Photos
-
The joint New Providence and Summit Emergency Dispatch Services Center will occupy the former Rescue Squad Headquarters. The center will contain state-of-the-art technology and equipment at a total cost of $2.3 million with $1.6 million coming from two federal grants. Credits: Mike Neavill
New Providence, Summit Move Toward Shared Emergency Dispatch Services
Thursday, September 20, 2012 • 7:11am
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ – In a decisive action by the Borough Council, the town is moving forward to join forces with Summit to create a shared emergency services dispatch center, Mayor J. Brooke Hern said.
Total price tag for the dispatch center is $2.3 million with $1.6 million coming from two federal grants to provide state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
In addition, each town will contribute $350,000 in construction costs for the center which is to be located in New Providence at the site of the former Rescue Squad Headquarters at the Municipal Center.
The new center will provide emergency dispatch services for police, fire and EMS in Summit and New Providence. On a contractual basis, the center will also handle calls for the Milburn Fire Department.
The mayor said the Borough Council studied several options including having emergency services provided by Morristown or Union County. He added the council also looked at spending $400,000 to update the borough’s aged equipment.
“The (Summit) option is the most cost effective, offers state-of-the-art technology and can only improve public safety,” Hern said.
A new legal entity required by state law for shared services will be created by the governing bodies of New Providence and Summit, the mayor said.
Due to disparate data capturing and reporting systems, the two towns will share expenses allocated by population
“After that, expenses will be allocated by usage,” Hern said.
