WMU consolidates emergency dispatch operation
Nov. 9, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- The WMU Board of Trustees approved a resolution authorizing the University to move forward with plans to merge its emergency dispatch center operations into a countywide consolidated system.
According to Robert M. Beam, vice president for business and finance, WMU is part of a group of dispatch operators that has been investigating the potential consolidation of five Kalamazoo County emergency dispatch centers. A study to evaluate the feasibility of the project has been completed, and the management personnel of the five centers have reached a preliminary consensus to move forward with consolidation. The consolidation project would also include the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage, the Charter Township of Kalamazoo and the County of Kalamazoo.
"Such a consolidation would result in a higher quality of service to the citizens of Kalamazoo County, while at the same time eliminating the duplication of equipment and efforts," said Beam. "The group exploring these options hopes to move forward with the design and planning of a consolidated center."
In other business, trustees also approved a two-year wage agreement for 2000-02 with the local chapter of the Police Officers of America. The board of trustees' vote on Oct. 27 made official a tentative agreement approved by POA bargaining unit members on Oct. 12.
The agreement provides for a 3 percent across-the-board increase and a 5 percent market adjustment in the first year of the agreement, and a 3 percent across-the-board increase in the second year.
The POA represents approximately 18 police officers and detectives at the University.
Media contact: Jessica English, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu