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Sheriff reports mapping mismatch for 911, rally‑related overtime and fleet damage
Summary
Sheriff West told commissioners dispatch mapping can misroute calls countywide and cited GeoComm as a possible fix (estimated ~$55,000 over five years). He also reported rally‑related overtime and hail damage to several sheriff vehicles.
Sheriff West briefed the Meade County Board on public safety operations following a recent rally. He said dispatchers and the county IT lead identified a mapping issue that sometimes results in calls being assigned to the wrong responder area. The sheriff said the problem may be countywide and described GeoComm as a potential, more affordable mapping solution; he estimated costs at roughly $55,000 spread over five years (about $10,000 annually).
The sheriff also summarized rally impacts: calls for service increased notably during the event, with the department reporting roughly 2,100 overtime hours countywide and 817 overtime hours attributed to the rally; he said deputies and dispatchers were especially busy but that the department handled the event without serious injuries. He said staffing and pay rates affect retention and recruitment, and recommended a review of dispatch staffing and call patterns to determine proper full‑time equivalents.
Finally, Sheriff West reported hail damage to county vehicles: several vehicles incurred hail damage (four were effectively totaled cosmetically), and the county collected insurance proceeds of about $96,000; decisions about which vehicles to repair were being made based on condition and insurability.
The board asked for a written breakdown of calls and overtime scheduling and discussed options for using reserves, alternative staffing and possible equipment purchases as part of budget planning.
