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County to pursue grant for 911 dispatch system [Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Moscow, Idaho :: ]
[July 31, 2014]

County to pursue grant for 911 dispatch system [Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Moscow, Idaho :: ]


(Moscow-Pullman Daily News (ID) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 31--The Latah County Sheriff's Department will apply for a state grant that would pay for improvements to the department's independent 911 dispatch system.

County Commissioners voted 2-to-1 Wednesday in favor of submitting the application to the Idaho Emergency Communications Commission, which assists municipalities and districts that provide emergency services by creating, managing and operating consolidated emergency communications systems.



Commissioner Tom Stroschien was against seeking the grant because he said he didn't have enough information to make a decision.

There had been discussion about trying to include the city on the grant and have it potentially join as a member of the county's dispatch service. The city is currently under contract with Whitcom for dispatch.


Commissioners said Wednesday the city likely wouldn't participate in the grant.

Commissioner Dick Walser said he had no problem with the county not partnering with the city.

"I think the request has to stand on its own merits," Walser said.

Latah County is seeking $453,109 for various upgrades to its system, including funds to transfer to Spillman Technologies Inc. technology that provides software for computer-aided dispatching.

Whitcom also uses the Spillman system, and the conversion would allow Moscow, Pullman and other Whitcom users to better communicate because their systems will be more compatible, Commission Chair Dave McGraw said.

The amount the department is seeking also would allow it to add another dispatch station.

Two dispatch stations were upgraded in late 2013 with digital mapping software that automatically displays the location of landline and cellphone callers.

Latah County provides dispatch services to 18 agencies and services, either as the primary or backup system. Several submitted letters expressing support of the grant.

The deadline for submitting the grant is today, according to the sheriff's department.

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