County staff reported to the finance committee that the current telecommunicator contract expires Nov. 30 and that negotiations over dispatch fees and the joint dispatch agreement must be completed promptly.

Kenneth Watts and county staff said they are arranging conversations with fire departments, EMS providers and village police to explain proposed dispatch fees and reach agreement; staff said that the joint‑dispatch budget for fiscal 2026 is largely complete but final fee numbers depend on the outcome of negotiations.

Committee members discussed the role of the state’s attorney in hiring outside counsel. Staff said the state’s attorney has hiring authority and pays special attorney costs from the county general fund; several members noted that, if outside counsel is needed, the county attorney should provide a letter of engagement authorizing the work and the funding source.

No final contract was approved at the meeting. Committee members requested that staff continue negotiations, provide updated cost figures and coordinate with the state’s attorney’s office so that any specialized legal work would be properly authorized and budgeted.