Official Budget Documents
All figures are from the City of Durham Finance Department's official adopted budget.
FY2025–26 Adopted Budget Book
The full adopted budget document with revenue, expenditures by department, and program narratives. Adopted by City Council in June 2025.
Download PDF →Finance Department
Quarterly financial reports, prior-year budgets, the Capital Improvement Program, and additional budget resources.
Finance Department →Capital Improvement Program
The city's multi-year capital plan covers infrastructure, facilities, and major equipment funded through bonds, grants, and capital reserves.
View CIP Documents →How the City Budget Works
- City vs. County (two separate budgets): The City of Durham and Durham County are separate governments. If you live inside city limits, you pay both a city and a county tax rate! They fund different services and are adopted independently.
- What the city tax funds: The city budget covers the Durham Police Department, Durham Fire Department, public works, water and sewer, parks and recreation, planning, transit, and general city operations. Schools, the Sheriff's Office, and Health and Human Services are county-funded.
- Enterprise funds: Water, sewer, and solid waste are funded through utility fees, not property taxes. These are budgeted separately from the General Fund.
- Annual process: The City Manager presents a recommended budget each spring. City Council holds public hearings and adopts the final budget by June 30. The new fiscal year begins July 1. For the current FY2026–27 schedule, check the City Council page.
Annual Budget Calendar: Typical Cycle
For current-year specific dates, see the City Council page.
Year-over-Year Budget Comparison
Source: City of Durham Finance Department. All figures in millions unless noted.
| Area | FY2024-25 | FY2025-26 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Improvement Plan | — | $537.6M | — |
| City Operations (General Fund) | — | $234.4M | — |
| Total (All Funds) | — | $772M | — |
| Property Tax Rate | 43.07¢/$100 | 43.71¢/$100 | +0.64¢ (+1.5%) |
— denotes prior-year breakdown not available in current dataset. Tax rate comparison from adopted budget documents. For a full year-over-year breakdown, see the Finance Department or download the FY2025-26 Adopted Budget Book.
How to Weigh In
Speak at City Council
Durham City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7 PM. Public comment is open at every regular meeting. No appointment needed.
City Council Info →Contact Council Members
Durham's mayor and six council members are elected at large. Contact information is listed on the city website.
Council Members →Watch Meetings Online
City Council meetings are livestreamed and archived on the City of Durham's YouTube channel.
Watch on YouTube →Review Budget Documents
Download the adopted budget, capital improvement plan, and quarterly financial reports from the Finance Department.
Finance Department →