(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners voted last week to have the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center located in Beatrice handle all dispatching services for Richardson County, outside the city limits of Falls City.

Opinions have varied on whether or not it is the correct decision.  Indications are that in the not-too-distant future costs to upgrade equipment and maintain the required staffing levels will push toward regional dispatching.

Following discussions between Richardson County and the City of Falls City about combining the two dispatch centers into one, in hopes of saving money,  talks broke down and Richardson County started to look at other options.  

Third District Commissioner Rick Karas told MSC News that he and Sheriff Rick Hardesty went to Beatrice to see the dispatch center and get information on a price to have dispatching for Richardson County done by the dispatch center.

To make the change, Richardson County is facing one time costs of over $300-thousand for a new radio tower plus $75-thousand for new radio equipment.  In addition, the  annual contract fee for the dispatching has been proposed at $180-thousand.  

Monday night, representatives of the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center presented information to the City Council in Falls City to see if the City is interested in joining in.  Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang said that if Falls  City would join along with Richardson County,  annual fee for the County and City would be less than the $180-thousand annual fee quoted for Richardson County alone, would actually be less than that amount.  A firmer figure is expected to be presented to the City later this week.

One concern raised about both entities going with the regional dispatch is a potential loss of jobs for the current dispatchers.  Karas says the County will not be losing any employees due to the change, the dispatchers would likely be able to move to other positions within the department. 

By making the change now,  Richardson County Commissioners are hoping the cost will be less than if they waited until regional dispatch centers become mandated.  

Karas says that he hopes Falls City will join the regional dispatch center and believes it would be the best option for all Richardson County residents, saving Falls City taxpayers as well as all other taxpayers in the County money. 

Tuesday, the Commissioners approved a three-year  contract to have the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center provide dispatch services. 

Falls City officials are waiting on proposed costs before they continue discussions on joining the regional dispatch in July.