NEWPORT — A combined dispatch center for all police and emergency services in Campbell County is close to completion, according to Campbell County Judge-executive Steve Pendery.

        Addressing the monthly breakfast meeting of the Newport Business Association Wednesday, Mr. Pendery told business owners that practically all the issues relating to a single, centralized dispatching operation have been worked out among the three entities involved — Newport, Fort Thomas and the county.

        “We have a consensus now among the administrations,” he said. “Everything looks very good. Now we must present the plan to the elected officials and obtain their approval.”

        Newport and Fort Thomas have their own dispatching centers, in addition to the county dispatch that handles emergency calls for the unincorporated area of the county, as well as the cities of Bellevue, Dayton, Southgate, Highland Heights, Cold Spring, Wilder and Alexandria.

        If the final plans for a consolidated dispatch center follow recommendations made earlier by a committee assembled to study the issue, the center will be run by a six-member board with two members from each of the three participating governments.

        The committee's findings indicated that a combined dispatch operation would not only eliminate duplication of services but would provide better dispatch coverage for all departments through new equipment and cut costs for all three participants.

        The dispatch center would be based at the Newport government center because the Newport police and fire dispatch has the newest equipment and the most available space for expansion.

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