Public Invited to Offer Input on Durham Tax Proposals

Durham, N.C. — People living in Durham County will have their say Monday night about two potential taxes. County leaders are considering an additional sales tax or a land transfer tax.

Officials said school systems in the county will need $500 million worth of upgrades over the next decade to keep up with enrollment. County leaders argue the current tax revenue is not enough.

"We're clearly behind the eight ball here and the property tax is just getting squeezed," said Durham County Manager Mike Ruffin.

Ruffin said he believes taking advantage of the new option created by the legislature will help. He wants voters to decide if they can handle a new quarter-cent sales tax or a land transfer tax of 0.4 of 1 percent of the sale price of a home. Officials said either option would bring in more than $9 million in the first year alone.

Residents will get a chance to be heard at the Durham County Commissioners' meeting, starting at 7 p.m. at the Durham County Government Administrative Complex, located at 200 E. Main St. Depending on the feedback, the issues could be put to a referendum on the November ballot.