URGENT UPDATE: Significant changes to dispatch services are on the horizon for Union County. Union County Sheriff Brian Bolton has proposed moving dispatch operations from the city of Creston to Union County, a move that could enhance efficiency and response times. This proposal was discussed during a meeting with the board of supervisors earlier today.
The current dispatch system is managed through Creston’s law enforcement center, where the city covers salaries and benefits for dispatchers. However, Bolton highlighted a critical issue: the city’s inability to hire full-time dispatchers has created staffing gaps. “Not having the ability to hire part-timers has made it hard to fill those gaps,” Bolton stated, emphasizing the strain on the current workforce.
The proposal has garnered support from Creston Police Chief Paul Ver Meer, who believes that transitioning dispatch control to the county could optimize operations. This switch would allow for greater flexibility, enabling jailers and dispatchers to interchange roles more easily. “We don’t want all jailers to be dispatchers. We don’t want all dispatchers to be jailers,” Bolton clarified, aiming to mitigate staff burnout and turnover.
All three county supervisors expressed interest in the shift, but they emphasized the need for a thorough analysis of potential costs. Supervisor Dennis Hopkins stated, “I will support this if it saves the city or law enforcement money and does not incur additional costs for the county.”
Another potential hurdle includes transitioning union employees and addressing promised benefits for city employees moving to county roles. Supervisor Dennis Brown remarked that this change could alleviate the heavy workload currently faced by dispatchers while ensuring continued commitment to the community.
As discussions progress, the next steps depend on gaining city council approval. Both Mayor Waylon Clayton and Chief Ver Meer showed support for the proposed shift, with Clayton attending the board meeting alongside Bolton. “The only thing that would give us any hang up would be funds,” Bolton noted.
The implications of this potential change are particularly pressing due to the high volume of medical calls received by dispatch. Bolton intends to consult with Greater Regional Health to ensure that the transition won’t disrupt essential services.
This exploratory discussion is just the beginning. The board will reconvene to assess costs and further evaluate the proposal. A public hearing on the county’s plans for decommissioning windmills is also scheduled for August 20, 2025, showcasing ongoing developments in Union County.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this developing story. The future of dispatch services in Union County could reshape the landscape of emergency response in the region.