09-06-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes--September 6, 1994 1244 16. 17. 911 FEE PROPOSAL, Resolution #1994-10 adopted Mr. Ness proposed increasing the 911 fee in rural Cass County from fifty cents to one dollar per month per line to pay for additional staff at the Fargo Police Department dispatch center in response to requests from rural fire and rescue volunteers for additional services, such as call-back units. Glenn Ellingsberg, Sheriff's Department, said the City of Fargo recognizes their staffing is sufficient to handle current 911 calls but they may be at a point where they need to hire staff to cover requests of the rural responders for additional services, and it appears that will cost an additional $36,000. Alan Runck, Cass County Fire and Rescue Association, said he thought transfer of 911 calls to the Fargo Police Department would be without additional cost to the rural area. Mr. Ness said the proposal in 1993 did not require additional money but going back to the City of Fargo requesting additional services necessitates hiring additional staff. MOTION, passed Mr. Ness moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded to adopt a resolution requesting the County Auditor to place the following question on the November 8, 1994, general election ballot: .Shall the 911 fee in rural Cass County be increased from 50 cents per month per line to one dollar per month per line to maintain the existing service, effective January 1, 19957" Discussion: Mr. Runck referred to an advisory committee, and he was asked to write a letter to the county commission stating who would represent them. He also asked what will happen if voters do not approve a fee increase. Mr. Ness said the county commission will have to go back to the group and ask which services they want to pay for. County Auditor Michael Montplaisir said the amount that is generated from the current 911 fee, which is $40,000, pays for line costs, equipment, equipment maintenance and signs. It does not cover the cost of any personnel. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion carried with four members voting "Aye," Mr. Eckert opposing. ABATEMENT HEARING, Vernon Weber; Black Building update MOTION, passed Upon recommendation of Francis Klein, Tax Equalization Director, Mr. Wieland moved and Mrs. Toussaint seconded that abatement number 3983 be reduced to ~35,000 for 1993. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Mr. Klein informed the commission that the City of Fargo has returned an application for abatement of taxes submitted by the owners of the Black Building, and the county is scheduled to hold a hearing at the next meeting. Mr. Klein is currently investigating that application.