The Scotts Bluff County Commissioners have told the 11 communities served by the county’s 911 dispatch center that they will drop out of the 1990 interlocal agreement covering the center in December unless a new agreement that funds equipment upgrades is reached.

The county last year asked the 11 towns to pay about $350,000 on a per-capita basis to fund needed equipment and software upgrades, but most of the communities gave only about half of what was asked.

The commissioners now say that the towns must pay the requested amount by October 1st to continue receiving 911 and dispatch services after that date.

Commission Chair Mark Masterton says the county has been providing free service since 1990, but things have changed as the cost of needed technology has spiraled…requiring all those using the dispatch center to help with its funding.

Under the suggested breakdown, Scottsbluff would pay 41% of the annual cost for upgrades, Gering 23% and the County 22%, with the smaller communities splitting up the rest of the cost.

Scottsbluff City Manager Rick Kuckkahn says splitting capital improvement funding while still getting 911 service is “a great deal,” so he’ll be recommending his council sign the proposed agreement. Gering Mayor Ed Mayo says you can’t play “Russian Roulette” with 911 service, and he too will recommend approval by the Gering council.