Council presses mayor and staff on $55,005 dispatch cost and oversight of Chagrin Valley Dispatch

Councilors and residents pressed the mayor on Jan. 5 over whether the village was adequately represented at Chagrin Valley Dispatch (CBD) meetings and when the council should have been notified about a cost change that now postures a $55,005.10 figure for the village. A resident who reviewed CBD minutes said the dispatch authority approved appropriations and an exhibit showing the costs on Aug. 20 but that South Russell did not receive clear notice at the time.

A finance-related estimate discussed at the meeting determined the final figure to be $55,005.10. A councilor summarized the concern: "This village is now committed to spending $55,000 with no option," and asked whether the membership agreement — originally including both police and fire — had been amended after South Russell removed police services. The police chief and finance staff said CBD had provided estimates and that, after internal reallocation, the final number came from their third-quarter accounting. The village's response included the finance director telling council there was an initial estimate and later a revised figure.

The council asked for more detail from both CBD and the village finance director. The mayor agreed to request a CBD finance representative to attend a regular council meeting (targeted for Feb. 2) and the finance director to provide a breakdown of how costs are determined for new communities. Councilors also discussed procedural options — including asking the county sheriff or other dispatch providers about costs and the July 1 contractual deadline to opt out of CBD for the next year. No new contract was signed on the council floor at the meeting; the next step is a formal presentation and detailed financial breakdown.