BRYANT, Ark. — Changes are underway for 911 dispatch centers in Saline County.
Following Benton's move a few years ago, the City of Bryant is now merging its 911 dispatch centers with the Saline County Emergency Communications Center.
"The citizens have gained a more efficient, higher performing 911 service in Saline County," Saline County Judge Matt Brumley said.
For more than a decade, Brumley has wanted to consolidate 911 centers in the county, and next week, Bryant will officially make the switch.
"On March 5, at 10 a.m., we will be a completely consolidated county for 911 services," Brumley said. "That's extremely important."
The consolidation is a state requirement due to the Arkansas Public Safety Act of 2019.
Brumley said merging with Benton's 911 center has shown success.
"When you had a multi-agency response, say, Bryant and Benton along with an ambulance needed to go somewhere, the caller could be transferred up to three times to get those," Brumley said. "They were communicating back to three different 911 centers, so information could be construed incorrectly."
According to Brumley, operating separate dispatch centers was more expensive.
"We can always look for ways to do things better, more efficiently, less money to the taxpayer," Brumley said.
Rhonda Sanders, who has served as Bryant's mayor for the last five months, has worked with police and fire departments to ensure the transition goes smoothly.
"The work we've done the past few months, we feel like it is going to be positive," Sanders said. "We're pleased with where it's at. We look forward to joining these forces and joining them together because what it's really about is our public."
As Bryant call takers move to the Saline County office, Sanders said they're keeping all positions, and there won't be any layoffs.
"It's truly just a consolidation of where everyone will be," Sanders said. "The funds coming from the state will be used to support that."
Brumley said with the consolidation, 35 people will now be working at the County's Emergency Operations Center.