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Commissioners approve feasibility study for 9‑1‑1 consolidation and HEART expansion; county expects 10–12 month review
Summary
The board authorized a feasibility study to evaluate consolidating 9‑1‑1 centers and expanding the HEART behavioral‑health response program. Staff and consultants said the comprehensive study will cover technology, staffing, governance and facilities and is expected to take 10–12 months.
Durham County approved a contract and budget amendment to fund a feasibility study examining consolidation of 9‑1‑1 call centers and options for expanding the HEART behavioral‑health response program. County staff described the work as comprehensive — encompassing technology compatibility, human resources and compensation, governance and facility assessments — and estimated a 10–12 month timeline for the full evaluation.
Perry Manns, deputy director of county engineering, told the board the study will take time because it requires consultants to collect data from the sheriff’s office, Durham emergency communications, city PD and other stakeholders. Commissioner Jacobs pressed the consultants to include national best practices on behavioral health crisis response and to consider cost‑savings evidence from other counties; staff said the selected consultant has national experience with 9‑1‑1 consolidation and that recommendations will include costs and tradeoffs. The board discussed how study findings might influence the upcoming capital and operating budgets and whether a placeholder could be included during budget planning to reflect possible recommendations.
