SUNBURY - Fire and government officials from the northern end of the county voiced several concerns Tuesday over a pending decision by the county commissioners involving upgrades to the county communications center.
The commissioners, who are mandated by the federal government to make 911 upgrades, must decide to purchase a new "VHF-trunked" system that will cover the entire county or continue to pay Union County for 911 services provided to the Milton, Watsontown and Turbotville areas.
Last month, the commissioners said they will consider a $5.5 million proposal submitted by Motorolla Solutions of Columbia, Md. The proposal doesn't include pagers, radios and other equipment that could cost up to $1 million.
Warrior Run Fire Chief Mark Burrows told the commissioners, "The current system is not broke. We just spent $60,000 on a two-way radio system in 2012. You are making this a political issue."
Burrows inquired how the upgrades would affect 911 services in the northern end of the county.
Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi assured Burrows that areas in the northern end of the county would receive the same or better service as a result of the upgrades. But he said the commissioners are still not sure what the price tag will be for a system that covers the entire county compared to one that excludes the northern end of the county.
Northumberland County currently pays Union County $60,000 per year to provide 911 dispatching services to the Milton, Watsontown and Turbotville areas and receives $40,000 per year through the use of land-line phones. But Clausi said Union County wants to increase its fee to $200,000 per year to provide the dispatching services.
"I'm here to work for all the taxpayers of Northumberland County," Clausi said. "I want to do what's right."
Commissioner Richard Shoch explained there are several factors involved in choosing to go with a countywide system or having Union County continue to provide services in the northern end of Northumberland County.
"That's why we bid out two ways - one for the entire county and one without the Milton area," he said.
Shoch also said he wanted to do what's right for all the taxpayers by making sure the new system is efficient as possible, but also affordable to the county.
Milton Fire Chief Wayne Shaffer said he was concerned about time delays involved with dispatching services under a new system.
Clausi told Shaffer, "I won't jeopardize the safety of our citizens, but we must wait for Mission Critical to complete its study."
Clausi promised Shaffer that officials in the northern end of the county will be consulted before a decision is made involving the 911 upgrades.
Vaughn Murray, chairman of the West Chillisquaque Township Board of Supervisors, said it will cost the county more money to take over dispatching services in the Milton area.
He recommended that commissioners sit down with emergency responders throughout the county to discuss the issue before making a final decision.
Murray, who suggested developing a long-term contract for dispatching services, said, "There will be a logistics issue involved with this and I believe public safety will suffer with two different systems."
In a related issue, the commissioners entered into a $457,000 agreement with Motorola Solutions for mandatory phone system upgrades for the 911 communications center. Clausi said the county will only be responsible for paying $60,000, while the remaining funds will come from the federal government.
The board agreed to purchase a 2013 Dodge Caravan SE from Zimmerman Enterprise Inc. for $22,820, 2013 Ford Fusion SE from Sunbury Motor Company for $21,700 and 2013 Ford Edge SE from Sunbury Motor Company for $28,977. The purchases will be made through the Costars piggyback program.
Chief Clerk Gary Steffen announced the county tax claims bureau will conduct a judicial sale at 10 a.m. today in the commissioners' meeting room at the administration center.
Helen Hollenbach of Trevorton, who recently turned 102, was honored by the commissioners with a citation and plaque. Hollenbach, a member of Trevorton Senior Action Center, was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
At the end of the meeting, Clausi reported a news conference will be held in July. When asked by the media to elaborate about the purpose of the conference, Clausi said, "I can't say anything more at this time. But it will be about saving money for the taxpayers."