New County Emergency Medical Dispatch Program Considered

The Rockland County Legislature’s Budget & Finance Committee will consider a request from the Sheriff’s Office to create an Emergency Medical Dispatch program. The new program in the communications division is in response to an increased number of 911 calls received by the department. Eight new positions would be established at a cost of $300,000 for the rest of 2013. 

The resolution that goes before the committee on Tuesday states the salary cost would be offset in 2014 and 2015 by using $1.8 million of a grant to pay off debt from the county’s Public Safety Communications System. The dispatchers would provide instructions to 911 callers until first responders arrived. The eight positions include a communications coordinator at a salary of $73,111 to $94,558, one clerk typist at a salary of $31,555 to $37,996, three Radio Operators II at salaries of $55,220 to $66,418 and three Radio Operators I at salaries of $50,257 to $60,687. 

The committee, which is scheduled to meet at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, will also vote on the county finance commissioner’s request to issue $60 million in Revenue Anticipation Notes (RANs).

The Planning & Public Works Committee will meet earlier at 7 p.m. and vote on a resolution to purchase five wheelchair accessible Taxi/Para Transit Vehicles for $45,984 each.  The five-passenger vehicles can accommodate one wheelchair.  State funds would be used for the purchase. 

Legislator will vote on a bond resolution adding $150,000 to the already approved $1.5 million construction of the Dutch Garden South entrance, parking, lighting, signage, fencing and landscaping. Another bond of $100,000 for flood remediation of Nauraushaun Brook in Clarkstown will go before the committee. The cost is expected to cover surveys, development of plans, specifications and estimates for work along the brook from Little Tor Road to Route 59.

Other bonds on the agenda are $1.7 million for computer hardware and software and $1.9 million for the design, construction and installation of fire alarm and security system improvements for the health center, fire training center and government offices in New City. 

The county drainage agency is asking for an additional $150,000 in the capital projects budget for the removal of storm debris from Tropical Storm Sandy. The funds would come through issuance of a bond. FEMA reimbursement of the cleanup is possible. 

Other committees meeting Tuesday are Public Safety scheduled for 5:15 p.m., Multi Services for 6 p.m. and Government Operations for 6:30 p.m. The legislature’s Environmental Committee will meet on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.