University and Durham officials met Wednesday to discuss a broad range of issues concerning the University's involvement in the community, including a proposal by the city of Durham that the University provide a "voluntary payment" to account for its exemption from property taxes.
Floyd McKissick, Durham City Council member, said that the proposal has not received the official support of the City Council, but it has been "warmly accepted" by some of its members and by state legislators. The University, however, is still holding fast to its belief that the justifications for the voluntary contribution are not persuasive.
"[The proposal] came up-we didn't embrace it," said Tallman Trask, executive vice president of the University. Because of its status as an educational institution, the University is exempt from payment of property taxes. Other institutions providing public services, such as churches and cultural organizations, also receive the state-mandated exemption.
Other city representatives present at the meeting were Durham Mayor Sylvia Kerckhoff and City Council member Frank Hyman. Two additional administrators represented the University: Paul Vick, director of government relations, and John Burness, senior vice president for public affairs.
The meeting was scheduled a month ago, Burness said, with the intention of informing city officials about the various channels through which the University has involved itself with the local community. He added that much of the discussion focused on issues that he had addressed during his presentation in December to the Board of Trustees.
During his report to the trustees, Burness announced a strategic plan designed to improve community awareness of the University's involvement with Durham. He also identified numerous areas in which the University can contribute to the community, including affordable housing, economic development and health care.
Despite the lack of progress of the tax issue, city and University officials agreed that the meeting was beneficial for both parties.
"We had a very positive and constructive meeting dealing with a full range of issues," McKissick said.
After completing their business, both parties agreed that prior to any further discussion, each should re-evaluate its figures relating to various fiscal matters. This step is crucial, Burness said, because future discussions need to be about "apples and apples, not apples and oranges."
A second meeting between the University and city officials has been set for the end of February.
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