City and County leaders discussing outsourcing Perryville dispatch 911 center

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) – On Tuesday, October 17 a meeting was held at city hall in Perryville to discuss the justice center. There is discussion of outsourcing the 911 center.

Perry County Sheriff Jason Klaus says there are no final answers just yet, but that they are continuing these important discussions.

“There are options moving forward,” said Sheriff Klaus. “The commissioners and the city of Perryville are moving forward. We are looking at all of our options. We have just really to make the best choice one financially of course that makes a play and also the services for our citizens.”

Sheriff Klaus explains that 15% of sales tax from all landline users in Perry County go toward the 911 dispatch center. However, that revenue is not enough to sustain the dispatch centers, due to the cost of modern technology and cell phone usage.

“Actually, we use the central dispatch as a backup option now most people are not aware of that,” said Sheriff Klaus.

One resident, Terry Brewer, spoke of his concerns for the dispatchers and the justice center.

“The main focus on that bill whenever they passed it, is that ‘we’re better together,'” Brewer said. “They’re going to bring the sheriff’s department dispatch and the Perryville Police Department dispatch together. That way they don’t have to worry about communicating half a mile away. They are right there together. Why get rid of dispatch? We’ve had it this long.”

Sheriff Klaus says he understands the importance and impact decisions of this magnitude may have on the future, but his focus for now is the people.

“This is just very personal for everyone involved,” said Sheriff Klaus. “My job as sheriff of Perry County is to take care of our citizens and to also take care of our personnel and that’s just where we’re at.”