Nick Lewis
Register Publisher
Tue, May 13 2008
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Time is running out for the Richmond City Commission regarding consolidation of 911 dispatch services. The city commission up to now has been lethargic in addressing this issue. But credit Mayor Connie Lawson for reviving it and allowing them another chance; however, this may be their last one and can no longer dilly-dally around with this issue.
A meeting has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Richmond City Hall for the city commissioners to ask more questions and get a progress report about consolidation. Will this meeting really make any difference? Will it put the city commission any closer to finally making a decision about this issue or will we all be more confused by their actions?
Let me take you back to the commission meeting of April 24, 2007. At that meeting, consolidation was again on the table as the commissioners agreed to move forward with a plan for centralized dispatch operations in the basement of City Hall. They all voted for the agreement even though their plan had not been presented to either the county or Berea at that time. Nothing happened and Berea and the county moved on without them.
At the past two city commission meetings, it was evident that confusion exists among them regarding consolidation. Mayor Lawson thought the public should know where they stand and why. She also thought the general consensus of the city commission was to consolidate based on last year’s agreement.
On the other hand, City Commissioner Kay Jones was quoted as saying, “I thought we made an informed decision not to go forward with it,” she said. “I thought the county and city of Berea went their own way and was tired of waiting on us.” Then Commissioner Bill Strong suggested they should all meet again to discuss it. I’m confused and I’m sure the 911 board is likewise.
It makes me wonder what happened to the plan the city commissioners came up with last year and why they didn’t act on it? Over the past year, have they ever met to seriously discuss this issue or any other important issues on their agenda before casting votes?
If the city commissioners were really serious about 911 consolidation, why haven’t they initiated discussions with the city of Berea and the county before now? It’s not like consolidation has been a top secret issue. The Richmond Register has continued to inform the public about its progress and, as community leaders, shouldn’t the city commissioners already be up to date about the consolidation process?
I’ve said it before and I will say it again; it’s time this city commission takes this issue very seriously and show leadership expected of them. Before the meeting on March 18, wouldn’t it make sense for them to have an honest discussion between themselves so they will at least appear to know how each other thinks about consolidation and what they want from this meeting? Furthermore, out of respect for the 911 board and job they have done, wouldn’t it make sense for them to be prepared and not waste the board’s time as in the past?
No matter how confusing or complicated 911 consolidation is for Commissioners Blythe, Brewer, Jones and Strong, it didn’t stop the leadership of the Berea City Council and Madison Fiscal Court from moving forward. They understood the benefits of consolidation and were committed to making it a reality.
There is nothing really confusing or complicated about providing the citizens of Richmond and Madison County with an efficient, modern emergency dispatch system that ultimately will be the difference between life and death. The Richmond City Commission should at the very least be able to understand that.
Nick Lewis is publisher of the Richmond Register. He can be reached at nlewis@cnhi.com or 624-6682.
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