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10 <br /> Is there a procedure for dealing with complaints, disputes and appeals? Although <br /> the application process and repair/modification guidelines are meant to be as fair as <br /> possible, Orange County realizes that there is still a chance that some applicants or <br /> participants may feel that they are not treated fairly. The following procedures are <br /> designed to provide an avenue for resolution of complaints and appeals. <br /> During the application process: <br /> 1. If an applicant feels that his/her application was not fairly reviewed or rated and would <br /> like to appeal the decision made about it, he/she should contact the Housing, Human <br /> Rights and Community Development Director within five days of the initial decision and <br /> voice their concern. If the applicant remains dissatisfied with the decision, the detailed <br /> complaint should be put into writing. <br /> 2. A written appeal must be made within 10 business days of the initial decision on an <br /> application. <br /> 3. Orange County will respond in writing to any complaints or appeals within 10 business <br /> days of receiving written comments. <br /> During the repair/modification process: <br /> 1. If the homeowner feels that repairs or modifications are not being completed according <br /> to the contract, he/she must inform the contractor and the Rehabilitation Specialist. <br /> 2. The Rehabilitation Specialist will inspect the work in question. If he finds that the <br /> work is not being completed according to contract, the Rehabilitation Specialist will <br /> review the contract with the contractor and ask the contractor to remedy the problem. <br /> 3. If problems persist, a mediation conference between the homeowner and the contractor <br /> may be convened by the Rehabilitation Specialist and facilitated by the County's <br /> Housing, Human Rights and Community Development Director. <br /> 4. Should the mediation conference fail to resolve the dispute, the Housing, Human <br /> Rights and Community Development Director will render a written final decision. <br /> 5. If the Rehabilitation Specialist finds that the work is being completed according to <br /> contract, the complaint will be noted and the Rehabilitation Specialist and the <br /> homeowner will discuss the concern and the reason for the Rehabilitation Specialist's <br /> decision. <br /> Will the personal information provided remain confidential? Yes. All information in <br /> applicant files will remain confidential. Access to the information will be provided only to <br /> County employees who are directly involved in the program, the North Carolina Housing <br /> Finance Agency and auditors. <br /> What about conflicts of interest? No officer, employee or other public official of the <br /> County, or member of the Board of County Commissioners, or entity contracting with the <br /> county, who exercises any functions or responsibilities with respect to URP17 shall have <br /> any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or subcontract for work to be performed with <br /> program funding, either for themselves or those with whom they have family or business <br /> ties, during their tenure or for one year thereafter. Relatives of County employees, Board <br /> of County Commissioners Members and others closely identified with the County may be <br />