Durham County tax bump softened

Commissioners shave higher figure

DURHAM -- County commissioners nudged the county's proposed tax rate increase to just under 2 cents on Thursday, a cut that would save the owner of a $200,000 home about $15 on his tax bill.

The anticipated property tax rate for next year will be 70.81 cents per $100 of value. Taxes on a $200,000 home would total roughly $1,416, about a 3 percent increase over the current rate.

Despite lowering the proposed tax rate with some small cuts, commissioners also managed to add a few last-minute expenditures, including another $20,000 for three nonprofit groups that appealed to the board at a public hearing on Monday.

The board granted an additional $5,000 to AnimalKind Inc. for a total contribution of $10,000 to the Raleigh-based nonprofit that helps low-income families pay for pet spay and neuter operations.

Commissioners set aside $5,000 for Durham Congregations in Action, for use with its youth mentoring and summer internship programs. They also gave the Triangle Champions Track Club $10,000. More than 30 participants in the regional athletic club appeared at Monday's public hearing, imploring commissioners for funding. Commissioners funded another $927,000 in nonprofit requests for next year, about $41,000 less than they contributed this year.

The county also agreed to include $125,000 for the Cultural Master Plan, a long-term plan overseeing the city and county's arts and cultural planning.

And after weeks of discussion, the board also settled on a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment to be added to all employee salaries. The board initially explored other options, hoping to offer lower-paid workers larger bonuses, but the options turned out to be less cost-effective.

Board members seemed pleased with getting the proposed tax rate increase to 1.99 cents. Under the county manager's proposed budget, the increase was recommended at 2.73 cents.

"We're still able to support some initiatives that are consistent with our priorities, like expanding More At Four and other initiatives to help with our youth," said Ellen Reckhow, chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners.

With neighboring counties and municipalities contemplating much higher tax increases, including the Durham City Council's proposed 9 percent increase, the county will positively "stick out like a sore thumb," Commissioner Becky Heron said.

"We're very fortunate," she added.

The county is scheduled to approve its budget at the Board of Commissioners' regular meeting June 23.

Meanwhile, city officials are expected to approve their budget and proposed 54.57-cent tax rate Monday.

If the city and county governments each pass their proposed tax rates, the owner of a $200,000 home within the city limits would pay about $2,507 in city and county property taxes. That represents a 5 percent increase over the current rates.