Minutes 05-19-2026-Business Meeting

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1 APPROVED 6/16/26 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUSINESS MEETING May 19, 2026 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, May 19,2026,at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Building in Chapel Hill, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jean Hamilton, Vice-Chair Amy Fowler, and Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford, Marilyn Carter, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below.) Chair Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.All commissioners were present. 1.Additions or Changes to the Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Portie-Ascott,seconded by Commissioner Carter,to add the viewing of a video on the Impact of Property Tax Changes from the Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), Kevin Leonard, as item 4-a. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Hamilton read the public charge and reviewed the instructions for making public comment. She noted that comments on printed agenda items would be taken when those specific matters come before the board. 2. Public Comments(Limited to One Hour) a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda LaTarndra Strong said she has attended several Board meetings recently and heard from many residents about how budget recommendations will impact them. She said she could not help but notice that those most deeply affected were often not present in the room and not speaking for themselves. She said she is concerned about the trend of Black families leaving Orange County, and she is also aware that Black teachers, staff, and service professionals are leaving Orange County Schools.She asked the Board to do more with less and urged commissioners to remember that property ownership and property taxes represent a point of privilege that many residents will never experience. She said there are community members who have been balancing their household budgets simply to access basic resources, and that this financial crunch is driving people out of the county. She specifically mentioned transportation as a barrier in Northern Orange County, noting that residents there essentially need a car to access services, and that families are migrating from Northern Orange to Southern Orange because of greater access to resources there. She said families should not have to leave simply because there is no viable option for them to stay. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.