Though the economic downturn has resulted in difficult budget cuts, the Durham County government has made a strong effort to serve community members, the head county commissioner said in a speech Monday.
Michael Page, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, spoke to county employees and other Durham residents in his annual State of the County address. He highlighted a range of issues facing the county, including the annual budget, economic development, social services and public education.
Page noted that the sluggish economy has constrained the budgets of many state and local governments—including Durham County—through reduced tax revenues.
“Last year we pledged to weather the economic slowdown,” he said. “We face more opportunities and challenges in the coming months in this area.”
Page said many North Carolina counties continue to struggle with decreased revenue and have employed different measures to handle the situation, such as increasing taxes, cutting spending or laying off workers. He added that the financial situation in many counties is linked to the state government’s budget situation. The divided state government with a Democratic governor and a Republican-controlled state legislature will further complicate budget issues in the future.
“The $2.7 billion [state budget] deficit has forced a lot of big cuts and hard choices,” Page said. “We have seen the partisan differences reflected in the unveiling of the [2011] state budget.”
Page added that Durham County has faced tough decisions in determining the budget but has emphasized certain areas for spending, particularly education.
“Last year the BOCC saved more than 200 teaching jobs by increasing property taxes,” he said.
In light of the tight budget, Page praised the county for its continued AAA bond rating. He noted that the rating has allowed the county to borrow funds for capital investment projects that encourage economic growth.
Page cited the economic incentive package that the county offered to Cree Inc., an LED light manufacturer, in September. The county provided $2 million to help train workers for the company, which has created 244 new jobs in Durham, he added.
Page said the BOCC’s first-ever strategic plan, issued this year, will help the county government accomplish its long-term goals.
“The strategic plan would create positive changes and focus and prioritize our resources in the best possible way,” he said.
Durham resident James Tabron, a consultant, said he was encouraged by the county’s management of its finances. He added that he hoped the county would continue to fund social services for low-income people.
“It is important to give that segment of the population—which is no less deserving—some support,” he said. “We have to balance it in a way that everyone can feel like [Durham] is a good place to live.”
Ernie Mills, founder and CEO of the Durham Rescue Mission, a local organization assisting the homeless, noted that the county government should continue to support community organizations in their efforts.
“They have done a good job so far,” he said. “They should keep working as a partner with other community groups.”
In his speech, Page praised the county commissioners and other county employees for their work over the past year.
“It is our tradition to reflect on our accomplishments,” he said. “I am thankful for this opportunity to work with the county commissioners and our staff.”
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