08-08-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes-August 8, 2007 3238 911 service fund Mr. Montplaisir provided a summary of the 911 fund activity and budget. The fund receives revenues from a $1 surcharge on land and cell phones. The main purpose of the surcharge is to pay the county's share of the Red River Regional Dispatch Center (RRRDC) operation and for the state-wide upgrade project for the Enhanced 911 project for cellular service. Mr. Montplaisir said 911 revenues have decreased for two reasons: with annexation of county land into Fargo and West Fargo, the fees are now distributed to the cities rather than the county; and in the past, telephone companies had difficulty determining whether properties were within or outside city limits, but with mapping improvements to our GIS system, it was discovered that the county may have been receiving revenue belonging to a city. The equipment is becoming outdated and needs to be replaced and because revenues do not cover costs for 2008, he included a $180,000 transfer from the General Fund. The 911 service contract covers the county's share of the RRRDC operating budget of $1,916,300 and is divided among Fargo, Moorhead, Cass and Clay Counties. The service contract also covers the county's share of the RRRDC's Capital Improvements budget of $100,000. The other large expense is the upgrade to the 911 system and through the North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo), a state-wide effort is underway to improve the equipment necessary for telephone companies to supply 911 centers the ability to locate cell phone calls. The joint powers agreement requires the county to pay 40% of the wireless revenue to NDACo for this project and after all the towers are upgraded only 10% in costs may be required by the county. Mr. Montplaisir discussed the possibility of West Fargo becoming a member of the dispatch center. Mr. Vanyo, who sits on the 911 board, stated that West Fargo is not interested in becoming a member of the joint dispatch center at this time. He said that West Fargo city leaders feel their dispatchers have enough duties and responsibilities beyond dispatching to keep all their dispatch duties. Mr. Vanyo will continue to encourage West Fargo to join although he feels it will not be in 2008. MOTION, passed Mrs. Sorum moved and Mr. Vanyo seconded to approve the 2008 preliminary budget for the 911 Fund in the amount of $347,945. Discussion: Mr. Pawluk questioned if West Fargo residents are in essence paying 911 fees twice. Mr. Montplaisir stated they pay the property tax portion that funds the county. On roll call vote, the motion carried unanimously. Document preservation fund and NDRIN fund The document preservation fund is the result of fees collected in the County Recorder's Office when documents are filed and is used to enhance and maintain permanent records in the office. The office charges a $3 fee per document filed. Of the $3 fee, $1.50 is used to fund the North Dakota Recorders Information Network (NDRIN) and the remaining $1.50 is used to keep the County Recorder's equipment and programming updated. Mr. Montplaisir stated there will be a need for additional computer equipment in 2008 which has been included in the preliminary budget figures.