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Durham commissioners discuss county naming policy after request to honor former Mayor Bill Bell
Summary
During the April 7 work session, staff reviewed Durham County’s 2016 Naming/Renaming Policy and commissioners discussed a community request to name a county building after former Durham Mayor and Commissioner William “Bill” Bell; Commissioner Valentine asked for an extraordinary exception while the County Attorney urged caution about precedent.
County staff presented Durham’s Naming/Renaming Policy (adopted 2016) and the Board discussed a community request to name or rename a county facility for William “Bill” Bell, a former Durham commissioner and mayor.
Shannon Trapp, chief of staff, reviewed key policy rules: county buildings may not be named in their entirety for individuals (only features, areas, rooms, or articles within facilities), naming authority rests with the Board of County Commissioners, requests must be submitted via application and are reviewed by a Naming Committee which forwards recommendations to the Board for public hearing and vote.
Commissioner Stephen Valentine described the proposed honor for Bill Bell and suggested the Board consider an extraordinary exception and act outside the normal policy process. County Attorney Larissa Williamson cautioned that exceptions can set precedent and reminded the Board of the policy’s criteria and procedural steps. Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee said the matter will be discussed further when the full Board is present.
No formal action was taken at the April 7 work session; the Board directed staff to hold future discussion when all commissioners are present.
