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40 <br /> expressed strong support for this change, to lower barriers to access. It's also <br /> important to keep in mind that many residents did live in their homes for <br /> decades, were pressured to leave, and then moved back thanks to community <br /> efforts -- but may have been back fewer than 5 years. <br /> 6) Finally, we emphasize the need for greatly increased outreach, as County <br /> staff recommended -- including program announcement with tax bill and working <br /> with community partners in all parts of the County (including Hillsborough and <br /> Northern Orange) in advance to do outreach. <br /> - Along with outreach about the property tax assistance program, it is also <br /> important to communicate transparently about the different levels and criteria <br /> used for calculating the property tax rates. That way residents can understand <br /> the process, be able to spot errors more quickly, and be better prepared to <br /> appeal if needed. <br /> Thank you for your work on this important issue. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Orange County Justice United Affordable Housing team <br /> Chair Price reviewed the possible options for consideration and the County Manager's <br /> recommendations. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if anyone who spoke from the Jackson Center could <br /> comment on if there was any reluctance from homeowners that they spoke to about the <br /> program. <br /> Kathy Atwater said there were several people who were apprehensive about the <br /> program. She said they didn't want the government to know about their income thinking that <br /> they would be charged even more. She said that many people just pay what the government <br /> says to pay. She said that education should happen before property tax bills go out. She said <br /> that would give them time to explain what is happening to the community. She said some <br /> people still don't know about the Homestead Exemption Act, and that's been around for a long <br /> time. She said it is important to develop trust in the community because many people have lost <br /> their homes due to things like a reverse mortgage that say they will help, but don't. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he asked that question because there is a program that <br /> farmers initially refused to participate in because of uncertainties. He said he could imagine the <br /> same dynamic happening here. He said the low number of applications was shocking to him. <br /> Chair Price said that she has a friend in the community with relatives that don't trust the <br /> government, or they just see the bill and pay it. She said this friend had to intervene with a <br /> family member because she was paying on a barn that was considered a house. She said <br /> getting trusted messengers is important. <br /> Commissioner McKee said that would be key. He said that is what it took for farmers to <br /> trust the program he referenced. He said over the years it became accepted, then it became <br /> sought after. He said it's important to consider how to get the word out better than before. <br /> Commissioner Bedford made a motion that the Board adopt recommendations #2, 3, 4, <br /> 5, 6, and 7. <br /> Commissioner McKee seconded it. <br /> Commissioner Richards said that she felt that it was important to get to a conclusion <br /> about recommendation #1, because those other recommendations are dependent on #1. She <br /> said the other recommendations are easy and make sense. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked if she should amend her motion to include an assumption <br /> that#1 would be approved. <br /> John Roberts, the County Attorney, said the amendment did not need to be amended. <br />