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DuBois County 9‑1‑1 director warns of recurring shortfall; requests county funding to cover insurance costs
Summary
9‑1‑1 director Stuart Wilson told commissioners the state surcharge fund that supports dispatch operations has been flat since 2012 while wages and benefits rose, producing a roughly $100,000 shortfall; he asked commissioners to identify a funding source to keep the center fully staffed.
Stuart Wilson, director of DuBois County 9‑1‑1, told commissioners that the state surcharge fund that supports dispatch operations has not increased since its creation in 2012 while salaries and benefits have risen. Wilson warned that the fund is no longer sustainable on its own and estimated about a $100,000 shortfall in the 179 fund for 2026 unless the county provides supplemental funding.
Wilson emphasized the operational consequences of cutting staff or reverting to chronic vacancy: increased overtime, reduced service levels and risks to emergency response. He described the center as fully staffed and performing well, with improved retention and zero overtime at present — outcomes he credited to the investment in facility and staffing. Wilson said the county needs to identify an alternative funding source (general fund, CR tax or other) to cover health insurance and benefits that the surcharge fund can no longer sustain.
Commissioners discussed options including shifting some payments into general fund lines or CNR tax proceeds and noted they will consider funding adjustments in upcoming budget decisions. No final appropriation was made during this meeting; commissioners asked staff and the director to return with options for covering the shortfall.
Wilson said he and staff will continue to manage expenses tightly and will return with more detailed requests if needed.
