Scott County's E-911 Communications Center operating smoothly so far

BENTON, Mo. — Now the kinks are worked out of Scott County's E-911 Communications Center, the county can begin presenting it as an option to other municipalities looking to outsource their operations and save a little money.

The operation was discussed by commissioners and other officials during the monthly E-911 Advisory Board meeting at Thursday's regular county commission meeting.

"Things are running relatively smooth," said E-911 director Tom Beardslee. He said the only issue at the moment are some vacant positions.

David Jones, a representative for the South Scott County Ambulance District, gave some praise to the program on behalf of his co-workers. "They just want to make sure Tom knows they are really impressed with the nighttime dispatchers."

Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn said that was good news to hear.

"If we don't have to spend time on problems, we can spend time on growth," he said. Over the past eight or so months, commissioners have discussed making Scott County a regional hub for E-911 services.

With the rising cost of the service and less money, as a result of a drop in the number of land lines and a lack of taxes on cell phones for the program, the commission and other entities are looking for ways to cut costs.