Atlantic County will host a presentation on the results of a feasibility study for Centralized Fire/EMS Dispatch and a 9-1-1 Call Center on Monday, December 1 at 6 pm at the Canale Training Center, 5033 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township.
Representatives from local police, fire and EMS organizations have been invited to attend in addition to municipal officials. The presentation by ADCOMM Engineering LLC will be followed by a question and comment period.
“We know technology is rapidly changing and with that comes expensive upgrades. Centralized dispatch will allow us to reduce duplication and provide substantial savings without sacrificing safety and efficiency,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson.
Levinson pushed for centralized dispatch 10 years ago but the idea was dismissed due to strong pressure from opponents.
“We’re willing to take another look,” he said. “We have opportunities to combine our resources for significant savings for our taxpayers.”
“Consolidation will save money, but I am the county executive, not the emperor. We formed the Central Municipal Court that is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, yet only nine of 23 towns have joined. We suggested countywide tax assessment rather than individual municipal tax assessors and much to our chagrin, that idea never made it out of committee.”
“The archaic principle of home rule is costly and duplicative. We have 23 towns with 23 of most everything,” he added. “This feasibility study will present us with options.”
Levinson said the goal of the December 1 meeting is to decide if and how to proceed.
“I can’t force this issue, but I can bring all interested parties together with full transparency to share in the decision-making process,” he said.
