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The construction of a new 911 control center was moved forward Monday
evening by the members of the Calhoun Commission.
The commission voted to accept a number of proposals set forth by the 911
Advisory Board, including advertising for a basic block building to be located at
behind Calhoun Middle/High School.
The Calhoun County Board of Education has agreed to provide the land for the
project.
911 Advisory Board chairman Jerry Riggs said he believes the project will work
well to deliver better services to Calhoun County. The current 911 center at Mt.
Zion does not meet safety and operational standards.
Part of the recommendation is to reduce or pay off a loan obtained by the county
for equipment purchases and E-911 improvements, using part of $70,000 in grant
money currently on hold for 911. Less than $50,000 remains unpaid in a $110,000
loan obtained to purchase E-911 equipment and upgrade to E-911.
The payment of the remaining debt will stabilize the 911 budget to cover
operational costs in the future, including the operation of the new facility.
911 Director Joe Tanner said he intends to continue working on upgrading the
county communication system, in addition to having a secure and functional
E-911 center.
Commissioners met with the 911 Advisory Board in December to discuss an
ongoing budget problem, and asking for a working plan to to move the project
forward.
Delegate Bill Stemple has told the Calhoun Commission he is working on
obtaining $50,000 for E-911 improvements, and the commission is looking at
other Budget Digest funding to complete the entire project.
The commission plans to put a basic bid package together during the February
meeting.
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