- Tom Bonfield
In tonight’s meeting of the Durham City Council, City Manager Tom Bonfield pitched a 1.19-cent property tax increase to balance this year’s budget. Under Bonfield’s proposal, the budget would increase by $7.7 million (about two percent) to $353.4 million.
If the City Council adopts this budget later this summer, the increase would mean an additional $23.80 in the annual property tax bill for a $200,000 home for city-assessed taxes. (County taxes are assessed separately. County Manager Mike Ruffin will present his budget in one week on May 24).
Under Bonfield’s plan, city employees, including firefighters and police officers, will not receive raises. Additionally, 15 people will be losing their jobs. Sixteen other positions that were vacant also will be eliminated, while funding for 20 other jobs has been set aside.
A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. for Monday, June 7. The City Council will adopt its budget in its June 21 meeting.
