Dispatch returns to sheriff’s office
News editor
Marion County Commission voted Thursday to move 911 and dispatch back under the purview of the sheriff’s department instead of emergency management.
Dispatch had previously been part of the sheriff’s department, but it was separated in 2000 when Lee Becker was appointed sheriff to fill the unexpired term of Dan Harper Becker was married at the time to Michele Abbott, who was in charge of dispatch, and the county didn’t want an official supervising his or her spouse.
The commission made the decision Thursday after meeting in closed session alone for 30 minutes and with Emergency Management Director Dan D’Albini for 15 minutes to discuss personnel. Commissioners spoke with Sheriff Rob Craft and Dispatch Supervisor Linda Klenda after making the decision. Neither expressed any worries about the reorganization.
“The communication between all three of you (Craft, D’Albini, and Klenda) remains very important,” Commissioner Roger Fleming said.
D’Albini will continue to fill in with dispatch, but emergency management will take precedence. None of the people involved will have a pay cut, the commission said.
Craft met with the commission in closed session for five minutes to discuss personnel at Commissioner Randy Dallke’s request. No action was taken on return to open session.
They also met in closed session with County Clerk Carol Maggard and County Clerk-elect Tina Spencer for 20 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken on return to open session.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Dec. 31.