Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Police Staffing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves combined police dispatch and technical‑services supervisor to support next‑generation 911
Summary
The West Bend Common Council voted June 2 to combine an open dispatch slot and a technical‑services position into a single supervisory role to support next‑generation 911 and SCNET, a change city leaders say will improve dispatch oversight while saving payroll costs.
The West Bend Common Council on June 2 approved an update to the Police Department staff structure to create a combined dispatch‑supervisor/technical‑services position aimed at supporting next‑generation 911 and SCNET and improving oversight of the dispatch center.
Chief Dearing, speaking to the council, said the city would not request additional funding for the change and expects the reorganization to reduce payroll and benefits costs while strengthening technical support for dispatch. “We have a very urgent need, to move forward with this position if we are going to move forward, and that is with the, implementation of our next generation 9‑1‑1 and SCNET,” Chief Dearing said.
Why it matters: council members said the change addresses both rising technical complexity in dispatch and the need for a direct supervisory span within the dispatch center. The council heard that a year‑and‑a‑half review involving an external consultant and an internal study by Captain Grinwald identified the dispatch center as a priority for technical and supervisory investment. Chief Dearing said the market value for the combined position is “around that $88,000 mark” and that city analysts (Michelle Hoy and a salary study) recommended a pay scale placement near grade 65.
Supporting details: Chief Dearing told council that combining the open tech services slot and an unfilled third dispatcher position would eliminate one full position and one benefits package while producing an estimated payroll savings between $36,000 and $44,000 depending on hire level. He said the two separate roles together represented roughly $122,000 plus benefits. The proposal was presented as a net reduction in headcount while preserving needed capacity and adding a dedicated advocate and auditor for dispatch operations.
Process and next steps: the council voted to approve the staff‑structure update by voice vote after a motion by Alderman Brett. Chief Dearing said the hiring campaign would be launched the day after council approval and that internal candidates would be considered alongside outside applicants. The chief also said the city would post the position publicly.
Discussion versus decision: the council’s action was a formal approval of the staffing structure change and direction to proceed with hiring; the motion as presented and voted on committed the city to post and fill the combined role. Council members praised the study and the restraint in not increasing total headcount.
Final note: Chief Dearing and Captain Grinwald emphasized the change is intended to improve accountability, regular audits and technical support in the dispatch center rather than to expand the department’s footprint.
