The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering its options for the establishment of a new 911 Central Dispatch and Emergency Operations Center as early cost estimates are coming in higher than previously expected.
Speaking to commissioners this week, County Administrator Juan Ganum said the planning committee set up to study the issue met this week and learned from the county’s architect that the cost the build a new facility along Napier Avenue in Benton Township could be as high as $30 million. He said commissioners now need to determine what’s absolutely essential at the center.
“What are alternatives to a new facility or do we pursue the new facility? The other part of the discussion involved the existing grant that was approved for about $3 million, this FEMA grant under the old scope and whether or not we can retain that grant and put it towards a new project with a new scope,” Ganum said.
The county previously acquired a building in Buchanan Township to house the emergency operations and 911 center, but that was later scrapped and the building was transferred back to American Electric Power, its previous owner.
Board Chair Mac Elliott wondered if the county could use property it owns on Empire Avenue in Benton Harbor for the 911 center, adding there should be a limit on the project’s budget.
“I can tell you right now, my goal would be to do the whole thing, including equipment, furnishings, whatever we need for $20 million,” Elliott said. “Not 40 million.”
Commissioners questioned whether the 26,000 square feet cited by the architect for the new center would really be necessary. Ganum said further discussions will need to work such questions out.
Elliott said commissioners will have to come up with a plan before instructing the planning committee to proceed. The county’s Executive Committee will now meet to work on the issue.
Photo: Berrien County Central Dispatch
