STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission has voted unanimously not to take a position on a proposal that would reclassify 911 dispatchers as emergency responders for state retirement benefits.
The effort, led by Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Michael Graham, would place dispatchers in the same retirement category as police officers and firefighters. Supporters say dispatchers serve as the first point of contact during emergencies and play a critical role in public safety.
The proposed change would lower retirement eligibility from age 65 to 55, while increasing retirement contributions by 2 percent for both employees and employers. Meade County dispatchers reportedly agreed to the higher contribution rate.
Commissioners expressed concerns about the potential impact on county budgets and questioned whether dispatching carries the same risks as front-line emergency response positions. As a result, the commission voted to take no action on the proposal.
Supporters say they have already secured backing from 24 of South Dakota’s 27 dispatch centers and plan to continue pursuing approval through the South Dakota Retirement System and the state Legislature.
