Durham, N.C. –Michael D. Page, chairman of the Durham Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), delivered the 2010 State of the County Address last night at the 7p.m. BOCC regular meeting.  Chairman Pages’ address, approximately 30 minutes long, included honest statements about fiscal challenges faced in the last year.  Chairman Page also reviewed successes and achievements during the past year.

Other highlights included in Chairman Page’s address included:

• Durham County Services:  In 2009, unprecedented financial challenges took place on the national, state and local levels. While Durham County fared the challenges well in comparison to many other governments across the country, Durham was no exception to the downturn in the economy.  Durham County was able to avoid job and service cuts. 

• Financial Vitality: Due to the County’s Triple A Bond Rating and good investment decisions, Durham County is able to proceed with building several major capital projects; creating many local jobs and improving the health of the local economy.  The economic downturn has enabled the County to save millions on construction projects as contractors across the region reduce costs and bid proposals. 

In 2009, Commissioners provided economic incentives to EMC Corporation and Innovative Emergency Management (IEM).  EMC’s expansion will create nearly 400 jobs.  IEM, whose headquarters will move to Durham, NC, will create 400 plus jobs in the county.

• Stimulus:  The 2009 Stimulus Package enabled nearly $21 million dollars have come directly to, or passed through Durham County.   Funding has helped important public services such as food stamps and childcare subsidy. The County anticipates additional stimulus funding in the near future.  Citizens are invited to view current stimulus funds on the County’s Web site.

• Health and Human Services: The economic downturn did place a strain on the County’s health and human services.  Stimulus funds enabled these areas to help residents and vulnerable families in the Durham community access important resources and services.  Throughout most of 2009 into 2010, the County Health Department became increasingly a focus of local news as County officials tackled the pandemic H1N1 virus.  The County partnered with Duke University Health Systems, Durham Public Schools, businesses, health care practices and the state to provided H1N1 vaccinations to thousands of citizens.  

• Community Collaborative: Computers 4 Kids was launched in 2009 as a partnership between Durham County Government, Durham Public Schools, the United Way of the Greater Triangle, and the Volunteer Center of Durham.  To date, nearly 100 County surplus desktop computers have been refurbished and provided free of charge to qualified students. 

• Capital Improvement Projects:  The groundbreaking for the new $70 million dollar state of the art Human Services Complex was conducted in May 2009.  The complex will house public health, social services and mental health/substance abuse services. The historic Durham County Stadium is currently under an $8 million dollar renovation project that includes the addition of a new running track and important upgrades.  In 2009, the County’s bond money helped complete the Museum of Life and Science’s new Dinosaur Trail, a part of its BioQuest expansion project.   

• Advanced Technology and Communications:  The new “In Touch With Durham County” TV show was launched in August and airs daily on Cable Channel 8.  With more than a thousand followers on Twitter and nearly 300 fans on Facebook, the County has found effective social media tools to engage a diverse group of residents.  Durham County has also turned to podcasting placed on the County’s YouTube site to get immediate messages out the community.

• A Look Ahead:  Plans include increased fiscal conservation in the management of resources.  Despite the projected upturn in the economy, the County realizes the improvement will be steady and slow.   Once state revenues are realized the County will have a better picture of how to prepare for the coming fiscal year.  As the County prepares for budget season, the Commissioners will seek insight from citizens at upcoming community meetings.  These meetings will take place at North Durham Regional Library, Holton School and Parkwood Library in the near future.

To view the entire 2010 State of the County Address and PowerPoint, visit the County’s Web site.   For additional information about the State of the County Address, contact Michelle Parker-Evans, clerk to the Durham Board of County Commissioners, at 919-560-0025 or via email at mparker-evans@durhamcountync.gov.