Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Fort Scott offers to transfer 911 dispatch to Bourbon County; city to fund majority for two years
Summary
The city of Fort Scott proposed transferring 911 dispatch services to Bourbon County’s sheriff beginning in 2026, offering $350,000 per year for 2026–27 while urging further discussion of costs, benefits and timing. Commissioners scheduled a county work session to examine budget and operational details.
The city of Fort Scott proposed on July 21 that Bourbon County take over the county’s 9‑1‑1 dispatch operations, with the city offering $350,000 per year to help cover transition costs in 2026 and 2027.
The proposal came from Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkins, who spoke to the county commission and said the city currently provides dispatch services and that the city receives about 57% of 9‑1‑1 calls while the county generates roughly 43% over a three‑year average. "City receives an e911 phone tax, which can only be used on certain things, roughly around $90,000 per year," Matkins said, adding that the city currently pays the county $50,000 per year for the service.
Matkins said the city would deliver a turnkey communications operation…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
