Durham, N.C. – On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget ordinance totaling $1,038,472,275. This year's budget includes a County property tax rate increase of 3.5 cents, 2.5 cents for the County’s General Fund and 1.0 cent for the Capital Financing Plan Fund, above the revenue neutral rate of 51.92 cents to 55.42 cents per $100 valuation. The budget passed with a ­­­­unanimous vote by the BOCC.

“I'm grateful for the successful passage of Durham County Government's fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. My deep appreciation goes to County Manager Claudia Hager, the Budget and Management Services team, and all the departments who contributed to this essential annual process,” said Chair Nida Allam. “Budgets are not just numbers on a page; they are moral documents. They are declarations of what we value, what we stand for, and who we care for. At their best, they are also documents of love, expressions of a deep commitment to our community.”

The FY 2025-2026 adopted budget is 7.48% more than the previous year’s budget. As a part of the budget process, the Board increased the County Manager’s Recommended Budget by $1.05 million. The largest amount of the Board’s increase will provide additional funding for Durham Public Schools (DPS). The General Fund budget, providing the necessary financial resources for most of Durham County’s activities and services, is $689,707,784.

The County is also providing contracted Pre-K support with annual funding of $8.89 million. The FY 2025-2026 budget also provides $12,618,661 for Durham Technical Community College (DTCC), an increase of $186,578 or 1.5% from the previous year.

This budget focused on supporting education, funding public safety needs related to population growth, and maintaining the County’s core services. County departments expressed needs for expanded programming and new services. In light of slowing overall revenue growth, Manager Hager identified the need to focus on maintaining existing programs and ensuring a robust review of mandated services is conducted in the coming fiscal year.

In order to ensure certain programs were supported, departments were asked to reallocate wherever possible from existing budgeted amounts. The County is expanding its personnel authorized strength by 44.5 positions, with a net total of 11.2 positions. Keeping this net increase lower than recent years was accomplished by a review of existing vacancies and realigning those positions.  

“As a County Government, we are charged with the difficult responsibility of funding essential services with limited resources. That means every dollar counts. Creating a budget that meets our community’s needs without placing an undue burden on our residents is not just a challenge, it is a solemn obligation. And it is one we as a Board, together with our County staff, approach with seriousness, integrity, and heart. This year’s budget reflects the compassion, resilience, and shared vision of a community that believes in equity, opportunity, and care for all. Despite economic headwinds, we came together once again with the shared goal of doing right by the people of Durham.”

Other highlights from the FY 2025-2026 adopted budget include: 

• 3%-4% merit increases in employee salaries

• $6.3 million increase in County health insurance costs without an increase in employee paid support.

• 12 new FTEs in EMS to support increased call volume and supplement peak staffing

• 5.0 new FTEs in Sheriff’s Office to support increased coverage in the Research Triangle Park area.

• 8.5 new FTEs in Youth Home for the programming and increased capacity of the new facility

• Reallocated 24 FTEs (from vacancies) across departments to offset new positions needed

• $986,000 in additional funding for operational needs in the Information Services & Technology department

• $500,000 million in continued funding for Hayti Reborn Justice Movement

• Durham City-County Fire Rescue Services Tax District decrease 0.5 cents

• Redwood Fire Tax District increase of 0.74 cents

• Bahama Fire Tax District increase of 1.05 cents

• Lebanon Fire Tax District increase of 1.50 cents

• New Hope Fire Tax District increase of 1.5 cents

• RTP Service Tax District

  • RTP General Fund increase of 1.49 cents

  • RTP Transportation Fund increase of 0.71 cents

“Passing this budget took countless hours of hard work, thoughtful deliberation, and unwavering commitment. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together, and even more excited for what lies ahead. Because when we invest in our people, we invest in a brighter future for all of Durham.”

The full FY 2025-2026 adopted budget document will be online in the coming weeks. To review the adopted budget details for FY 2025-2026, visit the County’s Budget and Management Services webpage at dconc.gov/budget. Budget information on adopted budgets dating back 10 years prior is available to view and download on the webpage.

For additional questions or information about the FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget, email publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.

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