Item:
Title
Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment No.26BCC034 Appropriating $271,680 of General Fund Fund Balance to Engineering to Pay for a 911 Consolidation and HEART Expansion Feasiblity Study and Authorize the County Manager to Execute a Contract with ADCOMM Engineering, LLC. to Provide 911 Consolidation and HEART Expansion Feasibility Study
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: November 10, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC034 appropriating $271,680 of General Fund Fund Balance to pay for a 911 consolidation & HEART program expansion study, as well as execute a contract with ADCOMM Engineering, LLC. to provide 911 consolidation and HEART expansion feasibility study.
At the direction of the Board of County Commissioners, Durham County advertised RFQ 25-056, on May 29th, 2025, to evaluate the feasibility of consolidating emergency communications functions between the City of Durham’s 911 Communications Center and the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center. The RFQ evaluation committee consisted of staff from Durham County Engineering, City of Durham DECC, and the Sheriff’s Communications Department. Ten responses were received for the RFQ and the committee interviewed the top four respondents. ADCOMM Engineering LLC was selected through a qualifications-based process to conduct this study.
The purpose of the project is to provide a structured, data-driven assessment of whether a consolidated 911 operation is both feasible and practical. The study will include a comprehensive analysis of current operations, staffing models, technology platforms, governance structures, and facility needs. It will also evaluate how a potential consolidation would impact service delivery, operational resiliency, and equity across the County.
In addition to the core consolidation analysis, the study will address two key components of Durham’s emergency response system:
• HEART Program Integration: A determination of how best to expand and integrate the HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Team) program countywide, including its call-taking and dispatch workflows, staffing requirements, governance, and fiscal implications.
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Backup 911 Facility: Review and recommendations on how the current EOC design would support integrated operations and serve as a resilient backup communications center in a consolidated model.
ADCOMM will conduct site visits, engage City and County staff and leadership, and collaborate with other design and engineering professionals as needed. The final deliverable will be an independent, objective report that provides actionable recommendations to support informed decision-making by City and County leadership.
This project aligns with Durham County’s commitment to public safety, operational efficiency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. It also supports efforts to create a modern, resilient, and equitable emergency communications system that attracts and retains high-quality personnel.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: Safe & Resilient Community - Create happy, healthy, and safe places for residents and employees
Resource Persons: Dan Nosbusch, Project Manager, Engineering and Environmental Services; Peri Manns, Deputy Director, Engineering and Environmental Services
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 26BCC034 appropriating $271,680 of General Fund Fund Balance to pay for a 911 consolidation & HEART program expansion study, as well as execute a contract with ADCOMM Engineering, LLC. to provide 911 consolidation and HEART expansion feasibility study.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________