Carroll 911 estimates set up costs for adding Trimble $190K

The cost to expand the Carroll County 911 dispatch to include serving Trimble County was estimated at more than $190,000 at a recent meeting of the Carroll County 911 Advisory Board.

In January, the advisory board entered into discussions with Trimble County to provide 911 dispatching services for police, fire, and emergency management agencies.

Carrollton Police Chief Mike Willhoite said costs associated with a Trimble County expansion would include $40,000 for CAD/Mapping, $55,000 to $60,000 for telephone fees, $45,000 for the radio console and $50,000 for workstation costs. But beyond those costs totaling roughly $190,000, he said there will also be costs for modifying/adding on to the dispatch center in Carrollton to provide space for the additional workstation.

“We’re not here to spook them or send them some false number to get them to say no,” Carrollton Mayor Robb Adams told the board. “It’s just reality and I would guess, from a budget standpoint, they’re going to be forced to say no when we tell them this is what it takes.”

Adams suggested that the board take the list of the total expansion costs, and add to that the number of staffing expansions. They will then send the updated list to Trimble County, to provide the estimated costs without the build out plan.

“If this doesn’t spook you, if you want us to go the next step, we will,” he said.

Carroll County Dispatch Director Greg Beck noted that in the meeting the two counties held in February, they recommended that total staffing increase by six positions to provide 24/7 services. He asked Adams if it would be all right to calculate the cost of six more positions, “plus what we think the building modifications are going to be.”

Carroll County EMS Director Tony Crutcher suggested that was a fair idea. But he did add that there would need to be a contract in place for Carroll and Trimble County to move forward. The contract would be needed for Carroll to invest in the equipment and facility changes and add staffing.

“Something would have to be formulated there to make sure we recoup that investment,” Crutcher said. “You don’t want them backing out after a year.”

“Whatever we end up doing, we want to make sure Carroll County doesn’t suffer in any way shape or form,” Adams said. “That’s our number one priority.”

Adams asked Beck to provide Trimble County EMS with the estimated expansion costs and additional personnel numbers as the total cost of taking on Trimble County dispatch services without the build out plan.

Adams also suggested that Willhoite and Beck schedule meetings with Trimble County EMS Director Will McCoy on what needs to be done moving forward and suggested that they go over details on what services are needed and how the arrangement might work for the two counties.

Carroll County Sheriff Ryan Gosser told the board that Trimble County is just one of several area counties weighing their options for combining dispatch services. He said Owen County is seeking an arrangement with Gallatin County and that Henry County and Trimble County have held some talks about developing a joint dispatch center.