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Council OKs dispatch consolidation with Cass County, staff cites about $328,000 in annual savings
Summary
Pleasant Hill approved Bill 26-27 to contract dispatch services to the Cass County Sheriff's Office with a target transition by Oct. 1; staff said the model preserves city responders, proposes a $1,500 base fee plus $12 per additional call, and estimates roughly $328,000 in general-fund savings compared with current budgeted dispatch costs.
The Pleasant Hill City Council voted to authorize a communications services agreement with the Cass County Sheriff's Office to consolidate the city's dispatch operations with the county.
Staff presented the resolution and described the rationale: high staff turnover, burnout and vacancies in the city’s dispatch center, and technology challenges. Staff said Cass County would receive emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch city units, and provide other communications support while the city’s police, fire and EMS remain the responders. "If you all approve this agreement tonight, the city's dispatch services would be fully transitioned to the county by October 1," staff said, noting Cass County requested a 60-day transition period.
Staff detailed the proposed fee structure: a $1,500 minimum base fee that covers the first 125 calls and $12 for each call thereafter. Using 2025 call volumes, staff estimated the contract would cost about $90,000 annually versus the city’s current dispatch budgeted amount of approximately $420,000 — a net annual savings of about $328,000 to the general fund. Staff also said a Q&A memo and a draft press release would be made available to explain the transition to residents.
After council questions about lobby access, after-hours procedures, and non-emergency contact methods, the council moved, seconded and adopted the resolution by roll-call vote.
