Durham County officials are grappling with staffing shortages in emergency services as call volumes continue to rise. During the recent Budget Work Session on May 22, 2025, concerns were raised about the adequacy of resources to meet the growing demands of the community.

Commissioner Jacobs highlighted the need for a comprehensive map that outlines the county's infrastructure projects in relation to staffing levels. The discussion revealed that since fiscal year 2018, the county has not added any staffed transport units, despite a significant 24.7% increase in call volume. Currently, the average number of ambulances on the road is 16, falling short of the ideal 19 during peak hours.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the acknowledgment that the existing units are handling more calls than ever, raising concerns about response times and overall service quality. Commissioner Jacobs emphasized the importance of aligning growth in resources with the county's development, including fire services and schools.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on infrastructure needs to ensure that Durham County can effectively respond to its residents' emergencies. As the county continues to grow, the need for adequate staffing and resources in emergency services remains a pressing issue that officials are committed to addressing.