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Durham approves purchase and upfitting of 77 hybrid police SUVs amid public calls to redirect funds to housing
Summary
Council authorized the purchase of 77 hybrid police patrol SUVs for $3.66 million and a $1.22 million upfitting contract; public speakers urged the city to shift those funds to supportive housing and services for the unhoused, prompting councilmembers to summarize current housing investments and planned follow-ups.
The Durham City Council voted unanimously to authorize a contract for the purchase of 77 hybrid police patrol SUVs for $3,662,325.59 and a separate upfitting contract for police equipment and wiring for $1,217,430.06.
During public comment, Samuel Scarborough and Elizabeth Arant urged the council to consider alternatives, saying the city should prioritize affordable and supportive housing rather than new police vehicles. Scarborough noted the per-vehicle price and asked the council to "imagine" using that money for housing or youth services. Arant argued that continued investment in law enforcement vehicles will not address the root causes of violent crime and called for investments in warming centers, supportive housing and prevention.
Council members responded by listing recent and ongoing housing investments, including a $95 million housing bond (with $10 million for homeless services), federal HUD funding, rapid rehousing grants, landlord engagement and funds for permanent supportive housing. Mayor Leonardo Williams and other councilmembers stressed that the city must pursue both public-safety capacity and housing solutions; Williams said "there is no either-or whether we support public safety or homelessness. It has to be both."
The vehicle purchase was awarded to Clinton Automotive LLC dba Deacon Jones Ford of Clinton, N.C., for $3,662,325.59; the upfitting contract was awarded to Dana Safety Supply Inc. of Greensboro, N.C., for $1,217,430.06. Both motions passed unanimously.
