Stanly County commissioners approve capital project ordinance for new public safety complex
The Stanly County commissioners this month approved 6-1 a capital project ordinance and budget amendments for a new public safety complex, which will involve several agencies including the Sheriff’s Office, 911 communications center and emergency services.
The board previously authorized staff to move forward with the acquisition of land for the new facility and the next step is to perform environmental studies, including soil testing, which would be a requirement should the county seek to borrow funds for the facility.
Engineering costs and land acquisition will be funded by advancement of General Fund reserves. A total of $500,000, including $400,000 for the land purchase and $100,000 for professional services, have been appropriated for the project.
As long as the environmental studies come back in good shape, County Manager Andy Lucas said the county would then begin negotiating with the landowner.
The plan is for the complex to consist of two facilities — one for the Sheriff’s Office and the other for the 911 center and emergency services, which includes Emergency Management, Fire Service and Emergency Medical Services — and be located along 20 acres just past Newt Road near the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, Sheriff Jeff Crisco told The Stanly News & Press.
The complex will help accommodate anticipated county growth over the next 25 years, Crisco said.