WASHINGTON CO. E911 ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS RISING CALL VOLUME, BUT PERFORMANCE BETTER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE

  

A steady increase in call volume but strong performance metrics were among the annual statistics reported by Washington County’s E911 Department to county commissioners today (Tuesday).

Telecommunications Supervisor Raleigh Wellmann reported 115,767 calls for service throughout 2025, up 9.49 percent from the 108,132 calls processed in 2024 and up 46.32 percent from 79,116 calls in 2020.  Law enforcement made up 88 percent of calls processed, followed by EMS at 9 percent.  Making up the remaining 3 percent were fire departments, animal control, utilities, county road and bridge, and wreckers.

Despite the number of calls growing year over year, Wellmann said dispatchers continue to answer calls and get units on their way to them much faster than national standards. 

Wellmann also discussed technology that the department utilizes, including training new hires and experienced employees with call simulations, panic button alerts for Brenham ISD facilities to support a more accurate response, and an upgraded 911 mapping system.

Moving into staffing, Wellmann said the department has four vacancies, including two administrative roles and two telecommunications officer positions, though she noted that staff retention is improving, with a 57 percent reduction in employee departures from 2024 to 2025.

Looking at the future, Wellmann said there are several initiatives in the works to keep forward progress for the department, one of which is improving community outreach and public education.

Another project is a form where livestock owners can submit information for the purpose of assisting with locating their livestock if they get out.  Wellmann said it will provide law enforcement with more accurate information and will ensure the correct owners are notified. 

The court thanked Wellmann for the report and for the department’s work, with Commissioner Candice Bullock saying, “We’re very thankful to have the team that we have.”

Following Wellmann’s report, commissioners approved the purchase of CommsCoach HIRE software for the department.  Wellmann said the pre-hire testing software will replace the county’s CritiCall software and will cost $3,500 annually.

In other business, the court:

• Approved the use of $5,380 in contingency funds to pay for repairs on the Washington County Information Technology Department’s shop truck, and a budget amendment to reflect the change. 
• Signed off on the appointment of Justin Schiller as a reserve deputy constable with the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office.  Schiller formerly served in the Brenham Police Department from 2010 to 2017.  After leaving to pursue a career in aviation, he is now a captain for American Airlines. 
• Approved an order of public interest and the plat revision for the Bluebonnet Ridge subdivision in Precinct 2.
• Approved a final plat for Oak Creek Estates, consisting of six lots along Greenvine Road in Precinct 4.

Click here to view the agenda packet for Tuesday's meeting.