When we're not speculating over who's being probed by the FBI, there is real business being conducted in Butler County. One such issue that has become pretty hot lately is a proposal to consolidate Butler County's dispatch centers.In this corner, we have county commissioners, including Greg Jolivette, who want to see if county government can be made more efficient and cost-effective.
In the other corner, we have our beloved Sheriff Jones and a few police chiefs.
If I read the KY Post piece right, the sheriff says it will take as many people to field these calls no matter how many dispatch centers there are. Which, I think is as strong of a pro as a con to do the consolidation. Nobody is going to lose their jobs; but if there are less facilities, then less taxpayers dollars are going to keeping them running.
Bottom line: If there is no reduction in the quality of service, I see no reason not to reduce the cost if at all possible. What makes this idea so controversial is that there is so very little that local government is supposed to be directly responsible for and emergency services is one of them.
This was a very big issue up in my hometown -- Dayton -- when Montgomery County proposed this very idea four or five years ago. From all indications I have received, that integration has been a success. I think the key is understanding that your local police and fire units are not going away, they will still be there when you call. And more importantly, response time will not be effected either.
That's what I think...what say you?
