The Orange County Board of Commissioners will have a vacancy on the board after July 31, 2021. Individuals interested in serving can apply through Clerk to the Board.

Applicants must be registered Democrats and live in District 1 in Orange County, North Carolina. Applications are due to the Clerk to the Board by July 19, 2021, at 5 p.m.

The application may be downloaded here. Interested individuals can also obtain a copy of the application by contacting the Clerk to the Board at 919-245-2130 or by emailing clerk@orangecountync.gov.

For further information on the process to fill the vacancy, please visit our website or contact the Clerk to the Board at 919-245-2130 or email clerk@orangecountync.gov.

The person chosen by the Board of Commissioners will serve until Dec.1, 2022. An election will be held in 2022 to fill the remaining two years of the unexpired term.

Applicants Needed for County Advisory Boards and Commissions

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 – 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 – 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 – There are currently five (5) Alternate positions open.
• Historic Preservation Commission – There is currently one (1) At-Large position open.
• Orange County Housing Authority Board – There is currently one (1) At-Large position open.
• Orange County Parks and Recreation Council – 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.

On June 15, 2021, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to extend the 2021 Orange County Board of Equalization and Review Formal Appeal adjournment date from June 30, 2021, to Sept. 1, 2021.

The purpose of this extension is to allow additional time for property owners to formally appeal their 2021 property values to the Board of Equalization and Review.

Instructions and the Formal Notice of Appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review are available on the Orange County website: http://www.orangecountync.gov/806/Appeals.
Property owners may file a formal appeal online at https://appeals.spatialest.com/nc-orange. 

To receive a paper copy of the form, email reval@orangecountync.gov or call 919-245-2100, option 2. All formal appeals must be submitted prior to the Board’s adjournment on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.

The Orange County Department on Aging and the Project EngAGE Mental Wellness Senior Resource Team invite the public to attend a virtual presentation, Let’s Talk About Self Care, on July 22.

In celebration of National Self Care Day, let’s focus on the importance of taking a little time to care for ourselves. Amid a global pandemic that has disrupted people's health, work and family lives, self-care seems to be needed today more than ever. Join Annie Deaver, LMSW as she presents on the importance of the practice of individuals looking after their own health based on the knowledge and information available to them. This program is hosted by the Project EngAGE Mental Wellness SRT. 

The event will take place on Thursday, July 22, from 4-5:30 p.m. via a virtual platform. Please register using the link www.orangecountync.gov/LetsTalkAboutSelfCare 

If technology assistance is needed, please contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 by Monday, July 20.

Orange County Department of Social Services reminds residents to develop the habit to “Check for Baby” when exiting and locking cars. As the summer months are upon us and temperatures continue to rise, be mindful and develop a routine to always check the back seat before leaving the car. 100% of infant hot car deaths are preventable. Yet, over 50 children died in hot cars in 2018 and in 2019.

While it may seem easier to leave a child in the car for a quick trip into the store, remember that a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. Temperatures inside cars can reach 115 degrees when it’s only 70 degrees outside. Never leave a child unattended in the car and remember to leave cars locked when not in use – 26% of hot car deaths occur when children get inside unattended vehicles.

Be vigilant in parking lots. If you see an unattended child, check to make sure the child is responsive and if not, call 911 immediately. Attempt to locate the parents if the child is responsive.  

Helpful tips to prevent accidentally leaving a child in the car:

1. Place a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is in the car seat, move the stuffed animal to the passenger seat as a reminder that you have a child with you.
2. Place your cell phone, wallet, briefcase, or purse in the back seat as a reminder that you have a child in the car.
3. Develop a routine to “check for baby” before exiting the vehicle.

For more facts, tips, and safety-related information related to heatstroke deaths in children, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Child Safety site at https://www.nhtsa.gov/child-safety/you-can-help-prevent-hot-car-deaths.