BOCC Extends Tax Assessment Work Group to Monitor Improvements and Strengthen Community Engagement

During its Nov. 5 business meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a one-year extension of the Tax Assessment Work Group and adopted a revised charge focused on monitoring implementation of tax assessment improvements and strengthening communication with the community.

The Tax Assessment Work Group was originally established in September 2025 to review Orange County's property assessment process and recommend improvements. The group helped select consulting firm GAR Associates to conduct an independent evaluation of the policies, procedures, and practices used by the Orange County Tax Office to assess property values and communicate with residents.

As the county moves forward with implementing recommendations from the consultant's report, the Work Group's responsibilities will transition from evaluation to implementation oversight and community engagement.

"The next phase of this work is about ensuring improvements are implemented effectively and that residents remain informed and engaged throughout the process," said County Manager Travis Myren. "The Work Group will help provide transparency, monitor progress, and serve as a two-way communication channel between the county and the community."

Under the revised structure, the Work Group will include:

• Three members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners: Vice-Chair Amy Fowler, Marilyn Carter, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott
• A representative from the North Carolina Housing Coalition
• A representative from the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition
• A nonprofit housing provider representative
• Two community representatives from District 1 (selected through an application process)
• Two community representatives from District 2 (selected through an application process)

The Work Group's updated responsibilities include:

• Monitoring progress on implementation of consultant recommendations
• Reviewing milestones, timelines, and implementation challenges
• Participating in quarterly implementation reviews
• Supporting continued focus on fair and accurate property assessments
• Facilitating community engagement and public education
• Gathering and relaying community feedback and concerns
• Promoting transparent communication about implementation progress and outcomes

County staff will continue supporting the Work Group in a professional advisory capacity, with staff assignments coordinated by the tax administrator, county manager, and county attorney as needed.

Funding to implement the consultant's recommendations is included in the county's current Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.

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