Durham's City Council unanimously approved $4.88 million in police vehicles despite residents urging the money be redirected to address a surge in homelessness.
City Council unanimously approved $4.88 million for 77 hybrid police SUVs despite residents urging redirection to address a 34 percent surge in chronic homelessness this year.
Deputy City Manager William Bo Ferguson will become city manager January 1, 2025, after Council Members Cook and another member objected to the internal promotion over a broader search.
Mayor Leonardo Williams defended police vehicle spending as separate from housing initiatives, noting the city funds approximately $4 million in housing grants and $200,000 for homeless services.