Dispatch services in question
After continued frustrations and displeasure with the Keith County communications center, Perkins County Sheriff Jim Brueggeman and commissioners are debating their options as the end of their contract approaches.
Keith County Emergency Manager Elizabeth Sillasen spoke to commissioners at their meeting on May 20 to inform them of potential changes to their communications contract should they choose to continue.
Perkins County signed a four-year contract with Keith County in 2015 to provide dispatch services. The elimination of the dispatch center in Perkins County was expected to save taxpayers and end the county’s struggle in finding dispatchers to man the center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The contract ends Dec. 31, requiring a 90-day notice to withdraw.
Sillasen stated that Keith County has been operating its communications center with an annual deficit of $97,000 over the last 10 years.
Potential renegotiations presented by Sillasen included a five-year contract with a base rate plus a percentage fee based on call volume. Using this formula, Perkins County’s contract would increase to over $99,000 per year.
Sillasen stated she knows there are issues with the communications center, which they are working to improve.
Brueggeman said for that price, they may as well reopen the dispatch center in Perkins County.
“Frankly, I wouldn’t pay another penny. We ought to be paying about half of what we are now for the service we get. Paying $75,000 is a fleecing of our tax dollars here.”
He said constituents have indicated they’re ready for Perkins County to reopen, and that would be his sentiment at this point. Listing some of the many problems they have been experiencing from Keith County, he fears someone will ultimately be hurt or killed if things continue as they are.
Sillasen asked Brueggeman and the commissioners if they could take their concerns to the Keith County Board of Commissioners.
Brueggeman and Commissioner Steve Tucker, who also serves as the Venango Fire Chief, spoke to the Keith County Commissioners at their meeting on Wednesday, May 22.
Brueggeman explained why they chose to contract with Keith County, the terms of the contract and the frustrations they’ve experienced since implementing it four years ago.
“We pay a lot of money for that service. We don’t expect perfection. Nobody’s perfect. But we expect excellence,” said Brueggeman.
He said complaints and suggestions from not just Perkins County but other counties using the service have fallen on deaf ears over the past four years.
With a new board in place, Brueggeman said he hopes they will take action to make the communications center the pristine center it once was. He noted Sillasen is working hard to try and turn things around but, from his observations, she’s being met with resistance.
Tucker encouraged the commissioners to go speak to their local fire departments and sheriff’s office.
Brueggeman asked commissioners to consider a one-year contract at the existing price if Perkins County chooses to continue with Keith County, providing time to address changes and work through some issues.