Fort Scott offers to transfer 911 dispatch to Bourbon County; city to fund majority for two years

The city of Fort Scott proposed on July 21 that Bourbon County take over the county’s 9‑1‑1 dispatch operations, with the city offering $350,000 per year to help cover transition costs in 2026 and 2027.

The proposal came from Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkins, who spoke to the county commission and said the city currently provides dispatch services and that the city receives about 57% of 9‑1‑1 calls while the county generates roughly 43% over a three‑year average. "City receives an e911 phone tax, which can only be used on certain things, roughly around $90,000 per year," Matkins said, adding that the city currently pays the county $50,000 per year for the service.

Matkins said the city would deliver a turnkey communications operation — "a complete turnkey e911 communications operation department with a dedicated 8‑member team as well as a full room of equipment operating and ready to go" — and that Fort Scott would pay $350,000 annually for 2026 and 2027 and would expect a renegotiation in 2028.

Why it matters: 9‑1‑1 dispatch is a mission‑critical public safety function. If Bourbon County takes over operations, the sheriff's office would assume payroll, benefits and operations. Commissioners and county staff said they need detailed cost estimates, including how differences in benefits and payroll might affect the county budget.

Commissioners and staff discussed the financial implications in the meeting. County officials noted the city's budgeted dispatch cost is about $550,000 for the current year; Matkins said that figure included wages, benefits and equipment. "If it costs $5.50 to run this gig, we're in a deficit of $60," a county budget participant said during the discussion, referring to thousands of dollars. County officials indicated they would need to adjust budgets or identify new revenue to fully cover the likely county share in later years.

Sheriff Bill Martin joined the discussion and county staff and consultants said the sheriff's office could absorb some costs in the 2026 budget year but that adjustments would be needed. County commissioners asked for more complete numbers on payroll, benefit differences and transition expenses before making a decision.

Next steps: Commissioners asked to hold a dedicated work session to vet the proposal with the sheriff, city staff and the county's budget advisers. Matkins and county officials agreed to meet with the county's finance team; Matkins suggested the city would continue its subsidy through 2026–27 while the county studies the transition. Commissioners set an initial coordination meeting for July 30 for further financial review ahead of budget season.

What was not decided: The commission did not vote on the transfer at the July 21 meeting. Commissioners said a budget work session is required to determine whether the county could assume operations and how to cover any shortfall beyond the city's contribution.

Speakers quoted in this story are identified in the meeting transcript.