Applicants Needed For Orange County
Advisory Boards And Commissions

ORANGE COUNTY, NC (June 30, 2021) – One way residents can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to volunteer to serve on an advisory board or commission.
 
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is currently recruiting applicants for the following advisory boards and commissions:

Agricultural Preservation Board – This board promotes the economic and cultural importance of agriculture in the county, and encourages voluntary preservation and protection of farmland for future production. The Agricultural Preservation Board typically meets the third Wednesday every other month at 7:30 pm. There is currently one (1) position open for a representative of the Cedar Grove Voluntary Agricultural District, as well as three (3) At-Large vacancies. 

Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool – The charge of the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool is to hear appeals concerning violations of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 (“Animal Control Ordinance”), as provided in the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Section 4-53 Appeals and also potentially dangerous dog appeals as prescribed by N.C. Gen. Stat. §67-4.1(c).  It is the responsibility of pool members to conduct fair and impartial hearings for these appeals and they will receive training in both law and proper procedure from the Office of the County Attorney prior to participating in a hearing. The panel will convene on an as needed basis for hearings. There is currently one (1) position open for a resident living in an unincorporated area of the county, and one (1) position open for a veterinarian.

Board of Equalization and Review – The Board of Equalization and Review hears appeals from residents concerning various property tax issues, including valuation and exemption appeals. The Board of Equalization and Review is charged with ensuring that all taxable property is appraised and assessed according to the standards required by the North Carolina General Statutes. This board meet up to three days per week, for approximately three to four hours per meeting, for up to three consecutive months (typically April-June). Additional meetings may occur as needed during the year.  Members will be paid for all meetings attended. Orange County residents with knowledge of real estate are specifically encouraged to apply, however others will also be given consideration. There are currently five (5) Alternate positions open. 

Historic Preservation Commission – This commission is charged with undertaking an inventory of properties of historical, pre-historical, architectural, and/or cultural significance. It recommends areas to be designated or removed as “historic districts” and reviews and acts upon proposals for alterations, demolition, new construction, etc. Applicants must have related background.  There is currently one (1) At-Large position open.

Orange County Housing Authority Board – The goal of the Orange County Housing Authority Board is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low and moderate income families in the County. At least one member of the board shall be a Housing Choice Voucher holder. Other board members may represent the following areas of interest:  real estate, development, affordable housing, municipal law, and banking. The Orange County Housing Authority Board typically meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm. There is currently one (1) At-Large position open.
 
Orange County Parks and Recreation Council – The Orange County Parks & Recreation Council consults with and advises the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, and the Board of County Commissioners on matters affecting parks planning, development and operation; recreation facilities, policies and programs; and public trails and open space.  This board typically meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) Cedar Grove Township position open.
 
If interested, apply at www.orangecountync.gov/Apply.

Orange County strives for authentically diverse representation on volunteer advisory boards and commissions. Residents of all demographic backgrounds, identities, and perspectives are encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside in Orange County. Volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have the opportunity to directly influence the County’s decisions, policies, and priorities.

For additional information contact Tara May at 919-245-2125 or tmay@orangecountync.gov. 

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