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Johns Creek 911 center delayed?
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Johns Creek – The launch of the city's 911 center may be delayed, according to Johns Creek City Manager John Kachmar.
Kachmar said Sandy Springs and Johns Creek, who comprise the 911 Authority (CHATCOMM) felt that the hiring process wasn't moving along fast enough for the projected July 30 start-up date.
As of press time, there is one shift supervisor position needed to be filled, one systems technician and one systems administrator position to be filled.
IXP posted a $4,000 hiring bonuses for individuals with telecommunications experience, which created a large influx in applications, according to Kachmar.
CHATCOMM's original plan was to hire 32 telecommunicators however, there are 46 positions filled currently.
Kachmar explained that the reason for excess telecommunicator filled positions is due to the particular job's high turnover rate – 19 percent nationally – mostly because of the high-stress nature of the job.
Kachmar said employees are still undergoing training and testing.
"Both cities talked on Friday (June 26), and we'd rather be safe...," said Kachmar.
Johns Creek asked for an extension of its intergovernmental agreements with Fulton County, which currently handles both Johns Creek 911 calls. Fulton County Commissioners approved the extension July 1, which allows for the cities to opt out of the IGA with a 30-day notification clause.
"It may come out with something different when it comes to Johns Creek," said Kachmar, who added that the city may start 911 services before Sandy Springs, depending on the number of personnel hired. He added that Sandy Springs has a higher call volume than Johns Creek.
The Sandy Springs building where the 911 center is located is completed and the technology has been installed, said Kachmar.
"It's one of the best I've seen," he said. "It's nothing that the Atlanta region has...we're the first ones."
If the 911 center doesn't start on July 30, the city won't see revenues until the actual start date.
"But it's not about revenues – it's about safety and that we're 100 percent ready to start," said Kachmar. "We want to make sure there's no mistakes prior to turning the switch."
Tags: Johns Creek
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