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3 <br /> WHEREAS,Jewish physicians, researchers, and health care professionals have made critical contributions <br /> to medicine, health care, and science in North Carolina, while improving lives and advancing the well- <br /> being of the entire community; and <br /> WHEREAS,the Jewish community in North Carolina has established cultural institutions, synagogues, and <br /> organizations that have enriched the state's religious,social and cultural fabric while educating and serving <br /> the public, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among groups and promoting a welcoming and <br /> inclusive community for all residents; and <br /> WHEREAS,the frequency of antisemitic incidents targeting Jews and those who are perceived as Jewish in <br /> the United States has reached record highs; and <br /> WHEREAS, according to the American Jewish Committee, 91 percent of American Jews say they feel less <br /> safe as a Jewish person in the United States due to violent attacks against American Jews in the past year; <br /> and <br /> WHEREAS, according to the Jewish Federations of North America, 50 percent of Jewish institutions with a <br /> physical presence, such as synagogues, community centers, and day schools, lack the resources to <br /> adequately protect themselves against these rising threats; and <br /> WHEREAS,recognizing and celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month reaffirms our state's commitment <br /> to combatting prejudice, standing strong against antisemitism and promoting unity among all North <br /> Carolina's residents; <br /> NOW,THEREFORE, we,the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, do hereby <br /> proclaim the month of May 2026, as JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH and encourage our residents, <br /> community organizations, schools, and institutions to participate in programs and activities that honor <br /> Jewish American contributions to our history and present,celebrate their achievements,and inspire future <br /> generations of Jewish Americans. <br /> THIS THE 5th DAY OF MAY, 2026. <br /> Jean Hamilton, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> Chair Hamilton said the revised proclamation will be voted on during the consent agenda. <br /> Commissioner Carter reported on a panel she moderated at the Whiffed Building called "From <br /> Floods to Faucets: Who's Paying for Our Water?" She noted one panelist's sobering comment to his <br /> children: "This summer will be the coolest summer you experience for the rest of your lives." She <br /> submitted a petition for the board to receive a full update on the Eno-Haw Regional Hazard Mitigation <br /> Plan before hurricane season, and drew attention to a consent agenda item amending the plan following <br /> the Tropical Storm Chantal after-action review. She also asked that during budget discussions, the board <br /> identify which budget components explicitly address resiliency and mitigation. <br /> Commissioner McKee described the history of tax increases in the county over the last 20 years. <br /> He said that after County Manager Frank Clifton's arrival, the county went through seven years of no tax <br /> increases,with only one exception in 2014-15. He acknowledged it involved hard cuts and disruptions but <br />