Orange County, North Carolina

Agricultural Preservation Board

The Agricultural Preservation Board will discuss several topics, including a presentation on the TABLE food access program, a follow‑up on the Ag Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan after the Board of County Commissioners approved a draft web version, and reports from Extension Service staff. The board will also review current and new membership applications that will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners on September 10. Additional informational updates will cover the VAD program, a grant application to the ADFP Trust Fund for a new Cost of Community Services Study, and the Ag Economic Development Grant review committee.

• Presentation about TABLE food access program
• Follow‑up on Ag Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan (draft web version approved June 2 by BOCC)
• Extension Service staff reports
• Review of membership applications for BOCC consideration on Sept 10
• ADFP Trust Fund grant application for Cost of Community Services Study

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the process to fill the vacancy created by Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford's passing, including consulting the Orange County Democratic Party and a timeline to appoint by August 20, 2026. They will also consider adopting financing for the Crisis Diversion Center, potential changes to the Longtime Homeowner Assistance program, and a solicitation for offers on a county-owned property at 6823 Millhouse Road. A proclamation recognizing departing Health Director Quintana Stewart is scheduled.

• Discussion on process to fill BOCC vacancy following Commissioner Bedford's death
• Adoption of final financing resolution for 2026B installment purchase to fund Crisis Diversion Center construction
• Potential alterations to Longtime Homeowner Assistance (LHA) program thresholds and targeting
• Solicitation of offers to purchase county property at 6823 Millhouse Road
• Proclamation of appreciation for departing Health Director Quintana Stewart

Planning Board

The Orange County Planning Board's Ordinance Review Committee will review and comment on a package of Unified Development Ordinance text amendments. The amendments respond to North Carolina Session Law 2025-94, correct internal errors, and clarify standards for watersheds, stream buffers, landscaping, and home occupations. The committee is advisory only and will not take a final vote.

• Update UDO to comply with NC Session Law 2025-94, including raising stormwater disturbance threshold from 0.5 to 1 acre
• Eliminate one-year waiting period for resubmitting denied land use applications (rendered illegal by state law)
• Allow multiple principal non-residential uses in all economic development and activity nodes
• Expand allowances for outdoor storage of goods and minor home occupations to support small businesses
• Eliminate unique swimming pool fence setback and redundant erosion control waiver

Planning Board

The Orange County Planning Board will receive presentations and provide feedback on two draft planning documents. The meeting focuses on the draft Orange County Trails Plan and the draft Orange County Bike and Pedestrian Plan.

• Discussion of the draft Orange County Trails Plan
• Discussion of the draft Orange County Bike and Pedestrian Plan

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board of Equalization and Review will hold hearings for several property tax appeals. The board will also review recommendations for specific neighborhoods and draft policy information.

• Appeals for 124 Beechwood Drive
• Appeals for 718 Great Eno Path
• Appeals for 457 S. Greensboro Street
• Appeals for 409 Smith Avenue, Unit 101
• Review of recommendations for neighborhoods 5625 and 7418

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss several topics at this June 24th meeting, including concepts for recognizing the County Poor House Cemetery and the lynching of Cyrus Guy buried there, plus funding for ground penetrating radar at the site. Other discussion items include a proposed landmark designation for Montrose within Hillsborough's ETJ, a funding delay for architectural planning at the Historic Courthouse due to court staff security requirements, and a new proposal for historic buildings at Twin Creeks future park site. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting is entirely discussion and informational items.

• Discussion of concepts for recognizing the County Poor House Cemetery site and the lynching of Cyrus Guy
• Funding request for ground penetrating radar survey of the Poor House cemetery site
• Proposed landmark designation process for Montrose in the Hillsborough ETJ
• Funding delay for architectural planning at the Historic Courthouse with court staff security issues
• New proposal for historic buildings at Twin Creeks future park site

Human Relations Commission

The Orange County Human Relations Commission will meet to discuss and vote on an update regarding the Blackwood Farms commemorative marker. The commission will also receive a County Update from the Office of Civil Rights and Civic Life, hear reports from sub-committees on outreach and community events, and consider an executive committee report on membership and a future retreat. Public comment is invited.

• Action Item: Blackwood Farms Marker Update
• County Update from Office of Civil Rights and Civic Life
• Executive Committee Report: membership, vacancies, and August retreat
• Sub-Committee Reports: Outreach and Engagement (tabling, outreach to organizations) and Community Events
• Public Comment (non-agenda items)

Tax Assessment Work Group

The Tax Assessment Work Group meets to hear an update on assessment improvement measures from the Orange County Tax Office and to discuss next steps. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists of routine procedural items and a staff presentation.

• Presentation by John Burgiss and Chad Phillips on 'Implementation of Assessment Improvement Measures to Date'
• Discussion of next steps for tax assessment improvements

Animal Services Advisory Board

The Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board will welcome new applicants, review and approve previous meeting minutes, and take public comments. New business includes board appointments for three vacant positions: non-municipal, retail pet service, and animal welfare/advocacy. Old business covers a Staff Appreciation Day ice cream truck event and coordination with other county boards. The director will also provide shelter and foster updates.

• Board appointments for three vacant positions: non-municipal (applicant Angel Barnes), owner/manager of retail pet service (applicant Emily Feight), and animal welfare/advocacy (applicant Carla Julian)
• Staff Appreciation Day event planned with an ice cream truck in July
• Discussion of meeting with other county boards
• Shelter and foster updates from Animal Services Director Elizabeth Overcash
• Public comments on non-agenda items (3-minute limit)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will vote on the FY2026-27 budget ordinances, setting a property tax rate of 68.05 cents per $100 valuation and approving a county fee schedule. The board will also discuss the ten-year Capital Investment Plan, approve a guaranteed maximum price for the Crisis Diversion Facility, and extend broadband service to unserved households via a Lumos agreement. Several consent agenda items include contracts, grant awards, and proclamations.

• Adoption of FY2026-27 budget with 68.05 cent property tax rate and fee schedule
• Approval of Guaranteed Maximum Price for construction of the Crisis Diversion Facility
• Amendment to Network Development Agreement with Lumos to extend broadband to additional unserved households
• Acceptance of Ten-Year Capital Investment Plan and FY2026-27 CIP projects
• FY2026-27 employee pay plan including 2% wage increase and living wage of $20.02/hour

Board of Equalization & Review

The Orange County Board of Equalization and Review will hold a public hearing to consider 12 property tax appeals from owners challenging their assessments. The appeals include multiple properties owned by Jennie P Foushee and addresses such as 140 W Franklin St, 128 St Andrews Ln, and 4822 W Ten Rd. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes and address a consent agenda.

• Hearing of appeal for Marshall Woodworth – PIN 9788278230, 140 W Franklin St, Unit 428
• Multiple appeals (four) filed by Jennie P Foushee for properties on Parrish Rd, Shannon Dr, Edwards Dr, and Knolls St
• Appeal for Serge Kavul – PIN 9844049164, 4822 W Ten Rd
• Appeal for Vera I Breeze – PIN 9864778994, 331 W Union St (owner not appearing)
• Consent agenda requiring a motion for approval

The Board reviewed and voted on 12 individual real property value appeals and a consent agenda. Decisions included accepting county recommendations, revising values based on economic modifiers or easements, and maintaining current values for certain properties.

• Approved May 26, 2026 minutes (3-0-0)
• Accepted no change in value for Marshall Woodworth appeal (3-0-0)
• Accepted recommended change in value for Richard Williams appeal (3-0-0)
• Accepted recommended change in value for Sophia Phan appeal (3-0-0)
• Accepted recommended change in value for Serge Kavul appeal (3-0-0)
• Revised value for Jennie P. Foushee appeal via 10% economic modifier (3-0-0)
• Revised value for Jennie P. Foushee appeal via -5% easement adjustment (3-0-0)
• Accepted no change in value for Jennie P. Foushee appeal (3-0-0)

Commission for the Environment

The Commission for the Environment will approve the draft meeting summary from May 11, 2025. It will receive a presentation from Piedmont Wildlife proposing to turn the farmstead at Twin Creeks into an operations base and nature center. The board will also hear a draft Orange County Trails Plan from Dave Stancil and vote on new member applicant Sonia Rovner. Additional items include discussion of the County Climate Action Grant, a PFAS update, and planning for the final State of the Environment report.

• Approval of draft meeting summary – May 11, 2025
• Piedmont Wildlife Center presentation to convert Twin Creeks farmstead into an operations base and nature center
• Draft Orange County Trails Plan presentation by Dave Stancil
• Vote on new CFE membership applicant Sonia Rovner
• Discussion of County Climate Action Grant funding status

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will discuss and decide on the FY 2026-36 Capital Investment Plan and approve the intent to adopt capital funding for FY 2026-27. They will also review the FY 2026-27 operating budget, adopt the county fee schedule, and set tax rates for the ad valorem, school district, and fire districts. A resolution of intent to adopt the FY 2026-27 annual operating budget will be approved for the June 16 business meeting.

• Approve FY 2026-36 Capital Investment Plan and intent to fund FY 2026-27 projects
• Discuss and decide on the FY 2026-27 operating budget
• Adopt FY 2026-27 county fee schedule
• Set FY 2026-27 tax rates: ad valorem 67.58¢/ $100, Chapel Hill‑Carrboro school tax 14.79¢/ $100, fire district rates ranging from 6.35¢ to 14.00¢ per $100
• Allocate $150,757,889 for FY 2026-27 Capital Investment Plan (including $29,466,204 county projects and $118,807,049 school projects)

Parks & Recreation Council

This is a special joint meeting of the Parks and Recreation Council and the Orange Unified Transportation Board. The council will hear a proposal from the Piedmont Wildlife Center regarding Twin Creeks Park and approve the May 6 meeting summary.

• Special joint meeting with Orange Unified Transportation Board
• Piedmont Wildlife Center Proposal – Twin Creeks Park
• Approval of meeting summary from May 6

Planning Board

The Orange County Planning Board will review a proposed rezoning of +/-15.5 acres in Chapel Hill and a text amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance subdivision regulations. The board will make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on both items.

• Rezoning application for +/-15.5 acres at 1651 Old Lystra Road, Chapel Hill
• Text amendment to Unified Development Ordinance subdivision regulations
• Approval of May 6, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review of Planning Calendar for June and July
• Public comment period for agenda items

The board voted to approve the regular meeting minutes from May 6, 2026 with a unanimous vote. It also approved the training summary from the same date, again unanimously. No other actions or decisions were taken during this meeting.

• Approved May 6, 2026 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 6, 2026 training summary (unanimous)

Planning Board

The committee will review a set of 85-page amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) proposed by the Planning Director. The changes update the ordinance to comply with NC Session Law 2025‑94, correct reference errors, and modify standards for water supply, stream buffers, minor home occupations, outdoor storage, and non‑residential uses. The staff notes no additional funding is required for implementation. The committee will comment on the proposed text and forward it for further review.

• Review of UDO omnibus amendment covering housekeeping updates and statutory compliance
• Amendments to reflect NC Session Law 2025‑94 requirements (e.g., stormwater thresholds, land‑use waiting periods)
• Changes to Minor Home Occupation standards and outdoor goods storage rules
• Modification of water supply watershed and stream buffer regulations
• Removal of a redundant erosion control permit waiver

Planning Board

The Orange County Planning Board is holding a training session for members on basic land use regulation topics. Attendance is not mandatory and a quorum is not required for this session.

• Planning Board Training Session
• Training on basic land use regulation
• Staff: Perdita Holtz, Deputy Director

The Orange County Planning Board met for a training session on basic land‑use regulation. Attendance was not mandatory and a quorum was not required. Staff presented information on site‑planning and county development processes, and members discussed the board’s duties. No formal actions or votes were taken.

Orange Unified Transportation Board

The Orange United Transportation Board and Parks and Recreation Council will review the Orange County Trails Plan and the Orange County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The body will discuss overlaps and gaps between these plans before determining next steps for a presentation to the Board of Commissioners.

• Review of Orange County Trails Plan
• Review of Orange County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
• Discussion on plan overlaps and potential gaps
• Planning for BOCC Presentation

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will discuss opioid settlement recommendations and the Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan. The Board is also deciding on several construction contracts and a budget amendment.

• Contract with Samet Corporation for John M. Link, Jr. Government Services Center renovation and Sheriff’s Evidence Storage Facility
• Construction contract for Electric Vehicle Charging Station installation at Orange Transportation Services Facility
• Construction contract for resurfacing Little River Regional Park driveway, parking area, and ADA walking trail
• Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Amendment #11
• Proclamations for Juneteenth Freedom Day and Pride Month

The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a business meeting on June 2, 2026 with all members present. The session consisted of public comments on health legislation, arts funding, and tax‑revenue issues, and announcements about upcoming budget work sessions, a land‑use retreat, and community observances. No agenda items were voted on or formally approved, denied, or tabled.

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing on the County Manager's Recommended FY2026-27 Operating Budget and Capital Investment Plan, totaling $325.1 million. The budget proposes a property tax rate increase of 3.75 cents to 67.58 cents per $100 valuation, increases K-12 education funding by 2.5%, and includes a 2% wage increase for county employees. Following the hearing, the board will discuss appointments to the Board of Social Services, the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board, and the Orange County Broadband Task Force.

• Property tax rate increase from 63.83 to 67.58 cents per $100 assessed value ($150/year on a $400,000 home)
• K-12 education funding: $148.4 million total, with per-pupil funding rising $294 to $6,171
• County personnel: 2% wage increase ($1.86M), 9% health insurance increase ($1.3M), living wage raised to $20.02/hour
• Solid waste program fee increase from $138 to $142 per parcel
• Two-year phase-out of library payments to the Town of Chapel Hill ($310,662 in FY2026-27) and elimination of Mebane payment ($700)

The Board voted unanimously to open the public hearing on the FY 2026‑27 budget and capital investment plan. No other motions or approvals were recorded in the minutes.

• Opened public hearing on budget and capital investment plan (unanimous)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board of Equalization and Review will meet to conduct hearings on property tax appeals. The board will review appeals for 13 different property identifiers or abstracts.

• Hearing of appeal for Britanny McCauley (PIN 9874493750)
• Hearing of appeal for Caroline Haynes Bryant (PIN 9789718915.072)
• Hearing of appeal for Jimayra Medina Garcia (PIN 9835428507)
• Hearing of appeals for Kyle Marion (PIN 9890812381.005 and 9890812381.008)
• Hearing of appeal for Syre Inc (Abstract 3222374)

The Board approved several real‑property value appeals, accepting county recommendations or continuing hearings, and set the final values. It approved full compromises of listing penalties for two taxpayers. The consent agenda was accepted without changes, and the Board ordered a review of land values in neighborhood 5625 on Sibling Pine Drive.

• Accepted county's recommendation of no change for PIN 9874493750 (value $117,400) – Pass (3‑0‑0)
• Accepted county's recommended change for PIN 9789718915.072 (value $255,200) – Pass (3‑0‑0)
• Accepted county's recommended change for PIN 9835428507 (value $252,900) – Pass (3‑0‑0)
• Continued PIN 9890812381.005 to future hearing, requesting condition evidence – Pass (3‑0‑0)
• Accepted county's recommended change for PIN 9890605507.164 (value $370,200) – Pass (3‑0‑0)
• Accepted county's recommended change for PIN 0804364092 (value $255,300) and ordered review of land values in neighborhood 5625 on Sibling Pine Drive – Pass (3‑0‑0)
• Full compromise of listing penalty for Syre Inc. (PIN 3222374); penalty $1,855.60 applied – Pass (3‑0‑0)
• Accepted consent agenda with no edits – Pass (3‑0‑0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will hold a budget work session to review and discuss the recommended FY 2026-27 operating budgets for departments in Support Services, General Government, and Community Services. No public comment will be taken. The discussion covers operations, capital, and fee schedule changes for departments including Animal Services, Economic Development (with Article 46 Sales Tax), and Sportsplex.

• Discussion of recommended budgets for Support Services (Asset Management, Community Relations, Finance, HR, IT)
• Discussion of General Government budgets (Board of Commissioners, Elections, County Attorney, Manager, Register of Deeds, Tax Administration)
• Review of Community Services budgets including Animal Services, Cooperative Extension, Environment/Ag/Parks, Economic Development, Planning/Inspections, Solid Waste, Sportsplex, Transportation
• Review of department fee schedule change recommendations
• No financial impact from discussion itself; future board decisions will affect the budget

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met to review the FY 2026‑27 recommended operating budget and several staff‑generated financing scenarios. Commissioners heard presentations on debt modeling, Medicaid Maximization funding, and possible project timing changes. No votes, approvals, or denials were recorded during the session.

Human Relations Commission

The Orange County Human Relations Commission will hold a regular meeting featuring a county update from the Office of Civil Rights and Civic Life, an action item on the Blackwood Farms commemorative marker, and reports from sub-committees on outreach and community events. Public comment is invited on human relations, civil rights, and community conditions.

• County Update from the Office of Civil Rights and Civic Life
• Action item: Blackwood Farms Commemorative Marker Update
• Elections & Membership Vacancies Update
• Sub-committee reports on Outreach and Engagement and Community Events (Pauli Murray Awards, Community Conversations)
• Public comment period for non-agenda items

The Human Relations Commission approved the proposed design changes to the Blackwood Farm gravesite marker, passing the motion 9‑0‑0. Commissioners also confirmed plans for Juneteenth celebrations on June 12, 2026, and nominated the current Chair and Co‑Chair to run again in the June elections. Additional actions included adopting a sustainability model for the board and scheduling an August retreat focused on housing and affordability.

• Approved changes to Blackwood Farm monument (9‑0‑0)
• Approved minutes from April 28, 2026 meeting (9‑0‑0)
• Nominated Chair Rhian Carreker‑Ford and Co‑Chair Tonya Jones for June election
• Adopted sustainability model for board (unanimous)
• Scheduled Juneteenth celebration for June 12, 2026
• Planned August 22, 2026 retreat on housing & affordability
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review and discuss recommended budgets for fire districts and various county departments for the 2026-27 fiscal year. This is a work session; no public comments will be taken during the meeting.

• FY 2026-27 Fire Districts’ Tax Rates
• Public Safety budgets: Courts, Criminal Justice Resources, Emergency Services, and Sheriff
• Human Services budgets: Aging, Alliance Health, Child Support Services, and Civil Rights and Civic Life
• Health Department and Housing Department budgets
• Library Services, Social Services, and Opioid Settlement Fund budgets

The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on May 21, 2026 to review recommended fire‑district tax rates and departmental budgets for FY 2026‑27. Commissioners asked questions about tax impacts, staffing, and program funding, but no motions were adopted or voted on. All seven commissioners were present and the meeting was purely informational.

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau board will discuss the announced retirement of its Executive Director and consider postponing the formation of future strategic subcommittees until later summer. Members will review the draft FY 2026‑27 budget recommended by Orange County and Chapel Hill managers. The meeting will also analyze the economic impact of the Savannah Bananas event and hear updates on the Carolina North mixed‑use development and related transit plans.

• Discussion of Executive Director retirement
• Consideration of postponing future strategic subcommittees
• FY 2026‑27 budget update (draft review)
• Savannah Bananas event analysis and future bidding opportunities
• Commitment of $10,000 for the Town and Gown Conference in 2027

OCPT Staff Working Group

The body is discussing financial reports and project agreements for the Orange County Transit Plan. Members will consider amendments to the FY26 Annual Work Program and review draft global agreements for FY27.

• Proposed FY26 Q4 amendments for Route 800 improvements and TAP Low Wealth Pass
• Review of FY25 GoTriangle Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
• Discussion of FY27 Draft Global Capital and Operating Agreements
• Proposed updates to Staff Working Group Financial Policies and Procedures
• Cancellation of the June 17, 2026, SWG meeting

Animal Services Advisory Board

The board will review appointments for Ellen Pearsall and Dr. Brady and address vacancies for the Town of Chapel Hill and a retail pet services owner/manager. Members will also discuss 2026 goals, a youth delegate proposal, and shelter updates.

• Board appointments for Ellen Pearsall and Dr. Brady
• Town of Chapel Hill vacancy
• Owner/Manager of Retail Pet Services vacancy
• Youth Delegate Proposal
• Shelter, foster, and clinic program updates

The Animal Services Advisory Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 2026 meeting. Ellen was officially added to the board, Dr. Ann Brady’s term will begin July 1, and Cathy Munnier was reappointed. The board scheduled a July ice‑cream truck appreciation event and agreed to revisit the county survey at the start of next year. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Ellen officially joined the board
• Dr. Ann Brady’s term effective July 1
• Cathy Munnier reappointed on May 20
• Scheduled July ice‑cream truck staff appreciation event
• Agreed to revisit county survey at beginning of next year
• Motion to adjourn (unanimous)

Agricultural Preservation Board

The Agricultural Preservation Board will discuss updates to the draft Farmland Plan, including new front sections and the final schedule for presenting the plan to the Board of County Commissioners on June 2. Members will also receive updates on the VAD program, board membership changes, and a grant application for a Cost of Community Services Study. No items are slated for formal decision at this meeting.

• Review of new front sections added to draft Farmland Plan (Attachment 3)
• Discussion of final schedule for presenting the Farmland Plan to the BOCC on June 2
• Updates on VAD program
• Membership retirements and new applications (Attachment 2)
• ADFP Trust Fund grant application for a Cost of Community Services Study

The Agricultural Preservation Board approved the meeting summary for the March 18, 2026 session after a motion by Woods and a second by Neff; the motion carried. Approving the summary finalizes the official record of that meeting, which is required for transparent documentation. No other items were decided at this meeting.

• Approved March 18, 2026 meeting summary (motion carried)

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the final financing resolution for up to $32 million in 2026A installment financing for capital projects, including affordable housing and park improvements. The board will also discuss a funding request from Hope NC to Alliance Health for supportive housing units at Weaver's Grove for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities at or below 30% AMI, and vote on the HOME 2026-27 Annual Action Plan. Consent agenda items include tax settlement, medical services contract renewal at the detention center, and easement declarations for the Crisis Diversion Facility.

• Adoption of $32M 2026A installment financing for capital projects (Blackwood Farm Park, Habitat East Village affordable housing, Pee Wee Homes, and others)
• Discussion of funding request from Hope NC to Alliance Health for supportive housing at Weaver's Grove (30% AMI or below)
• Approval of HOME 2026-27 Annual Action Plan
• Renewal of Health Services Agreement with Southern Health Partners for medical services at Orange County Detention Center
• Declaration of easements and restrictive covenants for the Crisis Diversion Facility

Commissioners added a video on property‑tax changes to the agenda, passing the motion unanimously. The board then adopted the final financing resolution that authorizes the issuance of up to $32,000,000 in 2026A installment financing for capital investment projects and equipment. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Added video on property‑tax impact to agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted financing resolution authorizing up to $32,000,000 installment financing (2026A)

Orange Unified Transportation Board

The Orange Unified Transportation Board will consider new business items including an attendance policy, election of chair/vice chair, an update on fare-free transit, and the CTS software system. Staff will also report on the annual work plan, conflict of interest statements, the county bike/ped plan, and updates from the MPO, RPO, and NCDOT.

• Fare Free Update discussion
• CTS Software discussion
• Attendance Policy consideration
• Election of Chair/Vice Chair
• County Bike/Ped Plan update

Tax Assessment Work Group

The Orange County Tax Assessment Work Group will hold a virtual meeting to discuss next steps. The agenda includes a presentation by GAR Associates and the Developmental Associates regarding the Tax Administrator recruiter.

• GAR Associates presentation
• Developmental Associates (Tax Administrator Recruiter)
• Discussion of next steps

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the FY 2026-27 recommended budget, including funding for outside agencies and local school systems. The Board will review proposed funding for Durham Technical Community College, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and Orange County Schools. Public comments are not accepted during this work session.

• Review of $693,953 in recommended funding for 29 outside agencies
• Discussion of per-pupil funding increase for Orange County Schools from $5,877 to $6,171
• Review of Durham Technical Community College's recommended 3% funding increase
• Discussion of $526.7 million in school capital projects over a 10-year window
• Review of $250,780 in recommended funding for housing-focused outside agencies

The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session to review the FY 2026‑27 recommended budget, focusing on outside‑agency funding and education operating and capital allocations. Commissioners asked questions of County staff about agency eligibility, funding amounts, school per‑pupil costs, and proposed salary increases, but no votes or approvals were recorded. The meeting concluded without any formal decisions, approvals, denials, or tabling of measures.

Climate Council

The Orange County Climate Council will receive updates on the Heat Action Plan, drought/water conservation measures from OWASA, and the Electrification Program. The group will also discuss Climate Challenge 2026 and hold a Barrier Buster conversation on climate obstacles. These items affect resident safety during extreme heat, potential water restrictions, and home energy efficiency programs.

• Heat Action Plan update from Mel Gilles (County) and staff from Carrboro and Chapel Hill
• Drought and water conservation measures presented by OWASA
• Electrification Program update from Town of Chapel Hill's John Richardson
• Climate Challenge 2026 presented by Stephanie Trueblood of Hillsborough
• Barrier Buster small group conversation on climate action obstacles

The Climate Council reviewed OWASA’s drought status, the Hillsborough Climate Challenge, and updates to the heat action plan and Electrify program. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Board of Adjustment

This is a procedural meeting of the Orange County Board of Adjustment. The board will discuss possible changes to its Rules of Procedure, receive legal training, review the 2026 calendar and approved work plan, and elect a chair and vice chair. No public hearings on zoning or special-use permits are scheduled for this meeting.

• Discussion of modifications to the BOA Rules of Procedure regarding attendance policy and tenure
• Election of Board Chair and Vice Chair
• Legal training with County Staff Attorney James Bryan
• Review of the 2026 BOA calendar and BOCC-approved work plan
• Approval of minutes from December 10, 2025 meeting

Board of County Commissioners

The Board holds a public hearing on the County Manager's recommended FY2026-27 operating budget and capital investment plan. The budget proposes a property tax rate increase of 3.75 cents per $100 valuation, raising the total rate to 67.58 cents. The board also discusses appointments to seven advisory boards, including Affordable Housing and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

• Property tax rate increase of 3.75 cents to 67.58 cents per $100 of assessed value
• Total recommended General Fund budget of $325,130,721
• Per-pupil school funding increase of $294 to $6,171 per student
• County employee living wage increase from $18.18 to $20.02 per hour
• Solid waste program fee increase from $138 to $142 per parcel

The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and work session on the FY 2026‑27 budget and capital investment plan. Commissioners approved a motion to add discussion of additional budget options for FY 2026‑27 (unanimous) and a motion to open the public hearing (unanimous). No other substantive actions were taken; the County Manager presented recommended budget figures.

• Approved motion to add discussion on Additional Budget Options for FY2026‑27 (unanimous)
• Approved motion to open the public hearing on the budget and capital investment plan (unanimous)

Commission for the Environment

The Orange County Commission for the Environment will consider approval of the draft meeting summary from the April 13, 2026 meeting. Members will discuss recruitment and retention but will not vote on new members. The board will review plans for the Earth Day event at Blackwood Farm Park and the first Ripple Awards, and provide updates on the State of Environment report and Tree Canopy Study. Sub‑committees will work on finalizing drafts and formatting, and staff will share several community updates.

• Approve draft meeting summary from April 13, 2026 (action needed)
• Discuss Earth Day event at Blackwood Farm Park and first Ripple Awards
• State of Environment discussion, including Tree Canopy Study updates
• Sub‑committee breakouts to finalize drafts and formatting
• Updates on Faucets to Floods Forum, July Clothing Swap, Trails Plan, and Water/Rest/Shade flyer

The Commission voted 10‑0‑0 to approve the April 13, 2026 meeting minutes. A motion to adjourn the May 11, 2026 meeting also passed unanimously with a 10‑0‑0 vote. No other actions or approvals were recorded.

• Approved April 13, 2026 minutes (10-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (10-0-0)

Planning Board

The board approved the March 4, 2026 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. It also approved the preliminary plat for the Rigsbee Estates major subdivision, a 43‑lot, 61.11‑acre project with 57.66% dedicated open space, and will recommend the approval to the Board of County Commissioners.

• Approved March 4, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Rigsbee Estates preliminary subdivision plat (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Orange County Planning Board will hold a training session for recently appointed members on basic aspects of land use regulation. Attendance is optional and a quorum is not required for this session. No decisions or agenda items are scheduled for discussion.

The Orange County Planning Board met for a training session on basic land‑use regulation. Attendance was not mandatory and no quorum was required. Members discussed the Board’s role and the timeline for upcoming Comprehensive Plan changes. No formal actions or votes were taken.

Parks & Recreation Council

The Orange County Parks and Recreation Council will consider the FY 2026-2036 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and receive an update on the county trails plan following the Board of County Commissioners' April 14 meeting. The director will also present updates on the proposed FY 26-27 budget. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and new member introductions.

• FY 2026-2036 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) review
• Orange County Trails Plan update from April 14 BOCC meeting
• Proposed FY 26-27 Budget update from Director
• Approval of meeting summary from April 1
• New member introductions and agenda changes

The Parks & Recreation Council approved the meeting summary from April 1. No other substantive actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. The council discussed the Capital Investment Plan and other projects, but no decisions were made.

• Approved April 1 meeting summary (motion by Louise Flinn, seconded by Alissa Martucci)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will receive the manager's recommended annual operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year and hold a public hearing on financing capital projects. Other agenda items include a contract to review the property tax reappraisal process, an amendment to the HOME-ARP allocation plan, and several proclamations and consent items.

• Presentation of Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year 2026-27 Annual Operating Budget
• Public hearing on financing of various Capital Investment Plan projects
• Contract with GAR Associates, LLC to evaluate the reappraisal and tax assessment process
• HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Substantial Amendment
• Construction contract award for Southern Human Services Center Solar Installation (consent item)

The Board unanimously added a congratulatory letter for Zoe Tolmie to the consent agenda and removed item 8‑f to consider a revised Jewish‑American Heritage Month proclamation. It also approved a proclamation honoring Orange High School Principal Jason Johnson as the 2026 National Association of Secondary School Principals High School Principal of the Year.

• Added letter to Zoe Tolmie on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Removed item 8‑f to consider revised Jewish‑American Heritage proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation honoring Jason Johnson as NASSP 2026 High School Principal of the Year (vote not recorded, motion carried)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Orange County Board of Equalization and Review will open to receive new tax appeals for 2026. The board will vote to approve a series of meeting dates for the upcoming months. Members will discuss business process guidelines, including criteria for untimely appeals, appointment scheduling, evidence handling, and representation rules. A discussion will be held on bringing Neighborhoods 7418 and 7492 back before the board.

• Open the Board to accept new appeals for 2026
• Approval of meeting dates for May and June 2026
• Business process discussion on guidelines for “good cause” appeals and scheduling practices
• Consideration of evidence display, submission deadlines, and representation rules
• Bring Neighborhood 7418 and 7492 back to the Board for discussion

The Board accepted the consent agenda and approved the proposed 2026 hearing dates. It also authorized Deputy Tax Assessor Chad Phillips to prepare an analysis of neighborhoods 7418 and 7492. All motions passed unanimously with a 3‑0‑0 vote.

• Consent agenda accepted (3‑0‑0)
• Proposed 2026 BOER hearing dates approved (3‑0‑0)
• Authorized Chad Phillips to produce neighborhood 7418 and 7492 analysis (3‑0‑0)
• Motion to adjourn passed (3‑0‑0)

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners meets jointly with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Orange County Boards of Education to receive budget and performance updates from both school districts. The agenda includes a presentation of Orange County Schools' FY2027 budget request, which details funding needs for staff salaries and benefits, and a capital investment plan update from the county manager.

• Orange County Schools FY2027 budget request includes $1,373,788 for staff salary increases
• Orange County Schools reports 100% of schools met or exceeded academic growth for 2024-25
• County Manager’s Recommended Capital Investment Plan to be presented
• Updates on ongoing capital projects from both school districts
• Career Technical Education (CTE) update from Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met jointly with the Chapel Hill‑Carrboro and Orange County Boards of Education on April 30, 2026. Commissioners and school board members were present and heard presentations on district performance, finances, staffing supplements, attendance initiatives, and a new elementary school project. The minutes record no votes, approvals, denials or other formal actions.

Orange County Broadband Task Force

The Orange County Broadband Task Force will discuss a Lumos stop-gap update and review GIS maps related to broadband coverage. The board will also approve previous meeting minutes and handle housekeeping items.

• Discussion: Lumos Stop Gap Update – 30-minute presentation
• GIS Map Review – 60-minute review of broadband coverage maps
• Approval of previous meeting minutes

Human Relations Commission

The Orange County Human Relations Commission will meet to score submissions for the Pauli Murray Awards, discuss a commemorative marker update for Blackwood Farms, and receive committee reports. The 45-minute scoring session is the meeting's primary action item. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Scoring of Pauli Murray Award submissions (45-min action item)
• Blackwood Farms Marker Update (commemorative marker)
• Executive Committee report on membership vacancies and August retreat date
• Outreach and Engagement and Community Events committee reports
• Public comment period for non-agenda items (10 min)

The commission approved the March 24 minutes and voted unanimously to schedule the 2026 retreat for August 22. It confirmed the Pauli Murray Awards for May 17 and outlined plans for Juneteenth activities on June 12. The board also noted the ongoing vacancy for the secretary position and discussed community outreach efforts.

• Approved March 24 minutes (9‑0)
• Set HRC retreat date for August 22, 2026 (9‑0)
• Scheduled Pauli Murray Awards for May 17, 2026
• Planned Juneteenth speaker, film, and block party on June 12, 2026
• Noted secretary position remains vacant
• Adopted attendance policy for commissioners (3 missed meetings leads to removal)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Orange County Staff Working Group will consider approving the FY27 Annual Work Program for public transportation, which allocates approximately $15 million in capital funds and $9.5 million in operating funds to six agencies. The program includes a 2.5% funding increase and a one-time allocation for the Transit Plan and Staffing Study. After SWG approval, the work program will be sent to the Board of County Commissioners and GoTriangle Board for adoption. The public comment period ended April 21 after a reduced 21-day review.

• Approval of FY27 Annual Work Program with $15M in capital requests (bus acquisition, BRT, transit infrastructure) and $9.5M in operating requests
• Public comment period reduced from 30 to 21 days due to consolidated schedule
• Funding allocated to six agencies: Orange County, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, GoTriangle, and Triangle West TPO
• Capital projects include North-South Bus Rapid Transit, bus replacements, and Fordham Blvd. transit access improvements
• Staff Working Group to decide whether to include the Staffing Study with the work program

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will hear a discussion on preserving Black tenant farm history, focusing on the B.C. Corbett farmstead and associated sites in the Carr community in northwest Cedar Grove Township. No items for decision are on the agenda. The meeting also includes updates on Montrose tour logistics, Hughes Academy and Cameron Ice House preservation issues, revised cost estimates for the Historic Courthouse Phase I report, and planning for a town/county A250 event on July 4th.

• Discussion of preserving B.C. Corbett farmstead and associated sites in Carr community (Cedar Grove Township)
• Update on Montrose tour logistics
• Hughes Academy and Cameron Ice House preservation issues
• Historic Courthouse Phase I report: new revised cost estimates
• Town/county A250 event on July 4th

The commission approved the March 25 minutes and, after staff recommendation, cancelled the May meeting by acclamation. No other formal decisions were made during the session.

• Approved March 25 minutes (motion carried)
• Cancelled May meeting (approved by acclamation)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers, including AI data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities, while staff develops permanent zoning rules. Commissioners will also consider a proclamation recognizing partners in the Cold Weather Cots program, and a resolution authorizing a loan to the Orange Grove Fire District for station improvements. The consent agenda includes budget amendments, tax settlements, and several interlocal agreements and contracts.

• Public hearing on one-year moratorium on large-scale data centers as a land use
• Resolution authorizing loan to Orange Grove Fire District for fire station improvements as part of FY 2025-26 Spring Financing
• Proclamation of appreciation for Cold Weather Cots collaboration, noting 217 individuals served over 56 nights
• Consent agenda: FY 2025-26 Budget Amendment #9 and Tax Collector's partial settlement for July 2025–March 2026
• Cost share MOU with City of Mebane for West Ten Road Waterline Connector

The Board approved a proclamation honoring the Cold Weather Cots program, with a unanimous vote. It also voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on a one‑year moratorium for large‑scale data centers. In the same vote, the Board directed staff to develop amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to define and regulate those data centers during the moratorium.

• Approved Cold Weather Cots proclamation; vote unanimous
• Authorized Chair to sign the proclamation; vote unanimous
• Voted unanimously to hold a public hearing on a one‑year data center moratorium
• Voted unanimously to direct staff to draft UDO amendments for the moratorium

Orange Unified Transportation Board

The Orange Unified Transportation Board will discuss the Triangle West Metropolitan Planning Organization's Master Transportation Plan and Air Quality Report. The board will also review the FY27 Draft Annual Work Program and transportation priorities for Spot 8.0.

• Triangle West Metropolitan Planning Organization (TWTPO) Master Transportation Plan (MTP) and Air Quality Report
• Staff Working Group FY27 Draft Annual Work Program
• Orange County Transportation Priorities for Spot 8.0
• County Bike/Ped Plan update
• Orange County Public Transit reports on Try Transit Week

Housing Authority Board

The Orange County Housing Authority Advisory Board will review the Program Manager's report and discuss revisions to administrative policies. The primary discussion item concerns the number of family offers for Project-Based Vouchers and the associated waiting list.

• Discussion of Admin Policy revisions for Project-Based Vouchers
• Review of Voucher Inventory and Utilization reports
• Review of Fraud Recovery and Termination reports

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will review the Manager’s recommended FY 2026-36 Capital Investment Plan (CIP). This long-range planning tool outlines capital needs for the county, schools, and proprietary projects over ten years. The session will focus on specific projects, debt capacity, and funding sources.

• Proposed 10-year total appropriations of $871,585,119
• Emergency Services Headquarters project totaling $48,360,000
• County Recreation Center project totaling $21,750,703
• VIPER Radio Tower Construction totaling $24,942,956
• Affordable Housing allocations totaling $15,000,000

During the budget work session, the Board discussed the FY 2026‑36 Capital Investment Plan and various projects. Commissioners raised concerns about a $300,000 planning allocation for the 2700 Homestead Road cold‑weather cot program. The Board reached consensus to delete that planning cost from the CIP. No other approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

• Removed $300,000 planning cost for the 2700 Homestead Road project from the CIP (consensus)

Animal Services Advisory Board

The Animal Services Advisory Board will review past meeting minutes, discuss a survey sent to Orange County residents, receive a report on board vacancies as of April 2026, and follow up on 2026 goals including a youth delegate and staff appreciation day. The Director will also provide updates on Orange County Animal Services developments and introduce the new Business Officer.

• Discuss survey sent to Orange County residents about animal services
• Report on current vacancies on the advisory board as of April 2026
• Follow-up on 2026 goals: youth delegate (Debby Hill) and staff appreciation day (Allan Polak)
• Update from Director Elizabeth Overcash on OCAS developments
• Introduction of Christina Allen as new Business Officer

The Animal Services Advisory Board approved the new business agenda and the March 18 minutes by unanimous vote. The board discussed the county survey, reported two board vacancies, and reviewed 2026 goals and upcoming events. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 18 minutes with name correction (unanimous)
• Noted two board vacancies (informational)
• Discussed county survey; board will continue review (no vote)
• Planned to revisit 2026 goals at May meeting (no vote)
• Scheduled staff appreciation ice‑cream truck for July 15 (tentative)

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Orange County Staff Working Group will consider FY26 Quarter 4 amendments to the Annual Work Program and recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners. Items include a $20,307 increase for the SWG Administrator position, a $90,000 reallocation by Chapel Hill Transit to replace its radio system, and other operational improvements. A public comment period runs March 27‑April 27.

• Orange County request to raise SWG Administrator funding by $20,307 to $88,500
• Chapel Hill Transit reprogram $90,000 from QA/QC Technician staff to radio system replacement
• GoTriangle request for Route 800 improvements costing $53,235
• GoTriangle request for TAP Low‑Wealth Pass funding of $20,000
• Triangle West staffing study funding of $200,758

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board will discuss a strategic plan review and consider forming subcommittees to address board structure and tourism goals. The board also received updates on local events and community projects.

• Discussion on strategic plan recommendations from Magellan Strategies
• Consideration of forming subcommittees to address board structure
• Update on Savannah Bananas economic impact ($7-$10 million)
• Community updates on local events and festivals
• Budget review showing 70% occupancy tax usage

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss potential updates to the Longtime Homeowner Assistance program and receive a presentation from Durham Technical Community College. The meeting also includes discussions regarding various board and commission appointments.

• Proposed increase of homeownership eligibility for tax assistance from 5 to 10 years
• Discussion of a 'hold harmless' tax provision for residents 70+ owning homes for 20+ years
• Durham Tech presentation on Orange County campus renovation and K-12 partnerships
• Review of the Draft Orange County Trails Plan
• Appointments for the Board of Health, Human Relations Commission, and other advisory boards

The Board voted to suspend its rules of procedure to consider a resolution opposing modifications to the county property tax authority. The resolution was then approved and the Chair was authorized to sign it, both votes unanimous. No other substantive actions were decided at this work session.

• Suspended rules of procedure to consider tax‑authority resolution (unanimous)
• Approved resolution opposing modifications to county property tax authority and authorized Chair to sign (unanimous)

Commission for the Environment

The commission will consider approving the draft meeting summary from March 9, 2026. It will discuss member recruitment and retention, with no vote on new members this month. The body will plan the upcoming Earth Day event at Blackwood Farm Park and the presentation of the first Ripple Awards, requesting member participation. It will also review top recommendations for the State of the Environment, including a Tree Canopy study update, and hold sub‑committee breakouts to edit draft sections.

• Approval of draft meeting summary – March 9, 2026 (action needed)
• Earth Day event at Blackwood Farm Park on April 22, 2026
• Presentation of first Ripple Awards to awardees
• Tree Canopy study update during State of Environment discussion
• Updates on Hillsborough Climate Challenge events, Draft Trails Plan, Creek Week, Repair Café (April 15) and EV101 webinar

The Commission approved the March 9, 2026 meeting minutes by a 7‑0‑0 vote. It adopted a motion to follow the 2014 format for the State of the Environment report, also by a 7‑0‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned unanimously (7‑0‑0).

• Approved March 9, 2026 minutes (7-0-0)
• Adopted 2014 format for State of the Environment report (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Tax Assessment Work Group

The Tax Assessment Work Group will review the Tanner Valuation Report, receive a status update on contract negotiations, and discuss the North Carolina General Assembly’s property tax reform recommendations. The group will also consider next steps based on these items. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.

• Review of the Tanner Valuation Report
• Status report on contract negotiations
• Discussion of NC General Assembly property tax reform recommendations
• Discussion of next steps

Intergovernmental Parks Work Group (IPWG)

The group will receive updates on the Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan and the 'Everywhere to Everywhere' plan. Members will also discuss the J Branch Rail-to-Trail feasibility and provide departmental updates from Mebane, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Orange County.

• Update on Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan
• Update on Chapel Hill Everywhere to Everywhere Plan
• J Branch Rail-to-Trail feasibility update
• Departmental updates from Mebane, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Orange County

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing a loan to the Orange Grove Fire District for fire station improvements and approve several contracts and funding items. They will also receive the Manager’s presentation of the FY 2026‑36 Capital Investment Plan and hold public hearings on the HOME Investment Partnership plan and a zoning atlas amendment. Additional agenda items include consent agenda approvals and reports from the County Manager and Attorney.

• Resolution authorizing loan to Orange Grove Fire District for fire station improvements (Budget Amendment #8‑A)
• Approval of multi‑year contract for licensing and support of server infrastructure
• Construction contract change amendment for Piedmont Food Processing Center HVAC replacement
• Authorization of funding for four priority county solar projects to secure federal direct‑pay incentives (Budget Amendment #8‑B)
• Public hearing on the Draft 2026‑27 HOME Investment Partnership Annual Action Plan

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met on April 7, 2026 with all commissioners present. The board approved a proclamation designating April 2026 as County Government Month, with a unanimous vote. The Board also received the manager’s recommended FY 2026‑36 Capital Investment Plan, which outlines capital projects for the county and schools but was not voted on at this meeting.

• Approved County Government Month proclamation (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Council

The Parks and Recreation Council voted to fill three vacant seats: Vladimir for the Chapel Hill City Limits seat, Acharan for the Chapel Hill Township seat, and Marissa for the at-large seat. The council also reviewed the draft Orange County Trails Plan, which will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners on April 14. A certificate of appreciation was presented to former member Xilong Zhao, and the joint OUT Board meeting was delayed pending transportation funding.

• Appointment of Vladimir to the Chapel Hill City Limits seat
• Appointment of Acharan to the Chapel Hill Township seat
• Appointment of Marissa to the at-large seat
• Review of draft Orange County Trails Plan (to be presented to BOCC April 14)
• Delay of Joint OUT Board meeting until DOT funding is approved

The council voted unanimously to elect Trevor Robinson as Chair and Louise Flinn as Vice‑Chair. The agenda was updated to note Marissa Hoer’s appointment to the council. The May meeting location was changed to the Bonnie B Davis EAC. The March 5 meeting summary was approved unanimously.

• Trevor Robinson elected Chair (all in favor, none opposed)
• Louise Flinn elected Vice‑Chair (all in favor, none opposed)
• Marissa Hoer appointed to the council (noted in agenda update)
• May 7 meeting location changed to Bonnie B Davis EAC (motion passed)
• March 5 meeting summary approved (all in favor, none opposed)
• Bicycle Pedestrian Plan amendment approved; consultants resumed work

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Staff Working Group is meeting to approve the draft FY27 Annual Work Program for public review and adopt a revised development and approval schedule. The program identifies funding for public transportation improvements supported by a half-cent sales tax.

• Proposed FY27 funding requests for operations and administration totaling $9,489,335
• Proposed FY27 capital funding requests totaling $15,053,056 (including carryover)
• Funding for GoTriangle route improvements (400, 405, and 800)
• Capital projects including vehicle acquisition, replacement, and the Triangle Mobility Hub
• Proposed 203 Connector Sidewalk project for the Town of Carrboro

Board of Health

The Orange County Board of Health will meet to approve the agenda and minutes, hear updates from committees, and vote on a resolution supporting expedited newborn screening for specific genetic disorders. The board will also discuss revisions to operating procedures and the Well Rules.

• Resolution in Support of Expedited Evaluation of Newborn Screening for MLD and DMD
• Well Rules Update
• Board of Health Operating Procedures Revision
• Campus Community Coalition Update
• Accreditation Update

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will review a landmark evaluation for the Montrose property and discuss creating an interlocal agreement with the Town of Hillsborough to designate it as a landmark. They will also consider participation in the statewide “Landmark Tree” project. Additional discussion items include scheduling a tour date for a Montrose site visit and a field trip to the Henry Calvin Andrews farmstead. Updates on cemetery donation, National Register progress, and other preservation projects will be presented.

• Landmark Evaluation for Montrose
• Interlocal agreement to designate Montrose as a landmark
• Participation in statewide “Landmark Tree” project
• Scheduling a tour date for Montrose site visit
• Scheduling a field trip to Henry Calvin Andrews farmstead

The commission approved the minutes from the Jan. 28 meeting. The Montrose property received a qualifying score of 56.25 and was deemed eligible for county landmark designation. Members chose not to pursue the statewide Landmark Tree project themselves and will refer the idea to the Town of Hillsborough Tree Board. The concept and text for a memorial marker at the enslaved burial site in Blackwood Farm Park were approved.

• Approved Jan. 28 minutes (motion carried)
• Qualified Montrose for county landmark designation (score 56.25)
• Decided not to pursue Landmark Tree project; will refer to Town Tree Board
• Approved concept and text for Blackwood Farm Park enslaved burial memorial
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Human Relations Commission

The Orange County Human Relations Commission will approve the meeting agenda and the minutes from the February 24, 2026 meeting. Commissioners will review updates on a commemorative marker, report on youth initiative progress, and consider membership vacancies and outreach plans. The new business item is a discussion of a Social Justice Vision for the county.

• Approve agenda for March 24, 2026
• Approve minutes from February 24, 2026
• Discuss membership vacancies and need for a secretary
• Youth Initiative recap and next steps
• Discuss Social Justice Vision (new business)

The commission approved the February 24, 2026 meeting minutes with a 4‑vote motion. A motion to adopt PMA student entrant voting procedures was voted down 3‑3‑0. The board then unanimously approved a motion to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved February 24, 2026 minutes (4 votes, carried)
• Motion for PMA Student Entrant Voting Procedures failed (3‑3‑0)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners is aligning its legislative advocacy with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' goals for 2025-2026. The agenda outlines six top priorities, including farmland preservation, affordable housing, and behavioral health, alongside 21 other issues.

• Seek legislation to protect and expand farmland preservation programs
• Seek legislation to increase funding for preserving and repairing existing affordable housing
• Seek legislation to expand behavioral health treatment resources and crisis system capacity
• Seek legislation expanding state funding for medical and mental health services in local detention facilities
• Support legislation that invests in school operational and capital needs

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met with the state legislative delegation at a breakfast on March 23, 2026 to review a packet of priority legislative issues. Commissioners and representatives discussed goals for farmland preservation, affordable‑housing funding, behavioral‑health resources, services for incarcerated individuals, school funding, and property‑tax reforms. No motions, votes, or approvals were recorded, and the meeting concluded without any formal decisions.

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will attend a half-day retreat to receive presentations on housing affordability and water/sewer utility capacity. The Board will also hold a roundtable discussion with housing partners and developers to gather input for the Land Use Plan 2050.

• Housing affordability presentation by Urban Institute
• OWASA utility capacity presentation
• Roundtable with housing partners and builders
• Review of Land Use Plan 2050 background information
• Discussion on water/sewer service areas and rural buffers

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a mini‑retreat to hear a presentation on housing availability and affordability. Commissioners discussed the data, student population impacts, water and sewer constraints, and possible policy options such as ADUs and impact fees. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Tax Assessment Work Group

The Orange County Tax Assessment Work Group will meet virtually on March 19, 2026. The agenda includes reviewing ground rules, the group's charge, and a round‑robin report on strengths and weaknesses of each proposal. The group will discuss a vendor recommendation to the Board of Commissioners and outline next steps, including contract negotiations and possible board approval in early April.

• Discussion of vendor recommendation to the Board of Commissioners
• Contract negotiations for the selected vendor
• Potential Board of Commissioners approval on April 7 or April 21
• Review of the work group's charge (referencing BOCC agenda item from 9/16/2025)

Housing Authority Board

The Orange County Housing Authority Advisory Board will review the Program Manager's report and discuss Project Based Vouchers. The board is tasked with approving a draft award letter and voting on admin plan revisions regarding repayment agreements and portability denials.

• Approval of draft Award Letter for Project Base Vouchers
• Vote on Admin Plan revision regarding Repayment Agreement failure to enter
• Discussion on Admin Plan updates for Construction/Rehabilitated Property
• Discussion on OCHA's portability denials
• Review of Program Manager's report on voucher utilization and issuance

The Orange County Housing Authority Advisory Board met virtually on March 19, 2026. Members approved revisions to the administration plan, leaving the waitlist issue unchanged, with a unanimous vote. The board then adjourned the meeting unanimously. No other substantive actions were recorded.

• Approved admin plan changes except waitlist issue (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners and Mebane City Council will hold a joint meeting to discuss mutual interests. Key topics include aligning comprehensive land use plans, wastewater capacity, and the planning of a new elementary school.

• Discussion of Mebane's 2045 Comprehensive Plan and Orange County's 2050 Land Use Plan
• Overview of wastewater treatment plant expansion from 2.5 million to 4.0 million gallons per day by 2028
• Proposed new elementary school on a 37.79 acre parcel east of the Soccer.com facility
• Proposed annexation of Gravelly Hills Middle School, Soccer.com Center, and the new school site by the Town of Mebane
• Review of emergency shelter requirements for new facilities based on American Red Cross criteria

The Orange County Board of Commissioners and Mebane City Council met to exchange updates on their respective comprehensive land use plans. Presentations covered the City of Mebane's 2045 plan, Orange County's draft 2050 plan, and related development concepts such as conservation subdivisions. No motions, approvals, denials, or vote tallies were recorded during the session.

Animal Services Advisory Board

The Animal Services Advisory Board will discuss and review the county’s Advisory Board policies. It will also receive a report on current staff vacancies as of March 2026 and consider items such as a youth delegate committee discussion and an Employee Appreciation Day. Additional information sessions from the director and a senior animal control officer are scheduled.

• Review of Orange County’s Advisory Board policies (Allan Polak)
• Report on current vacancies as of March 2026 (Allan Polak/Debby Hill)
• Youth delegate committee discussion (Debby Hill)
• Employee Appreciation Day (Donuts) (Cathy Munnier)
• Information session on OCAS developments from Director Elizabeth Overcash

The Animal Services Advisory Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the February 18, 2026 meeting. No substantive policy or budget items were decided. The board then unanimously adjourned the session.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 18 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

The Advisory Board will review the Executive Director's report on upcoming events and discuss strategic recommendations for tourism in Orange County. The meeting includes updates on the Savannah Bananas event and the America 250 celebration.

• Savannah Bananas sold out event details
• America 250 event at the Colonial Inn on July 4, 2026
• Discussion of strategic focus areas: destination sales, board roles, research metrics, and UNC relationship
• Proposed subcommittees for Hillsborough asset development and mission statement rewriting
• Discussion on transitioning the Bureau from a government entity to a Tourism Development Authority (TDA)

The board approved the February 18, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously. A motion was passed to table the formation of subcommittees until an extended May meeting at the Carolina Inn. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved February 18, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled subcommittees until May meeting at Carolina Inn (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Agricultural Preservation Board

The Agricultural Preservation Board will vote on the VAD update report and approve newly identified farms. The board will also discuss the single current membership application and recruitment strategies. An update on the Land Use Plan 2050 and next steps will be presented, along with a discussion of revising the VAD ordinance to meet 2025 state law. Informational updates include a grant application to the ADFP Trust Fund for a Cost of Community Services Study and ongoing extension and economic development activities.

• Decision on VAD update report and approval of new farms
• Discussion of current membership application and recruitment
• Land Use Plan 2050 update and next steps
• Update of VAD ordinance to comply with 2025 state legislation
• ADFP Trust Fund grant application for Cost of Community Services Study

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Staff Working Group is meeting to approve a revised development schedule and release the draft FY27 Annual Work Program for a 30-day public review. The body will also receive a quarterly financial update for the Orange County Transit Tax District.

• Proposed 30-day public review period for the FY27 Annual Work Program
• FY26 Q2 Unaudited Financial Update reporting a $31M cash balance as of 12/31/25
• FY27 funding requests for operations and administration totaling $10,766,461
• FY27 capital funding requests of $5,478,818 and prior year carryover of $15,389,699
• Planning for Chapel Hill Transit North-South Bus Rapid Transit and 2026 Mebane transit service

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will vote to appoint the current Tax Administrator as Acting Tax Collector and Acting Tax Assessor. It will also solicit offers for the property at 6823 Millhouse Road and discuss a possible moratorium on data center development. Additional items include a proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month, a presentation on protective services, and several consent‑agenda approvals such as a permanent supportive housing contract.

• Appointment of Tax Administrator as Acting Tax Collector and Acting Tax Assessor
• Solicitation of offers for 6823 Millhouse Road
• Discussion of moratorium on data center land use
• Adoption of Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation (April 2026)
• Approval of Permanent Supportive Housing Renewal Contract with Inter‑Faith Council

The Orange County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a proclamation naming April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee, and the Board authorized Chair Jean Hamilton to sign the proclamation. The Board also received an overview presentation on child and adult protective services from the Department of Social Services.

• Approved Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair Jean Hamilton to sign the proclamation

Advisory Board on Aging

The board will review second quarter Year 4 reports for the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan and discuss the 2027-32 MAP Survey. Members will also address the FY 26-27 budget and board appointment and attendance policies.

• Review of 2022-27 Master Aging Plan reports on transportation, social participation, employment, and communication
• Discussion of the FY 26-27 Budget
• Review of Board Appointments and Attendance Policy
• Staff updates regarding Seymour Center Evening Facility Manager interviews
• Discussion of 2027-32 MAP Survey and next steps

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a work session where representatives from multiple boards and advisory committees presented their annual work plans and updates. No formal approvals, denials, votes, or other decisions were recorded in the minutes.

Commission for the Environment

The Orange County Commission for the Environment will approve the draft meeting summary from February 9, introduce two new membership applicants, and finalize the RIPPLE Award nominees and winners to be presented at the April Earth Day ceremony. The commission will also review sub‑committee feedback and set a deadline for second drafts of the State of Environment report by April 13. Additional updates on upcoming Earth Day, Creek Week, Repair Café, and Hillsborough Climate Challenge events will be shared.

• Approve draft meeting summary – Feb. 9, 2026 (action needed)
• Introduce two new CFE membership applicants and discuss orientation
• Finalize RIPPLE Award nominees and winners for the April Earth Day ceremony
• Review sub‑committee feedback; second drafts of State of Environment report due Apr. 13
• Provide updates on Earth Day, Creek Week, Repair Café (Apr. 11) and Hillsborough Climate Challenge

The commission voted to approve the Draft Meeting Summary from November 10, 2025 with all members in favor and none opposed. The agenda time allocation was extended by 15 minutes to allow additional sub‑committee breakouts. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Extended agenda time allocation by 15 minutes (no vote recorded)
• Approved Draft Meeting Summary – November 10th, 2025 (all in favor; none opposed)
• Set deadline for Sub‑Committee Draft #2 submission to April 13 (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor; none opposed)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider the renewal of employee health and dental insurance and discuss proposed 2026 priority legislative issues. The meeting includes a final report on neighborhood reviews and property tax appeals following the 2025 revaluation.

• Approval of Employee Health and Dental Insurance Renewal
• Final Report on Neighborhood Reviews and Revaluation Appeals
• Professional Services Agreement for Animal Services Improvements
• Whitted Complex Chiller Installation Service Contract Award
• MOU with Town of Carrboro for enforcement of Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations

The Board added a discussion on large‑scale data center development to the agenda as item 6‑c by unanimous vote. It also approved a proclamation designating March 2026 as Women’s History Month in Orange County. No other formal actions were taken.

• Added large‑scale data center discussion as agenda item 6‑c (unanimous)
• Approved Women’s History Month proclamation for March 2026

Planning Board

The Orange County Planning Board reviewed a Planning Director‑initiated omnibus amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance. The discussion covered error corrections, incorporation of recent state law changes, new rules for Orange County School properties, revisions to erosion‑control waiver procedures, and updates to landscaping standards. No formal vote or adoption was recorded during the meeting.

• Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendment – omnibus package (error corrections, state law updates)
• New rules for Orange County Schools properties within the UDO
• Revisions to erosion‑control waiver requirements
• Updates to landscaping standards for new developments
• Presentation by Cy Stober, Planning & Inspections Director

The Orange County Planning Board approved the February 4, 2026 meeting minutes, the February 4, 2026 ORC summary, and the December 3, 2025 ORC summary. Each motion passed unanimously. No other actions were taken.

• Approved February 4, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved February 4, 2026 ORC summary (unanimous)
• Approved December 3, 2025 ORC summary (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Council

The Parks and Recreation Council discussed the future of the Millhouse Road Park property, including offers from nonprofit organizations to purchase and manage a soccer/playing‑field complex on part of the site. The county will retain the back portion of the property and will not develop it. Staff also briefed the council on the UNC CoGen rail corridor feasibility kickoff and its connection to the Orange County Trails Plan.

• Discussion of nonprofit offers to purchase part of Millhouse Road Park for a soccer/playing‑field complex
• County will retain the back portion of Millhouse Road Park with no development planned
• UNC CoGen rail corridor feasibility kickoff presented, linked to Orange County Trails Plan
• Approval of the draft 2026 council calendar schedule
• Adoption of the annual report and work plan pending staff corrections

The council approved the meeting summary from December 3 after a motion and second. They also approved recommendations to fill three council vacancies, naming Vladimir for the Chapel Hill City Limits seat, Acharan for the Chapel Hill Township seat, and Marissa for the at‑large seat. All recommendations were adopted with all members in favor.

• Approved meeting summary for December 3 (motion and seconded)
• Recommended Vladimir for Chapel Hill City Limits seat – approved
• Recommended Acharan for Chapel Hill Township seat – approved
• Recommended Marissa for at‑large seat – approved

Tax Assessment Work Group

The Orange County Tax Assessment Work Group will hold a virtual meeting to review commercial appraisal methods and discuss next steps for property valuation. The agenda includes a presentation on commercial appraisal overview and valuation work, followed by a discussion comparing in-house versus commercial appraisal approaches.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Commercial Appraisal Overview and Valuation Work presentation
• In-House vs. Commercial Appraisal Discussion
• Discussion of Next Steps

Board of Health

The Orange County Board of Health will hold an educational session on the proposed budget for FY2026-2027. The board will also consider a resolution regarding newborn screening for MLD and DMD in North Carolina.

• Proposed Budget for FY2026-2027
• Resolution in Support of Expedited Evaluation of Newborn Screening for MLD and DMD in NC
• Policy regarding Inactive Accounts
• Board Member Reappointments
• Ad-Hoc Nominating and Operating Procedures Committee

The Board of Health approved the February 25, 2026 agenda. It also approved the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting and the January 21, 2026 meeting, each carried without dissent. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved February 25, 2026 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved November 19, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved January 21, 2026 minutes (unanimous)

Human Relations Commission

The Orange County Human Relations Commission will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, review committee reports, and discuss emerging community issues. The agenda includes a refresher on open meetings law and updates from the executive committee.

• Approval of January 27, 2026 minutes
• Open Meetings Law refresher with County Attorney
• Executive Committee report on vacancies and community conversations
• Sub-Committee reports on outreach, youth, and events
• Discussion of social justice vision and proclamations

The commission voted to approve applications for three new board members—Cassie Rice, Andrew Drain, and Brandon Loor Intriago—with four votes in favor and one abstention. The Arab American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage proclamations were each approved unanimously. The agenda and previous meeting minutes were also approved.

• Agenda approved (5 For)
• Previous meeting minutes approved (5 For)
• Board member applications approved for Cassie Rice, Andrew Drain, Brandon Loor Intriago (4 Approved / 1 Abstained)
• Arab American Heritage proclamation approved (unanimously)
• Jewish American Heritage proclamation approved (unanimously)
• Draft Arab American Heritage proclamation assigned to Jenn Sykes, due March 7, 2026
• Motion to adjourn approved (unanimously)

Housing Authority Board

The Advisory Board will review a draft award letter for the Project Base Voucher program and vote on its approval. It will also discuss a revision to the administrative plan addressing portability and recent OCHA denials. The meeting includes the Program Manager’s monthly report covering voucher utilization, issuances, terminations and informal hearings. The session is scheduled to adjourn at 6:50 PM.

• Draft award letter for Project Base Voucher – Board approval needed
• Revision/update to administrative plan on portability – OCHA denials
• Program Manager’s monthly overview report
• Voucher utilization and issuance report
• Report on terminations and informal hearings

The advisory board held a virtual meeting, heard a Section 8 participant’s public comment, and received staff updates on the new attendance policy and on voucher projects. The board also discussed a proposed change to the administrative plan concerning portability for tenants with debts. No motions were adopted, no votes were recorded, and no decisions were made.

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Orange County Staff Working Group approved the removal of October and December meeting minutes and postponed the FY27 Annual Work Program schedule. The group reviewed the Regional Transit Technology Plan, which presented six focus areas and five‑year cost estimates ranging from $317,528 to $1,482,853. Project sponsors provided updates on BRT federal risk review, Morgan Creek Greenway, and a staffing study RFQ.

• Approval to remove October and December meeting minutes from the agenda
• Motion to postpone the FY27 AWP schedule until the next meeting
• Presentation of the Regional Transit Technology Plan with cost estimates for six focus areas
• Project sponsor updates: BRT federal risk review, Morgan Creek Greenway progress, Staffing Study RFQ pending funding
• Next meeting scheduled for February 18, 2026 in Hillsborough, NC

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board will hear a presentation on focus groups assessing the current state of tourism in Orange County and future priorities. The board will also receive an update on the America 250 planning effort and a finance report showing the bureau’s budget is 69% expended, with $1.08 million spent on sales and marketing. Additional discussion will cover community updates, including protests on Churton St, and other new business items.

• Special presentation by Chris Cavanaugh (Magellan Strategies) on tourism focus group findings
• America 250 planning update and discussion of a state grant for the book "A Gathering of Voices"
• Finance report: 69% of the $2.5 million budget spent, $1.08 million (84%) on sales and marketing
• Arts Commission reported $383 k spent, about half of its budget
• Community update on protests on Churton St in Hillsborough

The advisory board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting. The board heard updates on the Savannah Bananas tailgating event, the upcoming America 250 event, and a strategic plan presentation by Magellan Strategies. Members discussed forming subcommittees on Hillsborough assets, mission‑statement revision, and a possible shift to a Tourism Development Authority, but no formal actions were voted on.

• Approved January 21, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will consider several items, including a budget amendment to reimburse the Town of Carrboro for completing the Drakeford Library Complex and related facility improvements. Other agenda items include a transit work program amendment, reports on the Longtime Homeowner Assistance program and Animal Services, and a contract renewal for Murray’s Landscape Maintenance. The meeting also features an OWASA annual update presentation and routine consent agenda approvals.

• Approval of Budget Amendment #7-A to fund reimbursement to the Town of Carrboro for the Drakeford Library Complex and two facility improvements
• FY26 Q2 Annual Work Program Amendments for Transit
• Longtime Homeowner Assistance (LHA) Program Report for 2025
• Proposed additions to Animal Services fee schedule for the Community Animal Clinic, collars, and leashes
• Contract renewal for Murray’s Landscape Maintenance and Horticultural Services

The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month. The meeting also included public comments praising senior center programs and updates from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority on water projects and rates. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.

• Approved proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month

Orange Unified Transportation Board

The Orange Unified Transportation Board will receive informational updates on the FY27 Annual Work Program, on pedestrian‑safety projects submitted to NCDOT, and on the proposed Mebane fixed‑route service changes. No decisions or approvals are required; the items are for information only. The meeting also includes routine public comment and approval of the December 15, 2025 minutes.

• FY27 Annual Work Program – status update and timeline for project sheet development
• Pedestrian Safety Call for Projects – NCDOT review results for crosswalk & ADA ramp at US 70 Reverse Rd, no‑parking signs at New Grady Brown School Road, speed‑limit reduction on US 70, and curb ramps at Historic Oconeechee Speedway Trail
• Mebane Route Change – information on four fixed routes, fare‑free service, and phased implementation schedule
• MPO, RRO, and NCDOT coordination – informational update
• Public comment period – residents may submit comments via email

The Outboard Advisory Board approved the December 15, 2025 meeting minutes with a correction to the date reference, passing 10‑0‑1. The board then adjourned the meeting unanimously. No other formal decisions were made; remaining agenda items were discussed for future action.

• Approved December 2025 minutes (10-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board will hold appeals hearings for various property owners, reviewing appeals for properties on Ashe Street, Borland Road, Buckhorn Road, Village Crossing Drive, East Franklin Street, Hampton Pointe Boulevard, South Estes Drive, Fordham Boulevard, West Franklin Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Perkins Drive, and West Rosemary Street. The Board will also consider a consent agenda item to reduce the assessed value of parcel 9835338623 (owned by George D. Swann) from $231,600 to $196,600 based on changes to the effective year built, condition, and physical depreciation.

• Appeal for Kinfolks Collaborative, LLC – 207 Ashe Street (PIN 9864348855)
• Appeal for Cecelia Conway – 5‑acre parcel on Borland Road (PIN 9852904475)
• Appeal for Ramar Land Corporation – 510 Buckhorn Road (PIN 9834561717)
• Appeal for ROIB RTP LLC – 1516 East Franklin Street Unit 100 (PIN 9799034445)
• Consent agenda: reduce value of parcel 9835338623 (George D. Swann) to $196,600

Orange County Broadband Task Force

The Orange County Broadband Task Force will meet on February 11, 2026. The agenda includes a presentation on the NCDIT BEAD and Stop Gap update, a GIS map review, and discussion of old business items such as the action register, meeting frequency, agenda development, and minutes approval. No decisions are indicated; the items are informational and procedural.

• NCDIT BEAD and Stop Gap program update
• GIS map review
• Action register review
• Discussion of meeting frequency and agenda development
• Approval of minutes/notes

Advisory Board on Aging

The board will review second quarter reports for Year 4 of the 2022-27 Master Aging Plan regarding housing, outdoor spaces, and health services. Members will also discuss the FY 26-27 budget and a report to the Board of County Commissioners scheduled for March 10.

• FY 26-27 Budget discussion
• 2022-27 Master Aging Plan reports on Community Supports, Health Services, Outdoor Spaces, Buildings, and Housing
• Board appointments
• Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Success Report
• Report to BOCC on March 10

The Orange County Advisory Board on Aging approved the minutes from the Jan. 13, 2026 meeting. The board discussed the FY 26‑27 budget deficit, upcoming events, and upcoming board appointments, but no formal votes were taken on those items.

• Approved minutes from Jan. 13, 2026 meeting

Affordable Housing Advisory Board

The Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board will meet to discuss board and staff updates. The primary focus of the meeting is the preparation for an upcoming community meeting.

• Preparation for Community Meeting

The board reviewed updates on housing programs, cold‑weather shelter operations, and planning for the next community meeting. Members discussed ways to improve question capture, sign‑in procedures, and name‑tags for board members. A motion was made by Matthew and seconded by Andrew, but the minutes do not record a vote or outcome. No other approvals, denials, or tablings were documented.

• Motion made by Matthew and seconded by Andrew (outcome not recorded)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will hear annual work‑plan summaries from ten county boards and commissions and give feedback. A fee study covering emergency services, planning, inspections and the Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation department will be presented for review. The session will also include brief discussions on upcoming appointments to the Board of Health, Visitors Bureau advisory board, Economic Development advisory board, and the Planning Board.

• Annual work‑plan summaries presented by ten county boards and commissions
• Presentation of fee study for emergency services, planning, inspections, and DEAPR
• Appointment discussion for the Board of Health
• Appointment discussion for the Chapel Hill‑Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board
• Appointment discussions for the Economic Development Advisory Board and the Planning Board

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a work session on February 10, 2026 and heard annual work‑plan summaries from several county boards and commissions. Commissioners discussed topics such as park collaborations, historic preservation projects, the updated agricultural stewardship plan, climate‑action grant reviews, animal services programs, and youth engagement initiatives. No motions, approvals, denials, or votes were recorded in the minutes.

Commission for the Environment

The Commission for the Environment will review and vote on nominations for the first annual RIPPLE Awards. Members will also discuss participation in Earth Day events and progress on the State of the Environment report.

• Review and voting for the first annual RIPPLE Awards
• Discussion on County and Municipal Earth Day event participation
• Progress updates and assignment of topics for the State of the Environment report
• Sub-committee breakouts to discuss annual goals and projects
• Updates on the Hillsborough Climate Challenge and Tree Giveaway

The commission unanimously approved the draft meeting summary for the January 12, 2026 meeting. They approved the Sustainable Business Impact Award for Endswell, A Modern Funeral Home, with all members in favor except one who abstained. The Earth Day event was scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Blackwood Park, with the RIPPLE Awards to be presented there. The commission also voted to skip sub‑committee breakouts and then adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved draft meeting summary (unanimous)
• Awarded Sustainable Business Impact Award to Endswell, A Modern Funeral Home (all in favor, one not voting)
• Scheduled Earth Day event for April 22 at Blackwood Park (no vote recorded)
• Skipped Sub‑Committee Breakouts (decision)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Tax Assessment Work Group

The Tax Assessment Work Group will consider community research findings presented by Hudson Vaughn. The group will discuss the Board of Equalization and Review with Chair Leon Meyers. It will also talk about next steps for the work group's tax assessment efforts.

• Presentation of community research findings by Hudson Vaughn
• Board of Equalization and Review discussion led by Chair Leon Meyers
• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Discussion of next steps for tax assessment work

The Tax Assessment Work Group approved the meeting summary from January 12, 2026 with a unanimous vote. Presentations on 2025 property tax equity and the Tax Appeal Work Group were given but not completed, and will be continued at a later date. The group set next meetings for March 2 and March 9, 2026 to review proposals and consultant presentations. No other actions were decided.

• Approved January 12, 2026 meeting summary (unanimous)

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Orange County Transportation Staff Working Group will discuss and recommend approval of the FY27 Schedule Change. It will address FY27 AWP sponsor questions and prioritize FY27 AWP options for approval. The meeting also includes public comment and sets the next meeting for February 18, 2026.

• FY27 Schedule Change – action: Recommend Approval
• FY27 AWP Sponsor Questions – action: Discussion & Closure
• FY27 AWP Prioritization options – action: Discussion & Approval
• FY27 Transit Work Program funding totals $19,199,954 from tax sources
• Public comment period scheduled February 20–March 20, 2026

The group voted unanimously to postpone the FY27 schedule change until the February 18 meeting. Members agreed to pause work on the FY27 Annual Work Program (AWP) and defer its approval and date adjustments. Action items were set to identify projects for removal or alternate funding and to have TDA provide a Status Quo report by the next meeting.

• Postponed FY27 schedule change (unanimous approval)
• Paused updating FY27 AWP until project list is finalized
• Deferred FY27 AWP approval and date adjustments to Feb 18
• Agreed to prioritize high‑impact sponsor questions for FY27 AWP
• Tasked TDA to deliver a Status Quo report by Feb 18
• Directed identification of projects for removal or alternate funding

Parks & Recreation Council

The Council will meet to plan a joint meeting with the OUT Board and review board vacancies and term expirations. The agenda also includes an update on the county's trail plan and operational reports from the Director.

• Planning for March 11 Joint PRC/OUT Board Meeting
• Board Vacancies and Potential Recommended Appointments
• Term Expirations
• Trail Plan Update

Planning Board

The Orange County Planning Board Ordinance Review Committee will review a Planning Director‑initiated amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that updates subdivision classifications and makes by‑right subdivision reviews administrative. The amendment revises multiple UDO sections (2.1, 2.9, 2.13‑2.15, 3.4‑3.7, 7.1‑7.6, 7.12‑7.13, and related definitions). Staff note that the changes will not require additional county funding.

• UDO Text Amendment – Subdivision Administration (covers sections 2.1, 2.9, 2.13‑2.15, 3.4‑3.7, 7.1‑7.6, 7.12‑7.13)
• Clarifies classifications for Exempt, Minor Expedited, Minor Regulated, and Major subdivisions
• Shifts all by‑right subdivision reviews to an administrative process, removing Planning Board and BOCC decision steps
• No new funding needed; existing staff will handle the amendment
• Amendment was sent to the towns of Orange County for comment on December 19, 2025

The board reviewed proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance’s subdivision regulations and considered how the changes would affect subdivision review processes. Members asked staff for clarification on public notification and neighborhood meetings, and requested a review of major subdivisions approved in the past five years. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board will hold appeals hearings for several property owners, reviewing spatial estimates and business personal property valuations. It will also consider a consent agenda item that recommends a 20% land adjustment, lowering the assessed value of Doris M. Wilson’s parcel from $409,800 to $362,300 due to topography and foundation concerns. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Appeal for 238 Torain Street (owner Rula Freiji) – no spatial estimate
• Appeal for 401 Severin Street (owner FFF, LLC) – no spatial estimate
• Appeal for 409 N. Hasell Street (owner Anna C. Lewis Hrs. Et Al) – no spatial estimate
• Review of business personal property at 7203 Union Grove Church Road (owner Greg Bohlen) – no PDF
• Consent agenda: land adjustment for parcel 9864887298 (Doris M. Wilson) reducing value to $362,300

The Board of Equalization and Review approved county‑proposed assessed values for seven property appeals, ranging from $68,000 to $430,100. It also denied the request to waive discovery penalties for Greg Bohlen’s short‑term rental property. All motions were adopted as presented.

• Accepted county's proposed value $258,100 for 238 Torain St (Rula Musa Freiji)
• Accepted county's proposed value $68,000 for 228 Torain St (Rula Musa Freiji)
• Accepted county's proposed value $68,000 for 222 Torain St (Rula Musa Freiji)
• Accepted county's proposed value $76,000 for 215 Faucette Mill Rd (Rula Musa Freiji)
• Accepted county's proposed value $430,100 for 401 Severin St (FFF LLC)
• No change in assessed value $272,300 for 409 N. Hasell St (Anna C. Lewis Heirs)
• Denied penalty forgiveness for Greg Bohlen’s short‑term rental penalties
• Denied penalty forgiveness for Union Grove Farm’s discovery penalties

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a county-initiated zoning atlas amendment regarding watershed overlay district boundaries for a 19.4 acre parcel. The board will also elect its 2026 chair and vice-chair.

• Zoning atlas amendment for ~19.4 acre parcel (PIN: 9851-43-3215) off Dodson’s Crossroads in Bingham Township
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026
• Review of Jordan Lake Unprotected Watershed and University Lake Protected Watershed Overlay District boundaries

The Planning Board unanimously elected Lamar Proctor as chair and Chris Johnston as vice‑chair for 2026. The board also unanimously approved the December 3, 2025 regular meeting minutes. No other substantive actions were taken during the meeting.

• Elected Lamar Proctor as Chair (unanimous vote)
• Elected Chris Johnston as Vice‑Chair (unanimous vote)
• Approved December 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous vote)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners will discuss and vote on a School Construction Interlocal Agreement and updates to tax collection agreements with towns. The meeting also includes proposals to sell two parcels of land and the approval of a tool for a crisis diversion facility.

• Approval of the School Construction Interlocal Agreement
• Update to Interlocal Agreements between County and Towns on Tax Collection
• Proposed sale of 1.18 acre property (PIN# 9834289281) in Mebane, NC
• Proposed sale of 1.24 acre property (PIN# 9865614458) in Hillsborough, NC
• Approval of Prequalification Assessment Tool for the Crisis Diversion Facility

The Board added a resolution urging DHS accountability to the agenda (unanimous vote). It approved a proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month (unanimous). It also approved a proclamation designating February 2026 as Human Relations Month (unanimous). A motion to authorize the Chair to sign the Black History Month proclamation passed unanimously.

• Added DHS accountability resolution to agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Black History Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair to sign Black History proclamation (unanimous)
• Approved Human Relations Month proclamation (unanimous)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board of Equalization and Review is conducting a series of appeals hearings regarding property tax valuations. The board will review claims from individual owners and corporate entities for various residential, commercial, and land parcels.

• Appeal for business personal property at 746 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill
• Appeal for 67.94 acres near Wilkerson Road and Walnut Grove Church Road
• Appeal for 6.89 acres on Wilkerson Road
• Appeal for 13.23-acre unimproved parcel on Cates Creek Parkway
• Appeals for multiple units at 1749 Dobbins Drive

The board approved the county’s assessed values of $164,500 for Penderosa LLC, $132,500 for Olanrewaju Alabi, and $703,800 for Fares Khalidi. It granted a compromise of the $1,267.94 penalty for Rey Khan LLC dba Lucha Tigre. It reinstated the Present Use Value for forestry only for Dennis Walters’ property. All motions were unanimously approved by the members present.

• Accepted county‑proposed assessed value $164,500 for Penderosa LLC (unanimous)
• Accepted county‑proposed assessed value $132,500 for Olanrewaju Alabi (unanimous)
• Accepted county‑proposed assessed value $703,800 for Fares Khalidi (unanimous)
• Compromised penalty of $1,267.94 for Rey Khan LLC dba Lucha Tigre (unanimous)
• Reinstated Present Use Value for forestry only for Dennis Walters’ property (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on the Moorefields National Register nomination. The body will also review a Certificate of Appropriateness for repair work at Faucette Mill. Members will discuss potential landmark designations for Montrose and the Norwood-Webb-Cheshire House.

• Public hearing and endorsement vote for Moorefields National Register Nomination
• Certificate of Appropriateness application for repair work at Faucette Mill
• Proposed cancellation of the February HPC meeting
• Discussion of Montrose (Gov. Graham House) as a potential landmark in Hillsborough ETJ
• Potential landmark designation for Norwood-Webb-Cheshire House in Hillsborough ETJ

The commission approved the minutes from the December 10, 2025 meeting. It recommended that the amended Moorefields National Register nomination be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners and the State Historic Preservation Office. A Certificate of Appropriateness was granted for repair work at Faucette Mill. The February 2026 HPC meeting was cancelled.

• Approved December 10, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Recommended submission of amended Moorefields National Register nomination (motion carried)
• Granted Certificate of Appropriateness for repair work at Faucette Mill (staff approval)
• Cancelled February 2026 HPC meeting (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board of Equalization and Review will conduct appeals hearings for several property owners to review spatial estimates. It will also consider a consent agenda item that recommends reducing the assessed value of parcel 9798153002 from $520,600 to $473,400 based on updated property details.

• Appeals hearing – Doris M. Wilson – 408 North Hasell Street – spatial estimate by Cyle Anderson
• Appeals hearing – Cyrus D. Hogue III – 210 Burnside Drive – spatial estimate TBD
• Appeals hearing – Bryan B. Hilley – 107 Elfin Boulevard – remote spatial estimate
• Consent agenda – parcel 9798153002 – value changed from $520,600 to $473,400
• Appeals hearing – George D. Swann – 601 Alpha Drive – spatial estimate by Cyle Anderson

The Board of Equalization and Review accepted the county‑recommended assessed values for six property appeals, leaving five values unchanged and adjusting two. It also rescinded the earlier decision for Doris Wilson’s appeal and scheduled a new hearing pending additional evidence.

• Accepted $388,300 assessed value for 408 N. Hassell St (motion passed)
• Accepted $199,300 assessed value for 210 Burnside Dr (no change, motion passed)
• Accepted $414,600 assessed value for 107 Elfin Blvd (no change, motion passed)
• Maintained $859,200 assessed value for 507 North St (no overall change, motion passed)
• Adjusted assessed value to $551,000 for 1819 Purefoy Dr (motion passed)
• Adjusted assessed value to $306,200 for 8006 Sandberg Ln (motion passed)
• Rescinded prior decision for Doris Wilson’s appeal and set new hearing date
• Recorded votes: motions made by Leon Meyers or Barbara Levine, seconded by board members, and approved by all voting members

Human Relations Commission

The commission will receive an update on the Blackwood Farms commemorative marker and discuss a social justice vision. The body will also review membership vacancies and reports from outreach and community event sub-committees.

• Blackwood Farms commemorative marker update
• Discussion of social justice vision
• Review of Secretary and membership vacancies
• Planning for February-April events

The Human Relations Commission approved the meeting agenda and the previous meeting minutes, each with an 8‑for‑0 vote. Commissioners also approved a non‑symmetrical stone to mark the Blackwood Farms cemetery, passing the motion unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by a motion that also carried unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved meeting agenda (8 For / 0 Against / 0 Abstain)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (8 For / 0 Against / 0 Abstain)
• Approved non‑symmetrical stone for Blackwood Farms marker (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Human Relations Commission

Housing Authority Board

The Orange County Housing Authority Advisory Board will meet to finalize its 2026 work plan and review monthly programmatic reports, including voucher utilization and issuance data. The meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

• Finalize 2026 Work Plan
• Review monthly programmatic reports
• Review voucher utilization and issuance
• Review VMS report and terminations
• Public comment period

The advisory board unanimously approved the Five Year Plan for submission to HUD with an amendment. It also unanimously approved the application for the HOPE NC Project-Based Voucher program. Members nominated Sykes as vice‑chair, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved minutes of prior meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Five Year Plan submission to HUD with amendment (unanimous)
• Approved application for HOPE NC Project‑Based Voucher (unanimous)
• Nominated Sykes as vice‑chair (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Orange County Board of Equalization and Review will conduct appeals hearings on tax assessments for several properties in Chapel Hill. The hearings are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. The board will review each case with the appointed spatialist present.

• 9:00 a.m. – 0.14‑acre parking parcel between West Rosemary and West Franklin Streets (Morgan Fowler/Ryan LLC)
• 9:30 a.m. – 214 West Franklin Street (Morgan Fowler/Ryan LLC)
• 10:30 a.m. – 5.48‑acre unimproved parcel on Northfield Dr (SZ Chapel Hill Apartments LP, Morgan Fowler/Ryan LLC)
• 12:00 p.m. – 1207 Raleigh Road, Glen Lennox Shopping Center (Morgan Fowler/Ryan LLC)
• 1:45 p.m. – 7803 Rogers Road (Michael A. Allen Et Al)

The Board of Equalization and Review considered eleven appeals on property valuations. For each appeal, the board accepted the county's proposed assessed value, resulting in no change to the current assessment. Motions were made by Richal Vanhook or Shannon Julian, seconded by the other, and each motion passed unanimously. No adjustments were made to any of the appealed properties.

• Accepted county's proposed value $2,291,600 for parcel 9789197059 – no change (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $40,261,700 for parcel 9789198723 – no change (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $694,200 for parcel 9789292752 – no change (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $705,400 for parcel 9788260736 – no change (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $3,599,600 for parcel 9788261802 – no change (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $1,199,900 for parcel 9788262798 – no change (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $2,944,400 for parcel 9788262823 – no change (unanimous)

Agricultural Preservation Board

The Agricultural Preservation Board will vote on the final draft of the Ag Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan to submit to the BOCC. The board will discuss updates to the VAD program, the annual report and work plan slated for a BOCC work session on Feb. 10, and a proposed subcommittee for educational initiatives. Informational updates include a grant application to the NC ADFP Trust Fund for a Cost of Community Services Study and reports on extension and ag economic development activities.

• Final Draft of Ag Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan to be submitted to BOCC (decision item)
• VAD program updates (discussion)
• Annual Report and Work Plan presentation at BOCC Work Session on Feb. 10 (discussion)
• Grant application submitted to NC ADFP Trust Fund for Cost of Community Services Study (informational)
• Proposed subcommittee to develop educational initiatives (discussion)

The Agricultural Preservation Board approved the final draft of the Ag Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan, allowing it to be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final acceptance. The board also approved the meeting summary for the November 19, 2025 meeting. No other motions were decided; remaining items were discussed or presented as information.

• Approved final draft of Ag Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan (motion carried)
• Approved meeting summary for Nov. 19, 2025 (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:11 pm (motion carried)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board of Equalization and Review will conduct a series of appeals hearings regarding property valuations. The meeting includes a consent agenda with recommended value adjustments for four specific parcels.

• Appeals hearing for 515 South Greensboro Street
• Appeals hearing for 6370 and 6365 Buckhorn Industrial Parkway
• Appeals hearing for 100 and 101 Maxwell Road
• Recommended value reduction for parcel 9880409439 from $521,400 to $477,200
• Recommended value reduction for parcel 9870633930 from $242,900 to $183,900

The Orange County Board of Equalization & Review heard seven real‑property value appeals on Jan. 21, 2026. For each case the board voted to accept the county’s proposed assessment, leaving the values unchanged. No reductions requested by the appellants were granted.

• Accepted county's proposed value of $14,465,700 for PS NC III LP (515 South Greensboro)
• Accepted county's proposed value of $8,645,700 for Stor Mebnc Mod LLC (4550 Arrowhead Boulevard)
• Accepted county's proposed value of $5,265,700 for BRI 1013 Oakwood Street Ext LLC (1013 Oakwood Street)
• Accepted county's proposed value of $31,419,200 for Buckhorn Industrial II LLC (6370 Buckhorn Industrial Parkway)
• Accepted county's proposed value of $20,038,300 for Buckhorn Industrial II LLC (6365 Buckhorn Industrial Parkway)
• Accepted county's proposed value of $2,399,300 for Ralcar Corp (7411 Rex Road)
• Accepted county's proposed value of $19,524,900 for Buckhorn Industrial Park LLC (6056 West Ten Rd)

Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau

The advisory board approved the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting and heard a guest presentation from Marcus Ginyard of UNC. The board discussed a contract to pay an $80,000 bid fee for the Savannah Bananas games, with $7,200 contributed by the Town of Carrboro. A budget update noted a total $2.5 million budget funded by the Orange County Occupancy Tax, including a $30,000 reserve draw for the Bananas promotion. The board also reviewed website accessibility work and community updates on local agriculture and events.

• Approval of minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting
• Guest speaker Marcus Ginyard, Director of Special Projects, UNC
• Savannah Bananas contract: $80,000 bid fee, $7,200 Carrboro contribution
• Visitors Bureau budget: $2.5 million total, $30,000 reserve used for marketing
• Website ADA Title II compliance work scheduled for April 2026

At the January 21, 2026 meeting, the Visitors Bureau board approved the November 19, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous consent. The board also received reports on tourism funding, a state grant for the America 250 book, and upcoming events, but no further actions were voted on.

• Approved November 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Orange County Staff Working Group will review FY26 Q2 amendments, including a request to move transit tax money from operations to the Chapel Hill North‑South BRT capital project. The group will also discuss a combined amendment for NSBRT vehicle funding, a request for extra resources on Route 800, and several administrative name changes. A motion will be taken to move the full amendment package forward with added discussion on Route 800.

• Reallocation of transit tax funding from operations to the Chapel Hill North‑South BRT capital project (FY26‑FY29).
• Amendment to combine projects 26CHTVP5 and 25CHTVP15 for NSBRT vehicle funding and scope change.
• Request for additional revenue hours and one extra vehicle to improve Route 800 service.
• Funding request for two GoTriangle planning staff positions (cost split: Wake 1.0, Durham 0.66, Orange 0.34).
• Administrative name changes for Transit Service Software, Hillsborough Circulator Operations, and other services.

The Orange Staff Working Group voted to remove the October Special Meeting minutes and the December meeting minutes from the agenda. Both motions were seconded by Jamael Wiley and passed unanimously. The group also set action items for project sponsors to respond to questions by February 6 and to finalize administrative corrections before that date.

• Remove October Special Meeting minutes – unanimously approved
• Remove December meeting minutes – unanimously approved

Board of Health

The Orange County Board of Health will approve the agenda and prior meeting minutes, hear public comments, and receive updates from its committees. It will then review two action items: an amendment to the 2026 schedule and a policy on inactive accounts. The meeting will conclude with reports on media items and the Health Director’s update.

• Amendment to 2026 Board of Health schedule
• Policy on inactive accounts
• Youth for Rare Diseases and Metachromatic Leukodystrophy educational session
• Immigrant/Refugee health update
• 2nd quarter financial report and billing dashboard

The Orange County Board of Health met on January 21, 2026, but a quorum was not present. Because of the missing quorum, the board could not approve the agenda, the November 19, 2025 minutes, or any motions. The chair followed the agenda informally, and the members discussed various topics without voting.

• No motions approved (no quorum)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Orange County Board of Equalization and Review will conduct two sessions of tax appeals hearings on January 20, 2026. The morning session begins at 9:00 a.m. and the afternoon session at 1:00 p.m., each covering a list of property owners and addresses. No decisions are recorded; the agenda lists only the scheduled hearings.

• 119 Graylyn Drive – appeal by Amy A. Poe
• 514 Alpha Drive – appeal by George A. McAdoo
• 4210 Linden Road – appeal by Erin A. Bell
• 140 West Franklin Street Unit 305 – appeal by Nancy O. Mason
• 318 Brooks Street – appeal by 318 Brooks LLC

The Board of Equalization and Review adopted new assessed values for several properties. Each motion was approved by all members present. Values were adjusted based on county staff recommendations and comparable sales analysis.

• Set assessed value $1,051,000 for 119 Graylyn Drive (Amy A. Poe)
• Accept county's proposed value $217,200 for 514 Alpha Drive (George A. McAdoo)
• Accept county's proposed value $270,700 for 4210 Linden Road (Erin A. Bell)
• Change assessed value to $602,000 for Unit 305, 140 West Franklin St (Nancy Mason)
• Adjust value to $384,800 for 318 Brooks Street (318 Brooks LLC)
• Adjust value to $400,000 for 304 Caldwell Street (304 Caldwell LLC)
• Adjust value to $400,000 for 300 Caldwell Street (300 Caldwell LLC)

Board of County Commissioners

The Board will receive the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Members will also consider several contracts for electric vehicle infrastructure and a condominium agreement with the Town of Carrboro.

• Audit Services Contract Amendment increasing FY 2025 cost from $135,000 to $150,000
• Condominium Agreement with the Town of Carrboro for the Drakeford Library Complex
• Professional Services Agreement with ICF for EV Fleet Transition and Charging Infrastructure Study
• Contract award for EV charging station installation at Justice Facility & Hillsborough Commons Facilities
• Unified Development Ordinance text amendments for impervious surfaces, watershed protection, and stream buffers

The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the audit services contract, raising the FY 2025 cost from $135,000 to $150,000. The Board also unanimously approved a proclamation designating January 27, 2026 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Audit Services Contract Amendment, increasing FY 2025 cost to $150,000
• Approved International Holocaust Remembrance Day proclamation (unanimous vote)

Affordable Housing Advisory Board

The Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and discuss board and staff updates. The session includes a 60-minute work plan session.

• Approval of minutes
• Board and staff updates
• Work plan session (60 minutes)
• Meeting at 300 W. Tryon, Hillsborough
• Contact Aaron Rimmler-Cohen for technical issues

The Affordable Housing Advisory Board reviewed staff updates, upcoming elections, and upcoming events. Members discussed the 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Work Plan and considered agenda items for future community meetings. No motions were voted on, approved, denied, or tabled.

Board of County Commissioners

The Orange County Board of Commissioners will hold a retreat to discuss the county's strategic‑plan performance measures, preview the upcoming budget and federal funding, and examine board operating procedures such as petitions and advisory‑board policies. Additional topics include a collaborative activity, a discussion of housing advisory boards, and final wrap‑up comments.

• Strategic Plan Performance Measures presentation by Kelly Guadalupe and Travis Myren
• Budget Preview and Federal Funding Update presented by Travis Myren and Kirk Vaughn
• Board Functioning discussion covering petition process and advisory board policy
• Collaborative Board Activity led by Chair Jean Hamilton
• Discussion on Housing Advisory Boards led by Blake Rosser

During the January 16 retreat, commissioners reviewed the strategic plan, housing programs, and budget updates. No formal approvals, denials, or policy changes were enacted. The only actions were unanimous votes to recess until 10:20 a.m. and to reconvene at that time.

• Recess until 10:20 a.m. (unanimous)
• Reconvene at 10:20 a.m. (unanimous)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board of Equalization and Review will hear appeals regarding property valuations for 15 properties across Orange County. The hearings are scheduled for January 15, 2026, with sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Tax Administration Conference Room.

• Appeals for 102 Bennington Drive, 110 Hayworth Drive, and 215 North Graham Street
• Appeals for 548 Homemont Avenue, 359 Summerwalk Circle, and 2224 Pathway Drive
• Appeals for 200 McCauley Street, 204 McCauley Street, and 434 Glencrest Place
• Appeals for 2202 Arthur Minnis Road, 2804 Canter Drive, and 5611 Morrison Road
• Appeals for 600 Church Street, 709 Church Street, and 115 Hogan Glen Court

On Jan 15, 2026, the Orange County Board of Equalization and Review heard seven real‑property value appeals. The board accepted the appellant’s proposed reduced value of $405,000 for 102 Bennington Drive and upheld the county’s proposed values for the remaining six properties, leaving their assessments unchanged. All motions were approved by all voting board members.

• Accepted appellant's proposed value $405,000 for 102 Bennington Drive
• Accepted county's proposed value $980,000 for 110 Hayworth Drive (no change)
• Accepted county's proposed value $449,300 for 215 N Graham Street
• Accepted county's proposed value $492,900 for 210 N. Graham Street (no change)
• Accepted county's proposed value $376,100 for 434 Glencrest Place
• Accepted county's proposed value $746,900 for 2202 Arthur Minnis Road
• Accepted county's proposed value $140,700 for 548 Homemont Avenue

Board of Equalization & Review

The Orange County Board of Equalization and Review will hold appeals hearings for several properties, including 907 Eno Street, 100 Carraway Crossing, and multiple Regent Place parcels. The board will also consider a consent agenda that adjusts assessed values for dozens of parcels, changing values, land adjustments, and condition grades. All items are scheduled for the January 14, 2026 meeting in the Tax Administration Conference Room.

• Appeal hearing for 907 Eno Street (Jamie Paulen) at 10:00 AM
• Appeal hearing for 100 Regent Place LLC properties starting at 1:00 PM
• Consent agenda reduces Jeanie F. Stroud's parcel from $337,500 to $216,300
• Consent agenda changes Steven Wall's parcel from $451,300 to $346,400
• Consent agenda adjusts David F. Holmes Jr.'s floodplain from -25% to -35%, new value $450,400

The Orange County Board of Equalization and Review approved the county's proposed assessed values for all eight appeals presented. The most notable decision was accepting a $39,670,900 valuation for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Asheville LLC property. All motions were passed with unanimous support from the board members.

• Accepted county's proposed value $363,500 for 907 Eno Street (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $84,004,700 for 100 Carraway Crossing (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $26,881,300 for 600 South Churton Street (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $36,076,700 for 2701 Homestead Road (unanimous)
• Changed value to $7,500,000 for 113 Mayo Street (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $39,670,900 for 6086 West Ten Road (unanimous)
• Accepted county's proposed value $23,532,900 for 200 NC 54 Bypass (unanimous)

Advisory Board on Aging

The Advisory Board on Aging will approve the December 9, 2025 meeting minutes and receive staff updates. It will discuss preparation for the CPAAA annual monitoring visit in early February and review upcoming program offerings. The board will consider the FY26-27 budget and the BOCC Aging Board annual report. Additional items include updates on the Master Aging Plan and related committee activities.

• Approval of Minutes – December 9, 2025
• FY26-27 Budget
• BOCC Aging Board Annual Report
• Preparing for CPAAA Annual Monitoring visit – Feb. 3-4
• All Ages All Stages Multi-Sector Plan on Aging Retreat – Jan. 15

The Advisory Board on Aging approved the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions, votes, or decisions were recorded; the remainder of the session covered staff updates, program announcements, and planning items.

• Approved December 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Equalization & Review

The Board of Equalization and Review is conducting a series of appeals hearings for property owners. The board will review specific property accounts to determine tax valuations.

• Appeal for 728 Sinai Circle
• Appeal for 605 W. Main Street, Unit 301
• Appeal for 268 individual condominium units at 501 Jones Ferry Road
• Appeal for 350 Carraway Crossing
• Appeal for 123 and 133 West Franklin Street

The Board voted to rescind two earlier valuation decisions from December 2025 and approved the revised amounts. It also appointed Saru Salvi as Chair Pro Tem for the meeting. The Board then adopted the assessed values for four property appeals and denied an untimely appeal, while accepting the county’s recommended value for a fifth appeal.

• Rescinded 12/16/25 vote on PIN 9864469485 ($208,400) – motion carried
• Rescinded 12/17/25 vote on PIN 9864975018 and set adjusted value to $403,200 – motion carried
• Appointed Saru Salvi as Chair Pro Tem – motion carried
• Approved value $632,000 for Lew Moseley property (PIN 9857909519) – motion carried
• Accepted county's proposed value $796,200 for Nada Kamel property (PIN 9873363745) – motion carried
• Accepted county's proposed value $294,600 for Ellen R. Currin property (PIN 9836950198) – motion carried
• Denied hearing of untimely appeal for Rosa M. Bilbao property – motion carried
• Accepted county's proposed value $426,100 for Elizabeth Harden property – motion carried

Board of Elections

The Orange County Board of Elections will approve the December 2, 2025 meeting minutes and hear the Director’s Report on office updates, voter registration statistics, the year‑to‑date budget, and the Registration Repair Project. It will consider appointing early voting officials for the March 3, 2026 primary and the Orange County Schools Board of Education election, set the Efland precinct election‑day voting location, and schedule the next board meeting.

• Approve Board Minutes: December 2, 2025
• Director’s Report – office updates, voter registration statistics, year‑to‑date budget, Registration Repair Project
• Efland Precinct Election Day Voting Location
• Consider and appoint early voting officials for the March 3, 2026 Primary and Orange County Schools Board of Education Election
• Schedule next Board meeting

The Board unanimously approved moving the Efland precinct Election Day location from the Efland Ruritan Club to the Efland‑Cheeks Community Center. It also unanimously approved the slate of early voting officials for the March 3, 2026 primary and approved the December 2, 2025 meeting minutes. The Board reported a year‑to‑date budget with sufficient funds and a voter registration total of 111,783.

• Approved relocation of Efland precinct polling location to Efland‑Cheeks Community Center (unanimous)
• Approved slate of early voting officials for March 3, 2026 primary (unanimous)
• Approved December 2, 2025 Board minutes (unanimous)
• Approved year‑to‑date budget report (sufficient funds noted, no vote recorded)
• Reported voter registration total of 111,783 (no vote required)
• Reported 1,120 voters on Registration Repair Project list, 517 repaired (informational)
• Discussed voter experience survey (no decision)
• Discussed upcoming State Board virtual conference (no decision)

Tax Assessment Work Group

The Tax Assessment Work Group will hear a presentation from the Board of Equalization and Review, review community research findings presented by Hudson Vaughn, and discuss next steps. No formal decisions are indicated on the agenda.

• Board of Equalization and Review presentation by Martha Bordogna
• Community research findings presented by Hudson Vaughn
• Discussion of next steps for tax assessment work

The work group approved the December 5, 2025 meeting summary unanimously. It decided to invite Board of Equalization and Review members to a future meeting and issue a public notice. The Hudson Vaughan neighborhood research presentation was deferred to the February 9 meeting, and a separate meeting will be scheduled for commercial property discussion.

• Approved December 5, 2025 meeting summary (unanimous)
• Decided to invite BOER members to a future work group meeting and issue public notice
• Deferred Hudson Vaughan presentation to Feb 9, 2026 meeting
• Scheduled next work group meeting for Feb 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
• Planned separate meeting for commercial property discussion
• Will review RFP responses in February, timing to be set at Feb 9 meeting
• Freeman to provide dashboard and Tanner evaluation report attachments for Feb meeting
• Manager Myren to provide requested property tax data reports

Commission for the Environment

The Orange County Commission for the Environment will approve the allocation of $267,750 from the 2025 Climate Action Grant to selected applicants. It will also consider continuing sponsorship of the Orange Photo Contest, approve the draft meeting summary from November 10, 2025, and discuss edits to the Annual Report and Work Plan for submission by January 16, 2026.

• Approve draft meeting summary – Nov. 10, 2025 (Action Needed)
• Review and request continued sponsorship of the Orange Photo Contest (Action Needed)
• Allocate $267,750 from the 2025 Climate Action Grant to selected applicants (Action Needed)
• Discuss and approve final draft of the CFE Annual Report and Work Plan for January submission (Action Needed)
• Provide updates on the $765,000 Agrivoltaics Grant co‑written with Cooperative Extension

The commission approved the draft meeting summary, continued sponsorship of the Nature of Orange Photo Contest, and adopted the annual report and work plan. Members voted to support the Climate Action Grant Petition, with 11 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 abstention. The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 pm.

• Approved draft meeting summary – unanimous
• Approved continued sponsorship of Nature of Orange Photo Contest – unanimous
• Approved annual report and work plan – unanimous
• Supported Climate Action Grant Petition – passed (11‑1‑1)
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

OCPT Staff Working Group

The Staff Working Group will discuss and review the FY27 Annual Work Program. This program manages $19,199,954 in total revenues to support transit operations, capital investments, and administration across Orange County and partner jurisdictions.

• Proposed $8,433,492 for capital investments, including vehicle acquisition and the North-South Bus Rapid Transit Project
• Proposed $10,766,461 for operating and administration costs
• Planning for the launch of Orange County transit service in Mebane in 2026
• Enhancements to GoTriangle routes 400, 405, and 800
• Funding requests for agencies including Orange County, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, GoTriangle, and Triangle West TPO