WARREN — City Council on Tuesday approved a one-year contract with the Trumbull County Dispatch Center for 911 services, estimating the city will pay approximately $631,839 in 2024. The agreement, which runs through Dec. 31, 2025, will provide dispatch services for the city’s police and fire departments.

While the estimated amount reflects projected costs for six dispatchers and call-related fees, council members noted that exact figures could vary based on service needs and quarterly billing adjustments.

“We’re paying for our dispatchers,” Councilman Mike O’Brien, D-at Large, said. “The issues the county has shouldn’t cause an issue with city dispatch.”

Warren Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert said there are challenges with the funding formula, noting that some of the original justifications for the city’s share of costs are no longer valid. He said discussions are ongoing with county officials and the 911 Review Board to address the issues.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said the city was promised a dedicated number of seats when it entered into the agreement with the county and will continue to push for better terms.

“We obviously get the most calls for service, but we pay the lion’s share of the money. There are discrepancies in the funding formula, and we’re working to fix those,” he said.

Franklin said he is optimistic about working with 911 Director Tacy McDonough, who has resolved similar funding issues in other counties.

Council members discussed the impact of staffing shortages at the county dispatch center, which is operating with about half its authorized strength. McDonough said at Tuesday’s county budget hearing that she expects to hire three dispatchers and two supervisors within the next two months.

The 911 Center has 19 dispatchers, but McDonough wants to have at least 30 dispatchers.

Colbert said the city’s payments may be disproportionate, considering the reduced overall staffing costs at the county level.

Warren police Chief Eric Merkel said he has addressed concerns with the 911 director and hopes for progress.

“They’re trying to bring up what the other townships and departments are paying to make it more equitable, but that’s yet to be seen,” Merkel said.

Council requested detailed financial reports from the administration to better understand how funds are being used.

“We need to see the numbers to know exactly what we’re paying for,” O’Brien said.

The one-year contract allows time for further negotiations.

“Having this as a short-term contract gives us a chance to work out the problems,” Franklin said.

In other business, council supported City Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa’s proposal to draft a resolution backing the Social Security Fairness Act.

The federal legislation, now under Senate review, seeks to eliminate provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive government pensions.

“The windfall provision struck me as unfair,” Cantalamessa said. “Anyone who has paid into the Social Security system should be entitled to the full measure of their benefits.”

Council unanimously approved the resolution and agreed to send letters of support to federal legislators.

Franklin also highlighted the city’s upcoming fiber-optic expansion, set to begin Dec. 16. The $230 million project, part of a broader initiative in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, aims to modernize internet infrastructure.

“Fiber is the future,” Franklin said. “This project will bring more reliable, high-speed internet to our community, supporting everything from online learning to economic development.”