Wildwood leaders are facing an emotional decision about the future of the 911 call center at the city’s police department.
Eliminating the call center and rolling dispatch duties into the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office’s existing operation could save money, but some wonder at what cost.
The decision will come at a pivotal time as the Wildwood Police Department will move from its antiquated headquarters on Huey Street to a new $3 million facility to be strategicly located on U.S. 301 at County Road 462.
In the move, the city could avoid the cost of building a $180,000 tower if dispatch is turned over to the county. The city could also save on equipment and maintenance costs as well as eliminating three city-funded dispatch positions in the first year.
But it’s not all about dollars and cents.
“Our communications center is the lifeline to the city,” Deputy Chief Paul Valentino told city commissioners in a workshop session Wednesday at Wildwood City Hall.
The Wildwood Police Department Communications Center answered 8,535 emergency 911 calls in 2016. But it also answers other city-related calls, particularly after hours. Valentino said it’s a service upon which residents have relied.
“We have a connection with them. Our dispatchers know the officers, they know our landmarks, they know our voices and they have all our local knowledge,” Valentino said.
That would be lost if dispatch is transferred to the county, he said.
However, Mayor Ed Wolf said Wildwood is poised to change dramatically and “a whole lot of new landmarks” are coming to the city.
“We are going to grow from a town of 8,500 to 40,000, 50,000 or 60,000, who knows. It’s going to be a different city. I am not going recognize the town in a few years,” he said.
Sumter County Administrator Bradley Arnold and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Gary Brannen attended the meeting and explained efficiencies the city would gain by signing on with the county.
In 2013, Lady Lake leaders found themselves in the same position. You can read more about that HERE
