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10 <br /> ended by quoting some of Mr. Johnson's acceptance speech from NC Principal of the Year and <br /> thanked the Board for their time and service to the community. <br /> George Griffin expressed opposition to the proposed amendment to the County Manager's <br /> recommended budget to reduce pay-go funding as part of the capital improvement plan. He said <br /> reducing or walking-back the pay-go commitment after securing public approval for the bond <br /> damages our collective credibility. He said that residents who voted in favor of the bond package <br /> in November 2024 did so with the understanding that it was part of a comprehensive, multi- <br /> pronged funding strategy. He said weakening the pay-go component creates the perception of a <br /> "bait-and-switch" where voters feel they were promised one thing but delivered another. He said <br /> sustaining the pay-go plan in full is essential, notjust as a financial mechanism, but as a statement <br /> of integrity, accountability, and follow-through. He said it is a moral imperative and a vital <br /> investment in the future of Orange County's children, schools, and community. He said that he <br /> recognizes that the tax increase required to support this level of investment is significant; <br /> however, it was publicly understood from the outset that such an increase would be necessary to <br /> fund this historic and long-overdue investment in school capital needs. <br /> Beverly Walton invited everyone in attendance who supported the home repair program <br /> to stand up. She said that many of the homes in her community are in disrepair and that residents <br /> need help. She asked the Board to increase the amount of funding available for making home <br /> repairs. <br /> Barry Jacobs expressed appreciation for the work undertaken by the commissioners. He <br /> said there are three main issues that Orange County residents care about. He said that is quality <br /> public education, equality and opportunity for all, and protection of the environment. He said there <br /> is a proposed amendment to reduce funding for the Lands Legacy program in the capital <br /> improvement program. He asked the Board to stick with the County Manager's recommendations <br /> for the program. <br /> Horace Johnson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. He said he wanted <br /> the Board to meet more of the residents in the county and learn about the issues they are facing. <br /> Diane Thompson spoke in favor of increased funding for home repairs. She said she is <br /> experiencing well issues and needs help having clean water in her home. <br /> Rich Shaw read the following statement regarding the Lands Legacy Program: <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 Conservatfon Manager, <br /> overseeing the L.L.P. Now, it may seem self-serving to ask you to maintain funding for a program I <br /> once managed. Well,it is self-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 /> places that give OC its unique identity,and help make it a wonderful place to live,work and play. <br />