Newsletter header graphic
Property tax graphic

Orange County website allows property owners to appeal new appraised values


North Carolina counties are required to revalue properties regularly to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of the property tax burden. The Orange County Tax Office recently completed its 2021 revaluation and mailed notice of new values to all property owners in March.

Property owners who feel their value is too high have the option to appeal with the Tax Office at no cost to the taxpayer. An appeal can be filed easily through the tax department’s on-line form (https://appeals.spatialest.com/nc-orange#/).

The website is a simple-to-use tool that will walk you step by step through the appeals process. Any documentation you wish to provide, such as property appraisals, can be uploaded through the page.

Comparable properties may be submitted as well. The Orange Public Comper website (https://nc-orange-citizen.comper.info/template.aspx) allows you to search for comparable properties that have recently sold in your area. Recent sales data is one piece of information the county uses to determine property values.

If you need help with the appeal, please call (919) 245-2100, option 2 or email reval@orangecountync.gov .

There are two types of appeals—informal and formal.

An Informal appeal provides an opportunity for the property owner to work directly with the Assessor’s office to review the property and understand how the county determined its value. Informal appeals must be submitted by April 30. To file an informal appeal, please complete this form.

A formal appeal will result in your case being heard by the Orange County Board of Equalization and Review. The Formal appeal time period is from May 3 until June 30. To file a formal appeal, property owners must fill out the form  and it can be found on the Orange County website. Once you submit the form you will be contacted by the Tax Office to set up a time for your appeal to be heard. The schedule for hearings can be seen here. 

There is no charge to taxpayers to file either an informal or formal appeal. Because of the pandemic, the Tax Office is closed to the public. However, in-person appointments are available on a limited basis. Call 919-245-2100, option 2 or email.

Completed forms and documentation may be mailed to:
Orange County Board of Equalization and Review
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough NC 27278-8181

Other options are:
  • Use the Drop Box Located at the Orange County Tax Office, Gateway Center (228 South Churton Street in Hillsborough)
  • Scan and email to reval@orangecountync.gov
  • Fax to 919-245-3091 (indicate number of pages sent)
  • Schedule a virtual meeting (call 919-245-2100, option 2 or email)
Get Your Shot graphic

No appointments necessary
Health Department switches to walk-in clinics for COVID vaccines


The Orange County Health Department has switched to walk-in clinics for COVID vaccine distribution. No appointment or pre-registration is necessary.

Orange County Health will hold walk-in clinics every week at the Whitted Building: Monday 2-7 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday 2-7 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The county will also host pop-up clinics at other locations throughout the county. For a full schedule of pop-up and walk-in vaccine clinics in Orange County, visit www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot.

If you would like to be notified when clinics are available, you can still register with Orange County at
https://redcap.link/OCHDvax or by calling (919) 913-8088 seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Spanish and other languages are available.

The vaccine is free, and no ID or insurance required.

To find out when shots are available with the Orange County Health Department or other providers close to you, visit www.myspot.nc.gov and search for zip code 27278. You can register for an appointment through the website, or you can just arrive during clinic hours and receive a shot. The website will show you other vaccinators within your area and times they are available.

It's never been more easy to do your part and Get Your Shot.

Questions may be directed to covid19vaccine@orangecountync.gov.
We pick 'em graphic from library

Housing and Community Development Recognizes Community Partners for Preventing Eviction and Homelessness

 
The Orange County Housing and Community Development Department would like to recognize the exceptional contributions, collaboration and partnership from the following community organizations in administering eviction and homelessness prevention funds through the Emergency Housing Assistance program:

  • Community Empowerment Fund
  • El Centro Hispano
  • Family Success Alliance
  • Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness
  • Refugee Community Partnership

These agencies work closely with Orange County’s residents in need of resources and services, support them throughout the process of seeking assistance, and advocate for housing opportunity and racial equity in our community.
 
The Impact of the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHA): In 2020, in partnership and investment from the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough, the EHA and HOPE Programs assisted 1,245 Orange County households and provided more than $4 million in financial assistance, preventing eviction and homelessness and ensuring that residents had stable housing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This achievement was made possible by services such as the Housing Helpline, administered by the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness. The Housing Helpline connects residents to community resources, collaborates closely with community partner agencies who advocate for Orange County residents, and assists applicants with applying to programs and services. OCHCD thanks these exceptional community partners for their collaboration and outstanding service to the community.
 
“Orange County’s partnership with trusted community organizations is invaluable to ensuring that residents can access programs and services such as the EHA program and the Housing Helpline,” said OCHCD Director Emila Sutton. “We look forward to continuing our work with community partner agencies to prevent evictions and homelessness in Orange County.” 

VITA volunteer stock photo

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) extended through May 6


VITA is an Orange County Volunteer Connect 55+ (VC 55+) volunteer program that provides FREE Federal and NC state income tax preparation to eligible individuals with low-to-moderate income, regardless of age or county of residence. The IRS and NC Department of Revenue have extended the tax filing deadline to May 17.   

As Covid-19 continues to surge across the state and nation, we have made significant changes in our program in order to protect the health and safety of our volunteers and clients.

As of April 1, we have closed our Virtual VITA service and will provide only our DIY program and Drop-Off Services through May 6. Unfortunately, we are not able to assist foreign students this year.

Drop-Off VITA

  • By appointment only through May 6
  • Thursdays at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill
  • Wednesdays at the Passmore Center in Hillsborough
D.I.Y.  VITA
  • Powered by TaxSlayer, free software to prepare & e-file your own taxes
  • Get help from our certified volunteers by email through May 7

The Orange County VITA Service is part of the Department on Aging’s Volunteer Connect 55+ Program. Volunteers of any age are welcome. Over 70 volunteers participate in the VITA program each year.

  • Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Upcoming events from the Orange County Department on Aging


BLUMORA
Come listen to this talented acoustic duo with their beautiful arrangements inspired by folk, country, bluegrass and Americana. Enjoy strong melodies and harmonies, along with the sound of guitars, mandolin, and electronic foot percussion. Bring a bag lunch and a folding chair (you can also enjoy the concert from your car).
 
Register by: Calling 919-968-2070
Fee: FREE
Location: Seymour Center (outdoors), 2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill
Date: Thursday, May 6  Time: 12:30 p.m.
Activity Code: (353037-03)

CINCO DE MAYO CANDY TASTING
Mexican candies are known to have an explosion of flavor. They are a very unique mixing of sweet and spicy flavors, watermelon, mango, caramel, and exquisite chocolate. Stop by on Cinco de Mayo for delicious treats and fun facts.
 
Register by: Wednesday, April 28, call 919-245-2015
Fee: FREE  
Location: Passmore Center (Parking Lot), 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough
Date: Wednesday, May 5  Time: 11:30 .a.m – 12:30 p.m.
Activity Code: (223029-01)
Implicit bias graphic
Click the graphic to register for this free virtual event.

Orange County HOME Consortium seeking public input on draft Annual Action Plan


The Orange County HOME Consortium is seeking public input on the draft Annual Action Plan for the FY 2021-22 HOME Program. Each year, Orange County receives funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. The County creates an annual plan (the Annual Action Plan) that lays out how HOME funds will be spent in the upcoming program year to address the County’s affordable housing needs and priorities. 

For FY 2021-2022, Orange County proposes funding the following projects carried out by three local nonprofit organizations:
  • Habitat for Humanity of Orange County (Homebuyer Assistance): Provide assistance to an estimated 15 low-income households for the purchase of affordable homes
  • Pee Wee Homes (Rental Construction): Provide funds to develop three (3) units of affordable rental housing for low-income households experiencing homelessness
  • EmPOWERment, Inc. (Rental Acquisition): Provide funds to acquire two (2) units to be preserved as affordable rental housing for low-income households
To see the draft Plan in full, visit: http://orangecountync.gov/2336/HOME-Program (under “Plans, Reports, and Forms”)

The public comment period is open from March 29 – April 28, 2021. Comments may be submitted in writing by mail or email, or by telephone to myself using the contact info below:
  • Phone: 919-245-4331
  • Email: ebrandt@orangecountync.gov 
  • Mail: P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278
There will also be a public hearing held during the Orange County Board of Commissioners virtual business meeting on April 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
Sexual violence survivors graphic
Click the graphic to join the event.
Orange County logo

www.orangecountync.gov

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email

Copyright 2020 Orange County (N.C.) Government. All Rights Reserved.
300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Powered by
CivicSend - A product of CivicPlus