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Pittsburg County emergency services board reviews 911 finances, hears report on text-to-911 use
Summary
The Pittsburg County Emergency Services Board reviewed 911 revenues and operations April 6, hearing from 911 Director Tara Roberts that text-to-911 has yielded only two texts since going live in September and costs roughly $600 per month; the board approved routine agenda items and adjourned.
The Pittsburg County Emergency Services Board on April 6 reviewed 911 revenues and operations and received a report from 911 Director Tara Roberts on the county's text-to-911 service and other operational matters.
Roberts presented the 911 financial report and gave an overview of recent activity in the county 911 fund. She told the board that text-to-911 has been active since September but "has only received two texts," and that the service runs about $600 a month. Roberts described how text-to-911 works and said the county has seen very low usage since the service went live.
Chairman Ross Selman said whether to continue the service is a decision for the city and its attorney to make, and he urged officials to consider potential liability if the service is discontinued. "Continuing the service is up to the city and their attorney, but they should look at the liability if they do not have the service," Selman said.
On operational coordination, Roberts said the board has not received approval from the base for the fire department to assist with "status zero" responses. Hope Trammell noted that Carlton Landing is now an approved Title 18 fire department, and Charlie Rogers added that Carlton Landing has acquired a ladder truck. The board discussed continuing status-zero issues but recorded no formal action on that topic.
The board also discussed how hang-up calls to 911 are handled. Roberts said dispatch staff call back and send an officer when appropriate; "the sheriff's office does the same," McClendon added.
Routine business proceeded without controversy: the board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting, and later adjourned by unanimous vote.
The board listed air medical services on the agenda but there was no discussion or action recorded on that item. The meeting adjourned after the completion of the listed business.
