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Commissioners debate who should direct 9-1-1 fund spending as dispatch staffing strains persist
Summary
A disagreement surfaced over whether the PSAP (dispatch) or the county commission should direct spending from 9-1-1 funds after the commission approved radio purchases; commissioners agreed to keep the commission's financial control while exploring better communication with dispatch.
Commissioners spent a substantial portion of the meeting discussing dispatch staffing, interoperability with Sheridan County, and who has direction over 9-1-1 funds after some recent equipment purchases. The sheriff’s office reported high dispatch call volume and the PSAP raised concerns about being told of expenditures after the fact.
Committee member (S7) framed the PSAP’s view: “the PSAP should have direction of the use of those funds,” arguing local dispatch needs greater input into expenditures that affect radio compatibility and response. Other commissioners responded that the PSC agreement historically assigned financial control to the commission’s office and that staffing and service continuity must guide decisions. The board agreed to keep current financial-control procedures while improving communication so dispatch staff and PSAP managers are informed before or at the time of purchases.
The discussion included a specific recent purchase of radios and a proposed $3,576 taser purchase that the sheriff said could be covered by available funds. Commissioners emphasized the need for processes that preserve operational readiness while ensuring proper notification to PSAP staff and compliance with audit expectations.
