In a recent special meeting of the Emery County Commissioners, significant concerns were raised regarding the operational challenges faced by the county's Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), or dispatch center. The discussion centered around a state statute that limits the transfer rate of emergency calls to a maximum of 2%. Currently, Emery County's dispatch center is operating at a transfer rate of 6%, which has raised alarms among officials.

The issue arises when emergency calls come through the 911 system, particularly from the busy I-70 highway. When a call is received that requires the involvement of the highway patrol, the dispatch center must transfer the call to the appropriate agency, such as Price dispatch. However, the state law mandates a cumbersome process: the dispatch center must first gather information from the caller, hang up, and then call the other agency to relay the details. This process can lead to delays and complications, especially if the caller is out of service and cannot be reached again.

Officials expressed frustration over this statutory requirement, noting that it places undue pressure on their operations and can potentially hinder timely responses to emergencies. The current system, which allows for direct transfers, is seen as a more efficient method of handling calls, yet it puts the county in violation of state regulations.

The implications of this discussion are significant for the community, as the efficiency of emergency response services directly impacts public safety. The commissioners are now faced with the challenge of addressing this issue, potentially advocating for changes to the state statute that would allow for more flexibility in call transfers without compromising the quality of emergency services.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners acknowledged the need for further discussions on this matter, emphasizing the importance of finding a solution that ensures both compliance with state laws and the safety of the community. The outcome of these discussions could lead to important changes in how emergency calls are managed in Emery County, ultimately affecting the responsiveness of local law enforcement and emergency services.