Lakemoor may switch police dispatch services to Wauconda

The Lakemoor police department is considering contracting with Wauconda for its emergency dispatch services, officials from both villages confirmed.

Currently, Lakemoor receives dispatch services from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, but Mayor Todd Weihofen said they are in the market for a new dispatch center after issues arose with the sheriff’s office.

“We received correspondence from them that basically said it would be beneficial for both sides if we found new dispatching services,” Weihofen said. “So, we spoke with Wauconda and they have been great. Now, it’s just a matter of getting the paper work completed.”

Wauconda Police Chief Doug Larsson said such a deal would benefit both villages. It would reduce the cost Lakemoor is paying for the service, while also cutting down Wauconda’s monthly expense to maintain its updated dispatch center, he said.

“It’s a win-win for both sides,” Larsson said. “We will save Lakemoor money, just like we saved Tower Lakes money when they switched over to us. And, in turn, it helps us offset the cost of our new dispatch center.”

Contracting dispatch services is part of a recent trend as some police and fire departments try to save money by outsourcing or generate new revenue by bringing in new clients.

“We aren’t looking to take business away from anyone in doing this,” Larsson said. “But I also think there is a market out there for smaller or medium-sized police and fire departments that are trying to save on dispatching.”

Last year, Wauconda officials vowed to keep the village’s 9-1-1 emergency dispatch center “in house” if voters approved the fire district referendum, Larsson said. After voters approved the referendum, the village began work on a new emergency dispatch center at the police department that featured state-of-the-art equipment and safer housing.

The final project cost of the project is about $400,000, and fully renovates the original center built in 1992. Work is expected to be completed in mid-November.

The upgrades brought the center up to date with all the required technology, Larsson said. In addition, it was moved into the police department basement where there is more room and safety benefits.

If the contract is approved, Lakemoor would be the fourth department receiving dispatching services in Wauconda, joining Tower Lakes Police, the Wauconda Police Department and the Wauconda Fire District.

The additional entities helps cover the construction and personnel costs of the new dispatch center.

“In the end, the dispatch center will be paid for out of client fees and not by taxpayers,” Larsson said. “Our dispatch center is able to handle between three and six clients, depending on the size of the departments. In the time with flat revenue and the cost of everything going up, having the ability to consolidate services is great for any village.”