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Committee debates siren network staffing, fund balance and longer‑term funding options
Summary
Members reviewed the siren network’s finances, including a roughly $20 million fund balance, an annual revenue stream of about $4.5 million from a 50¢ per‑line fee, and annual operating needs estimated at $10–12 million. The committee discussed hiring mixes of staff and contractors and agreed to return with a study of long‑term revenue options.
Lawmakers and NDIT officials debated how to support ongoing operations of the statewide siren network as project construction nears completion and recurring operating costs move to the forefront.
NDIT chief technology staff outlined two basic approaches: hire NDIT staff to operate and maintain towers and equipment, or rely on contractor crews for much of the work while retaining a small in‑house technical core. The Armstrong/initial plan originally proposed adding six NDIT FTEs; the Senate trimmed that to two. Committee members and NDIT staff described the Senate approach as adding two FTEs in NDIT and transferring one position to the Department of Transportation for roadside signage and ITS contract management.
Committee members reviewed the fund balance and revenue math. Committee testimony showed an approximate fund balance around $20 million, annual revenue of about $4.5 million collected from the 50¢ per‑line fee and annual operating costs estimated at roughly $10–12 million. Committee members warned the fee as currently set was unlikely to sustain ongoing operations. "We've known since the beginning that a 50¢ per line fee was not going to be sustainable," said Corey Mach, the state chief information officer.
Representative Bosch said the committee could defer a permanent solution for one more biennium to let the transition finish, using fund balance and a mixture of contractors and limited staff as a bridge. Several members suggested drafting a study of long‑term funding options—possible approaches included modifying the $0.50 fee, exploring federal grant opportunities, or considering other dedicated revenue sources—rather than making an immediate policy change.
The committee directed staff to add language for a study during the interim and to include reporting on the transition from PowerSchool to Infinite Campus; staff also asked NDIT to work with DOT to add the necessary FTE in DOT’s budget for roadside ITS/signage management.
Ending
The committee signaled support for the Senate’s two‑FTE approach in the short term, approved showing the anticipated circuit cost increases, and asked staff to draft study language on long‑term siren funding options and to return with more precise financial modeling before any fee change.
