To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
Prepared By:
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Cathy Raley, Executive Director, Arapahoe County 9-1-1 Authority
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presenter
Presenter: Cathy Raley, Executive Director, Arapahoe County 9-1-1 Authority
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Subject:
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2:00 PM *Arapahoe County 9-1-1 Authority Update
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Provide the Board of County Commissioners with an update on the Arapahoe County 9-1-1 Authority’s planned staffing expansion and organizational changes. These changes are intended to strengthen technical support, improve administrative capacity, and provide continuity for the Authority’s operations. This presentation is informational; no formal action is requested.
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Alignment with Strategic Plan: Good Governance - Plan for future service, infrastructure, and fiscal needs.
Background and Discussion: The Authority supports the technology and infrastructure used by six emergency communications centers serving Arapahoe County. As 9-1-1 systems have become more complex, the responsibilities associated with maintaining those systems, coordinating vendors, and supporting participating agencies have increased.
The Authority has operated with a single Executive Director responsible for technical coordination, vendor oversight, budgeting, Board support, and administrative functions for years. Expanding staffing will allow the Authority to provide more focused support and reduce its reliance on one position for essential functions.
The planned expansion includes an Executive Assistant, dedicated network and systems support positions, a GIS Specialist, and a Deputy Executive Director. Positions will be added in phases to balance operational needs with available funding. Together, these roles will improve coordination of system maintenance and upgrades, strengthen administrative processes, and support long-term leadership continuity.
Participating agencies will continue to operate their own emergency communications centers. The Authority’s staffing changes will strengthen the support provided to those agencies and the shared 9-1-1 infrastructure.
The proposed changes support the Authority’s strategic priorities by strengthening the resources needed to maintain reliable 9-1-1 services, support participating emergency communications centers, and prepare for future technology and operational needs.
Alternatives: The Authority could continue its current staffing model and rely on outside vendors for technical support. However, this would leave administrative and operational coordination concentrated in the Executive Director position and limit the Authority’s internal capacity.
Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact on Arapahoe County as the Authority is funded primarily through the surcharge included on phone bills for those within the Authority boundaries. That said, the staffing expansion will increase personnel costs, including salaries, benefits, equipment, and other employment-related expenses for the Authority. These costs will be incorporated into the Authority’s budget as positions are phased in and are covered within the Authority’s existing revenue budget.
Alignment with Strategic Implementation Strategies: N/A
Staff Recommendation: This is an informational update.
Concurrence: The Authority Board members have been part of this process since the beginning of the conversations regarding these changes. They have a full understanding of what the Authority needs to continue to support the 6 Emergency Communication Centers to the best of our ability.