Eddy County Weighs Switching 911 Dispatch to State Radio

Local officials consider cost-saving move away from Lake Region Law Enforcement Center

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Eddy County officials and first responders are considering ending their long-standing partnership with the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center (LEC) for 911 dispatch services in favor of transitioning to the state-run North Dakota State Radio system. The move is driven by the high annual costs of the LEC contract, which exceeds $200,000, and concerns about dispatcher training and retention. State Radio offers significant cost savings, with an estimated annual price tag under $50,000 for Eddy County.

Why it matters

The potential switch highlights the financial pressures facing rural counties in North Dakota, which have had property tax increases capped by the state. Eddy County is looking to find more cost-effective solutions for critical services like 911 dispatch. The decision could also impact the LEC, which relies on revenue from partner counties, and the future housing of Eddy County inmates.

The details

Eddy County's current contract with the LEC expires at the end of 2026, but the county must notify the LEC by March 31 if they intend to renew. County officials met with local first responders, who expressed support for switching to State Radio due to the significant cost savings, consistent dispatcher training, and access to advanced dispatch technology. However, the transition would require purchasing new pager equipment for first responders and hiring a 911 coordinator, which the county is willing to do to achieve the projected $150,000 in annual savings.

  • Eddy County's contract with the LEC expires on December 31, 2026.
  • The county must notify the LEC by March 31, 2026 if they intend to renew the contract for 2027.

The players

Lisa Thompson

Eddy County Emergency Manager who presented the potential switch to State Radio to county commissioners.

Paul Lies

Sheriff of the Eddy County Sheriff's Office.

Angie Hopfauf

Representative of the Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford (CASNR).

Todd Allmaras

Representative of the New Rockford Fire Department.

North Dakota State Radio

The state's official 911 dispatching service, which offers significant cost savings compared to the LEC.

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What they’re saying

“When I looked at the pros and cons of this, the few cons were rapidly vaporized by the savings.”

— Todd Allmaras, New Rockford Fire Department (New Rockford Transcript)

“From the perspective of CASNR, a switch would mean better communication between us and Carrington.”

— Angie Hopfauf, Community Ambulance Service of New Rockford (New Rockford Transcript)

What’s next

Eddy County is expected to meet again to continue discussing the potential switch to State Radio, with a final decision expected by late March 2026. An advisory committee will be established to help guide the transition, and a tour of the State Radio dispatch center in Bismarck is also being considered.

The takeaway

Eddy County's exploration of moving 911 dispatch to the more cost-effective State Radio system highlights the financial challenges facing rural counties in North Dakota, as they seek to maintain critical public safety services amid state-imposed property tax caps. The decision could have broader implications for the future of the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center and the housing of Eddy County inmates.