BOCC considers development opposed by residents and a resolution about marijuana
The Orange County Board of Commissioners decriminalized marijuana and held a hearing for the Research Triangle Logistics Park at a Tuesday meeting.
ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Hillsborough group fights proposed development, cites health and environmental concerns
Sarah Shore, who lives along Old NC Highway 86, said her property and livelihood would both be impacted by the development. “It would be 250 feet from my back porch to this six-story warehouse,” she said. “And it would directly impact the safety of my children. I wouldn’t be comfortable having them play outside when semi-trucks are constantly going in and out of the park.”
Orange County Board of Commissioners returns to session with a packed agenda
The Orange County Board of Commissioners discussed commemorating the Voting Rights Act of 1965, decriminalizing marijuana and the county's response to COVID-19 at a Tuesday meeting.
The need for affordable housing in Orange County rose during the pandemic
Several low-income households struggling to afford rent during the pandemic are facing the threat of eviction as legal protections expire and governmental financial cushions run out. “COVID just intensified the panic if you were already financially worried for your family,” said Delores Bailey, executive director of EmPOWERment Inc.
Orange County Commissioner Renee Price honored as N.C. Commissioner of the Year
Renee Price, vice chairperson of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, was awarded the M.H. "Jack" Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award on Aug. 15.
Local officials called on UNC to close before it went remote
The University's decision to switch to remote instruction for all undergraduate classes came after several weeks of Orange County officials and town councils expressing concern over the return of students to the area.
Orange County officials aim to quell late-night crowds with new order
If you want a late-night bite in Chapel Hill these days, you'll need to make it at home or order it to go. In response to concerns from residents, University officials and local law enforcement regarding crowds at local restaurants, Orange County restaurants have been prohibited from serving dine-in alcohol or food orders after 10 p.m, as per a declaration added to the county's state of emergency order.
Orange County will restrict food, alcohol service at night starting July 10
This afternoon, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners modified its emergency declaration to limit alcohol and food sales at certain times.
Orange County BOCC holds listening session on racism, policing
At a specially called July 7 listening session, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners heard community concerns on racial justice from the police station to the classroom.
BOCC passes 2020-2021 budget, hears sheriff's equity report at June 16 meeting
At their June 16 meeting, members of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners passed their fiscal year 2020-2021 budget and heard a special presentation from Sheriff Charles Blackwood on equity measures in policing.
County Commissioners approve funds for inmate re-entry housing at June 9 meeting
The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved a measure to outsource funding to a local nonprofit to facilitate a way for inmates to re-enter society.
Application live for second round of Orange County-sponsored small business funding
The funding, which small businesses can apply for until June 17 at 11:59 p.m., will be entirely distributed via grant, not loan.
Orange County will mandate face coverings for business employees during Phase 2
Orange County added an amendment to its emergency declaration, enforcing guidelines in addition to Governor Roy Cooper’s Phase 2 executive order. Under the amendment, business employees must wear facial coverings and businesses should ask customers to wear facial coverings or masks.
County commissioners and school boards discuss budget effects of coronavirus
Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School boards' budget proposals are likely to change after review from the County Commissioners due to unexpected revenue loss from COVID-19.
Orange County Board of Commissioners discusses next steps for climate projects
The money for these projects, among others, would come from the new Climate Action Tax that the commissioners approved as part of the budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year. It is estimated that the additional quarter-cent property tax will generate approximately $469,272 in revenue for the county to use for climate mitigation projects.
North Carolina comes in 36th place nationwide in census responses
North Carolina is currently underperforming in responses to the 2020 Census. The lack of responses comes from complications due to COVID-19, several hard-to-count communities and insufficient internet access, among other things.
Orange County leads North Carolina counties in 2020 census response rate
With a 2020 census rate of 52.7 percent, Orange County is leading North Carolina counties as of Tuesday night. The county created a Complete Count Committee to spread the word about the importance of filling out the census.
Are you tired of quarantining at home? Take a walk on a local greenway
According to Orange County's stay-at-home order, play centers, private and public playgrounds, skate parks and recreation centers will all be closed to the public in an attempt to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Greenways and trails will remain open to the public.
Orange County Commissioners approve program to help small businesses amid pandemic
The Board of Orange County Commissioners met Tuesday to approve a program providing financial support to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Four cases of COVID-19 identified in Orange County
Four cases of COVID-19 — also known as coronavirus — have been identified in Orange County according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and a press release from the Orange County Health Department (OCHD) on Friday morning.
