Orange County NC Website
3 <br />communication of threats and personal confrontation. The defendants <br />appealed this as a First Amendment case. The Court of Appeals stated that <br />only the hostile method of delivery, not the content of the message, can <br />be regulated. Gledhill stated that the Orange County efforts followed the <br />course set out by Justice Scalia. <br />QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OR OTHER ELECTED <br />OFFICIALS <br />Council member Andresen asked for clarification on the questions listed <br />below: <br />1) How many cases are expected to be handled yearly? <br />2) How many are likely to result in penalties and/or be appealed? <br />What is the financial impact of this Ordinance? <br />3) How many citizens have appealed Commission rulings? <br />4) What are the roles of staff and volunteers? <br />5) What information did the Commission gather during the public <br />hearings about complaints directed at public accommodation and/or <br />employment discrimination? <br />6) How many businesses would be affected by this Ordinance in the <br />county outside of the municipalities? <br />Andresen indicated that reliance on the dispute resolution process as well <br />as improved access for citizens which would result from the adoption of <br />this Ordinance are commendable. <br />Lewis indicated the scope of the financial impact would be decided by the <br />elected officials. However, federal compensation partially offsets the <br />cost to local communities. Orange County could expect to have between <br />three and twelve cases actually go before an Administrative Law Judge <br />within any given year. She indicated that approximately one hundred fifty <br />(150) employers, employing 15,000 people would be covered under Orange <br />County's jurisdiction. New Hanover County has been pleased with the <br />effect the Ordinance has had in their community. They believe that this <br />is good for both employees and businesses. New Hanover County and its <br />Chamber of Commerce co-host an annual Fair Employment Workshop which <br />greatly helps employers understand the changing laws. They co-host an <br />annual Fair Housing Workshop with the Personnel Director's Association <br />which includes the personnel directors of all major employers. Orange <br />County staff would work closely with Commission members during reasonable <br />cause hearings, however the Commission members would actually be <br />responsible for the hearing. The intake and investigation process would <br />be handled by a trained staff person. There is excellent training <br />available for Commission members. The sections dealing with public <br />accommodations and hate violence complaints would have lesser impact. <br />Training sessions would be made available for both small and larger <br />business in order to inform them of the implications of the Ordinance. <br />Council member Herzenberg asked why county government is exempted from the <br />Ordinance. Gledhill indicated that it is impractical, if not impossible, <br />for the County to police itself. <br />