Davis County initiates audit amid dispatch consolidation challenges and funding concerns

In a recent Davis County Commission work session, officials gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of dispatch services within the county. The meeting, held on September 3, 2024, highlighted significant changes and challenges facing the dispatch system, which has been under scrutiny for several years.

Kelly, a representative from the dispatch services, opened the discussion by outlining the history of the county's dispatch operations. For the past four years, conversations have revolved around the need for a more efficient model, moving from the existing four dispatch centers to a consolidated system. The plan now includes two main dispatch centers: one in Layton and another in Bountiful, each managed by their respective city operations.

However, the meeting revealed that Kaysville and Farmington have decided to terminate their contracts with Davis County, opting instead to enhance their own dispatch services. This decision has raised concerns about the future of the county's dispatch operations, particularly as it faces a state-mandated audit due to a transfer rate exceeding the acceptable threshold of 2%. The transfer rate, which measures calls that need to be redirected to other agencies, has been a persistent issue, with recent figures showing a slight improvement but still not meeting the required standards.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the potential financial implications of failing the audit. If the county does not comply, it risks losing critical funding from the Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which provides essential equipment and services for dispatch operations. The estimated cost of replacing this equipment could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, a burden that would significantly impact the county's budget.

As the commission navigates these challenges, they are also exploring the possibility of a third-party audit to assess the efficiency of the current dispatch model and to determine if a single dispatch service would be more beneficial. The state law governing these audits requires a thorough examination of the dispatch system, including recommendations for improvement.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency as officials recognized the need for collaboration among the cities involved to ensure a sustainable and effective dispatch service for all residents. As the county moves forward, the outcome of the audit and the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of dispatch services in Davis County.