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Regional 9-1-1 consolidation marks first year; partners outline radio tower and Nylund Center projects
Summary
The county’s consolidated 9-1-1 center marked its first year of operation with reports of steady call handling, staffing plans, a state-funded radio tower project and a largely state-funded Nylund Center renovation for training and operations.
Officials from the consolidated Reclimans Gates 9-1-1 communications center presented their first annual update to the Gates County Board of Commissioners on April 16, reporting steady service, staffing plans and several capital projects to improve coverage and training.
Presenters said the consolidation agreement took effect in March 2024 and that the center handled tens of thousands of calls for service across law, fire and EMS during the first contractual year. Staffing is scheduled to include four telecommunicators per shift (momentum staffing of three), with telecommunicators scheduled to rotate between counties so callers cannot assume the call-taker is from their county. Presenters said they plan to advertise for additional part-time staff in May.
Two state-funded radio towers were discussed: the project included a $6 million state appropriation for two towers that will improve regional radio coverage. One tower will be located on PCG land and the project had a completion target of October 3 (year not specified in presentation slides). Presenters said the radio equipment will be turned over to the state at project end and the counties will not be responsible for long-term equipment maintenance.
Presenters also described the Nylund Center renovation, led by Oakley Collier Architects with a construction-manager-at-risk team. The project’s stated state funding total is about $4.8 million; local responsibility will be limited to a single square foot to comply with state rules, plus a mandated bonding component. The renovation will create dispatch, training and limited office space as part of the consolidated public-safety answering point (PSAP) improvements.
Commissioners praised the consolidation in public comments, noting fewer missed calls and improved coverage for volunteer fire departments and first responders. Board members and the presenters emphasized the consolidated center’s role in improving emergency-dispatch practices, including plans to implement Emergency Fire Dispatch protocols in May.
Why it matters: The consolidation was presented as improving reliability, staffing resilience, and fire-department ISO scoring through consistent call-taking protocols. The Nylund Center and radio-tower projects rely mostly on state funding and aim to improve long-term capability for the two counties involved.
What’s next: The 9-1-1 board planned to present a proposed FY26 budget to participating counties and continue prequalification and public bid processes for construction contracts; staff said they would provide progress updates to the Gates County board.
