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Sumner County ECC requests seven new telecommunicator positions amid rising call volumes

May 02, 2025 | Sumner County, Tennessee


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Sumner County ECC requests seven new telecommunicator positions amid rising call volumes
The recent Budget Committee Hearing in Sumner County highlighted critical funding needs for the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), which serves as the public safety hub for the region. The ECC is responsible for processing 911 calls and dispatching emergency services, and officials are advocating for a budget increase to address rising demands.

The proposed budget of $6.4 million represents an increase of approximately $862,000 from the previous year, with the county responsible for 32% of this amount. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the need for seven additional telecommunicator positions to manage the growing volume of emergency calls, which has surged by 18% since 2020. In the first quarter of this year alone, calls have increased by 13% compared to the same period last year.

Officials emphasized that the current staffing levels are insufficient to handle the workload, particularly as the number of calls processed has reached nearly 300,000 annually. The ECC's staffing has only increased by 11% since 2017, while the demand from client agencies has risen by an average of 33%. This disparity is placing an unsustainable burden on existing telecommunicators, who are often required to manage multiple channels simultaneously.

In addition to staffing, the budget proposal includes funding for mental health training for employees, an on-call stipend to incentivize staff availability, and resources for professional development through national conferences. These measures aim to improve employee well-being and operational efficiency in a high-stress environment.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of adequately funding the ECC to ensure public safety and effective emergency response in Sumner County. As the population grows and call volumes rise, the need for additional resources and personnel becomes increasingly urgent. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in addressing these challenges and supporting the community's safety needs.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
Scribe from Workplace AI