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Torrington council approves letter requesting $200,000 in state 9-1-1 funds to shore up dispatch shortfall
Summary
The council unanimously approved a letter supporting a $200,000 application to a new state 9-1-1 funding program to help close a recurring local dispatch funding shortfall; assistant chief said dispatch costs run about $500,000–$600,000 while 9-1-1 fee revenue is around $120,000.
TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The Torrington City Council voted June 16 to send a letter of support asking for $200,000 from a state 9-1-1 funding program to help address a persistent shortfall in the city’s dispatch operations.
Assistant Chief Pat Connolly told the council the dispatch center runs a recurrent funding gap and has worked with legislators to create grant opportunities. "Our dispatch operates at a shortfall every year," Connolly said.
Mayor Dobie said Chief Matt Johnson and Senator Steinmetz helped develop the legislation and documentation that made the grant opportunity possible. Councilman Victorin and others noted the center dispatches for multiple agencies — the city’s ambulance and fire districts, the county sheriff and others — and said the primary local 9-1-1 fee revenue is about $120,000 annually. Victorin observed that the center’s cost to staff and operate is roughly $500,000 to $600,000, leaving a sizable gap covered by the general fund.
The council moved, seconded and voted unanimously to approve the letter and Mayor Dobie’s signing. Mayor Dobie said the city will apply for $200,000 this cycle while recognizing the fund may be distributed across many jurisdictions.
