Durham's New County Manager and a Heated Debate on Police Funding

The board swears in a new County Manager, discusses the controversial $16.5 million funding for a Sheriff's Training Facility, and hears public opposition advocating for community investment over policing. Announcements include community events and a proclamation for National Adoption Awareness Month. 13mins

Budget Public Engagement Public Safety & Police Social Services Staff
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Original Meeting

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Durham County Board of Commissioners on YouTube
Tuesday, November 12th, 2024
8953.0
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Alex Rosen
Durham, North Carolina
As the Executive Director of See Gov, I focus on how to best achieve our mission of expanding thoughtful and consistent participation in democracy. I develop See Gov's technology, work to grow our impact, and find ways to sustain our nonprofit. I live in Durham, NC and make highlight reels for Durham and other See Gov pilot communities.
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In This Video
  • Judge Rhinehart begins the swearing-in ceremony for Claudia Odom Hager, with her son William holding the Bible. The oath is administered. 
  • Chair Allam begins the meeting with remarks about the official swearing-in of Claudia Odom Hager as the new County Manager. She praises Claudia's dedication, leadership, and commitment to Durham County. 
  • Claudia acknowledges her Durham family, including colleagues and community leaders, and expresses gratitude for their support. She commits to serving with excellence and addressing the challenges facing the county. 
  • Clerk Wallace reads various community announcements, including grant opportunities, recycling events, health walks, tax reappraisal sessions, coat drives, and a new podcast from the Sheriff's Office. 
  • Chair Allam introduces the next ceremonial item, National Adoption Awareness Month. Commissioner Jacobs reads the proclamation, emphasizing the importance of adoption and the current statistics in Durham County. 
  • Chair Allam introduces the items pulled from the consent agenda, starting with item 24-0645. Sheriff Birkhead and Attorney Lovelace are requested to bring this item back to a work session for further discussion. 
  • Sheriff Birkhead offers to provide additional information on item 24-0645, but it is decided to move the discussion to a future work session. 
  • Commissioner Jacobs suggests forwarding community questions to the Sheriff for the upcoming work session and ensuring public awareness of the session. 
  • Clerk Wallace confirms the next work session date, and Chair Allam clarifies that public comment on item 24-0645 will not occur since it's moved to a work session. 
  • Chair Allam acknowledges public interest in the items and encourages participation in work sessions for more detailed discussions. 
  • Chair Allam provides information about the agenda copies and announces public comment on item 24-0645, limiting it to one minute per speaker. 
  • Farook, a therapist, speaks about the importance of non-punitive interventions and criticizes funding for police training over community health services. 
  • Elizabeth Johnson, a PhD candidate, shares insights from interviews with law enforcement officers, advocating for investment in community programs over a training facility. 
  • Rayna Rosenko, a researcher on homelessness, opposes the training facility, highlighting the negative impacts of policing on marginalized communities. 
  • Samuel Scarborough, a young Black man from Durham, opposes the training facility, emphasizing the need for community support and alternatives to policing. 
  • Maxina Elwa discusses the historical role of police and opposes the $16 million investment in a police training facility, advocating for community investment instead. 
  • Dee Honeycutt, a transgender resident, urges against the $16 million police training center, highlighting the impact on marginalized communities. 
  • Duncan Rodriguez briefly opposes the $16 million allocation, suggesting direct financial support to residents instead. 
  • Annie Doran speaks against the proposal, emphasizing the need for resources to address poverty and support community programs. 
  • An unknown speaker opposes the training facility and requests the county not renew a contract with Cisco due to its involvement in global issues. 
  • Jackson expresses strong opposition to the police training center, advocating for alternative investments in education and community support. 
  • Chair Allam explains the decision to pull the item from the agenda to allow for further discussion and public comment. 
  • The meeting concludes with a motion to adjourn, which is approved unanimously. 
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