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Torrington council backs letter seeking $200,000 in state 911 grant money to ease dispatch shortfall
Summary
Council unanimously approved a letter of support June 16 asking for $200,000 from a new state 911 grant program to help close a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar shortfall in the city's dispatch budget; council discussed local 911 fee revenue of about $120,000 versus total dispatch costs near $500,000-$600,000.
The Torrington City Council voted June 16 to approve a letter of support for a state 911 grant application that would request $200,000 to help offset the local dispatch center's ongoing shortfall.
Assistant Chief Pat Connolly explained the dispatch operation runs at a deficit each year and that Chief Matt Johnson worked with state legislators to create a grant work group and funding mechanism. Council members said the dispatch operation costs roughly $500,000 to $600,000 annually while local 911 fee revenue is projected at about $120,000 in the coming fiscal year, leaving the city to cover the remainder through general funds.
Councilman Victorin moved to approve the letter and Mayor Doby indicated he would sign it. Council discussion noted the grant is a one-time appropriation for now and that statewide funds for 911 will be spread among many local jurisdictions; officials said any funding awarded would make a significant difference but not fully close the shortfall.
The council approved the motion by voice vote with no nays recorded.
