NEVADA, MO.--- Since 2009, Vernon County and Nevada have operated a joint 911 dispatch center. Nevada Fire Chief, William Thornton. Jr. says working together helps when receiving multiple calls.
"Getting everyone together on the same page giving that message out it just makes the incidents go so much smoother," states William Thornton, Nevada Fire Chief.
Nevada City Manager, JD Kehrman says there's disagreement on paying for 911 services.
"The funding scenario that's currently in place has the city carrying a disproportionately large burden on the funding of 911," states JD Kehrman, Nevada City Manager.
The city wants to split the bill 50-50 with the county, something the 911 board backs, but Kehrman says the county refuses.
"The problem is the historical pattern hasn't supported an equal split and so the city has to be prepared to take 911 back," states Kehrman.
To do that, the city would take money from their general fund or from a fund set aside to build a new public safety building. To help pay for the potential project, council members have issued $625,000 in certificates.
"If we need to build a 911 center in addition to the public safety building we've got programmed, we'll have the money to do so," states Kehrman.
Kehrman says the move prevents the city from having to scramble to find money if they do need to take over 911 service.
"It ensures that we can provide 911 service regardless of the joint dispatch agreement," states Kehrman.
No matter what the outcome, the fire chief assures residents if they call, someone will be there.
"If they call 911, they're there. It's not like they're going away," states Thornton.
A decision still remains whether there will be an agreement on the rates. If there is no agreement, the city manager says that will be the end of the joint dispatch and the city will handle their own calls.
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