Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
Police and fire agencies in western Will County are expressing frustration over what they see as an unfair allocation of resources. They feel overlooked as the county moves forward with a consolidated dispatch center for 30 agencies in eastern Will County. The local agencies argue that if the county is investing in one group, it should do the same for all.
A recent resolution passed by the Bolingbrook Village Board called the $5 million plan to build a new dispatch center alongside the Sheriff’s Office facility this year “generous but seriously misguided.â€
However, Will County officials defend the move as a way to streamline operations and promote efficient government. They compare it to how road improvements are funded in certain parts of the county while others are not. Consolidation of dispatch centers has been required by state law, which mandates reducing the number of dispatch centers from six to three across the county.
Under the new plan, WESCOM (Western Will County Communications Center) and the City of Joliet will continue to operate their own centers, while the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Lincolnway Communications Center, Romeoville, and Eastern Will County Communications Center (EASCOM) will be merged into a single new center at Laraway Road and Route 52. This new facility will also house administrative offices for the county’s 911 board, which oversees all dispatch centers.
WESCOM serves 21 police and fire departments from Bolingbrook to Wilmington, covering about 44% of the county's population. It built its own dispatch center in 2014 using a $5.1 million bond issue, with each agency paying $271,000 as its share. Now, WESCOM members are pushing for fairness, arguing that they've already invested in their infrastructure and shouldn’t have to support another center without reimbursement.
Local leaders like Bolingbrook Public Safety Director Tom Ross believe residents are being asked to pay twice—once for WESCOM’s facility and again through county-funded projects like the new Sheriff’s Office. “This is about being responsible to our taxpayers,†he said. “We’re just asking for equity.â€
Meanwhile, some officials, like Crete Mayor Mike Einhorn, acknowledge the challenge of balancing equity across the county. “No one is guaranteed equity,†he said. “It’s hard to put a figure on circumstances like this.†He added that while he doesn’t complain about spending in other areas, he understands the concerns of those in the west.
The Lockport Police Chief, Terry Lemming, supports the consolidation effort, calling it a more effective way to manage emergency services. However, he and other city officials are concerned that residents across the county will end up footing the bill for the project.
With the new center set to serve 33.7% of the population and 31 agencies, there are fears that smaller agencies may lose members or face challenges competing with the new system. For instance, Romeoville currently splits its service between two fire departments, but joining WESCOM could reduce thousands of call transfers annually. Still, officials say they can't compete with free.
Some agencies, like Braidwood, are considering moving into the new center, but WESCOM leaders hope to work through any concerns. Even if they leave, they would still be responsible for their share of WESCOM’s debt.
Thanks, Dan
A Mobile Stage Trailer is a portable stage that can be towed by a truck or SUV. Mobile activities are equipped with sound systems, stage lighting systems, LED screen systems, and generator systems to provide solutions for your activities. The professionalism of the company, the powerful performance of the stage, and the designer's years of experience will add an unprecedented scene to your religious activities.
These mobile stage trailers feature a collapsible stage platform for quick set-up and take-down. Mobile stage vehicles are suitable for large, medium and small events, have the right of way, and can be easily transported on the road. Mobile platforms offer portability, mobility and versatility. Our stage trailers are not one size fits all, as we can customize them to your exact specifications. From initial concept to finished masterpiece, we will be with you every step of the way in your project. Give you lifelong service.
For the most memorable customer experience, you can equip your mobile stage presentation with our professional stage equipment. If you have a large audience, you can install multiple high-definition LED screens to combine rich surround sound with immersive 3D video. Are you ready to make every event perfect? If so, please contact us today!
Gospel Stage Trailer,Mobile Church Stage Trailer,Mobile Religious Gathering Trailer,Mobile Gospel Festival Trailer
EVENT TECH TRANSFORMERS CO.,LIMITED , https://www.crusadetruck.com