Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> Carnetta Swann said she was a lifelong resident and spoke about the burden of the <br /> recent revaluation of her home. She said she felt the new valuation was incorrect and wanted <br /> to know what factors were considered during the valuation of her home. <br /> Eileen Williamson said she is appealing the value of the home she moved into in 1976, <br /> which was also an FHA house. She described the condition of her home which she felt justified <br /> lowering the value of the property. She said she had spoken with the Tax Office about an <br /> appeal. <br /> Joann Mitchell said she is a Habitat for Humanity homeowner and represents <br /> Homeowners United of Habitat for Humanity Orange County. She said the organization is <br /> advocating for families and communities in the program. She said that people in the program <br /> are low-income families. She asked the Board to consider amending the process for valuing <br /> affordable housing in the county. She said that consists of twelve neighborhoods and 445 <br /> homes. She said that residents in the program do not go on the open market to buy homes. <br /> She said there are income restrictions for Habitat homeowners. <br /> Chair Bedford said that Commissioner Greene brought up the same issue. She said <br /> they are looking to see if there is legislation allowing for Habitat homes to be valued using a <br /> different process. She encouraged people to apply for longtime homeowners assistance with <br /> the county and described some of the requirements. <br /> Horace Johnson described the new housing developments being built in Hillsborough <br /> which are not affordable for many residents. He encouraged the Board to visit residents in the <br /> county and learn more about what people are dealing with. He said that the African American <br /> population has decreased in the county, and it is important to understand why. <br /> b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br /> (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) <br /> 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members <br /> Commissioner McKee said that he had petitioned for publication of the revenue neutral <br /> rate and to have an item for specific cuts that would be necessary to achieve a revenue neutral <br /> tax rate. He said that the budget presented has an increase of 6%. He said that he is again <br /> petitioning that an agenda item presentation on specific cuts to make revenue neutral rate <br /> occurs on May 201". He read a passage from a letter from a resident that reiterates what he has <br /> said. <br /> Commissioner Fowler noted there was an item on the consent agenda regarding screen <br /> use by youth. She encouraged everyone to put their phones down more this week and develop <br /> healthier habits. She said that anxiety and depression in youth increases with more screentime. <br /> She said that May 9 is childcare provider day. She said that quality childcare is critical to <br /> children's development. She said she is thankful for the providers in the county. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she attended the dedication of the Peach Apartments. She <br /> said that homes are Empowerments first rental units, and the county contributed to the project. <br /> She said that she attended a dedication at the Courthouse of a portrait of Lisbon Payne Berry, <br /> the first black lawyer in Orange County and likely one of the first ten Black lawyers in the state. <br /> She said she was on the housing collaborative call and visited 10 farms during the April farm <br /> tour. She said a lot of great things are going on with Orange County farms. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton noted that there was a proclamation on the consent agenda for <br /> Older Americans Month. She said that as an older America, thank you. She said this Board <br /> typifies the contribution that older Americans make to the community and that it was more <br /> important now for everyone to participate and get involved. She said she attended the Alliance <br /> Health board meeting, and they have a number of resources available to support mental and <br /> physical health. She said everyone experiences stress and need to look for ways to support <br /> themselves and others. <br />