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Emergency Communications requests modest FY26 increase as call volumes shift
Summary
Chief Don Holden presented a FY26 communications budget seeking a 4.6% increase to $15.04 million; the 911 center highlighted accreditation, training partnerships, and maintaining call‑answer standards.
Don Holden, chief of Emergency Communications, told County Council on May 22 that the 911 center seeks a FY26 operating budget of $15,043,316, a 4.6% increase from FY25 driven largely by wage changes and operating costs.
Holden highlighted accomplishments including medical protocol accreditation, continued success exceeding the standard for calls answered within 10 seconds (over 90% in recent years), and a telecommunicator training course offered to area high schools. He said the division is working to move 911 dispatch responsibilities out of fire board sections that previously handled some calls.
The center reported 17 vacancies, with seven candidates in preemployment or background checks; Holden described vacancy counts as fluid. He said the division is pursuing grant funding for replacement of an 18‑year‑old backup command post and will continue telecommunicator recruitment and training programs.
Holden provided call‑volume context: a slight year‑to‑year drop in total calls, partly attributable to alarm companies sending text notifications that reduce call volume, but an overall rise in certain case counts. He noted the center continues to meet performance standards for answer times and that the busiest hours remain roughly 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Councilmembers praised the 911 center’s responsiveness and the quality of its staffing; no formal budget action was taken on May 22.
