Paducah–McCracken 9-1-1 board projects about $504,000 shortfall; city and county will split gap

Jeff Parker, presenting on behalf of the Paducah–McCracken County 9‑1‑1 administrative board, told the commission the board projects expenses for fiscal years 2026–27 to rise from $3,340,000 to $3,490,000 — a roughly 4% increase — and described several drivers behind the increase.

"There's a few different drivers, health insurance, approximately 40,000, radioside insurance, 33,500, utilities, 24,500, security upgrades, 70,000...and a few of the onetime costs will run around 75,000," Parker said while walking commissioners through the presentation. He told the board projected FY2027 revenue is about $2,987,000, mostly from 9‑1‑1 fees and CMRS receipts, and said the budget shows "a shortfall of $503,962," which staff said would be split between the city and county.

Commissioners asked technical questions about tower remediation and the five remote shelter sites that house equipment, generators and propane tanks. Staff explained the tower remediation plan would reduce a 911 tower’s height by roughly 100 feet to avoid more extensive base reinforcement and said site startup costs are estimates because meters and exact electric usage at those shelter sites remain unknown.

City manager and finance staff described how 9‑1‑1 parcel fees and CMRS (cell‑phone fees) flow into the joint budget and said state statute governing 9‑1‑1 requires recalculation of fees if surpluses occur in future years.

Parker and staff framed the current projected city/county share (about $250,000 each) as substantially lower than prior years when the city covered larger contributions. No formal vote was required for the budget presentation; commissioners thanked the presenters and invited follow‑up discussion in budget meetings.

Next steps: staff will continue budget planning with individual commissioner meetings and will present the budget message in May with adoption expected in June, per the statutory schedule.