Durham City Council directed staff to explore how the city can afford raising all 201 part-time workers below the living wage threshold to $21.90 per hour, acknowledging an equity gap the city cannot ignore.
City Council directed staff to develop phased solutions for raising 201 part-time workers to the $21.90 living wage, with detailed data and proposals due by February budget retreat.
Property revaluation, not tax rate increase, will drive average residential tax bills up $386 annually, requiring council transparency with residents about the distinction.
Housing budget remains nearly zero despite being residents' top concern, while gun violence receives only $11,000 despite being a leading cause of death alongside traffic fatalities.