One Quarter (1/4¢) Cent
County Sales and Use Tax
The North Carolina General Assembly has granted county government the authority to levy, subject to voter approval, an additional one-quarter cent (1/4¢) County Sales and Use Tax, which lessens the counties’ reliance on property taxes. If approved, the allocation percentages referenced below will be in effect for ten years.
The 1/4 of a penny sales tax does not apply to consumer groceries and most prescription medications.
Video Describing 1/4¢ Sales Tax
2011 Ballot
On November 8, 2011 Orange County voters will have the opportunity to vote "For" or "Against" the one quarter (1/4¢) cent sales and use tax. The ballot will read:
Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes.
See sample ballots for your voting location.
How the funds will be allocated. 
SCHOOLS
50% of the funding will be allocated in an equitable manner between the County’s two school systems for the dedicated purpose of facility improvements at ‘older’ schools within all of Orange County and the procurement of technology. Each school system will establish a list of prioritized needs for older schools within the County.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
50% of the funding will be allocated to economic development efforts including funding infrastructure improvements needed to recruit new businesses and expand existing businesses; funding for business loans and grants to grow businesses in Orange County; targeted business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts; and community branding and marketing.
The Orange County Commissioners want to offer taxpayers an alternative to property taxes to address these services. Without the 1/4 of a penny sales tax, property tax will be the primary funding source available for schools and economic development.
BOCC Resolution
On June 21, 2011, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners passed "A Resolution Regarding Uses of Potential Revenues from a One-Quarter Cent (1/4¢) County Sales and Use Tax".
The wording of the resolution can be found here.
Entire agenda abstract June 21, 2011, item 8-f, including pie charts.