Electric Substation Project Tops List Of Smithfield Council Approvals

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Smithfield Town Council unanimously approved a series of contracts during its July 7 meeting, highlighted by a $5.28 million purchase of equipment for a major electric infrastructure project and the acquisition of three police vehicles.

Electric Transformers
The largest expenditure authorized by the council was a $5,280,098 contract with GE Waukesha for two 115-kilovolt power transformers that will be installed as part of the town’s new Hospital Road electric substation. Town officials said the project is a key component of Smithfield’s 10-year Capital Improvements Plan and is intended to modernize the town’s electric distribution system while preparing for future growth. The purchase is contingent upon the town obtaining financing through a project loan, and the council also authorized staff to pursue a $7 million loan to complete the overall project.

According to agenda documents, the existing Hospital Road delivery point will be converted from a receiving switchyard into a full-service substation, creating a second delivery point to complement the Brogden Road substation and improve the long-term reliability of the town’s electric system.

Police Vehicles
The council also approved the purchase of three Dodge Durango police vehicles for the Smithfield Police Department.

Although the department had budgeted $140,000 for two new patrol vehicles, Police Chief Pete Hedrick recommended purchasing two lightly used 2024 Dodge Durangos with fewer than 100 miles and one 2020 Dodge Durango with approximately 19,000 miles for a combined purchase price of $123,000. The remaining $17,000 will be used to install emergency equipment and graphics on the vehicles. According to the agenda, the vehicles are being purchased from a company that specializes in reselling former law enforcement vehicles.

iWorQ Permit Management System
The council also approved a three-year agreement with iWorQ Systems to implement a new cloud-based permit management system for the town. The contract includes an $8,000 one-time implementation fee and $12,000 in annual service fees, with the software designed to streamline permitting, licensing and code enforcement operations. According to agenda documents, the system includes online applications, inspections, fee tracking, reporting tools, document management and customer support.

Vehicle GPS System
Council members approved a $43,274.58 agreement with Samsara Inc. to install GPS tracking and telematics devices in Public Works vehicles. Town officials said the three-year agreement will provide real-time vehicle location, maintenance tracking, driver applications and fleet management tools intended to improve employee safety, productivity and service to residents. Funding for the project was included in the town’s adopted 2026-27 budget.

Meeting Management System
The council also approved the purchase of BoardBook Premier, a cloud-based agenda management system that will replace the town’s current meeting management process. The agreement includes a $4,750 implementation fee and a $4,000 annual subscription. The software will allow staff to electronically prepare agenda packets, conduct electronic voting, track attendance, automatically generate meeting minutes, maintain searchable archives and publish council documents online for public access.

Automated Employee Timekeeping
An agreement with Tyler Technologies to implement a new time and attendance system that will automate employee timekeeping, leave management and payroll integration within the town’s existing enterprise software. The funding, $49,686, had already been included in the town’s adopted 2026-2027 budget.

Financial Audit
A $36,750 contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co., P.A. to conduct the town’s required annual independent financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. State law requires the audit to be completed and submitted to the Local Government Commission by Dec. 31.