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During its July 28 meeting, the BOCC appointed Rani Dasi to fill the vacant District 1 seat following the passing of Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford on June 21. Dasi has served on the CHCCS Board of Education since 2015 and is currently the vice president of operations and finance at RTI International.

The appointment was made in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 153A-27, which governs the process for filling vacancies on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Through July 31, adoption fees have been lowered to $25. The Animal Services Facility is located at 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. No appointment needed.

Commissioners Phyllis Portie-Ascott and Marilyn Carter attended the NACo conference and highlighted the locally produced project. Pictured above are Commissioners Phyllis Portie-Ascott (left) and Sally Greene at the book opening on Saturday, July 4 at the Colonial Inn in Hillsborough.

Orange County has received a 2026 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its America 250 project, A Gathering of Voices: Celebrating Orange County's Stories of Freedom for America's 250th Anniversary. Produced by the Orange County Visitors Bureau and written by local journalist Valarie Schwartz, the book captures the voices and experiences of Orange County residents.

The award recognizes Orange County's creative approach to commemorating America's 250th anniversary by preserving local stories and encouraging conversations about freedom, democracy, and community. NACo's annual Achievement Awards honor innovative county programs that serve as models for communities across the nation.

Orange County has confirmed 21 outbreak‑associated cases of cyclospora, an increase from 16 cases last week. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite typically spread through contaminated food or water. It does not spread from person to person.

Orange County, NC, has earned a No. 8 national ranking in the 2026 GovTech Digital Counties Survey among counties with populations of 150,000–249,999. This recognition highlights the county’s commitment to technology, cybersecurity, innovation, and digital services that improve how we serve residents. This achievement reflects the dedication of county staff and leadership in building a more efficient, secure, and responsive government.

Join the Plastic-Free July movement! Instead of using styrofoam to-go containers, opt for reusable food containers. Rather than using plastic utensils and paper napkins, try reusable utensils and cloth napkins. Small changes can add up to make a big difference.

Orange County Animal Services is hosting low-cost pet vaccine clinics this year. Rabies vaccines are $10, and some clinics offer microchips for $35.

Orange County is accepting applications for a: 

For more information contact Orange County Human Resources at 919-245-2550. 

Sign up for the Board of County Commissioners’ Sunshine List to get meeting notices, agendas, and press releases delivered to you. You can also subscribe to BOCC News and Planning updates—so you’ll never miss a chance to be informed and involved. To livestream Board of County Commissioners' meetings or watch recordings of past meetings visit the Meeting Videos page. 

Kristin Prelipp, Assistant Community Relations Director 
919-245-2322
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov

General Questions: webadmin@orangecountync.gov

Website: www.orangecountync.gov

Phone: 919-732-8181

Language Assistance Services: 919-245-2498