Brown County to sign mutual-aid dispatch memorandum, add GIS mapping to speed EMS responses

Brown County commissioners were briefed on a proposed memorandum of understanding that would let a neighboring county’s emergency medical services be paged directly for calls inside parts of Brown County, using updated GIS mapping to shorten call-transfer times.

The primary presenter, Brandon, the county emergency manager, told commissioners the change would not alter 911 routing but would let the neighboring county’s EMS be dispatched directly “so it saves the time from them transferring it to here,” reducing delay when the nearer agency can reach a patient faster. He said the arrangement mirrors long-standing, informal practice in border areas but would now be put in writing as an MOU and a mutual-aid agreement.

Why it matters: commissioners were told the neighbor is poised to absorb dispatch duties for a nearby city that is stopping its own dispatching; that shift could take effect as soon as Monday. County staff said the MOU and mapping would make clear that the responding agency operates under its own medical protocols and that the agreement contains termination and review language to protect Brown County.

Commissioners asked whether the GIS mapping would reroute 911 calls; Brandon said it would not change the 911 system itself, only permit county dispatchers to page neighboring EMS directly. He also noted the MOU is nonbinding in tax or revenue terms: the draft specifically declines any claim on another jurisdiction’s tax base.

The commission indicated support for signing the memorandum subject to county-counsel review. Chair said he would sign the MOU and that a termination clause exists if counsel requests changes. Commissioners requested a short follow-up briefing on implementation and an item on a subsequent agenda to review the final executed agreement.

What happens next: the chair agreed to sign the MOU with counsel review; staff will insert the effective date and may revisit the agreement if modifications are needed. Brandon offered to return for a short presentation outlining operational details and any needed follow-up actions.