Taxes on Ballot in Durham, Orange Today

Voters go to the polls today for municipal elections across the state. In Durham and Orange Counties, they will decide on sales tax measures in addition to picking candidates.

 Voters in Durham will consider separate proposals for a quarter-cent and half-cent sales tax increase. The half-cent tax would fund transportation initiatives. The quarter-cent tax would pay for scholarships, a preschool program, and pay down school debt. Durham voters will also pick their mayor and three city council members.

A quarter-cent sales tax proposal is also on the ballot in Orange County. Officials say it would raise $2.5 million a year for economic development and schools. Voters narrowly defeated a similar referendum last year. Meanwhile, three candidates are running for mayor of Chapel Hill, four seats are open on the town council, and there are five spots available on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School board.