The implementation of an agreement between the City of Webster City and Hamilton County to consolidate their emergency dispatch services will come to fruition at 8 a.m. this morning.

Today, the Webster City Police Department Dispatch Center will close and end its 24/7 public access, according to a media release from Police Chief Steve Hanson.

Today, all police dispatch services will be transferred to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Here’s how to navigate these changes:

— To reach dispatch or speak with an officer, call 515-832-8636. Hanson said this is the preferred contact number.

— You should still call 911 for emergencies.

With this closing of the dispatch center, the Webster City Police Department administrative

office will no longer be open 24/7, Hanson states in the media release. Consequently, the Webster City Police Department side of City Hall, 400 Second Street, will now be locked during nonbusiness hours. You can still access the police department during regular City Hall open hours, however.

— Services previously handled at the police department window will now be handled by the clerks at the Webster City Utilities Office during normal business hours. These services include the processing of parking tickets, unlock fees, animal impoundment fees, and purchase of drug testing kits.

— The change will discontinue the fingerprinting services previously provided by the Webster City Police Department; now those services can be scheduled at the Hamilton County Jail by calling 515-832-8636.

— Anyone with a home or business alarm that is programmed to contact 515-832-9166, you will have to update your alarm vendor with the new dispatch number: 515-832-8636.

In July, when the city and county confirmed the agreement, Hamilton County Sheriff Alex Pruismann talked about how he fully supports the consolidation.

“The sheriff’s office and the police department’s top priority is ensuring every Hamilton County resident receives the fastest and most effective emergency response possible. Consolidating our dispatch centers is a strategic move to streamline operations, reduce response times, and enhance coordination across law enforcement, fire and EMS services,” he said.

“This is not just a cost-saving measure; it’s a modernization effort. We’re building a communications infrastructure within our county that can meet the growing demands of our communities today and for decades to come. This isn’t just about today; it’s about our future and being a step ahead so that emergency services can best serve the public.”

He added, “This consolidation effort is a shining example of what we can achieve when the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Webster City Police Department work together toward a common goal: providing the best possible emergency response services to our residents. By combining our resources and expertise, we’re creating a stronger, more responsive system for everyone.

“When the city approached the county regarding this dispatching merger earlier in 2025 due to their internal audit, it was well received, long overdue and, without hesitation, we agreed to start working together to make this the smoothest transition possible.”

Webster City Mayor John Hawkins said in a media release back in July: “We are united in our goal to protect the lives and property of our citizens. This consolidation represents one of the strongest collaborative efforts I’ve seen between the city and county, and it marks a major improvement in our ability to respond effectively to emergencies.”