Durham County needs just over $1 billion to pay for improvement projects, Durham County Manager Mike Ruffin said Monday.

In a two-hour presentation to the Durham County Commission, Ruffin revealed his recommendations for capital improvement projects between 2010 and 2019.

The $1.09 billion price tag for the county-wide improvement projects $60 million less than what was originally requested by county leaders.

The manager's recommendation does not include money for projects that were originally considered by for the Durham Tech campus, including an Emergency Training Program, a parking deck, a classroom building and an Allied Health building.

While the decision to delay the Durham Tech projects are based on schedules and other factors, Ruffin said his recommendations to delay work on a Level IV Mental Health Residential Facility is because of tough economic times.

At one of two workshops on the county's capital improvement plans, County Commissioners also reviewed a proposal for a new EMS station, which would be built near 2400 Pratt Street on Duke's campus. Officials say the new building is necessary because the current building is cramped, and the adjoining parking garage does not allow enough clearance for ambulances to easily maneuver.

Commissioners also heard from proponents of new detention center improvements.

That proposed project would begin in 2011, and would add a new wing to the existing Durham County detention center at a cost of $154 million.

Some commissioners also asked leaders of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science to reconsider $6 million in improvements starting in 2011.

A few commissioners argued now was not the time for renovation, given the number of needed capital improvement projects in the county. Other commissioners asked museum leaders to consider offering more discounts and free days to Durham County residents, while arguing the improvements to the facility were timely and necessary.

Commissioners will continue their review of capital improvement projects at a work session on Feb. 23.