Farmington Officials Host Dispatch Meeting Tonight at Farmington High School

Farmington officials will meet with residents tonight to talk about a proposal that would combine and dispatch and inmate housing services. 

The meeting will be held at the auditorium, at 7 p.m. Officials are expected to vote on the consolidation at their April 16 meeting.

In a report to council members, city manager Vince Pastue said he recommends the proposal solely to "reduce cash outlays for existing municipal services in the long-term." He cites financial challenges caused by a continuing decline in property tax revenues, the city's primary source of operating funds. 

Currently, the City of Farmington budgets $360,000 for dispatch costs, including five full-time dispatchers, equipment and supplies. The anticipated cost in the first year of the interlocal agreement, the report indicates, would be $260,000, or a savings of $100,000.

Pastue also estimates $125,000 in one-time costs related to the elimination of five dispatch positions. 

Residents who oppose the proposal have come out in force to share their views at a and . They've cited concerns including longer response times and loss of coverage as officers travel to Farmington Hills to process arrests.