Company Profile
Metro Communications Agency
Company Overview
Metro Communications Agency is South Dakota's largest PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point). Our team of professionals answer 911 calls, and dispatch law enforcement, fire/rescue, and ambulance first responders for citizens and visitors to the City of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County, in southeastern South Dakota.
Our mission is Provide quality service and maintain professional standards while enhancing the life and safety of our community by serving as the lifeline between the public and first responders.
We operate under the direction and supervision of the Metro Management Council (MMC) to plan, organize, control and manage all communications systems used by the County and City for the provision of emergency services. The council consists of five members including the Mayor of Sioux Falls, two members of the Sioux Falls City Council appointed by the Mayor, and two members of the Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners appointed by the Commission Chair.
Our Director of Communications is responsible for the overall operation, planning, development and administration of the agency. Daily operations of our center are managed and coordinated by our Deputy Director, with assistance from 3 Coordinators: Quality Assurance, Technology and Training. Fiscal, administrative and personnel responsibilities are managed by our Business Manager. Our center operations are led by 8 Shift Supervisors, 9 Advanced Communications Operators, and 23 Communications Operators.
We are extremely proud of our staff. They are highly trained, professional individuals who give their all every day and strive to provide the best service possible to the public.
Company History
Metro Communications was formed in 1980. Prior to that time dispatch was provided by the Sioux Falls Police Department. In 2007 the City of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County entered into Joint Cooperative Agreement to create a stand alone PSAP entity to serve our communities; Metro Communications Agency became independent on January 1, 2008.
In 2000, we achieved the honor of becoming the first Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) in South Dakota and the 45th in the world, by meeting the standards of the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch. We proudly continue to meet these stringent guidelines, policies and protocols to maintain this accreditation. In addition, individual medical call taking performance is measured and must meet or exceed the compliance standards as set forth by the Academy.
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Metro Communications achieved the honor of becoming the first Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) in South Dakota and the 45th in the world, as earned through the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch. 911 Centers must meet a stringent set of guidelines, policies and protocols to earn and maintain this accreditation. We proudly continue to meet these standards and maintain this accreditation still today.
Benefits
Metro Communications Agency offers competitive benefits:
Insurance
All employee insurance coverage is effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment; coverage is available for employees and dependents
Health - We offer coverage through DakotaCare with option two deductibles options ($500 and $1000). The agency pays for 75% of the premium rates. Pharmacy benefits included.
Dental - We offer dental insurance through Delta Dental which covers 100% of diagnostic and preventative services. The agency pays for 75% of the premium rates.
Life Insurance - We provide a $15,000 basic life insurance policy for every full-time employee. Optional supplemental life insurance can be purchased for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Retirement
Retirement Plan - We participate in the South Dakota Retirement System. Employees receive a 6% match. Other SDRS benefits include long term disability. Employees are vested after 3 years of continuous employment.
Deferred Compensation Plan - Employees may choose to save additional funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis through the SDRS-SRP (supplemental retirement program).
Paid Time Off
Vacation - approximately 82 hours (8 days) per year; vacation accrual rates increase with years of service
Sick Leave - approximately 96 hours (12 days) per year
Paid Holidays - full-time staff receive 10 paid holidays per year
Flexible Spending Plan
Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (FSA) - We offer FSA through TASC for Health Care and Dependent Care. This is a great way to put money aside for health and dependent care costs on a pre-tax basis.
Voluntary Insurance
VSP Vision Care - We offer this optionally for employees and dependents! The plan offers low premiums (100% employee cost, pre-tax through payroll)
Aflac - We offer various plans optionally for employees and dependents (100% employee cost, pre and/or post-tax through payroll)
Additional Benefits and Programs
Business Casual Work Attire/Uniform Allowance - optional allowance for uniform shirts upon hire and annually thereafter
Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Time Off (ETO) earned through incentive opportunities
Professional Development and Training
Ergonomic Work Stations/equipment
Early Retirement opportunities
Monthly performance incentives
Annual step increases for satisfactory performance