🌱 County Considering Property Tax Hike + Sheriff Launches Podcast

Good morning, Durham! I'm Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny and comfortable. High: 82 Low: 58.
• Friday: Partly sunny. High: 84 Low: 61.

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Here are the top three stories today in Durham:

1. The Durham County Board of Commissioners is considering a budget for fiscal year 2023-2024 that would include a property tax increase of three cents. Revenue from the tax increase would be split equally between the general fund and the capital financing fund. This would bring the countywide tax rate to 75.22 cents per $100 valuation, an increase from the current rate of 72.22 cents per $100 valuation. Durham County Manager Kimberly J. Sowell said the increase is necessary to address increased growth in the area. (ABC 11)
2. A video from Hillside High School in Durham showing an altercation between a student and an employee has gone viral. In the video, a student is seen kicking a staff member in the face as she tries to restrain the student. The principal of Hillside High School issued a letter to families that said the employee has been suspended without pay until an investigation is completed. (WRAL)
3. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead has announced an upcoming monthly podcast called "Star Talk." The goal of this project is to engage with the community, receive feedback, and provide information on services that the sheriff's office provides. The first episode covers topics such as the history of the Durham County Sheriff's Office and the responsibilities the agency has to the community. Click here to listen to the first episode of Star Talk, which is produced in partnership with North Carolina Central University's communication department. (CBS 17)

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Today and tomorrow in Durham:

Thursday, May 11

• Twilight Thursdays: Spring Season At North Carolina Botanical Garden (4:00 PM)
• Kid Kitchen At Walltown Park Recreation Center (6:00 PM)
• Live Music In The Taproom At The Glass Jug Beer Lab (7:00 PM)

Friday, May 12

• Duke Street Dogs At The Blue Note Grill (6:00 PM)
• Friday Dance Night At Moon Dog Meadery And Bottle Shop (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Your input is needed as the Durham Parks Foundation makes plans to improve Grant Street Park South. Possible improvements include benches, park signage, and pathways. Click here to fill out the survey. (Durham Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• The City of Durham is seeking businesses and nonprofit partners for the Durham Youth Works Program. This program matches youth who have completed job readiness training with local businesses for meaningful work experience. Click here to learn more. (City of Durham, NC Government via Facebook)
• According to recent data, the state of North Carolina had the fourth-highest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that “young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents.” (Bumper.com)
• There will be a Community and Family Youth Build with Habitat for Humanity of Durham on Jun. 10! Families can volunteer together to build bookshelves and welcome signs for Habitat homeowners. Click here to learn more. (Habitat for Humanity of Durham via Facebook

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.