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Dispatch requests extra dispatcher; council hears growth in contract work and equipment needs
Summary
Wasilla dispatch manager asked for an additional dispatcher to manage higher radio traffic and contract obligations; the department reported growth in contract reimbursements and planned one‑time console and chair purchases to expand to 10 workstations.
Wasilla’s public‑safety dispatch center asked council for one additional dispatcher in the FY26 budget, citing increased radio traffic and expanding contract workload with state and regional partners.
“I'm asking for 1 extra this year. We have went from last year at this time from a staff of 26 to staff of 31 this year,” said Lori, the dispatch manager, explaining hires and retraining demands. She said full dispatcher training can take eight to nine months and call‑taker training four to five months, so over‑hiring is used as a buffer against retirements and turnover.
Lori said she already has intergovernmental and grant reimbursements that offset costs: 5‑11 and SEOC work and other contract funding have increased, and some upgrades are reimbursable through 9‑1‑1 boards and grant agreements. Council members asked whether contract rates and reimbursements keep pace with dispatcher staffing and overtime needs; Lori said she had recently increased contract rates for some partners and expected more contract revenue discussions ongoing with the borough and state.
The dispatch budget includes one‑time equipment increases to add consoles and 24/7 ergonomically rated chairs; staff said the expanded console plan would raise available consoles from 8 to 10 and that costs include headsets, keyboards and desk furniture. The department also expects to implement a new call‑handling system and mapping/GIS data work next year; some replacement or upgrade costs will be funded by grants and contract reimbursements.
Councilors raised questions about segmentation of revenues on the summary worksheets; finance staff explained that intergovernmental vs. grants appear differently depending on contract language and accounting rules. The council did not take a final vote; dispatch said it will continue to refine staffing, contract rate and equipment requests during the budget process.
