Minutes 05-30-2024 - Budget Public Hearing

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12 Bridget Pemberton-Smith, a lifelong resident and there to represent the Pro-Bono Counseling Network. She said they ask diverse mental health clinicians to donate 8 sessions a year to provide therapy services. She said this is especially valuable to those that are uninsured. She expressed gratitude for the recommended funding for the organization through the Outside Agency funding process. She said they are looking at hiring their first fulltime employee to help manage the scheduling. George Barrett, executive director of the Marion Cheek Jackson Center and director of the Orange County Affordable Housing Board. He thanked the Board for renewing the LHA program. He thanked the Board for their commitment to affordable housing. He thanked them for releasing the first $5 million of CIP funding for affordable housing. He said this is making a tremendous impact on the community. He asked that this be sustained over 10 years. He said this need only continues to grow. He said that they want them to consider the disproportionate impact the bond tax increase will have on the low-income population. He said that a tax increase can have the impact of forcing families out of their homes. He said that as they think about uses, he asks them to think about the connection between school success and having safe, affordable homes for students. He said that teachers need to be able to afford to live where they serve. He said that education will not work without affordable housing for the participants. Jackie Jenks said as the other co-chair of the Coalition said that she agrees with everything that George Barrett said. She said that on behalf of IFC, she wanted to express gratitude for the continued partnership with the county. She said the work intersects with the county in critical ways every day. She said that they work daily with the street outreach team and work together on cold weather pop-up shelters. She said that IFC didn't close doors a single day during COVID. She said it was one of the only places people could go who didn't have a place to call home and receive a host of services. She said that their contributions have decreased to pre- pandemic levels, but the needs have not. She said they are having to reduce expenses 500-700K a year. She said that this year, they will need to close Community House during daytime hours. She said that they continue to struggle to make sure they have enough pantry items and fresh foods for those that shop. She is grateful for the amendment put forward for food purchasing and asked for support. Kathy Atwater said she is a staff member of the Marian Cheek Jackson Center and a 4tn generation resident of the Northside Community. She expressed gratitude for reinstituting the Long-time Homeowners' Assistance Program. She said that the need for the residents to stay in their homes is vital. She said they want to be able to remain there. She said there are residents that have been there for over 100 years, and this is a resource for them to be able to stay. She said that the property tax increase will really help residents be able to stay in their homes. She said the home repair programs are also helpful. She said it is very important to keep funding available for the LHA program. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Greene, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS At this time the budget public hearing portion of the meeting ended, and the Board transitioned to a work session. 4. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Advisory Board on Aging. BACKGROUND: The Advisory Board on Aging suggests policy and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and the Department on Aging while acting as the liaison between