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12 <br /> awareness but they do not have a public memory of any injustices as white people. She said that <br /> there is a reckoning with American history about racial injustice. She said that we do not reckon <br /> with the collective trauma and we have amnesia. She said it is not in our public memory. She <br /> said we have all inherited this. She said that there needs to be respect for the low-income people. <br /> She said that the Health Department does marketing and clinics at RENA and asked for the tax <br /> department to follow their example and please be more proactive. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that a study showed black owned properties are <br /> assessed 11% higher than white properties in North Carolina. She asked if Chris McLaughlin had <br /> that number for Orange County. <br /> Chris McLaughlin said that the study was from the University of Chicago and there is a <br /> link to the report in the agenda packet. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the race of the appraisers was considered. <br /> Chris McLaughlin said no. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton asked if the next steps could include presentation of the Chicago <br /> study and the methodology for the recent study. <br /> Chris McLaughlin said he cannot vouch for the accuracy of the study but that he can <br /> explain the data. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said she would also want to know how that happens. She said <br /> she would also like to review the methodology of appraising. <br /> Commissioner Richards said that she would want the study to be repeated after the next <br /> revaluation cycle. She said that maybe they will see a broader understanding of the process. <br /> Vice-Chair McKee asked Nancy Freeman if he is correct that the greatest concern was <br /> the rate of the increase in property values. <br /> Nancy Freeman said that was correct. <br /> Vice-Chair McKee asked what the process is for informing property owners about the <br /> appeals process. <br /> Nancy Freeman said they are undertaking several activities. She said they recently <br /> attended a fair for minorities and Hispanics where they provided information about appeals in <br /> Spanish and they did not have that information before. She said they try to piggyback on other <br /> events to share information. She said that they will partner with the Department on Aging. She <br /> said outreach focuses on educating people about the tax office and who they can go to. <br /> Vice-Chair McKee said that focusing on community organizations and churches would <br /> also be useful. <br /> Chair Bedford asked what the window is for appealing 2023 values. <br /> Nancy Freeman said the formal appeals window was currently happening. <br /> Chair Bedford asked if anyone can do an informal appeal. <br /> Nancy Freeman only formal appeals can be made. <br /> Chair Bedford clarified that they do not need a lawyer. <br /> Nancy Freeman said no, they don't. <br /> Chair Bedford asked if they could call the office to get more information from staff. <br /> Nancy Freeman said yes and that they will be happy to assist. <br /> 5. Public Hearings <br /> None. <br />