Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget and Community Priorities
Durham
Summary
City Manager Bo Ferguson presented a $766.1 million proposed budget that holds the property tax rate steady despite declining revenues from property tax appeals. The budget funds public safety additions, a 14% increase to the minimum livable wage, and a major homeless strategic framework, while proposing a 12% water and sewer rate increase and pool closures.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
Total proposed budget is $766.1 million with a 12% increase in water and sewer rates for the average customer and no property tax rate increase.
Durham residents who rely on core city services, city employees receiving minimum wage increases and structural pay scale adjustments, and households experiencing homelessness.
Residents affected by service reductions such as the closure of Forest Hills Pool or paused speed hump installations, and outside agencies facing funding cuts.
Mentions & discussions (5)
City Council - Jun 15, 2026
The council adopted an $840 million budget that avoids property tax hikes, maintains fare-free buses, and funds critical youth and housing programs while limiting employee raises to 2 percent due to revenue constraints.
City Council - Jun 1, 2026
Residents testified during the budget public hearing about funding priorities, including eviction diversion, immigrant legal defense, violence intervention, and park maintenance.
Durham releases proposed city budget calling for no property tax increase, position cuts
Durham releases proposed city budget calling for no property tax increase, position cuts WRAL
City Council - May 18, 2026
City Manager Bo Ferguson presented a $766.1 million proposed budget that holds the property tax rate steady despite declining revenues from property tax appeals. The budget funds public safety additions, a 14% increase to the minimum livable wage, and a major homeless strategic framework, while proposing a 12% water and sewer rate increase and pool closures.
City Council - Mar 16, 2026
Residents and city workers crowded the meeting to advocate for firefighter pay raises, tennis court repairs, free transit funding, and affordable housing investments.
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