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Fayetteville, Cumberland County revisit joint 911 center discussion, plan to continue merger talks

Friday, November 14, 2025

Fayetteville, Cumberland County commit to exploring a joint 911 center

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- After years of debate over whether to consolidate their emergency dispatch services, Fayetteville and Cumberland County officials agreed Thursday afternoon to explore the possibility of creating a joint 911 center.

Both agencies met for more than two hours to discuss the proposal, marking renewed progress in a conversation that has spanned nearly two decades. They plan to reconvene in January after newly elected city council members are sworn in.

"I'm positive we will come out of this with a solution because we are on record to do this in a joint operation format," Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said.

Since 2007, the two governments have made three unsuccessful attempts to combine their 911 centers, primarily due to disagreements over governance and operational control.

County officials have proposed forming a joint board with three city representatives and three county leaders, similar to a model used in Durham. City officials, however, expressed hesitation, citing concerns from police and fire leaders about the county's operational efficiency.

Despite the lingering disagreements, leaders from both sides said they are committed to continuing discussions.

"I think we will go back and continue to have a conversation and look and see if there's other options," Cumberland County Commissioner Kirk DeViere said. "I'll continue my dialogue with the mayor - he and I have a great relationship. I think it's important that both boards continue to have those conversations."