Budget

Expressed opposition to sheriff's office funding allocations and called for increased youth program funding and a robust data center moratorium.

Criticized economic development policies that favor corporate tax breaks while community services face funding shortages.

Called for restored pride funding, library programs, and accountability from elected officials.

Echoed calls for action and restored budgetary support for pride initiatives.

Highlighted severe staffing shortages and lack of raises for Durham Public Schools physical therapists.

Discussed the impact of classified staff shortages on student services and mandated IEP compliance.

An instructional assistant shared struggles living in low-income housing and asked for fair pay comparable to county raises.

A longtime bus driver and cafeteria worker explained working multiple jobs to make ends meet due to stagnant wages.

A teacher spoke in favor of raising property taxes slightly to fund classified staff pay increases.

A longtime bus driver expressed frustration over low pay and lack of appreciation.

The DAE president urged the board to prioritize DPS frontline staff wages over vehicle purchases and address corporate tax exemptions.

A school treasurer described being overworked and underpaid while managing multiple school operational roles.

An occupational therapist urged the board to raise taxes and fund the DPS budget expansion for school workers.

A data manager with DPS reported working two full-time jobs and asked for a 12% pay increase.

A teacher highlighted how low pay and staff shortages harm school morale and support systems.

A retired educator spoke in favor of increasing taxes to properly fund Durham schools.

An instructional aide at Enno Valley School testified about low wages compared to other districts and historical family service to DPS.

A middle school custodian requested a 12% pay increase to address rising living costs.

A speaker raised concerns regarding county revenue collection, tax exemptions for major institutions, and progressive taxation.

Representing the People's Alliance Education Action Team, she urged the board to fully fund the DPS budget request and classified staff wage increases.

She supported increasing taxes if necessary to fund living wages for public school classified workers.

He advocated for a 4-cent property tax increase to fund county operations and provide a $25 living wage for county and school employees.

A DPS classified employee described financial struggles and asked the board to fully fund the school district's proposed budget.

She described facing financial hardship and contemplating bankruptcy on her current school salary, urging a 12% raise for classified staff.

Expressed support for the Durham County Library system during the budget process, highlighting its high community usage and the need for adequate facility maintenance funding.