County approves $40,000 for study on 9‑1‑1 communications structure and potential consolidation

Walworth County approved a $40,000 capital budget amendment to fund a study of county 9‑1‑1 communications operations and a potential consolidation of the county’s three public safety answering points (PSAPs). Finance staff told the committee the study was budgeted to evaluate current structure and operations and that its scope was expanded to include a consolidation analysis comparing the county’s sheriff dispatch with Lake Geneva and Whitewater dispatch centers. Staff said chiefs from the other PSAPs have been contacted and are cooperative with the second part of the study. The committee heard that the study will produce options for whether a consolidated county communications center should operate from the sheriff’s office, from a new freestanding facility (the county’s current 10‑year capital improvement plan includes funding for a freestanding center) or by another governance model. Staff indicated the study will be the basis for any future negotiations, potential cost‑share arrangements and facility planning. Finance staff also said a potential grant might offset study costs; the committee approved the budget amendment so the county can award the consulting contract and proceed with planning. Committee members stressed that any consolidation would require detailed cost estimates, operational transition plans and likely cost‑sharing agreements with municipal partners before policy decisions are made.