Agenda
1. Consideration and Adoption of Updated High Performance Building Policy
The Board is requested to consider the updated High Performance Building Policy, and if in favor to adopt this policy. The policy revision is a key step in advancing Durham County's sustainability commitments, supporting long -term cost savings, reducing the County ’s carbon footprint, and meeting and exceeding similar policies passed this year by other local government organizations with comparable sustainability goals. Durham County adopted a High Performance Building Policy in 2008 establishing procedure for achieving LEED certification in new and renovated buildings. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification system from the US Green Building Council that promotes sustainable, healthy, and cost -efficient building practices. The framework includes design, construction, operation, and maintenance for new and renovated buildings. The County now has 1 Platinum, 3 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Certified level LEED buildings. The revised policy reflects the evolution of sustainable building policy that has occurred since 2008 and is modelled after polices adopted by other NC local governments including the City of Durham and City of Charlotte. The revised policy continues the commitment to LEED certification and explicitly lists the types of measures within LEED that the County should focus on, includes additional, more expansive requirements from the County Renewable Energy Plan, and creates reporting requirements. This new policy will provide more clarity to our designers, engineers, contractors, and staff as we continue to make our facilities healthier and more sustainable.
2. Approve Execution of Construction Contract with Central Builders of Mebane for the Renovation of the South East Corner of the Legal Department Suite in the amount of $144,500 plus (10%) contingency, $14,450, for a total not-to-exceed $158,950
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with Central Builders of Mebane, Inc. to provide General Contractor Services for the Legal Department SE Corner Office Renovation, in the amount of $144,500 (See Attachment 1) plus ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $ 14,450.00, for a total contract not to exceed $ 158,950.00 upon completion of the contract and approval by the County Attorney’s Office. Background/Justification The Legal Department has identified an operational need to convert its existing open work area, in the SE corner of their suite, into enclosed private offices to support the functional requirements of its staff and the sensitive nature of legal work. The current open layout does not provide sufficient confidentiality for attorney-client discussions, personnel matters, or the handling of privileged materials. Private offices are essential to ensure compliance with legal and ethical obligations, reduce disruptions, and maintain productivity in an environment where staff regularly engage in confidential consultations, case strategy discussions, and document review. Renovating the space into individual offices will increase operational efficiency, improve information security, and provide an appropriate professional setting for conversations involving sensitive or protected information. The requested renovation aligns with the County ’s commitment to providing secure, functional, and compliant work environments for departments handling confidential matters. The Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the Durham County Administration I Building Legal Department - Suite Renovation was advertised informally by the County ’s consultant, DTW Architects, on February 24, 2026. Eight (8) responses were received on March 12, 2026. Following the bid opening, DTW Architects conducted a review of the low bid submitted by Central Builders to confirm responsiveness and the firm ’s ability to perform the required work. DTW Architects’ assessment verified that Central Builders’ bid met the project specifications and that the firm was capable of completing the renovation as designed. Based on this review and in consultation with the Legal Department, staff recommends accepting the bid and proceeding with the construction phase of the project. Approval of this item will allow the County to move forward with the necessary renovations to provide an appropriate and secure working environment for Legal Department staff. The Legal Department has identified internal funding to fully support the cost of this renovation, and no additional funds are being requested from the Board of County Commissioners for this project.
3. Approval of Property Tax Releases and Refunds for April 2026
The Board is requested to approve the Releases & Refunds for April 1-15, 2026, which includes adjustments to the current year ’s levy as well as prior years ’ levies. Due to property valuation adjustments for over assessments, listing discrepancies, duplicate listings, and clerical errors, etc. the attached reports detail monthly releases and refunds for April 1 - 15, 2026. This month ’s partial report includes releases and refunds for tax year 2025 totaling $ 3,465,376.64. Prior tax years’ (2015-2024) releases and refunds are in the amount of $ 1,827.23. April 1-15, 2026, releases and refunds total $ 3,467,203.87.
4. Public Hearing on Bond Order; Adoption of Bond Order; and Adoption of Bond Resolution for Not to Exceed $240,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2026B
The Board is requested to take the following actions in connection with the County’s proposed General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2026B, in an amount not to exceed $240,000,000: 1. Hold a public hearing on the Bond Order entitled “Bond Order Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $240,000,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds of the County of Durham, North Carolina” (the “Bond Order ”), notice of which public hearing was published on or before April 21, 2026 as required by the Local Government Bond Act. 2. Adopt the Bond Order, without change or amendment; and 3. Adopt the Bond Resolution authorizing the issuance of the Series 2026B Bonds and providing for the terms thereof.