• HAC Solstice Lantern Walk Sponsorship: $10,000 (FY27)
• HAC Handmade Parade Sponsorship: $10,000 (FY27)
• Draft FY 2027 TDA Budget