On Monday, the Durham City Council unanimously approved a new $668 million budget, which includes a 3.85% property tax rate increase, an increase to 59.62 cents per $100 of property value.
The budget will cover both market-based adjustments and pay-for-performance salary raises for city employees, including police and fire department employees. The minimum livable wage for city employees will also increase to $19.58 per hour or $40,726 annually.
The budget includes $232.1 million for new and ongoing capital improvement projects. It also provides funding for community programs including the Guaranteed Income Program, Hayti Reborn Justice Movement, Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, Durham Expunction and Restoration Program, Durham County Low Income Homeowners Relief Program, a new Office of Survivor Care and a new Summer Camp Grant Fund.
GoDurham buses will also remain fare free for riders through June 2025, and the city will add three new full-time positions to the planning and transportation departments.
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