Durham County commissioners held a third budget work session covering schools, public health, opioid settlement funds, ABC board finances, and social services.
Superintendent Anthony Lewis outlined 13 immediate priorities from community listening sessions, including rebuilding trust, fixing transportation, and improving school safety, as commissioners questioned pre-K access and facility carrying costs.
Durham County Public Health sought a 9.36% budget increase for FY2025-26, with Wellpath's jail health contract alone totaling $5.2 million. Commissioners pressed staff on Medicaid access for detainees under new state legislation.
Inaugural opioid settlement program manager Jason Smith presented Durham County's 18-year, $20.9 million settlement payment schedule and current evidence-based spending strategies. Commissioners raised concerns about gaps at the Recovery Response Center and Lakewood Clinic.
ABC General Manager Lou Sordell presented a budget projecting $63.4 million in sales, with $2.18 million slated for distribution to Durham County and $525,000 for nonprofits addressing alcohol and drug abuse.
DSS Director presented ongoing organizational reforms including reduced temp-staff reliance, new case management systems, and consulting partnerships aimed at improving child welfare and Medicaid operations ahead of the FY26 budget cycle.