The Barton Count Commission Monday morning approved a memorandum of understanding between Barton County and the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council. The MOU pledges the county’s support of a statewide study into converting 911 communications from a hodge-podge of analog systems to a uniform digital network.
A state-wide Next Generation 911 (NG911) system is being developed that will provide for voice and data call routing via geospatial data. Work, being led by the council, will require local 911 centers to provide existing geographic information system information, in addition to other data and input. 
Communications Director Doug Hubbard said the enhancements will involve the county submitting more information to aid in locating 911 callers. “Many changes will be required.”
But, he said, the end product will speed response times and lessen the chance of first responders going to the wrong location.
Although Barton County upgraded its communications system about five years ago, it is still analog, Hubbard said. In this digital age, the public expects more.
County Cartographer B.J. Wooding is responsible for compiling much of the data. In addition to addresses, she said the new system could incorporate the names of property owners, and longitude and latitude.
Other departments could also make use of the new files, she said.
The study is being funding by a grant received by the 911 Coordinating Council. So, there is no cost to the county.