Agenda
25-0075. Proclamation - John Hope and Aurelia Whittington Franklin Orchid Appreciation Day (10min)
The Board is requested to proclaim March 29, 2025, as John Hope and Aurelia Whittington Franklin Orchid Appreciation Day in Durham, N.C. Dr. John Hope Franklin and Aurelia Whittington Franklin have empowered North Carolinians and people across the United States of America and the world to fight for racial equality, pursue educational opportunities and to “place a mirror” on American life and injustice wherever it stands. The proclamation will be presented to the family at the African American Legacy in Gardening & Horticulture Symposium.
25-0076. Proclamation - Pearl Fryar Gardening Appreciation Day (10min)
The Board is requested to proclaim March 29, 2025, as the Pearl Fryar Gardening Appreciation Day. The proclamation will be presented at the African American Legacy in Gardening & Horticulture Symposium.
25-0148. Proclamation - National County Government Month 2025 (5min)
The Board is requested to proclaim April 2025 as National County Government Month in Durham. NCGM is held each April as an annual celebration of counties . Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Durham County looks forward to showcasing how our county supports a healthy, safe, and vibrant community.
25-0149. Resolution - Celebrating Women in Construction (10min)
The Board is requested to approve the resolution Celebrating Women in Construction in Durham County.
25-0070. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC084 Appropriating $125,000 in General Fund Committed Fund Balance to Increase Inmate Welfare Expenditure Authority for the Sheriff’s Office
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC084 appropriating $ 125,000 in General Fund committed fund balance to increase Inmate Welfare expenditure authority for the Sheriff’s Office. These funds will be used to purchase the following items for those housed inside the Detention Center: mattresses, cell bags, boots, thermal blankets, sheets, smocks and other consumables. These items, along with others, such as kitchen appliances and equipment, are allowable uses for this fund.
25-0107. Approval of Capital Project Amendment No.25CPA034 And Budget Ordinance Amendment No.25BCC078 Appropriating $5,389,000 of Debt Service Fund Fund Balance to the PAYGO Fund to Support Three New County IT Hardware & Software Capital Projects: 25 IT Hardware Replacement (4200DC144), 25 Audio-Visual Technologies (4200DC145); and 25 Telecommunications (4200DC146)
The Board is requested to approve Capital Project Amendment No .25CPA034 and Budget Ordinance Amendment No .25BCC078 appropriating $ 5,389,000 of Debt Service Fund Fund Balance to the PAYGO Fund to support three new County IT-related Capital Projects: 25 IT Hardware Replacement (4200DC144), 25 Audio-Visual Technologies (4200DC145), and 25 Telecommunications (4200DC146). The projects will replace and maintain key components of Durham County technology infrastructure, upgrade and extend Hardware lifecycle and improve long term functionality of existing equipment and systems. Project Current Budget Increase/ Decrease Revised Budget 25 IT Hardware Replacement (4200DC144) $0.00 $3,852,000.00 $3,852,000.00 25 Audio-Visual Technologies (4200DC145) $0.00 $1,323,000.00 $1,323,000.00 25 Telecommunications (4200DC146) $0.00 $214,000.00 $214,000.00 TOTAL $0.00 $5,389,000.00 $5,389,000.00 Durham County's infrastructure has grown to encompass over $ 15 million in assets, including servers, systems, appliances, switches, routers, data backup solutions, and other hardware. This also covers more than 2,000 client systems, telecommunications networks, telephones, audio -visual equipment, mobile devices, scanners, printers, and testing tools. The inventory, along with legacy equipment, is continuously updated as new projects introduce additional devices or outdated equipment reaches the end of its lifecycle. This technological expansion aligns with the development of new county buildings, site expansions, and the increasing demand for audio -visual and other technologies essential for supporting departmental operations and growth. To ensure operational efficiency and reduce repair costs, technology is managed through a structured process that enables DCO to oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and replacement of equipment, optimizing functionality and productivity based on its role and business requirements. The DCO Technology Life Cycle Replacement (LCR) strategy considers key factors such as growth projections and security risks to maintain a resilient and adaptable technology infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of County departments while mitigating technology -related security threats. DCO follows a standardized replacement cycle: · Desktops and laptops: every four years · Servers, storage, and appliances: every four to seven years · Network and telecommunications equipment (including core and edge network switches): every four to seven years · Audio-visual systems and displays: every four to seven years This structured approach ensures Durham County's technology remains efficient, enhances employee productivity, and reduces costs associated with repairs and operational disruptions caused by outdated or underperforming equipment . Additionally, it ensures that technology assets remain adaptable to emerging business and operational requirements.
25-0113. Approval of Thirumala Restaurant Lease Amendment to Extend Rent Commencement to August 1, 2025
The Board is requested to approve the amendment to the lease between Durham County and Thirumala Hospitality Durham, LLC extending the Rent Commencement date to August 1, 2025. The Tenant opened the restaurant for business in October 2024. Thirumala Hospitality Durham, LLC entered into a lease agreement for the restaurant suite # 140 in the County ’s Administrative Building II on September 30, 2021. They opened for business in October 2024. Due to issues with the smoke detection system approved and installed in the kitchen, Anjappar experienced a number of false fire alarms during their first weeks of operations. It was ultimately determined that the smoke detection system needed to be removed and replaced with a heat detection system. Change orders like this are not at all unusual in construction projects. The Tenant has absorbed the costly removal and replacement of the smoke detectors and has asked that the rent commencement date be extended by 3 months. This is not a forgiveness of rent, but rather a delay in beginning of the full 120 month rent period commencement. The financial consequence of the fire alarm system change is not something Durham County as the Landlord is responsible for in this case. That said, we do recommend delaying this final rent commencement date to August 1, 2025. We certainly want to make sure the restaurant is off to a great start and enjoys a long and successful tenure in Admin II.
25-0120. Enter into Contract with Flooring by Design for $88,674.95 for the Replacement of Carpets at Agriculture Building
The Board is requested to approve a contract with Flooring by Design, in the amount of $ 88,674.95 to demolish old carpets, baseboards and install new carpets and baseboards at Agriculture Building. The installation contractor will provide a one -year installation warranty, and all applicable manufacturers warranties.
25-0121. Approval to Enter into a Contract with Siemen’s Industry for the Purpose of Upgrading the Fire Alarm System Initiating Devices Throughout the Durham County Detention Center, in the Amount of $394,346.60. The County Manager also recommends the Board to allow 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.
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to enter into a contract with Siemen’s Industry for the purpose of upgrading the fire alarm system initiating devices throughout the Durham County Detention Center, in the amount of $ 394,346.60. The County Manager also recommends the Board to allow 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.
25-0122. Adoption of a Resolution to Convey Controlled Access Right-of-Way and Utility Easements to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
The Board is requested to adopt a Resolution to convey easements for County-owned property required by the project at US 15-501 (Durham Chapel Hill Blvd) and SR 116 (Garrett Road ), converting the at -grade intersection to an interchange. The easements would be conveyed to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NC DOT). The Board approved the Easement conveyances on September 9, 2024 (24-0546), and the Resolution is an additional step necessary to NC DOT processes. · Parcel 001- REID 140103 located at 4716 Durham -Chapel Hill Blvd . NCDOT to acquire a Permanent Utility Easement on this .92 acre parcel . Compensation to DCO will be $1,325. · Parcel 025- REID 140118 located at 4715 Durham -Chapel Hill Blvd. No land or easements to be acquired by NCDOT. The purpose of this easement is for Control of Access only. Compensation $0. · Parcel 026- REID 140106 located at 4702 Durham -Chapel Hill Blvd . NCDOT to acquire a Permanent Utility Easement and a drainage utility easement. Compensation to DCO will be $1,000. Attachment: Resolution. Prior Certification of approval of easements.
25-0125. Approval of Contract Renewal with Evans and Associates Consulting Group for Tax Administration Business Auditing Services in the amount of $70,000.00
The Board is requested to approve the contract renewal with Evans and Associates Consulting Group in the amount of $70,000.00 for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Evans and Associates Consulting Group is an audit firm that provides business personal property audit services to the County. Durham County employs several audit firms to examine submitted Business Personal Property listing forms to ensure proper reporting. The audits make taxation fair and equitable among businesses.
25-0126. Approval to Enter into a Contract with Point Security, Inc. in the Amount of $144,639.78 to Provide Security Equipment to Four (4) Durham County Locations (Admin I., Admin II, Main Library and Stanford Warren)
The Board is requested to approve and authorize the County Manager to execute a purchase of goods and services contract with Point Security, Inc. in the amount of $144,639.78 utilizing General Service funding. The contract will allow for the installation, training, and service of Weapons Detection Devices. Over the past few months, Durham County has seen an increase in activities that has driven the need to have additional security measures in place. As such to help mitigate these activities installing security equipment is necessary for the safety of Durham County staff, visitors and the community.
25-0127. Approval to Enter into a Contract with Intellicom Inc. in the Amount of $361,072.06 to Install, Highspeed Roll Up Gates for the 7th Floor of the Queen Street Deck for DCO Motor Pool Operation.
The Board is requested to approve and authorize the County Manager to execute a purchase of goods contract with Intellicom, Inc. in the amount of $ 361,072.06. utilizing General Service funding. The contract will allow for the installation of high-speed roll -up gates for the 7th Floor of Queen Street Deck. This project will completely secure the top level of the Queen Street deck for the County Motor Pool Fleet and include secure fencing, access control gate arms and high -speed roll up doors. Access Control System will integrate into the County existing Lenel S 2 System.
25-0128. Approval of Contract Renewal with County Tax Services, Inc. for Tax Administration Business Auditing Services in the amount of $70,000.00
The Board is requested to approve the contract renewal with County Tax Services, Inc. in the amount of $70,000.00 for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. County Tax Services, Inc. is an audit firm that provides business personal property audit services to the County. Durham County employs several audit firms to examine submitted Business Personal Property listing forms to ensure proper reporting. The audits make taxation fair and equitable among businesses.
25-0129. Approval of Contract Renewal with Turner Business Appraisers for Tax Administration Business Audits in the amount of $70,000.00
The Board is requested to approve the contract renewal with Turner Business Appraisers in the amount of $70,000.00 for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Turner Business Appraisers is an audit firm that provides business personal property audit services to the County. Durham County employs several audit firms to examine submitted Business Personal Property listing forms to ensure proper reporting. The audits make taxation fair and equitable among businesses.
25-0130. Approval of Farragut Systems, Inc Contract Amendment with Tax Administration in the Amount of $259,000 Bringing the Total Contract to $1,868,000.
The Board is requested to approve an amendment to the current contract with Farragut Systems, Inc. The contract was previously approved in the amount of $1,609,000.00 and set to automatically renew annually through 2027. The contract will need to be increased to $ 1,868,000 for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to cover maintenance and support fees totaling $259,000.00. Farragut Systems, Inc. has partnered with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners to make the North Carolina Property Tax System (NCPTS) available to accomplish greater consistency in appraisals and a higher collection rate. Through this partnership the following solution modules have been made available; the Durham County Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) to automate, simplify and standardize appraisals; incorporate advanced appeal capabilities, simplify jurisdiction management, and improve collections results.
25-0135. Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC082 - Appropriate General Fund Restricted Fund Balance Totaling $2,738,852.68 to Increase Expenditure Authority for Library, Justice Services, Register of Deeds, Social Services, Public Health, Office of Emergency Services, Open Space, and Tax Administration
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC082 appropriating $ 2,738,852.68 of General Fund restricted fund balance to increase expenditure authority for Library, Justice Services, Register of Deeds, Social Services, Public Health, Office of Emergency Services, Open Space, and Tax Administration. This revenue is unspent monies that were received prior to June 30, 2024, for specific restricted purposes and became restricted fund balance at the end of FY 2023-24. This budget amendment is an annual process in which County departments identify remaining (unspent) restricted revenue (e.g., grant, federal /state award, donations, etc.). Because they are restricted in General Fund fund balance, there is no impact on unassigned fund balance. This is a budgetary entry only for FY 2024-25 to allow the spending of the restricted monies for the purposes of which they were received rather than spending County funds which is in accordance with the County ’s spending hierarchy (e.g., restricted funding before unrestricted funding). Below is a list of programs with restricted fund balance as of FY 2023-24 to be allocated in FY 2024-25: Allocation of Restricted Funds Amount Library - State Aid ARPA $202,417.00 JSD - LRC and ABC Grants $269,142.00 ROD - ROD Automation $355,575.00 DSS - Adoption Promotion, Child Support, HOPWA $1,507,249.00 PH - Duke Health, NALBOH, PCORI, Back on the Bull, Gayle Harris Honorarium, Ann Wolfe Mini-Grant, GSK, Men's Health Council, Duke Endowment Grant, Delta Dental Foundation $202,796.68 OES - Duke Energy, EMPG $80,164.00 Open Space - Subdivision Dedication Fee $65,374.00 Tax - Tax Technology $56,135.00 TOTAL: $2,738,852.68
25-0141. Approval to Enter into a Contract with Securitas Technology Corporation in the Amount of $168,118.86 with a Contingency Amount of $21,014.86 (the contingency amount is to offset any foreseeable cost(s) associated with the software due to pending tariff cost(s)) to Renew and Install Software Licenses on all County Video Management Servers, Access Control Systems, Badging Servers and Intrusion Systems
The Board is requested to approve and authorize the County Manager to execute a purchase of goods contract with Securitas Technology Corporation in the amount of $168,118.86 with a contingency amount of $ 21,014.86 utilizing General Service funding. The contract will allow for the renewal and installation of software licenses for 32-Video Management Servers and the Lenel S 2 Netbox Access Control Enterprise Server which includes license renewal for 14- DMP Intrusion Panels, Badging servers and 6- Magic Monitor Pro Licenses. Over the past year the County has been upgrading their security software and licenses that will integrate with the new security systems that have been put in place.
25-0151. Approval of Property Tax Releases and Refunds for February 2025
The Board is requested to approve the Releases & Refunds for February 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 February 2025. This month ’s report includes releases and refunds for tax year 2024 totaling $ 692,247.99. Prior tax years’ (2015-2023) releases and refunds are in the amount of $ 71,578.72. February 2025, releases and refunds total $ 763,826.71.
25-0147. Closed Session
The Board is requested to adjourn to Closed Session for the following: · To establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating (i) the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease; or (ii) the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract; pursuant to G .S. 143-318.11(a)(5).
25-0159. Board and Commission Appointments (10min)
25-0164. Approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC085 appropriating General Fund Balance Totaling $1,043,587 to Increase Expenditure Authority for Functional Areas: General Government, Economic & Physical Development, and Human Services.
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC085 appropriating $ 1,043,587 of General Fund balance to increase expenditure authority for the following functional areas and amounts. Functional Area Department Amount General Government IS&T $284,087 Economic & Physical Development Cooperative Extension $472,000 Human Services Human Services, Grants $287,500 These funds were unspent in FY 2023-24 and require reauthorization in the current fiscal year. The technical amendment will support initiatives approved by the Board in FY 2023-24. For broadband expansion, 4-H Youth Programming and Human Services grants.