Geary County commissioners appoint three members as 9-1-1 board faces shortfall

Geary County commissioners voted to appoint three members to the county’s 9-1-1 board on a motion that carried after a lengthy discussion about the board’s finances and governance.

The vote filled two immediate vacancies and added John Moyer to the board; commissioners also approved appointments for Sheriff Beckman and Mr. Burgess. The commission recorded the motion as carried without a roll-call tally in the meeting minutes.

The action followed a presentation by Tammy Robinson, Geary County finance director, who told the commission that the board’s average net loss is about $113,000 per year and that the fund balance could fall to roughly $2,000 at the start of 2026. Robinson identified fixed annual and monthly contract costs—APCO International, utility payments and a variable-rate debt service payment—that she said will soon outstrip incoming fee revenue.

“Just looking at it, I mean, 2026, you’re not gonna have enough money to operate,” Robinson said during the meeting.

City manager Kim Zimmerman and other officials urged the commission to review the board’s structure and legal framework. Zimmerman noted the 9-1-1 board operates with representation from the city, county and several municipalities but that the funding flows through the county, creating a mismatch between governance and fiscal responsibility. Commissioners and municipal representatives discussed options including making the 9-1-1 body an advisory panel while the county retains budgeting authority.

Commissioners asked staff to pursue several near-term steps: (1) fill the two vacancies on the existing board immediately, (2) document options for governing-board structure and legal authority, (3) explore refinancing the variable-rate loan tied to the radio project, and (4) pursue counsel to review past AG opinions and potential state coordinating-council funding. Robinson flagged the debt’s interest-rate sensitivity—originally about 3.36% and rising to approximately 8.36%—as a key driver of strain on the fund.

Officials also discussed operational remedies and potential revenue enhancements: adding other public users (school districts, public works) to increase tower and system rental revenue, seeking grants through the new state 9-1-1 coordinating council, and reviewing the location and redundancy of backup dispatch sites. Several participants recommended tours of the dispatch center and greater transparency to help the public understand the need for any future funding requests.

The commission’s appointments take immediate effect and the new or reconstituted board is expected to meet monthly. County staff were directed to return with options for governance change, legal review and refinancing scenarios.