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New dispatch center in Will County creates controversey
In recent discussions surrounding the development of a new consolidated dispatch center in eastern Will County, tensions have arisen between various law enforcement and firefighting agencies across the region. The $5 million initiative, aimed at reducing the number of dispatch centers from six to three under a state mandate, has sparked debate over fairness and resource allocation.
The proposed consolidation, set to take place alongside the construction of a new Sheriff's Office facility, has been labeled "generous but seriously misguided" by the Bolingbrook Village Board. Their resolution highlights concerns over equitable funding, arguing that if the county is investing in a new dispatch center for some agencies, it should extend similar support to others. This sentiment is echoed by agencies within the Western Will County Communications Center (WESCOM), which currently manages 21 police and fire departments, including Bolingbrook and Wilmington. WESCOM invested heavily in its own dispatch center in 2014, financing it through a $5.1 million bond, with each participating agency committed to paying $271,000 over two decades.
On the flip side, Will County officials defend the consolidation as a strategic move toward more efficient governance. They draw parallels to infrastructure investments, such as road repairs, which may prioritize certain areas over others. The new center, located at Laraway Road and Route 52, will house administrative offices for the county’s 911 board, overseeing all three remaining dispatch centers.
While some agencies, like the Lockport City Council, acknowledge the benefits of consolidation—such as improved coordination—they remain uneasy about footing the bill. Lockport Police Chief Terry Lemming supports the concept of consolidation but emphasizes the need for fairness in financial contributions. Similar concerns have been raised by the Homer Township Fire District, which plans to adopt a resolution akin to Bolingbrook’s to push for an equitable solution.
The disparity in service coverage is another point of contention. WESCOM serves 44% of the county’s population and 21 agencies, while the new center will cover 33.7% of the population and 31 agencies. Despite these numbers, some fear potential shifts in membership, particularly as Romeoville considers joining the new center. Currently split between WESCOM and the Romeoville Fire Department, transferring entirely could reduce approximately 3,600 transferred calls annually.
Even so, the financial implications weigh heavily on agencies like WESCOM. As Braidwood mulls over joining the new center, there remains the sticky issue of repaying their existing bond obligations to WESCOM if they leave. This complex situation highlights the delicate balance between regional cooperation and local fiscal responsibility.
As discussions continue, stakeholders grapple with questions of equity versus efficiency, leaving open the possibility of future adjustments to ensure all parties feel fairly treated.