Durham Commissioners Could Decide DPS Funding Monday

The item on the agenda of Monday’s meeting of the Durham Board of County Commissioners liable to draw the most focus from residents: adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget ordinance, specifically how much the county ultimately increases funds for Durham Public Schools.

Administrators at DPS want an additional $27 million to provide better pay for classified workers after the botched implementation of last year’s salary schedules. In previous meetings, county leaders have indicated a willingness to give about half that amount.

What else is up for consideration? The consent agenda includes:

• Considering approval of a $5 million capital project from limited obligation bond funding for the new Emergency Operations Center and backup 911/sheriff’s call center.
• Approving the fiscal year 2025 Durham Annual Transit Work Program global operating and capital agreements.
• Approving a permanent sign easement for a historical marker at the Stanford L. Warren Branch Library at 1201 Fayetteville St.
• Approving a contract with Election Systems and Software for hardware, firmware, maintenance, and support for current voting equipment.
• Approving the voting delegation for the 2024 National Association of Counties Annual Conference in Florida.

Any items pulled from the consent agenda for discussion are expected to be heard after the county budget matter is settled.

The regular session meeting is expected to start at 7 p.m. after the board finishes a closed session.

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