Forsyth County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Forsyth County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ambulance franchise renewals
Five franchise extensions keep Life Star, Wake Forest Air Care, and Novant ground and air ambulance services operating in Forsyth County, covering about 10% of 911 calls plus ICU-level hospital transfers.
Community Policing and School Resource Officer Agreements
A contractor says her emotional intelligence training contract for the sheriff's office has sat unsigned for 45 days, and she is asking whether it's retaliation for past complaints.
Forsyth Wins violence interruption funding
The Cure Violence program has cut crime in targeted neighborhoods since 2022, but the city pulled its funding and ARPA money is gone. The county is asking the state for $1 million to keep it running.
Behavioral Health System Needs and Gaps
The board declared September 2026 Suicide Prevention Month, pointing residents to the 988 crisis lifeline.
Infant mortality awareness
The county's infant mortality rate (7.4 per 1,000 in 2024) exceeds the state average, with African American babies accounting for 55% of deaths; commissioners backed the 15th annual awareness walk.
Clemmons Fire Department Station Consolidation & Property Actions
The Clemmons Fire Department is pivoting from a three-station model to a more cost-effective two-station strategy, acquiring land at Hampton and Idols roads and conveying surplus property on Hampton Road. Chief Steyres presented data showing response-time deficiencies under the current setup, arguing that two strategically placed modern stations will boost coverage to 94% without requiring extra county tax dollars.
Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Procurement Consideration
Commissioner Dan Besse urged the board to consider adding a funding item up to $39,000 for purchasing COVID-19 vaccine doses for un- and underinsured Forsyth County residents ahead of the fall respiratory illness season. Commissioners discussed targeting Forsyth County residents and ensuring proper vial dosage utilization.
Courthouse Technology and Equipment Funding
Judges presented an urgent request for $350,000 to $900,000 in courtroom technology upgrades, citing due process concerns and a lack of modern evidence presentation systems compared to other North Carolina counties. Commissioners debated the county's responsibility versus state mandates, competing capital needs like detention center HVAC repairs, and debt service implications.
Fire Service District Transition to Countywide Overlay
Deputy County Manager Kyle Haney presented findings from a comprehensive fire service study, highlighting aging equipment, declining volunteer numbers, and funding disparities. Commissioners discussed moving toward a regional approach and strengthening the newly formed fire commission.
Sheriff's Office Budgetary Pressures and Overtime
The Sheriff's Office is projected to exceed its budget by over $1 million due to high overtime costs, inmate medical expenses, and animal control enforcement demands. Commissioners debated whether the city of Winston-Salem should contribute funds for services provided within city limits.
Detention Center Medication-Assisted Treatment Extension
The county extended its agreement with NaphCare to provide medication-assisted treatment services at the detention center through December 2026, funded by a state grant.
Fleet Management and Vehicle Replacement Strategy
Automotive services reported that the county's fleet is aging, with an average vehicle age of 10 years and severe parts obsolescence issues. Staff proposed adopting formal replacement schedules and telematics systems to improve efficiency and safety.