Long‑time homeowners and Habitat leaders urge county to address revaluation impacts; commissioners point to assistance programs

Several residents and affordable‑housing advocates told the Orange County Board of Commissioners on May 6 that the county’s recent property revaluation has raised appraisals in ways they say risk displacing long‑time homeowners.

Speakers described decades of ownership, low‑income program histories and sharply higher appraisals. Joanne Mitchell, president of Homeowners United of Habitat for Humanity in Orange County, told the board Habitat homeowners face “unrealistic” increases because their homes were purchased through program terms and not on the open market; she asked the board to consider reevaluation approaches that account for Habitat eligibility. Eileen Williamson and Conetta Swan, other long‑time homeowners, said home repairs and drainage issues make current appraisals unfair and asked about appeals and assistance options.

Why it matters: Many public speakers linked higher appraisals to the risk of tax bills outpacing fixed or limited incomes, and several asked for the board to consider legislative options or tailored approaches for long‑time and program‑qualified homeowners.

County response and assistance options

Chair James Bedford and other commissioners acknowledged the concerns and described county resources and next steps. Commissioner Green said staff would look to see whether legislative relief would be required to treat certain affordable homeowners similarly to the Community Home Trust model. County staff and commissioners also highlighted the long‑time homeowners assistance program (LHA), which the manager said typically opens around August 1 and targets residents who have lived in their homes at least five years and meet income limits; the manager and commissioners urged residents to apply when it opens. The manager also noted county staff would ensure tax office outreach for appeal procedures and that the tax office would follow up directly with speakers.

Public comment detail and examples

- Joanne Mitchell said she represents about 445 Habitat homes across 12 neighborhoods and asked the board to “appeal the process or amend the tax reevaluation for all Habitat for Humanity homeowners.” - Conetta Swan described a recent appraisal dated March 18, 2025, and said her family used Farmers Home Administration financing when buying their home; she asked that such program histories be considered in valuation comparisons. - Eileen Williamson said her home is largely original and cited structural issues and drainage that she argues were not reflected in her new value.

Next steps

Commissioners asked staff to ensure the tax office contacts residents who raised appeals and to provide information on the LHA program. Commissioner Green said the board will “be mindful of the comments we have received throughout this process” and will consider whether to pursue legislative options before the county’s next budget cycle.

Ending

Speakers were told staff from the tax office would reach out to explain appeals processes and that more targeted assistance through the county’s long‑time homeowner program could be available when applications open in the summer. The board did not take immediate policy action that evening but committed to follow up with staff and to consider options during the budget review and by possible future legislative requests.