With a combined population of over 50,000 residents, Barren-Metcalfe Emergency Communications is bustling with activity night and day. Through the deluge of calls, coordinating and crises it’s understandable that a cornerstone to the center is often forgotten about, as it comes in the form of ledgers and bureaucracy.
The 911 Governing Board’s Meeting on Wednesday, July 24th, encompassed these themes with an agenda that highlighted the staggering amount of clerical work that goes into operating the service.
Board members present included Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher, Glasgow Administrator April Russell, Glasgow Councilman Max Marion, as well as Metcalfe County Judge-Executive Larry Wilson.
Starting at 4:30 p.m. Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley-Byrd, who attended via Zoom, called the meeting to order.
After approval of the minutes from May’s meeting, the board heard the treasurer’s report. Board treasurer Linda Wells delivered the report with a jarring disparity prompting questions.
With Edmonton State Bank’s (ESB) account at over $400,000 and South Central Bank’s (SCB) at $0.88, the board members were confused at this difference, this was vocalized by Metcalfe County Representative Curt Estes.
It was explained by Wells that the difference stems from the SCB account being primarily funded by a fee residents pay which is added into their telephone bill, which in turn will then help fund the service. In recent years this funding tactic has been in decline as landlines become increasingly scarce.
Wells went on to explain her proposal to the board to shift certain expenses to the ESB account.
The board unanimously voted in favor of the treasury request.
Unfortunately, a resurgence in landline usage is unlikely, leading members to find a possible solution. However, in order to enact a plan to adapt new funding strategies, the two counties will need to agree on the crux of the partnership, the interlocal agreement.
The current agreement, which has been in place for around three decades, has been in a state of limbo for several years as both counties attempt to reach an accord. Referencing a meeting held between both counties’ officials, Byrd expounded on some of the difficulties faced in reaching an agreement.
Byrd also brought attention to the challenges faced in regard to certain funding solutions.
While the agreement has been a focus for the group, progress has been slow, making the announcement that board members would find the most recent revised agreement in their packets all the more exciting.
Addressing Byrd, Marion asked that the board should be given time to review the agreement, which was met with agreement from all present, emphasizing the importance of the document.
A particularly positive point in the meeting came from director over the Barren County center, Beverly Harbison. She explained that thanks to the diligent work of assistant director April Dunbar the center would be receiving a grant of almost $30,000.
With little discussion moving forward the board adjourned, eager to see that both counties will have quick and quality assistance in a time of emergency.
