Emergency dispatch team soon under new management
Karen Peterson photo
Lake County Commissioners voted April 12 to switch the 911 Dispatch Service to be under the direction of the Office of Emergency Management rather than the Sheriff’s office.
Karen Peterson photo
Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron explains the 911 Dispatch change.
Karen Peterson photo
Darlene Lester
Karen Peterson photo
Sheriff Don Bell
Karen Peterson photo
Karen Peterson photo
Karen Peterson photo
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POLSON — Lake County 911 Dispatch service is still going to answer calls for help and notify the appropriate emergency team whether it’s the fire department, police or ambulance — although the way dispatch is managed is changing.
On Tuesday, April 12, Lake County Commissioners unanimously voted to move dispatch management to the Office of Emergency Management from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is nothing against any sheriff,” said Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron at the meeting.
Separating the system was discussed as far back as 1999 when Commissioner Barron was the sheriff. He said that he was originally against the plan fearing a loss of authority, but as a commissioner, he said that he sees it as a good move and pushed for it.
“If I truly did not believe this wasn’t in the best interest of everyone, I wouldn’t be doing it,” he said.
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell is opposed to the change.
“I take my job very seriously,” Sheriff Bell said, adding that dispatch management was one of the jobs voters elected him in office to do. He said he wouldn’t have a problem letting it go if voters were allowed to vote on the change in management.
Barron said he feels that voters were represented. He explained that voters voted in the commissioners to make decisions and commissioners took public comment before making the decision.
The change in management is set to begin on July 1. The commissioners’ office is responsible for final decisions, like usual. Office of Emergency Management Director Steve Stanley will oversee day-to-day operations as the new manager, and a newly formed 911 board will advise commissioners.
Commissioner Barron said that moving dispatch services under the management of OEM will create more consistent management with less turnover than the elected position that a sheriff’s office provides.
“Every time we get a new sheriff, there is a transition period that’s difficult on dispatch,” he said.
Once it’s formed, the 911 board will be tasked as an advisory council, and will consist of members from emergency response crews including a representative of the police chiefs, fire crews, tribal fire, emergency medical services, the sheriff, and a dispatch supervisor along with a mapping and addressing representative. Two citizens will represent the public as well as a representative from the incorporated towns.
“The board would have more of a voice in policy and procedures,” Barron said.
One issue folks had during the meeting was whether or not the move would end up creating an increase in cost to run the service. Sheriff Bell thinks the move will cost more. Barron said he doesn’t believe that costs will increase.
Commissioner Gale Decker said it was a tough decision to move service management. He isn’t sure if it will cost more or not but he supports the move.
“Don did a good job running his office,” Decker said. “He was elected and we are taking that away from him, so I have reservations, but change is inevitable. I hope this proves to be a good move.”
Commissioner Ann Brower said she voted for the change with a focus on doing the best thing for emergency services.
“This is a very difficult decision to make,” she said.
Before commissioners voted, the public was given the opportunity to comment. Some people disagreed with the change but the majority of speakers supported it. Dispatcher Anna Wright said that 100 percent of the dispatch team supports the move along with other emergency responders. OEM Director Stanley is in favor of the change.
“The issue is representation,” he said, explaining that a 911 board would give emergency response teams input into the system.
After the meeting, dispatch supervisor Darlene Lester wiped tears from her eyes. She said that dispatch wanted more say in the decision-making process and policy changes.
“We’ve been waiting and fighting for this for quite some time,” she said. “I’m very happy for the outcome. All the dispatchers are happy.”
With the change, commissioners plan to look at how towns are charged for dispatch services. Currently, each incorporated town is sent a bill or given credit for the use of space.
“It’s time to look at the formula,” Barron said.
George Simpson, as a member of the public, said during the meeting that the 911 service was important “no matter how much it costs” because in an emergency people need to be able to call for help. He noted that this is National Dispatch Month and asked for a round of applause for their work.
