The City of Ironwood disagrees with the county's decision
BESSEMER -- When Gogebic County residents dial 911, their calls are answered by a dispatch center in Negaunee, but their 911 committee wants that to change.
Tuesday night, they proposed to the Gogebic County Board that Iron County's dispatch center take over its emergency calls. With Negaunee's rates rising, switching to Iron County's dispatch will cost half the money.
"In 2011, the cost to Gogebic County to stay with Negaunee regional dispatch will be over $160,000," said Gogebic 911 coordinator, James Loeper. "Going with Iron County, it's $90,000."
But the City of Ironwood within Gogebic County is concerned with the quality of Iron County's dispatch center. They're threatening to break off from the county and stay with Negaunee's dispatch.
"You have a large dispatch center that's very well equipped in Negaunee," said Ironwood City Manager, Scott Erickson. "They can essentially afford to do things and get different software and different features that Iron County couldn't afford."
The 911 committee disagreed.
"All the gadgets doesn't make the dispatch centers...it's the people that are behind all those desks and the dedication that they have."
Iron County's dispatch says their employees are prepared.
"We have a group of great dispatchers," said Iron County Dispatch Director, Steven Gagnea. "I know that we can take Gogebic County on and I know we can do a good job."
Gogebic County hopes Ironwood doesn't branch off during this trying political and economic period. Ironwood City Council will make a decision May 24.
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