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.

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