[Commentary] Forget consolidation. What if South Durham became its own town?

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Southpoint AccessWes Platt

Every so often, Durham looks at its two governments and wonders whether one would do.

It’s a reasonable question. We're in a city and county that share a name, many of the same residents, and plenty of opportunities to explain that you’ve called the wrong office.

INDY columnist Justin Laidlaw this week suggested revisiting consolidation. It's an idea that surfaces every few years, like the Bull City's version of Halley's Comet. Combining governments could simplify some things, although his column acknowledges that savings aren’t guaranteed.

Column: It’s Time to Talk About Consolidating Durham Governments, Again

Whether to merge the city and county governments is a perennial topic in Durham. The move would carry upfront costs, but could solve municipal headaches in the long-term.

The INDYJustin Laidlaw

But perhaps we’re approaching this from the wrong direction. What if South Durham became its own town?