Should Richfield Keep 911 Dispatch Local?

The City of Richfield is facing a tough decision on whether to keep its 911 dispatch center at city hall or strike a deal with another provider.

While the city could potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year by dropping the service, many residents want to keep dispatch local.

According to the Star Tribune, the city currently spends roughly $680,000 a year on its dispatch services. However, in order to keep it in-house, the city would need to authorize a $382,000 software upgrade. 

Going with a new provider would result in major cost savings. The Star Tribune reported that the city has gotten service offers from Edina, Bloomington and Hennepin County, with the county's bid being the most economical as residents already support dispatch services through taxes.

Here's the breakdown of costs the newspaper provided:

• Hennepin County: A one-time transition payment of $80,000;
• Edina: $148,000 a year with $48,600 in transition costs;
• Bloomington: $450,000 a year with $50,000 in transition costs.

According to the Star Tribune, Bloomington's bid included hiring seven of the nine Richfield dispatchers, while Edina would hire none. Hennepin County said it would take all of Richfield's personnel. 

The newspaper also reported that residents, especially senior citizens, were concerned about response times getting worse if the city switched. However, representatives from Edina, Bloomington and the county have assured the city this would not be an issue.

The Richfield City Council is expected decide whether to keep the services at its regular meeting Tuesday, July 23. If the city decides not to keep the services in Richfield, a decision on which provider to go with would come next.

Do you think Richfield should keep its dispatch services in the city? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments section below.