A number of residents are expected to be at Monday’s Council meeting in West Grey.
They are upset about a decision to switch dispatch services for the Police department from Hanover to Owen Sound next year (2013).
There is a plan for West Grey to switch dispatch services from the Hanover Police Department to the Owen Sound Police Department next year.
That would end a relationship that has lasted about 30 years that dates back to the Durham Police Force.
Hanover Police Association President Sharon Hohl says the loss of the West Grey contract leaves the future of the Hanover dispatch service in doubt.
She says the West Grey Contract represents a large chunk of the dispatch budget and helps keep the Hanover service afloat.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles sympathizes with the Hanover workers, but says it will save the municipality 23 thousand dollars a year.
Eccles says it would also be unfair for West Grey ratepayers to subsidize the Hanover Police Dispatch Service.
But Hohl argues 5 of the 9 dispatchers in Hanover are West Grey residents.
Hohl also argues it’s more than just dollars and cents.
She says the safety of officers and residents are also of concern since a change in dispatch service could mean delays in police calls.
Some West Grey residents have also expressed concerns about public safety.
The Hanover Police Association is appearing before West Grey Council today (MON) in hopes of convincing Council to revisit the Dispatch Contract Service Agreement.
Currently the Hanover Police Dispatch services Hanover, West Grey and Wingham Police Departments.
It also services 21 area fire departments in Grey Bruce and Huron Counties as well as the Bruce County Highways department after hours.
