Hospital Could Host Dispatch Center, Officials Say

Local officials are planning to meet with representatives of to see if an independent emergency dispatch center could be hosted in the hospital.

At their last council meeting, Westwood officials expressed concern that a shared dispatch center could face some unexpected costs, like backup generators and security. Westwood Police Chief Frank Regino said the hospital would already have these services in place, as well as other basic functions like bathrooms and a cafeteria for the dispatchers.

"It seems like a very good idea," Regino said. "The hospital is utilized by all of the towns around here."

Regino said hospital officials were receptive to the idea. The hospital is holding a wall-breaking celebration for its April 18 at 4 p.m.

Westwood, Washington Township, River Vale and Old Tappan officials have been discussing the possibility of opening a new emergency dispatch center as one of several potential options the municipalities have for saving money on their dispatching services. Currently, Westwood and Washington Township each host their own dispatching, while Old Tappan and River Vale share dispatching.

Washington Township Council Vice President Joseph D'Urso said he calculated the town's dispatch desk costs an average of $62 per hour to run, though officials are trying to save money. Mayor Janet Sobkowicz said the use of civilian dispatchers has cut down on police overtime, which totaled about $65,000 in the first three months of 2011 but only about $33,000 in the first three months of this year.

"Expenses are stabalizing or being reduced, yet we're providing the same quality service," Sobkowicz said.

Westwood Mayor John Birkner said expenses could be further reduced by having while the towns figure out a long-term solution, though Westwood council members have said they would prefer to focus on the goal of a more permanent plan.

Birkner has said he is concerned that by creating the Pascack Valley Dispatch, officials could be

"My concern is that the four-town dispatch center increases a layer of government that doesn't already exist," Birkner said.

The towns have other options to consider, including joining Bergen County's dispatch center or the Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch, an autonomous group similar to the proposed Pascack Valley Dispatch. Some local emergency officials have , saying it would increase response times because the county dispatchers are not as familiar with the area and its residents.

Officials from Westwood and Washington Township said that they will consider all the options and hope to find a solution that will save money while maintaining service.

"It's not something you can just go into lightly because, once you do it, it's very difficult to go back," Sobkowicz said.

While he is still concerned about the Pascack Valley Dispatch plan, Birkner said he has not ruled it out.

"I'm looking at it with eyes wide open," Birkner said. "I'm not discounting anything, but I'm not going to jump into anything that doesn't have a real benefit to the borough."