Commissioners flag 911 funding shortfall as partners leave LEC; staff to circulate updated budget numbers

Commissioners spent a prolonged discussion on the Law Enforcement Center budget after staff presented figures that highlighted a growing gap between local 911 revenues and operating costs. "So the only revenue that we get for 9 1 1 in Benson County is $76,000 a year," a staff member noted, while maintenance expenses for the service were cited at about $181,911.

Board members asked staff to provide more precise numbers after members raised concerns about partner counties leaving the joint arrangement. One commissioner said the loss of members such as Nelson and another county had already driven a substantial increase in the county's required general-fund contribution. Commissioners discussed regionalization at the state level as a possible solution but flagged uncertainty about timing and legislative capacity to resolve shortfalls.

Staff said the LEC board would meet and agreed to circulate updated budget figures after that meeting. The board also agreed to consider a special meeting if the LEC meeting produced material changes to the county's projected obligations.