What Happened?
Youngstown, Ohio, is looking to implement recommendations from a government efficiency study that predicts impending economic challenges and a need for more cost-efficient practices. One significant suggestion involves the consolidation of the city and county 911 systems to make better use of emergency resources without sacrificing service to local residents.
So What?
The government efficiency study conducted by PFM Group outlines the many benefits of integrating the city and county 911 infrastructure, which currently reside on opposite sides of the same street. Not only would it reduce maintenance fees, consolidation could decrease the number of workers needed to handle incoming calls and alert appropriate emergency services. While the benefits may not materialize until several years after implementation, the long-term sustainability of the efficiencies greatly outweigh the initial costs.
The strategy is part of an overarching plan to boost Youngstown economic performance that also calls for:
- Improving government customer service to residents for optimal use of taxpayer money
- Creating jobs for residents and attract new business
- Reducing crime and improving public safety through multi-pronged efforts
- Investing in city services to enhance the quality of life and support community growth
The study also provided an alternative solution if Youngstown does not wish to manage the consolidation along. Nearby Austintown and Boardman could join in on the integration strategy and all three cities could take control of the 911 system. When consolidating more than two systems or offices together, however, there can be a long period of adjustment regarding giving up authority and making appropriate compromises. Youngstown already invested $2 million in a new 911 emergency dispatching system without a tax increase, demonstrating the financial gain of sharing other associated costs. The study warns of common obstacles that communities interested in consolidating face such as:
- Designating authority
- Selecting a location
- Merging communication infrastructure
- Adjusting collective bargaining agreements
- Determining how to compensate upfront costs
Consolidation Feasibility
A recent study analyzed the consolidation of 911 and dispatch systems in Albany County, New York. The report looked at 11 public safety answering points within the county that handle incoming 911 calls and contact fire, EMS or law enforcement agencies to respond. Data indicated one contact center to account for the operations of 11 locations was not efficient, so the researchers devised four alternative strategies:
- Consolidating the Albany County Sheriff, Green Island, Cohoes and Watervliet into a single communications dispatch center to save $458,169
- Consolidating the Albany County Sheriff, Green Island, Cohoes, Watervliet and the Town of Coeymans into a single communications dispatch center to save $561,434
- Consolidating the Albany County Sheriff, Green Island, Cohoes, Watervliet, the Town of Coeymans and Guilderland into a single communications dispatch center to save $727,057
- Consolidating the City of Colonie and the Village of Menands into a single communications dispatch center to save $864,868
Even though total consolidation of all 11 cities within the county was not viewed as cost-efficient, various groupings of local 911 systems and dispatch services were seen to produce significant savings that could be allocated elsewhere in the community.
Jefferson County Integration
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama recently launched a consolidated 911 center within the Center Point Satellite Courthouse. The $4.5 million project is being funded by fees from phone companies and aims to make more efficient use of government services. The county 911 center answers calls from 18 cities and towns, while contacting the sheriff’s office, nine other law enforcement agencies and 33 fire departments.
Other Consolidations
Gov1 has reported on many communities looking to integrate fire departments or court systems to reduce unnecessary spending.