Durham, NC – The Durham Board of County Commissioners met at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 26, 2012, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:

Chairman Michael Page led the Board of County Commissioners in extending personal reflections and good wishes to Commissioners Philip R. Cousin, Jr. and Pam H. Karriker at their final Board meeting. Both were appointed to fill unexpired terms which end on December 3rd. Commissioner Karriker was appointed in September 2011 and Commissioner Cousin joined the Board in July. Each outgoing Commissioner received a plaque commending them for their outstanding service to the citizens of Durham County.

County Manager Mike Ruffin recognized Social Services Director Mr. Michael Becketts for his efforts to help 80 tenants from the Lincoln Apartments who were facing an untimely eviction. During this crisis, Becketts intervened with residents and held a “resource day” for Lincoln tenant right in their own community. Social Services met with nearly59 families and provided them with a range of options and services to assist in the transition. His compassion and offer of help went a long way toward diffusing a challenging situation

Durham County recently received the City of Durham’s Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities, “Disability Employment Awareness Month Award” for employment of persons with disabilities. Durham County Health Education Specialist Donna Rosser nominated the County and also serves as a member of the Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities. County Commissioners thanked Ms. Rosser for her nomination.

The Board of County Commissioners approved a technical adjustment to the Budget in the amount of $400,000 to support the 2011 round CDBG of the Scattered Site Housing grant for the multiyear project.

The Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the levy of a ½% county sales and use tax for public transportation pursuant to Article 43 of Chapter 105 of the North Carolina General Statutes. The collection of the tax, which does not apply to food, is expected to begin April 1, 2013. Proceeds will be used for the “Durham County Bus and Rail Investment Plan” for financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining public transportation systems. Durham voters approved the levy of this tax in November 2011 with further action contingent on either Orange County or Wake County voters approving a similar levy. Orange County voters approved the referendum on November 6 and the transportation plan can now proceed with Triangle Transit managing the effort.

The Board of County Commissioners, Durham County Register of Deeds and Soil and Water Conservation District Board member will be sworn into office on Monday, December 3 at 9:00am in the Board of County Commissioner Chambers. The Honorable Chief District Court Judge Marcia Morey will administer the oaths of office.

The next regular session of the Durham Board of Commissioners will be held on Monday, December 10 at 7:00pm.

To view the agenda and recording of the BOCC Regular Session Meeting, visit the BOCC’s Web site. For more information about BOCC meetings, contact the Clerk to the Board's Office at 919-560-0025 or email clerk@durhamcountync.gov.