April: Property Revaluations and more — Phyllis for Commissioner

As your County Commissioner, I believe in being a good steward of our shared resources. That means making decisions that lift up every corner of our community—from our youngest children, to adults seeking new opportunities, to older adults looking to age in place or just enjoy retirement. This month, I’ve been reminded just how powerful local government can be when we center equity, safety, and economic resilience.

I’m focused on making sure Orange County works for all of us.

Impact of Recent Property Revaluation

Homeowners are receiving their new property tax revaluations and feeling frustrated or even fearful—and I hear you. The concern I’m hearing most is that this is a step toward pushing lower-income families off their land to make room for wealthier newcomers. Let me be clear: that is not the goal of revaluation.

The Process

Every four years, Orange County reassesses property values so they reflect current market conditions. That’s what the recent revaluation is about. It’s not about raising taxes—it’s about making sure the tax burden is distributed fairly based on each property's tax value. NC requires counties to conduct these revaluations every 8 years, but some years back (before I was elected) the BOCC decided to do it every 4 years so that the jumps in values would be more gradual. This time, because of the current housing market, shortening the frequency did not work in our favor. Please remember the following:

The goal is not to increase the total amount of taxes collected, but to keep things even.

Depending on how much your property value went up, and if the BOCC adopts a revenue neutral rate, your actual tax bill may not go up at all. We just don’t know yet. The tax rate will be set during the budget process. Please keep sharing your concerns so that we can make decisions based on your needs.
If the rate increases, it could mean that additional funding would go toward services (like schools, emergency services, affordable housing, other services cut at the federal level).

I believe deeply that long-time residents shouldn’t be priced out of their homes. That’s why I push for continued support of programs that support homeowners on fixed incomes like the Longtime Homeowners Taxpayers Relief Program.

If you have questions about your revaluation notice, please reach out during this appeal period. Or plan to attend one of these information sessions:

April 9, 9am–12pm – Seymour Center, Chapel Hill
April 10, 1–4pm – Passmore Center, Hillsborough
April 15, 7pm – Schley Grange Hall, Hillsborough
April 16, 6pm – Chapel Hill Council Chamber
April 26, 9am–12pm – Lees Chapel Missionary Baptist, Cedar Grove

On my mind…

HB412 - An NC Bill changing Child Care Regulations

After hearing directly from the Orange County Partnership for Young Children about how House Bill 412 could affect child safety, I knew I had to act. I used my role as Orange County’s rep on the NC Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) to voice those concerns. I’ve asked the NCACC advocacy team to push back on parts of the bill that go too far—like increasing infant class sizes or reducing supervision during nap time. We can support our childcare workforce without putting our youngest kids at risk, and I’m committed to fighting for that balance.

My commitment to serving you

The Hunt Institute’s NC Hunt State Policy Fellows: I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited to join the fifth cohort of The Hunt Institute’s NC Hunt State Policy Fellows program. It brings together local elected officials from across the state to dig into education policy and how it impacts our communities. I’m looking forward to learning, sharing Orange County’s perspective, and bringing back ideas that help us support students and families right here at home.

Yours in service,

Around the County

I’m feeling proud to serve this community

Councilman Eliazar Posada, Commissioner Marilyn Carter, Commissioner Phyllis Portie-Ascott, Representative Allen Buansi, Former Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier

Drakeford Library Ribbon Cutting The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro, NC, was unforgettable. Derrick Drakeford, son of Dr. Robert Drakeford. Derrick began and ended his heartfelt presentation with beautiful songs that shared stories about his father's impact on Carrboro with passion and humility.

Representative Price, Commissioner Portie-Ascott, Muminah Bint Isaac, Mayor Foushee, Congresswoman Foushee, and Commissioner Carter

NC Summit on Reducing Overdose Overdose deaths and 911 calls are down in North Carolina—but we’re still losing nine lives a day. That’s nine families shattered and 1.4 million kids nationwide who’ve lost a loved one. I attended the NC Summit on Reducing Overdose to keep learning how to improve. In Orange County, I’m proud of the work our CARE team is doing to respond with compassion and connect people to the help they need.

Commissioner Viola Harris of Edgecombe County and Commissioner Portie-Ascott

Orange County Legislative Breakfast I also had the chance to connect with our Orange County legislative delegation at our recent breakfast meeting. They’re doing important work—introducing bills that touch every part of our lives, from housing and education to health and economic opportunity.

April Update