Agenda
25-0641. Introduction of the New Durham County Memorial Stadium Manager, Jamal White (10min)
The Board is requested to recognize the new Durham County Memorial Stadium Manager, Jamal White. Jamal White started as the new Durham County Memorial Stadium Manager on November 10, 2025. Mr. White’s first major event was the CIAA Football Championship game on November 15, 2025, where he took the lead and guided the General Services team to a phenomenal outcome. Jamal is a graduate from the University of Bridgeport, CT with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management; and Master of Science Degree in Sports Management from Manhattanville College, NY. Jamal brings years of experience from Duke University serving as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics Facilities and Projects; as well as the Director of Athletic Events for Longwood University; and Assistant Athletic Director for Game Day Operations & Facilities for the University of Bridgeport. Jamal exemplifies the General Service spirit of enthusiasm and eagerness “to work to get it done and make it happen !” With his Leadership and the support of the Stadium Authority Board, County Commissioners, Durham County, Community partners, Durham residents and visitors. Jamal will continue the excellent work of growing and developing the stadium to be a positive asset for Durham County. The General Services team would also like to recognize and thank Assistant Director Shawn Swiatocha for serving as Stadium Manager for two months, while the search for the New Stadium Manager occurred.
25-0645. Resolution - Together for Resilient Youth 25th Anniversary (5min)
The Board is requested to recognize the 25th Anniversary of Together for Resilient Youth (TRY). Founded in Durham County, TRY has worked tirelessly to prevent substance misuse in the Durham community by promoting resilience among youth and families. The Board is invited to attend the 25th Anniversary on Saturday, December 13th from 11am-1pm at Durham Technical Community College.
25-0554. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC023 to Recognize $369,949 of Year-4 Funds to Support Grant Award #5H79TI084839-04 to the Office of Emergency Services-EMS Division (OES-EMS) from the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and to Authorize the County Manager to Sign and Execute all Contracts for Authorized and Approved Uses Associated With the Grant Program Throughout the Grant’s Period of Performance
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC023 to recognize $ 369,949 in year 4 grant funding to the Office of Emergency Services-EMS Division (OES-EMS) from the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and to authorize the County Manager to sign and execute all contracts for authorized and approved uses associated with the grant program throughout the grant’s period of performance. The full grant among for year 4 funding is $ 419,941, which includes $ 49,992 in personnel costs already budgeted in the Approved FY 2025-26 Budget. The First Responders - Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Support Services Act (FR-CARA) grant’s purpose is to provide resources to first responders and members of other key community sectors at the state, tribal, and other government levels to train, carry and administer Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) approved drugs and devices for emergency reversal of known or suspected opioid overdose. As part of the grant application, OES has committed to establish processes, protocols, and mechanisms for: ( 1) referral to appropriate treatment and recovery support services support services, and (2) promote safety around fentanyl, carfentanil, and other dangerous licit and illicit drugs, and (3) provide naloxone to first responders for use during opioid overdose calls for service. The grant has a period of performance from September 30, 2022, through September 29, 2026. Year - 1 period of performance ended September 29, 2023, and was recognized by the BOCC in the October 3, 2022, work session. Year - 2 period of performance ended September 29, 2024, and was recognized by the BOCC in the October 2, 2023, work session. Year - 3 period of performance ended September 29, 2024, and was recognized by the BOCC in the October 14, 2024, work session. It is a four (4) year project that is funded year to year subject to the availability of federal funds. Therefore, OES is requesting approval of year -4 funds. This is the final year of this grant unless SAMHSA offers an extension. The total federal funding potential if all 4-years as authorized and funded is $1,257,378. OES-EMS will follow all County purchasing and contract guidance. Payments to the County under this award will be made available through the HHS Payment Management System (PMS). PMS is a centralized grants payment and cash management system, operated by the HHS Program Support Center (PSC), Division of Payment Management (DPM).
25-0601. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. BCC038 to Recognize $21,347 in Community Donations from Carolina Arbors Community to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. BCC038 to recognize $ 21,347 in community donations from Caolina Arbors to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. These funds will support the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. Community engagement is one of the pillars of modern -day law enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office is focused on building and expanding relationships across Durham County. There were 259 donations received from community members that reside in the Carolina Arbors Community. The Sheriff ’s Office will be using these funds to support the K -9 Unit; expenses include but are not limited to K -9’s, gear, equipment, travel and training.
25-0602. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC040 for the Library to Recognize a Gift of $10,000.00 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC040 to recognize additional funds in the amount of $ 10,000.00 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, each of the original Carnegie Libraries still in operation will receive a gift of $10,000.00 each. The libraries “May use the funds however they wish to celebrate the 250th anniversary, further their mission, and benefit their community.” A Carnegie Library is a library building constructed using funds from the Carnegie Corporation between 1883 and 1929. In 1917, the Durham Public Library received $32,000 from the Carnegie Corporation to help build a new library building which opened on July 6th, 1921.
25-0605. Approval of Contract with Stryker for the Purchase of eleven (11) Power-LOAD units in the amount of $ $364,334.85, forty-five (45) Stair chairs in the amount of $319,707.45, and seven (7) LUCAS devices in the amount of $181,231.27 for a total purchase price of $865,273.57
The Board is requested to approve a contract with Stryker for the purchase of eleven (11) Power-LOAD units in the amount of $ $ 364,334.85, forty -five (45) Stair chairs in the amount of $ 319,707.45, and seven (7) LUCAS devices in the amount of $181,231.27 for a total purchase price of $ 865,273.57. The Office of Emergency Services (OES) will utilize existing capital budget funds for EMS equipment replacement in the amount of $ 865,273.57 utilizing the SAVVIK Cooperative Agreement Consortium. G.S. 143-129(e) allows local governments to be exempted from the competitive bidding requirements and purchase furnishings /equipment through group purchasing programs. In 2021, the Office of Emergency Services - Emergency Medical Services (OES-EMS) implemented a system -wide upgrade by acquiring and deploying Stryker stretchers and Power -LOAD systems across all EMS ambulances. These systems have significantly improved both patient safety and provider ergonomics by automating the loading and unloading process. As part of this standardization, all new ambulances are now required to be equipped with Power -LOAD units to ensure full compatibility with the Stryker stretchers. With the anticipated delivery of eleven (11) new ambulances in the spring of 2026, OES -EMS must procure an additional eleven (11) Power-LOAD systems to maintain operational consistency and readiness. For the past ten (10) years, OES -EMS has relied on Ferno stair chairs to assist with patient transport in environments where stretcher access is limited, such as stairwells or narrow spaces. These stair chairs have reached the end of their useful life and are no longer considered reliable for safe and effective patient handling. To ensure continued safety for both patients and EMS personnel, OES -EMS conducted a thorough evaluation of available options and selected Stryker stair chairs as the preferred replacement. The new stair chairs offer enhanced safety features, improved maneuverability, and greater durability, aligning with the department ’s commitment to high-quality patient care. OES-EMS has also utilized LUCAS mechanical CPR devices for the past eight (8) years to deliver consistent, high -quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest incidents. These devices have been critical in improving outcomes during resuscitation efforts by reducing fatigue and ensuring uninterrupted compressions. However, seven (7) of the current devices have now reached the end of their service life and are no longer supported by the manufacturer. To maintain clinical effectiveness and ensure compliance with current resuscitation standards, OES -EMS must replace these aging units with updated models capable of meeting the demands of modern EMS operations.
25-0631. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment 26BCC041 Cooperative Extension to Recognize $1,500 in Grant Funds for Disaster Risk Management Training from NC A&T State University
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment 26BCC041 Cooperative Extension to Recognize $ 1,500 in Grant Funds for Disaster Risk Management Training from NC A&T State University. These funds are designated as a stipend for Agriculture Agent John Lyttle ’s participation in a professional development training on disaster risk management for agricultural producers. Durham County Cooperative Extension is participating in a Southern SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) Professional Development Program (PDP) grant project titled “Developing a Training Program on Surviving Disasters through Risk Management Preparation and Best Management Practices for Agricultural Producers .” The project is led by Dr. Michelle Eley at NC A&T State University and funded through the USDA via the University of Georgia Research Foundation. As part of this initiative, Agriculture Agent John Lyttle attended a Train -the-Trainer Disaster Risk Management Workshop in Cordova, Tennessee. The training equips Extension professionals to support small -scale farmers in identifying and managing risks related to natural disasters, climate change, and other hazards. The $ 1,500 stipend is intended to support the Agent ’s continued work in delivering localized risk management education to farmers in Durham County. The funds may be used to offset travel and programming costs associated with this effort. John Lyttle led the first 2-day disaster risk management training in October 2025 at the Durham County Agriculture Building.
25-0632. Authorize the County Manager to Award a Contract to HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas in the Amount of $1,524,565.00 to Develop the East Durham Rail Crossing Study
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to award a contract to HDR Engineering Inc. of the Carolinas in the amount of $ 1,524,565.00 to develop the East Durham Rail Crossing Study. The East Durham Rail Crossing Study will entail planning and project development activities to grade separate, close, and /or improve safety through other alternatives identified through the planning process for three adjacent crossings (Driver Street, Plum Street, and Ellis Road) in East Durham . Over the 25-year period between 1997 and 2022, there were 19 crashes causing three fatalities and nine injuries at these three crossings. Durham County successfully applied in 2022 for a Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for this study. The FRA funds were approved in an agreement in December 2024. The project cost is $1,524,565, which includes the $ 1,220,000 received as part of the RCE grant, and the $ 305,000 local match. The local match will be reimbursed through funding from the Durham County Transit Plan. The study supports future design and construction of improvements that will significantly improve safety within Durham County, enhance pedestrian and cyclist access options, reduce congestion associated with queuing at at -grade crossings, and facilitate further passenger rail improvements in the state. The project will include an equitable community engagement effort to facilitate the selection of a preferred solution that is responsive to the needs of the residents and businesses of this area.
25-0635. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC039 FY 2025-26 Encumbrance Rollover - Increasing Multiple Funds Budgeted Expenditures and Revenues by a total of $14,194,990.03
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC039 FY 2025-26 Encumbrance Rollover - Increasing Multiple Funds Budgeted Expenditures and Revenues by a total of $ 14,194,990.03 for the outstanding encumbrances at fiscal year -end FY 2024-25. Encumbrances outstanding at fiscal year-end represent obligations /commitments entered by the County for either services not yet completed or performed, or goods not yet received. This money must be restricted in the fund balance within the equity section of the balance sheet for FY 2024-25 to honor these obligations /commitments once completed and /or received . These encumbrances outstanding at year -end do not represent expenditures or liabilities. These encumbrances outstanding are included in the amount reported as “Restricted Stabilization by State Statute” in the fund balance section of the Balance Sheet in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). According to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental type funds are the only funds to record encumbrances in the ACFR. However, during the fiscal year, the County maintains encumbrances (purchase orders and service contracts) for all fund types (governmental and proprietary) to ensure funds are set aside for obligations and commitments appropriately at the time that they are ordered and/or entered into. Because these encumbrances lapse at year -end and are re -appropriated in the subsequent fiscal year, they do not affect unassigned fund balance. It is merely a re-appropriation in the subsequent fiscal year of funds for obligations and commitments for goods and services already ordered but not yet received in the prior fiscal year . Encumbering these funds is a statutory requirement. Therefore, authorization is requested to amend the following funds’ budgets in FY 2025-26 to honor the outstanding purchase orders and service contracts as of the end of FY 2024-25: General Fund (1001010000) $ 12,331,848.64 Risk Management Fund (1001020000) $ 17,194.39 Public Art Fund (1001050000) $ 15,680.62 Stormwater Fund (5005500000) $ 205,567.66 Sewer Utility Fund (6006600000) $ 1,624,698.72 Total $ 14,194,990.03
25-0637. Approval of Public Official Bonds
The Board is requested to suspend the rules and approve the statutorily required bonds of the Sheriff, Tax Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, and Register of Deeds. Per the General Statues of North Carolina, certain public officials are required to be bonded to ensure the faithful performance of the duties of their office. The attached bonds are for the required public officials of Durham County and in the necessary amounts. These bonds are renewed annually and are required to be brought to the Board for review and approval at the first meeting in December. Following approval and certification, the bonds will be recorded in the Register of Deeds Office and then filed with the Clerk of Superior Court.
25-0639. Award Contract for Janitorial Services RFP NO. 25-043 to Bull City Janitorial Service LLC in the amount of $83,863.98 for the remainder of fiscal year 2025-2026, which brings their current active contract total to $168,360.68 with the option to renew annually
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to enter into an annual contract with Bull City Janitorial Service LLC to provide janitorial services at the Durham County Main Library, in the amount of $ 83,863.98 for the remainder of fiscal year 2025-2026, which brings their current active contract total to $168,360.68, with the option to renew annually. The board also allows the County Manager to sign off on subsequent extensions, change orders, or amendments associated with this contract, as necessary, so long as funds are available within the General Services Budget. The remaining fiscal year contract (January 2nd, 2026 - June 30), total will be $168,360.68. The Durham County Main Library was previously being serviced by H 3 Cleaning Solutions under RFP # 25-043. H3 Cleaning Solutions was released from their contractual obligations to service the Main library as of December 31st, 2025, due to performance issues. On January 2nd, 2026, Bull City Janitorial Service LLC will be providing janitorial services at the Main library for the remainder of the fiscal year, with the contractual option to renew annually. Bull City Janitorial Service LLC was chosen as the next responsive lowest janitorial vendor from RFP NO. 25-043 as the next lowest proposer.
25-0633. Public Hearing to Consider a Performance-Based Award for Projects Arrowwood & Red Cedar with Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. (20min)
The Board is requested to hold a public hearing to consider a performance -based award for Projects Arrowwood and Red Cedar with Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc . (“Novartis”) in a not -to-exceed amount of $ 5,500,000 and to authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute a performance agreement for the award. These new manufacturing projects in total will create approximately 280 jobs and invest $540 million over a five-year period. The performance -based award will be funded by new tax revenue generated by Projects Arrowwood and Red Cedar; the award pays for itself and the revenue would not exist but for Projects Arrowwood and Red Cedar. All payments for the project will adhere to the Durham County Business Recruitment & Expansion Policy and will only occur following annual performance verification that the Company has met its job creation, investment, and community partnership targets. This includes maintaining that property taxes paid annually are at a minimum twice the scheduled payment amount. Novartis currently employs over 300 people in Durham County for the development and production of gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. This expansion will allow Novartis to manufacture medications across various other therapeutic areas. The facilities in Durham will include advanced biologics manufacturing, as well as filling and packaging capabilities for biologics. An additional manufacturing project is also planned for Wake County. Manufacturing is a priority for Durham County. Approximately 200 of the new jobs (71%) are open to those with only a high school diploma or a two -year degree, paying an average wage of $ 104,000. Additionally, with approval of this award, the Company has agreed to make good faith efforts to: donate $ 35,000 annually to the Durham Public Schools (DPS) Foundation for the payment period of the award, participate in two annual DPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, donate approximately $ 100,000 in equipment to Durham Technical Community College, and participate in two Durham job fairs annually. The Company also offers robust benefits to its employees, including 14 weeks of paid parental leave, a $ 5,000 adoption expense reimbursement, and up to $ 1,000 for childcare or elder care expenses, among other benefits. Staff recommend approval of this award. This public hearing has been advertised as required by law.
25-0634. Public Hearing to Consider a Performance-Based Award for Project Speedy with Aspida Financial Services, LLC (20min)
The Board is requested to hold a public hearing to consider a performance -based award for Project Speedy with Aspida Financial Services, LLC (“Aspida”) in a not-to-exceed amount of $ 750,000 and to authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute a performance agreement for the award. This new office headquarters project will create approximately 1,000 jobs and invest $ 28.75 million over a five-year period. The performance -based award will be funded by new tax revenue generated by Project Speedy; the award pays for itself and the revenue would not exist but for Project Speedy. All payments for the project will adhere to the Durham County Business Recruitment & Expansion Policy and will only occur following annual performance verification that the Company has met its job creation, investment, and community partnership targets. This includes maintaining that property taxes paid annually are at a minimum twice the scheduled payment amount. Founded in 2020 and based in Durham, Aspida is a fast -growing financial services company. They provide a suite of annuity products that help people achieve and protect their financial future as well as offer reinsurance solutions for other insurance companies. Their new Durham headquarters will support the continued growth of their technology, service, and operations teams and will serve as the central global hub for their business as they expand. A headquarters of this size and scale will help burnish Durham County as a signature location for office and financial sector investment. The project also offers a variety of entry-level positions. With approval of this award, the Company has agreed to make good faith efforts to : offer an annual internship to a student at either Durham Technical Community College or North Carolina Central University, participate in two Durham Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs annually, participate in two Durham job fairs annually, offer a minimum of one annual financial literacy event targeted at Durham students, and commit to sustainable upfit and design in their new office space . Please find additional project details in the briefing sheet attached to the agenda item. Staff recommend approval of this award. This public hearing has been advertised as required by law.
25-0642. Board and Commission Appointments (10min)
25-0647. Closed Session
The Board is requested to adjourn into Closed Session to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations; pursuant to G .S. 143-318.11(a)(4)
25-0648. Approval of Property Tax Releases and Refunds for November 2025
The Board is requested to approve the Releases & Refunds for November 2025, 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 November 2025. This month ’s report includes releases and refunds for tax year 2025 totaling $ 1,519,329.18. Prior tax years’ (2015-2024) releases and refunds are in the amount of $ 9,436.11. November 2025, releases and refunds total $ 1,528,765.29.
25-0608. Public Hearing and Award of Ambulance Franchise to Provide Non-Emergency Ambulance Services in Durham County (15min)
The Board is requested to conduct a public hearing, as required by ordinance, in order to grant an ambulance franchise for Jan -Care Ambulance of McDowell County, Inc., Midwest Medical Transport LLC Company d /b/a North State Medical Transport, Priority Care Ambulance, Inc. and Providence Transportation, Inc. to provide within Durham County non -emergency ambulance services. Jan-Care Ambulance of McDowell County, Inc ., Midwest Medical Transport LLC Company d/b/a North State Medical Transport, Priority Care Ambulance, Inc. and Providence Transportation, Inc. have fulfilled the requirements for an ambulance franchise set forth in Chapter 12, Article 2, Division 2 of the Durham County Code of Ordinances. Non-emergency ambulance service is the transport of patients on a stretcher via an ambulance when the purpose is simply conveyance from one point to another and the patient is non -ambulatory, otherwise unable to sit, or requires continuity of medical care while in transit. Examples include but are not limited to: transport from home to a doctor’s office, dialysis clinic, or other outpatient center for an appointment and returning to home, from a hospital to home, assisted living, or skilled nursing facility upon discharge from the hospital, transfer from one medical facility to another for admission, testing, or medical care that can only be provided at another facility.