The first draft of the Next Generation 911 master plan is out: more than 100 pages of information was released from Mission Critical Partners for the Nebraska Public Service Commission.
The state of Nebraska is overhauling the current 911 system. It’s a change designed to get you the help you need in an emergency.
SEE RELATED: The technology needed for Next Generation 911
During a public hearing on Thursday, Mission Critical Partners presented the first draft to the Nebraska Public Service Commission. The 100 page plan lays out how the state should govern, put in policies and procedures and how to design the 911 system. The state is looking at transitioning to Next Generation 911.
“This is a big step towards getting that final step to get that final plan developed,” said state 911 Director David Sankey.
MCP also went over funding for implementing Next Generation 911. MCP gave four different cost projections. They ranges in cost from $4.2 million to $6.2 million, depending on financing.
“I greatly fear what the impact financially will be of next gen 911 system,” said John Rosenlund, Director of Communications for Hall County.
Rosenlund and several others expressed concerns over the funding for Next Gen since most of the state’s money would be spent on the new system and 911 centers are worried they won’t have the needed funds.
“We cannot sacrifice good safe 911 operations simply because it makes good fiscal sense,” added Rosenlund.
There is also the proposal to consolidate 911 centers to regional centers, and that idea didn't sit well with others.
“If we consolidate the dispatcher isn't always going to know the geographical area they are serving,” said Todd Thalken, 911 Director for Platte County.
Sankey said they need the feedback to help make sure the Next Gen plan will work.
“Ultimately it is about protecting our citizens and responding to them when they are in need and we need to do that as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
A new draftwill be issued with the comments from the public hearing. Another public hearing will be in September and the goal is to have a final plan to the legislature by December 1st.
