Durham County Commissioners Address Property Tax Concerns

In this issue:

• Durham Faces Tough Choices on Free Buses

• Duke Undergrad Costs Surge Past $90K

• Durham Schools Face Major Federal Funding Cuts

• NC Faces Loss of 20+ Federal Facilities

• Durham County Commissioners Address Property Tax Concerns

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

Durham Faces Tough Choices on Free Buses

Durham City Council aims to maintain fare-free buses despite rising costs and expiring pandemic-era federal funding. Officials must now balance keeping transit accessible against potential tax increases to cover growing expenses.

• Federal funds drying up: Pandemic-era funds are ending, posing budget challenges for free public transit.

• Returning fares could raise $2.4M: But collection expenses and safety risks for drivers offset potential revenue gains.

• Property taxes might increase: Officials say maintaining free buses could require raising local taxes slightly.

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Duke Undergrad Costs Surge Past $90K

Duke University raised undergraduate costs to over $90,000 for 2025-26, marking a nearly 6% increase. The decision sparked frustration among students concerned about affordability and socioeconomic diversity.

• Tuition jump reaches new milestone: The total yearly cost now exceeds $90,000, one of the highest nationally.

• Students worry about affordability: Middle-income families ineligible for financial aid face increased financial pressure.

• Funding cuts may impact research: With federal grant cuts looming, students urge Duke to prioritize maintaining research funding and campus services.

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Durham Schools Face Major Federal Funding Cuts

The Durham school system, already managing a $7 million budget shortfall, could see significant federal funding reductions next year. Officials are closely monitoring the impact of proposed national cuts on local education programs.

• $7 million shortfall may worsen: Durham Public Schools (DPS) spends $5-6 million monthly from federal funds, including free student meals.

• Reduced funding for teacher programs: Proposed cuts include $600 million nationwide, affecting teacher training and development.

• Impact on local educators: Funding reductions could limit professional development resources for Durham teachers.

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NC May See Closure of 20+ Federal Facilities

Over 20 federal offices in North Carolina, including Social Security, IRS, and disaster relief facilities, are facing closure due to cuts by the DOGE agency. The closures could impact essential services, raising concerns among residents about access to federal programs.

• Statewide impact: Offices in Greensboro, Raleigh, and other cities face lease terminations or property sales.

• Disaster relief concerns: Emergency response capabilities and public services may be affected.

• Policy debate: Some question DOGE’s authority and the projected cost savings from these closures.

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Durham County Commissioners Address Property Tax Concerns

The Durham County Board of Commissioners met on March 10, 2025, to address residents' concerns over significant property tax increases, recognize community contributions, and discuss federal policy impacts.

• Property Tax Concerns: Several residents expressed distress over dramatic increases in their property tax valuations—some by over 150%—attributed to annexations and growth pressures, particularly in Southeast Durham, prompting commitments from officials to assist with appeals and relief programs.

• Federal Funding Impact: Commissioners discussed insights from the National Association of Counties conference, highlighting potential risks from proposed federal budget cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP, underscoring the need for local advocacy.​

• Approval of General Obligation Bonds: The Board approved bond funding for the new Durham School of the Arts project, emphasizing the importance of monitoring costs amid current economic conditions.​

• ARPA Funding Concerns: A resident raised concerns about transparency and distribution of the County’s $62 million federal ARPA allocation, noted a lack of clear public information (including addresses and phone numbers) about recipient organizations.

• Community Engagement & Transparency: The Board reviewed the 2024 Resident Satisfaction Survey results, noting that while residents rated the quality of life positively, concerns remained regarding public schools, police protection, and street maintenance, indicating areas for future focus.​

Watch the Full Discussion >>

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