The Finance Committee of High Point convened on September 18, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety, infrastructure, and community services. The meeting highlighted the city's commitment to maintaining effective law enforcement and emergency services while addressing critical infrastructure needs.

One of the primary items on the agenda was the approval of an interlocal agreement between the City of High Point's police department and the Guilford County Board of Education. This agreement will fund the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, which includes one supervisor and eight officers stationed at local high schools and middle schools. The program, operational for several years, is crucial for ensuring student safety. Council members discussed the process for requesting additional SRO support if needed, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in responding to school safety concerns.

Another significant proposal involved the addition of a victim advocate position through a partnership with the Guilford County Family Justice Center. This initiative aims to enhance support for victims of crime by integrating advocacy services directly within the police department, thereby improving response times and resource allocation.

The committee also addressed infrastructure needs, including a request from the High Point Fire Department to purchase a new Generac 175 kW generator. The current generator, in use since the 1970s, has become unreliable and inadequate for the fire station's needs. The new generator, costing $111,278, is essential for maintaining operational readiness during power outages.

In addition, the IT Services Department sought approval for a contract with Motorola Solutions to replace 90 outdated portable radios used by public safety personnel. This upgrade, totaling $596,254.50, is part of an ongoing effort to ensure effective communication among emergency responders.

The meeting also covered various utility and public service contracts, including the purchase of underground primary cable and a task order for engineering services related to sewer infrastructure. These initiatives reflect the city's proactive approach to maintaining and upgrading essential services.

Overall, the Finance Committee's discussions underscored the importance of investing in public safety and infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the High Point community. The approvals granted during the meeting will enable the city to enhance its emergency response capabilities and ensure the reliability of critical services. As these initiatives move forward, the community can expect improved safety and infrastructure resilience in the coming years.