WHEN July 09, 2026 at 7:00pm
WHERE Whitted Building 300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States

At tonight's meeting, we can:

1) Support more oversight for the Tax Administrator by the Commissioners (to fix the current unfair valuations and prevent these problems for future valuations), and

2) Ensure that the property tax assistance program prioritizes seniors most at risk of foreclosure. 

We need 1-3 people to speak to each item, which will be 6c and 6d on the agenda. Everyone can sit together, and stand up together in support of the speakers.

What: More checks on the Tax Administrator and property tax assistance prioritization for those most at risk.
When: TONIGHT, Thursday, July 9, 7 pm -- recommend arriving by 7:45 pm for the property tax justice items
Where: 300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278, United States


What are the proposals?

  • You can find the full agenda here: https://www.orangecountync.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07092026-2641
  • Proposal to increase Commissioner oversight of the Tax Administrator (item 6c) starts on p. 171, and the specific agenda item is here.
  • Proposal to adjust property tax assistance (the Longtime Homeowners Assistance, or LHA program) is item 6d, starts on p. 181, and the specific agenda item is here. The proposal includes Commissioner McKee's idea to keep the LHA program and create a special option for homeowners 70+ with incomes of 30% AMI or less. This option would adjust their property tax assistance amount annually so that the amount they pay for taxes never goes up again.

Talking Points

For item 6c, on Tax Administrator Oversight:

  • We support increased oversight of the Tax Administrator by Commissioners, to ensure more direct accountability to the Orange County residents most affected by the Tax Administrator's decision and leadership.
  • Share a brief story or describe how the Tax Office's inequitable processes affect people on the ground.
  • We especially support options that include Board of Commissioners involvement in reporting and performance evaluation, as well as shaping overarching goals that prioritize equitable tax assessment. 

For item 6d, on the Longtime Homeowner Assistance Program:

  • We strongly support this overall direction of adjusting the program to prioritize the people truly most at risk of foreclosure and financial challenges.
  • Many seniors earning 30% of the area median income or less are also eligible for reducing their tax bill through the state Homestead Exemption program. It's critical for the County to connect eligible residents to this program, and to work with community partners who can support the application process.
Will you come?