Bethlehem City Council unanimously approved a study of the 911 system to evaluate the city’s 911 needs for the future. The contract for the strategic plan was awarded to MCM Consulting Group of McMurray, Pa.

The plan will evaluate the city’s needs along with Allentown, as well as Northampton and Lehigh counties. The four entities will share the cost of the strategic plan for next generation 911 (Next Gen 911) System Assessment.

MCM is expected to begin the plan on Sept. 1 and the completed plan is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2016. The total cost is $39,000, with Bethlehem’s portion being $9,750.

Since recently state regulations have passed, the city will not receive state funding if it continues to operate its own 911 center. However, the study will evaluate the cost of doing so and also include other options, such as merging into a regional 911 center. The state gave a four-year grace period, so the study is part of the decision process for the future.

“We have to move on this issue. It’s going to go quickly,” said Police Chief Mark DiLuzio. He said MCM is “one of the leading consulting groups in 911 in this part of the country.”

The strategic plan will review and analyze current and future communications systems of all four government entities, including equipment facilities and staffing needs. The study will explore the feasibility of regional shared services agreements and consolidation of services.

Council member Eric Evans said, “This is a very important project,” and requested an update as the study is conducted.