An article from The Doings Hinsdale highlights the ongoing debate over the future of emergency dispatch services in the village. Officials are considering a shift away from their current provider, Southwest Central Dispatch, due to rising costs and concerns about reliability.
Since 2010, Hinsdale has relied on Southwest Central Dispatch for its 911 calls, rather than maintaining an in-house system. At the time, this move was seen as a cost-effective solution, with the regional center charging less than two-thirds of what it would have cost the village to run its own dispatch operation. However, recent developments have led officials to reconsider this arrangement.
The main issue revolves around the surcharge fees collected from residents. Hinsdale residents pay a 50-cent fee for landlines and a 73-cent fee for wireless service each month, which is supposed to go toward the DuPage County Emergency Telephone System Board. Unlike Cook County communities that also use Southwest, DuPage County does not forward these fees to the regional dispatch center. Instead, Hinsdale must cover part of the cost directly, paying nearly $34,000 annually just for landline users.
In addition to this, the village pays a monthly subscriber fee of $23,000 to Southwest. But officials are worried that the regional center may soon ask Hinsdale to cover a surcharge for wireless customers, potentially adding up to $150,000 per year. This could significantly strain the village’s budget.
Compounding the problem, Southwest is planning to build a new facility in Palos Heights. If Hinsdale doesn’t pull out this year, it could be forced to contribute to the long-term debt associated with the new center. That’s another major concern for local leaders.
According to a memo shared with the Village Board, officials have also raised doubts about the reliability of Southwest’s equipment and backup systems. Police Chief Bradley Bloom, along with the fire chief, village manager, and finance director, expressed concerns about the stability of the current setup.
As a result, Hinsdale is exploring alternatives. One potential option is to switch to DuPage Public Safety Communications, or DuComm. This agency already provides emergency communication services to other areas in the county and is known for having more advanced technology and a more reliable system. Plus, residents are already indirectly funding DuComm through the 911 surcharge on their phone bills.
The decision could have a big impact on both the village’s finances and the quality of emergency response. For now, officials are weighing their options carefully before making a final move.
Thanks, Dan
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