Concord residents will get a chance to weigh in on a $10.2 million emergency communications facility when City Council holds a public hearing Thursday, Aug. 13.

The new building would replace the city's 911 Call Center inside Fire Station 3, which has operated there since 1996 without expansion. The facility will be constructed next to Fire Station 3, according to the city's FY27 budget presentation.

City Manager Lloyd Payne flagged the need during his May 29 budget presentation, saying the emergency communications team had outgrown the existing center as Concord has grown. The council approved $227,810 on June 11 for eight sit-to-stand dispatch consoles for the new facility, a sign the project is moving forward ahead of the financing vote.

The resolution before council would authorize the Finance Director to apply to the state Local Government Commission for approval of the installment financing contract. Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP is serving as special counsel and First Tryon Advisors as financial advisor on the deal.

The same meeting's consent agenda includes a $5.97 million purchase of four fire apparatus through the Houston-Galveston Area Council cooperative purchasing program, via dealer Atlantic Emergency Solutions. The breakdown:

  • One 100-foot Pierce aerial platform: $2.2 million (build time 48–51 months)
  • Two Pierce engine pumpers: $2.16 million combined (build time 46–49 months)
  • One Oshkosh 6x6 Striker with R50 HRET: $1.6 million (build time 340–400 days)

A $595,000 pre-payment would secure manufacturer discounts. The purchase replaces aging equipment to maintain operational readiness, according to the agenda.

The aerial platform and engine pumpers won't arrive for roughly four years after the order is placed. The Oshkosh Striker, used for aircraft rescue and firefighting, has a shorter timeline of about a year.

Council will also consider a $6 million reimbursement resolution that allows the city to advance funds on hand for fire truck purchases in fiscal year 2027, then reimburse itself once installment financing is executed. In March 2026, the council approved a similar $6.24 million financing contract at 3.16% interest over five years for FY26 fire apparatus.

Breathing equipment and grant applications

The consent agenda also includes authorization to purchase NFPA 1970-certified Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment, cylinders, face pieces and accessories from Newton's Fire & Safety Equipment through the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association competitive bid program.

Two additional items round out the fire department's requests: a grant application to the NC Forest Service Hurricane Helene Fire Department Assistance Program for up to $10,000 in forestry equipment, and authorization to purchase a $40,000 Scorpion traffic-blocking device through Domestic Preparedness Region 7 funding. Neither requires a local match.

How to participate

The Aug. 13 meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Concord City Hall. A work session is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. Residents can watch the meeting live on the City of Concord YouTube channel.