Hailey Council supports E-911 system

Fire Chief Mike Chapman asked the Hailey City Council to voice its support for funding an Enhanced 911 system.

The system has a price tag of $155,000 for a single E-911 dispatch center.

Chapman described the E 911 system as a "glorified caller ID" that identifies the name and address of the caller.

The council also discussed the future possibility of E-911 being integrated into a computer automated dispatch system that identifies the caller, maps out the precise location of the call, and determines jurisdiction of the call.

The proposed E-911 system would be funded through a $1 service charge on Blaine County residents’ phone, modem or fax line bill. The council unanimously supported the county in presenting the charge to voters in November.

If E-911 isn’t put on the ballot by August, the much needed service could be put on hold for two years until the next general election.

"I have this fear that everyone in the valley watches ‘Rescue 911,’ and thinks we provide all those services--we don’t," Chapman told the council. "We are way behind some rural, rural areas."

Blaine County Commissioners will revisit the issue Aug. 5.

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An expert in merging fire districts, Oregon Chief Jack Snook will present an overview of fire department consolidation on July 28 at 6 p.m. at the old county courthouse meeting room, First and Croy, in Hailey.

Snook will discuss the benefits, pitfalls and obstacles of consolidated service.

Snook facilitated the merger of two of the largest fire districts in Oregon, and has assisted more than 60 communities with mergers, consolidations, and contracts.

The Hailey, Bellevue and Wood River fire department chiefs will also give a summary of what they think the potential benefits and detriments of consolidation for their departments may be.