UPDATE: In a significant move for public safety, Union County Sheriff Brian Bolton has proposed transferring dispatch services from the city of Creston to Union County. Bolton presented this urgent recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on August 16, 2023, emphasizing the need for improved efficiency in emergency response.
Currently, dispatch operations are managed within the city’s law enforcement center, a setup that has faced challenges. Bolton highlighted that the city’s inability to hire sufficient part-time dispatchers has created staffing gaps, complicating coverage during critical hours. “Not having the ability to hire part-timers… has put them in a difficult position,” Bolton stated, underscoring the pressing need for change.
The proposed shift has garnered support from key figures, including Creston Police Chief Paul Ver Meer. Bolton believes that moving dispatch oversight to the county would facilitate better coordination between jailers and dispatchers. “If dispatch was controlled by the county, it would be easier for jailers and dispatchers to swap roles to cover hours,” he explained. However, he made it clear that not all personnel would switch roles; the goal is to optimize resources without overwhelming staff.
The three county supervisors expressed interest in the proposal, but they stressed the importance of understanding the financial implications. Supervisor Dennis Hopkins emphasized he would support the transition if it is cost-effective for both the city and the county. “We need to ensure that we’re not accruing additional costs,” he said.
Bolton also raised concerns regarding the transition for union employees and the financial commitments associated with benefits previously promised to city employees. Supervisor Dennis Brown mentioned that this change could alleviate the workload for dispatchers, enabling them to focus more effectively on their duties to the community.
As discussions progress, the city council’s backing is crucial. Mayor Waylon Clayton attended the Board meeting alongside Bolton, showing his support for the potential transition. “The only thing that would give us any hang up would be funds,” Bolton noted, indicating that financial considerations remain a top priority in these discussions.
With the majority of dispatch calls being medical in nature, Bolton plans to engage with Greater Regional Health to ensure that service changes do not disrupt essential operations. The initial discussions on August 16 were described as exploratory, with no decisions finalized yet.
The Board will reconvene to further explore this proposal, with additional discussions planned following consultation with the city council and relevant parties. This urgent shift could greatly enhance emergency response capabilities in Union County, and local officials are closely monitoring developments.
In other news, Union County will hold a public hearing on August 20 regarding its decommissioning plan for windmills, marking another significant agenda item for county officials. Stay tuned for further updates on both these important matters.
