(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has voted for the county to take over all emergency dispatch services in the county, effective January 1st, 2018, subject to the approval of the cities of Horton and Hiawatha along with the county Sheriff’s Department.
Commission Chairman Steve Roberts made the recommendation at Commission Monday’s meeting. “I just thought it was the thing to do,” Roberts told MSC News. “We've been dispatching for the City of Hiawatha for a long, long time. I felt like it was unfair to the City of Horton. We have a good relationship with all of these law enforcement entities, and I think for the betterment of Brown County, it's time that we all get on the same page.”
Roberts said the recommendation followed discussions with Hiawatha and Horton city officials along with Sheriff John Merchant.
The city of Horton currently operates a 24-hour dispatch center, while the city of Hiawatha contracts with the county to provide the service.
Roberts says he feels the county is in better position financially to provide the service than the two cities.
Hiawatha is currently paying the county more than $4,100 a month to provide dispatching services for the city and the county had recently approached the city about negotiating a new contract.
With the change, the city would no longer have to pay the county for providing dispatching services.
Roberts says Merchant has indicated the sheriff’s department is willing to take on the additional dispatch duties.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
Ground Broken for new Sac and Fox Trad'n Post
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
One held for past Atchison shooting
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
LATEST STORIES
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Nebraska
MoDOT to discuss Holt County bridge projects
Sheriff's Office to take part in drug take back event
Council hears report from golf course
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO