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4 <br /> WHEREAS, Orange County's Strategic Plan recognizes a diverse and vibrant economy <br /> as one of its six Strategic Priorities; and <br /> WHEREAS, this strategic priority's goal is to foster an environment that attracts and <br /> retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors, employment opportunities, and <br /> diversifies our tax base; and <br /> WHEREAS, Labor Day is an opportunity for Orange County to recognize the <br /> contributions of all of our workers to the county's economy; and <br /> NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby <br /> proclaim September 1, 2025, Labor Day, as a day to honor the hard-working residents <br /> of Orange County who contribute so much energy, skill and innovation to our broader <br /> community and encourage all Orange County employers to ensure workers have a living <br /> wage, as well as safe and supportive work environments. <br /> This the 2611 day of August, 2025. <br /> Jamezetta Bedford, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to <br /> approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Commissioner Hamilton, who proposed the proclamation, thanked Deputy Manager <br /> Caitlin Fenhagen for preparing it, emphasizing the importance of recognizing all workers in public <br /> and private sectors, as well as unpaid caregivers. She noted Americans work harder than many <br /> others worldwide. <br /> Commissioner McKee highlighted the absurdity of the $7.25 minimum wage, sharing his <br /> shock when he took a job after 50 years of farming and realized people struggle to live on $20 <br /> per hour, much less minimum wage. <br /> Chair Bedford reminded residents about employment assistance available at senior <br /> centers for those 55 and older facing age discrimination, and workforce centers at Drakeford <br /> Library and DSS for resume help and job search assistance. <br /> b. Bridge Funding for Residents Displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal <br /> The Board approved Budget Amendment #1, transferring up to $20,000 from the Social Justice <br /> Reserve to the Department of Social Services to support residents displaced by Tropical Storm <br /> Chantal to extend temporary housing or to establish new housing. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Housing Department have <br /> been providing case management for County residents who have been displaced from housing <br /> due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. On July 11, 2025, the County, in partnership <br /> with the Town of Chapel Hill, began paying for hotel rooms for displaced residents as they <br /> searched for new housing. The Town of Chapel Hill has provided $100,000 of emergency housing <br /> funds to support these residents to avoid homelessness. Under the terms of an agreement with <br /> the Town of Chapel Hill, DSS determines the use of funds, provides case management services, <br /> and helps residents secure alternate housing arrangements. <br />