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Riverwoods approves five‑year dispatch agreement with Deerfield despite higher first‑year cost
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Summary
The Riverwoods board approved a five‑year emergency dispatch services agreement with Deerfield that raises the village’s first‑year dispatch cost to about $236,006 but is expected to be partly offset by roughly $65,000 in E9‑1‑1 surcharge funds once the village joins the ETSB.
The Riverwoods Board of Trustees voted to approve an updated five‑year emergency dispatch services agreement with the village of Deerfield, accepting a higher first‑year cost with anticipated offsetting surcharge revenue.
Police Chief Chelsea Smith told the board that Riverwoods paid $152,580 for dispatch services in 2025; under the proposed contract personnel costs would rise and Deerfield added a separate $51,913 "other" fee, bringing the projected first‑year total to about $236,006. Chief Smith said Riverwoods expects to receive approximately $65,000 from the E9‑1‑1 surcharge (ETSB) once eligibility and allocation are finalized, which should offset a portion of the increase.
"They do give us excellent service," Chief Smith said, and she recommended staying with Deerfield after assessing alternatives. Chief Smith explained that some neighboring municipalities pay different rates because of how ETSB funds have historically been distributed.
Trustees questioned whether the change was a small net increase or a large one. Chief Smith acknowledged it is a net increase in gross cost but reiterated that ETSB funds and an anticipated surcharge adjustment on phone bills should reduce Riverwoods’ net expense; she cautioned that exact ETSB allocations will be determined by a state methodology and could vary by ZIP code.
After discussion, the board approved the agreement by roll call (Ayes recorded from Trustees Eastman, Jamieson, Raff, Smith, Trevino and Clayton).
