Commissioners heard multiple updates about emergency communications and EMS operations during the July 14 meeting.

A commissioner described attending a 9‑1‑1 board meeting where the state 9‑1‑1 liaison attended. Staff reported the board is reviewing organizational structure because the 9‑1‑1 director did not have spending authority for all 9‑1‑1 funds when the budget was prepared; staff said the director has dispatch funds and separate 9‑1‑1 funds and that the structure is being reconsidered so spending authority matches fund ownership.

County staff also reported statewide problems involving 800‑MHz towers and that vendors working on towers had complicated operations across Kansas. One commissioner said they had to contact a vendor (Mike Dibison) last week about communications work.

EMS operations drew specific attention after staff said the county experienced a large number of helicopter calls over a short period. Brian (staff member) said Bridal Flight, based in Alva, had been the closest responder on recent calls and that staff planned to put that service first on the contact list while calling other available services. “I just kinda put that first on the list,” Brian said.

On formal action, the commission voted to authorize an application for an Emergency Information Grant (EIG) to support EMS initial education. The motion to have Mr. Atterberry apply for the EIG grant passed by roll call 3‑0. The grant amount cited by staff was $5,000 and staff said the program’s maximum award could be $5,110; the commission approved applying for the grant and instructed staff to proceed.

No changes to 9‑1‑1 governance were adopted at the meeting; staff said they would follow up on budget‑authority and dispatch‑fund structure issues.