Bill > S175

This bill modifies the Durham City Charter to provide more flexibility in filling vacancies on the City Council and for the Mayor's position. Specifically, the bill changes the time frame for filling vacancies from 60 to 120 days, and shifts the language from "shall choose" to "may appoint," giving the City Council more discretion in how and when to fill vacant positions. For ward-specific Council member seats, the bill maintains the requirement that any appointed replacement must reside in the same ward as the vacating member. If the City Council does not appoint someone within the 120-day period, they are required to call a special election, with an exception that no special election is needed if the vacancy occurs after June 1st in the year the term is set to expire. The bill also updates related language in the charter to be more consistent, such as adding "City" before "Council" in several instances and making minor grammatical refinements. The changes aim to provide Durham's City Council with increased administrative flexibility when addressing unexpected vacancies in elected positions.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S175