Minutes 05-12-2026-Budget Public Hearing

Browse Search

18 the building of new schools. He said he and other community members will support the Board in raising the tax rate in order to provide more school funding. Elizabeth Young said she is present on behalf of Justice United. She asked the Board not to cut any tax bill assistance funding in the county budget. Riza Jenkins said she is a resident of Orange County and the Chair of the CHCCS Board of Education. She said the state legislature may have reached a deal on a state budget today, which would include raises and bonuses for teachers and school staff. However, considering the county's current recommended budget, the state's anticipated 8% average increase doesn't align with the county's 2.5 increase in the continuation budget. She said that CHCCS has been doing the work to strategically align school operations to the funding received considering enrollment trends through allocation, adjustments, reductions in force, and a proposed school closure. She said that these efforts have come at a high cost to the community, which impacts students and staff. She said that a budget gap limits the district's ability to reinvest in staff with well-deserved and necessary raises and to innovate in the ever- changing world and workforce demands that exist. She said she appreciates the difficult position the county commissioners are in, but encouraged them to consider the impacts of additional cuts despite all the achievements both school districts were just sharing a few weeks ago. She said that fully funding the continuation request allows the schools to continue to operate at the current level, which increases student achievement through growth in student performance, graduation rates, and programmatic shifts to meet the needs and the various pathways for students after graduation. Additionally, she asked the Board to help keep the promise to the community with respect to the school bond, and fund Pay-Go as much as possible in the budget. She said that any adjustments to the bond and associated Pay-Go have an impact beyond the schools and into the community. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Vice-Chair Fowler,to close the public hearing on the budget and capital investment plan. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The budget public hearing portion of the meeting ended, and the Board recessed for a 5-minute break. The meeting was reconvened at 9:26 pm, and the Board transitioned to a work session. 4. Affordable Housing Advisory Board—Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Affordable Housing Advisory Board advises the Board of County Commissioners on prioritizing affordable housing needs and assessing project proposals. The board also publicizes the County's housing objectives, monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works to increase the community's awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in producing attractive, affordable housing. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15)At-Large members. The AHAB has decided not to make recommendations for appointments. The following individuals and positions are presented for Board consideration: