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Orange County residents have many convenient payment options to pay property taxes, which must be paid by Jan. 5, 2024. The county’s official app, MyOrangeCountyNC, is the fastest way to pay without having to mail a check or visit a county tax office.

“We have invested in offering many payment options, with the goal of delivering our residents convenience and choice as they go to pay their property taxes,” said Orange County Tax Administrator Nancy Freeman. “By paying through MyOrangeCountyNC, residents can take advantage of the ease of modern, online payments while also benefitting from its many other features.”

On Tuesday, Dec. 5 the Orange County Office of Equity & Inclusion unveiled the new Pauli Murray mural by Scott Nurkin. The mural is located at the Orange County Sportsplex at 101 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough. The program included a tribute to Rev. Murray by Dasan Ahanu, the Piedmont Poet Laureate. Some of Murray's family attended the event. 

The Holiday Market will take place on Saturday, December 9 at the Passmore Center at 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough from 9 am to 2 pm, offering unique holiday gifts including artwork, jewelry, pottery, woodworking, fused and stained glass, quilts and more! In addition to shopping, lunch and baked goods will be available for purchase.

Now through Friday, December 15th, you may drop off donations of non-perishable food items to the bins in the front lobby of the Main Library at 137 W. Margaret Ln., Hillsborough. The donations will go to Orange Congregations in Mission (OCIM) to be distributed to the community.

Orange County Public Library has partnered with Prison Books Collective and local bookstores to provide books to people who are incarcerated. To participate, stop by the Main Library in Hillsborough and get an ornament off of the Giving Tree. 

Orange County Animal Services reminds community members to consider the safety of pets as the winter season approaches. If possible, pets should be kept indoors during extremely cold weather. Freezing temperatures can be dangerous for pets and people.

It is a common misbelief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur. Like people, pets have various levels of tolerance to cold weather, but even long and thick-haired pets are at risk of developing frostbite or hypothermia. Very young and old pets, and those with medical conditions may have a harder time regulating body temperatures and be more susceptible to problems in extreme weather. No matter what the temperature is, wind chill is a serious threat to pets that spend time outdoors. Exposed skin on noses, ears, and paw pads can quickly freeze and cause permanent damage to a pet.

Orange County's first Strategic Plan is now in draft form. Please complete a short survey and post your comments on the interactive map by Dec. 29. The plan will be finalized in January of 2024. 

The Orange County Land Use Plan will guide Orange County's growth and conservation efforts through 2050. Please take the time to make your needs known by Jan. 30, 2024.

Each year, Orange County, the Town of Carrboro, and the Town of Chapel Hill invite program funding requests from nonprofit providers (outside agencies) to support delivery of vital community services. The application deadline for FY25 is  Friday, January 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm.  Late applications are not accepted. 

Jamezetta Bedford (pictured right) was re-elected on December 4 as Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners for 2024. Sally Greene (pictured left) was elected as Vice Chair. She replaces Commissioner Earl McKee. Both votes were unanimous.

“Thank you for your confidence, and we look forward to next year and getting a lot of work done, just like we have this fall,” said Bedford.

“I appreciate this honor and the trust you have in me and I’ll do my best to live up to it,” said Greene.