Durham County Finalizes Budget, Funds Bus Rapid Transit Plan

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. 17mins

Budget Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Education Taxes Transportation & Mobility
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Original Meeting

Monday, June 9th, 2025
8351.0
Full Meeting on YouTube
Video Notes

Here is a recording of the Durham Board of County Commissioners Regular Session from Monday, June 9th, 2025. View an agenda at https://bit.ly/BOCCdco.

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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Chair Allam announced details for Durham Refugee Day and encouraged community participation to celebrate local diversity.
  • Commissioner Jacobs raised a question about a new item on the consent agenda without requesting its removal.
  • Commissioner Jacobs expressed enthusiasm for the Durham Bus Rapid Transit vision plan contract and asked how the study would incorporate and expand upon previously identified BRT routes.
  • The board approved the consent agenda following a brief discussion and vote.
  • DPS teacher Sonja Thalheimer urged the board to fully fund the requested school budget to preserve master's pay for educators and support staff, sharing personal and colleague experiences with the impact of this compensation.
  • Mika Twietmeyer, president of the Durham Association of Educators, urged the board to fully fund the school budget request to prevent further staffing and resource cuts.
  • Christy Patterson of the Durham Association of Educators urged the board to fully fund the school budget, emphasizing the impact of staffing shortages on students with disabilities and compliance with federal education law.
  • DPS bus driver Tammy Williams urged the board to fully fund the Durham Public Schools budget request, citing transportation staff shortages, increased workloads, and the need for better pay and support for drivers and monitors.
  • Herman Sperling urged the board to support the county manager's proposed budget, citing economic uncertainty and the need to limit discretionary spending while questioning the stability of federal funding for Durham Public Schools.
  • The board unanimously approved the adoption of the FY25-26 budget ordinance following a motion and brief discussion.
  • Commissioner Burton explained their support for the budget, highlighting increased funding for Durham Public Schools, property tax changes, and the challenges posed by rising property values and reduced federal funding.
  • Commissioner Jacobs reflected on the difficulty of voting on the budget due to significant community needs and current fiscal constraints.
  • Commissioner Jacobs explained support for the budget, citing difficult decisions made by partners, declining revenues, rising costs, and reduced state and federal support.
  • Commissioner Jacobs explained that the adopted budget maintained a 3.5 cent tax rate increase above the revenue neutral rate and emphasized the board's efforts to limit further tax increases due to concerns for low and fixed income residents.
  • Commissioner Jacobs highlighted that the budget increased Durham Public Schools funding by $13.15 million to address continuation needs and provide salary supplements for educators, exceptional children, and bus drivers.
  • Chair Allam described the impact of federal funding cuts on local services and urged residents to advocate for support from county commissioners and legislators in all communities.
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Durham City Council
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