By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Salem officials have approved an agreement that would allow the merger of the city’s dispatch department with the county’s 911 center.The unanimous vote was held during the Monday, May 13, meeting of the Salem Common Council. All members were in attendance.
Mayor Justin Green explained that weeks’ worth of talks with county officials led to the drafting of an interlocal agreement that details the merger.
Green said the city’s dispatchers have never directly received 911 calls: all those calls are routed through the county’s dispatchers and are forwarded to city dispatchers.
The change will not result in any loss of jobs, Green said. The city’s current dispatchers will have the option of transferring to the county. Green said both the city and county departments struggle to find adequate staffing: it is hoped the merger will alleviate that problem.
“This proposal makes sense in a lot of ways,” Green said, adding that a combined city-county dispatch is not unique to Salem and Washington County.
The interlocal agreement that details the merger offers both parties the opportunity to opt out with a 90-day notification. The agreement has a term of five years.
Following a motion to approve the interlocal agreement by Council member Dylan Moore, a unanimous vote in favor of the merger was cast.
Green said the Washington County Commissioners have agreed to the draft ordinance and are expected to discuss – and possibly approve it – during the Tuesday, May 21, meeting.
In other business:
*An additional appropriation of $33,000 was approved to pay for overtime for the Salem Police Department. Clerk-Treasurer Sally Hattabaugh said that should cover any overtime that occurs through the end of the year. It was noted that staffing shortages have caused the overtime, and it is hoped the addition of two new officers will help to alleviate scheduling issues.
*Hounds Way was added to the city’s street inventory.
*Salem Police Chief Eric Mills introduced the city’s newest officers, James McAfee and Owen Bowers. The new officers are currently in training and will be doing ride-alongs with more seasoned officers during the next several weeks.
*The Brick Street Festival", which will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8, was approved. A portion of East Market Street – from 301 to 304 – will be closed from 4 to 8 p.m. to allow vendors to set up.