sodu we watch our government

SoDu We Watch Our Government: Durham Board of County Commissioners - Oct. 27, 2025

Tonight at 7 p.m., the Durham Board of County Commissioners meets at 200 E. Main St. Watch for an ARPA childcare boost (GI pilot paused), EOC commissioning, OES Fleet GMP #2, LMI home energy retrofits, opioid fund shift, property-tax refunds, ceremonial items, and early-voting info.

Wes Platt

27 Oct 2025 — 4 min read

The Durham Board of County Commissioners meets tonight, Monday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers at 200 E. Main St., Durham.

Quick Hits on the Agenda

Announcements you can use. Early voting for the 2025 municipal election runs through 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, with sites including South Regional Library and the Board of Elections office at 3825 S. Roxboro St. Also flagged: possible November disruptions to Food & Nutrition benefits if the federal shutdown continues; End Hunger Durham’s pantry map; feedback opportunities for the Bus Rapid Transit Vision Plan; and Veterans Day events/closures.
Minutes: The board will consider approving minutes from the Oct. 6 work session and Oct. 13 regular meeting.
Ceremonial: A resolution honoring the late DeWarren K. Langley; recognition of “Operation Green Light” for Veterans Day; and the 100th anniversary of the Durham Interdenominational Ushers Union.

Policy Items to Watch

ARPA dollars reshuffled: more childcare help; GI pilot paused

Staff proposes reallocating $1,690,296 in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to expand Early Years’ “Build Babies Durham” childcare subsidies - boosting that award from $2.4M to ~$4.09M - while pausing and shifting the planned DCo Thrives guaranteed income pilot to local (non-ARPA) funds due to state-level uncertainty that could jeopardize spending by the Dec. 31, 2026 deadline. The item also trims $199,590 from the East Durham Market contract (SNAP “Double Bucks” pilot removed after federal rule changes). Why it matters: direct relief for working families in Durham - including South Durham - vs. the future of GI locally.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Progress

Two EOC-related consent items are up:

A contract with FST Technical Services for fundamental + enhanced commissioning (LEED-related) for the new City/County EOC - $173,498 plus $8,675 contingency (not to exceed $182,173). Why it matters: commissioning helps ensure reliability for a facility that backs up 911 and Sheriff communications.
A $19,877.50 amendment with O’Brien Atkins for underground sand filter design to meet Falls Lake watershed nutrient rules. Why it matters: adds required stormwater treatment capacity during site design.

Temporary OES Fleet Maintenance Facility

Staff seeks to appropriate $3.02M from the Debt Service Fund balance to the PAYGO fund for the temporary OES Fleet Maintenance Facility at 1129 E. Geer St., and to amend the CM@R (Construction Manager at Risk) contract (Samet Corp.) for GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) #2 at $2,476,112.96 (with authority up to $2,699,918.61 within budget). Target turnover is April 8, 2026; the current facility is slated for demolition December 2025. Why it matters: keeps EMS fleet maintenance on track during the broader EOC buildout.

Energy Efficiency for Low-to-Moderate Income Homes

A $1,213,974 subaward with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council would fund home assessments, QA checks, and contractor management for the Energy Burden and Emissions Reduction Program - supported by a $1.5M DOE grant - with a goal to retrofit 200 homes across Durham, Orange, and Granville counties over three years. Why it matters: lower bills and healthier homes, with eligibility focused on LMI households.

Property Tax Releases/Refunds

September’s report totals $1,639,310.37 in releases/refunds (current-year plus prior years), reflecting valuation adjustments and clerical fixes. Why it matters: housekeeping that affects the county’s books and some taxpayers’ bills.

Opioid Settlement Fund: Programmatic Transfer

An administrative budget move would shift $61,598 from Post Overdose Response to Recovery Response within the Opioid Settlement Fund to better align spending with program purposes.

Board & Commission Appointments

The Board is slated to make appointments, including to the Discover Durham Tourism Development Authority.

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This report is part of SoDu We Watch Our Government, a civic transparency project covering Durham County government and local government activity affecting South Durham residents.