Agenda

25-0489. Approval of RFP Award for Organizational Assessment Contract in Preparation for Upcoming Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation

The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to execute an agreement with Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP, to conduct an Operational Assessment Study in preparation for the upcoming Enterprise Resource Planning implementation. The assessment will evaluate operational workflows and workforce capacity needed to support seamless operations while implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning infrastructure. In addition, the evaluation will give recommendations for opportunities for process optimization, coordination improvements with a focus on the Finance and Information Service & Technology Departments. The assessment will take a comprehensive approach, examining organizational structure and workforce capabilities in relation to operational demands and planned technology enhancements. Baker Tilly will review daily operations, workflows, and service delivery models to identify opportunities for enhanced operational efficiency and improved cross-departmental coordination. Upon completion of the assessment, Baker Tilly will deliver formal reports detailing organizational and operational alignment observations. The reports will identify opportunities for process optimization and coordination improvements, address ERP readiness considerations and implementation sequencing, and provide a phased roadmap to support operational stability and guide future modernization efforts. This proactive assessment will position Durham County to make informed decisions as it embarks on this important technological transition. Baker Tilly has specialization in evaluation of public sector operations. It is the 10th largest accounting firm in the United States with over 90 years of experience. The evaluation will occur over a six-month period, with the contract totaling $133,000.

26-0022. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA016 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC050 Appropriating $1,557,339.72 of Debt Service Fund Fund Balance to the PAYGO Fund to Support the Construction of a New Radio Tower and the Purchase of Mobile Radios in the Multi-Department Radios and Towers Capital Project (4330DC005)

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA016 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC050 appropriating $ 1,557,339.42 of Debt Service Fund Fund Balance and transferring the funding to the PAYGO Fund to support the Multi -Department Radios and Towers Capital Project (4330DC005). The supplement will increase project availability to a total of $ 4,387,864.04, which will be used to fund the construction of a new radio tower for the City /County radio system and purchase of mobile radios for the Office of Emergency Services that will ensure their functional compliance with the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) standard. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget Multi-Department Radio and Towers Project (4330DC005) $11,519,771.40 $1,557,339.72 $13,077,111.12 TOTAL $11,519,771.40 $1,557,339.72 $13,077,111.12 The Durham radio system infrastructure currently consists of four radio tower sites . There are known areas of poor radio coverage, including Brier Creek and Hope Valley. First responders continue to report additional areas with minimal to no radio reception, largely due to ongoing growth within the County. The original radio system design provided by Motorola in the early 2000s recommended six tower sites to ensure reliable radio communications and accommodate future expansion. Due to budget constraints at the time, the approved project only included four towers, leaving critical gaps in coverage that have manifested themselves over the last few years. In 2018, the Communications Maintenance Division of the Durham Emergency Communications Center (DECC) initiated a joint City /County Capital Improvement Project (CIP) request to address these gaps. The proposal included: · Construction of an additional tower site at the Kemp Road Water Facility and · Construction of a new tower site at Fire Station 16 on Farrington Road, utilizing some equipment currently at the Parkwood tower site. These improvements were intended to enhance coverage in Durham ’s southern section. At that time (2018), Motorola estimated the project cost at $4.5 million. Since 2019, the North Carolina Fire Code has mandated that all new construction be evaluated for adequate public safety radio reception. If coverage is insufficient, a bi-directional amplifier (BDA) system must be installed. While BDAs improve in-building coverage, each installation raises the noise floor of the radio frequency spectrum and can cause radio frequency interference (RFI). Expanding tower coverage will reduce the number of buildings requiring BDAs, thereby improving system reliability and compliance. To ensure reliable emergency communications, meet regulatory requirements, and support public safety, we respectfully request additional funding to cover the funding shortfall for the approved CIP project. This investment is critical to: · Improve radio coverage for first responders. · Reduce reliance on BDAs and mitigate RFI risks. · Support continued expansion of the radio system to ensure appropriate public safety service levels. Additionally, the Office of Emergency Services requires forty new mobile radios for installation in ambulances and quick response vehicles to meet the TDMA standard . Motorola had previously advised that current radios could be upgraded to meet the standard and then when arriving to program those radios, determined that they were end-of-life and could not be updated. The state has moved the implementation date for the TDMA standard to June 30, 2026. The new radios are needed to ensure continued communications between the EMS crews in the field and the hospitals in the region as well as with other partner agencies in the Triangle region.

26-0025. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA015 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC047 Reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $104,600 & Transferring $104,600 to the General Fund to Support the Purchase of Ken Wolfe’s Farm Conservation Easement

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA015 and Budget Amendment No .26BCC047 reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $ 104,600 and transferring $ 104,600 to the General Fund to support the purchase of Ken Wolfe ’s farm conservation easement of 29.605 acres located at 1444 Bacon Road, Rougemont. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget Open Space & Farmland Preservation (4730DC083) $12,575,369.70 ($104,600.00) $12,470,769.70 TOTAL $12,575,369.70 ($104,600.00) $12,470,769.70 The Board approved this conservation easement project in September 2024. Since then, USDA -NRCS funding through the Agricultural Lands Easement Program (ACEP-ALE) has been secured to cover 50% of the appraised easement value. The transfer of $ 104,600 to the General Fund will cover Durham County ’s 50% share of the easement value and closing fees.

26-0028. Approval to Enter into a Contract with Hayti Reborn - Justice Movement in the Amount of $500,000.

The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to enter into a contract contract with Hayti Reborn - Justice Movement (HR-JM) in the amount of $ 500,000. Funding is included in Community Intervention Support Service budget approved for FY 2025-26. The Hayti Reborn - Justice Movement operates as an “umbrella organization” that works in concert with existing community partners, with a goal of developing coordinated strategies that interrupt the cycle of violence, while concurrently increasing the health and prosperity within marginalized communities. HRJM will develop a centralized and consolidated framework of community participants, social justice, and criminal justice partnerships that assess, plan, and treat problems leading to community violence. The target customers are justice involved citizens, their children and families. The service area includes all of Durham County, North Carolina.

26-0029. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC049 Appropriating $118,780.37 of General Fund Fund Balance to Pay for OES Fleet Facility Rent

26-0036. Resolution Endorsing the Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035

The Board is requested to adopt a resolution endorsing the Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035. Motions To adopt a resolution endorsing the Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035 Plan. Summary The Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035 is a detailed plan on how downtown Durham can preserves its unique character while supporting continued growth and vibrancy. It includes a shared vision, seven targeted goals that each have deliberate strategies which are further defined through implementable actions. Additionally, the Downtown Durham Blueprint provides a detailed implementation matrix identifying key partners, in progress projects, early action projects, and longer term projects. Attachments Attachment A: Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035 Attachment B: Resolution Endorsing the Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035

26-0040. Approve Execution of Contract with AutoTech Solutions (DBA Universal Distribution Group) in the amount of $143,624.94 for Automotive Vehicle Lifts and Supporting Equipment for the New Office of Emergency Services (OES) Fleet Maintenance Facility

The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with AutoTech Solutions (DBA Universal Distribution Group) to provide and install automotive vehicle lifts and supporting equipment for the new OES Fleet Maintenance Facility for a total not -to-exceed amount of $ 143,624.04. Funding for this contract is available within the previously approved Capital project. OES Fleet Maintenance is relocating to a larger temporary facility, and, as part of the transition, additional equipment is required to support the expanded space and the operational needs of the department. The expected service life for this equipment is more than twenty years, and the equipment will be relocated to the permanent Junction Road Fleet Operations Center when it is completed. Equipment cost is based on a purchasing agreement with the North Carolina Sheriff ’s Association, which provides pre -negotiated, competitive pricing and ensures compliance with state procurement requirements.

26-0041. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA017 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC051 Reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $510K and Transferring the Funding to the General Fund to Support Triangle Land Conservancy’s Purchase and Protection of 77 Acres and Conveyance of 15 Acres to Durham County

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA017 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC051 Reducing the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Capital Project (4730DC083) by $ 510,000 and transferring to the funding to the General Fund to support Triangle Land Conservancy ’s (TLC’s) purchase and protection of 77 acres. TLC will convey 15 acres located at 391 and 409 Southview Road (portions of REIDs 231184 and 194090) to Durham County to expand the County ’s existing Southview Preserve. The County ’s $ 510,000 contribution represents 16% of the total $ 3.1 million cost of the 77 acres and allows TLC to leverage multiple funding partners and landowner donations needed to make the purchase. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget Open Space & Farmland Preservation (4730DC083) $12,575,369.70 ($510,000.00) $12,065,369.70 TOTAL $12,575,369.70 ($510,000.00) $12,065,369.70 This project expands TLC ’s and Durham County ’s protected lands in east Durham along Southview Road to 263 acres, improving water quality in Falls Lake and Lick Creek by reducing nutrient pollution. It safeguards habitat, supports biodiversity in a rapidly developing area, and positions the site for potential future public access, including hiking trails that could connect to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

26-0042. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC053 Recognizing the Receipt of $571,000 from the Army National Guard As Pass-Through Funding for Triangle Land Conservancy’s Acquisition and Protection of 50 acres at 5017 Dunwoody Road

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC053 recognizing receipt of $ 571,000 from the Army National Guard as pass -through funding to the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) for its acquisition of 50 acres at 5017 Dunwoody Road (a portion of REID 192123). TLC is currently under contract to purchase 50 acres of priority forestland adjacent to Camp Butner, which supports County goals for habitat and water quality protection. However, due to the federal shutdown, TLC ’s agreement to receive funding from the Army National Guard expired, and a new agreement cannot be finalized before the closing deadline of June 30, 2026. To ensure the purchase proceeds, the Guard has requested that Durham County act as a fiscal agent, receiving funds from the Guard and wiring them directly to TLC ’s closing attorney . TLC’s Board approved this arrangement at its December 2025 meeting. Durham County maintains a cooperative agreement with the Army National Guard to fund permanent land protection within a one -mile buffer of Camp Butner in Durham County. (Tar River Land Conservancy holds a similar agreement for Granville County.)

26-0043. Approve Durham County Matching Grants Program Recipients for FY 2025-26 Grant Cycle in the Amount of $100,000

The Board is requested to approve funding for five projects totaling $ 100,000 under the current cycle of the Durham County Matching Grants Program. Now in its 35th year, this program provides matching funds to local non -profits for projects that protect open space or offer recreational opportunities for Durham County residents . All funded projects must be open to the public. The program is funded annually through the County ’s operating budget, which allocates $ 100,000 for FY 25-26. Applicants must provide a 50% match, which may include cash contributions and the value of volunteer labor. Since its inception, the program has supported 135 community projects with a combined value of over $ 6.3 million, leveraging just over $2.2 million in County matching funds.) The 2025-26 cycle of the Matching Grants Program includes five recommended projects that total $ 100,000. The Durham Open Space and Trails Commission (DOST) recommended approval of the projects at their meeting on January 21st, 2026. The recommended recipients are: Central Park School for Children $ 24,000; Urban Community Agrinomics, $ 24,455; El Futuro, $ 18,500; Historic Stagville, $23,045; and Unique Places to Save, $ 10,000. The projects are further described in the supplemental document, with locations shown on the accompanying map.

26-0048. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC052 Appropriating $112,400 of General Fund Fund Balance to the Engineering Department and Authorizing the County Manager to Execute an Agreement with the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative for Phase I of the Pre-development Process for the Former Lowe’s Grove School Site located at 4505 S. Alston Avenue for a total not-to exceed $72,400.00

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No .26BCC052 appropriating $ 112,400 of General Fund Fund Balance to the Engineering Department and authorizing the execution of a contract agreement with the UNC School of Government ’s Development Finance Initiative for Phase I of the Pre-development Process for the former Lowe ’s Grove School Site located at 4505 S. Alston Avenue for a total not-to-exceed $72,400.00. Durham County and Durham Public Schools (DPS) requested technical assistance from DFI in November 2025 in evaluating the redevelopment potential of a former school site, Lowe ’s Grove, that presents a strategic opportunity for the County and DPS to meet their community development goals. The 1.41-acre former Lowe ’s Grove school site is located at 4505 South Alston Avenue, near Highway 54. DPS owns additional parcels surrounding the Lowe ’s Grove site; these parcels would also be the subject of DFI ’s analysis. County and DPS leadership would like to explore a range of redevelopment scenarios for DPS -owned properties in the area that align with their mission and local community development goals. DFI proposes to conduct a community scan, market and community -driven assessment of the redevelopment potential of the property, including the adjacent DPS owned properties. This analysis will prioritize potential strategies for the redevelopment of the project in collaboration with the County, DPS and key stakeholders. In this phase (phase 1), DFI would perform a Pre -development feasibility analysis to understand market conditions, conduct community and stakeholder engagement, and identify viable redevelopment opportunities that would meet the County, DPS and key stakeholder interests. In Phase II, pending the results of this analysis, which would require a separate contract and fee, DFI could assist the County in identifying a private development partner (s) to assist the County in achieving its vision for the redevelopment. The Pre -development process outlined by the Development Finance Initiative is the process that was used on other redevelopment projects being performed by Durham County. By engaging DFI, County staff intends to determine a long -range plan for the site receiving community input on the development, establishing guiding principles for the redevelopment, attracting private sector investment while minimizing public investment, maximizing public interests and ensuring that future redevelopment enhances the County ’s existing assets. It is recommended that the County proceed with Phase I of the Pre -development Process as outlined in the attached proposal in the amount not -to-exceed $ 72,400. The balance of the funding will be used for preliminary activities including but not limited to surveying, appraisals, geotechnical and environmental analysis and others as necessary. This agreement is pending final Legal Department Approval.

26-0050. Approval of the FY26 Q3 Durham Annual Transit Work Program Amendment in the Amount of $200,758.00

The Board is requested to approve an amendment to the FY 26 Durham Annual Transit Work Program. As part of the appropriations process for the Durham County Transit Plan, an Annual Work Program is developed to outline the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Transit Governance Interlocal Agreement (ILA) establishes the process for developing and approving this budget, requiring formal approval by both the Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the GoTriangle Board of Trustees. At its meeting on January 21, 2026, the Staff Working Group (SWG) recommended approval of an amendment to the FY 26 Durham Annual Transit Work Program. The BOCC is now requested to adopt this amendment. The proposed changes are summarized below: 1. Staffing Study Personnel a. Increase FY26 Work Program budget by $17,188 2. Staffing Study a. Increase FY26 Work Program budget by $183,570 The total increase to the FY26 Durham Annual Transit Work Program is $200,758.

26-0049. Durham Bike + Walk Plan Update (30min)

The Board is requested to receive a presentation on the Bike + Walk Plan update. The 2026 Bike + Walk Plan update is a combined City of Durham and Durham County plan. It serves as an update to the City ’s 2017 Bike + Walk Plan, and it is the first time that Durham County has participated in this planning initiative. The plan provides updated guidance for walking and biking infrastructure by outlining priority projects and comprehensive network recommendations to inform City and County investment decisions for the next decade and beyond. The plan also guides future policy development by recommending strategies to address key mobility challenges, such as creating a Durham County sidewalk maintenance framework to clarify responsibilities and developing a County Regional Greenway approach to support long-term connectivity. The Board is requested to receive a presentation on the 2026 Bike + Walk Plan and to provide feedback regarding its strategic direction. The planning team anticipates returning later this spring to present the final plan for adoption.

26-0051. Legislative Goals Update in Preparation for General Assembly Short Session (20min)

The Board is requested to receive an overview of the status of the Durham County 2025 Legislative Goals in advance of preparing for the General Assembly Short Session. Lawmakers are scheduled to return in April to continue to work on bills still eligible for consideration, and to approve a state budget. Budget priorities are expected to focus on funding for Medicaid, Helene recovery, as well as raises for hundreds of thousands of state workers. Since session began, staff have worked to regularly communicate with members of the Durham Legislative delegation on key issues. Regular updates have also been shared from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and our lobbyists from McGuireWoods. An update on current bills will be shared at the meeting. Staff are requesting that the Board discuss any new local bills they may want added to the current 2025 Legislative Goals listing. If new local bills are suggested, staff will prepare potential language and bring the items back to the Feb 9th regular meeting for approval. At that point, the items will be shared with the Delegation so that they may be timely filed.

26-0057. Update Presentation on the 911 Consolidation and H.E.A.R.T. Expansion Feasibility Study (45min)

The Board is requested to receive and update from ADCOMM Engineering, LLC and staff on the process and status of the 911 Consolidation and H .E.A.R.T. Expansion Feasibility Study following approval by the BOCC during the November 10, 2025 Regular Session.

26-0047. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC054 for a Transfer of $167,418 from the General Government Functional Area to the Economic and Physical Development Functional Area for a Mid-Year FTE Reallocation

The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC054 for a Transfer of $ 167,418 from the General Government Functional Area to the Economic and Physical Development Functional Area for a Mid -Year FTE Reallocation. In FY 2025-26, one FTE within the County Manager ’s Equitable Well-Being team was reallocated to create a Manager for Special Projects position within the Cooperative Extension department. The Manager for Special Projects position was created to assist with increased administrative workload and building out special initiatives due to an increase in scope and project load within the department . Funding for this position is being transferred to Cooperative Extension to cover salary and benefits for the newly created position, as well as operating dollars to assist with travel and training, contract initiatives, food and provisions, and office build out. Transfer Amount Broken Down Salary and Benefits $137,418 Telephone $600 Training Rel Travel $5,000 Operational Travel $1,000 Misc Expense $12,000 Misc. Supplies (Furn, tech, etc.) $9,900 Food & Provisions $1,500

26-0064. Approval of Contract with Urban Ministries of Durham to Administer the Homeless Day Shelter and Services Center Pilot Program in the amount of $350,000

26-0065. Citizen Comments (30min)

26-0035. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.26CPA018 Appropriating $10,634,182.00 of Limited Obligation Bond Funding to Support the EMS Station #19 Co-Location Capital Project (4330DC003), as well as Approve Proposed Interlocal Agreement and Joint Use Agreement for the New Station 19 Co-located Public Safety Facility Located at 31 Davis Drive, Durham, NC

The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .26CPA018 appropriating $ 10,634,182.00 of Limited Obligation Bond funding to support the EMS Station # 19 Co-Location Capital Project (4330DC003), as well as approve the proposed Interlocal Agreement (ILA) and Joint Use Agreement (JUA) with the City of Durham for the New Station 19 Co-located Public Safety Facility located at 31 Davis Drive, Durham, NC, authorize the County Manager to execute the agreements. Project Name and Number Current Budget Increase / Decrease Updated Budget EMS Station #19 Co-Location Project (4330DC003) $200,734.00 $10,634,182.00 $10,834,916.00 TOTAL $200,734.00 $10,634,182.00 $10,834,916.00 The total County responsibility for the project is $ 10,834,182. That figure includes the Facility Design and Construction cost share for EMS of $ 10,149,916; as well as the provisioning of furniture, fixtures & equipment, IT, technology and other EMS-specific provisioning, and a contingency amount of 5% of the EMS portion of the facility cost ($685,000). There is also a Durham County Fire and Rescue Service (DCFR) District cost share of $ 1,494,647 that will be paid separately and is in accordance with the DCFR Consolidation ILA approved by the Board of Commissioners on June 25, 2018 (Item 18-0848 attached and linked for reference). This DCFR consolidation ILA stipulates that DCFR District is responsible for 8% of the Fire portion of the facility and is due upon completion of the Station. This payment will be handled in the future directly from the DCFR District to the City of Durham upon invoicing. Total Funding Request: 35.6 % EMS Facility Cost Share with City $10,149,916 County-Specific Facility Costs $ 685,000 (FF&E, Contingency) Total Durham County EMS Share $10,834,916 DCFR Cost Share (8%) $ 1,494,647 Total $12,329,563 Background In spring of 2016, the Board of County Commissioners requested that EMS work with the City of Durham Fire Department to explore the creation of co -located fire and EMS facilities to create cost efficiencies and provide more effective public safety services. The Station 17 co-located public safety facility - jointly developed between the County EMS Department and City of Durham Fire Department and located at 5503 Leesville Road - was the first joint facility developed. This station was approved by the Board on April 24, 2017. Subsequently, on June 25, 2018, the Board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Durham for the provision of consolidated fire, rescue and first responder services in the southern part of Durham County. The IGA included provisions for the joint development and cost share for two new co -located facilities to be built: Station 18, located at 6919 Herndon Road, which was approved by the Board on September 13, 2021 and completed in 2023, replacing DCFR Station 83 on Seaton Road, and Station 19, to be built at 31 Davis Drive, which is to replace DCFR Station 81 on Old Page Road and is the subject of this Agenda Item. The design concept for Station 19 is a modified version of the prototype design used in Station 18. The primary difference from the EMS perspective is additional space for EMS operations using a 2-story design, and the addition of a shared 48-seat multipurpose room and restrooms for group meetings. The attached ILA package includes the Station 19 ILA, design renderings (Exhibit A ), space allocation floor plans (Exhibit B ), the Joint Use Agreement (Exhibit C) and Cost Share Spreadsheet (Exhibit D). Total square footage for the facility is 29,928 square feet with 6,486 square feet dedicated for EMS usage and 15,148 square feet dedicated for City Fire usage. The facility will also provide 8,294 square feet of Shared Space to include a safe haven lobby, multipurpose room and associated areas, elevators and stairs, fitness room, Decon room and various mechanical, electrical and storage rooms. The Shared Space square footage is divided equally between Fire and EMS, bringing the cost allocation for the facility to 64.4% for the City, and 35.6% for the County, based on square footage usage. “Guaranteed Maximum Price” cost of design and construction of the facility is $23,305,588 excluding City and County specific costs, such as Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E), Technology and Security, etc.) with the County ’s share totaling $10,149,916 (35.6%). County-specific costs totaling $ 178,000 for the provisioning of furniture, fixtures & equipment, IT, technology and other EMS -specific provisioning, as well as a 5% contingency of the County cost share, will be paid for separately by the County bringing the total County facility cost to $ 10,834,916. County-specific costs are not to be included in the cost share, as the County will contract for all FF&E items independently. This ILA approval request is pending final approval by the County Attorney’s Office.

26-0060. Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce Update (30 minutes)

The Board is requested to receive an update from the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce on the services it offers in the community related to business, workforce and economic development.