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Commissioners Authorize Application for State Funding to Study Regional 911 Consolidation
Summary
The board voted to authorize staff to apply to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for funding to study the feasibility of consolidating 911 call-taking with Mercer County.
Lawrence County commissioners on March 4 authorized staff to apply for Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) funding to complete a feasibility study on consolidating public-safety answering points (PSAPs) with neighboring Mercer County.
Public Safety Director Chad Strobel told the board the application, if funded, would pay for a consultant to examine technology, staffing, geography, call volumes and finances to determine whether consolidation would be feasible and beneficial. “This is just a study. We haven’t made any decisions yet,” Strobel said.
Strobel provided examples of regional arrangements already in use elsewhere in Pennsylvania: Columbia and Montour counties operate as the East Central Emergency Network; Snyder and Union operate a joint PSAP known as the Central Susquehanna Regional 911; Tioga and Potter counties have a contract in which Tioga provides 911 services while Potter provides GIS support; Lycoming provides 911 services for Sullivan County; Elk County provides services for Cameron County; and Forest County routes some calls to Warren County and some to Clarion County.
Commissioners emphasized the study is exploratory. Strobel said, if PEMA funds the work, the counties would advertise for proposals, seek a consultant, and engage first responders and the public before recommending any structural changes. He said technology is largely in place and that consolidation, if pursued, would require detailed analysis of operational and financial impacts.
The board voted by roll call to authorize the application; the motion carried.
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