911 board looks at 2015 budget

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Nevada Daily Mail

With the end of the year approaching, the Western Missouri 911 Dispatch Board began looking at the budget for the new year during its' Nov. 26, meeting.

The dispatch board budgeted more than $500,000 for 2014, but year to date expenditures are still less than $400,000, likely because of two open positions. That carry over of funds will help as they prepare for a possible increase in the budget as they try to increase the staff by one part-time and two full-time positions, as well as consider a 2 percent cost of living adjustment.

Without those changes, the organization faces another budget of a little more than $500,000. The added personnel and COLA would increase that to almost $600,000.

But first the board considered expenses they could cut back on to save money. Some items included training courses and supplies they could do without.

The board also discussed the cost of items such as maintenance and insurance that could be improved upon. Director Tonia Davis said she would look into finding more competitive rates that could positively impact the budget.

While Davis does further research, the board decided to hold a budget work session after she updates the current numbers.

In other business, the board decided to fill the open seat on their board with a member of the Vernon County Ambulance District. Davis also said they would continue to seek applications for the two job openings available in dispatch.

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