Highlights from Durham County Board of Commissioners

The board approved a budget with a 3.5 cent property tax increase and $13.15 million in new funding for Durham Public Schools, following passionate public appeals and concerns about federal funding cuts. Commissioners reflected on the difficult tradeoffs and urged community advocacy as local needs outpace available resources.

The board reviewed a proposed property tax increase, new education and public safety funding, and utility fee hikes as part of the county manager’s budget plan. A split vote approved a change to tree coverage rules in development agreements after a debate over affordable housing, environmental impacts, and city-county policy consistency.

The board urges residents to contact federal officials as Medicaid and Head Start funding face threats, discusses a major solar project advancing Durham’s renewable energy goals, and celebrates a record gift to the county library. Other highlights include disaster preparedness, playground repairs for local schools, and the growing importance of community support for libraries.

Highlights include opportunities for young women and health advocates along with proclamations focusing attention on support for reentry from incarceration, Arab American heritage, and child abuse prevention.