Draft FY26 transit work program draws difficult budget questions; county staff ask for more project transparency

Durham County staff and partners from GoTriangle and the City presented the draft FY26 transit work program required by the 2023 Durham County Transit Plan. The draft lists projected revenues of approximately $61.7 million, recommended capital expenditures of about $32.8 million and operating expenditures around $28.9 million, and a planned use of $15.2 million from the fund balance to cover recommended spending levels.

Commissioners voiced concerns about increases in operations-and-maintenance spending and reductions in "go more places" capital priorities, asked for stronger performance metrics and project schedules, and requested more transparent cost estimating, particularly for city capital projects. Staff and the tax‑district administrator said the draft remains open to revision and that a final recommended plan will return to the board in April after public comment and additional staff working‑group review. "The projected revenues for this year are approximately 61,700,000," staff noted in the presentation, and emphasized the draft status and upcoming public comment period.