Sharing=$aving: Regional 911 System

The Enquirer ran a long story this morning on an idea we're looking into that might save millions of dollars over time: merging the County and City 911 Emergency Systems.

Make no mistake, this is a big, complicated issue. Still, at a time where we're all being asked to do more for less, this is the type of consolidation of services taxpayers expect us to look at closely. And if we can save money, and keep more police or firefighters on the job because we handle communications more efficienctly, we should move forward.

We're looking into similar approaches in other areas.

Will keep you posted. Interested in your thoughts . . .

Good News: County Receives COPS Grant

Today, we received the very positive news that the Sheriff's application for Department of Justice COPS grant dollars to rehire laid off deputies was successful.

The County will receive almost $3.5 million over the next 3 years, which will support 15 deputy sheriff positions.

We also expect to soon receive the stimulus dollars that will help us with jail overcrowding issues, by adding to our capacity for using electronic monitoring units. This will also bring back several Sheriff deputy jobs as well.

Finally, it's great to see the City receive grant funds that will retain 50 law enforcement positions.

From the outset, our goal was to use the stimulus dollars to serve our top priorities, including public safety. It's great to see that that approach is paying off.

More details here.