Dispatch consolidation issue continues

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY/Staff

Despite a state funding shortage, Wytheville Town Council is pursuing consolidation of its dispatching services. It hopes to be a part of a plan to join the dispatching operations of the Virginia State Police, the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and the Bland County Sheriff’s Office.
For several months, the three groups have discussed the potential for one dispatching center to be housed in a new building to be constructed on the property of state police headquarters. They were looking to the General Assembly for the $3.2 million to build the dispatch center, but the funds were not approved during the past session.
During his budget and finance committee report Monday night, council member John W. Jones Jr. said the dispatch equipment is extremely expensive and requires continual updating. He said costs would be reduced if the three participants shared in the operation.
“With or without the Virginia State Police or Bland County, it seems apparent that Wytheville and Wythe County will want to consolidate their dispatches in an effort to provide more efficient services and to reduce both of our expenses,” Jones said.
Council agreed to notify Col. Steve Flaherty, superintendent of the Virginia State Police, that both jurisdictions continue to be interested in the project. Members also noted support of the state police efforts in seeking funds from the General Assembly for the project.
In other action Monday night, town council:
 Approved a motion to adopt and appropriate the departmental budget on second reading. No one spoke at the public hearing on the proposed $19,034,000 budget for fiscal year 2008-09. Third and final reading will be at council’s June 23 meeting.
 Passed an amendment to the zoning ordinance to rezone a portion of property at 2045 West Lee Highway on the south side of West Lee Highway between West End Cemetery and Petunia Road from R-1 Residential to B-2 Business (Patrick D. Umberger property). Council accepted Umberger’s donation of 2.5 acres of land at the southernmost end of the property to be added to West End Cemetery.
 Re-appointed John Benham to the Smyth-Wythe Airport Commission.
 Approved a special exemption permit allowing Patricia R. Manuel to keep two horses at 190 Hillcrest Road. Council also attached seven conditions to the permit.
Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .