UPDATE: In a significant move that could reshape emergency response services, discussions are underway to transfer dispatch services from the city of Creston to Union County. Union County Sheriff Brian Bolton presented this proposal to the Board of Supervisors on August 20, 2025, highlighting critical operational challenges faced by Creston’s dispatch center.
Currently, dispatch services are managed through Creston’s law enforcement center, with city officials overseeing salaries and benefits for dispatchers. However, Bolton emphasized that the city is struggling to hire full-time staff, which has created gaps in coverage. “Not having the ability to hire part-timers has made it hard to fill those gaps,” Bolton stated during the meeting.
Bolton’s proposal received backing from Creston Police Chief Paul Ver Meer, as both officials believe that shifting control to the county would allow for greater flexibility. This transition could facilitate easier role-swapping between jailers and dispatchers, making it more feasible to cover shifts. “We don’t want all jailers to be dispatchers. We don’t want all dispatchers to be jailers,” Bolton clarified, emphasizing that the goal is not to overload staff but to optimize resources.
The Board of Supervisors expressed cautious support for the proposal, with Supervisor Dennis Hopkins remarking that he would back the initiative if it leads to cost savings for the city and doesn’t incur additional expenses for the county. Supervisor Dennis Brown highlighted that this change could alleviate the heavy workload on current dispatchers while maintaining service quality for county residents.
A significant consideration in the discussions is the transition of union employees and the associated benefits that would need to be addressed should the dispatch services move to county control. Bolton noted that most dispatch calls are medical in nature, prompting him to initiate talks with Greater Regional to ensure that patient care remains uninterrupted during any transition.
City officials, including Mayor Waylon Clayton, attended the meeting in support of the proposal, although Bolton cautioned that financial concerns might pose challenges. “The only thing that would give us any hang up would be funds,” he explained.
As discussions progress, the Union County Board of Supervisors plans to gather more information regarding the financial implications before making a final decision. The proposal remains in the exploratory phase, with further meetings scheduled to assess the feasibility and potential benefits of this significant shift in dispatch operations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the impact on emergency services in the region unfolds.
