Augusta County could be combining its 911 center with Staunton and Waynesboro and that could save all the localities a lot of money.

Right now, dialing 911 in the county can direct you to the county, Staunton or Waynesboro 911 centers.

Augusta County Supervisor Tracy Pyles says combining them would save a lot of money.

"When someone makes a call on 911 they have no idea where it’s going whether its Staunton, Verona, Richmond whatever it’s just as close as their telephone, what’s more important is the response," says Pyles.

He says saving money equals better service for people.

"I think if we save money in this area, we can certainly put some of that money towards the folks who do the responding and I think that would help our county and cities more," says Pyles.

According to Pyles, combining the offices would save half a million dollars per year.

It would eventually reduce staff from 54 to 40 people.

Sharing equipment would reduce costs.

It’s about more than just cash. Pyles says there are situations when having a single 911 center is better.

"If there was a large disaster in our area they wouldn't have three operating 911's they'd have just one. Instead of having to coordinate what three different groups you'd only have one group does," says Pyles.

Pyles will be presenting the plan to Waynesboro and Staunton within the next few weeks.