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Board approves plan to create joint emergency communications center; budget transfer authorized
Summary
The Board of Supervisors authorized creation of a joint emergency communications center with the town and approved a FY-26 budget supplement and reallocation of sheriff salary funds to support the start-up.
Prince Edward County supervisors authorized the creation of a joint emergency communications center and approved initial funding to begin implementation, the board said Tuesday.
The public safety committee recommended the board "approve the creation of a joint emergency communication center," authorize execution of an interlocal agreement and authorize a fiscal supplement for start-up costs, a committee representative told the board. The committee report cited efficiency gains in dispatch operations and potential savings tied to a broader radio-system upgrade.
James Redford, assistant chief of the Prospect Fire Department and training officer for the Prince Edward Area Firefighters Association, urged the board to proceed. "We fully support the idea and moving forward with the Joint Emergency Communications Center," Redford said during public participation. "It will help speed things up, help us respond." The committee noted that consolidation could also make the county eligible for a $150,000 grant for town police if the town agrees to consolidation.
The board approved a fiscal amendment to fund initial costs and authorized transferring $69,383.77 from the sheriff's salary and wages line to the joint emergency communications line item for FY-26. The committee recommended a total FY-26 supplement of $211,775.48 from fund balance to cover start-up expenses; the board approved the recommendation. The board additionally authorized the county chair and administrator to finalize a joint communications center agreement with the town, subject to final edits by staff and counsel.
Board members said consolidation should reduce call transfers, add redundancy and improve emergency response coordination across county and town services. Implementation steps include finalizing the agreement, completing equipment procurement aligned with the county's radio upgrade, and establishing governance and operating procedures.
