Sheriff’s department to handle fire dispatching

Trustees approved a fire department dispatching contract with the Columbiana County Sheriff's department on Wednesday.

With a 2-0 vote and Trustee Larry Parker absent, trustees agreed to a five year, zero-percent increase deal that will cost $250 per month.

The township's fire dispatching had been contracted with Med-Corp., a Toldeo-based firm that discontinued dispatching services to about a half-dozen townships and villages in southern and western Mahoning County recently.

Fiscal Officer Susan Johnston said the township paid Med-Corp. $900 quarterly. The township will save $600 annually.

The contract is effective Aug. 1.

Trustee Chairman Cliff Mix said residents "don't have to worry " they will still use the same phone number (330-332-3000).

"I think the important issue in the next few months, with 911 implemented countywide, it won't make much difference who dispatches," Trustee Mike Halleck said, adding the cost will be the factor.

"Whoever benefits the taxpayers of Perry Township," he said.

In other business, trustees said they were in discussions with the sheriff's department and Salem about police dispatching.

The city has dispatched for the township for free for three years under the old fire district contract which expires on Aug. 1.

Also, trustees approved a purchase order for police radio equipment to be used in the Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS).

According to the Ohio Office of Information Technology, "MARCS will provide high quality reliable wireless technology services with a dedication to customer satisfaction and interoperability, for first responders, throughout the entire State of Ohio.

"Some of the services that will be provided are mobile data and

voice communications, computer aided dispatch, automated vehicle locater, geographic mapping, records management, and LEADS/NCIC Access.

"These services will be facilitated through the use of a secure, statewide 800-megahertz digital trunked radio system. By providing these services on a statewide platform there are tremendous economies of scale that will be obtained.

Johnston said they haven't determined the number needed.

Halleck said, "Since 911 a lot of people are going to MARCs," and Mix said it was "incredibly clear" adding there were some dead spots in the township that will be eliminated.

For more information visit: http://www.oit.ohio.gov/SDD/Marcs/default.aspx.

Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net