Richland County

The special meeting convened to discuss the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which serves as an interim power supply between power loss and generator activation. Two quotes were presented for replacing the UPS, which recently failed during a power outage. Following discussion regarding the quotes, the price, and the current budget limitations, a motion was passed to allocate up to $2,500.00 for replacing the UPS, pending further funding. Additionally, the board approved funding for one telecommunicator to attend the MABAS Communicators Conference.

The meeting began with a roll call and the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included updates on upcoming meetings, specifically a 911 board meeting scheduled for February 25th and a regular board meeting on February 18th. The finance report detailed county claims totaling $89,962.76 and non-county claims of $29,407.66, which were subsequently approved after a roll call vote. An IT committee report addressed the critical need to replace failing battery backups for the CSO, with a recommendation for a $36,000 solution, and discussions ensued regarding funding sources, including a $2,500 contribution from the 911 board contingency fund. The IT committee also presented plans to utilize the OPD's radio tower for a point-to-point wireless connection between the highway department and the courthouse to share services and improve connectivity, noting that the related Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) was pending city council approval next month. Further IT updates covered cost savings from service transitions and migration to Microsoft cloud-based tools. The website utilization was also reviewed, showing significant traffic from various county offices, and a plan to add a publication preview ballot was mentioned. The session concluded without entering executive session.

The meeting included an invitation to the open house for the new Health Professions Center at Olney Central College. Key financial discussions involved approving year-end claims and a motion to correct and approve a transfer of $450,000 of general fund revenue to the Capitol Projects Fund before the end of FY2025. A review of special funds indicated that public safety exceeded budget due to health/life insurance costs, and forfeiture funds were used for radios and the ROSC program. The committee presented the FY2026 Budget, which included allocated funds for the County Health Office move and mental health counseling services, resulting in a projected net deficit that the finance committee deemed conservative. Motions were passed to approve the FY2026 Budget, the Capital Projects Budget for 2026, and a County Trustee Resolution Quit Claim Deed.

Key discussions centered on legislative efforts by NENA/APCO to increase the surcharge, and updates regarding the State's strategic planning for 911 services, targeting completion by June 2026. The Board reviewed administrative rules being finalized by the State Advisory Board. Operational updates included ongoing weekly meetings for the Dispatch Pilot CESSA, with local resource needs being collected via forms due by year-end. The Board approved September's bills. Significant budget adjustments were made, including increasing the Dispatch salary, removing the County IT service line item due to consolidation with County onsite IT, and removing funding for workstation refresh pending potential grants. The Board also discussed the tentative budget, including the Even de Recorder upgrade planned for the 2026 budget, the need for a Time Sync Device per administrative rules, and the potential necessity of Omnigo-911 CAD Interface for required reporting. Furthermore, the Board approved a 5% salary increase for both the Director and the 911 Secretary and subsequently accepted the proposed 2025-2026 budget.

The meeting included a moment of remembrance for the passing of Mrs. Margaret King, who served on the 708 committee. Key discussions involved concerns regarding the Open Meetings Act, specifically executive session procedures and closed session minutes. The Finance Committee approved claims totaling over $113,000 county and $735,000 non-county. Expenditures approved included $25,000 for an additional vehicle for Noble-Wakefield Fire and $50,000 for a squad car purchase related to a third School Resource Officer (SRO). A decision was made to transfer $75,000 from reduced 708 funding to the general fund to support the ROSC program. The board also approved the proposed Tax Levy, representing a 4.79% increase, and the SRO contract with Richland County Unit District #1. The lease for the old animal control facility was terminated, and a bid for shoulder stone hauling on St. Marie Road was accepted. The board approved a quote for cyber security insurance and scheduled a public hearing for zoning changes concerning cannabis establishments for November 25, 2025. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss Labor Union Negotiation status.