DEPARTMENT: Enterprise Finance and Information Services Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Discussion Of Future County Funding Approach To Dakota 911
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Discuss future County funding approach to Dakota 911 and receive an update on operational assessments.
SUMMARY
Dakota County entered into a joint powers agreement establishing the Dakota Communications Center on September 20, 2005, to establish, operate and maintain a countywide public safety answering point and communications center for public safety services in Dakota County.
By Resolution No. 22-145 (April 5, 2022), the joint powers agreement was amended to provide for Dakota County funding a portion of fixed costs beginning in 2022 that phased up the amount the County funds to 50 percent starting in 2024 and subsequent years. The joint powers agreement was also amended to rename the Dakota Communications Center to Dakota 911.
Under the amended joint powers agreement, 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. In subsequent meetings, it was agreed upon that capital costs are fixed costs and a contribution from members in the amount of $900,000 would be included in the 2025 Dakota 911 budget to the Capital Project Fund.
The joint powers agreement also contained 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.
Dakota County’s contribution to Dakota 911 totaled $1,391,796 in 2024 and the adopted Dakota 911 budget for 2025 includes a contribution from Dakota County in the amount of $1,972,062. This is an increase of $580,266 or 41.6 percent.
The County Board requested further information on the progress of operational assessments and efficiency studies completed in the past few years. The attached memo from the Dakota 911 Executive Director addresses most of those issues and will be reviewed with the County Board.
The joint powers agreement also calls for evaluating increasing future contributions to fixed costs over the current level of 50 percent for 2025 and subsequent years. The County Board can start discussions on this issue. With the status of the draft Dakota County 2025 budget, it is likely that if there is a change in funding percentage, it would need to be in 2026 or later.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only. Staff recommends that the County Board hear the update on operational issues as requested at a previous meeting and discuss the County Board approach to future funding of Dakota 911.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Any future financial impacts are dependent on the direction of the County Board and discussions with the other Dakota 911 members.
☒ 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
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Operational Assessment Memo from Dakota 911
Attachment: Dakota 911 2025 Adopted Budget
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: David McKnight
Author: David McKnight