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2 <br /> 1 Carnetta Swann said she was a lifelong resident and spoke about the burden of the recent <br /> 2 revaluation of her home. She said she felt the new valuation was incorrect and wanted to know <br /> 3 what factors were considered during the valuation of her home. <br /> 4 Eileen Williamson said she is appealing the value of the home she moved into in 1976, <br /> 5 which was also an FHA house. She described the condition of her home which she felt justified <br /> 6 lowering the value of the property. She said she had spoken with the Tax Office about an appeal. <br /> 7 Joann Mitchell said she is a Habitat for Humanity homeowner and represents <br /> 8 Homeowners United of Habitat for Humanity Orange County. She said the organization is <br /> 9 advocating for families and communities in the program. She said that people in the program are <br /> 10 low-income families. She asked the Board to consider amending the process for valuing <br /> 11 affordable housing in the county. She said that consists of twelve neighborhoods and 445 homes. <br /> 12 She said that residents in the program do not go on the open market to buy homes. She said <br /> 13 there are income restrictions for Habitat homeowners. <br /> 14 Chair Bedford said that Commissioner Greene brought up the same issue. She said they <br /> 15 are looking to see if there is legislation allowing for Habitat homes to be valued using a different <br /> 16 process. She encouraged people to apply for longtime homeowners assistance with the county <br /> 17 and described some of the requirements. <br /> 18 Horace Johnson described the new housing developments being built in Hillsborough <br /> 19 which are not affordable for many residents. He encouraged the Board to visit residents in the <br /> 20 county and learn more about what people are dealing with. He said that the African American <br /> 21 population has decreased in the county, and it is important to understand why. <br /> 22 <br /> 23 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br /> 24 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) <br /> 25 <br /> 26 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members <br /> 27 Commissioner McKee said that he had petitioned for publication of the revenue neutral <br /> 28 rate and to have an item for specific cuts that would be necessary to achieve a revenue neutral <br /> 29 tax rate. He said that the budget presented has an increase of 6%. He said that he is again <br /> 30 petitioning that an agenda item presentation on specific cuts to make revenue neutral rate occurs <br /> 31 on May 20th. He read a passage from a letter from a resident that reiterates what he has said. <br /> 32 Commissioner Fowler noted there was an item on the consent agenda regarding screen <br /> 33 use by youth. She encouraged everyone to put their phones down more this week and develop <br /> 34 healthier habits. She said that anxiety and depression in youth increases with more screentime. <br /> 35 She said that May 9 is childcare provider day. She said that quality childcare is critical to children's <br /> 36 development. She said she is thankful for the providers in the county. <br /> 37 Commissioner Greene said she attended the dedication of the Peach Apartments. She <br /> 38 said that homes are Empowerments first rental units, and the county contributed to the project. <br /> 39 She said that she attended a dedication at the Courthouse of a portrait of Lisbon Payne Berry, the <br /> 40 first black lawyer in Orange County and likely one of the first ten Black lawyers in the state. She <br /> 41 said she was on the housing collaborative call and visited 10 farms during the April farm tour. She <br /> 42 said a lot of great things are going on with Orange County farms. <br /> 43 Vice-Chair Hamilton noted that there was a proclamation on the consent agenda for Older <br /> 44 Americans Month. She said that as an older America, thank you. She said this Board typifies the <br /> 45 contribution that older Americans make to the community and that it was more important now for <br /> 46 everyone to participate and get involved. She said she attended the Alliance Health board <br /> 47 meeting, and they have a number of resources available to support mental and physical health. <br /> 48 She said everyone experiences stress and need to look for ways to support themselves and <br /> 49 others. <br /> 50 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she attended the Eno Arts Mill Hidden Voices exhibit that <br /> 51 showcases the survivors of sexual violence. She spoke with one of the survivors and she indicated <br />