Council warned of near-doubling dispatch costs as it weighs five-year Lake County contract

Fairport Harbor officials were warned that central dispatch costs will rise sharply under a five-year Lake County contract the village is being asked to approve.

Administrator Lucas told council the village’s cost for central dispatch services is projected to increase by 94% over the 2025–2030 term, with police dispatch costs rising about 86% and fire dispatch costs about 107%. Lucas said staff solicited proposals from several agencies — including the City of Mentor, the City of Willoughby and Chagrin Valley Dispatch Council — but the city of Mentor proposed roughly $300,000 annually over five years, which Lucas said was unaffordable. He said staff will recommend approving a five-year agreement with Lake County dispatch that includes a six-month mutual termination clause.

Council members and the mayor expressed concern about the village’s ability to finance years three through five without making deep cuts to public safety payroll or returning to voters for additional funding. The mayor said the six-month out clause gives the village flexibility and that staff would continue negotiating with Willoughby and Chagrin Valley to identify alternatives that could reduce long-term costs.

Lucas said the special council meeting later in the week will include the dispatch intergovernmental agreement for action. No final contract was approved at this meeting; council discussion focused on the financial risks and the plan to retain a short exit window while exploring alternatives.

Next procedural steps include placing the intergovernmental agreement on the special meeting agenda for council action and continuing conversations with potential alternative dispatch providers.