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Commissioners discuss short-term dispatch support and a two-year phasing idea to ease fire districts' costs
Summary
County staff and commissioners discussed a draft plan to phase dispatch costs over two years, charging direct costs in year one and adding indirect costs in year two, plus a potential $25 per-entity base to ease pressure on small fire districts strained by recent fires.
Routt County commissioners heard a status update on emergency dispatch funding and discussed a proposed two-year phasing plan that staff said could soften the immediate budget impact on small fire districts.
Jay Harrington, the county manager, reported that the county and partner agencies are negotiating how to allocate dispatch costs and that staff would return with a formal proposal within days. Dan (staff) described a planning concept in which the county would charge direct costs in the first year, add indirect costs in the second year, and possibly include a modest base fee (discussed at about $25 per entity) to reduce short-term pressure on small districts.
Commissioners expressed sympathy for smaller districts that are strained by recent fires and heavy call volumes and asked staff to pursue options. Several commissioners suggested the county also identify alternative revenue sources (for example, supporting districts in implementing or adjusting impact fees) rather than relying solely on cost recovery from the districts. No formal action or allocation was approved; staff will return with a refined proposal and, if appropriate, a recommended phasing schedule for board consideration.
