The Hollister City Council on Monday approved contracting with
Santa Cruz Regional 911 for dispatch services in a 4-1 vote.
Councilman Robert Scattini dissented. San Benito County will be
next in considering the consolidation.
The Hollister City Council on Monday approved contracting with Santa Cruz Regional 911 for dispatch services in a 4-1 vote.
The council listened to many speakers on both sides of the debate before approving the contentious measure, with Councilman Robert Scattini dissenting.
Council members Doug Emerson, Ray Friend and Victor Gomez, along with Mayor Pauline Valdivia, passed the resolution.
San Benito County will be next to consider the consolidation, expected after the first two years of transition to save Hollister $200,000 annually and the county another $60,000.
Opponents of the consolidation have argued it would spur a drop in service level and save little money after all expenses are included. Supporters pointed to the projected, annual cost savings after year two, along with some other benefits in Santa Cruz such as the communications center there providing certified emergency medical assistance over the phone.
For Monday’s news analysis on the topic, go here. Look back for more information from the meeting.
