Katy Ross proposes new ethics rules amid council governance changes

The Durham City Council held a work session on April 11, 2025, focusing on several key agenda items, including proposed ethics rules and budget guidelines.

The meeting began with a proposal for new ethics regulations, introduced by a council member who expressed gratitude to the municipal attorney for her succinct summary. The council member emphasized the necessity of these rules, citing recent changes in self-governance and referencing issues from March 2023 involving allegations against Dr. Holsey Haiman. The speaker urged council members to review the events of that meeting, highlighting the false accusations made against Dr. Haiman and the lack of apologies from those involved. This discussion underscored the importance of accountability and integrity within the council.

Following the ethics discussion, the council moved on to agenda item number four, which focused on budget guidelines. Several individuals were called to speak, including Sean Armstadt, Justin Sacco, and Mike Witter. They addressed the need to maintain the Steramsen bid, referencing a special meeting held on March 17 that required council approval.

The session concluded with a call for further discussion on the budget and ethics, emphasizing the council's commitment to transparency and responsible governance. The council plans to continue addressing these critical issues in future meetings, ensuring that the community remains informed and engaged in the decision-making process.