Commission approves three city‑county compact chapters covering mutual aid, IT and dispatch

The Livingston City Commission voted to approve three chapters of the city‑county interlocal agreement that govern law enforcement mutual assistance, information‑technology services and the joint dispatch function.

The motion to approve action item F was made by Commissioner Noots and seconded by Commissioner Kale; the commission recorded an affirmative vote and the motion carried unanimously.

City Manager Grant Gager told the commission the chapters formalize common arrangements between the city and Park County. Under the IT and dispatch chapters, employees are jointly funded and "the nonhost entity provides reimbursement of 50% of the budgeted costs," Gager said. That structure means the jurisdiction hosting a service develops the budget and the other jurisdiction reimburses their share.

The law‑enforcement mutual‑assistance chapter codifies a familiar arrangement under which Livingston Police Department may support the Park County Sheriff outside city limits and the sheriff's office may assist the city in large events. Gager said the mutual aid language also includes a mechanism to provide funding in the event of a "very significant" incident.

Gager told commissioners the compact work has been underway for several months and follows earlier approvals of a framework chapter and a chapter covering the civic building. He said the last comprehensive compact expired in 2012 and the updated agreement is intended to modernize and formalize shared services that have operated in practice.

During questions, Gager said dispatch staffing has improved under the partnership: "We will be down to one vacancy in dispatch," he reported, pending final background checks on a recently accepted hire.

The commission approved the three chapters and authorized the chair to sign the implementing documents.