[1:29:35] Good evening.

[1:29:41] The Board of Commissioners, we started our meeting earlier today and we went immediately into a closed session.

[1:29:49] Guidance was given to staff, no action was taken, and now we will come back into open session.

[1:29:59] So this is our regular...

[1:30:00] The regular part of our regular meeting for April 13th, 2026. Thank you all for being here.

[1:30:08] We're excited about the full house. We don't get this very often, with all the smiles and all the celebrations that we get.

[1:30:16] Usually when there's a lot of people, there's other stuff happening.

[1:30:22] All right, so I'm going to read the public charge and we're going to get started with the meeting.

[1:30:26] The Board of Commissioners asked his members and residents to conduct themselves in a respectful

[1:30:32] courteous manner, both with the Board and fellow residents.

[1:30:37] At any time, should any member of the Board or any resident fail to observe this public

[1:30:43] charge, the chair will ask the offending person to leave the meeting until that individual

[1:30:49] regains personal control?

[1:30:52] Should the corn fell to be restored, the chair will recess the meeting until such a time,

[1:30:58] as till such time, that a genuine commitment to the public charge is observed?

[1:31:06] Commissioner Burton, would you read the landing knowledge map, please?

[1:31:10] Yes, thank you, Chair Lee, land acknowledgement.

[1:31:13] As we convene for the Durham County Commissioners meeting, it's crucial to recognize

[1:31:18] the painful truth of history.

[1:31:19] We stand on the stolen ancestral lands of the Kataba, you know, Ogunichi, Chikori, and

[1:31:26] Tuscaroar peoples whose deep connection to this land predates our arrival.

[1:31:32] We acknowledge with humility the unjust displacement and violence that occurred leading

[1:31:37] to the dispossession of indigenous peoples from their home lands.

[1:31:42] Their resilience and the face of such adversity is a testament to their strength and spirit.

[1:31:48] May we humbly honor the ancestors and elders of these nations both

[1:31:54] past and present by committing ourselves to the fostering,

[1:31:58] understanding, healing, and justice for all who inhabit this land.

[1:32:03] Let us walk forward together with open hearts,

[1:32:06] acknowledging the past and embracing a future guided by the compassion,

[1:32:10] respect, and unity.

[1:32:13] Thank you, Commissioner Burton.

[1:32:15] Next item on our agenda is the pledge to Mr. Valentine, would you lead us in the pledge of allegiance?

[1:32:22] Chair, yes.

[1:32:46] Thank you.

[1:32:50] The next item on our agenda is agenda adjustments.

[1:32:55] Are there any adjustments to our agenda as presented?

[1:32:59] Here and now and I'll set the motion to approve the agenda as presented.

[1:33:03] So moved.

[1:33:04] Second.

[1:33:04] It's been moving probably second that we approve the agenda as President, all in favor

[1:33:10] of that.

[1:33:10] Hi.

[1:33:11] All the polls please use the same sign.

[1:33:13] Passes unanimously.

[1:33:15] Next time on our agenda, the announcements.

[1:33:19] Clerk Wallace.

[1:33:20] Good evening, everyone.

[1:33:21] I will read the announcements published in tonight's agenda.

[1:33:24] The Redwood Convenience Site at 100 electere road closed on April 1st for a year-long

[1:33:29] Renovation Project during the closure residents in uncorporated Durham County are encouraged to visit one of the counties to other convenient sites. Park with convenient site at 5928 Highway 55 and Northern convenience site at 1-1-8-9-4 North Rocksboro Street there. I'm sorry Rocksboro Road additional information you can visit the county website.

[1:33:53] A countywide burn band went into effect in Durham County on March 23rd, due to ongoing

[1:34:00] dry conditions and increased fire danger, the band issued by the Durham County Office

[1:34:05] of Emergency Services, Fire Marshal Division, Remnant remains in effect and so further notice,

[1:34:11] the NC4 services also issued a band on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits

[1:34:18] statewide effective March 28.

[1:34:20] Durham County has the authority to issue the ban within 100 feet of a structure while the

[1:34:27] NC4 service can issue a ban from 100 feet outward. The two bands combine prohibit open

[1:34:34] and recreational burning anywhere in the county. Durham County's energy burden and emissions

[1:34:41] reduction program helps income qualified households, lower energy costs through free home,

[1:34:48] energy upgrades and repairs. Serving specifically, select the neighborhoods in Durham, you

[1:34:54] can visit their website to see if your home is within the neighborhood boundary.

[1:34:59] Are you a non-profit?

[1:35:00] Working to improve food access and strength and food security in Durham County. This is your chance to go your impact. Durham County is now accepting applications for the 2026 food security grant offering funding opportunities for community food security projects.

[1:35:16] Non-profit organizations can apply for 20,000 to 50,000 to support projects that improve food access and strengthen community food security.

[1:35:27] The deadline is Friday, April 17th, and there is a link on our side.

[1:35:33] Residents seeking assistance from Durham County Veterans Services from Wednesday,

[1:35:38] April 22nd through Friday, April 24th should note that limited services will be available

[1:35:43] as staff attend an annual accreditation training. The department will resume normal

[1:35:49] hours on Monday, April 27th. During this period, appointments with the Veterans Service Office

[1:35:56] Officer will not be available however customers can still reach veteran services by calling 919-5608387 or you can email veteran services at DCO-NC.gov.

[1:36:11] And lastly, the City of Durham, Durham County and Durham Public Schools are offering an extensive list of summer programs and internships ranging from Durham Fire and Police Department camps.

[1:36:23] kids voting Durham internships and DPS summer learning opportunities. You can email

[1:36:28] O-O-Y at Durham-N-C.gov or you can visit Durham-N-C.gov for additional

[1:36:35] information and that concludes the announcement tonight's agenda. Thank you

[1:36:39] Claire Wallace. Are there any other announcements? I Commissioner Jacobs.

[1:36:47] I just

[1:36:48] want to share with our board and our staff and also the community that I have been asked

[1:36:57] to participate on behalf of NACO, National Association of County Officials and in partnership

[1:37:05] with the Council of State Government's Justice Center to participate in a national advisory

[1:37:15] group with Arnold Ventures, which is one of our leading philanthropies that is focused on addressing

[1:37:24] the injustices of our criminal justice system in our country. And I've been asked to participate

[1:37:31] in a two-year project aimed at improving local justice outcomes for individuals with behavioral

[1:37:39] health needs. So I am very excited to participate in this process that will be creating

[1:37:47] a framework to help county leaders identify post booking opportunities to better align

[1:37:55] investments, improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs and also strengthen

[1:38:01] public safety. And after the two year period counties will be chosen to participate

[1:38:09] and have the opportunity to actually implement this framework.

[1:38:13] And I hope that that will mean that Durham County will hopefully be in a position to take advantage of this project.

[1:38:23] So I just want to share with the board that next month I will be meeting with this national advisory group on behalf of our board and Durham County.

[1:38:31] Congratulations on that. You will represent Durham very well. Any other announcements?

[1:38:40] Okay, here and none. The next item on our agenda is approval.

[1:38:43] The are minutes from the March 2nd, 2026 Work Session, March 9th, 2026 Regular Session

[1:38:51] and March 23rd, 2026 Regular Session.

[1:38:59] And second, with just one comment, I was read the directives, and I just wanted to follow up on something that Commissioner Lomb had requested, I think, March 23rd, and the minutes was ensuring that Commissioner budget priorities would be included in the budget information. I don't know if that's happened yet, but I just wanted to follow up on that. Thank you.

[1:39:28] We got that.

[1:39:33] All right, let's remove the properly second and then we approve the minutes as mentioned in your further discussion.

[1:39:39] All in favor say aye.

[1:39:40] Aye.

[1:39:41] All the policy is just the same sign.

[1:39:43] Passes unanimously.

[1:39:44] Now we come to our ceremony of items.

[1:39:47] We have a few of them as you can tell.

[1:39:49] We're looking around.

[1:39:52] The first one is going to be recognizing the Durham Library Foundation and

[1:39:56] acknowledgement of their one-time gift of 117th.

[1:40:00] 1,000, 3,000, $18,000, support of Durham County Library programs. Do we have the library?

[1:40:09] That issue.

[1:40:27] You go over to go there so the camera could pick you up and everything.

[1:40:44] Good evening, everyone. My name is Karen Analy. I'm the Executive Director of the Durham Library Foundation.

[1:40:48] And tonight I'm joined by a few of our board members on the foundation as well as some library staff.

[1:40:54] It is our pleasure to be able to present this check for additional funds to the county for library use over the next year or so.

[1:41:02] As we know, right now more than ever libraries are incredibly important in our communities full stop.

[1:41:08] And the Durham Library Foundation remains committed to our mission of providing a margin of excellence for our libraries.

[1:41:16] Also, see with your arrival of our new wonderful library director Dana Conners, there's also a renewed sense of energy for our libraries, and all that is to come, those new challenges, those new opportunities, and those new ideas.

[1:41:30] So, commissioners, also thank you for your ongoing support of the library, our library staff, of the foundation, and ultimately our community. Thank you.

[1:41:47] Would you all like a picture?

[1:41:49] Yes.

[1:41:50] I want to make sure we have any comments.

[1:41:53] First, do we have any?

[1:41:54] Good.

[1:41:55] Commissioner Bertha.

[1:41:56] Thank you, Dr. Lee.

[1:41:57] And thank you, Durham County Library Foundation,

[1:42:00] for your wonderful gift to the Durham County Library

[1:42:03] as a former school librarian.

[1:42:05] And I used to work at the library many, many years ago.

[1:42:09] Libraries are important to our community

[1:42:12] to educating our citizenry and, you know, so it's very important that it receives lots of funding to do the outstanding programming that it does.

[1:42:22] And as many of you all know, the Durham County Library when people are ranking the, you know, the service that is top notch the libraries are top.

[1:42:31] So thank you so much for your donation and I can't wait to see all the wonderful things that happened with this nice chunk of money. Thank you.

[1:42:42] Yes, thank you so much to the Library Foundation for this generous contribution and for the work that you'll do continuously to bring awareness to the Library and the services.

[1:42:53] Thank you to the amazing Durham County Public Libraries that staff that keep the libraries is one of the top utilized resources of local government and you know we have a lot of young people here today.

[1:43:05] Um, who may think about our libraries, oh, that's just a place for books and like, you know, I know when I was in Moscow, I may not have like reading as much. I love reading now.

[1:43:14] But there's also so, so much more at our libraries for y'all to go and check out. We have like audio recording spaces. If you want to have a podcast or write music, there's three printers, there's computer labs, there's community spaces for you to have meetings. If you want to organize amongst your friends.

[1:43:31] that the library is really more than just a place to check out books.

[1:43:38] It's a place to convene and to build community and it's a resource that, you know, I hope all of our young people, but everyone in Durham is utilizing in every way possible.

[1:43:49] I also want to shout out, I know we have our library director, but I see also we have our library staff and we're Patrick here as well.

[1:43:55] who does a lot of the grant works for the library to help get additional funding and also be

[1:44:01] missed if I didn't point out that we had former library team members. There are Steven's year as well.

[1:44:06] We're still serving Durham in a new capacities, but you know our Durham County Library staff

[1:44:12] and the foundation you all really provide a resource and service to our Durham County residents

[1:44:18] that folks wouldn't be able to have like otherwise even just like as a warming center or a cooling

[1:44:23] Center for so many of our community members, so thank you.

[1:44:26] Commissioner Valentine.

[1:44:28] Thank you chair.

[1:44:30] So let me say thank you to the Durham Library Foundation.

[1:44:33] Thank you for being our partner.

[1:44:34] It's not lost on me that $117,000 is a lot of money.

[1:44:41] And you're a commitment to our children, to our families, and to the larger community here in Durham.

[1:44:49] Doesn't go unnoticed.

[1:44:50] So again, thank you.

[1:44:52] I will just echo what everyone has already said and I want to acknowledge the library board

[1:45:00] Members, we're here tonight if you could just raise your hands.

[1:45:09] And thank you for your efforts, because the fact of the matter is that we can't do it all. And we really do depend on the additional funding that you bring into the library system. It means so much to the librarians who work so hard and also to the community who really benefits from everything that you make possible.

[1:45:32] And especially now when we have really challenging budget in front of us, this is a true community partnership, so thank you again.

[1:45:43] All right, thank you so we're going to do a picture up here.

[1:45:47] Do we want the board members and everyone associated with the library staff?

[1:45:53] The library staff, yeah.

[1:45:54] That's fine.

[1:47:38] The next item on our agenda is a resolution honoring Southern School of Energy and Sustainability

[1:47:46] Boys basketball championship.

[1:47:50] Now, we have a resolution here.

[1:47:52] I'm going to read it and then I would love for the coaches, maybe to come here after we

[1:47:59] read it and maybe say something.

[1:48:01] Then, of course, we're going to take a picture with the team right here in the middle again, okay?

[1:48:07] So I'm going to read the resolution.

[1:48:13] During Board of County Commissioners' resolution, honoring Southern School of Engineering,

[1:48:19] of Southern School of Energy and Sustainability,

[1:48:22] 2026 Boys Basketball Season,

[1:48:25] whereas a March 14, 2026 to Southern School of Energy and Sustainability's Spartans,

[1:48:33] basketball team defeated Moore'sville High School to win the N.C. in C.H.S.A.A.

[1:48:41] seven A state championship held in Winston Salem at Joe Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

[1:48:48] And whereas that 54, the 47 victory marked the Spartans first state basketball title

[1:48:55] in Southern schools history. And whereas,

[1:49:00] I have to really,

[1:49:07] I got a feeling there's going to be a lot of applause on this, because

[1:49:09] that I was reading this, there was some good stuff here.

[1:49:14] And we're as led by a solid record of excellence from Head Coach Greg Motley, Southern

[1:49:21] finished the season with a 28-3 overall record, and we're as several players are in distinguished

[1:49:29] recognitions, including Kianne, or Kianne,

[1:49:38] or Kianne, Terry, who was named the most valuable

[1:49:42] player of the state championship game, AJ, Mormon Jr. who was honored as the most outstanding

[1:49:51] player for the East team, and Martin Ashley, who received the Sportsmanship Award.

[1:49:59] and we're at

[1:50:00] As the championship games, leading scores were AJ Mormon, junior, with 16 points, and Kian, Terry, with 13 points, and Martin

[1:50:12] Ashley with 10 points. And whereas we congratulate the team for demonstrating exceptional skill,

[1:50:20] effort and teamwork throughout the season, culminating in a remarkable, come from behind victory,

[1:50:26] over their opponent to secure the championship.

[1:50:31] Now, therefore, therefore, be it resolved

[1:50:34] that the members of the Durham County Board of Commissioners

[1:50:37] do hereby salute Greg Motley, his coaching staff,

[1:50:43] and members of the 2026 Southern School of Energy

[1:50:47] and Sustainability's Boys basketball team

[1:50:51] becoming the 2026 NCAA State Champions. We call upon the citizens in Durham County to join and celebrate

[1:51:04] these outstanding student athletes and athletic staff for a fantastic job in historic school and a historic school accomplishment.

[1:51:14] And this, the 13th day of April,

[1:51:17] 2026, Dr. Michael E. Chair,

[1:51:20] Neda Lom, Vice Chair, Michelle Burton,

[1:51:24] Commissioner, Wendy Jacobs Commissioner,

[1:51:26] and Stephen Valentine Commissioner.

[1:51:28] Congratulations.

[1:52:24] All right, so first of all, we would just say,

[1:52:26] thank you for actually having this year and stuff.

[1:52:28] Obviously, it was a really good season for us,

[1:52:31] which has been trying to be a stuff that's

[1:52:32] such and such and so we've been there and stuff.

[1:52:34] So we actually have a great group of young me

[1:52:36] here with us today.

[1:52:37] But I actually have some guys that was able to make it today.

[1:52:41] The actual was getting inducted to the National Ones Society.

[1:52:44] So some of those guys didn't need it,

[1:52:49] but so I didn't get it wrong.

[1:52:52] We just very thankful for the opportunity to be here and stand before you.

[1:52:56] And we just want to say thanks again for allowing us to be here.

[1:53:00] We want to say something here.

[1:53:02] Thank you so much.

[1:53:03] Thank you.

[1:53:07] I want to thank everybody who came out and supported our victory.

[1:53:13] All

[1:53:16] right, so let's do we want to come to the middle here or somebody else come to speak?

[1:53:24] Oh, okay.

[1:53:24] I'm sorry.

[1:53:25] Yeah, I'm doing.

[1:53:27] Key on it here.

[1:53:29] I just want to thank everybody that came here to support us throughout the season.

[1:53:36] Yeah, thank you.

[1:53:47] All right.

[1:53:47] Now, let's come to the middle.

[1:53:48] We'll present this and then we could take a picture all together just well line up in the middle here

[1:56:33] Now,

[1:56:36] the boys were not the only ones who made it to the finals.

[1:56:46] From the same school, same school.

[1:56:51] So, the next item on our agenda is a resolution honoring Southern School of Energy and Sustainability, girls basketball team.

[1:57:00] And for that, Vice Chair Lomb will be reading the resolution.

[1:57:04] Yes, and if I may have a quick point of personal privilege, say I'm a little impartial to, you know, women's sports.

[1:57:14] So I'm really glad and grateful that I don't have the opportunity to read this resolution.

[1:57:18] honoring Southern School of Energy and Sustainability,

[1:57:22] 2026 Girls Basketball Season,

[1:57:25] whereas the extraordinary Southern School of Energy

[1:57:28] and Sustainability Spartan Girls Basketball Team,

[1:57:32] led by Head Coach Teddy McCoy,

[1:57:34] enjoyed a highly successful season,

[1:57:37] becoming the 2025-26 tobacco road,

[1:57:40] seven-a regular season and tournament champions.

[1:57:51] Whereas on March 14th,

[1:57:53] The Southern School of Energy and Sustainability's Spartans Basketball Team fought valiantly

[1:57:59] earning the title of 2025-26 and CHS-AA-7A state champions runner-up at the Joel Veterans Memorial

[1:58:09] Coliseum in Winston-Salem and whereas this fantastic team led by stellar players including

[1:58:15] sophomore, Jikaela Palmer, number five,

[1:58:23] and senior Ashlyn Hudson, number 11,

[1:58:29] turned honors

[1:58:30] at the 2025-26-NCH-SAA-7A, Eastern Regional Champions, and demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship,

[1:58:39] determination, and teamwork throughout the season. And whereas this phenomenal, all-star

[1:58:45] team finished the challenging season with an outstanding record of 27-4.

[1:58:55] Now therefore,

[1:58:56] be a result that we, the members of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, do hereby salute,

[1:59:02] coach Teddy McCoy, and the coaching staff, along with members of the 2026 Southern School of

[1:59:09] Energy and Sustainability, Girls Basketball Team for their successful season. We call upon all citizens

[1:59:15] in Durham County to join and celebrating these outstanding student athletes and the athletic staff

[1:59:21] for a fantastic job and on a historical season to remember.

[1:59:26] This is the 13th day of April, 2026,

[1:59:29] signed chair Dr. Mike Blee by Sharon Adallam,

[1:59:33] Commissioner Michelle Perrin, Commissioner Wendy Jacobs

[1:59:36] and Commissioner Stephen Valentine.

[1:59:59] I have members of the...

[2:00:00] The coaching team on the team wants to come and give remarks.

[2:01:10] I just want to say thank you guys for honoring us.

[2:01:14] It's a big accomplishment to be able to make it this far and get recognized for our

[2:01:19] accomplishment.

[2:01:19] So thank you.

[2:01:36] Hello, also thank you for this opportunity.

[2:01:39] This is like amazing, even though we didn't win it all, we still made it there and we were

[2:01:44] there.

[2:01:44] So that's that's really all that matters especially we played our hardest and we play together the team and this will also be a memory for the rest of my life

[2:01:51] That will carry with me and I hope the team does as well. And thank you.

[2:02:03] Alright, let's let's take our picture

[2:05:58] The moment where we have the teams clear and out here, give us a moment.

[2:06:09] Thank you all. Thank you all.

[2:06:12] So the next item on our agenda is another proclamation. It is the proclamation, the week of the young child.

[2:06:22] No, but, oh, oh, I just give them.

[2:06:28] Actually, I thought that was the last one.

[2:06:30] thought we were going to end with the big one there. All right, so the next one, the next

[2:06:39] item on our agenda is a resolution honoring the beta, Pi Sigma, Durham alumni, alumni,

[2:06:47] chapter, El Sigma Gamma Rosa, already incorporated on the occasion of its 75th charter day.

[2:06:54] And for that, we will have Commissioner Burton reading the Proclamation.

[2:07:01] Thank you so much, Chair Lee.

[2:07:03] So, Resolution honoring the Baita Pais Sigma during the Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rose sorority Incorporated on the occasion of its 75th Charter Day.

[2:07:13] Whereas the Baita Pais Sigma during the Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rose sorority Inc.

[2:07:19] was organized on April 13, 1951 at the Hall of Sour,

[2:07:25] Nerviar, Coward, in Durham, or Carolina by Sour,

[2:07:29] Annie Neville, a Rocky Mountain North Carolina regional

[2:07:33] syntaxes with the assistance assistance of Sour's

[2:07:36] Lucille B. Davis and Ruth B. Woodworth.

[2:07:40] And whereas the chapter was founded upon the principles of true

[2:07:45] sisterhood and dedicated community service

[2:07:48] with a strong emphasis on uplifting youth

[2:07:51] and strengthening the Durham community.

[2:07:54] And we're asked during the organization of the chapter

[2:07:57] saw any level of firm that community service

[2:08:01] in genuine sisterhood are the foundational pillars

[2:08:05] of Sigma Gamma Robe.

[2:08:07] A charge that continues to guide the chapter's mission

[2:08:10] and impact.

[2:08:12] And we're asked the 11 charter members established

[2:08:15] a lasting legacy of leadership, collaboration, and service that has positively influenced

[2:08:21] generation of youth, families, and residents throughout Durham County.

[2:08:27] And we're asked for 75 years.

[2:08:30] The Beta Pie Sigma Durham Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated has remained

[2:08:36] committed to the advancing education, youth development, civic engagement, and community

[2:08:43] service through impactful programs, mentorship initiative, scholarships, and partnerships

[2:08:49] serving, Durham County and Orange County, and whereas April 13th, 2026, marks the 75th

[2:08:58] charter day of the Beta Pie Sigma, Durham Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rose sorority Incorporated,

[2:09:05] representing a significant milestone in its history of service, leadership, and community

[2:09:11] empowerment. And whereas the Durham County Board of Commissioners recognizes the

[2:09:17] Beta Pi Sigma Durham Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rose sorority Incorporated for its

[2:09:23] unwavering commitment to uplifting youth, strengthening families and enhancing the quality

[2:09:29] of life for residents throughout the community since its establishment in 1951. Now, therefore,

[2:09:36] be it resolved that the Durham County Board of Commissioners hereby commins and honors the

[2:09:42] beta-pi Sigma, Durham Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Real Sorority Incorporated on the occasion

[2:09:49] of its 75th Charter Day and Expressive sincere appreciation for its longstanding service,

[2:09:56] leadership and positive impact within Durham County.

[2:10:00] And beyond. Be it further resolved that the Durham County Board of Commissioners joined and celebrating this historic milestone, and encourages all residents to recognize and support the continued mission and community work of the Beta Pi Sigma alumni chapter of Sigma Gamma Rowe sorority Incorporated.

[2:10:19] This, the 13th day of April, 2026, signed Dr. Mike Lee chair,

[2:10:27] Nitto Long, Vice Chair, Michelle Burton, Commissioner, Wendy Jacobs, Commissioner,

[2:10:33] and Stephen Valentine Commissioner. Congratulations.

[2:10:55] And I'm going to ask that the vast list president of our chapter,

[2:10:59] conditioning night comes to speak a few words along with our area three coordinator

[2:11:04] Janelle Curry.

[2:11:09] Good evening chair, Dr. Lee, Vice Chair, Alon, Commissioners Burton

[2:11:13] Valentine and Jacobs. I am Knie Shmikinzi, the Baselist President of the Beta Paisigma

[2:11:20] Durham Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Ross Awarding Incorporated, serving Durham and Orange

[2:11:25] Counties and advisors to the undergraduate chapters, lamb to sigh at UNC Chapel Hill.

[2:11:31] Omokran knew at Duke University and Beta Omokran at North Carolina's Century University.

[2:11:37] Sipping Emerald Swording Incorporated was founded on November 12, 1922

[2:11:41] on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

[2:11:45] In 29 years later, the Beta Pi Sigma chapter was chartered in Durham, North Carolina

[2:11:51] on this day, 75 years ago, April 13, 1951.

[2:11:56] I'd like to honor our 11 charter members, Isabella and Harden, Dorothy McAllister,

[2:12:04] Mabel Watson, Willie B. Badcher, Naviar Coward, Viola E. Pendle, Naomi Morgan, Georgia D.

[2:12:14] Witton, Louise Yorz, Minnie W. Gilmer, Bessie E. McLearn, chartered on the leadership

[2:12:22] of Thor and Neville, the regional director at the time.

[2:12:27] Their dedication to our sisterhood and vision for our chapter

[2:12:30] has paved the way for us to serve Durham and Orange counties

[2:12:33] and sisterhood, scholarship, and service today.

[2:12:37] Thank you to the Durham County Commission

[2:12:38] for the recognition of our 75th charter and diversity

[2:12:41] on behalf of the Badepie Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rose

[2:12:44] Awarding Incorporated.

[2:12:53] Good evening, everyone.

[2:12:54] I'm Dr. General Kerry, the area three coordinator

[2:12:57] for the Northeast and Region of Sigma Gamma Rose Awarding Incorporated.

[2:12:59] which covers the great state of North Carolina.

[2:13:03] I just want to thank the Durham County Board of Commissioners

[2:13:05] for honoring this momentous occasion,

[2:13:08] and I would like to personally,

[2:13:09] on behalf of the regional board of the Northeastern region,

[2:13:12] congratulate Beta-Pasigma on 75 years of notable

[2:13:16] and greater impactful service to Durham and Orange County.

[2:13:20] Thank you.

[2:13:20] All right.

[2:13:26] Commissioner Burton, did you want to say something?

[2:13:28] Yes.

[2:13:29] Anyone else?

[2:13:29] And I apologize for I said, McKnight, I'm at McKinsey, so forgive me for that.

[2:13:35] Yes, I just want to say this is just a momentous occasion for us to celebrate our 75th

[2:13:41] charter anniversary when I pled to sign a gamma row back in the 1990, I chartered the

[2:13:47] lambdaside chapter at UNC Chapel Hill, and because I was so inspired by the seven women

[2:13:54] who were educators, who were from the Midwest,

[2:13:58] and they believed in greater service, greater progress.

[2:14:01] And so I am so honored to be a part of the Durham alumni chapter.

[2:14:06] I am so honored that we get to celebrate this huge, huge milestone.

[2:14:11] And we will continue to be a big impact for Durham County,

[2:14:15] serving Durham County, and Orange County, and beyond.

[2:14:19] So thank you, Sores, for being here.

[2:14:21] have source from other chapters who came to celebrate with us, and this is just a really great

[2:14:28] day.

[2:14:28] So, thank you.

[2:14:33] We're going to take a picture, but I'll say, you know, I went to the real HBCU in Alabama.

[2:14:42] Alabama, A&M.

[2:14:45] I say that because this young man here, the superintendent of DPS, went to Alabama State.

[2:14:53] But on Alabama, and it was campus, the Sigma Gamma Role West.

[2:15:01] Sigmund Gimmaro was the sister's order to cap off a sign. I'm a capa, and I have a deep warm place in my heart for the sister's

[2:15:10] Sigmund Gimmaro. So I really appreciate you all being here, and I wish you a very hard and

[2:15:16] congratulations for your 75 years of your charter. That is a major, major milestone. That is a long

[2:15:25] time of service. So congratulations to you all, congratulations to my colleague, Commissioner

[2:15:32] Burton. She wears a proud. You can see it in her office everywhere she goes and that's just

[2:15:38] very inspiring. So thank you all so much for being here and congratulations. Let's take a

[2:15:42] picture.

[2:15:49] Thank you, Chair. So as a proud member of Omega sci-fi fraternity incorporated, I want to

[2:16:00] five years of excellence to our community here in Durham County and also to our

[2:16:08] sister county Orange County. Thank you for what you do all day, every day and

[2:16:15] more especially for the example that you set for our young ladies and our

[2:16:19] communities. So thank you.

[2:16:23] Thank you.

[2:16:25] I also wanted to extend congratulations to all of you and to commissioner

[2:16:31] burden for this great celebration, 75 years and amazing that today is literally the day

[2:16:39] April 13th. That makes it even more special. And thank you for the impact that you

[2:16:46] have had on the lives of many young people, young women throughout the years. And we know

[2:16:55] how important this work really is.

[2:16:58] So I wish you another successful 75 years

[2:17:02] into the future.

[2:17:03] Thank you.

[2:17:06] Vice-chair alum.

[2:17:08] I want to echo the comments by my colleagues

[2:17:11] on the commission and congratulating

[2:17:13] you all on this amazing achievement of 75 years of service.

[2:17:17] And thank you for all the ways that many of you joined,

[2:17:19] probably, when you were in undergrad,

[2:17:21] but to continue that level of service

[2:17:23] and sisterhood to make sure that there is a community for everyone who wants to be part of your

[2:17:30] sorority.

[2:17:31] I also want to recognize our commission colleague, I just whispered her to confirm it, but

[2:17:37] that she is actually the first beta pie sigma elected in Durham County's history and

[2:17:49] so congratulations

[2:17:50] and thank you for serving Durham and Orange County in all the ways that you support our young

[2:17:55] women.

[2:17:56] but also, you know, our community of all ages.

[2:17:59] Thank you.

[2:20:28] Yeah, celebrations upon celebrations. All right, next. Our next celebration, our next

[2:20:34] proclamation is the week of the young child. I got it right this time. Yeah.

[2:20:44] And for we'll

[2:20:46] have come up to speak. It's a proclamation. It's going to be unread, but we'll speak about the

[2:20:54] week of the child. We'll have someone to speak about.

[2:21:23] Good evening, commissioners, county manager,

[2:21:25] guests. My name is Billy Anabink. I am the Durham County Early Childhood Coordinator and I want

[2:21:32] to thank you for celebrating the week of the young child and for all that you do for young children

[2:21:36] in Durham County. I am thrilled to introduce leaders in early childhood in Durham County. Obviously,

[2:21:43] we've already seen a lot of excellence on display from some of our young people and so often those

[2:21:50] excesses are rooted in their early experiences in life wherever those may take place.

[2:21:56] So I would like to introduce.

[2:21:59] We have Kathy Collie Robinson from Durham Tech who is helping to educate our early care

[2:22:04] and education workforce.

[2:22:05] We have key Irish executive director of Durham Partnership for Children, Durham's

[2:22:10] Partnership for Children who will celebrate their 30th anniversary this week.

[2:22:15] And their board chair, you may know him as our health director.

[2:22:19] Dr. Rod Jenkins, and then I also want to welcome Dr. Linda Schappelle, Senior Vice President

[2:22:25] early years, and hello to DPS who's also here tonight who are also leading the way in

[2:22:29] early care and education through our Durham Pre-K program. Thank you for honoring the week of

[2:22:36] the Young Child and for continuing to invest in the experiences and the wellbeing of our youngest

[2:22:42] Durham community members.

[2:22:49] Of course you know, I want to say one thing. I just want to say that

[2:22:53] a little late for our youngest children to be here but she can imagine the room, the room

[2:22:58] filled with our youngest children and truly the way that Durham has completely invested in our

[2:23:04] young children. It's really planning those seeds for future success and some of us obviously have

[2:23:11] spent our careers and it's really trying to support children and it's really very gratifying to live

[2:23:18] the community that has made such a huge local investment.

[2:23:22] So thank you.

[2:23:27] Thank you.

[2:23:29] Thank you.

[2:23:30] I just want to say thank you to all of you for the work that you do to support investments

[2:23:38] in the wellbeing and the opportunity and possibility of all of our young children or to thrive

[2:23:46] and ride.

[2:23:46] Thank you for serving on this board.

[2:23:49] In addition to the work important work that you do every day, I am really proud that Durham County is

[2:23:58] considers investing in our children and investing as early as possible as a priority.

[2:24:05] I just came back last night from spending five days with my three-month-old granddaughter.

[2:24:10] And spending time with a baby reminds you of how much possibility and their opportunity

[2:24:20] there is for every single child, every child, and how much is happening in the first

[2:24:27] years related to brain development and strong emotional, social ties with adults and their

[2:24:38] and the importance of having well-trained and loving caregivers and educators in those

[2:24:47] early years.

[2:24:48] So thank you because all of you help us to carry out the work that we say that we want

[2:24:55] to do.

[2:24:56] It's we have to rely on all of you the ones who are.

[2:25:00] We are the experts and the ones who are actually delivering the programs and services.

[2:25:05] So thank you for being in partnership with us and celebrating all of our children.

[2:25:11] Thank you.

[2:25:12] Vice Chair, Vice Chair Alon.

[2:25:14] Thank you.

[2:25:15] I go and thank you all for the work you do. Obviously, I'm a little biased as a mom of two little.

[2:25:22] Almost two year old next month and a three and a half year old that the work that you all are doing is to make sure that they have

[2:25:29] of every opportunity available to them as they grow up here in the community and for every child

[2:25:36] no matter where they were born, what zip code here in Durham, what they're socioeconomic

[2:25:41] status, race, ethnicity, immigration, statuses that they are welcome and are able to thrive.

[2:25:47] So thank you all so much for that work and also for not just the work of for our children,

[2:25:53] but also for the caretakers of our children.

[2:25:55] because, you know, you gotta have two littles.

[2:25:58] I'm like, I have so, such a deep amount of respect and admiration

[2:26:03] for daycare workers, educators who have like 30

[2:26:07] of these little ones in their rooms at a time

[2:26:10] in the amount of grace and patience and love

[2:26:13] that it takes to be.

[2:26:14] So thank you for nurturing the next generation

[2:26:16] of caretakers so that our children have folks

[2:26:19] who love them and will educate them in every space

[2:26:22] that they're in.

[2:26:23] Thank you.

[2:26:25] Commissioner Valentine. Yes, so thank you for standing in the gap for our children

[2:26:31] here this evening. It would have been nice to fill the chamber with a bunch of young

[2:26:36] people. Yes, little people. Yes. It also makes me proud and I'll speak directly to my colleagues,

[2:26:45] the ones who were serving before I arrived in making a commitment to our young people in this community.

[2:26:53] That was one of the reasons that I ran for this office to make a commitment to the young people in our community.

[2:27:00] And so thank you for planning that C and to those who joined the board at the same time that I did that we joined that effort

[2:27:09] and continued in supporting our children.

[2:27:12] And so thank you for the work that you do on behalf of our community.

[2:27:18] And I think I'll be able to make it out on Thursday for that 30th anniversary.

[2:27:23] Thank you.

[2:27:26] Mr. Barton.

[2:27:27] Yes, I'm going to be at the event on Thursday.

[2:27:30] And I'm just going to do everything my colleagues say.

[2:27:34] You know, I work with public education primarily at the elementary school, the majority of my career.

[2:27:41] And I know how important it is for us to look out for the well-being children to make sure

[2:27:47] They're thriving and they have whatever they need to be successful in this world.

[2:27:52] So again, thank you so much for all that you do.

[2:27:55] All right. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.

[2:28:04] Okay, and our last proclamation for tonight is a proclamation

[2:28:08] electric utility line worker appreciation day.

[2:28:16] Okay.

[2:28:18] Sarah,

[2:28:22] go right ahead.

[2:28:23] want to just speak it with is not one that we have read out because it's kind of speak about it.

[2:28:30] We need your mic on. Did that do it? Yes. All right. That's totally great because it's long.

[2:28:37] So, chairly vice chair alum commissioners and county manager Hager it is so good to be back in this space

[2:28:45] because it feels a little bit like home but also with all the ceremonial items this evening

[2:28:52] It's sure reinforces all of the good things that are happening in Durham, so thank you so much.

[2:29:00] On behalf of the folks at the Durham Operations Center,

[2:29:05] thank you so much for recognizing April 18th as Line Worker Appreciation Day.

[2:29:12] You'll notice that I am here by myself this evening.

[2:29:15] that is because my co-workers, those line workers, work 10 hour shifts and so they are at home

[2:29:20] with their families where they need to be right now. And our line workers are the first folks

[2:29:29] that a lot of times are the first folks that get to a space when emergencies happen and the last

[2:29:36] to accept a leave.

[2:29:40] They're on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They would have loved

[2:29:47] to have been here. But again, they're with their families. Thank you so much for acknowledging

[2:29:53] them and their hard work and dedication to powering our daily lives. So thank you so much for being here.

[2:30:00] Thank you. And I'll open up the comments, but I will say when storms are lining up and coming, you see line workers preparing and staging.

[2:30:17] They run towards the storm, out in the open.

[2:30:22] I have an uncle, he used to work for Alabama Power.

[2:30:27] And he was a lion worker for like 40 years.

[2:30:30] And he said he loved going out in the storms,

[2:30:33] getting people, getting people's power back on.

[2:30:36] That's what he liked.

[2:30:37] He liked climbing up the poles and fixing it and all that kind of thing.

[2:30:42] That is important for the way we live today.

[2:30:44] Because when our power goes out, sometimes internet goes out, that is really tough for people

[2:30:53] with teenagers and kids, even adults, but when the power goes out, everything stops.

[2:31:01] And everyone wants to know when it's going to come back on and it's those line workers

[2:31:05] who are out there working through the rain, through the snow, the sleet,

[2:31:13] and all of that

[2:31:14] to get it back up, and so that appreciation is not missed on me because I appreciate them

[2:31:20] every time, I think we had a hurricane coming and we had people coming down, saw them

[2:31:30] at, saw a group of them at, it's a southern thing, they were eating, it was at lunch.

[2:31:36] Not when shook, every single one there had to be about 100 of them and I went and shook

[2:31:40] everyone's hand. Some of them from Illinois, some of them from other states, but that's what they do,

[2:31:47] they come to help, and those who are here work diligently. So thank you to those who may be

[2:31:53] listening, but line workers deeply appreciated. Anybody anyone else, commissioning to take it.

[2:32:00] Thank you so much for bringing us this proclamation and the opportunity to celebrate these critical

[2:32:06] frontline workers. I just had a question related to previously, there was a program at

[2:32:16] Durham Tech, a training program program, do we still have that program? We do and we had

[2:32:22] a graduation three weeks ago and there will be another one in the next few months, so it is alive

[2:32:30] and it's thriving.

[2:32:32] And just, is it, are you all still needing

[2:32:38] line workers to assist in an area?

[2:32:41] Yes, indeed.

[2:32:41] Okay, well, I did.

[2:32:43] Okay.

[2:32:43] Almost more than ever, as our population is growing,

[2:32:49] the demands are growing, and so we need,

[2:32:52] we need as much as we can get.

[2:32:54] So, yeah, they're on a wonderful partner.

[2:32:56] Well, any information you do that you might know

[2:32:59] about the program, if you could share that right now, because I just think this is, it's a great job opportunity for people in our community to have an excellent job, a meaningful job, and it is such an important job for people in our community, and I think a lot of people don't know that we have a great training program at Durham Tech, so maybe you could just talk a little bit.

[2:33:24] So it's a certification program at Durham Tech.

[2:33:29] No, you just have to have high school, no college, no college needed.

[2:33:36] Go over to Durham Tech, go online and they'll have an electric line worker certification program.

[2:33:43] Duke Energy funds a lot of that program.

[2:33:48] And they have a great ceremony afterwards.

[2:33:51] and some of our directors come over and actually give the speech, I guess, the commencement

[2:33:57] speech.

[2:33:58] It's a great idea to, it's a great way to get looped in.

[2:34:02] Thank you for bringing that up.

[2:34:03] I appreciate it.

[2:34:04] Thank you.

[2:34:06] All right.

[2:34:08] Come up.

[2:34:09] Vice here alone.

[2:34:10] Yes.

[2:34:10] Anna also, I'm in to say, thank you so much for bringing this resolution to us, but also, thank

[2:34:16] you to all of the linemen, for Duke Energy and all of the work that they do not just in

[2:34:22] times of disaster, but also the constant training that they have to do every day to modernize

[2:34:28] our technology with all of the shifts and new technology that's coming in of making our

[2:34:33] electricity more renewable. That's also the work that's reliant on our linemen that if we

[2:34:40] want to go solar, if we want to have different energy sources, our linemen need have to go through

[2:34:45] rigorous continuous training, as well as the dangerous work of just

[2:34:50] linemen ship.

[2:34:52] And to echo Commissioner Jacob's comments of also, I know,

[2:34:56] Durham Tech and Duke Energy SF program, but also

[2:34:58] recognizing them.

[2:35:00] Amazing work of, you know, the labor movement of IBEW that represents most, if not all, lineman for Duke energy and the ways that they also have paid apprenticeship programs as well for folks who are looking to get into the lineman field and provide representation and support our lineman workers through a strong union as well.

[2:35:23] coming to serve Valentine. Oh yes thank you chair. Sarah Stevens. Welcome back to the

[2:35:33] county. Thanks. Thank you to you and also to our partners at Duke Energy. I'll be

[2:35:40] remiss if I take a moment to appreciate my mother's brother who served many years

[2:35:48] to Duke Power and then later Duke Energy on that line and so our family knows this

[2:35:56] type of work for a hand and so he was able to carve out quite a good living for himself

[2:36:02] working for Duke Power and Duke Energy and so thank you for everyone who's engaged in this

[2:36:09] work. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much.

[2:36:16] All right. Now, that is the end of our

[2:36:19] celebrate celebratory items. Next item on our agenda is consent agenda.

[2:36:30] Is items

[2:36:30] have been kind of been reviewed in our work session and forward. And we will need motion to

[2:36:40] I'd prefer approval to set agenda second.

[2:36:45] It's been moving probably second that we approve the consent agenda.

[2:36:49] Any discussion?

[2:36:53] All in favour?

[2:36:53] Aye.

[2:36:54] All the polls please.

[2:36:55] Just the same sign.

[2:36:57] Passes unanimously.

[2:36:58] The consent agenda passage unanimously.

[2:37:01] Next item on our agenda is the other business.

[2:37:09] Go over that.

[2:37:09] Okay. Good evening, commissioners. The first item tonight is an adoption of a resolution

[2:37:17] making findings affect and authorizing the LGC application, introduction of bond order,

[2:37:26] and the adoption resolution calling for public hearing not to exceed $240 million of general

[2:37:34] obligation refunding bonds for series 2026B. And so we will need the board to review

[2:37:48] the actions and move forward with this technical step. We do have with us our

[2:37:57] Assistant CFO, Joe Fatima, who is here, and we also have our bond council, Carlos Mazzano,

[2:38:06] and he's a partner with Parker Poe.

[2:38:10] Thank you both for being here.

[2:38:13] And we would entertain the board moving forward with those steps.

[2:38:18] we will have a public hearing on the 27th and procedurally the first step is that you have to

[2:38:27] make an application. And staff have been working on this probably for the last several months.

[2:38:33] It's a very detailed process that happens between a jurisdiction and the local government

[2:38:39] commission and we have our financial advisor,

[2:38:45] deck associates, and y'all remember them.

[2:38:47] We have our bond council.

[2:38:49] We also have the underwriters.

[2:38:51] It's a very large group because it's a very large action.

[2:38:55] And so we are grateful for the board's commitment

[2:38:58] over the years to ensure that we have a financial

[2:39:03] position that we are hopeful.

[2:39:05] We are favorable in the market.

[2:39:08] and we should be. So this step will happen over this process will happen over a couple of months

[2:39:15] and we'll come back and so with that I'll turn it back over to you chair for the next steps.

[2:39:23] Okay, so we have a resolution entitled. Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the County

[2:39:30] of Durham, North Carolina, making certain statements a fact concerning proposed bond issue

[2:39:36] is before the board for consideration, making certain findings related to the proposed issuance

[2:39:44] of general obligation refunding bonds. Is there a motion to adopt the resolution?

[2:39:51] Chair,

[2:39:55] Chair, I move that the resolution be adopted.

[2:39:59] I thank you in the motion.

[2:40:00] Is there any discussion on the motion? Hearing none? All in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed? Please use the same sign. Pass it unanimously.

[2:40:14] I'd like to introduce a bond order entitled bond order, authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $240 million general obligation, refunding bonds of the county of Durham, North Carolina.

[2:40:26] The bonds will refund all or a portion of the county's general obligation public, improvement bonds series 20, 14, general obligation, refunding bonds series series, 20, 16, and general obligation bond series 20, 23, 8, copies of the bond order are available in your agenda packet and the complete form of bond order will be written upon the minutes of this year.

[2:40:56] meeting as having been introduced in accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes.

[2:41:03] A resolution entitled, Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the County of Durham,

[2:41:09] North Carolina, Colin, a public hearing on the bond order, direct publication of notice,

[2:41:16] a sad public hearing, and filing a debt statement of a debt statement and a statement of disclosure

[2:41:23] is before the board for consideration.

[2:41:27] The resolution calls a public hearing on the bond order to be held at the April 27 board meeting.

[2:41:37] Is there a motion to adopt the resolution?

[2:41:40] I believe that the resolution is adopted a second of the motion.

[2:41:45] Is there any discussion?

[2:41:47] Hearing none.

[2:41:48] All in favor say aye.

[2:41:49] Aye.

[2:41:50] All opposed, please.

[2:41:51] is the same sign. The resolution is adopted.

[2:41:59] Thank you.

[2:42:01] And the next item on our agenda.

[2:42:07] Next item on our agenda is a resolution

[2:42:11] opposing modifications to the county property tax authority.

[2:42:16] We have a resolution with us.

[2:42:22] We have designated speakers for different

[2:42:24] parts and we will read it and approve it.

[2:42:35] So whereas county governments are constitutionally and statutorily

[2:42:39] charged by providing essential public services, including, but not limited to public

[2:42:43] safety, emergency response, education, infrastructure, public health, and social services.

[2:42:53] And we're at property taxes cost two day primary, stable and locally controlled source of revenue, necessary to fund these essential county services and to be both ongoing operational needs and long term capital obligations and.

[2:43:10] Whereas the authority to levee, assess and adjust property taxes allows county governments to respond responsibly to changing economic conditions, population growth, service demands, emergencies and state and federal mandates.

[2:43:29] And whereas counties follow transparent procedures prior to any tax changes by presenting

[2:43:38] annual budgets on a strict schedule hosting open meetings for citizen input and questions

[2:43:46] and submitting public bonds for voter consideration and whereas proposals to modify limit

[2:43:54] cap, freeze, or otherwise restrict county, tax authority, whether through constitutional amendment,

[2:44:03] statutory change, or administrative action, may reduce local flexibility, undermine fiscal

[2:44:10] stability and shift costs to less stable revenue sources, and whereas such modifications

[2:44:17] regulations, may result in unintended consequences, including service reductions, delayed infrastructure

[2:44:25] investment, increased fees, and inequitable impacts on residents.

[2:44:31] And whereas county governments are best positioned to balance fiscal responsibility

[2:44:36] with service delivery, accountability and responsiveness to local needs through transparent

[2:44:42] budgeting and elected representation, and now therefore be a result that the Durham County

[2:44:47] Court of Commissioners supports the current property tax authority in North Carolina, which enables

[2:44:52] counties to manage property tax rates within established tax-tory limits and be it further

[2:44:57] resolved that the Durham County Board.

[2:45:00] Commissioners formally apposes any constitutional amendment that would restrict cap, restrict, cap, reduce, or otherwise limit county property tax authority adopted this, the 13th day of April, 2026.

[2:45:16] Now we need to vote for the adoption. Need a motion to adopt.

[2:45:21] I move for adoption of the resolution of the Durham County Board of Commissioners opposing

[2:45:28] modifications to county property tax authority.

[2:45:34] Second.

[2:45:34] Our resolution has been moved for adoption and probably seconded.

[2:45:40] Any further discussion?

[2:45:42] All of the papers I have?

[2:45:44] All of the polls please use the same time.

[2:45:47] Motion passes unanimously.

[2:45:49] There were no items pulled from the consent agenda, did you want to say something?

[2:45:56] Commissioners I just wanted to acknowledge a couple of folks in some of the backup details

[2:46:02] that you have in front of you. Our budget and management services director Keith Lane,

[2:46:09] Kiar Dole, our tax administrator as well as Dwayne Branson, also sort of weighed in and how we

[2:46:15] thought about information to help the public understand what we do with the dollars and how they're

[2:46:22] used. Over the past year plus, especially with our reevaluation process, we've had over

[2:46:29] 60 community conversations about property taxes, how they're set, and also with the

[2:46:45] We have online ways that we share, but also a series of community conversations have also occurred.

[2:46:54] So I do, in this moment, want to make sure that our residents are aware of ways that we try to remain transparent.

[2:47:01] We want to hear from you, especially in a budget season.

[2:47:05] We've had a portal available for you to give us your thoughts about what should be in the budget.

[2:47:10] And in this season, with shifts and revenues, whether it's at the federal or state level or even locally because of the economy,

[2:47:20] also what are the priorities that we should continue as we navigate sometimes declined resources.

[2:47:28] So, just wanted to bring that to the board's attention, please let us know with the supplemental documents if changes are needed.

[2:47:35] and thank you for your support as we've tried to make sure we are transparent in our communications.

[2:47:42] Commissioner Berter? Yes, I just want to say thank you, um, manager Hager for that that I just

[2:47:48] want to say that I met with a resident recently about a week ago and they were telling me how they

[2:47:54] really like how on the tax bill where we have shown where the money is being appropriated that they

[2:48:01] appreciate seeing that knowing where their property tax dollars sells.

[2:48:07] I just wanted to put that out there to say thank you for doing that because it's really

[2:48:11] a resident's do pay attention. So thank you. All right. Thank you. I want to thank the

[2:48:20] county manager and staff for getting this resolution on our gender so quickly. Last Thursday

[2:48:28] I believe it was, there was a called meeting with all 100 counties of North Carolina by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and a number of our staff and commissioners were in the meeting and we are working together across the state, all 100 counties and we were encouraged for everyone to adopt and pass this resolution.

[2:48:58] as quickly as possible, and so I'm proud and glad that we were able to do that as a

[2:49:04] board.

[2:49:05] I also want to acknowledge this one pageer that we received, which highlights that 70%

[2:49:14] of our Durham County property tax revenue is spent directly on education, public safety,

[2:49:23] and health and human services that are taking care of residents and providing a lot of

[2:49:30] times what are mandated state and federal services and also that only about 18% of Durham

[2:49:43] County's revenues come from outside sources, meaning possible state or federal funding.

[2:49:50] So, we are really dependent to provide all of the services on we are dependent on property and sales.

[2:50:00] official text. Revenues. In order to have EMS show up to have our sheriff

[2:50:06] show up when people call. Also, now I'm one one. And also, to fund things like our school.

[2:50:12] So I appreciate that. So long as, as well as the other information we just got

[2:50:17] tonight. Thank you to our staff, showing that Durham County's property tax rate is the

[2:50:27] significant fact for people to also know. Thank you.

[2:50:34] All right. Thank you. Okay. Next item on our agenda. Since there are none that were pulled,

[2:50:41] there were no items pulled from the consent agenda. Next item is our closed session for all

[2:50:47] except the motion we go in the closed session for the reason stated on the agenda.

[2:50:52] So move second.

[2:50:53] As we move in probably second and we go on a closed session for the reason to study on the agenda.

[2:50:57] All in favor say aye.

[2:50:59] Aye.

[2:50:59] All opposed, please use the same sign.

[2:51:01] We are now in closed session.

[3:10:01] All right, we were back in open session. We had a close session. Guidance was given to staff, but no action was taken.

[3:10:14] All except the motion to adjourn.

[3:10:16] So moved, second.

[3:10:17] As we move in probably the second and we adjourn, all in favor say aye.

[3:10:21] All opposed, please use the same sign. Passage unanimously. We are adjourned. Thank you all.

Board of County Commissioners on 2026-04-13 5:30 PM - Regular Session

Agenda

Transcript