Readers Viewpoint 8-2-2023

to the Editor:
Keep Iron County’s Central Dispatch (911) Service
I read with interest the Iron County Commission’s discussion about outsourcing (moving to another county) our Iron County Dispatch service (911) instead of keeping the service local. Our 1 mil tax is scheduled to run out  by the end of 2024 so we will need to decide whether to renew or cancel it. The primary concern of the Commission as voiced by its Chairman, Mark Stauber, is money—what would be a cheaper option than what we have now, freeing up funds for other needed expenses? At some point, we were considering absorbing the 911 services for Gogebic County (pop. 14,000) as well as our own (pop. 10,000).  Another possible scenario would be to outsource our service to another county. 
This last scenario brings up some difficulties.  People unfamiliar with our county can’t be sure of where the calls for help are actually physically located within the County, since we are spread over a large area, with many living remotely or even “off the grid.” Meanwhile, lives are on the line when they only have precious minutes to receive emergency help. 
The millage vote to renew the 1% will be up for a vote next February, 2024.  Iron County folks have a good record for voting “yes” on proposed millages. I would fully support increasing our millage to cover the yearly costs of our dispatch service, especially since I am one of our increasing numbers of older, (thus more vulnerable) population.
Time is of the essence when it comes to accurate and fast-reacting 911 calls. We have a stellar 911 team here in Iron County.  We should feel proud of what we have and not mess with it.

-s- Janet Wagner,
Crystal Falls