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Leeds to consider joining St. Clair centralized dispatch in phased funding deal; county weighs staffing and budget timing
Summary
Leeds officials and dispatch staff presented a phased proposal for centralized dispatch, with phone-bill revenue phased to St. Clair County over roughly eight years and an estimated Leeds contribution of about $230,000 annually; commissioners discussed hiring three dispatchers initially and possibly starting service Oct. 1 if budget cushions are arranged.
Leeds representatives and county dispatch staff outlined a proposal for Leeds to move 9-1-1 call-taking and dispatch services into St. Clair County's centralized system. Staff said the revenue the city currently sends to Blount County from phone-bill collections would be phased to St. Clair County over an eight-year plan proposed in negotiations, starting with an initial partial payment and rising to full transfer over time.
The county's dispatch leadership and commissioners discussed staffing implications. Commissioners and staff estimated Leeds contributes about $230,000 annually from its 9-1-1 allocation; staff said that figure could pay for roughly three full-time dispatch positions to begin handling Leeds calls, with plans to grow staffing as call volume rises. Chair and staff discussed options to smooth the transition: advance payments from Leeds (or temporary cushions from other partners) could allow hiring and training before the official transfer date. Chair noted the county could start with three dispatchers and scale up as needed; staff cautioned about training and the need for additional administrative support for mapping, CAD integration and radio systems.
Commissioners asked staff to explore an October 1 start date if funding and contracts can be finalized, and to return specific staffing and budget figures for Tuesday's formal agenda. The proposal included multiple intergovernmental steps — contract language with Blount County, possible state notification and an eventual change to how the state routes 9-1-1 call-billing revenue.
