A cost cutting move that will see West Grey switch from Hanover to Owen Sound for its’ police dispatch services in 2013 is still going ahead.
A number of residents showed up at Monday’s West Grey Council but were told it was a decision of the Police Services Board.
They then appeared before the Police services board meeting later in the day and raised concerns about the move.
One concern was officer safety since Hanover and West Grey are currently on the same frequency and back each other up.
The Chair of the Police Services Board, Mayor Kevin Eccles, tells Bayshore Broadcasting News nothing really will change next year.
Eccles says Hanover’s Police Chief has told him if West Grey moves to Owen Sound for dispatch services, Hanover will likely do the same.
Owen Sound Police have indicated the two forces would still be on the same frequency so officer safety wouldn’t change.
The move will save West Grey about 23 thousand a year to start — and within five years — the switch to Owen Sound dispatching could save the municipality over 40 thousand dollars a year.
Mayor Eccles says despite the concerns being raised, he is confident they have done their homework and switching to Owen Sound dispatch is the right move.
West Grey has an overall budget of 2.5 million for policing.
Nine jobs would be lost if the Hanover police dispatch service is shutdown.
