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County 9-1-1 seeks NG9-1-1 funding, staff fills and expanded training
Summary
County 9-1-1 staff briefed the committee on pending NG9-1-1 and interoperability grant applications, a planned VESTA phone-system upgrade, staffing shortages and a proposed domestic-violence training package for dispatchers.
County 9-1-1 staff told the committee they will apply for two grants to modernize the county’s emergency communications and to improve interoperability with neighboring counties.
The first, described in the meeting as an "NG 9-1-1" grant, was cited as roughly $1,500,000 and would fund a new VESTA phone system. The county is obtaining quotes for the system and said a neighboring county would partner in integration so both counties can support one another’s call-taking if needed. A second, targeted grant would fund improved interop channels, fiber and microwave connectivity and the relocation of a redundant prime server to the Osborne Tower site.
Staff said neither grant would cover ongoing operational costs; both were described as project funding separate from the regular operating budget.
On staffing, the center reported three new hires are in background checks and drug testing, with training expected to begin in June for cleared candidates. The center anticipates one employee leaving in June for medical school and returning part time. Officials flagged a projected shortfall in supervisory coverage, saying that by July 1 the center would be down to one floor supervisor unless vacancies are filled.
Committee members approved three personnel-related actions on the floor (see votes summary). Officials described converting a vacancy to a "health" classification to broaden applicant pools and discussed the difficulty of recruiting and retaining supervisory dispatch staff.
On training, staff said dispatchers are required to complete 21 hours of in-service training annually. The finance amendment discussed at the meeting would allow the county to fund a domestic-violence training cycle the department plans to host; the in-person offering was estimated at roughly $5,000 and staff said hosting external partner counties can reduce per-student cost. Staff emphasized training’s role in liability protection and improving call-handling that affects first-responder effectiveness.
Staff said they are also working with county partners on a backup center and camera projects for tower sites; quotes and grant applications are in progress.
