Battle Creek Is Battleground

The city of Battle Creek (Mich.) commission is considering a plan at this Tuesday’s meeting that would move dispatchers from the police department to a vacated firehouse, freeing up needed space by the police department. The idea came up when the city decided to build a new 800 MHz trunked radio system, including installing new consoles and radio gear. A commissioner proposed installing the gear in the fire station, which opponents say is less secure. The move would cost about $70,000 more than the upgrade, money the city doesn’t currently have. The comm center would initially be 10% smaller, proponents say, but could grow after fire administrative offices are moved. Read about the debate here.