From the Desk of the County Manager, June 26, 2026

Durham County Commissioners passed a resolution formally recognizing the milestone of the 50th anniversary of the Durham County Department of General Services, which was established on July 1, 1976, at its recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. The resolution, adopted June 22, 2026, and signed by the Board of County Commissioners, honors five decades of work and the department’s legacy, maintaining the county's physical infrastructure, the buildings, grounds, and facilities that residents and employees rely on and helps keep Durham County running every single day.

A History of General Services
What began as a small but mighty team of five in the Building Services Division under founding Director Wade Copeland has grown into one of the most essential operational departments in our organization. Director Copeland, who served from 1976 to 1981, laid the foundation for excellence that Director Mike Turner, who also served as manager of Durham County Memorial Stadium, continued to build upon during his nearly 30 years of leadership. He expanded the department to 79 employees across Building Services, Animal Services, and Solid Waste.

Since January 25, 2010, the department has been led by Director Motiryo Keambiroiro, who navigated the transition of Animal Control to a separate department under the Office of the Sheriff in 2012. General Services has continued to grow and strengthen operations ever since. Today, General Services employs 110 staff members across 13 divisions, including Buildings, HVAC, Electrical, Janitorial, Plumbing and Preventive Maintenance, Grounds, Warehouse, Fleet, Mail Services, Stadium, Facility Use, Solid Waste, Security, and Business Services.

Essential Service, Countywide Impact
General Services may not be the most visible department in county government, but its footprint is enormous. The Buildings Division alone maintains more than 2 million square feet of office space across 70 buildings countywide, while the Grounds Division cares for roughly 160 acres of landscaped property. The department also fabricates and installs county road signage, manages the county's vehicle and equipment fleet, oversees physical and electronic security operations, and manages venues such as the Durham County Memorial Stadium, which dates back to 1958 and remains a hub for community sports and entertainment.

“Fifty years is a testament to the people who have shown up, year after year, to do the work that keeps this county running,” said Director Keambiroiro. “From the five employees who started this department in 1976 to the one hundred and ten team members we have today, every person who has worn this badge has helped build something lasting. Our staff doesn’t often get the spotlight, but every building that stays warm in winter, every field that gets mowed, every road sign that gets installed, that is General Services. Our Solid Waste team is a vital part of that legacy, ensuring our community remains clean, safe, and well served. I am proud of how far we’ve come, and I am excited for what the next fifty years will bring.”

The resolution notes that the collaborative partnerships built by General Services with internal departments, community stakeholders, and partner agencies have been instrumental in achieving meaningful and lasting impact across the county. It also recognizes that the department's 50th anniversary represents not only a milestone of longevity, but a testament to the dedication, resilience, and professionalism of its employees, past and present.

As Durham County moves into its next fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, General Services will continue to play a foundational role in supporting the county's strategic priorities, including sustainable infrastructure and a safe, resilient community. The anniversary serves as a recognition that the department's work, which often happens behind the scenes, enables the rest of the county government to function.

Until next week,

Claudia Hager
Durham County Manager