Don’t Forget to Vote on November 8th

Sponsored by Orange County Government

On Election Day, Tuesday, November 8, Orange County registered voters will have the opportunity to vote for or against two bond referenda: $120 million to fund the repair and renovation of safety and security features, as well as infrastructure in schools, and $5 million to create 1,000 affordable housing units for rental and ownership throughout the county.

The proposed bond referendum of $120 million for schools repair and improvement is primarily designed to increase capacity, improve safety and security, and renovate and repair the district’s ten oldest schools. Chapel Hill High School will be reconstructed in phases, to address critical maintenance issues. Lincoln Center renovations will centralize most Pre-K classrooms, freeing up currently used classroom space in elementary schools, increasing seating across the district by 189 seats and relieving the immediate need for a new elementary school. The renovations will also more than double the capacity of the Phoenix Academy High School, the district’s alternative school. Cedar Ridge High School will gain a new classroom wing, increasing capacity by 500 students. Other schools, including Orange High School, will receive much-needed infrastructure replacements (roof and antiquated and failing mechanical systems), as well as necessary safety and security repairs and updates. Bond funds will also be used to build a greener, more sustainable student transportation/maintenance center to service buses for both school districts.

With the proposed $5 million Low and Moderate Income Housing bond, Orange County will help create 1,000 affordable housing units to assist low-income individuals and households and special needs populations, including residents with disabilities, older adults/seniors, residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness and victims of domestic violence. Some of the affordable homes will be for households in the 50 to 80 percent of median income bracket, which may include teachers, law enforcement, firefighters and public workers.

Based on current projections, property owners will see an increase in county property tax to pay for the bonds.

From 1988 to 2001, Orange County voters have approved four General Obligation referenda, for schools, parks, community centers, public works and affordable housing.

Orange County Commissioner Renee Price discussed the bond referenda with Aaron Keck on WCHL.

 

Early Voting runs Thursday, October 20 through Saturday, November 5. For specific days and times, contact the Orange County Board of Elections: (919) 245-2350 or visit www.orangecountync.gov/elect. To learn more about the school bond and the affordable housing bond referenda, visit www.ocbond.org or contact Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager, ocbond@orangecountync.gov.

Don’t forget to vote on November 8th!

Sponsored by Orange County Government