Watertown City Council to Consider Resolution Supporting Class B Retirement Status for 911 Telecommunicators
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council on Monday night will take up Resolution No. 26‑39, a measure expressing formal support for reclassifying Watertown Regional 911 telecommunicators as Class B members within the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS). The item appears on the regular agenda and is submitted by Police Chief Tim Toomey.
What the Resolution Does
Resolution No. 26‑39 does not change any employee’s retirement status. Instead, it provides an official statement of support from the City Council to the SDRS Board of Trustees, which is responsible for reviewing statewide applications and determining whether 911 telecommunicators should be moved from Class A to Class B membership.
A line from the agenda document states:
“This Resolution would not itself change anyone’s retirement classification. Instead, it would provide a formal statement of support… to the SDRS Board of Trustees.”
The resolution is part of a coordinated statewide effort among public safety agencies.
Why the Reclassification Is Being Sought
Under SDCL 34‑45‑22, a 911 telecommunicator is defined as an employee whose primary duties involve receiving, processing, and transmitting emergency information through a 911 system.
Watertown Regional 911 serves as a regional public safety answering point (PSAP), providing dispatch and emergency communications for:
· Multiple counties
· Municipalities
· Law enforcement agencies
· Fire departments
· EMS providers
· Other public safety partners across northeastern South Dakota
The resolution emphasizes that telecommunicators:
· Are the critical link between the public and emergency responders
· Manage high‑stress, high‑stakes situations
· Require specialized training and judgment
· Support citizens and responders during emergencies and traumatic events
The resolution states:
“Watertown Regional 911 telecommunicators routinely perform demanding and highly stressful duties requiring specialized training, sound judgment, and the ability to manage emergency and traumatic situations…”
Recruitment and Retention Considerations
The city notes that reclassification could help strengthen staffing stability:
“The City of Watertown recognizes the importance of recruiting and retaining qualified and experienced 911 telecommunicators…”
Class B membership is typically reserved for public safety roles with elevated physical or mental demands. Supporters contend that telecommunicators’ responsibilities align with those criteria.
What Happens Next
If adopted, Resolution No. 26‑39 will be forwarded as part of the statewide application package to the SDRS Board of Trustees. The board will determine whether to authorize Class B membership for telecommunicators statewide.
Any change would require legislative or administrative action at the state level.
The Watertown City Council meets Monday, September 21, 2026. This item is listed on the regular agenda, meaning it is open for discussion and a vote.
