Telecommunicators at the Miami County Communication Center could be getting an updated working environment – the first major improvements since the 911 center in Troy was built 26 years ago.

Jeff Busch, center director, outlined for both the center board and the county commissioners July 26 a proposed project with an estimated cost of $258,000.

Busch said there have been a number of changes in workplace needs since the center was built including the telecommunicators (previously called dispatchers) working 12-hour shifts and an increase in the number of computers and other equipment those employees use.

The proposal includes six new workstations that would be designed to accommodate today’s equipment and also allow the telecommunicators to stand or sit as they go about their work.

“Some of the current workstation are falling into disrepair,” Busch said. “They were not designed for the number of systems, computers that we have. We also are looking for that to improve the ergonomics.”

The proposed dispatch room work also would include new lighting and better acoustics.

The center board recommended the commission approve the project. The commissioners have not yet voted on the proposal.

“That room hasn’t changed much,” Commissioner John “Bud” O’Brien, said of the dispatch room “If you are in there … it is kind of echoing.”

Part of the project funding would come from the Wireless 911 Government Assistance funds while the balance would come from other center funds.

Busch said he would like to see the project bid and completed yet this year.

In other business last week, the commissioners:

-       Approved a contract with William Ginn, MD, to provide medical services to the West Central Juvenile Rehabilitation Center at a cost of $700 a month.

-       Authorized an agreement with Kate Benton, M.A., therapist, to provide mental health services to West Central residents and their families. The cost will be $650 a month.

-       Authorized the Common Pleas Court to negotiate a contract with Jefferson Audio Visuals Systems for video conferencing equipment. Bids on the equipment were taken earlier this summer.