Durham County Commissioners approved a 4.5-cent property tax increase to deliver $26.5 million in additional funding to Durham Public Schools, exceeding the county manager's recommendation. The decision proved divisive, with Commissioner Burns stating the budget makes her "sad" due to concerns about tax burden on residents and whether increased spending will improve student outcomes. Commissioner Howton raised alarm about long-term sustainability, noting that $6 million in one-time federal ARPA funding will create a budget hole in 2025-26. Commissioners also withheld $1.39 million requested by the school district for hard-to-fill teacher positions but committed to exploring cost-cutting measures and restructuring with DPS to potentially fund those positions later.
Beyond schools, the board allocated $11,000 in reallocated funding to the Community Intervention and Support Services' Project Build gang intervention program, which works with at-risk youth ages 14-21. Crystal Harris, CISS director, announced plans to expand the program to serve younger children starting in fiscal year 2025-26, as gang involvement is occurring at younger ages. Commissioner Jacobs expressed concern that the program lacks adequate resources overall. The board also approved a $1 million contingency to offset potential employee health insurance cost increases from benefits plan changes, with Commissioner Alston specifically requesting assurance that retirees would be included in support.
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