Item:
Title
Announcements (5mins)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: August 12, 2024
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
1. Honoring DCo’s Purple Heart Veterans - The Durham County Department of Veteran Services invites Durham County’s Purple Heart Recipients (PHR) to come to a Purple Heart Event in recognition of their service and Purple Heart Month. Be recognized. Be celebrated. Be our hero. The event is Thursday, August 22 from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Veteran Services Office, 2nd Floor of the Durham County Human Services Building, 414 E. Main Street. Contact Veteran Services for more information at 919-560-8387 or veteranservices@dconc.gov <mailto:veteranservices@dconc.gov>.
2. Low-Income Homeowners Relief Program Applications Opens Aug. 15 - The Durham Low-Income Homeowners Relief Program (LIHR) begins accepting applications on Thursday, August 15, 2024. This program from the Durham County Department of Social Services provides property tax help on CURRENT taxes for eligible Durham County homeowners. This is a tax assistance based upon a 3-tier income model. Find out eligibility requirements and get information on applying at www.dconc.gov/DSS <http://www.dconc.gov/DSS> or by calling 919-560-8000 to set up an appointment.
3. DPS Back to School Guide 2024-2025 - Durham Public Schools looks forward to all students’ first day of school as the 2024-2025 school year begins! To that end, DPS has created a 2024-2025 Back to School Guide for students on traditional and year-round schedules. Get the guide here: www.dpsnc.net/domain/207 <http://www.dpsnc.net/domain/207>. You’ll also find links to the DPS Mobile App, the Edulog Parent Portal App (bus information), PowerSchool, Before and After-school Care, and more!
4. Cooperative Extension Master Gardner Info Sessions - Join the Durham County Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners for free information session about the program and how you can apply for our upcoming training! Sessions will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17 (10 a.m. online); Monday, Aug. 19 (2 p.m., 721 Foster St.); Friday, Sept. 6 (2 p.m., 721 Foster St.); Tuesday, Sept. 10 (6 p.m., online); Wednesday, Sept. 18 (10 a.m., 721 Foster St.); and Thursday, Sept. 26 (6 p.m., online). Registration links: <https://bit.ly/DCoExtEventbrite>. Hurry, spots are filling up fast!
5. ‘Future Voter’ Sticker Contest Deadline Extended - The Durham County Board of Elections and Kids Voting Durham have extended the deadline for entries for their ‘Future Voter’ Sticker Contest until Sunday, August 18 at 11:59 p.m.! Young Durhamites in kindergarten to 12th grade are eligible to enter to win cash prizes and more! Have your design worn by future voters who visit polling stations with their parents and caregivers. Entry information can be found at www.dcovotes.com or www.kidsvoting.org <http://www.kidsvoting.org>.
6. 2024-2025 Solid Waste Decals - Residents of the unincorporated parts of Durham County will receive their 2024-2025 Durham County Solid Waste Decal with their annual tax bill to be mailed in August. Residents may continue using their 2023-2024 decal until the new ones arrive. For more information, visit <https://dconc.gov/government/departments-f-z/general-services> or call 919-560-0300.
7. 2024 Annual Property Tax Billing - The Durham County Tax Administration will mail 2024 tax bills to Durham County property owners in mid-August. Taxes are due September 1, 2024, but must be paid by January 6, 2025, to avoid interest and additional costs. For information, visit our website at www.dconc.gov/tax <http://www.dconc.gov/tax> or contact Durham County Government Call Center at 919-560-0300.
8. Take Survey for Downtown Durham Blueprint 2035 - Downtown Durham has seen incredible growth and change since the last master plan was established 23 years ago. To meet this progress and adapt to new challenges, Downtown Durham, Inc., has launched the Downtown Durham Blueprint: 2035. This new plan aims to preserve downtown’s unique character while supporting continued growth and development. Give feedback in English or Spanish at the links below (do survey, get entered in raffle for prizes): English - <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DowntownDurham2035>. Spanish - <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PlanCentrodeDurham2035>.
9. Register to Vote - You can find out information on how to register to vote in Durham County on the Board of Elections’ webpage at www.dconc.gov/voters/registration <http://www.dconc.gov/voters/registration>. There you will find information on registration deadlines, how to register in person, online, or by mail; as well as how to do same day voter registration during Early Voting. Deadline to register for the November 2024 General Election is October 11. Questions? Contact the Board of Elections at 919-560-0700.
10. Latest ‘Star Talk’ Podcast Features SMART! - The ninth edition of the Durham County Sheriff’s Office “Star Talk” podcast sees Sheriff Clarence Birkhead celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Sheriff’s Medication Assisted Restorative Treatment program, or SMART. This opioid treatment program helps detainees recover from addiction. Listen today - www.dcsostartalk.podbean.com/e/episode-9-smart-anniversary/ <http://www.dcsostartalk.podbean.com/e/episode-9-smart-anniversary/>.
11. Free & Confidential HIV/STI Testing from DCoDPH - Do you need free and confidential HIV/STI testing? The Durham County Department of Public Health can help. Call or text Ashley at (919) 698-1303 or Jarrel (919) 314-7541.