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Commissioners approve short-term PAP services, debate Rescue 911 onboarding as 911 staffing gaps persist
Summary
Commissioners approved an $18,000 12-month amendment for PAP services and voted to begin onboarding a contracted staffing vendor after reviewing references and contract terms; county leaders emphasized calls are still answered while officials weigh contractor costs, certifications and impacts on existing staff.
Commissioners voted to approve Exhibit B — an $18,000 addition for 12 months to the county’s PAP services contract — and authorized staff to pursue onboarding an outside telecommunicator vendor with attorney and council approval for funding.
Barry Ritter, the county’s public safety consultant, told the board the vendor materials and reference checks showed "there were no red flags" and that the firm could supply staffing within about six weeks if the county moved forward. Ritter said the vendor’s master agreement would give the county a single point of contact to schedule and, if necessary, terminate contracted staff.
Chris Shantel, Randolph County’s 911 director, outlined operational realities at the dispatch center after multiple recent resignations: only three trainers remain and staffing shortages have forced the remaining personnel to work extra shifts. Shantel warned that high contractor pay could prompt local employees to apply elsewhere, saying they had already seen outside applications for neighboring agencies.
Commissioners pressed on certification expectations and contract terms. The board discussed industry certifications referenced by staff — APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials), NENA (National Emergency Number Association) and IED (International Emergency Dispatch/Academy) — and noted Indiana does not require membership in one certifying body. Ritter and Shantel said newcomers could be brought up to the county’s platform proficiency if they remained on the job long enough.
County leaders also raised concerns about vendor billing practices: the contract in the packet reportedly included upfront onboarding fees and the vendor’s right to charge holiday premiums. Commissioners asked the county attorney to review any redlined contract language about jail responsibilities, onboarding fees (discussed in the meeting as roughly $15,000 onboarding plus first-month pay), and the timing of charges before the county signs an agreement.
Despite the staffing gap, commissioners heard assurances that emergency calls are being answered and services dispatched. Chair (presiding) summarized the board’s direction: obtain attorney approval, secure council funding for any necessary line items, and, if approved, begin the Rescue 911 onboarding process. The motion to start the process passed after a second and voice vote.
What happens next: the county attorney will review the contract redlines and commissioners will seek council approval for funding before any vendor is paid or staff are onboarded.
