Water and Tax Increase

[Carly Bailey]

Hi BOCC- I am so sorry for your recent loss of Commissioner Bedford.  She was an important voice for our community and I am sure a friend to you all. 

I am concerned about the rising costs of living in Orange County, specifically Hillsborough. The tax increase this year was compounded by the 7.5% water increase for Hillsborough water users, making an already expensive place to live unlivable for some of our community members. I am privileged to live in Churton Grove, however my water bill is already $400/month on average.  We do not water our lawn or garden, and my husband has stopped printing in his darkroom (a long-time hobby that has become unaffordable).  I am curious if there is talk about integrating Hillsborough water system with a larger system to decrease the costs for community members. Hillsborough's water cost is at least 25% higher than national averages and I can't help but wonder if there is anything to be done about it.  Are these increases going to expand the user base to lower the cost for the rest of us? I am sure this is a complicated problem, but this increase was done with such little transparency that it was quite alarming. I saw a facebook post about it that was published after the increase had been approved.  It would have been helpful to receive communication that it was under consideration and when it would be approved so that we could prepare. 

While I am a member of this community who is fortunate to be able to absorb these increases, as you're working through decision making around cost-increases, I encourage you to consider the members of our community who are underserved and who are deeply impacted by increases to taxes and critical infrastructure like water. Especially since there is little to no transparency about how these increases may or may not help us in the long run (ie- are the increases in property taxes, being used to help the unhoused in our community or improving our schools?  Are the increases in water being used to give us cleaner water?)

You all have extremely difficult and important roles in our community and I thank you for your time in hearing my concerns. 

Respectfully, 

Carly Bailey

[Amy Fowler]

Dear Carly Bailey,

Thank you so much for sharing condolences for the loss of our dear colleague, Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford.

Regarding taxes, I will let you know that we labored over our budget this season. Some of the increases were related to obligations passed down from the federal and state government. In addition, the Board of County Commissioners did approve an increase for the school systems to help them afford the raises included in the state budget. Local governments have to cover the increase in supplemental pay and fund any locally hired staff. 

Regarding water expenses, your monthly water bill does sound high. The county is not responsible for the water utility. For this concern, I recommend reaching out to the Town of Hillsborough.

Thanks for sharing your concerns. We value resident feedback.

Amy Fowler MD MPH

Orange County BOCC Vice Chair

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From: Carly Bailey <cabail...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2026 12:06 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Water and Tax Increase

 

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