Chapel Hill this year spent $120,000 and used 300 police officers to control Franklin Street crowds, which included 69,000 people -- up 44,000 from last year.
Despite this Halloween passing without any major increase in crime, council members have concerns about the cost of safety for the event. "We don't have a choice (about spending money)," said council member Edith Wiggins. "We're responsible for the health and safety of people in the streets. We have to protect visitors to the community and property."
Council member Jim Ward said the stabbing of two people that occurred about 12:30 a.m. alarmed him. "It's very concerning to me that there were two very significant violent events," he said.
Council member Pat Evans said she has some reservations about the overall festivities. "We're concerned about alcohol and drugs," she said. "Is this what we're trying to promote?"
Evans said that in years past, Halloween on Franklin Street was a calm, local, family affair. "Families used to come and dress up their children," said Evans, a Chapel Hill resident for 32 years. She said now it's a "street bash," which many think has become more of a tourist attraction than a local gathering.
"The fact that it's four times the cost of Apple Chill and Festifall, I think that's something we need to talk about."
Council member Mark Kleinschmidt said he thinks Halloween is too costly for the town. "Making sure all the security was there required great expense," he said.
Wiggins said it is illogical to use such a large sum of money for an event not directly hosted by the town. "I think it's unfortunate that the town has to spend so much money on an unplanned event, but I think we have to (do it)," she said. "There is a better use for (the money)."
But Kleinschmidt said the event has its good points. "Halloween is what makes Chapel Hill an interesting place."
