Durham BOCC Work Session May 19, 2026

The Durham Board of County Commissioners held a work session on May 19, 2026, focusing primarily on the county's budget overview and related fiscal challenges. The session highlighted a significant revenue shortfall of approximately $7.7 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, driven by reduced property tax growth and sales tax revenues, necessitating careful expenditure management. Key budget priorities include maintaining fiscal stability, supporting employees, limiting property tax growth, addressing public safety needs—particularly EMS staffing and resources—and funding planned capital projects. The budget proposes a modest 1.5% increase in the general fund, with a $10.9 million increase for Durham Public Schools and additional funding for EMS, including 10 new positions and new ambulances. The meeting also covered the county's capital financing plan, debt service obligations, and the flow of funds supporting various projects. Additionally, the commissioners received updates on organizational effectiveness and performance measurement improvements, transportation funding and transit service adjustments involving Go Triangle, risk management activities including insurance portfolio optimization and claims trends, and emergency services challenges, especially EMS staffing shortages and response times. The EMS discussion emphasized the need for new ambulances, hiring efforts, compensation competitiveness, and exploring tiered response models to improve service. Commissioners expressed interest in integrating EMS and public safety data into development and rezoning decisions to better align infrastructure with growth. Several motions and budget allocations related to EMS staffing, capital projects, and transit funding were discussed with upcoming votes planned. Overall, the session underscored the county's efforts to balance constrained revenues with growing service demands and infrastructure needs.