Dispatch Collaboration in Summit County

Examples of regional collaboration among governments continue to grow. Four communities in Summit County are exploring how to consolidate emergency dispatch services. Here are the highlights from Marilyn Miller's story in the Akron Beacon Journal: 

A combined police and fire dispatch service is being considered by Barberton, Copley, New Franklin and Norton officials.

Community leaders say they would save money on equipment, utility costs and space.

The savings in equipment alone is estimated at $109,000 to $219,000.

Each city now has its own dispatch unit, set up in police departments. Some have one person to answer fire and police calls, while others have separate fire and police dispatchers.

''We would all share resources and money and provide better services,'' said Peggy Spraggins, Copley Township administrator. ''We plan to test the combined services in a pilot program for a year, which would begin September 1.''

Similar consolidation efforts are under way in the Mahoning Valley and Stark County. Is your community looking at how it can use technology to consolidate services and improve response time?