In a joint governmental meeting focused on public safety and collaboration, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and the Fayetteville City Council met on Thursday, Nov. 13, to discuss a comprehensive framework for consolidated 9-1-1 communications services. Both governing bodies reaffirmed their shared commitment to improving emergency response for all residents of Cumberland County.

During the joint meeting, both bodies reviewed a detailed presentation covering the history of consolidation efforts, recommendations from the 2025 Public Safety Working Group, proposed governance models, cost-sharing structures, mental health integration, facility options and workforce protections. The presentation reflected months of work by public safety professionals across the County.

The proposed framework includes:

• Governance model: A joint 9-1-1 communications board with policy, budget, performance, staffing and facility oversight authority.
• Communications Advisory Board: Includes public safety agency heads from municipalities, volunteer fire representatives, a Sheriff representative and an EMS representative to provide policy, procedure and direction to the governing board.
• Day-to-day management: A consolidated Communications Center led by the current City 9-1-1 Director, as recommended by the Public Safety Working Group.
• Mental health integration: Crisis call diversion and mobile crisis teams embedded in the PSAP.
• Location options: Use of the existing County Center initially, with flexibility to transition to a new facility being developed by the City.
• Cost model: A shared and equitable operational cost model.
• Workforce protections: No job losses, salary parity and continuation of all accreditations and agency programs.
• Technology modernization: Integration of current systems, digital dispatch enhancements and unified training standards.

On governance structure, both bodies expressed support for consolidation while taking different approaches. The Board of Commissioners voted to support a joint governance board with equal representation from the City and County, while the City Council voted to support a single entity governance model with the City as the lead agency. Both models reflect a commitment to accountability, operational excellence and service to all residents.

"This was an important conversation between two governing bodies that share the same goal — better emergency services for our community," said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press release. "We found substantial agreement on how consolidated 9-1-1 services should operate, protect employees and serve residents. While we continue to discuss the best governance approach, we're committed to working together with the City to find a path forward that serves everyone in Cumberland County."

Following the Nov. 13 meeting, both governing bodies directed their managers to continue working together to address questions from their respective boards and chart a path forward. County Commissioners recognized the importance of engaging all municipalities served by emergency communications, including Eastover, Falcon, Godwin, Hope Mills, Linden, Spring Lake, Stedman, Wade and Linden. These conversations will help ensure that any consolidated system reflects the needs and priorities of all communities across Cumberland County.

"Public safety doesn't have a political boundary," added Chairman deViere in the release. "Together with the City of Fayetteville and our municipal partners across the County, we're working toward a system that puts residents first by improving response times, reducing call transfers and ensuring the highest level of emergency service. When someone calls 9-1-1, they deserve the fastest and best response possible. That is our focus."