Upgrades, gift cards discussed

The Dyer County E911 Board on Tuesday discussed the renovation of the call centers in Dyersburg, at the sheriff's department and Newbern and approved a gift for dispatchers.

Board treasurer Jeff Burns said the almost $400,000 checking account balance was somewhat misleading because invoices for the remodeling have not been received for payment.

Board member Bobby Williamson questioned why the amount was so high.

"It's really not," said Burns. "In fact, we may have to borrow from our CDs after they're paid before the money starts to come in again."

The renovation of the three PSAPs - Public Safety Answering Points - is due to a state-mandated "refresh" of the hardware and, if needed, furnishings of the workspaces.

The $198,062 approved by the board in November 2007 was split between the entities. Dyersburg's upgrade included $57,524 for furniture replacement and $11,500 for four new dispatch computer workstations and heavy-duty chairs.

Newbern's refitting of the city's antiquated radio dispatch system is expected to cost $66,000 for a new floor, a $9,000 uninterruptible power supply, wiring and two new consoles. A separate line item for furniture is $24,822.85.

The Dyer County Sheriff's Department spent about $20,000 on new consoles and workstation, saving about $2,000 from the projected costs.

The upgrade will be paid for from the board's savings account, which is filled by collection of the monthly 911 tax on telephone bills to county residents.

Bills for the upgrade will be paid by the respective governments, then reimbursement will be made by the 911 board.

Newbern Police Department 911 manager Capt. Jim Richards said the new mobile 911 center is being used while the space in the building is being gutted. The trailer is parked in the alley between city hall and the NPD.

Attending the meeting was board chief Benny Spain, Burns, Edwards, Williamson, Dyersburg EOC dispatch director Connie Cavness, Dyer County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director James Medling, Dyersburg GIS manager Carmen Cupples, Tom Reasons and Bart Williams.

Cavness asked the board to consider purchasing $50 Wal-Mart shopping cards for each of the three system's dispatchers for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 13-19.

The total cost is $1,250.

Cavness said in prior years a barbecue was held to honor the dispatchers, "but it was trouble for the third shift to make it, and the second shift, too, so not everybody was able to come."

The board bought gift cards in 2006, but nothing was done in 2007.

Cavness asked if EOC Communications Director Mark Grant and Edwards could also received the cards, "since they work right alongside the dispatchers."

Williamson said he had no problem with honoring the dispatchers, "but Mark is paid and comes in when he wants and leaves when he wants. I have to object to that."

Burns made the motion to honor Newbern's six dispatchers, the county's seven dispatchers and the city's 12 dispatchers; Medling seconded the motion, which passed by consent.

Spain said he had received a notice from the state 911 board that a code of ethics had not been filed, despite sending it in July 2007. Spain said he would look into the matter.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 29.