After crunching the numbers, Allen County 911 Communications Director Angela Murphy estimates it would cost the county about $167,000 annually to absorb the City of Chanute into its emergency system.
Murphy suggested three more employees would be needed, which would entail additional licensing fees.
Chanute currently pays $180,000 for 911 services through Neosho County, but has been unhappy with the results, which have not improved despite 3%-5% percent fee increases, according to Murphy.
Commissioner Bruce Symes said he was pleased with Chanutes estimation of Allen Countys services, but was wary of venturing into a hornets nest between Chanute and Neosho County officials.
If it was Chanute and Neosho County coming to us together that would be one thing, but being in the middle of it, there is a lot for us to think about, Symes said.
Murphy recommended Chanute pay $200,000-$250,000 per year for the services.
Because Neosho County is shy one commissioner after the resignation of David Bideau, Allen County commissioners agreed they want to postpone any decision until their neighboring commission is fully staffed and has a chance to discuss the situation with Chanute City Manager Jeff Cantrell.
However, Murphy said Chanute city officials had told her they were not willing to re-engage in talks with the county. And if Chanute were unable to join Allen Countys services, they would look elsewhere.
Commissioner Bill King emphasized that city managers are a revolving door, and if they were to take on this project, they would need a three-to-five year agreement.
Whos to say he (Cantrell) is in that position next year? And if he isnt, who is to say the new manager wouldnt pull them out of here and go back with Neosho County? We need something in place that protects us, King said.
EMS FINANCIAL Director Terry Call informed the commissioners that the only bid the county has received for a 2010 Ambulance was from Osage Ambulance Company at $5,500. Commissioners voted 3-0 to award the bid to Osage.
Ron Holman, house and grounds director, asked commissioners to allow him to take bids to pull up carpet by the elevator on the first, second and third floors of the courthouse, and replace it with tile. Holman said the carpet gets soaked with water when they scrub the floors.
Holman also said he had spoke with a person that was replacing the trim in the courthouse. The bid to replace the trim came in at $1,000 but after speaking with the supplier of the trim, it would actually cost $1,829. Commissioners approved the new bid of $1,829, which was still $1,200 less than other bids received.
Mitch Garner, public works director, reported that the company that provides dust control for county roads is scheduled for the first week of June, but is running behind.
Dust control is supposed to start the first week of June, but they are 150 trucks behind because of the rain, so I think it will be a little later than that, Garner said.
