Edgar County Board flags rising 9-1-1 dispatch costs, $335,000 simulcast quote after tower inspection

Edgar County board members discussed a steep increase in local dispatching costs and a vendor quote for a radio simulcast system at a county board meeting. County officials said the total annual cost to staff six full‑time dispatchers is $442,748, and that under the existing cost‑share arrangement 9‑1‑1 reimburses the county for roughly 45 percent of that expense — a change that would add about $64,000 a year to 9‑1‑1’s payments to the county.

The issue emerged after an inspection identified metal deficiencies on a county tower and ahead of a 9‑1‑1 board meeting where a vendor is expected to present a $335,000 quote for a simulcast radio system. County board member Carl said, “The total cost for dispatching is $442,748 for the 6 dispatchers,” and warned that a $335,000 purchase should be put out for bid. “If they're going to purchase something…