Brentwood ECD reports near-full staffing, AI call-simulator trial and $1.86 9-1-1 surcharge rate

Brentwood Emergency Communications District Supervisor Kathleen told the board Monday that the district is nearly fully staffed, participated in a demonstration of an AI-based 9-1-1 call simulator, and expects to receive additional funds after the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board approved a surcharge increase.

Kathleen, ECD supervisor, opened her status report by saying the district currently has one dispatcher in training and that she had “don’t have 1 tonight, which means that we're fully staffed,” adding the trainee should complete training soon.

The staffing update preceded a description of a training demonstration held at the ECD headquarters. Kathleen said staff observed a visit by the Metro Davidson County dispatch center and Vanderbilt University personnel, who demonstrated “an AI type of call simulator” designed to let dispatch trainees practice realistic scenarios. “So it's pretty cool to see it,” she said.

The supervisor also told the board that the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board approved an increase in the 9-1-1 surcharge rate. “Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the surcharge rate for 9-1-1 calls will be a dollar 86,” Kathleen said. She added that Brentwood will receive funds as a result of the change.

On technology, Kathleen reported an upgrade of the district's vendor systems. The ECD's CentralSquare computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management system (RMS) are in a migration and upgrade process that Kathleen said will take about 24 weeks, with the RMS migration and data conversion under way before work on CAD.

Finance matters were reported in the same meeting. Jay (staff member) summarized the quarterly financial packet provided by Finance Director Karen Harper, saying year-to-date revenues were at 77% of budget and expenses were at 49% of budget. Jay noted that for the same period in the prior fiscal year revenues were 83% and expenses 48%, and he said a $160,000 nonrecurring transfer from the capital projects fund to ECD in the prior year explained much of that difference.

Kathleen concluded her remarks after answering a request to introduce a retired staff member, then left the meeting. The board did not take further action on staffing or technology during the session.

Next steps disclosed at the meeting include completing the CentralSquare migration over the stated timeline and preparing to receive additional surcharge-derived funds after the statewide rate change takes effect.