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10 <br /> 1 ended by quoting some of Mr. Johnson's acceptance speech from NC Principal of the Year and <br /> 2 thanked the Board for their time and service to the community. <br /> 3 George Griffin expressed opposition to the proposed amendment to the County Manager's <br /> 4 recommended budget to reduce pay-go funding as part of the capital improvement plan. He said <br /> 5 reducing or walking-back the pay-go commitment after securing public approval for the bond <br /> 6 damages our collective credibility. He said that residents who voted in favor of the bond package <br /> 7 in November 2024 did so with the understanding that it was part of a comprehensive, multi- <br /> 8 pronged funding strategy. He said weakening the pay-go component creates the perception of a <br /> 9 "bait-and-switch" where voters feel they were promised one thing but delivered another. He said <br /> 10 sustaining the pay-go plan in full is essential, not just as a financial mechanism, but as a statement <br /> 11 of integrity, accountability, and follow-through. He said it is a moral imperative and a vital <br /> 12 investment in the future of Orange County's children, schools, and community. He said that he <br /> 13 recognizes that the tax increase required to support this level of investment is significant; <br /> 14 however, it was publicly understood from the outset that such an increase would be necessary to <br /> 15 fund this historic and long-overdue investment in school capital needs. <br /> 16 Beverly Walton invited everyone in attendance who supported the home repair program <br /> 17 to stand up. She said that many of the homes in her community are in disrepair and that residents <br /> 18 need help. She asked the Board to increase the amount of funding available for making home <br /> 19 repairs. <br /> 20 Barry Jacobs expressed appreciation for the work undertaken by the commissioners. He <br /> 21 said there are three main issues that Orange County residents care about. He said that is quality <br /> 22 public education, equality and opportunity for all, and protection of the environment. He said there <br /> 23 is a proposed amendment to reduce funding for the Lands Legacy program in the capital <br /> 24 improvement program. He asked the Board to stick with the County Manager's recommendations <br /> 25 for the program. <br /> 26 Horace Johnson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. He said he wanted <br /> 27 the Board to meet more of the residents in the county and learn about the issues they are facing. <br /> 28 Diane Thompson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. She said she is <br /> 29 experiencing well issues and needs help having clean water in her home. <br /> 30 Rich Shaw read the following statement regarding the Lands Legacy Program: <br /> 31 <br /> First off,thank you commissioners and staff for your public service. We're grateful for what you <br /> all do on our behalf. <br /> I served Orange County for over 20 years—most of that time as Land Conservation Manager, <br /> overseeing the LLR Now,it may seem self-serving to ask you to maintain funding for a program I <br /> once managed. Well,jLj�,sse f-serving,but for different reasons. I'm retired from County gov't. <br /> But as a resident, I experience the benefits of the County and its partners conserving farmland, <br /> protecting historic sites and natural areas,and establishing parks and trails. That's the purpose <br /> of Lands Legacy. To protect special places that help distinguish OC from other communities, <br /> 32 places that give OC its unique identity,and help make it a wonderful place to live,work and play. <br /> 33 <br />