911 Board Moves Forward With New Headquarters

HUNTINGDON (May 6) — A new headquarters for the Carroll County Emergency Communications District (commonly known as the 911 district) is moving forward after the Board of Directors voted to proceed with the design of a new 5,422 square-foot facility on Dillahunty Lane in Huntingdon.

A2H design and architects presented design sketches of the proposed building that would have three distinct areas: administrative, training area, and a backup dispatch center as a redundant dispatch area in case the county’s Emergency Operations Center (adjacent to the Sheriff’s Department) was inoperable.

The estimated cost is $2.875 million, which the CCECD has in reserves. Kristy Meggs, director, said the district has financially planned for the building for more than a decade. The price does not include a backup electrical generator, furnishings, or dispatch equipment. Meggs said those items will be added at a later date as the center is prepped as a backup center, which the county currently does not have. McKenzie dispatchers have full access to the 911 dispatch data, but has only one dispatch console at the McKenzie Police Department, said Meggs. The new headquarters would have backup capabilities for a multi-console dispatch area.

Each of the three areas are isolated from the others. The Training Room will have separate restrooms and entrances and possibly could be used for meetings other than 911.

Meggs said the accountant indicates 911 can financially manage the cash flow of the costs and depreciation of a new building.

Once the new headquarters is constructed, the existing office building will be razed.