Commissioners authorize preconstruction contract for new EOC; debate centers on separate sheriff backup 911 center

The Durham County Board of Commissioners authorized the county manager to execute a preconstruction-services contract for a new county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during the Jan. 13 meeting, approving item 24-0789. Commissioners also used the discussion to flag concerns about a separate backup 911 call center for the sheriff’s office that could add an estimated $4.5 million to the project’s cost.

Commissioner Jacobs led questions about whether the project as scoped creates duplicative backup services and whether the county can redesign the project during preconstruction to avoid funding two separate call-center backups. She cited a project cost of about $40,000,000 for the EOC and said adding sheriff backup capabilities could push the total higher.

Perry Manns, deputy director of county engineering, told commissioners the project remains in early design and staff have time in the design phase to reconsider operational needs and interface with city partners. Manns said the county can continue discussions with Durham Police and the sheriff’s office “to see how we can be more efficient with those services” and that design-path changes remain possible before final programming.

Commissioner Burton asked for examples of counties in North Carolina that use combined centers, and staff said several counties operate consolidated 911 centers; staff committed to returning with a more comprehensive overview comparing other jurisdictions. Commissioner Jacobs listed counties with combined centers (Watauga, Perquimans, Richmond, Craven, Cumberland, Onslow, Wayne) as local models for consolidation.

Commissioners approved the authorization to proceed with preconstruction services after a motion by Vice Chair Dr. DeShawn Lee and second by Commissioner Valentine. The motion passed without recorded opposition during the meeting and staff may proceed to negotiate preconstruction services. The agenda packet referenced an initial preconstruction planning amount “not to exceed $275,000.”

Commissioners asked staff to bring back recommendations about how to minimize duplicated services and to analyze options for a consolidated city–county 911 backup approach. Manns said staff would follow up and present options during subsequent work sessions.

Ending: The board authorized preconstruction work for the new EOC while directing staff to return with analysis on consolidation options and costs for a sheriff backup 911 center.