Durham County Commissioners took steps to protect the county's tax authority and approved a major bond refinancing at their April meeting, while also celebrating community achievements and addressing budget transparency concerns.
The board passed a resolution formally opposing any constitutional amendment, statutory change, or administrative action that would restrict or cap county property tax authority. The move came after the state association of counties warned all 100 North Carolina counties of threats to their tax powers. The county relies heavily on property taxes, which fund 70 percent of education, public safety, and health services. County Manager Hager noted that only 18 percent of the county's revenues come from state and federal sources, making property tax authority critical to maintaining services. The board also adopted a resolution authorizing up to $240 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refinance previous bonds from 2014, 2016, and 2023. A public hearing on the bond refinancing is scheduled for April 27.
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