Applicants Needed For Orange County
Volunteer Boards And Commissions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:  Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board (919) 245-2125

ORANGE COUNTY, NC (January 24, 2022) – One way residents can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to serve on a volunteer board or commission.
 
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is currently recruiting applicants for the following boards and commissions:
 
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee – This committee works to maintain the intent of the Adult Care Home Residents’ Bill of Rights for those residing in licensed adult care homes.  The members of this committee also promote community involvement and cooperation with these homes to ensure quality care for the elderly and disabled adults.  This board has an initial training period prior to recommendation for appointment by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets the first Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm. There are currently five (5) At-Large vacancies.

Affordable Housing Advisory Board – This board prioritizes affordable housing needs and assesses 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 Affordable Housing Advisory Board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There are currently three (3) At-Large vacancies.

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.

Animal Services Advisory Board – This board is charged to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters of concern regarding animal issues and animal services in Orange County. The Animal Services Advisory Board works with the Animal Services Director to ensure best-in-class quality animal services, and maintains contact with the stakeholder groups from which its members are appointed. The board also provides a venue in which stakeholder concerns about animals, animal policies and issues, and animal services programming may be voiced, considered, and referred as appropriate. The Animal Services Advisory Board typically meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) position open for an individual that resides within the Town Limits of Chapel Hill, one (1) position open for an individual that resides within the Town Limits of Carrboro, and one (1) position open for an individual representing a for-profit business located in Orange County focused on companion or recreational animal welfare (e.g. pet supply stores, kennels, grooming salons, dog walking businesses, etc.).

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 meets 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. 

Human Relations Commission – The Human Relations Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners on solutions to problems in the field of human relationships. It also makes recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony among groups in the County irrespective of their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. The Human Relations Commission typically meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There is currently one (1) At-Large vacancy and one (1) vacancy for a person residing in the Town of Chapel Hill.

Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee – This committee helps maintain the intent of the Residents' “Bill of Rights”, promotes community involvement, and provides public education on long-term care issues. This board has an initial training period prior to recommendation for appointment by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. This committee typically meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. There are currently five (5) At-Large vacancies.

Orange Unified Transportation Board – The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) advises the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and provides information and comments on major transportation issues. Specifically, the OUTBoard provides the Board of County Commissioners with recommendations regarding the overall planning and programming of transportation improvements in the County, including identification and prioritization of the County's roadway and transit needs along with associated costs and specific sources of funding; provision of recommendations to the Board regarding Federal and State legislation affecting transportation in Orange County; and exploration and suggestion of recommendations on innovative techniques and methods to improve the efficiency and capacity of existing and future transportation systems. The OUTBoard typically meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There is currently one (1) vacancy for a resident of Little River Township, and one (1) vacancy for a resident of Cedar Grove Township.

If interested, apply at www.orangecountync.gov/Apply.

Orange County strives for authentically diverse representation on volunteer 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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