Mary Jane Smetanka; Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

Golden Valley will get 9-1-1 service from Hennepin County starting in 2014, when the county’s new Emergency Communications Facility is up and running.

The County Board unanimously approved the plan Tuesday at the request of new commissioner Linda Higgins, who represents an area that includes Golden Valley.

Higgins asked that the county start 9-1-1 service to the city at the beginning of 2014. But by a 4-3 vote, the board moved the start of service to the opening of the new 9-1-1 facility, which is expected to be in fall of that year.

Golden Valley now gets 9-1-1 service from Edina. Moving dispatch to the county has been a priority for the city because it would save money.

“We’re pleased with the results,” said Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris. “We would have preferred Jan. 1 from a budgetary standpoint, but we will work with the county and Edina to make sure the transition goes smoothly.”

The board action precedes a crucial Golden Valley City Council vote next week on whether to support the proposed Bottineau light-rail line route through the city. A council member who is expected to cast the deciding vote has said that she wanted the county to make a good-faith effort to supply 9-1-1 service to the city.

Also on Tuesday, the County Board voted to give the $21.6 million contract to build the new dispatch center to Stahl Construction. Groundbreaking on the building, which will cost $33.7 million, is scheduled for next year.

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