Logan City Council considers 10% increase for 911 dispatch funding

River Heights City Council is considering a crucial proposal to increase funding for its 911 dispatch services, aimed at addressing staffing shortages and improving compensation for dispatchers. During the February 18, 2025, meeting, Chief Jeff Simmons of the Logan City Police Department presented the need for a 10% increase in the current $3 monthly fee per household for dispatch services, which has remained unchanged since 2002.

The proposed increase would raise the fee by 30 cents per month in the upcoming fiscal year, followed by a 3% increase each year for the next four years, ultimately bringing the total to $3.71. This adjustment is deemed necessary to attract and retain qualified dispatchers, as the current pay of $22.85 per hour is significantly lower than neighboring counties, where starting wages are around $26 to $27.50.

Simmons highlighted the critical role of dispatchers in emergency management, noting that the center has seen a substantial increase in call volume—from 39,000 calls in 2011 to 58,000 in the past year—while operating with reduced staff. The council was informed that the dispatch center is currently understaffed, with only 16 dispatchers instead of the needed 20, leading to overworked employees who are often on 12-hour shifts.

The council's decision on this funding increase will have significant implications for public safety and emergency response capabilities in the community. As the demand for dispatch services continues to rise, the proposed fee adjustment aims to ensure that the dispatch center can operate effectively and maintain a skilled workforce. The council is expected to deliberate on this proposal in the coming weeks, with the potential for a vote that could reshape the future of emergency services in River Heights.