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2 <br /> 1 3. Announcements, Petitions, and Comments by Board Members <br /> 2 Commissioner Portie-Ascott began by sharing an urgent email received from Kevin <br /> 3 Leonard, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners <br /> 4 (NCACC), about a new NC House Special Committee to examine property taxes. She read from <br /> 5 the email, which expressed both optimism about having the opportunity to share perspectives but <br /> 6 also realism about national trends. Leonard noted that states like Florida and California were <br /> 7 seeking to "limit cap or even eliminate property taxes," and these trends "may influence policy <br /> 8 conversations here in North Carolina."The first committee meeting was scheduled for December <br /> 9 17th in Raleigh. Leonard's call to action urged commissioners to begin conversations with their <br /> 10 NC House and Senate members about how changes to the property tax system could affect <br /> 11 service delivery and budgets. Commissioner Portie-Ascott also reported on the district directors' <br /> 12 meeting, announcing that the first District 9 meeting would be held jointly with Districts 10, 11, 12, <br /> 13 and 18 on March 6th from 10 AM to 2 PM in either Randolph or Guilford County. She thanked the <br /> 14 county manager for agreeing to assist with advertising. She concluded by describing a Northern <br /> 15 Orange First Saturday Speakers Forum she and Commissioner Carter had participated in, hosted <br /> 16 by Representative Renee Price, focused on the housing crisis. They discussed the Longtime <br /> 17 Homeowners Assistance program, rental assistance, and eviction diversion work. Community <br /> 18 questions included: What are measurable affordable housing goals, and how is progress <br /> 19 reported? How are developers held accountable for affordable housing commitments? How can <br /> 20 equitable access be ensured for low-wealth households, immigrant families, and local workers? <br /> 21 Will rental assistance and eviction prevention resources be expanded? The community also <br /> 22 raised concerns about septic system failures that can "financially devastate a household with <br /> 23 almost no support for middle-income families facing a $60,000 replacement cost." <br /> 24 Commissioner McKee said Commissioner Portie-Ascott's comments about the state <br /> 25 property tax committee directly align with his petition from last week. He said he will be at the <br /> 26 meeting on the 17th to listen and hopefully have a hand in finding an adjustment. He also shared <br /> 27 that he attended the memorial service for former Commissioner Mark Marcopolos along with close <br /> 28 to 200 others. <br /> 29 Vice-Chair Fowler shared that the Tax Assessment Work Group had met twice since the <br /> 30 last Board meeting - on December 2nd for educational sessions and December 5th to review the <br /> 31 RFP for a consultant. The consultant would review tax policies and procedures and make <br /> 32 recommendations on ways to improve equity in the revaluation process and improve community <br /> 33 education and communication regarding tax reevaluations and the appeals process. The RFP will <br /> 34 go out later in the month with a 30-day response time, and the review process is expected to take <br /> 35 approximately three months. The next work group meeting is scheduled virtually on January 12th <br /> 36 at 2:00 PM to learn from County staff attorney Martha Bordogna about the Board of Equalization <br /> 37 and Review. Hudson Vaughan will also share his community presentation to bring all work group <br /> 38 members up to speed on community concerns. Commissioner Fowler announced that she and <br /> 39 Commissioner Carter will join Hudson Vaughan and Shereese Alston on WCHL this week to <br /> 40 discuss tax revaluation and equity concerns, with the show airing later. She wished everyone <br /> 41 happy holidays and acknowledged Commissioner Bedford for her leadership as Chair over the <br /> 42 past 3 years and her ongoing mentorship and presented her with a gift from the Board. <br /> 43 Commissioner Bedford thanked Orange County staff for their work and dedication to <br /> 44 serving the public. She highlighted some challenges staff faced over the year including Tropical <br /> 45 Storm Chantal and the federal SNAP benefit issues. Commissioner Bedford reminded the public <br /> 46 that taxes are due around January 3rd or 5th, when interest collection would begin. She <br /> 47 encouraged residents to call the tax office to set up a payment plan as soon as they can. She <br />