Newberg Graphic Online

11-28 Editorial

Dispatch move a good one

• Published: 11/27/2009 11:45:06 AM

   Last week’s city council approval of connection of Newberg’s 9-1-1 communications center and radio equipment to Washington County is, we think, a good decision.
   Newberg and Yamhill County have been dancing around each other for years on possibly consolidating police and fire dispatch centers, but the truth is that public safety in Newberg has more connection to Washington County than Yamhill County. That being the case, it only makes sense Newberg would join the Washington County system, which is far superior than what Yamhill County currently offers and has the ability to grow as needed.
   In the long run it will also save Newberg money as its aging system becomes more expensive to operate and maintain. That fact, combined with better service that translates into more lives being saved, makes this decision a no-brainer.
   We’re glad that Newberg finally got on board with Washington County and stopped waiting around for Yamhill County to bring its system into the 21st century. We can only hope Yamhill County will follow suit sometime soon.

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