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Local News

Board Discusses Moving 911 Dispatch

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The Montgomery County Board held their final morning meeting Tuesday, and much of it was spent discussing a move of the 911 dispatching system.

911 dispatch currently operates out of the sheriff's office. Emergency Management Coordinator Greg Nimmo said that he will be applying for a grant that could be worth up to $400,000 for equipment and software. He said the county is in dire need of new 911 equipment, and the grant would help pay for that.

The grant is available through the state police and Nimmo said it will be available to "next level" 911 dispatch systems. He said moving out of the sheriff's office and into their own area would help them qualify.

When asked how he felt about the move, Sheriff Rick Robbins said he would support it if the county can afford it. He elaborated by saying the grant would cover the software, but the hardware that is involved could come at a high price as well. Nimmo said the cost of the software alone could be as much as $500,000.

Time is not a luxury the 911 board has, according to Nimmo. The window to apply for the grant is December 14 through January 31. Grants will be awarded by June 30, 2019, and departments may begin submitting for reimbursements by September 1. The board approved the 911 dispatching system moving to the basement of the new courthouse, contingent upon the county receiving the state police grant.

The next Montgomery County Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, at 5:30 p.m.

RFD