Salinas looking to cut ties with county 911 dispatch center

The Monterey County 911 Dispatch Center serves 30 agencies from the Monterey Peninsula to the Salinas Valley. But claims that it has no influence and control has the Salinas leaderswanting outof the deal.

“This isn’t an issue with the good, dedicated men and women who are on the radios talking to our police officers and firefighters every day. They do great work in difficult circumstances. This is a higher level policy and control issue,” said Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin.

The county 911 center averages over 500,000 calls a year. Salinasaccounts for37 percentofthe callsand pays the county $2.8 million a year for 911 services.

As the largest stakeholder, McMillin and Fire Chief Ed Rodriguez feel they should have more control over the center.

“We don’t have any say in terms of authority over policy, procedures, working conditions, things like that,” said McMillin.

Salinas isn’t the only city reviewingits contract with the county. On Wednesday, Pacific Grove will discuss contracting with Santa Cruz County for 911 services.

“I think you’ll see not only our city but a lot of cities step forward with the notices of intent to Monterey County,” said Salinas Fire Chief Ed Rodriguez.

News Channel 5 spoke with Bill Harry, the director of the 911 center over the phone. He said he worries the other agencies will have to foot the bill if Salinas leaves. Right now he is preparing for that to happen. The letter of intent is just the first step.

The city has two years to review other options such as creating their own 911 center or partnering up with another county. One this is for sure, 911 services will still be there for those who need it.