Oneida, Herkimer counties look into consolidating 911 services. What to know
Oneida and Herkimer counties are exploring 911 consolidation, the counties announced Wednesday in a statement.
The counties' officials said consolidating their emergency 911 services into one dispatch system could ease workforce shortages, save money and increase safety.
“I have long been a proponent of consolidation and we have implemented many practices in Oneida County that have improved efficiency and saved our taxpayers money,” Picente said in a statement.
“Bringing Utica, Rome and New Hartford into our county 911 system was a major success and adding Herkimer County into the fold would greatly improve the emergency services of our region. This measure would alleviate the impact of the critical shortage in the telecommunicator workforce, reduce cost and increase the safety for all our residents.”
Oneida County absorbed the 911 systems of the city of Rome in 1997, the town of New Hartford in 2010 and the city of Utica in 2012.
About possible consolidation
The two counties have had preliminary meetings to discuss the feasibility of consolidating their 911 dispatching services and are actively evaluating the process.
Officials believe several factors would contribute to a smooth transition including:
Their shared geographical border
Several police and fire agencies and ambulance services are already covering areas in both counties
The ability to share information via the internet, microwave radio systems, fiber optics and mobile devices. (Herkimer County currently has radio equipment installed on an Oneida County tower in the Town of Steuben)
Technology that permits emergency call processing and dispatching to take place virtually but remains local to reflect the needs of the public and first responders
Other, exclusive Oneida County features would also be made available to Herkimer County residents if the 911 systems are combined, officials said.
These include:
911 texting ability.
The local first responder communication notification system known as IamResponding
The Nurse Navigation program diverts non-emergency calls to licensed nurses to ease the burden on dispatch services
A backup 911 Center
Paying for possible consolidation
Bringing Herkimer County into Oneida County’s 911 system would be supported by monthly phone, cell phone and VOIP surcharges and shared services grants would be available through the New York State, the counties said.
A combined dispatch center of this nature would be a first in the state.
“Herkimer and Oneida counties are not unlike many other government and private entities when it comes to the shortage of employees for vital services,” Herkimer County Chairman Vincent J. Bono said in a statement.
“Recently, both counties have made mention of short staffing in their 911 centers and have identified the critical need to explore consolidation efforts in this area. Herkimer County looks forward to working with our neighbors in Oneida County to investigate what can be done in this field. Looking at all aspects of 911 center operations, and how both governments can provide efficient, safe and effective service for their residents should be explored now more than ever.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida, Herkimer counties exploring 911 consolidation
