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19 <br /> Commissioner Carter asked how the natural growth rate for Orange County compares to <br /> other counties. <br /> Travis Myren said the natural growth rate is dependent on new construction, so to the <br /> extent there is more new construction in surrounding counties, the natural growth rates would be <br /> higher in those counties. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked is Travis Myren has a sense of the appeals right now. <br /> Travis Myren said he does not have a sense of how the appeals may impact the tax base <br /> right now, but there are over 700 appeals pending. He said staff is continuing to monitor this and <br /> will have a better understanding of the potential tax base impact after the informal appeals period <br /> ends. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked if there is any indication that some types of properties are <br /> increasing more than others or if there is something that shows where values are increasing. <br /> Travis Myren said he can produce a heat map that will show areas of higher increase in <br /> the county. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said she recalls that the average increase for residential properties <br /> is 52% and it was lower for commercial properties. She asked if that is still the case and what is <br /> driving the difference. <br /> Travis Myren said those rates are based on the market demand, and there has been less <br /> demand for commercial property. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if apartment complexes are commercial or residential. <br /> Travis Myren said they are considered commercial. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said there are some residents living in apartments that are <br /> concerned their rent will go up. She asked if that could be attributed to the revaluation or if <br /> apartment complexes are taking advantage. <br /> Travis Myren said staff can spot check some complexes in each town to see. <br /> Commissioner Fowler encouraged residents that had significant increases to appeal. <br /> Travis Myren indicated he is always available to answer residents' questions and <br /> encouraged them to email him. <br /> Chair Bedford shared that the Board will have a work session next Tuesday on the capital <br /> budget. She explained the operating budget will be presented to the Board on May 6th and there <br /> will be many other work sessions about the budgets after that. <br /> 2. Public Hearings <br /> a. FY26 Annual Work Program for Transit <br /> The Board conducted a public hearing on the FY26 Annual Work Program (AWP) for transit and <br /> approve the Program. <br /> BACKGROUND: In 2011, Orange County voters approved a half-cent sales tax to fund public <br /> transit improvements. The sales tax proceeds can only be used for projects in the Orange County <br /> Transit Plan, which must be approved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) <br /> and the GoTriangle Board. The Transit Plan is implemented through the Annual Work Program <br /> that identifies funding for the fiscal year and is approved by the BOCC and GoTriangle Board. <br /> The Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Work Program was developed in accordance with the process and <br /> schedule as recommended by the Staff Work Group (SWG) on June 17, 2024. <br /> To date <br /> • February 19, 2025 —The SWG released the FY26 AWP for a 30-day public review period. <br /> • February 20, 2025 — Orange County Transportation Services (OCTS) presented the FY26 <br /> AWP to the BOCC. <br /> • March 19, 2025— The SWG recommended the BOCC approve the FY26 AWP. <br />