The notion of converting the 17-story Hill (aka SunTrust) Building downtown into a posh hotel is still alive, but has hit another stumbling block.

According to Deputy County Manager Marqueta Welton in a memo to the county commissioners, a prospective operator asked the county to raise its proffered incentive from $1 million to $2 million. Revenue projections don't warrant the increase, Welton wrote.

Durham County has promoted human resources Director Marqueta Welton to deputy county manager.

Welton (right) is taking over the role filled by retired deputy manager Carolyn Titus, overseeing economic development, public safety and health and human services. She had headed the county's human-services department since 2005.

"She has won high praise and respect from all of us since she has been here for the new ideas and fresh approach she brought," County Manager Mike Ruffin said in a prepared statement.

A Detroit native, Welton holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a law degree from Wayne State University. She is a former deputy city attorney and administrator for North Las Vegas, Nev.

Welton is also a certified mediator and former adjunct faculty member of the public administration program at NCCU.