LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Discussion of plans to combine dispatch service in Edgar County dominated the County Board’s June 8 study session, as interested parties urged the board to schedule regular committee meetings on the issue.
The meeting opened with public comment, during which Troy Eads shared his thoughts on the issue.
“I would like the county board to continue the talks about making the 911 system sustainable for the future of all constituents of the county, and not what’s in the best interest of one department, or even the county board itself,” Eads said. “It takes true leaders to make those tough decisions, to be analytical, to be factual and be objective to make the 911 system sustainable for years to come.”
Continuing the discussion, County Board member Karl Farnham opened the floor to ETSB members in attendance, stating that the board is “here to listen.”
Jesse Lewsader, a member of the ETSB board, shared what he believes are the project’s top priorities.
“The two most appropriate questions to ask, in my opinion, are one, ‘What is the oversight mechanism for an operation like that,’ and secondly, ‘What is the funding structure?’” he said.
However, without the chief of police or the sheriff in attendance at the meeting, ETSB Chair Adam Webb said, “no real plans could be made.” For that reason, the conversation turned to making plans for future meetings during which the system could be planned with all parties involved.
“In the past, it has been troublesome to get everyone together in the same room to have a constructive conversation,” Lewsader pointed out. He went on to describe a staffing model and cost analysis made in 2021 when the concept of a joint dispatch service was first broached to the board.
“What would be the intent moving forward, understanding that a couple people could not be here tonight?” Lewsader asked the board. “Is it special meetings? Is it agenda items at study sessions? What is the board’s preference on continuing this conversation?”
County Board Chairman Jeff Voigt responded directly, stating, “We’re talking about a subcommittee of the board, along with key principals, including you folks.”
Voigt indicated that he wanted to form a smaller subcommittee to streamline the process and ensure the project didn’t fizzle out.
Lewsader echoed those concerns, saying, “My fear is that things will stay in limbo and that it will fall through the cracks, like I have seen happen in the past, and we maintain the status quo,” he said. “To maintain some cadence or some regularity to the conversation, I think, is going to be very important.”
Voigt explained that he envisioned a subcommittee of six or seven, comprised of two County Board members, two ETSB members and representatives from each the City of Paris and the Sheriff’s Department.
Webb agreed with that idea, though he expressed concerns about ensuring the attendance of all necessary participants.
“I need someone on the board to take it upon themselves to set a date,” Webb explained. “Just make sure Terry [Rogers] and Jeff [Wood] can be there, whatever date that may be, and set the date. That’s all I’m asking at this point.”
Voigt assured Webb that they would set the meeting, going as far as proposing Monday, June 22, for the meeting.
“I’ll make it work,” Webb responded.
“I think everyone’s moving forward towards the same goal,” he continued. “We all have different ideas of how to get there, and it’s probably going to be contentious at some points…But the first step is getting the people together.”
In other business, Lisa Ellis reported that since the HRC has lost funding suddenly for its Living Room Project, there will likely be a lapse in service at the end of June while they and the board sort out a new funding stream.
Ellis also reported that Whitetail Solar will hold a public information meeting regarding its solar project near Grandview on June 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Eveland Gym in Paris.