The 911 Dispatch Center is a standalone entity responsible for coordinating and dispatching emergency services, such as fire, EMS, and law enforcement. Unlike these agencies, the dispatch center is funded solely by sales tax revenue and operates independently under its own statute and governance.

If approved, this sales tax increase would add $0.25 for every $100 spent on taxable goods. 

The funds will be allocated to: 

• Hire Additional 911 Dispatchers 

• Expand 911 Call Center  

• Expand Public Safety Radio System 

The Warren County Emergency Services Board will oversee the allocation of funds and provide regular updates on how the money is being used to improve emergency services.

Yes, by law, the funds from the sales tax increase can only be used for central dispatching of emergency services as outlined in the ballot language.

Warren County’s population and emergency service demands have grown significantly. This tax increase is necessary to ensure the dispatch center can keep pace with these needs, upgrade its infrastructure, and maintain reliable services.

The 911 Dispatch Center is funded through a 1/2 cent sales tax, enacted in 1994. The proposed 1/4 cent sales tax increase on the April 8, 2025, ballot will provide additional funding to ensure we can continue to meet the growing demands of Warren County residents. 

No. Fire protection districts and ambulance services in Warren County are funded primarily through property taxes. The 911 Dispatch Center, however, relies exclusively on sales tax revenue for its operations. 

As an independent entity, the 911 Dispatch Center serves as the hub for emergency communications. Funding it separately ensures that the dispatch center has the resources to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure and technology, which benefits all fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies without relying on their budgets.

No. The additional revenue will only support the 911 Dispatch Center’s operations. Fire protection and EMS are funded through property taxes and operate under their own governance.

The building housing the 911 Dispatch Center was constructed in 1995, nearly three decades ago, and was designed for much smaller call volumes and fewer staff members than we have today. 

• Space Limitations: The facility was built for a much smaller population and call volume. As Warren County has grown, so has the need for more dispatchers, equipment, and technology, which the current building cannot accommodate. 

• Outdated Infrastructure: The building’s infrastructure cannot support modern technology, making it challenging to implement necessary upgrades. 

• Emergency Preparedness: The facility lacks the space and structural features to act as a secure command center during large-scale emergencies or disasters. 

• What challenges does the aging building create? 

  • Limited room for additional equipment, which hinders the ability to add radio frequencies or expand technology. 

  • Inadequate workspace for dispatchers, leading to cramped and inefficient operations. 

  • Outdated electrical and HVAC systems that are not optimized for the demands of 24/7 emergency operations. 

  • Lack of private areas for training, staff meetings, or critical incident management. 

  • Lack of offices for staff. 

The cost of renovating and expanding the current building has been evaluated at $6,637,891, based on a study conducted earlier this year. Without the proposed tax increase, there are insufficient funds to cover this expense while maintaining daily operations.

No, the funds will support renovation and expansion of the existing facility. This approach is more cost-effective and allows the 911 Dispatch Center to continue operating during the upgrades.

• Expanded workspace to accommodate additional dispatchers and equipment. 

• Modernized infrastructure to support new technologies, including NG911 and advanced radio systems. 

• Enhanced security and resilience for operations during emergencies or natural disasters. 

• Improved amenities for staff to create a safer and more efficient work environment. 

• Population Growth: Warren County has seen significant growth in residents, businesses, and visitors, increasing the volume of 911 calls. The county’s population has grown 72% since the 911 Center was established 

• Technology Advancements: Emergency communications have evolved, requiring more sophisticated systems and equipment than the building was designed to handle. 

• Staffing Needs: The number of dispatchers and support staff has grown to meet demand, putting strain on limited space. 

A modernized 911 Dispatch Center ensures that the dispatchers can process calls and coordinate emergency responses more effectively. It’s a direct investment in the safety and well-being of Warren County residents.