In response to joining the regional dispatch center, West Fargo city commissioners voted unanimously Monday to staff the Police Department with five police clerks to handle civil operations from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
The five workers will be responsible for duties that include issuing pet licenses, taking fines and fingerprinting residents to fulfill employment requirements, Police Chief Arland Rasmussen told the commission. The schedule also allows time for clerks to brief police officers working nights and mornings on what has been going on and what needs attention.
The civil workers could operate on the 16-hour schedule as early as mid-February when the city finishes a switchover to the Red River Regional Dispatch Center.
The department now operates on a 24-hour basis, with its dispatchers also handling clerical and customer service duties.
The City Commission voted in November to join the dispatch center. Rasmussen believes the city will save money by joining the center, which handles emergency calls for the other cities in Cass and Clay counties.
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"I think we'll save money in the long run," he said referring to technology costs and future equipment upgrades. He estimates the city could save about $141,000.
Rasmussen said the switchover could be completed by mid-February after dispatch equipment is upgraded.
It is unknown if present West Fargo dispatchers will stay with the department after the operations change.
The commission also approved a request from Rasmussen to change Capt. Mike Reitan's title to Assistant Police Chief.
"Mike has been Captain and second in command since 2005," he said. The title change will not require a salary adjustment, but will reflect similar titles in other police departments, he said.
Also on Monday, Commissioner Mark Simmons asked his commission colleagues to consider recording City Commission meetings.
"We have grown in the last few years and I think we're at the point we need to look into that" and not put burden on staff for recollections, he said.
City Administrator Jim Brownlee said he will discuss the matter with city information technology officials.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Benny Polacca at (701) 241-5504 Clerks to staff office daily Benny Polacca 20080108
