Seymour’s City Council on Nov. 20 agreed to pay an outstanding invoice from Baylor County related to dispatch services that had been outsourced to Archer County, and asked that county partners provide advance notice and consultation before incurring unbudgeted expenses.

Staff explained the invoice (approximately $3,228.58) stemmed from outsourcing dispatch services and noted advantages to maintaining good relations with the county while also acknowledging the invoice was not anticipated in the city’s current budget. Council members said they did not want to set a precedent where partner agencies simply send bills without prior discussion. One council member proposed paying the bill while sending a letter to the county requesting prior notification of significant, unbudgeted service changes or expenses.

Council’s motion instructed staff to remit payment and to require partners to notify the city in advance if dispatch or other shared services are projected to exceed budgeted levels, and to convene discussions if needed. Staff and council emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration when joint services have potential fiscal impacts.