STURGIS, S.D. — Meade County commissioners have voted unanimously to take no action on a proposal to reclassify 911 dispatchers as emergency responders for state retirement benefits. The initiative—led by Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Michael Graham—aims to lower the retirement age for dispatchers from 65 to 55, placing them in the same class as police officers and firefighters. The change would require a two percent increase in retirement contributions from both employees and employers. While county dispatchers agreed to the pay deduction, commissioners voiced concerns over the impact on the local budget and questioned whether the job carries the same physical risks as a field deputy. Supporters have already secured approval from 24 of South Dakota’s 27 dispatch centers as they work to bring the proposal to the state retirement board and legislature. Share via: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More