Tri-City dispatch center inches closer with possible agreement

The long wait to get an agreement between local cities and counties in place for a consolidated 911 dispatch center might almost be over.

Attorneys for Franklin County are reviewing the agreement, and commissioners could approve it in coming weeks if it’s to their liking, said Commissioner Brad Peck.

Benton County and Pasco already have approved a revised version of the agreement, which was sent back to be polished months ago. Officials say it’s likely Kennewick and Richland, which passed the original pact, will approve the revised version soon.

Peck told the Herald he hopes to have feedback from the attorneys by next week and have the issue in front of the board as soon as possible.

“I don’t think there are any showstoppers at this point that I can see,” Peck said. “We just want to make sure it’s well understood by everyone. We are close.”

The plan, which has been years in the making, would do away with the two counties’ separate dispatch systems and create a central dispatch center, likely in Richland. It’s possible a backup center will be in Franklin County.

Law enforcement officials in particular have complained over the years that the current system has led to communication problems, dropped 911 calls and safety risks.

Officials say the new system should fix the issues, improve response times and save money.

The new system will include Kennewick, Richland, Pasco and both counties.

If an agreement is approved, a officials will have four months to agree upon an operating agreement, bylaws and a memorandum of understanding.

A director will be hired to oversee the dispatch center and current dispatchers will have to apply for work again, said Jerome Delvin, Benton County commissioner. Officials expect to keep around the same number of dispatchers.

Delvin and other officials told the Herald they are excited about the thought of finally moving toward a consolidated dispatch center.

“I think it will improve the safety of the public in the sense everyone will know dispatch is centralized,” Delvin said.

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 8:00 PM with the headline "Tri-City dispatch center inches closer with possible agreement."