Orange County could take a step toward addressing its part in contributing to climate change while preparing for effects that would be felt locally under a new proposal during the county’s budget discussions.

County Commissioner Mark Marcoplos last week proposed a quarter-cent increase on the property tax rate that would go to a dedicated fund used for county programs addressing climate change.

According to Marcoplos, the quarter-cent hike he is proposing would yield $469,272 in funds.

“Communities and counties across the US have set goals for carbon reductions and renewable energy contributions,” Larry Shirley said at a commissioner meeting this week. “However, in the South, I am unaware of any counties yet to dedicate a dedicated part of their tax base to putting real dollars behind their goals.”

Public comments at Tuesday night’s meeting were largely centered on the tax proposal.

Shirley, a resident of Carrboro, applauded the proposal, saying it would make Orange County an example for the state and the rest of the country.

“On behalf of your constituents, show them you are truly serious about addressing the greatest single challenge facing our society today,” he said.

Sally Robertson, a resident of Orange County and solar project coordinator at environmental group NC WARN, said the move made her proud to be a local of an area taking active steps around this issue.

“Considering the world’s scientists say we only have 12 years to reduce our carbon emissions by half or else get run over by the locomotive that is climate change,” Robertson said, “you wouldn’t really think it a visionary act to step off the railroad tracks. But apparently it is.”

Of the roughly 15 members of the public signed up to speak on the tax hike at Tuesday night’s meeting, only one stood in opposition to the proposal.

Paul Warner, a 30-year resident of Hillsborough said the county shouldn’t be raising taxes any higher than they already are and should focus on local problems instead of global issues like climate change.

“I don’t think putting a windmill in Hillsborough is going to solve that,” Warner said. “I would like to register my dissent to this plan, I know I’m in the minority here.”

Marcoplos has outlined a list of possible programs for the dedicated funds identified by county sustainability officials, including weatherization of low-income homes and making current and future county buildings more energy-efficient.

The commissioners will continue budget discussions at a work session at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Southern Human Services Center. Budget amendments like the proposal from Marcoplos are scheduled to be discussed at a work session next Tuesday. According to the county manager, the budget will be voted on by commissioners on June 18.