Document Type

Article

Publication Date

May 2014

Abstract

This study found that – based on certain configurations of communities and cost considerations – it is economically viable to consolidate public safety answering points (PSAPs) in Highland Heights, Lyndhurst, Mayfield Heights, Mayfield Village and Richmond Heights, Ohio. When comparing 2012 staffing and noncapital costs to estimated staffing and noncapital costs for a consolidated PSAP, the consolidated PSAP would provide an estimated collective reduction in staffing and noncapital costs of ranging from $775,400 to $1.19 million. When comparing 2012 staffing and noncapital costs to estimated staffing and noncapital costs for a consolidated PSAP – plus costs for additional staff to perform nondispatch duties formerly performed by dispatchers – only Scenario 3 projects a collective cost savings ($45,900) for a consolidated PSAP versus 2012 actual costs. The remaining scenarios project a collective increase ranging from approximately $3,000 to $274,900. The Center for Public Management (PM) also determined that it is legally feasible to consolidate. An assessment of technology and equipment will be provided in a separate document. Consolidation of services would reduce the duplication of services and redundant capital projects. This in turn would free up funds to maintain and replace capital items as they expire. Instead of the duplicate purchase of expensive equipment by several communities, the cost of large capital would be distributed over a larger base of beneficiaries. Centralization will reduce the physical blueprint of dispatch operations which in turn should reduce operating costs such as natural gas, electric, and maintenance. Given an investment in high quality equipment, facilities, and staff, the level and quality of service provided by a consolidated dispatch center should exceed those currently being supplied by communities.

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