Approval in February by Blaine County voters of a $10.46 million bond to help fund the construction of a new county jail helped propel consolidated dispatch in Blaine County from idea to much closer to reality.
When complete, the new Blaine County public safety facility will house a jail, sheriff's office and consolidated dispatch center.
The facility is estimated to cost about $13 million, including $10.46 million to be financed by general obligation bonds. The building will be located on land owned by the county at the Airport West light-industrial park in Hailey.
On Tuesday, a vote by the Blaine County Commission brought consolidated dispatch even closer to reality.
Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution hiring Robert Greenlaw, of Rutherford, N.J., as the temporary director of Blaine County Emergency Communications.
The purpose of the new county position is to create and transition into full operation a consolidated dispatch center serving all emergency service agencies in Blaine County.
The county will contract with Greenlaw to provide those services, Blaine County Clerk Jolynn Drage said Wednesday. The commissioners hope to bring Greenlaw on quickly.
"I know they want him here fairly soon," she said.
Greenlaw has already indicated that he is willing to accept the assignment as director of the Blaine County E-911 Emergency Communications Dispatch Center, Drage said.
According to a copy of the professional services agreement provided by the county, Greenlaw will be employed for as long a period of time as it takes to complete a set list of duties.
In his new position, Greenlaw's duties will include preparation for relocating both Blaine County and Ketchum dispatch centers to the new consolidated facility. He will also be responsible for preparing standard policies and procedures, the phasing of actual relocation, interim and permanent staffing, the conducting of training, and other duties until the County Commission declares the consolidated dispatch center has met all of its start up goals.
For this work, Greenlaw will be paid at an hourly rate of $42.40, with work not to exceed 40 hours per week unless authorized by the County Commission.
He will not receive any additional benefits beyond his hourly wage, Drage said.
Greenlaw's vast background in emergency communciations will be particularly useful, Blaine County Emergency Medical Services Director Dr. Keith Sivertson said Tuesday.
"He is a pro. This guy is a breath of fresh air," Sivertson said.
