Civic

Board of Commissioners

Durham County Commissioners approved a 4.5-cent property tax increase to fund an additional $26.5 million for Durham Public Schools, a contested decision Commissioner Burns called "sad" over concerns about residents' tax burden and spending effectiveness.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County commissioners face demands from Durham Public Schools for a $27.7 million budget increase that could require the largest property tax increase in county history—up to 4.9 cents per $100 of valuation.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County Commissioners offered Durham Technical Community College only $200,000 of its requested $504,000 in additional funding, leaving a significant gap for the relocated campus.

Board of Commissioners

Nearly 60 residents demanded the Board of Commissioners fully fund Durham Public Schools' $27.4 million budget request, citing staffing crises including three EC teachers departing Riverside High and only three teachers serving 233 ESL students at Northern High.

Board of Commissioners

County Manager Keith Stiffel recommended raising Durham County's property tax rate by 3.25 cents per $100 of valuation to close a budget shortfall driven by collapsed sales tax revenue and reduced Medicaid reimbursements.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County commissioners recommended a 3.25-cent property tax increase to close a $17 million revenue gap caused by weak sales tax growth and lost Medicaid funding.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County commissioners approved $1.875 million for sewer infrastructure while grappling over how to allocate $4.5 million in remaining federal COVID relief funds toward violence prevention and other urgent community needs.

Board of Commissioners

Lede available after transcription.

Board of Commissioners

Lede available after transcription.

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Durham County committed $22.5 million in opioid settlement funds to expand harm reduction and treatment services, nearly double last year's projection.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County Commissioners approved $259,824 in emergency spending for Microsoft licenses the Sheriff's Office needs by March 31, frustrating one commissioner over recurring IT costs repeatedly requiring last-minute budget fixes.

Board of Commissioners

Lede available after transcription.

Board of Commissioners

Lede available after transcription.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County commissioners approved $910,895 for a watershed improvement plan despite resident skepticism that the effort will succeed where previous similar initiatives have failed.

Board of Commissioners

Lede available after transcription.

Board of Commissioners

The board approved $540,000 in sheriff spending despite commissioners' objections to police surveillance technology over community investment programs.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County commissioners approved nearly $400,000 in emergency spending for jail and youth home services as school employees pleaded for intervention in a salary crisis affecting over 1,300 workers.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County Commissioners unanimously approved an $87 million bond package for infrastructure projects including elections office renovations, a pump station, school safety improvements, and downtown parking.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County Commissioners approved $109.2 million in bond funding for Durham Technical Community College's new science and health facilities.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County Commissioners approved a $27 million affordable housing partnership with the City of Durham targeting 600 new affordable units, though Commissioner Jacobs questioned protections after affordability agreements expire.

Board of Commissioners

Lede available after transcription.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County commissioners approved a controversial development amendment 3-1 that simplifies building codes but lacks affordable housing protections, drawing accusations it will accelerate gentrification.

Board of Commissioners

The board approved a $50,000 joint investment with Durham to develop a crisis communications plan addressing emergencies including gun violence and school lockdowns.

Board of Commissioners

Durham County commissioners unanimously approved a $2.1 million purchase of 129 acres to establish a farm campus focused on urban sustainable agriculture and food production.