Commissioners OK Communication Agreement

The Cheyenne County Commissioners and Emergency Communications Manager Heidi Gillespie met in the May 3 meeting regarding the Interlocal Cooperation agreement between the county and the City of Sidney.

The Communications Center dispatches communication services for the Sidney Police Department, Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, Deuel County Sheriff’s Office, Regional West Emergency Medical Service, Potter Volunteer Fire Department, Sidney Volunteer Fire Department, Gurley Volunteer Fire Department, Dalton Volunteer Fire Department, Lodgepole Volunteer Fire Department, Chappell Volunteer Fire Department, Big Springs Volunteer Fire Department, Chappell Ambulance Service and Region 21 Emergency Management. The Communication Center also provides communications services for the Handibus service in Sidney and serves as the after-hours contact point for all City of Sidney Utilities as well as the county roads departments and the local contacts for Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT).

The discussion in the May 3 meeting comes after changes were made in the percent of financial responsibility of the county and each member community. About two years ago, Deuel County was admitted into the Interlocal agreement. The agreement was recently updated to reflect a slight increase in the amount Deuel County pays for dispatch services, and a slight decrease in the amount Sidney and Cheyenne County will pay.

In the May 3 meeting, Gillespie said the agreement dates back to the 1990s.

“This goes back to 1995,” Gillespie said. “It has always worked outstanding.”

Commission Chairman Darrell Johnson said if there is no reason to discuss or amend it, the agreement ought to be approved.

“If it works, don't fix it,” Johnson said.

Commissioner Randy Miller commended Gillespie for the efficiency of the communications center, telling her it is a success because of her.

“You're doing a great job,” Miller said.