COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Some members of the Branch County 911 Communications Board have raised concerns about a proposed service plan for the county and they decided during a special meeting on Wednesday to form a committee which will meet before a December 22 public hearing.
The 911 board got an introduction to the report from consultant Kevin Kearns of IXP Corporation of Seattle on Wednesday. Kearns was hired by the county to review the 911 Dispatch operations and to make recommendations to county officials.
He touched on the tension that exists in the current 911 model in Branch County.
Kearns also said the current 911 employees are doing an exceptional job despite staff turnover and recruitment challenges and pointed out pay is an important component.
He also recommended that at least two dispatchers should be on duty at all times.
Sheriff John Pollack said he has gotten phone calls from 911 Board members who expressed a number of issues about the plan. His suggestion a committee of service users look into it further was approved by the board.
Pollack also suggested County Commissioners delay formal action following the December 22 public hearing until the parties involved can work things out.
Bronson Mayor Larry McConn thought having a committee was a good idea. Pollock asked McConn to see if the Bronson Fire Station could be used for the committee meeting which would be held with COVID-19 protocols in place.
Safety first! Give them everything they need plus much of what they want and move on!