Emergency dispatch could leave Libertyville

The human side of cost cutting is creating a dilemma for Libertyville officials, who are considering disbanding the local emergency dispatch center in favor of a regional approach.

Local fire and police dispatching for years has been done from a communications center in the Libertyville police station. But a suggested switch to CenCom in Round Lake Beach could save from about $1.4 million to as much as $2.3 million over five years.

Making the switch would affect eight employees, which is among the considerations as the village board Saturday begins to discuss the 2010-11 budget set to begin May 1.

"Revenue is down and expenses are up. We have to figure out a way to balance our budget," said Mayor Terry Weppler.

Weppler is one of three members of the village board's fire and police committee, which began considering the idea in January. At the time, the group deferred a decision based on more information.

That was provided, but a follow-up committee meeting Tuesday showed how difficult the issue has become.

"I struggle any time with anything that impacts people's livelihoods," said Trustee Donna Johnson.

Several dispatchers and supporters attended the session, and some speakers noted the value of locally based dispatchers.

Eugene Travis, a dispatcher for 13 years, said rumors had been circulating about a possible switch. Dispatchers would be willing to discuss their salaries to see if there was a way of lowering costs to the village, he added.

"I don't have any problem with that if we can do it," said Weppler, a former police officer. "Trust me, this is not something we're looking at lightly and acting quickly on."

Fire Chief Rich Carani said there are other considerations.

"It's not just about the salary," he said. "We will have, looking out four or five years, huge capital expenses," to update equipment.

Eliminating all the positions and going with CenCom would result in an estimated saving over five years of about $2.3 million. That would drop to about $1.4 million if the switch is made but a supervisor and records person are hired.

Business owner Don Hamil, who said he worked part-time for the fire department for 11 years, contended safety and promptness of response could suffer.

"Our dispatchers know this town inside and out," he said.

Several "non-cost" aspects, such as no guarantee of monitoring 35 cameras at the village parking garage and Sports Complex, or dealing with nonemergency calls and walk-ins when no clerks are on duty have to be considered.

Former dispatcher Gail Cupal was more direct.

"Cut somewhere else," she told the committee. "You have to keep the dispatchers in town where they belong."

Dispatchers and other nonunion village personnel take monthly furlough days as part of budget cuts.

Committee members were told CenCom was willing to hire six of the eight dispatchers, and at least one other could be retained as a records clerk.

While the village has been dealing with CenCom, it does not have a contract. The committee agreed any guarantees of hiring or services to be provided should be made in writing.

The committee again adjourned without making a recommendation and the issue was deferred to Saturday, during a scheduled budget workshop.