DRUMRIGHT — Drumright leadership recently took steps that will update and refine the city’s emergency mapping system by approving a contract for E911 Geographic Information System (GIS) management.
At their regular monthly meeting Drumright City Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with DataMart Technologies for the mapping services. The projected cost is just under $58,000, according to Fire Chief Brett Lunsford. However, the expense is expected to be reimbursed due to an awarded grant.
“We received a grant for full reimbursement,” said Lunsford.
The GIS work focuses on correcting inconsistencies in property boundaries and location data that can affect emergency response times. Lunsford explained the importance of the project following the commissioners’ decision saying it is designed to improve the accuracy of 911 response by ensuring every address and property in the city’s service area is properly mapped and aligned within the system.
“It basically tightens everything up so that when someone calls 911 we can pinpoint exactly where they are,” he said. “Sometimes when you look at mapping data properties aren’t lined up correctly or they extend into roadways — this corrects that so responders know exactly where to go.”
The updated system will allow dispatchers and first responders to more quickly and accurately identify locations and improve efficiency during emergencies when seconds matter.
Furthermore, Lunsford noted the GIS update is also a requirement from the Oklahoma 911 Management Authority which mandates regular updates to maintain compliance and funding eligibility.
“It’s required by the state 911 Management Authority,” Lunsford said. “If we don’t have it done, we don’t receive 911 tax funding.”
He added that the data must be reported and updated in the state 911 repository twice a year.
The city’s options for vendors were limited, as only four contractors are approved by the state for this type of work. Drumright selected DataMart Technologies from that list.
With funding secured and the contract approved, the city is now moving forward with the system upgrade.