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Williams council weighs relocating police dispatch, adds public‑safety staffing and equipment plans
Summary
Council and staff discussed moving the police department and dispatch center into a soon‑to‑be‑available U.S. Forest Service building, budgeting for $160,000 in annual 911 costs previously covered by the county, converting a grant position to narcotics enforcement and exploring shared facilities for fire, police and EMS.
Mayor Don Dent and city staff opened a budget work session June 1 that centered on public‑safety facilities and operations. City Manager Tim Pettit briefed the council on the possibility that the U.S. Forest Service building may be vacated within six to 12 months and said officials are evaluating relocating the Police Department there, with an initial focus on moving the dispatch center.
Police Chief James Gregory told council members the dispatch move would require substantial infrastructure upgrades, including new 911 systems, dispatch consoles, communications equipment and emergency backup power. Staff noted detectives already occupy part of the facility, making a partial relocation feasible, and said the city would assume roughly $160,000 per year in 911 communication costs previously covered by the county.
Chief Gregory said the department will convert a previously grant‑funded position into a narcotics enforcement assignment to address growing concerns about drug activity in the community and plans to add an additional dispatcher position in response to rising 911 call volumes. Planned technology upgrades include new in‑car camera systems and AI‑assisted report‑writing software to reduce administrative workload.
Council members also discussed long‑range emergency services planning. Fire Chief Chase Pearson described a proposed volunteer stipend program intended to increase staffing flexibility and improve station coverage, and staff said funds have been proposed for design and planning of a future fire station, with construction tentatively targeted for fiscal years 2029–2030. Chief Pearson said the department is transitioning to a fully electronic fireworks system for the 2026 show and that portions of fireworks operations may be contracted to outside professionals because of safety and labor demands.
Staff provided an update on the community helicopter service, saying short‑term improvements at Station 2 are possible while relocation to the airport is still being evaluated; airport relocation has been slowed by infrastructure requirements and construction cost escalation. Council members emphasized the program’s value to local emergency response.
The council did not take a final action on facility relocations or station construction; staff were directed to continue grant pursuit and return with updated cost estimates and funding options.
