The Marshall County Commissioners reviewed community contract costs for 911 Dispatch services, but a communication mix-up caused quite a stir with Town officials.
The contracts were set-out in an attempt to define how computer systems and operations for the new system will work. The costs for paying that service were recommended to be split depending on the percentage of calls received.
Bourbon Town Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger says she was only told of the changes last week.
“This is something that we have not even been told was coming down,” says Berger. “I mean, I guess our big this is: what is the reasoning for it, first?”
Under the contract, the costs would be calculated on a four-year average. The percentages would increase 911 dispatch costs for some communities while lowering them for others.
During Monday morning’s Commissioners meeting, however, the cost estimates were learned by the public prior to being learned by Town officials. For those seeing an increase in costs, it may conflict with fiscal year budgets – which area already being considered by public bodies.
Culver Police Chief Wayne Bean says better communication is needed.
“I don’t have a problem with helping, you know, but I guess the thing is with the departments, and I think I speak for the rest of them, we like to be included in on this, instead of just reading it in the paper,” says Bean. “We feel like we’re being told one thing, and then we find out something different.”
Marshall County cited a decrease in revenue from the state for providing the service, but also have reportedly seen an increase in operating costs.
Town officials requested a meeting with the Sheriff’s Department and the Marshall County Commissioners to better understand how the Town specific costs are being calculated. That meeting will take place in the near future.
