In 2004, the Kansas Legislature approved the Wireless Enhanced 911 Act, which places a 50 cent tax on each wireless customer’s monthly bill.
The tax is divided, with 25 cents going to the State of Kansas to fund a grant program and 25 cents going to the wireless customer’s local public safety answering point (PSAP, or dispatch center).
At their Tuesday meeting, Butler County Commissioners granted their approval for Emergency Communications Director Chris Davis to apply for a $177,000 grant from the state’s grant program. The money will be put toward replacing 911 equipment at the Butler County PSAP located in El Dorado that is no longer manufactured or supported by the company from which it was purchased.
The commissioners also approved a letter of support for Andover’s PSAP to apply for grant money from the state’s grant program fund. The funds awarded by the state can only be used to purchase emergency communications equipment. The motion passed 4-1, with Commissioner Mike Wheeler opposed.
“I think it’s unnecessary duplication of services,” said Wheeler. “I think they should be using (the county’s) PSAP.”
In other business, the commissioners:
• approved the FY2011 KDOC Unexpended Reimbursed Carryover Line Item and Narrative Budgets.
• approved a 2010 Cereal Malt Beverage License for M&B Convenience Store.
• approved county appointments to fill vacancies on the Butler County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee. Those appointed were Steve Parsons, Cindy Stone, Neil Pauly and Hank Yoder.
• received and opened sealed bids for proposed surfacing work on county roads through Leon.
• received and opened sealed bids for proposed surfacing work on county roads through Whitewater.
•approved a tabled item on the recommendations from the steering committee for changes in grade and job description for Electrical Technician, Radio Systems Technician, Computer/Network Supervisor, Diversion Coordinator, Weed Sprayer I, Weed Sprayer II and Noxious Weed Supervisor.
• discussed some properties in the county that are not in compliance with zoning regulations.
