Franklin County Commissioners reviewed a presentation of services offered by Indiana public safety expert Barry Ritter of Ritter Strategic Services.

Ritter, a retired Richmond Police Department officer, oversaw Wayne County's consolidated 911 system, which included transitioning Franklin County's 911 system from telephone to an IP based system. He was then recruited by the State of Indiana where he served as the state 911 director for seven years. For the past five years, he has operated his consulting business along with his wife Melissa. Ritter Strategic Services has worked with close to 30 counties in Indiana, as well as other states throughout the country. 

“I saw a real need for someone to represent local government, commissioners, council members, sheriffs, 911 directors, navigating 911 services in today's world. I knew there was a need in Indiana, I did not realize the need was so great,” reported Ritter. “In Indiana, I like to say that I probably know and understand 911 service and technology and governance and policy and training probably better than anyone, because I've been at the grassroots building that program statewide. I utilize those skills to help you to make informed decisions and save money.”

In Franklin County, Ritter can help recruit and hire a 911 director, revise training standards and update the department's operating procedures. Phase one of Ritter's plan is to hire a director, which will include updating the job description, interviewing applicants and assisting the county in the selection of a director. Phase two is focused around a feasibility study for relocating the 911 center out of the jail facility to a separate building, including an in-depth evaluation of the communications equipment. 

Commissioner Tom Linkel noted Franklin County Council decided against funding the proposed 911 director position in the 2023 budget, opting to keep the 911 center under the control of the sheriff. He proposed proceeding with phase two of Ritter's plan. Ritter offered advice on the importance of having a 911 specialist over the department, as the office of sheriff comes with a number of its own responsibilities. He noted Franklin County should receive enough dedicated 911 funding from the state to cover the salary of a director. 

Commissioner Tom Wilson noted county council requested a plan for a standalone 911 center before approving the funding for a director. Linkel noted the difficulty of coming up with a plan without a building. Ritter noted the cost of moving the 911 center will vary drastically based on what building is chosen and they are too early in the process to calculate an estimate. Commissioners discussed which budget line they could utilize to pay for Ritter's services. Ritter added he was not opposed to coming back to a council meeting, Linkel replied he would like to be able to hire Ritter today, “I would sure like today, to at least give you something that you know you can work for us and get paid, at least in the meantime. Because we want, some answers and we gotta have somebody to work for us.” 

Linkel suggested to his peers if they could set aside $2500, he could at least get started; he asked Ritter if that sum would be sufficient to start. Ritter replied as the end of the year approaches, it would be enough to work with the sheriff and 911 supervisor to put together a plan. 

Linkel made a motion to move forward with phase two of Ritter's plan, commissioner Gerald Wendel seconded the motion and Wilson joined to approve.