Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
27 <br /> Slide#5 <br /> For any questions: <br /> •Blake Rosser <br /> •brosser@orangecountync.gov <br /> •919-245-2492 <br /> n ORANGECOUNTY <br /> O HOUSING DEPARTMENT <br /> Commissioner Carter asked about the information on the age of applicants. She said a <br /> fair number did not have age data and asked why that was. <br /> Blake Rosser said it could mean there was an issue with the survey, or that staff didn't <br /> include the age when inputting paper applications. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler asked if some applicants were also receiving assistance through <br /> programs in the Tax Office. <br /> Blake Rosser said he doesn't have that data, but the Tax Office should. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what the average increase was for tax bills. Blake <br /> Rosser said he will include that information in a follow-up communication to the Board. <br /> Chair Hamilton asked what qualifications must be met to receive assistance through this <br /> program. <br /> Blake Rosser said he will also follow up with that information, as he doesn't have it on <br /> hand. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENTS <br /> Larry Reid advocated for reconsidering eligibility criteria for co-living situations, citing <br /> examples of sisters and families living together whose combined incomes disqualify them despite <br /> individual financial constraints. <br /> Elizabeth Young, representing the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition, <br /> described a friend whose property valuation increased from $350,000 to $1 million and presented <br /> several policy recommendations, including increasing program funding to $1 million annually, <br /> making property assessments more equitable, improving appeals access, and dedicating $1.5 <br /> million for deeply affordable homeownership. <br /> Following public comments, Commissioner Carter appreciated staffs suggestion to <br /> consider lengthening the home ownership timeframe beyond the current five years, potentially <br /> providing larger benefits to longer-term residents. She asked for information to avoid unintended <br /> consequences of favoring high-value properties. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she has also been concerned with the length of <br /> homeownership. She noted that the current program already weights awards based on length of <br /> ownership. <br />