The South Dakota 911 Coordination Board has approved a $327,121 grant to support the consolidation of dispatch services between Lawrence County and the City of Spearfish.
Under the plan, Lawrence County’s dispatch center in Deadwood will absorb Spearfish’s dispatch operations. One Spearfish dispatcher position will be retained, while two positions will be eliminated. Officials estimate the merger will pay for itself within nine years through staffing savings and reduced equipment costs.
Supporters say combining the two centers—located just 15 miles apart—will improve efficiency and reduce long-term expenses. Spearfish officials have endorsed the move, noting questions about maintaining two dispatch centers in the same county have existed for years.
The merger is expected to be completed by January 2027.
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