Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton speaks with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, May 6. Following Tuesday night’s budget presentation by the county manager, Hamilton shares some details and first impressions of the proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year. She discusses the tough financial decisions the county will face between maintaining required services and keeping services the community has enjoyed, and how she weighs those things with residents’ feedback. Hamilton also shares details on a new way community residents can learn about the budget proposal and get involved in deliberations, as well as highlights a proclamation honoring a local schools figure who just won a national award.

Conversations With the Mayors is an ongoing series on “News on the Hill” where host Andrew Stuckey visits with the local government leaders who help shape our communities in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. Each Tuesday he visits with Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell; Wednesdays feature a conversation with Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton; Thursdays feature Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson, and Fridays include a conversation with Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee. You can listen to previous “Conversations With the Mayors” here.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe:
Related Stories
‹

A Pair of Local Festivals Combine to Create 'Salt & Smoke & Sound' in Orange CountyA pair of Orange County festivals partnered to create a new event this fall: Salt & Smoke & Sound, which will feature local music and food.

Conversations with the Mayors: Town’s Response to Recent Tragedy, Advisory Committees, and MoreHillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver visited with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 27th. She discussed how Hillsborough has responded to the recent tragic murder of two teens in western Orange County. She also discussed work from the town board’s work session this week. This is a transcript of their conversation, edited for clarity. […]

Reopening of Hillsborough's Blackwood Farm Park Delayed Until OctoberEditor’s Note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated Blackwood Farm Park opened in 2001 and incorrectly shared its old hours. It has since been updated. Amid construction delays due to supply chain issues across Orange County and the nation, the reopening of Blackwood Farm Park in Hillsborough will be delayed until October. The […]
![]()
Inaugural Orange County Local Fest This WeekendThe inaugural Orange County Local Fest is being held this Saturday at the Blackwood Farm Park in Hillsborough. Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners Mark Dorosin says the festival, which will feature everything from food trucks and local breweries to animal presentations, is meant to bring the community together to celebrate all Orange […]

Orange County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli Announces RetirementLaurie Paolicelli recently announced this year will be her last as executive director for the Orange County Visitors Bureau.

Orange County Animal Control Searching for Fox in Chapel Hill After 2 People BittenTwo people are receiving treatment after they were bitten by a fox Friday afternoon. Animal Control officers are active in Chapel Hill.
![]()
Orange County: Budget Decisions, State Impacts, Upcoming EventsChair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 14, discussing county news and events. She discussed Tuesday's public hearing on the budget and the feedback the board received from the community. She also looked ahead to Thursday's work session on public education, and more.

Orange County Recommends Tax Increases for FY27 Budget; Chatham County Could Keep Rate FlatBoth Orange County and Chatham County revealed their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year this week. Here are the highlights.

Orange County Hires Firm to Review Property Appraisal Practices Amid Tax Revaluation ReformThe Orange County Board of Commissioners approved the hire on Tuesday in the latest step to attempt reforming local appraisals and valuations.
![]()
Orange County: Details of the Budget Presentation and Tough Decisions to Make — (May 6, 2026)Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jean Hamilton speaks with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, May 6.
›