Fiscal Court votes to help fund E911, amount disputed

Commissioners
disagree on
funding amounts
for E911

By Misti Drew
Tribune-Courier News Editor
mdrew@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – E911 funding shortfalls were once again addressed in Friday’s meeting of the Marshall County Fiscal Court.

According to E911 Director Jeff Daniel, the service is losing between $10,000 and $12,000 per month and will be bankrupt by next year if additional funding sources are not ascertained.

Daniel has been working with the court, as well as the cities of Calvert, Benton and Hardin to find a financial resolution to the problem for the past few months.

However, a suitable cooperative agreement has yet to be reached, despite the presence of an inter-local contract between the cities and county signed upon 911’s inception nearly two decades ago.

Following delays and continuing unsuccessful negotiations between those involved, the option of outsourcing the service to the Kentucky State Police has been pursued.

In the midst of ongoing discussions, the future of Marshall County’s E911 system has remained uncertain.

However, on Friday, Marshall County Commissioner Jerry English made a motion to fund a portion of the money needed to keep E911 operational in the county.

He voted to take $50,000 from the county’s general fund, using it to help the service stay afloat until a more permanent resolution can be reached.

English voiced his support for the service, with County Judge-Executive Mike MiIler adding, “I hope they [the cities] will step up as well.”

While Commissioner Bob Gold seconded the motion, Commissioner Terry Anderson asked to have further discussion on the matter.

“I agree with everything Jerry said, but I think we should stipulate that we will fund any 911 shortfall until such a time as we have help from legislation,” Anderson told fellow court members.

Marshall County Judge-Executive Mike Miller questioned Anderson by saying, “Aren’t you letting the cities off the hook?”

Anderson said, “all residents, whether they live in the city or county, pay county taxes. If the county pays for this shortfall, then all the citizens pay an equal portion. If the cities are asked to pay again, then those residents pay twice,” Anderson said.

But Miller disagreed with Anderson and said, “cities do not have an option.”

Anderson continued to reiterate his point, saying he believed the final and most fair solution needs to be “that every citizen pays an equal share, regardless of where they live.”

Miller once again brought Englishs’ motion to a vote to contribute $50,000, roughly a third of the amount needed to fund E911’s annual shortfall.

English and Gold voted in favor, with Anderson voting “No,” insisting he felt the county should cover the amount entirely, rather than leaving the agency in limbo.

Following the discussion, Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Byars weighed in on the issue.

He stated his appreciation to English for his efforts, but said he wanted the court to consider something.

“Short of the county taking legal action against the cities,” which Byars said he didn’t think the county wanted to pursue, additional funding is not likely to be forthcoming, he said.

“Please keep in mind that you have nine families down there that don’t know what tomorrow will hold for their futures. This will be a travesty if the cities don’t pay what you think they should.”

Miller responded to Byars concerns by saying he continued to “hope for a read” on what the legislature will be doing to help resolve the funding crisis.

But Byars argued, “We can’t wait on that. I want you to keep in mind this is a vital portion of our emergency services,” he said.

Both Miller and English reassured Byars they would do whatever is necessary to keep the service in county.

City and county officials are reportedly meeting today with Kentucky State Police where outsourcing options, including the cost of doing so, will be discussed.