SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Shelby County commission voted 10-1 Monday in favor of a new 911 operations center near Shelby Farms, but the sponsor of the measure, Steve Mulroy, says commissioners will have to vote again before work on the building starts.

The resolution that commissioners approved amends the county’s capital budget to provide money toward the $32.4 million project, but it would take place only if the county government and the city of Memphis are able to reach an agreement on terms.

Local governments have been talking for years about the possibility of building a new 911 center. Recent plans have called for the Emergency Communications District of Shelby County to provide the bulk of the funding and for the city and county funding to provide smaller amounts. One version calls for the county government to pay the city’s contribution in advance and to accept repayment over time.

Both the city and county governments would put their police and fire 911 call centers in the new building, which would be designed to withstand disasters.

However, Commissioner Terry Roland said the suburban governments aren’t participating, and that it’s unfair to use 911 fees from everyone that only some will use.

“All the municipalities are against it ,” he said.

Commissioner Mike Carpenter said many Shelby County residents who don’t live in the city limits still come into the city to work and would benefit from having an efficient 911 system.

“I would think that would be in their interest,” he said.

County Mayor Mark Luttrell acknowledged that suburban governments aren’t involved. He said voting in favor of the resolution Monday wouldn’t commit the government to anything and that the city and county were supposed to meet on the matter on Thursday.

He also said he wouldn’t support a new building unless it’s clear that it would lead to greater efficiency.

Roland cast the lone “no” vote and 10 of his colleagues voted yes. Commissioners Wyatt Bunker and Mike Ritz were absent.

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