Cost To Taxpayers

According to a 2009 report by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, maintaining a road over time costs three times less than rebuilding a road that is not maintained. The City is committed to maintaining its streets to save taxpayers in the long run and avoid more expensive rebuilding costs.

Durham maintains 680 miles of streets, of which about 21 percent are in "poor" or "very poor" condition, as determined by a pavement condition survey conducted three years ago. Repaving efforts over the next two years will bring city streets up to a level expected by residents.

The City issued general obligation bonds because of its ability to borrow at the lowest interest rates for these major infrastructure improvements.

City Council determines during the budget process if a tax increase is necessary to pay for debt service, or interest, for bond funds used to pave Durham streets. As shown below, for bond funds approved in November 2010, the owner of a $150,000 home would see their property taxes increase about $11.40 in 2012, if approved by Council.