Durham, NC – The Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met on October 13, 2025, approving more than $450,000 in new public investments during its Regular Session. Key actions included public health funding, opioid response reallocation, emergency training equipment purchases, and a land conservation easement supported by federal and state partners.
Meeting Overview
The session, held in the BOCC Chambers at 200 E. Main Street, began at 7:00 p.m. following a closed session. Chair Nida Allam presided, and Commissioner Heidi Carter Burton led the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no changes to the agenda, and minutes from the September 22 meeting were approved unanimously.
Announcements
Several community updates were shared:
- Early Voting (Oct. 16–Nov. 1): Five sites across Durham County will be open for early voting in the 2025 Municipal General Election. Visit dcovotes.com for details.
- Kids Voting Durham Candidate Forum: Youth-led forum on Oct. 16 at Hillside High School, featuring mayoral and city council candidates.
- Bus Rapid Transit Vision Plan: Residents are invited to complete the Durham BRT Vision survey at durhambrtvision.com.
- Code Connect Presentations: Sessions on the New Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) continue through November.
- Sheriff’s Office Resident Survey: Online feedback survey open until Oct. 22.
- Public Health Webinar: Youth-focused Overdose Response webinar set for Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
- In Touch with Durham County: The County’s monthly program, now streaming on YouTube, features food security and crisis response initiatives.
Ceremonial Recognitions
The Board recognized two key additions to the Public Health Department:
- Brad Caison, Durham County’s new HIV Navigator
- Bridget Nelson, appointed as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) & Resilience Coordinator
In addition, the Board proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Durham County.
Consent Agenda Highlights
Commissioners approved multiple public funding actions and contract amendments designed to strengthen public health, emergency response, and sustainability efforts:
- $3,124 in funding from the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to expand communicable disease surveillance.
- $20,373 reallocated from the Opioid Settlement Fund’s Syringe Project Strategy to the Naloxone Project Strategy, supporting overdose prevention.
- Extension of the Joint Crisis Communications Plan with the City of Durham through Dec. 31, 2026.
- $142,415 contract with SimuLab Corporation for Emergency Services training equipment (Difficult AirwayMan system).
- $6,000 in additional funding from NC DHHS to implement the Electronic Test Ordering and Results System for disease tracking.
- $1,861.78 agreement with the Central Pines Regional Council for regional solid waste planning assistance.
- $293,300 approved for the Tilley Farm Conservation Easement — including $80,300 in County funds and $213,000 in federal support through the Army National Guard’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program.
- Commitment of rebates and incentive funding toward the County’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
- Approval of Historic Preservation Commission’s Interlocal Cooperation Agreement revisions.
- $6,120 contract amendment for Pinam Construction, Inc. due to unforeseen work requirements, bringing the total contract to $161,090.78.
- $14,470 design contract amendment with RND Architects, PA for the Stanford L. Warren Interior Upgrades Project, increasing the total contract to $242,669.
- Authorization for three new full-time positions in the Sewer Utility Enterprise Fund to expand operational capacity.
The next Regular Session is scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Durham County Administration Building, with in-person and hybrid options available.
Meetings are broadcast live and replayed on Durham Television Network (Spectrum channels 8 & 1302, Frontier channel 70, AT&T U-verse channel 99) and streamed on the Durham County YouTube channel…