Oneida, Herkimer counties consider 911 consolidation

Facing critical staffing shortages, Oneida and Herkimer counties are exploring the possibility of combining their emergency 911 services into one dispatch system. A combined dispatch center of this nature would be a first in the state.

“I have long been a proponent of consolidation, and we have implemented many practices in Oneida County that have improved efficiency and saved our taxpayers money,” Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said in a press release.

Oneida County absorbed the 911 systems of Rome in 1997, New Hartford in 2010, and Utica in 2012.

“Bringing Utica, Rome, and New Hartford into our county 911 system was a major success, and adding Herkimer County into the fold would greatly improve the emergency services of our region. This measure would alleviate the impact of the critical shortage in the telecommunicator workforce, reduce cost, and increase the safety for all our residents.”

Both counties suffer from the shortage of employees for vital services, Herkimer County Chairman Vincent J. Bono said. “Recently, both counties have made mention of short staffing in their 911 centers and have identified the critical need to explore consolidation efforts in this area.”

The two counties share a border and have several police, fire agencies, and ambulance services that already cover areas in both counties. Officials noted other factors that should result in a smooth transition include the ability to share information via the internet, microwave-radio systems, fiber optics, and mobile devices as Herkimer County currently has radio equipment installed on an Oneida County tower in the town of Steuben. They also pointed out technology permits emergency call processing and dispatching to take place virtually but remain local to reflect the needs of the public and first responders.

“Looking at all aspects of 911 center operations and how both governments can provide efficient, safe, and effective service for their residents should be explored more than ever,” Bono said. The counties have had preliminary meetings to discuss the feasibility of the consolidation.

If the services are combined, Oneida County 911 features would be available to Herkimer County residents including 911 texting ability, the IamResponding local first-responder communication-notification system, the Nurse Navigation program that diverts non-emergency calls to licensed nurses, and a backup 911 center.

The combined 911 system would be supported by monthly phone, cell phone, and VOIP surcharges along with shared-service grants available through the state.