Official Budget Documents
All figures are from Durham County's officially adopted budget documents.
FY2025–26 Adopted Budget
The full adopted operating and capital budget document for the current fiscal year, adopted by the Board of Commissioners in June 2025.
Download from dconc.gov →Budget & Management Services
Current and prior-year budgets, quarterly reports, and Capital Improvement Program, straight from the county's Budget & Management Services office.
Visit Budget Office →Capital Improvement Program
The multi-year capital plan covers major construction, infrastructure, and equipment purchases funded through bonds and capital reserves.
View CIP →Budget Dashboard
Durham County publishes an interactive budget dashboard on its open data portal.
Budget in Brief: Official Budget Documents
Durham County's Budget & Management Services office publishes the adopted budget, prior-year documents, revenue projections, and the Capital Improvement Program. Download directly from dconc.gov.
How the County Budget Works
- What it funds: Durham County's budget covers Durham Public Schools (the largest share), Health and Human Services, the Sheriff's Office, courts, debt service, parks, libraries, and general government operations.
- Main revenue source: Property tax is the county's largest revenue source, making up roughly half of all general fund revenue. The tax rate is set each June when commissioners adopt the budget.
- City vs. County: Durham County and the City of Durham are separate governments with separate budgets and separate tax rates. Neighbors within city limits pay both. The county tax funds schools and county services; the city tax funds police, fire, roads, and city services.
- Annual process: Department heads submit requests in winter. The County Manager reviews and releases a recommended budget (May 11 this year). The Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing on May 26, then votes on adoption by June 30. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
FY2026–27 Budget Calendar
Year-over-Year Budget Comparison
Source: Durham County adopted budget documents. All figures in millions.
| Area | FY2024-25 | FY2025-26 | Change ($M) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education (DPS + DTCC) | $235.2M | $248.1M | +$12.9M | +5.5% |
| Capital Projects | $115.9M | $126.1M | +$10.2M | +8.8% |
| Debt Service | — | $116.6M | — | — |
| Administration | — | $193.5M | — | — |
| Human Services | — | $114.8M | — | — |
| Public Safety | — | $95.1M | — | — |
| Culture & Recreation | — | $17.3M | — | — |
| Other Areas | — | $22.8M | — | — |
| Total (All Funds) | $966M | $1,038M | +$72M | +7.5% |
| General Fund | $651M | $690M | +$39M | +6.0% |
| Property Tax Rate | 51.92¢/$100 | 55.42¢/$100 | +3.50¢ | +6.7% |
— denotes prior-year detail not yet available in official documents. Area-level breakdowns where comparison exists are from the county's FY2025-26 Budget Summary. Explore full detail in the Budget Explorer.
How to Weigh In
Submit Written Comment
Submit comments online or in writing to the Board of Commissioners. The public hearing on May 26 is the primary opportunity to speak before the Board votes on adoption.
Submit a Comment →Speak at the Public Hearing
Sign up to testify at the public hearing on May 26 at 7:00 PM at 200 E. Main St., Commissioners Chambers, Room 2A.
Sign Up to Speak →Watch the Meetings
All BOCC meetings are live-streamed on YouTube. The May 11 Manager presentation and May 26 public hearing are the key events before the June 8 adoption vote.
Watch Live Stream →Review the Documents
Download current and prior-year budgets, capital improvement plans, and quarterly financial reports from the county website.
Budget Documents →