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County to upgrade dispatch systems, add text-to-911 capability under grant
Summary
Dispatch staff outlined a dispatch center remodel and radio upgrades; county expects to use a 911 merger grant to fund text-to-911 and radio replacements that will reduce operator delay.
County dispatch staff described an ongoing remodel of the 911 dispatch center, planned radio upgrades and an upcoming text-to-911 rollout funded in part by a 911 merger grant.
Staff said contractors will install the first phase of a new phone system and that dispatch will operate temporarily from an alternate office while the dispatch room is gutted and refitted. The county will try to salvage cabinets and countertops to donate to a task force building a mobile command trailer.
Officials said they plan to enable text-to-911 service and have budgeted the implementation costs (about $8,000) to be covered by a 911 merger grant. They also discussed replacing four radios in the dispatch back room because the current units require a long delay before staff can key up and speak; the estimate given for a Motorola replacement was in the $20,000 to $25,000 range and staff said the cost would also be covered by the grant.
The county intends to run a public-education campaign when text-to-911 becomes available and has spoken to local groups including the chamber of commerce and school contacts to reach residents.
Commissioners approved related housekeeping motions and asked staff to return with details when vendor schedules and grant paperwork are complete.
