County and city update 9‑1‑1 advisory board membership to add permanent Derby seats

Sedgwick County staff presented a proposed amendment to the joint resolution and ordinance governing the Wichita‑Sedgwick County Emergency Communications Advisory Board, and the board adopted the changes by roll call on Jan. 14.

Emergency Communications staff explained the advisory board provides oversight and a voice for agencies that receive dispatch services from the consolidated emergency communications center. The 2012 amendment (when Derby and Haysville were added) had provided temporary seats for Derby; the new language grants permanent seats for the Derby police chief and Derby fire chief and preserves a process whereby suburban fire and police chiefs collectively select suburban representatives. The update also modernizes language to reflect current emergency communications protocols.

Staff said the board was created by a 1977 resolution when the city and county consolidated emergency communications, and the current amendment reflects changes since 2012, including growth and service consolidation. Commissioners described the membership update as sensible and adopted the joint resolution without further amendment.