DEPARTMENT: Office of the County Manager
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Discussion On Future County Financial Commitments To Dakota 911
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Discuss future County financial commitments to Dakota 911.
SUMMARY
Effective September 20, 2005, and pursuant to Resolution No. 05-446 (September 6, 2005), Dakota County entered into the joint powers agreement (JPA) establishing the Dakota Communications Center (DCC) to cooperatively engage in the establishment, operation and maintenance of a Countywide public safety answering point and communications center for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and other public safety services for the mutual benefit of all.
By Resolution No. 22-145 (April 5, 2022), the JPA was amended to provide for Dakota County funding a portion of DCC fixed costs beginning in 2022 that phased up to the current 50 percent level for 2024 and subsequent years. The JPA was also amended at that time to rename the DCC as Dakota 911. The current JPA is included as an attachment.
Under the amended JPA terms, no contributions to the Dakota 911 Capital Project Fund from any members were required for budget years 2022 to 2024, with member contributions to the Capital Project Fund to be evaluated beginning with the 2025 budget, together with determining the portion of the fund to be considered a “fixed cost.”
The JPA also contains a provision that “Dakota County will evaluate increasing its share of fixed costs for 2025 and subsequent years to more than 50 percent and up to potentially 100 percent.”
The Dakota 911 Board appointed a Fixed Cost Workgroup earlier this year, consisting of members from the Board (including Commissioner Slavik), staff from member agencies (including County Manager Smith), and Dakota 911 and Fiscal Agent (City of Lakeville) staff. To date the Workgroup has recommended that all capital expenses be considered “fixed costs” for the purposes of the JPA and has begun evaluating scenarios under which the County would increase its fixed cost contribution above 50 percent.
On April 24, 2024 the Dakota 911 Executive Committee reviewed the proposed 2025 budget and recommended approval by the Dakota 911 Board. The proposed 2025 budget is based on a Dakota County contribution of 50 percent to fixed costs and including a $900,000 total member assessment for the Capital Project Fund (of which Dakota County would be responsible for $450,000 directly at its 50 percent share).
Staff will review implications of the 2025 Dakota 911 budget as currently proposed, and additional implications of increasing the County fixed cost contribution beyond 50 percent, on the Dakota County budget and levy in 2025 and future years. County staff will seek Board direction and input as the Fixed Cost Workgroup continues to develop recommendations and as the 2025 Dakota 911 budget moves toward adoption later in May.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only. Staff seeks Board direction as discussions continue with other JPA members about the County’s future financial contributions to Dakota 911.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Under the Dakota 911 budget for 2025 as currently proposed (with the County fixed cost contribution at 50 percent), the total member fee for Dakota County for 2025 would be $1,972,062, an increase of $580,266 over 2024. Increasing the County share of fixed costs above 50 percent would add to that figure.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
22-145; 4/5/22
05-446; 9/6/05
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Joint Powers Agreement
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Matt Smith
Author: Matt Smith