Ripon Common Council Votes Down Dispatch Consolidation With The County
13 January 2021 News
By a 5 to 3 vote the Ripon Common Council Tuesday night voted down a motion to consolidate dispatch services with Fond du Lac County. The vote could be reconsidered at the Council’s next meeting on January 25th if one of the five that voted against consolidation asks to reconsider the issue. The Council also kicked around the idea of an advisory referendum during the April 6th election. Police Chief Bill Wallner said while he respects the Council’s vote he needs guidance on the next step because if they wait for a referendum vote it slows down any type of transition by three months with training and a technology upgrade hanging in the balance. Fond du Lac County Communications and Emergency Management Director Bobbi Hicken made a plea to the Council to reach a decision soon. She did tell the Council the county would not shut the door on Ripon to join the County Dispatch at a later time. Each of the Council members made a statement prior to discussion saying it was not a decision they were taking lightly. Councilmen Al Schrader said what they needed was an operational referendum, but there isn’t time for that. Ripon EMS Chief John Teachout told the Council no matter what they decided there will be change to the dispatch center.
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