The *Wauconda Daily Herald* has published a new article detailing the ongoing debate over outsourcing the village's 9-1-1 dispatch center. This is the third time in less than a year that residents have found themselves at odds with local officials over a major decision impacting their community.
This latest controversy centers on a proposal to close the Wauconda Police Department’s dispatch center and outsource its operations to Lake Zurich, a neighboring town. Village Administrator Doug Maxeiner will present his case to the village board and the public during a meeting scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at Wauconda High School on Tuesday. While no vote is expected immediately following the discussion, an official decision could come as early as March.
Before the meeting, we’ve taken the time to explore the key questions surrounding the plan and its potential effects on the community.
**Q. Why is the village considering outsourcing?**
A. The current dispatchers are represented by a labor union and have been working without a contract since April 2013. According to officials, the village explored outsourcing as a way to cut costs associated with operating the 9-1-1 center.
**Q. How much money would be saved?**
A. Village Administrator Maxeiner has estimated that outsourcing to Lake Zurich could save approximately $2.1 million over five years.
**Q. Is the village currently facing financial difficulties?**
A. Not at this moment, but officials warned that the village could face budget shortfalls within the next one or two years if the current financial situation doesn’t improve.
**Q. Was this idea first proposed by Mayor Frank Bart?**
A. Bart claims the idea was being discussed before he took office in May 2013. At a June 4 board meeting, he stated that maintaining the 9-1-1 center was too expensive to sustain and that shutting it down could save $600,000 annually. Although the idea predates Maxeiner’s appointment in November 2013, he acknowledged it was one of the initiatives handed to him upon taking the role.
**Q. Why Lake Zurich?**
A. In a news release, Maxeiner praised Lake Zurich’s dispatchers for their professionalism and experience in handling emergency calls. He also noted that they have served as backup for Wauconda for years and are part of an accredited police department.
**Q. Have other agencies been considered?**
A. Officials gathered cost estimates from dispatch centers in Mundelein, Fox Lake, and Round Lake, as well as a private provider. Maxeiner has also spoken directly with representatives from three of those agencies. Based on cost alone, he told the *Daily Herald*, Lake Zurich appears to be the most viable option.
**Q. Will only the police department be affected?**
A. No. The Wauconda Fire Protection District, along with the Lakemoor and Tower Lakes police departments, also rely on the village’s dispatchers. All of them would need to find alternative 9-1-1 service providers if the plan moves forward.
**Q. What happens to the current dispatchers if the center closes?**
A. Ten full-time and two part-time dispatchers would lose their jobs.
**Q. What about the equipment at the dispatch center?**
A. If the proposal is approved, the village could sell the equipment, negotiate its continued use under a different arrangement, or keep it for future, undisclosed purposes.
**Q. Was there a promise not to outsource in exchange for a tax increase in 2010?**
A. Yes. Voters were assured that dispatch services wouldn’t be outsourced if they approved a tax increase for the fire protection district. However, Mayor Bart has criticized that pledge, saying, “That was back in 2010. It’s a different time.â€
**Q. Is the deal already finalized?**
A. No. Maxeiner’s recommendation is just that — a suggestion. The final decision rests with the village board, and if the vote is tied, the mayor would have the tie-breaking vote.
Thanks, Dan.
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