Smithfield Council Approves $250,000 Fire Department Radio Purchase, Water Infrastructure And Traffic Safety Grants

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The Smithfield Town Council approved several items on its consent agenda July 21, including a $250,000 contract to replace the Fire Department’s aging portable radios, resolutions supporting millions in potential utility grant funding, and two property-related agreements.

The largest expenditure approved was a $250,000 purchase from Motorola Solutions for new portable radios for the Smithfield Fire Department. Fire Chief Jeremey Daughtry said the department’s current radios are nearing the end of their service life and replacement parts are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. The new radios are intended to improve communications and responder safety during emergency incidents. The purchase was included in the town’s adopted FY 2026-27 budget, which appropriated $257,215 for the project.

Council also approved two resolutions required by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality as the town seeks additional funding for lead service line projects. One application seeks up to $2 million for continued field investigation, identification and replacement of lead service lines, while another would continue the town’s lead service line inventory required under federal drinking water regulations. Town officials said they expect the funding to be fully forgivable, with the resolutions serving as a commitment to cover any non-forgivable balance if necessary. Award decisions are expected later this year.

The council also approved a quitclaim deed conveying Lot 3 at 1000 Lemay Street to the Bible Church of God of Lillington. Planning officials said the action resolves a longstanding property ownership issue involving the church property and carries no financial impact for the town.

Another consent agenda item authorized an easement agreement for property at 210 Bridge Street to resolve an existing encroachment involving a walkway that extends onto adjacent town-owned property. Town officials said the agreement formalizes the existing condition without any financial impact to the town.

Council members also approved the annual resolution authorizing the Smithfield Police Department to apply for the second year of its three-year Governor’s Highway Safety Program grant. The grant would continue funding a dedicated traffic safety officer, with the state covering 70% of eligible costs during the second year while the town provides the remaining 30% match. Town staff estimated the three-year program would provide approximately $494,000 in personnel, equipment and other resources at a total town cost of about $135,000.