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4 <br /> 1 WHEREAS, Orange County's Strategic Plan recognizes a diverse and vibrant economy <br /> 2 as one of its six Strategic Priorities; and <br /> 3 <br /> 4 WHEREAS, this strategic priority's goal is to foster an environment that attracts and <br /> 5 retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, employment opportunities, and <br /> 6 diversifies our tax base; and <br /> 7 <br /> 8 WHEREAS, Labor Day is an opportunity for Orange County to recognize the <br /> 9 contributions of all of our workers to the county's economy; and <br /> 10 <br /> 11 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby <br /> 12 proclaim September 1, 2025, Labor Day, as a day to honor the hard-working residents <br /> 13 of Orange County who contribute so much energy, skill and innovation to our broader <br /> 14 community and encourage all Orange County employers to ensure workers have a living <br /> 15 wage, as well as safe and supportive work environments. <br /> 16 This the 26th day of August, 2025. <br /> 17 <br /> 18 <br /> 19 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> 20 Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> 21 <br /> 22 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to <br /> 23 approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 26 <br /> 27 Commissioner Hamilton, who proposed the proclamation, thanked Deputy Manager <br /> 28 Caitlin Fenhagen for preparing it, emphasizing the importance of recognizing all workers in public <br /> 29 and private sectors, as well as unpaid caregivers. She noted Americans work harder than many <br /> 30 others worldwide. <br /> 31 Commissioner McKee highlighted the absurdity of the $7.25 minimum wage, sharing his <br /> 32 shock when he took a job after 50 years of farming and realized people struggle to live on $20 <br /> 33 per hour, much less minimum wage. <br /> 34 Chair Bedford reminded residents about employment assistance available at senior <br /> 35 centers for those 55 and older facing age discrimination, and workforce centers at Drakeford <br /> 36 Library and DSS for resume help and job search assistance. <br /> 37 <br /> 38 b. Bridge Funding for Residents Displaced bV Tropical Storm Chantal <br /> 39 The Board approved Budget Amendment #1, transferring up to $20,000 from the Social Justice <br /> 40 Reserve to the Department of Social Services to support residents displaced by Tropical Storm <br /> 41 Chantal to extend temporary housing or to establish new housing. <br /> 42 <br /> 43 BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Housing Department have <br /> 44 been providing case management for County residents who have been displaced from housing <br /> 45 due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. On July 11, 2025, the County, in partnership <br /> 46 with the Town of Chapel Hill, began paying for hotel rooms for displaced residents as they <br /> 47 searched for new housing. The Town of Chapel Hill has provided $100,000 of emergency housing <br /> 48 funds to support these residents to avoid homelessness. Under the terms of an agreement with <br /> 49 the Town of Chapel Hill, DSS determines the use of funds, provides case management services, <br /> 5o and helps residents secure alternate housing arrangements. <br /> 51 <br />