The Budget Vote

Good morning Everyone, 

I usually use this time to share updates from the various boards and commissions that I have attended and other community events. But today, I want to start with some reflection.

In reading our materials for tonight, I noted the number of households in Orange County – 55,259 according to the 2020 census – and behind that number are real people, dealing with real issues. 

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and sincerely thank the households who’ve reached out to say they can pay more and are willing to support a tax increase to invest in our schools and our social safety net. 

That generosity means a lot. I only wish the budget process worked in a way that allowed those who are willing to contribute more to do so directly. And I wish that NC law allowed for a provision to assign graduated tax rates – but it does not.

As an elected official, it is my duty to think about all my constituents. When I was running this past year, I took the time to talk to people all across this county. I went out and knocked on their doors, y’all.  

So, I am also thinking about those who can’t afford to pay more in taxes. Folks who are stressed just thinking about what a tax increase could mean – especially in a year full of uncertainty, job losses, and the looming threat of even more layoffs.

This is a tough budget year. And when systems fail, it is county government that provides a safety net. We make the call to protect housing, access mental health care when you’re in a crisis, and the ability to vote freely and confidently for the candidate that best represents your values.

As someone who proudly supports our public schools – my kids recently graduated from OUR system, and I have spent time in these schools volunteering and being part of the PTA, y’all – I know what is at stake. And I know that we will hold on as long as we can, and I want to say it out loud the state is failing our children, and has been intentionally doing so for over a decade now. 

And so, as an elected official, I also know we must support the families of these students. I need to think about the actual homes, the places these students live, where they go home to. If we raise taxes, we risk making those homes unaffordable to vulnerable families, and I cannot in good conscience do that. 

Housing, mental health services, crisis response – these are not extras. They are also essential.

So yes, I see the full picture – and I carry the weight of it all as I read your emails and texts, listen to your public comments and phone calls, and sit with the stories you’ve shared in person. Every voice stays with me as I consider this budget. I hope you can understand this balancing act we are doing as we work on this budget.

Thank you,