Combining dispatch areas discussed

Would it be cheaper for Troy to transfer emergency dispatch services to Libby? It seems the answer is yes.

The idea has been kicked around for years, and interest in the transfer is renewed as fallout continues from the exposure of overdrawn districts across the county. 

“In 2000, when (Troy Area Dispatch) went to 20 mills, we looked into it,” Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe said. “Since the recent story, I’ve had lots of residents call asking for me to look into it.”

Bowe said Montana Electronics, with which the county has a preexisting contract for radio assistance, is researching the matter. A report is expected within a few weeks.

Lincoln County is the only county in Montana with three dispatch services. Only three counties have two. Some dispatches cover multiple counties. 

Bowe said he is considering a microwave communication system to replace the repeater system currently used by emergency personnel to communicate between Libby and Troy. The microwave system would cost approximately $100,000. The repeater system would remain as a backup option.

“If we do this, we need a flawless system,” Bowe said. “The repeater has a (lag in communication). That could put lives in jeopardy.” 

Bowe also said the county would charge the town of Troy approximately $10,000 a year to dispatch police. Ambulance and fire personnel would be dispatched at no additional charge.

“We have a duplication of services,” Bowe said. “It would be a net savings.”

County Clerk Tammy Lauer backs Bowe’s statement. Lauer said Troy Area Dispatch District taxpayers already pay toward Lincoln County Dispatch under the Public Safety fee in their county taxes. 

Bowe stressed that the choice of merging Troy Area Dispatch into Lincoln County Dispatch is up to the people of Troy and the county commissioners. 

“I am fine with whatever the voters decide,” Bowe said. 

Troy Mayor Darren Coldwell is against moving dispatching duties to Libby. 

“I would hate to see the community lose dispatch,” Coldwell said. “I’m still not convinced Libby can reach every area of the Yaak.”

Coldwell is concerned that Troy Area Dispatch District taxpayer money would go beyond the district and into the county. He is unsure what would come of the new dispatch building if services move to Libby.

“I’m sure the county would swallow it up somehow,” Coldwell said.

Troy Commissioner Ron Downey finds it hard to argue against a move to Libby.

“It sure would be a heck of a lot cheaper,” Downey said. 

Downey pointed to Troy Dispatch’s annual operating costs of approximately $210,000 when weighing the potential cost of the switch. 

Katie Davis began working at Troy Dispatch in 2008 and said she loves her job. 

“I just love helping people,” Davis said. “Everyone here does.”

Troy Dispatch handles all emergency, and many non-emergency, calls made from the 295- telephone prefix. 

“(Troy and Libby) are pretty close,” Cole said. “I don’t know if that’s a big deal. Local dispatches know directions, and there is a big value in that.”

Gene Rogers, chairman of Troy Area Dispatch District, is also wary of the move.

“There are too many open ends to go to Libby at the present time,” Rogers said. “I would have to see a solid number from Libby.”