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