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 (November 21, 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:
 
Affordable Housing Advisory Board – The Affordable Housing Advisory 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. This board typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There are currently four (4) at-large vacancies.

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 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 on 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 Hillsborough, one (1) position open for an individual that resides within the Town Limits of Carrboro, and one (1) at-large vacancy.

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 compensated 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. 

Commission for the Environment – This commission advises the Board of Commissioners on matters affecting the environment with particular emphasis on protection.  It educates public and local officials on environmental issues and performs special studies and projects.  It also recommends environmental initiatives and studies changes in environmental science and local and federal regulations. The Commission for the Environment typically meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. There is currently one (1) open position for an applicant with expertise in water resources.

Hillsborough Planning Board – This board acquires and maintains information in order to understand past trends, prepare and amend the comprehensive plan for the development of the area, and prepare and recommend ordinances promoting orderly development. The Hillsborough Planning Board typically meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. There is currently one (1) open position for an applicant residing in the Hillsborough Extraterritorial Jurisdiction.
 
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 on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There are currently three (3) at-large vacancies and one (1) vacancy for a person residing in the Town of Carrboro.

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 Orange County. Applicants with the following areas of experience and/or interest are encouraged to apply: real estate, development, affordable housing, municipal law, banking, and Housing Choice Voucher program participants. This board typically meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm. There is currently one (1) at-large vacancy.
 
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 on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. There are currently four (4) at-large vacancies 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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