Orange County officials have adopted a policy encouraging all vendors and contractors working with the county to pay a living wage to their employees.

Orange County Government, as an employer, already pays its workers a living wage, which is $12.76 per hour in the county. But North Carolina’s House Bill 2 bars localities from enacting policies that require employers operating in their jurisdiction to pay anything above the federal minimum wage.

Orange County manager Bonnie Hammersley said in a release, “Orange County is committed to providing its employees with a living wage and encourages all contactors and vendors doing business with Orange County to pursue the same goal.”

The release says “to the extent possible, Orange County recommends that contractors and vendors seeking to do business with Orange County provide a living wage to their employees.”

All contractors and vendors who are seeking to work with Orange County are going to be asked to submit a statement indicating whether the employees who will be performing the work are paid at least the living wage, according to Hammersley.

That statement will have to be submitted as part of the packet for bid projects in the county.

You can view the policy here.

Related Stories
‹
The Morning News: Glenwood Elementary Closing, Orange County Finalizes Budget, UNC Baseball Hosts Super Regional
In today's news: the CHCCS school board votes to shut down Glenwood Elementary after the upcoming school year.
Carrboro Man Arrested, Charged With Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Carrboro man Monday and has charged him with multiple counts of sexual exploitation. 42-year-old Michael Robert Westendorf faces six felony warrants for second-degree and four counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Second-degree exploitation includes duplicating material containing a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual […]
Conversations We Need to Have: Paul Slack on Juneteenth in Orange County
Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 1st. They spoke about the national recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and an opportunity to celebrate progress. Additionally, they discussed the upcoming Orange County Juneteenth celebrations happening in Hillsborough on June 12th. 
Local Government Meetings: June 1-5, 2026
This week in local government: budget decisions for Orange County, Carrboro, and Durham, and the final vote on a CHCCS school closure.
Facing Pressures In All Directions, Orange County Commissioners Near Budget Decision
Orange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing on next year's budget Thursday, May 28, with major decisions yet to be made.
Orange County: Budget Amendments, Memorial Day, Upcoming Public Hearing
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 27, discussing county news and events. She discussed the recent movement on the budget, which as seen a flurry of amendments as commissioners and staff try to reconcile some tough budget choices without raising property taxes. She also previewed the upcoming public hearing on the budget, reviewed Memorial Day events in our community, and more.
Rabid Raccoon Reported By Orange County After Altercation With Two Dogs
Orange County Animal Services said Wednesday it confirmed a positive case of rabies in a raccoon found in Chapel Hill. The raccoon was sent for testing by OCAS on Saturday, May 23 after it got into an altercation with two dogs. The condition of the dogs is unknown. It was found by animal control near […]
Gov. Stein Appoints Orange County Residents, Including Sheriff, to Advisory Boards
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein appointed five Orange County community members to the Historic Hillsborough Commission and two other boards.
Garbage Collection, Local Transit and More: How Memorial Day Will Impact Local Services
The observation of Memorial Day Monday, May 25 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will be closed. Residential trash will not be collected on Monday, with the make-up day […]
Carrboro High Students Dismissed Early Due to Piedmont Electric Power Outage
More than 7,000 Piedmont Electric Cooperative customers in Orange County lost power Friday due to a transmission issue affecting substations.
›