August Update
The James Cates Scholars event pictured with Chapel Hill Town Council Member and Mayor Pro-Tempore Camille Berry, Commissioner Marilyn Carter, Representative Allen Buansi, Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee, and Chapel Hill Town Council Member Paris Miller-Foushee
It's been a busy summer for me - personally, professionally, and as your County Commissioner. My children are both settled in their respective “homes away from home,” my usual summer turnover at my business seems to have let up a bit, and following the tough county budget process, we then had to step up and make another substantive decision.
Board Update
When Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford passed suddenly on June 21st, we knew it would be hard to fill her seat. Jamezetta brought so much experience, knowledge and compassion to her role. She was the Chair when I was first appointed, and I could always count on her to get me up to speed and explain all the complexities that were new to me. Losing her as a colleague was hard, but as a governing body, we had to name her successor.
In these cases, when a vacancy occurs, it's the leaders in the local political party that person belonged to that gets to nominate a replacement; and since we are in the post-primary election, the party leaders also get to decide who appears on the ballot in November. And that is what the Orange County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee did on July 20th. The members of the OCDP Executive Team who live in District 1 elected Rani Dasi as its nominee to fill the District 1 vacancy on the Orange County Board of Commissioners and to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot as the Democratic nominee for District 1.
Our newest member, Commissioner Rani Dasi
Then on July 28th, the BOCC voted to confirm Rani to fill the unexpired term which lasts until December 7, 2026. Because she is unopposed this November, she will almost certainly be elected to then begin a four-year term.
Six candidates stepped forward to compete for the nomination. Each candidate brought a wealth of experience and talents. We're grateful to everyone who stepped forward to serve. Because of Rani Dasi’s long commitment to serving Orange County and her strong leadership while she served on the CHCCS School Board, taking the party’s recommendation was an easy decision for us. I am looking forward to serving with her as we navigate these trying times ahead.
I also want to lift up a project Commissioner Bedford championed for years, and that is our Crisis Diversion Facility, which will be located right here in Hillsborough. On June 16th, the Board voted unanimously to approve the construction budget for the facility, a major milestone toward its opening. I wholeheartedly support this facility because it will give people experiencing a mental health crisis a real alternative to the emergency department or the jail. Urgent behavioral health care, medication access, and follow-up support will be provided right here in our community. It's slated to open in 2027, and I'm grateful it will carry forward Commissioner Bedford's legacy of care for this community.
Tax Bills Have Arrived
Many of you have seen the recent property tax bills that are due no later than January 5, 2027. You can see that these bills reflect last year's revaluation. As a co-chair of our Tax Assessment Work Group, I've been asked directly, “Why did we need an outside consultant when the Tax Justice Coalition had already identified the problem with the revaluation?” That's a fair question. The Coalition’s advocacy brought urgency and moral clarity, but building a fix that lasts requires independent, expert technical analysis. That's what GAR Associates is doing now. They are reviewing everything including but not limited to: how values are determined, staffing in the tax office, data quality, and the appeals process. They have been given specific direction to examine whether commercial and high-value properties are carrying their fair share of the tax burden. The FY2026-27 budget reserved $250,000 to act on their recommendations once we get them.
If you have questions about your own bill, our appeals process and tax office staff are ready to help.
I want to remind everyone about the Longtime Homeowner Assistance Program, which helps eligible residents remain in their homes by offsetting rising property tax bills. This year, the homeownership requirement for new applicants rose from five to ten years. If you're currently in the five-to-nine-year range and received assistance in 2025, you'll continue to be eligible. Apply before November 6th, online through the LHAP portal or in person at the Orange County Housing office in Hillsborough at 300 West Tryon St on the 3rd Floor.
Budget Update
I want to be transparent with you and acknowledge that supporting the proposed budget that called for an additional 4.3-cent tax increase was not an easy decision for me. We began this budget year facing a significant shortfall, over twenty million dollars, and we had to make tough decisions about how to allocate our resources. I hope you know that I remain dedicated to upholding the essential services our residents rely on. Orange County prides itself on going above and beyond what the state mandates to make sure our residents have access to high quality of services, and that we stay innovative.
I'm especially proud of the $20,000 the Board approved to pay for a study exploring workforce housing assistance for county employees. This is an idea I championed along with Commissioners Carter and McKee. It is modeled after similar programs in Chapel Hill and Chatham County. As Orange County's housing costs continue to rise, I believe we have a responsibility to help the people who serve our community to actually live here. I believe we can make that possible. I'll share what we learn as that study moves forward later this year.
In the Community
On July 25th, the Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation honoring the life and service of Maggie Ada Latta Lee, a member of the historic 6888th Battalion, the only all-Black Women's Army Corps unit deployed overseas during World War II. I'll admit I wasn't familiar with the battalion's story until watching the 6888th movie by Tyler Perry a couple of years ago, and learning that one of these trailblazing women called Orange County home was truly humbling. I was honored to join Commissioner Marilyn Carter (pictured above) to present the proclamation to her family at Mt. Zion AME Church.
Summer Intern, Fairview Young Leaders
Later that day, I attended the 3rd Annual Fairview Walk. There, I got to hear directly from young interns who shared great ideas for improving their neighborhood. Their enthusiasm and budding leadership are inspiring. I also had the honor of meeting some truly impressive students at the James Cates Scholars program in Chapel Hill (Featured at the top of this post).
As your Commissioner, I am committed to finding even more ways to develop young leaders in Orange County and to celebrate their accomplishments.
On August 8th, I toured both the Chapel Hill Farmers' Market and the Eno River Farmers' Market here in Hillsborough. These markets are so much more than a place to pick up produce. The markets provide a venue for our local farmers and neighbors to connect, and it’s where programs like Triangle Double Bucks are quietly doing some of the most important work in our county. This program helps food-insecure families access more fresh, local food while supporting the small farms that grow it. I encourage you to stop by one of the Saturday markets and see for yourself. You'll leave with more than groceries.
I also want to celebrate the grand reopening of the Eno Arts Mill in Hillsborough which happened on “First Friday at the Mill” on August 7th. After more than a year of work provided by staff, artists, and volunteers, the space has recovered from the flood damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal. Watching this community of artists, volunteers, and neighbors rally to rebuild the mill has been remarkable to witness. The collaboration is a wonderful reminder of what Orange County does best when times get hard. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this space back to life.
With Commissioners Greene, Hamilton, and Carter at the Eno Arts Mill
Jaida Grant, Program Coordinator for Orange County Partnership For Young Children, at the Diaper Bank
And finally, let me share what a great experience I had volunteering with the OCPYC (Orange County Partnership for Young Children) team at the Diaper Bank of NC warehouse in Hillsborough. We wrapped diapers, period products, and hygiene essentials for distribution across our community. I'm grateful for this vital community partner and to see firsthand the impact they have on local families.
Thank you all for your ongoing engagement and support in making our community an incredible place to live. Let's keep this positive momentum going!
With gratitude,
Phyllis Portie-Ascott
Orange County Commissioner, District 2
