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Public commenters urge reallocation as Durham commissioners approve $212K for courtroom upgrades
Summary
After public comment alleging misconduct and urging funds be spent on community services, Durham commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $212,138 appropriation for courtroom audio‑visual upgrades on Jan. 12.
Durham County commissioners on Jan. 12 approved Budget Ordinance Amendment 26BCC048, appropriating $212,138 from General Fund balance to support courtroom audio‑visual upgrades that will be purchased on the county’s behalf through the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC) and must be compatible with Cisco WebEx.
Before the vote, four public commenters addressed the board during a pulled‑item comment period. Tanawah Downing of Justice Without Limits said programs funded by the county engaged in unlawful acts and raised concerns about family court processes. Jessica Saxton, also representing Justice Without Limits, told the Board she served indictment affidavits alleging criminal conspiracy; the minutes record that she presented those affidavits to the Board. Antoinette Hawes and Raziq Zaidi urged commissioners to redirect the $212,138 to other community needs, including youth diversion and unhoused residents.
Commissioner Stephen Valentine moved, seconded by Commissioner Michelle Burton, to approve the appropriation; the motion carried unanimously.
The agenda text states the NCAOC contracted with ePlus Technology for the CRAVE (Courtroom Audio Visual Experience) project and that counties may purchase additional AV equipment beyond baseline items; equipment must be Cisco WebEx compatible. County staff said the investment would reduce courthouse foot traffic and help meet statutory obligations under G.S. §7A‑302 and §7A‑304 to provide adequate court facilities. The minutes record the public comments but do not show any staff response to the allegations made by Justice Without Limits during the meeting.
The Board’s approval authorizes the County Manager to provide funds to the NCAOC, which will purchase the equipment on the county’s behalf; staff will proceed per the county’s procurement and coordination processes.
