(KMZA)-- Nemaha County has officially taken over dispatch services for the City of Sabetha.

The transition became effective Monday after both the Nemaha County Commission and Sabetha City Commission approved a dispatch services agreement last week.

The agreement was negotiated between the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department and city officials. Under the contract, Sabetha will pay the county a base rate of 88-thousand-70 dollars for calendar year 2026, with the amount prorated monthly. Beginning in 2028, the annual payment will increase by three percent each year to account for inflation.

As of Monday, the Nemaha County Communications Center in Seneca is providing dispatch services for the Sabetha Police Department, Sabetha Fire Department, and Sabetha Ambulance Service. The communications center already handles dispatching for the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, Seneca Police Department, county EMS, and six rural fire departments.

Sabetha city officials say the move is expected to improve coordination among emergency responders, reduce operating costs, and streamline communications during emergencies.

The Sheriff's Department says non-emergency calls for the Sabetha Police Department should now be directed to 785-334-0120.

Meanwhile, Sabetha residents should continue to contact City Hall at 785-284-2158 for all city business not related to law enforcement.