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The Durham County Board of Commissioners is set to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.
🧭 TOP ISSUES TO WATCH
⚡ EV Chargers at New Downtown Parking Deck
The County will vote on spending $80,000 for 12 new electric vehicle charging stations at the just-opened 500 E. Main St. parking deck.
- Expands charging capacity to cover 2.5% of spaces, with room to grow to 10% in the future
- Part of Durham’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals
📍 Downtown Durham – infrastructure with countywide sustainability impact
🌱 $312K for 4-H Youth Programming
A budget amendment would reauthorize $312,000 in unspent funds to continue Durham’s Cooperative Extension 4-H programs.
- Supports youth development initiatives and summer programs
- Previously approved by the BOCC, now requires carryover into FY 2025-26
📍 Countywide – youth & family engagement
🚆 Passenger Rail Study for RTP
Commissioners will vote on sending a letter of support for a feasibility study into building a passenger rail station in Research Triangle Park.
- Recommended in the Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization’s study
- Could expand intercity rail service and connect RTP to the Triangle’s regional transit future
📍 RTP / Countywide mobility
🍎 Resolution on SNAP Funding
With federal legislation shifting SNAP benefit costs to states, Durham commissioners will consider a resolution urging the NC General Assembly to fund the program.
- Without state funding, SNAP could be eliminated in NC starting FY 2027–28
- Potential $420M annual state cost
📍 Countywide – food security and anti-poverty policy
🏛️ Public Hearing: Naming County Lobby for Bill Bell
The BOCC will hear comments on naming the 2nd floor lobby of Administrative Building I in honor of William V. “Bill” Bell, longtime commissioner and former Durham mayor.
📍 Downtown – symbolic recognition of leadership
🧾 CONSENT AGENDA ROUNDUP
(Most items pass without discussion unless pulled by a commissioner)
- 💸 Tax Refunds & Releases: $259K in July adjustments for overassessments and errors
- 📚 Library Janitorial Services: Contract amendment to cover new weekend hours
- 🏟️ Emergency Reunification Plan: MOU with DPS to use stadium practice field after school emergencies
- 🏦 Tax Administration: Approval of 2024 tax settlement; authorization to collect 2025 taxes
- 🍾 ABC Board: Daniel Edwards reappointed as Chair for FY 2025-26
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏿 Board Appointments & Accountability
Commissioners will appoint members to:
- Alliance Behavioral Health Board
- Environmental Affairs Board
🧾 Full Agenda & Backup Materials
📍 Meeting: Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 – 7 p.m. – Commissioners’ Chambers, 200 E. Main St.
📺 Watch live via Durham County BOCC Agenda Portal
📬 Let us know what issues you’d like us to track. SoDu We Watch Our Government is here to help South Durham stay engaged and informed.
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Author: Wes Platt
Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian. Email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.
