Board of County Commissioners - Regular Meeting
About this meeting
- Government Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Meeting Type
- Board Of County Commissioners
- Location
- Durham County, NC
- Meeting Date
- March 23, 2026
Video will appear here as soon as Durham County Board of County Commissioners posts it — usually within a day of the meeting
Monday, March 23, 2026
20 items on the agenda.
Sign up to highlight the topics you care about on every agenda.
Start free trialBuilding Safer Communities: Community Learning Session on Violence Reduction
The next Joint City-County Violence Reduction Learning session will be held on Tuesday, March 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Holton Resource Center located at 401 North Driver Street. Latisha McNeill, Greensboro Director of Community Safety, will be the keynote speaker for the session. This collaborative effort brings together key departments from both local government organizations to ensure a unified, strategic approach to reducing violence. The initiative is jointly led by Durham County's Justice Services Department and Community Intervention & Support Services Department, along with the City's Police Department and Community Safety Department. To learn more, please visit: www.durhamnc.gov/5490/violence-reduction.
Durham County Virtual Budget Discussion
Attend Durham County Government's moderated virtual community conversation to hear directly from key County staff about operations and budget priorities on Monday, March 30, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. The session will include a live Q&A. Registration information will be shared in the coming weeks and posted on the County's website at www.dconc.gov.
2026 Durham 4-H Summer Camps
Registration is now open for the 4-H Summer Camps. The Durham 4-H Summer Camps empower youth through meaningful connections, hands-on experiences, and essential life skills that support their growth. This camp offers low-cost day experiences and some of the most affordable residential camps in the area for youth ages 6-18. A limited number of scholarships are available to help cover costs. Learn more and apply here: durham.ces.ncsu.edu/news/2026/03/durham-4-h-summer-fun-programs-2026-now-open/. Deadline to register is April 17.
Breastfeed Durham's Pregnancy Expo & Family Festival
Join Breastfeed Durham for a free community celebration on Saturday, May 2nd from 3-6pm at Hillside Park located at 1301 S. Roxboro St. This celebration bringing families, health professionals and local organizations together to support the well-being of pregnant families and young children will also include live entertainment, food trucks, children's activities, health information, and community resources. Special guest Pierce Freelon, Emmy-award winning producer and Durham native, will join us for a live reading and performance featuring his books Daddy Daughter Day and Daddy & Me: Side by Side. For more information, please visit www.breastfeeddurham.org/festival2026/.
Measles Education and Prevention
Measles can cause serious illness, especially in young children, adults over 20, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised. Protect yourself and others by staying up to date on measles vaccination. As cases rise, now is the time to make sure you're vaccinated. Measles vaccines are available at the Durham County Public Health Immunization Clinic. Call 919-560-7608 for more information.
Free Tax Filing Help Available
Durham County is partnering with the Durham Benefits Access Coalition to promote free and accessible tax filing options. You may qualify for valuable tax credits that help with housing, food, childcare, and more. Households earning $89,000 or less can file online with chat/email support or virtual assistance from IRS certified preparers. It is important to know that tax refunds do not count against SNAP, WIC, SSI, Medicaid/Medicare, TANF, or most other benefits. File by April 15, 2026, at www.GetYourRefund.org.
William V. Bell Building Dedication
Durham County has officially renamed the former Admin II Building at 200 E. Main Street as the William V. Bell Building. A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, March 20, celebrating the legacy of former commissioner and mayor William V. 'Bill' Bell, whose decades of leadership and service have left a lasting impact on the community.
Approval of February 2, 2026, Work Session Meeting Minutes
The Board is requested to approve the February 2, 2026, Work Session meeting minutes. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Strategic Plan Goal: High Performing Organization. Resource Persons: Monica W. Wallace, Clerk to the Board. County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the February 2, 2026, Work Session meeting minutes. Attachments: Work Session - February 2, 2026.
Resolution - Recognizing 25 Years of Farmland Protection in Durham County
The Board is requested to recognize and celebrate 25 years of Durham County's farmland preservation efforts. Over this time, the County has partnered with and expresses deep appreciation for the many willing landowners who have voluntarily protected 20 farms totaling 2,491 acres, preserving working landscapes, natural resources, and the county's agricultural heritage. With additional farms easement projects expected to close soon, this milestone reflects both the dedication of participating farm families and the County's enduring vision for safeguarding farmland for future generations. Alignment with Strategic Plan: Farmland protection supports Strategic Plan Community Indicator Goal 4 (Environment) by protecting natural resources and promoting community and economic vitality for all Durham County residents, through the Natural Resource and Stewardship Protection and Community Prosperity Objectives. Resource Persons: Celeste Burns, Open Space and Real Estate Division Manager; Nicole Connelly, Chair, Durham County's Farmland Protection Advisory Board. County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board recognize and celebrate 25 years of Durham County's farmland preservation efforts. Attachments: Resolution - Recognizing 25 Years of Farmland Protection in Durham County.2; 2026 March Farm Easement Summary - March 23 RS.
Proclamation - National County Government Month 2026
The Board is requested to proclaim April 2026 as National County Government Month (NCGM) in Durham County, North Carolina. Each April, counties across the United States observe NCGM, an initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo), to raise public awareness of county programs, services, and responsibilities. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties to actively promote county roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Durham County looks forward to showcasing how our county supports a healthy, safe, and vibrant community. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This proclamation aligns with Community & Family Prosperity and Enrichment, Health & Well-being for All, and Accountable, Efficient, and Visionary Government. Resource Persons: Deborah Craig-Ray, Chief Communications Officer. County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board proclaim April 2026 as National County Government Month in Durham. Attachments: Proclamation - County Government Month - March 2026.
Proclamation - Second Chance Month 2026
The Board is requested to proclaim the month of April 2026 as Second Chance Month in Durham County. Second Chance Month is dedicated to recognizing the collateral consequences of a criminal record and advancing efforts that promote fairness and access to opportunities for people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with strategic plan goal Safe and Resilient Community. Resource Persons: Robin Heath, Assistant Director Justice Services Department and Rasheda Royster, Local Reentry Council Coordinator, Justice Services Department. County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board proclaim April 2026 as Second Chance Month in Durham County. Attachments: Proclamation - Second Chance Month - April 2026.
Proclamation - Fair Housing Month
The Board is requested to proclaim the month of April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in Durham County. To declare Durham County as an inclusive community committed to fair housing and to promoting appropriate activities by private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Durham County. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Strategic Plan Goal - Empowered Community. Resource Persons: Sondra Trice-Jones, 2026 President; Sharon Sunkel, Director & DEI Committee Co-Chair. County Manager's Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board proclaim the month of April 2026 as Fair Housing Month in Durham County. Attachments: Proclamation - Fair Housing Month - April 2026.
Approve Durham City-County Interlocal Agreement in the Amount of $25,000.00 to Fund Consultant Work on the Creation of a Strategic Framework on Homelessness
The Board is requested to approve the County Manager to execute all documents required to enter into the Durham City-County Interlocal Agreement to fund consultant work on the creation of a Strategic Framework on Homelessness. This agreement will provide payment of $25,000 from Durham County to the City of Durham, which the City of Durham will pay to the consultant, Community Solutions International, Inc., for work leading to the Strategic Framework on Homelessness. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Regional Leadership, Objective 4a (Develop Strategies to partner with stakeholders and identify funding resources to reduce housing insecurity) and Objective 4b (Develop and maintain permanent workforce and supportive housing, along with other strategies that address diverse housing needs). Resource Persons: Samantha Smith, Management Analyst, Office of the County Manager. County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the County to execute all documents necessary to enter into the Durham City-County Interlocal Agreement to fund consultant work on the Strategic Framework on Homelessness. Attachments: ILA to Fund Consultant Work on Strategic Framework on Homelessness Community Solutions Agreement with City of Durham.
Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC070 Transferring $82,500.00 from the Public Safety Functional Area to the General Government Functional Area to Purchase a Replacement SUV for the Fire Marshal’s Office
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC070 transferring $82,500.00 from the Public Safety functional area to the General Government functional area to purchase a replacement SUV for the Fire Marshal’s Office. One of the Fire Marshal’s Office response vehicles, a 2018 Ford F-150, was evaluated by the dealership for engine and transmission issues. The resulting estimate totals $23,141.74 and includes full replacement of both components. County Fleet policy specifies that a vehicle should be replaced when repair costs meet or exceed 75 percent of its current value. According to JD Power (formerly NADA), the current value of this vehicle is $18,745.00, meaning the repair estimate represents approximately 123 percent of its value. The replacement cost also includes the County’s estimated pricing for a suitable large SUV, which is $66,000. In addition, an estimated $16,500 is required for necessary upfit work, including installation of emergency response equipment and proper storage solutions for personal protective equipment (PPE). These upfits are essential to ensure the vehicle meets operational, safety, and regulatory requirements for Fire Marshal use. This vehicle plays a vital role in supporting Fire Marshal operations. It is routinely used for emergency response to fires, on scene investigations, inspections, and other essential Fire Marshal duties throughout the county. The loss or prolonged downtime of this vehicle directly impacts the office’s ability to respond promptly and maintain operational readiness. Ensuring reliable transportation is critical for maintaining service levels, meeting statutory responsibilities, and supporting overall public safety. This purchase will be completed via the vehicles fund center, requiring the transfer of budgetary funding from the Public Safety functional area to the General Government functional area. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Safe and Resilient Community. Resource Persons: Mark Lockhart, NRP, Director, Office of Emergency Services and Marc Ferguson, Business Operations Officer. County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve Budget Ordinance No. 26BCC070 transferring $82,500.00 from the Public Safety functional area to the General Government functional area to pay for a replacement SUV for Fire Marshal’s Office. Attachments: 2018 Ford F150 Supercab XL 4WD Average Price & Estimated Trade-In Value Repair quote Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Policy BCC-70 Legal Form.
Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC073 - Transferring $117,630.96 of General Fund Fund Balance to the Capital Financing Fund in Recognition of Final Sales and Occupancy Tax Collection from the Prior Year in Adherence to Board Policy
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC073 appropriating $117,630.96 of General Fund fund balance and transferring those funds to the Capital Financing Fund to comply with the County’s capital and debt financing policy. Transferring prior year’s overcollection of Sales and Occupancy tax is completed on an annual basis as part of the natural cycle of reconciliation at the end of a fiscal year. As part of the Durham County Policy on financing capital projects, all collected Article 40 and 42 sales tax and Local Occupancy Tax are directed for support of capital projects and their related debt service. In FY 2024-25, $117,630.96 from these revenue sources was realized over what was budgeted to be collected in the General Fund, and per capital financing policy, needs to be transferred to the Capital Financing Fund where they can be applied to debt service. Per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) the revenues are recorded in the fiscal year that they apply. However, it is too late to amend the prior year budget to transfer the over realized funds in the prior fiscal year, therefore these monies have fallen to fund balance within the General Fund for the prior fiscal year (FY 2024-25). This action is administrative in nature ensuring that the funds are located per Board policy in the appropriate Fund. Revenues per source collected over budgeted amounts: Occupancy Tax: $117,630.96. Moving these funds from the General Fund to the Capital Financing Fund will not affect the overall fund balance percentage for the General Funds, as both these funds are accounted for in the overall fund balance percentage. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Financial Stewardship. Resource Persons: Keith Lane, Director of Budget and Management and David Ades, Assistant Director of Budget and Management. County Manager’s Recommendation: The Manager recommends the Board of County Commissioner approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC073 appropriating $117,630.96 of General Fund fund balance and transferring those funds to the Capital Financing Fund to comply with the County’s capital and debt financing policy. Attachments: BCC-73 Legal Form.
Approval of Property Tax Releases and Refunds for February 2026
The Board is requested to approve the Releases & Refunds for February 2026, which includes adjustments to the current year’s levy as well as prior years’ levies. Due to property valuation adjustments for over assessments, listing discrepancies, duplicate listings, and clerical errors, etc. the attached reports detail monthly releases and refunds for February 2026. This month’s report includes releases and refunds for tax year 2025 totaling $6,190,164.74. Prior tax years’ (2015-2024) releases and refunds are in the amount of $7,667.52. February 2026, releases and refunds total $6,197,832.26. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Financial Stewardship. This request is to ensure the County complies with financial requirements mandated by North Carolina General Statutes which ensures we are accountable to our citizens. Resource Persons: Keyar Doyle, Tax Administrator. County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the property tax release and refund report for February 2026, as presented and authorize the Tax Assessor to adjust the tax records as outlined by the report. Attachments: Releases & Refunds Backup Detail-February 2026-Mar 23, 2026 Backup-Bill Release Report February 2026-Mar 23, 2026 Backup-Pending Refund Report February 2026-Mar 23, 2026 NCVTS January Refunds.
Removal of Citizen Board Member Due to Poor Attendance
The Board is requested to remove the following member in keeping with the Attendance Policy approved by the Board of County Commissioners in September 2025. 'If an appointee has absences (excused or unexcused) which constitute more than 50% of the meetings in any calendar year or three (3) consecutive unexcused absences or five (5) consecutive excused absences in any calendar year, he or she is obligated to resign.' Environmental Affairs Board - Chukwuemeka Kanu Oji. The Clerk’s Office was notified of the absences and made attempts to contact the board member. There was no response. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Goal 5 Accountable, Efficient and Visionary Government. When citizens are engaged and partners on our Boards and Commissions, the vision of our Strategic Plan is achieved - a thriving, vibrant diverse community with abundant opportunity for all residents to live, work, learn, play and grow. Resource Persons: Monica Wallace, Clerk to the Board. County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve the removal of Chukwuemeka Kanu Oji from the Environmental Affairs Board due to poor attendance.
Public Hearing to Consider an Economic Development Agreement with Welcome Venture Park, LLC
The Board is requested to hold a public hearing to consider a potential Economic Development Agreement ('Agreement') with Welcome Venture Park, LLC ('Company'). The Agreement, to be negotiated and executed by the County Manager, would include: (a) a payment from the County to the Company of $1,000,000 following satisfactory completion of sewer utility infrastructure necessary to enhance the business prospects of the County; (b) a real estate option provided by the Company to the County permitting acquisition of 1420 Old Oxford Road [7.81 acres; REID of 177731; 'Parcel'] for $1,000,000 following a six-month due diligence period, after which the County could ultimately decline to purchase for any reason or no reason at all; and (c) a community benefits package including Company commitments to internships and workforce development programming. Additional information can be found in the attachment to this agenda item. The Company is developing Welcome Venture Park, a 157-acre industrial/business park ('Site') in North Durham along Hamlin Road, approximately between Old Oxford Road and Industrial Drive. Construction is ongoing and occurring in three phases, and upon completion, it is estimated that the Site will collectively produce approximately $270M+ in new taxable value and support 300+ new jobs. Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 have adequate utility capacity. However, Phase 3 does not have adequate sewer capacity, as the City’s Lutravil Pump Station, located approximately 0.75 miles north of the Site, cannot accommodate additional development. Improvements to this pump station, to be undertaken by the Company, will permit additional growth within the Site itself as well as within the larger basin. Additional reserve capacity could also be used for more sewer intensive projects at the Site, such as significant jobs and investment projects referred to Durham County by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). The total cost of the necessary sewer upgrades is approximately $2,700,000. The County is being asked to contribute $1,000,000 towards the project, which only would be paid upon satisfactory completion of the sewer upgrades. The Company states that all permits and approvals are in hand and the improvements can begin as soon as possible. The County’s willingness to consider financial support for sewer upgrades is linked to the fact the Company also owns the undeveloped Parcel adjacent to the future Durham-Roxboro Rail Trail. The Durham-to-Roxboro Rail Trail Plan, approved by the Board of Commissioners in 2025, determined that this general location was ideal for a future trailhead. Preliminarily, the Parcel could potentially include parking, restrooms, open space, and/or related trail programming. To that end, as a component of this deal, the Company is providing the County with a six-month option to purchase the property for a sales price of $1,000,000. The market value of the fee simple interest in the property (as of June 2025) was assessed by Analytical Consultants to be $1,090,000. The Parcel is otherwise not-for-sale and was intended to be used for industrial storage and future development by the Company. The County could ultimately either acquire the property at the end of this six-month period or decline to for any reason or no reason at all. The most important issue to be studied and resolved during the due diligence period is environmental testing. Currently, the Site, as well as the Parcel, are considered brownfields by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality ('NCDEQ'). However, limited testing has been done on the Parcel itself and its suitability for parkland is unknown. If this item is approved by the Board, the Company, County, and NCDEQ will proceed with testing and other environmental due diligence for the site. If the testing determines that the Parcel is suitable and safe to be used as a trailhead or similar public use, then the County, Company, and NCDEQ would need to amend the approved brownfield agreement prior to closing. This public hearing has been advertised as required by law. Staff recommends approval. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Strategic Plan Goal: Regional Leadership 1b. Resource Persons: Matthew Filter, Economic Development Manager; Andrew Miracle, Economic Development Director; Ellen Beckmann, Transportation Director; Maurice Jones, Deputy County Manager External Affairs. County Manager’s Recommendation: The Board is requested to hold a public hearing to consider an Economic Development Agreement with Welcome Venture Park, LLC and to authorize the County Manager to negotiate and execute an Economic Development Agreement with Welcome Venture Park, LLC. Attachments: 26-0144 Attachment.
Advance Public Comments on the FY 2026-27 Budget
The Board is requested to hold an Advance Public Comment session to receive public comments for the FY 2026-27 annual budget. As County staff oversees preparation of the upcoming annual budget, public input is being solicited on issues which may need to be addressed during the budget process. To be able to hear from all interested residents, the Commissioners usually set a time limit of three minutes for each speaker; however, the time limit may be adjusted at the discretion of Chair Dr. Lee. Comments received by the County Clerk will be shared during the meeting, added to the meeting minutes, shared with the Commissioners and placed on the County website. Residents who wish to submit written comments to the Board of County Commissioners should use the physical address, fax number, online comment portal (details provided below) or email. Comments must be received by Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. Email: clerk@dconc.gov. Physical Address: Monica Wallace, Clerk to the Board, 200 East Main St, Durham, NC 27701. Fax: (919) 560-0013. Online Portal: Please go to the FY 2026-27 Resident Budget Portal to submit a written comment on the FY 2026-27 budget process. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Strategic Plan Goal - High Performing Organization. Resource Persons: Claudia Hager, County Manager; Keith Lane, Budget Director. County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board hold an Advance Public Comment session to receive resident input and comments on the FY 2026-27 budget.
Board and Commission Appointments
Monica Wallace, Clerk to the Board, will distribute ballots to the Board to make appointments to the following boards: Alliance Board of Directors, Durham Convention Center Authority, Durham County Women’s Commission, Durham Cultural Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission. The Board of Commissioners recognizes the need to have a representative sample of the citizens of Durham County serve on boards, commissions, committees, and authorities. No citizen may serve more than four consecutive terms for 2-year term boards; three consecutive terms for 3-year term boards; two consecutive terms for 4-year term boards; and one consecutive term for 5 and 6-year term boards in any one position, unless otherwise stated by statute; or there are no other applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. The Equalization and Review Board shall be exempt from these term limits. Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with focus area: High Performing Organization. Resource Persons: Monica Wallace, Clerk to the Board. County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board of County Commissioners vote to appoint members to the aforementioned Boards and Commissions. Attachments: B&C Appt Memo - 3.23.2026.