It’s no surprise to those who live in Orange County, but a report from the N.C. Association of County Commissioners confirms it: Orange County’s recent hike in the property tax rate — to 99.8 cents per $100 — makes it the second highest in the state. At least one member of the county commission — a tried and true liberal — now admits the damage. Mike Nelson acknowledges that many low- and middle-income families can’t afford to live in the county. Don’t hold your breath waiting for commissioners to do something tangible to address that — such as lowering the tax rate next year. Their answer always involves a new or expanded government program. You’ll find the NCACC’s tax chart here.