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Richland County approves applications for PSAP and NG9-1-1 GIS grants to upgrade emergency dispatch systems
Summary
The county approved two interdepartmental resolutions allowing MIS and the sheriff’s department (and land information for GIS) to apply for state grants to fund equipment and training for next-generation 9-1-1, with a required local match.
The Richland County Board of Supervisors on June 10 approved two resolutions authorizing County MIS, the sheriff’s department and Land Information to apply for state grants to fund equipment upgrades and training for next-generation 9-1-1 services.
Both resolutions were offered by the Executive and Finance Committee and by Public Safety committees and passed by voice vote. One resolution authorizes a PSAP grant application to the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs that would fund up to $750,000 and requires a minimum local match of 10 percent. The companion resolution authorizes an NG9-1-1 GIS grant, described as the GIS side of NG9-1-1 implementation; the grant would fund up to the maximum allowable award and likewise requires a 10 percent local match.
Chief Deputy Wallace joined the meeting online while the grants were discussed. County staff noted the grants support equipment upgrades, emergency medical dispatch (EMD) cards and advanced training for 9-1-1 staff. Supervisor Frank reminded the board that the state budget determines exact grant funding levels and that the county is preparing the applications in anticipation of the grant announcement; exact award amounts were not finalized at the time of the meeting.
Supervisor Cooley moved and Supervisor McKee seconded the PSAP grant resolution; Supervisor Manning moved and Supervisor Severson seconded the NG9-1-1 GIS resolution. Both measures were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The board heard that previous years’ grants funded a new 911 system and EMD cards; staff said the county seeks to have applications ready so departments can file as soon as the state opens the program and issues deadlines, which historically have fallen in early August.
