Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
18 <br /> recommendation on how to support them. She said she would like to know how other jurisdictions <br /> are managing these facilities. She said that she would like to see an analysis of different <br /> ownership structures. She asked if they could partner with Durham Tech to offer classes in a more <br /> efficient manner. She said she wants to make sure they prevent the runaway board issue and see <br /> the best way to organize the structure. She said that meeting only twice in the last year is not <br /> working. She said a legal review is needed for taxpayers supporting for-profit businesses. She <br /> said they are also in need of a succession plan. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they have approved independent audits or if it is new <br /> in the agreement. <br /> Chair Bedford said she is unsure if they are part of the audit. <br /> John Roberts said an audit is optional and would be at the cost of the county. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said she wants to revisit why a Durham County commissioner is on <br /> the board. She said she would like to give Orange County residents some form of priority. She <br /> said she is unsure if it still makes sense to fully subsidize this. <br /> Vice-Chair McKee said this is an incubator just like others they support. He said that he <br /> understands concern over subsidizing a private company, but they also subsidized a private <br /> company for broadband. He said they could make a distinction, but he is unsure there is one. He <br /> said they are helping individuals trying to launch a business. He said this is a specialized industry. <br /> He said the Board prides itself on being leaders in NC and nationally, and the interest shown in <br /> the facility outside of Orange County is national. He said he would be opposed to the county <br /> taking over management. He said this is an organization that needs specialized management. He <br /> said he could support a 1-year extension. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she agrees with Vice-Chair McKee. She said there are other <br /> incubators they support and that fund economic development opportunities for private companies. <br /> She said that this is not just about Orange County. She said that one of her son's friends started <br /> a company and they sell all over the place now. She said that she would support two years but <br /> certainly a 1-year extension. She said they need to have a work session to determine how to keep <br /> this and make it more successful. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Vice-Chair McKee, to <br /> approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Management Services Agreement renewal for the <br /> Piedmont Food Processing Center for a period of one year. <br /> Vice-Chair McKee added a friendly amendment that this subject will be brought back at a <br /> work session at the discretion of staff and Board leadership. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how the county has been harmed because they have <br /> only met twice. <br /> Chair Bedford said they don't know. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> James Watts, PFPC Board of Directors Chair, agrees with the Board's concerns and said <br /> these questions have always existed. <br /> 7. Reports <br /> a. 2025 Countywide Property Tax Revaluation Update <br /> The Board received an overview and update from staff on the 2025 revaluation process. <br /> BACKGROUND: Counties in North Carolina are required to conduct a revaluation of all real <br /> property at least once every eight years. Orange County, like many other counties, has adopted <br />