Have a voice in your community: Join Chatham County’s advisory committees

Pittsboro, NC – PITTSBORO, NC— Chatham County is seeking individuals to apply for several vacancies on its advisory committees. Service on committees is a great way for residents to have a voice on issues of interest and make a difference in the community. Individuals must be a Chatham County resident (18 and older) to serve on advisory committees. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, August 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Some of the vacancies are assigned to specific areas of the county identified by county commissioner election districts. A map of commissioner districts is on the Chatham County website. Residents also can look up their commissioner district for their address on the NC State Board of Elections website.

An online application can be found on the County website. Applicants may contact Jenifer Johnson at jenifer.johnson@chathamcountync.gov or 919-542-8200 to request a printed application.

Agriculture Advisory Board: The Agriculture Advisory Board advises the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on agricultural issues and related land use issues and reviews applications for farm properties to be designated as a Voluntary Agriculture District to make sure they meet state requirements. The board typically meets quarterly.

The Agriculture Advisory Board has two vacancies for three-year terms.

Board of Equalization and Review: The Board of Equalization and Review’s purpose is to hear and review property owners’ appeals of their property listings and valuations of real estate and personal property. The board has an important, complex role. It is the first level of review after staff-level reviews. The board must apply state laws in a consistent, uniform, and non-discriminatory manner so that all property owners receive a fair and impartial hearing. Applicants should have lived in Chatham County for at least two years prior to appointment, own real estate property in the county, and be knowledgeable about real estate matters. The board meets as needed during the revaluation years.

The Board of Equalization and Review has three alternate seat vacancies for a three-year term ending December 31, 2027.

Library Advisory Committee: The Library Advisory Committee advises library staff on the operation of the county’s public libraries. Primary goals are representing and responding to current library needs and issues and promoting the use of library services and programs by all residents. The committee meets quarterly.

The Library Advisory Committee has two vacancies in District 1 and 2 for a three-year term ending June 30, 2027.

Planning Board: The Planning Board advises the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on planning, zoning and subdivision issues. The board typically meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

The Planning Board has two vacancies in District 5 and At-Large. The District 5 seat term will expire on December 31, 2026, and the At-Large seat term is a four-year term expiring on December 31, 2030.

Recreation Advisory Committee: The Recreation Advisory Committee advises the Chatham County Board of Commissioners and staff on recreation programs and county-owned recreation and park facilities. It plays key roles in implementing the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan adopted in 2019 and making funding recommendations for the Grants to Recreation agency process. The committee typically meets six times a year on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

The Recreation Advisory Committee has two vacancies for Commissioner District 3 for a three-year term ending June 30, 2026.