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A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding the Expansion of the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center
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Introduction
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This is a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) regarding the expansion of the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC).
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Recommended Action
Adopt the resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
The Village of Oak Park, along with the Villages of Forest Park and River Forest, make up the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC), which was established in 2002. WSCDC provides dispatch services for Oak Park’s fire and police services.
The IGA includes relocating the dispatch center from the River Forest Village Hall to a larger space in the Rosemont Municipal Complex. There will be no impact on Village Police and Fire response times, and existing radio infrastructure will remain in Forest Park and River Forest. WSCDC will also be able to hire staff to support the ongoing Computer Aided Dispatch and Record Management Software (CAD/RMS) upgrades.
With the addition of two more participants into WSCDC, the cost per participant is also reduced to fund and operate dispatching services. The Village will realize over $400,000 in savings in FY27 compared to FY26 under the proposed resolution. In FY26, the Village spent $2,526, 624 on dispatching services. Potential additional future consolidations can help realize additional savings while maintaining high levels of service.
WSCDC’s is governed by its Board of Directors, which includes one board seat on its Board of Directors for each municipality that makes up WSCDC. The Village Manager acts as the Village of Oak Park’s representative in WSCDC Board of Directors Meetings. The Board meets every other month and is primarily responsible for WSCDC’s finances, operations center oversight, and performance of the executive director.
Elmwood Park and Rosemont are currently members of NORCOMM, which will be disbanding at the end of 2026. Elmwood Park was previously a member of WSCDC until 2021. Rosemont and Elmwood Park have already approved necessary resolutions to join, and River Forest recently approved the IGA. Forest Park is expected to pass the IGA in the near future as well. If agreed upon, consolidation of Elmwood Park and Rosemont into WSCDC will be effective December 1, 2026. Integrating Rosemont and Elmwood Park into WSCDC puts WSCDC in a stronger position as smaller dispatching agencies in the western suburbs are consolidating due to large capital costs to replace aging equipment, along with state legislation mandating consolidation.
Timing Considerations
If approved, the consolidation of Elmwood Park and Rosemont into WSCDC will be effective December 1, 2026.
Financial Impact
Approving this IGA will result in significant savings for the Village of Oak Park compared to. In FY26, the Village spent $2,526,624 on dispatching services which was also 55% of WSCDC’s operating costs. With the addition of Elmwood Park and Rosemont, each current member of WSCDC will see savings. The Village is expected to pay $2,090,178 in FY27 under the proposed agreement, for a project savings of $436,446 less in expenditures than FY26, and Oak Park will pay 35% of WSCDC’s operating budget in FY27. The cost for service from WSCDC is split evenly between the Fire (1001.42510.101.530681.0000) and Police Departments (1001.42400.101.530681.0000).
WSCDC has historically been successful applying for funding from the Illinois State Police 911 Administration’s Consolidation Grant Program. This is a yearly grant program which provides funding for dispatching agencies to offset non-recurring costs associated with the consolidation of 911 systems.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the resolution.
Advantages:
• This action ensures that WSCDC can continue to integrate additional participants into the dispatch system and identify efficiencies and savings for the municipalities it serves, including Oak Park.
• This action reduces the Village’s total amount and share of funding required to operate WSCDC.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages associated with this action.
Alternatives
The Board can reject the resolution.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• This action will pause the integration of additional participants into WSCDC and require the Village to continue paying more for dispatching services.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Reviewed By: Lisa Shelley, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Intergovernmental Agreement - PROPOSED
2. Resolution