Durham BOCC Work Session May 21, 2026

The Durham Board of County Commissioners held a work session on May 21, 2026, focusing primarily on budget requests and updates from Durham Public Schools and the Justice Services Department, as well as a discussion on sewer utility fee increases. Durham Public Schools presented their budget needs, highlighting challenges related to state funding, teacher and classified staff salaries, and declining student enrollment. They discussed internal cost-cutting measures, staffing adjustments, and capital outlay requests totaling an increase of approximately $2.8 million for technology upgrades. The school system emphasized the priority of increasing classified staff wages and the complexities of state versus local funding. The Justice Services Department provided an overview of their programs supporting justice-involved individuals with substance use and mental health disorders, including a proposal to reinstate the Family Treatment Court with a two-year phased budget plan. Additionally, the county discussed a proposed 8-10% increase in sewer utility fees to support aging infrastructure, capital improvements, and operational costs amid inflation and regulatory pressures. Commissioners were encouraged to submit topics for upcoming budget work sessions, and minor budget ordinance changes were previewed. No formal votes were recorded during this session.