I would encourage the Lewis County commissioners to be very careful regarding modifications to current 911 funding.
The new 911 center will require from four to five years (yes, years) to bring online. During that time, the existing 911 center will have to remain operational. That means it will be very likely that equipment replacements and upgrades for the existing 911 center will be required.
Additionally, as the new 911 center approaches completion, the existing center will be operating alongside it. Once the new center is close to assuming 911 duties and responsibilities, the existing center will still be operating and will likely continue for 30 to 90 days depending upon the new 911 center’s performance.
I assume the commission has a 911 expert on retainer. This expert should be relied upon for the necessary planning and advice that will be needed to bring the new 911 center into reality.
Be careful making any funding decisions this early in the process. I appreciate the sheriff’s desire to increase staff, but would caution the commission about making 911 funding decisions this early in the process.
Jim Mallon
Chehalis
