Barry County 911 director reports 55% rise in dispatched incidents since 2015, outlines 800 MHz migration and tower funding needs

A central dispatch leader identified by commissioners as Stephanie presented the 2025 annual report to the Barry County Board, telling legislators that dispatched incidents increased from 36,819 in 2015 to 57,285 in 2025 — a reported rise of 55.59% — and that the centre’s analytics are being used to adapt staffing and technology.

Stephanie outlined a multi-year paging migration to 800 MHz for fire and EMS agencies, noting reimbursements to early-migrating departments and a total 911 allocation listed as $154,952.45 for a first phase. She said two towers acquired in 2024 were grant-funded — one purchased for $2.78 million, the other for $2.93 million — and that future tower needs in the south end of the county likely will require additional grants (market estimates cited at about $3.5 million per tower).

On operations, staff highlighted continuing challenges with abandoned or unfounded 911 calls and the complexities of location data for wireless and VoIP-originated calls; the presenter said the FCC’s dispatchable-location rules affect how calls must be handled. The report covered call-type breakdowns (police, fire, EMS, medical-first-responder) and noted advanced analytics the center uses for reporting.

Stephanie told the board the center completed a state compliance review (first since 2006) and passed, and she reiterated that some upgrades were funded through ARPA and a state appropriation obtained with support from Senator Tom Albert and Representative Julie Kelly.

Commissioners thanked Stephanie for leadership during major technology projects; Stephanie announced she will leave the county at month’s end for a role with a company that provides statewide call-routing services, but said she will continue consulting on specific projects.

Board discussion produced no formal policy action tied directly to the report; commissioners asked for ongoing updates as major infrastructure and funding needs move forward.