DURHAM, N.C. — A developer accused a Durham City Council member of corruption, the mayor said during a council meeting Thursday.

Mayor Elaine O'Neal did not say which council member was accused and did not name the developer who contacted the city. She said city staff passed the allegations to state law enforcement to investigate.

“A property developer had reported to a city staff that a sitting city council member had suggested to the developer that support will be given to the developer’s project in exchange for donation to the council member’s campaign,” O’Neal said, reading from a prepared statement.

She said council members first learned of the allegations March 13.

“The consensus amongst a majority of city council members is that the allegations are incredibly disturbing, must be taken seriously, and, if true, may constitute criminal activity and could lead to criminal consequences,” the mayor said.

She said a majority of council members decided to refer the allegations to state law enforcement.

“The Durham City Council remains steadfastly committed to maintaining honesty, integrity and trustworthiness in all city business,” she said. “The city council looks forward to a full investigation of the events in question.”