Karen Newman
As a current Clay County Commissioner and former law enforcement official, Clay Commissioner David Ebinger is well aware of the importance of clear communication between agencies and the urban and rural populations they serve. The mayors of two rural Clay County cities, Hawley and Barnesville, feel their communities’ needs are not being met by the Red River Region Dispatch Center (RRRDC).
Ebinger reported that on Tuesday, July 27, a meeting was held at the Clay County Law Enforcement Center which was attended by Commissioners Ebinger and Kevin Campbell, Clay County Administrator Stephen Larson, Sheriff Mark Empting, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, Hawley Mayor James Joy and Barnesville Mayor Jason Rick. He said, “We met at the law enforcement center to discuss some recurring concerns expressed by Mayor Rick and by Mayor Joy of differential response from the RRRDC to rural calls in their communities. They’ve expressed these concerns for some time. We did not hear similar concerns from Mayor Carlson.”
Ebinger continued, “In discussing this, both mayors indicated they spoke with other counties about transferring their dispatch services for their respective fire and police departments to Wilkin County for Barnesville and Becker County for the city of Hawley. We tried to address some of the concerns they have.” He added that Rick and Joy don’t feel their questions about response times are being seriously noted by the dispatch center.
Ebinger made a recommendation, “I think it’s time they [the mayors] sit down with dispatch administration and get a tour of the dispatch and maybe we can get some communication lines opened up.” He elaborated, “One of the problems the RRRDC is facing right now is that we’ve had such extensive growth that they need a new facility. We’re working with our North Dakota partners and representatives from Moorhead to try to get that figured out, get a price on it, figure out how to pay for it and build it.” He added, “In extensive conversations, it’s become apparent that Clay County needs its own console and its own dispatcher.”
August 27 has been set as the date for a meeting date between RRRDC and concerned parties to discuss addressing the needs of the agency’s rural partners.
Ebinger continued, “They are legitimate concerns as expressed and even if there is a perfectly good explanation, that explanation needs to be provided to these elected officials. It’s important that communication between RRRDC and elected officials on both sides of the river be reinforced.”
Ebinger provided his personal viewpoint, “I am concerned bringing other counties into the dispatch services anywhere here in Clay County simply because it jeopardizes public safety. When you dial 911 anywhere in Clay County, your call goes directly to the RRRDC and they’re going to have to transfer your call to another county.” Ebinger explained that the extra steps required for dispatchers to determine where a call should be transferred will result in added response time.
Ebinger concluded, “I think we can work this out. I appreciate the fact that these elected officials came forward with their concerns for their communities. I think it is something that we can come to an agreement on. The main thing is to open up some communication.”