Charlevoix County weighs exit from CCE 911 as officials, first responders cite Beaver Island coverage gaps
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Summary
Charlevoix County commissioners discussed potentially leaving the CCE 911 regional dispatch partnership after chair and island responders raised coverage gaps on Beaver Island, concerns about a recent software purchase, and differing cost-sharing among counties; commissioners asked for more information before deciding.
Charlevoix County commissioners on Jan. 16 discussed whether to continue participating in the CCE 911 regional dispatch partnership after Chair Scott Hankins said the county has repeatedly been on the losing side of votes at the CCE 911 board and raised concerns about coverage and recent technology expenditures.
Hankins told the Committee of the Whole that the county presented a proposal in 2025 to restructure an existing tower and build a new tower in St. James Township to address gaps, and said "approximately 40% of Beaver Island does not communicate with CCE 911." He cited a 2019 coverage study and a 2023 multiagency exercise involving the Michigan State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard and the county sheriff's office that highlighted coverage shortfalls.
During the public comment period, first responders described immediate operational impacts. "I did not know about this meeting until this morning," said Kathleena Mason, Beaver Island EMS Director, who reported three calls last week on the island's west side during which crews relied on alternate communications. Kevin Spate (BCPD) said he was concerned first responders had not been informed about a possible withdrawal from CCE 911. Serena Dawson (BCPD) warned that the new Hexagon software "has a lot more on the backside that needs to be taken into consideration." Roy Griffits (Lake Charlevoix EMS) said more than 200 calls this year involved mutual aid and stressed that the 911 call center needs to coordinate mutual-aid responses. Brenda Wilson, BC EMS Director, noted multiple dead areas in Hudson and Chandler townships.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the comments and asked for further information before taking action. "What next steps need to be determined," Commissioner Chris Christensen said, while Commissioner Robert Jess asked how the county could work more effectively with CCE 911. Commissioner Joshua Chamberlain suggested consulting Antrim County about its experience operating its own 911 dispatch.
No formal motion or vote was recorded at the meeting. Chair Hankins emphasized the issue "is not a knee-jerk reaction" and said county leaders want thoughtful responses from partner agencies as they consider whether to continue the regional partnership. The committee adjourned without a decision; commissioners indicated they will seek additional information and input from partners and first responders before any formal action.