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Commissioners weigh 911 levy revenue against half‑million radio bid and staffing costs
Summary
Daniels County commissioners discussed whether a recently approved safety/911 levy will cover both dispatcher wages and a costly radio-system upgrade; estimates discussed included roughly $345,000–$365,000 per year levy revenue and a radio bid near $500,000 plus a $64,925 logger/recorder expense and outstanding loans.
Daniels County commissioners spent substantial time July 15 assessing how proceeds from the county's safety/911 levy could be allocated between staffing and equipment.
Christy, a county staff member, outlined shortfalls and obligations: the county currently funds two dispatcher positions from the 911 fund but is considering moving those positions into a newly established safety fund. Commissioners discussed vendor quotes for radio replacements (discussed in the meeting as near $500,000 for the full radio bid) and a separate logger/recorder contract item cited at $64,925. Board members also referenced an existing US Bank note of roughly $87,000 tied to past purchases and a Motorola loan the county is repaying.
"The idea wasn't to take the money out of the general fund," Christy said, noting that the levy was intended to "supplement" existing revenue but likely will not cover both radios and new wage increases. Commissioners discussed projected levy revenue figures in multiple places during the discussion; staff and board members referenced numbers ranging from about $345,000 to $365,000 per year over the levy term and noted that actual receipts depend on taxpayer payments.
Commissioners debated alternatives including staging equipment purchases, using 911 fund reserves for some purchases, or delaying radio procurement until cash flow allows. They also noted operational pressures: radios and the logger are necessary for reliable dispatching and recording, but immediate purchase would strain available levy revenue and leave limited funds for wages and other operating costs. No final procurement decision was made; staff were asked to return with clearer cost allocations and options for phasing purchases.
