MACECOM Joins Mason County EDC Membership
Pictured: MACECOM 911 dispatchers hard at work
Mason County, WA - September 30, 2024 – We’re excited to welcome MACECOM—short for Mason County Emergency Communications—as the newest member of the Mason County Economic Development Council. As the primary 911 dispatch center for the county, MACECOM plays a vital role in keeping our community safe.
MACECOM operates as a special purpose district, independent from both the county and the city of Shelton. They are funded through a mix of sales tax revenue, contributions from cell phone and landline providers, and user fees from fire and police dispatch services. Currently, MACECOM has 12 full-time employees but can accommodate up to 17, making staffing a critical issue as they work to provide essential emergency services.
Like many organizations, MACECOM has felt the effects of nationwide staffing shortages, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where there’s been a shift in job expectations and work-life balance. To address this, MACECOM joined the EDC to support closing Mason County’s prime-age employment gap, which currently lags behind the national average.
MACECOM deeply cares about its employees. Recognizing the unique mental stresses they face, MACECOM provides several resources to help support staff well-being. One of the initiatives they’ve introduced is allowing dogs in the office—as long as the pooches are calm and collected like their human companions. This simple measure has made a big difference in comforting employees during high-pressure shifts.
During our interview, MACECOM’s Hannah proudly shared that the dispatchers race to answer calls, averaging an impressive 1.5 seconds until you’re speaking with a real person who can get you the help you need. Since January, dispatcher Barb has personally answered over 11,000 calls, while the call center as a whole has handled around 70,000 calls. It’s important to note that not all of these are emergencies—MACECOM encourages residents to use their non-emergency number (360-426-4441) for situations that don’t require an immediate response. The non-emergency line is available 24/7, 365 days a year. The dedication of these employees is evident as they work tirelessly to keep our community safe.
Sales tax is a key driver for organizations like MACECOM. They are working to strengthen their relationships with local businesses by developing a database of business contacts to streamline communication and prevent unnecessary costs during after-hours emergencies. Business owners are encouraged to keep MACECOM updated on key details like ownership and points of contact to enhance security and response times.
Beyond 911 dispatch services, MACECOM also supports the community by providing assistance during major events like OysterFest, where they dedicate dispatchers and emergency services for a quicker response. With additional funding from economic growth and new business developments, MACECOM hopes to hire more operators, allowing them to take part in more community events like career fairs and farmers markets to raise awareness about emergency response.
MACECOM’s commitment to making Mason County a safer place to live, work, and play aligns perfectly with the EDC’s mission of fostering a strong local economy. By partnering with the MasonEDC, MACECOM is investing in the future of our community, helping to create a safer environment for both residents and businesses alike.
