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40 <br /> 1 - Along with outreach about the property tax assistance program, it is also <br /> 2 important to communicate transparently about the different levels and criteria <br /> 3 used for calculating the property tax rates. That way residents can understand <br /> 4 the process, be able to spot errors more quickly, and be better prepared to <br /> 5 appeal if needed. <br /> 6 Thank you for your work on this important issue. <br /> 7 Sincerely, <br /> 8 Orange County Justice United Affordable Housing team <br /> 9 <br /> 10 Chair Price reviewed the possible options for consideration and the County Manager's <br /> 11 recommendations. <br /> 12 Commissioner McKee asked if anyone who spoke from the Jackson Center could <br /> 13 comment on if there was any reluctance from homeowners that they spoke to about the <br /> 14 program. <br /> 15 Kathy Atwater said there were several people who were apprehensive about the <br /> 16 program. She said they didn't want the government to know about their income thinking that <br /> 17 they would be charged even more. She said that many people just pay what the government <br /> 18 says to pay. She said that education should happen before property tax bills go out. She said <br /> 19 that would give them time to explain what is happening to the community. She said some <br /> 20 people still don't know about the Homestead Exemption Act, and that's been around for a long <br /> 21 time. She said it is important to develop trust in the community because many people have lost <br /> 22 their homes due to things like a reverse mortgage that say they will help, but don't. <br /> 23 Commissioner McKee said he asked that question because there is a program that <br /> 24 farmers initially refused to participate in because of uncertainties. He said he could imagine the <br /> 25 same dynamic happening here. He said the low number of applications was shocking to him. <br /> 26 Chair Price said that she has a friend in the community with relatives that don't trust the <br /> 27 government, or they just see the bill and pay it. She said this friend had to intervene with a <br /> 28 family member because she was paying on a barn that was considered a house. She said <br /> 29 getting trusted messengers is important. <br /> 30 Commissioner McKee said that would be key. He said that is what it took for farmers to <br /> 31 trust the program he referenced. He said over the years it became accepted, then it became <br /> 32 sought after. He said it's important to consider how to get the word out better than before. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 Commissioner Bedford made a motion that the Board adopt recommendations #2, 3, 4, <br /> 35 5, 6, and 7. <br /> 36 Commissioner McKee seconded it. <br /> 37 Commissioner Richards said that she felt that it was important to get to a conclusion <br /> 38 about recommendation #1, because those other recommendations are dependent on #1. She <br /> 39 said the other recommendations are easy and make sense. <br /> 40 Commissioner Bedford asked if she should amend her motion to include an assumption <br /> 41 that#1 would be approved. <br /> 42 John Roberts, the County Attorney, said the amendment did not need to be amended. <br /> 43 Chair Price said she is in favor of#7. <br /> 44 <br /> 45 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 46 <br /> 47 Chair Price asked the Board to discuss recommendation #1. <br /> 48 Commissioner Hamilton thanked everyone who spoke about the issue. She said her <br /> 49 concern about recommendation #1 is if it can be sustained. She said she wanted to know the <br /> 50 number of people and the amount of money so the Board can determine if it's affordable. She <br /> 51 said she wanted to know if it's sustainable. She said she thought the Board should think <br />