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Temple-Greenville board agrees to join sheriff-funded Central Square Pro Suite dispatch platform
Summary
The Temple-Greenville Police Joint Board voted May 11 to buy into the county's new Central Square Pro Suite dispatch system, accepting the sheriff's offer to fund the first year with grant money; the board noted ongoing equipment costs and recommended considering highway-safety grants for mobile units.
The Temple-Greenville Police Joint Board voted May 11 to join Hillsborough County's new Central Square Pro Suite cloud-based dispatch platform, accepting a sheriff-funded first year and authorizing staff to notify the Sheriff's Office of the board's decision.
Sheriff Brian Newcomb, speaking for the Sheriff's Office, said most towns in Hillsborough County are moving from the aging CrimeStar system to the cloud-hosted Pro Suite. He said grant money is available to cover the first year's cost, and that the county's plan is to offer to pay that initial year for member towns; the sheriff indicated the ongoing annual cost would increase by about five percent each year after that. He also recommended outfitting cruisers with mobile computer units but said those are optional for towns. The sheriff suggested towns explore highway-safety grants to help purchase mobile units.
Ken Caisse asked whether the Pro Suite cost would be additional to the town's existing dispatch fee; Charles Buttrick asked whether there was a firm sign-on date. Sheriff Newcomb said sign-on is expected within a couple of weeks. After the sheriff's representatives left the public session, Interim Chief Mike Needham said he did not foresee any other large projects in the near term. Kathleen McNamara moved to accept the Sheriff's offer to pay the first year and to buy into Pro Suite; George Willard seconded and the motion passed. Chief Needham will inform the Sheriff's Office that the board is on board.
Why it matters: The move replaces an end-of-life dispatch platform with a county-supported cloud system that can be customized for individual towns. While the county's offer lowers entry costs in year one, board members were told ongoing license or support fees will continue and are expected to rise over time, which may affect future budgets.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to accept sheriff-funded first year and buy in to Central Square Pro Suite: moved by Kathleen McNamara, seconded by George Willard; outcome: passed. (SEG 004) - Motion to sign purchase order for new cruiser (see below): moved by Charles Buttrick, seconded by Kathleen McNamara; outcome: passed. (SEG 011) - Motion to accept minutes of May 4, 2026: moved by Ken Caisse, seconded by Kathleen McNamara; outcome: passed. (SEG 006) - Motion to accept non-public minutes of May 4, 2026: moved by Ken Caisse, seconded by Kathleen McNamara; outcome: passed. (SEG 007) - Motion to enter non-public session at 6:46 p.m.: moved by Kathleen McNamara, seconded by Ken Caisse; outcome: passed. (SEG 012) - Motion to adjourn at 7:12 p.m.: moved by George Willard, seconded by Kathleen McNamara; outcome: passed. (SEG 013)
The board was scheduled to meet next on May 18, 2026, in Temple.
