Minutes Archive

Emergency Telephone District Board Meeting Minutes

SPECIAL SESSION

September 4, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Allen Byam, James Demarest, Jase Bolger, Eric Miller, Michael Olson, Bill Hankinson, Greg Purcell, Tom Hardy

MEMBERS ABSENT:	Dale Peet, Steven Frisbie, Larry Hausman, and Sue Ann Jessup

COUNTY STAFF:	Finance Analyst Jeryl Schoepke and Deputy Clerk/Board Aide Mary Lou Barrett

OTHERS PRESENT:	Jill Fish of Calhoun County 9-1-1, Frank Post of the Emmett Township Department of Public Safety, Mark Burke of the Marshall Ambulance Authority, Battle Creek Assistant City Manager Ken Tsuchiyama, Jim Zoss of Battle Creek Emergency Services, Rob Coles of the City of Springfield, Springfield City Manager Frank Peterson, Albion City Manager Michael Herman, and Marshall City Manager Chris Olson

Chairman Allen Byam called the special meeting to order at 1 :30 p.m. in the Law Library, County Building, 31 5 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan.

Chairman Byam advised that at the previous Emergency Telephone District Board meeting the Board voted to recommend to the Board of Commissioners to seek funding under the new legislation, taking the 2007 collections plus 2.7 percent that would be allowed, as the most expedient way to meet the September 17 deadline. Chairman Byam stated that since the previous meeting there has been discussion and training regarding what is allowable under the new legislation, and what is not; therefore, another meeting has been scheduled to discuss the proposed surcharge funding and to determine what action the Board would like to recommend. Chairman Byam advised that the Board's current recommendation is the 2007 collections plus 2.7 percent.

Greg Purcell suggested the Board reconsider its previous recommendation. Mr. Purcell advised that he attended the training session; further, that Jase Bolger attended a training session in St. John and established a Special Board meeting for September 13. Mr. Purcell stated that after the training he requested information from Jeryl, which he presented, advising that the revenue is based upon the number of land lines. Mr. Purcell pointed out that at a $.32 surcharge, revenue would actually be decreased and proposed that the Board, utilizing the five-year revenue average, recommend a surcharge of $.35. Mr. Purcell advised that there is provision for changing the amount of surcharge each year prior to April 1, however, that there are dynamics for such change; i.e., public hearings, etc.

Discussion continued regarding cost of E 9-1-1 service operations, what justification is required to seek more than the 2007 collections plus 2.7 percent, Phases I and II of the legislation, and consideration of using the 2000 revenue figures to determine the surcharge.

Ken Tsuchiyama inquired whether there is any interest in looking for additional revenue for capital items. Mr. Tsuchiyama advised that Battle Creek City did not include the actual cost of moving the dispatch center. Jase Bolger stated that to increase the surcharge is the Board of Commissioners' decision, and that the question from the Board shall be "Why should the tax payers have to pay more for the same service?" Frank Post stated that he senses there is no political will to entertain an increase, and inquired what will happen if the Board comes back in April with another increase. Comr. Bolger stated that he shall be hesitant to increase the cost to the tax payers unless Phase II is thoroughly discussed; further, that he believes it is in the best interests of the county citizens to have only one dispatch center. Mr. Purcell pointed out that most counties have one dispatch center; and addressed the A.M.S.A. arrangement, the agreement between the county and the City of Battle Creek, stating that he does not believe such issues can be addressed prior to the September 17 deadline.

Frank Post inquired who shall be completing Form B. Mr. Purcell advised that county administration will prepare the form.

"Motion by Ken Tsuchiyama, supported by James Demarest, adopt the following: Resolved by the Emergency Telephone District Board rescind its August 21, 2007 E 9-1-1 telephone surcharge recommendation to the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners; and recommend the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners submit application to the Michigan Public Service Commission for an E 9-1-1 telephone surcharge based upon the five-year state average revenue collection amount as presented by County Administration, equating to $.35 per telephone, with the understanding that the Emergency Telephone District Board shall revisit the surcharge each year prior to the April 1 deadline."

Voice Vote: Motion CARRIED

NOTE: This is not a valid resolution since the author of the motion is not an official member of the Emergency Telephone District Board. Mr. Purcell stated that he still does not know whether the September 13 Special Session shall be conducted, however, that he would like the PSAPs to be prepared to attend.

ADJOURNMENT:

The meeting adjourned at 3:06 p.m. at the call of the Chair.

Calhoun County
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Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 781-0700
Fax: (269) 781-0140

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