The cities of Lemoore, Avenal and Corcoran, recently received $5 million in state funding to finance additions to their public safety infrastructure. Lemoore’s share of the pot was nearly $1 million, which Smith said is geared toward the dispatch center.
Smith, in a statement to the council, said that the consolidation issue has been discussed and there may be strong interest in moving forward with the concept. “In order to determine all associated costs for a project of this magnitude, an evaluation of infrastructure, staffing, and facility design needs are necessary before the potential parties can agree to a long-term commitment,” stated Smith.
Smith is recommending Darden Architects, which estimates it will cost about $12,000 to provide planning, program and cost estimating services for the proposed regional dispatch center on the Lemoore Police Department site.