Bethlehem’s former 9-1-1 communications center is now its service center and water control center providing residents with a single point of contact for non-emergency requests such as reporting pot holes, downed tree limbs, water main leaks, and high grass complaints.

At a recent roll out, city staff outlined the operation which allows residents to report their concerns via direct phone line (610-865-7000), email (bethlehemservicecenter@bethlehem-pa.gov), eGov and a BSC App available through the Google Play and Apple App stores.

Mayor Bob Donchez said its implementation was the second step in the recent consolidation of the City’s 9-1-1 center with Northampton County’s call center for emergencies. Donchez said it would make city government “more transparent and accountable.”

In addition to fielding non-emergency requests for city services, the center’s staff will monitor 160 cameras throughout the city and provide access to the National Crime Information Center in order to assist public safety officials in Bethlehem.

Business Administrator Eric Evans says the newly configured non-emergency operation will save Bethlehem taxpayers an estimated $750,000. Staffing has been reduced from 20 full-time and eight part-time to 15 full-time employees.