Elections, Taxes Behind-the-Headlines and Plein Air. October 16, 2025

First, a word on the power of proclamations:

On Saturday, October 11, the Cedar Grove Community honored Willie Lawrence Vanhook and his contributions as a civil rights advocate, civic leader and youth sports association organizer in the Cedar Grove community.

A proclamation was presented to Mr. Vanhook by Commissioner Earl McKee on behalf of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. NC Rep. Renee Price and I were also pleased to say a few words.

Commissioner Earl McKee presents Orange County's Proclamation honoring Mr. Vanhook (seated) on Oct. 11.. The Proclamation names an athletic field at the Cedar Grove Community Center as the "Coach Willie Lawrence Vanhook Athletic Field".

On October 13, Gov. Stein recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month concluded on October 15. This month also marks Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Orange County Schools closed out Hispanic Heritage Month with the “Empoderando” celebration at Orange High School., where young people performed in traditional garb. Folks from Public School Strong, OCS Board members Wendy Padilla and Ann Purcell and Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott attended and are pictured. The pan de muerto was delicious, too!

A small number of powerful individuals in this country would prefer to silence recognition of events like these and the people whose contributions they celebrate.

Let us continue to proclaim, support and participate in these celebrations, and others - as one part of defending who we are as Americans.

EARLY VOTING AND SAME-DAY VOTER REGISTRATION BEGINS THIS WEEK IN ORANGE COUNTY!

Mayors and Town Council members in Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Durham and Mebane as well as members of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education will be on the ballot.

During Early Voting, eligible, registered Orange County residents can vote at any location in the county. Same-day voter registration will also be available.

NOTE THAT DAYS AND HOURS VARY BY LOCATION:

• Full Schedule for Early voting and Same-Day Registration here 

• Sample ballots here.

PROPERTY TAX HEADLINES:

Long Time Homeowner's Assistance applications are open through November 3.

Orange County is reviewing valuation data in 171 neighborhoods.

Orange County has formed a Tax Assessment Work Group. (I'll be serving on it.)

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BEHIND THE HEADLINES:

PROGRESS...

It is not news that this year's property revaluation saw significant increases in residential property values.

In June, the Commissioners limited the increase in Orange County property taxes to 1.19 cents over the revenue neutral tax rate and also increased the Long-time Homeowner's (Tax) Assistance program, which helps eligible taxpayers with their property tax bills.

The deadline to apply for Longtime Homeowner's Assistance is Monday, November 3, 2025. https://www.orangecountync.gov/2944/Longtime-Homeowners-Assistance-LHA-Progr

Community members and advocates had also flagged concerns about vertical equity in the revaluation process. Vertical equity exists when lower-priced properties are assessed consistently with upper-priced properties. If sales ratios (assessment / sale price) fluctuate across prices, vertical inequity is suggested to exist.

After staff engaged with community members and gathered information, 171 neighborhoods across the county were identified for review. 

These neighborhoods include historically black neighborhoods - and many more beyond these. The review process is targeted for completion before the holidays, and the Commissioners anticipate a progress update this month.

...AND MORE WORK TO DO:

The Commissioners also voted August 26 to form a Tax Assessment Work Group charged with evaluating "the policies, processes, and procedures used by the Orange County Tax Office to assess property values."

The Work Group will include 4 community members (who were appointed on October 7 after a 30-day application period), representatives from the NC Housing Coalition, the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition (partnering with Justice United) and Orange County staff.

The Work Group will also include 3 Commissioners, and I will be serving alongside Commissioner Amy Fowler and Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott.

In preparation, I recently attended a 4-day session at the UNC School of Government: Reappraisal in North Carolina.

If you would like to hear more as this effort continues (or have other topics or questions), email me at marilyncarterforoc@gmail.com. 

AND FINALLY,

ARTISTIC RESILIENCE AT THE 9TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT:

Severe flooding at the Eno Arts Mill during Tropical Storm Chantal was not enough to deter artists or organizers of this year's "Paint it Orange" event.

Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott and I visited the youth and adult exhibits at this year's "Paint it Orange" event, joining Chapel Hill Town Council Member Melissa McCullough and participating artists.

On October 1-3, 134 adults and youth captured landscapes, landmarks and living creatures outdoors or "en plein air" across the county.

Contestants were formally judged on October 3 and award winners are announced here.

The works are on exhibit and for sale through Saturday, November 8 at the Tom Stevens Gallery (adult paintings) and the Orange County Public Library (youth paintings) in Hillsborough.

Until next time,

Orange County Commissioner