The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a $1.04 billion budget Monday that will boost school funding and raise property taxes.
The county will hike property taxes by 3.5 cents, to 55.42 cents per $100 of property value — or roughly $1108 for a $200,000 home. While the tax increase, which comes on the heels of a property revaluation, puts pressure on residents, county leaders emphasized the need to sustain key services amid federal cuts.
“We face uncertainty in the year ahead, but what I am certain about is that the Durham County budget will put us in a strong position to weather the storms that may come our way,” said Commissioner Wendy Jacobs.
“Uncertainty” was the key word echoed by all members of the board due to looming economic challenges. Members cited rising inflation, the expiration of Covid-era relief funds (ARPA), and threats to Medicaid and other federally funded social services. Sales tax revenue also declined by almost a percentage point in the past year, costing the county $1.22 million.
“I think tonight’s budget represents a reset from an environment where there was an abundance of federal funds…to one that reflects the current political and economic environment of uncertainty that we face, one that is ever-changing…minute by minute in our country,” said Commissioner Stephen J. Valentine.
County employees will receive 3-4% merit raises under the new budget. The county will also expand emergency and health services, including a $6.3 million increase in county health insurance coverage, 12 new EMS positions, five in the sheriff’s office, and 8.5 in the youth home.
No issue drew more attention than funding for Durham Public Schools. The budget expands the schools’ funding by $15.9 million over last year, exceeding the county manager’s recommended $10.4 million increase for a total of $224.5 million. Included in that amount, the county designated $3 million to offset expiring federal ARPA funds.
The vote came after appeals from union members in red Durham Association of Educators T-shirts to increase school system funding.
Exceptional children special programs teacher Christy Patterson said the ongoing bus driver shortage results in children missing school and losing class time.
“We are not operating under the federal law,” Patterson declared, referring to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which guarantees children with disabilities “free and appropriate” access to education. “Am I providing appropriate education when we don’t have enough bus drivers to properly get my students to class?” she asked.
Durham Association of Educators President Mika Twietmeyer cautioned that there would be further cuts to vital school system staff, even with full funding to the system.
Other speakers emphasized the need to make sacrifices to prepare for future recession and dwindling federal support.
“We can’t get everything we want,” said retired Wake County teacher and Durham resident Kathleen Osinski. “I can’t take long vacations. I started camping. This is not the time for risky and discretionary funding due to budget constraints.”
Board members acknowledged the limitations of what the county alone can do and called for broader advocacy to address the challenges ahead.
“When the federal government steps back, the local governments are expected to step in, and often without the resources to do it. So that’s the reality we’re bracing for,” said board chair Nida Allam.
Above: Durham County commissioners listen to a budget presentation at a meeting last month. Photo courtesy of Durham County.
