COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners tabled a decision on an amended E911 service plan for Branch County until next month Tuesday following a standing room only public hearing.
All but two of the audience members who spoke said they were in favor of a plan backed by the 911 Board over a plan that has been submitted by the county.
The 911 Board’s plan would have all administrative and operational activities including the hiring of staff be their responsibility. Once the budget is adopted, the 911 Board has the authority to expend the funds on operational objectives including the hiring of staff without receiving County Board approval.
The proposal comes after Branch County Central Dispatch faced a shortage of five dispatchers in July. Some retired dispatchers were brought back as a temporary fix. There has been a lot of grumbling in recent years about starting salaries for Branch County dispatchers since they are lower than other nearby counties.
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 will be the responsibility of the Branch County Board of Commissioners including the setting of wages and fringe benefits.
Commission Chair Ted Gordon felt things still need to be worked out and discussions held between the 911 Board and Commissioners. He also invited city managers and village officials to join in the conversations.
