CRYSTAL FALLS, MI— Iron County Commissioners voted 3-2 last week to keep 911 services local.
Last year, Commissioner Mark Stauber wanted to outsource dispatch services through neighboring counties because he said it was getting harder to find people to staff the agency. A request for proposals was sent out.
Central Dispatch Director Ashley Schmidt said the outsourcing idea was raised when dispatchers asked the board for pay raises in order to address staffing issues.
In February of 2024, voters approved two millages aimed at funding Iron County Central Dispatch through 2027. The millages generate roughly $850,000 a year.
The Iron County 911 Advisory Board held several meetings to discuss the issue with the public. Residents also voiced their concerns with commissioners at a meeting on Thursday.
Some commissioners said if voters don’t want to continue to fund 911 services when the millages end, they’ll let the county know.
