Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Special Session Thursday afternoon, (Oct 4, 2012) at City Hall, with members of the Barnes County Commission. All members of the City Commission were present.

The agenda item was Discussion of the 9-1-1 contract.

The County was looking to reach a consensus on the cost share, so the 9-1-1 fund is not left without a reserve.

At $1 per line, after costs there would be a zero dollar balance.

The County says equipment updates are needed, and the equipment costs are estimated at $271,000, if Barnes County opts to update and keep the 9-1-1 operations in Barnes county

The cost is estimated to be about $160,000 to form the three county partnership, with Stutsman and Richland Counties.

The County suggests Barnes County put in $50,000, Valley City $90,000 and 9-1-1 fees $100,000, for a joint operated system.

Mayor Werkhoven said the figures may be premature, until all 9-1-1 costs are known.

The Mayor also expressed concerns on the city’s share of costs.

It was noted the Stutsman and Richland County 9-1-1 agreement, and the possibility of adding Barnes County into the mix will help reduced operating costs, plus the availability of a backup system, in the event of a failure.

The host computer would be located in Stutsman County.

Barnes County would retain 9-1-1 dispatchers, and related new equipment.

Barnes County will further look into partnering with Stutsman and Richland County for 9-1-1 which is still possible, according to Stutsman County 9-1-1 Coordinator, Jerry Bergquist.

The City and County agreed on a proposed cost share at the meeting, for a one year contract to be revisited after a year.

No formal action was taken by the City Commission at the meeting.

Discussion then centered on a separate 9-1-1 dispatch center, to be located in the Law Enforcement Center, and run by Barnes County, the political subdivsion responsible for 9-1-1.

Dispatchers and the 9-1-1 Coordinator would be Barnes County employees.

The city would close the 9-1-1 fund and send the dollars to Barnes County for 9-1-1 operations.

It was suggested to keep the operations under Valley City Police, and newly appointed Police Chief, Fred Thompson, and revisit all issues in a year.

Barnes County Sheriff, Randy McClafflin said he wants 9-1-1 a separate stand alone entity from city operations, which City Commissioner Duane Magnuson agreed with.

Mayor Werkhoven asked from where a 9-1-1 Coordinator would come.

City Commissioner Pedersen suggested keep the management as is.

The Barnes County Commission will discuss the issue at it’s meeting and recommend which political subdivision will be in charge, of 9-1-1 and cost share issues.

Mayor Werkhoven said the city and county will be again, to further discuss the 9-1-1 future plans.

Thursday’s meeting was shown live on CSi 68, followed by replays.