A prudent decision.

As I wrote last year, I was a big supporter of the Town of Selma going to the 911 dispatch center service offered by Johnston County rather than running our own dispatch. Now Selma residents can dial 911 and get police dispatch. It was a wise monetary move, prudent in regards to the use of resources, and responsible to the taxpayers of Selma. Here is the short news item on WMPM's website:

Selma Police Switch Dispatching To 911 Center - With the flip of a switch, the Johnston County 911 Center began dispatching for the Selma Police Department at 10am Tuesday. Last June, the Selma Town Council voted to switch emergency communications to the county. Johnston County 911 Director Jason Barbour said four new employees, one person per shift, were added along with a new telecommunications console. The switchover took place without any problems. Barbour said, “ Selma citizens would now receive the same quality of service all citizens of Johnston County are now getting.” Instead of dialing a seven digit number, 965-8189 for Selma Police, residents now only have to remember to dial 911. Selma Police Chief Charles Bowen felt the changeover would be a benefit to Selma residents. “They have technology far beyond what we could ever offer,” Bowen added. The Selma police dispatching will cost taxpayers about $140,000 annually. Two of the four dispatcher’s positions will be paid for by the Town of Selma . The 911 Center already handles Selma fire and EMS calls.