(KLZA)-- Representatives of the Humboldt and Verdon Fire Departments and the Humboldt Ambulance Squad met with the Richardson County Commissioners  Tuesday, airing their feelings concerning recent discussions between  Richardson County and Falls City concerning the future of 911 dispatching.  

Phil Hitchcock, the Verdon Fire Chief and President of the Richardson County Mutual Aid Association said the groups feel left out of the conversation about the current dispatching system.  He said the various departments work throughout the county and are not happy with the current dispatch system and feel it's time for a change. 

Hitchcock and others offered several instances where dispatching was an issue and said with the amount of technology available, he is concerned if there is enough training for the dispatchers.

The group said they wanted to meet with the Board to make sure they knew of their concerns with the current system.

Trent Phillips with the Humboldt Fire Department raised concerns about Falls City dispatchers not being well versed on roads and directions in rural parts of the county. He said with the Sheriffs Office working the entire county, it would be a benefit to having the Sheriff's Department do the dispatching.

Phillips also feels when concerns have been raised in the past about dispatching issues, they have not been dealt with.  He said that he feels Commissioners would be more responsive to the needs of the taxpayers since Falls City does not receive tax funds from outside of Falls City. 

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reiterated that he is not concerned about where the 911 dispatching center is located as long as it is under one roof.

Commissioners thanked everyone for their opinions.  Hitchcock and Phillips both said they are considering bringing their concerns to the Falls City, City Council.