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14 <br />STAFFING NEEDS <br />Additional staffing is necessary to: improve 911 call processing time, which improves <br />emergency response times, ensuring first responder safety and begin preparing for the <br />technology change from passive communications to interactive caller use — digital platforms, <br />automatic vehicle location, data sharing, texting, web -based 911 caller requests and video <br />receipt and re- transmission. <br />The goal is to improve service delivery and enhance first responder safety by reducing call <br />processing time, adopting new, interactive communications formats and ensuring system fidelity <br />with backup capabilities. To accomplish this with the Board's support, additional staff is <br />needed. The following is an overview of the personnel needs with timelines. <br />Personnel <br />Adding staff prepares for the increase in call volume, allowing telecommunicators to focus on <br />less agencies to ensure safer measures, increased monitoring of field activity and enhanced <br />safety to first responders, preparation for the State's recommendation towards consolidation, <br />ability to handle "NextGen" population through text messaging, internet, video, and reduce <br />overtime without utilizing staff to cover for employee leave, sick and other leave, and stabilize <br />and improve the training process. <br />FY 2092/2013 <br />(4) Grade 13 Telecommunicators — $200,000 <br />(1) Grade 16 Communications Trainer — $50,000 <br />FY 2093/2014 <br />(4) Grade 13 Telecommunicators -- $200,000 <br />(1) Grade 16 Radio System Technician -- $50,000 <br />FY 2014/2016 <br />(4)' Grade 13 Telecommunicators — $200,000 <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: The approval of these recommendations will have a financial impact on <br />the County related to equipment additions and improvements as well as staffing additions. <br />Should the Board accept staff recommendations, it will necessitate a multi -year plan to address <br />resource needs to improve system performance. <br />(Agenda Item #5 for this November 17, 2011 meeting provides a summary of the potential costs <br />associated with Emergency Services Coverage, Capacity and System Improvements addressed <br />in this and other agenda items.) <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the plan for <br />improving capabilities within the E911 Communications Center subject to annual budget <br />appropriation decisions and an approved Capital Investment Plan for the project. It is <br />understood that the Board will approve applicable financing actions to accomplish this task. <br />