COLDWATER (WTVB) – The Coldwater City Council passed a resolution on Monday night which appoints City Manager Keith Baker to the Branch County 911 Central Dispatch Communications Board with Director of Public Safety Joe Scheid serving as an alternate.
Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz had been Coldwater’s representative on the Board and was serving as its Chair.
The City of Coldwater is one of ten members on the 911 Board which consists of local government, police and fire representatives.
The resolution passed on Monday states that it supersedes any previous resolutions relating to the designation of 911 Communications Board representatives by the city.
In light of what are felt to be low salaries for 911 dispatchers which has led to a lot of turnover and short staffing in recent years, there has been considerable discussion in the last couple of months over a pair of 911 service plans.
A plan backed by the 911 Board would have all administrative and operational activities including the hiring of staff be their responsibility. Under a plan backed by the county, all decisions regarding the appointment and hiring, removal, compensation and duties of the 9-1-1 Coordinator and Operations Manager would be the responsibility of the Branch County Board of Commissioners including the setting of wages and fringe benefits.
The Commissioners tabled a decision on a plan November 12th following the public hearing which featured nearly all of the audience members being in favor the 911 Board’s plan.
At Baker’s suggestion, a meeting with representatives from local municipalities from around Branch County was held on November 26th. It led to Branch County Commission Chair Ted Gordon expressing optimism during a Commissioners meeting that differences over an amended E-911 service plan can still be worked out.
