911 Services Debate Dominates Mahaska County Supervisors Meeting

Oskaloosa, IA – The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors convened Monday morning, November 18, 2024, with a packed agenda addressing pressing issues, most notably the ongoing debate surrounding the county’s 911 services and dispatching challenges.

The meeting highlighted the tension between various stakeholders, including county supervisors, city council members, and local residents, over the management and funding of emergency services. Ronda Almond, a City Councilwoman and utility worker, brought attention to inefficiencies in the current 911 system during her remarks.

“I don’t think people realize the importance of 911 services,” Almond stated. She emphasized the life-saving nature of timely responses, drawing on her personal experience as a utility worker and community representative. Almond shadowed the county’s 911 dispatch center last week and noted her newfound appreciation for the dispatchers’ critical roles. However, she raised concerns about communication delays in service coverage for outlying areas, where response times can significantly differ.

Accountability vs. Cost

Chairman Mark Groenendyk and Supervisor Steve Wanders underscored the core issue: accountability. Groenendyk pointed to historical conflicts over which entity—city, county, or the Emergency Management Agency (EMA)—should bear the operational and financial responsibilities for 911 services.

“Who wants to pay for 911? That’s the biggest issue here,” Groenendyk stated, highlighting that shifting costs between the county and other jurisdictions has been a perennial struggle.

Wanders contrasted Mahaska County’s 911 costs with those of nearby Westcom, which operates at nearly half the per-capita expense. He noted disparities, such as the $88,000 annual salary of the 911 director, as examples of inefficiencies driving up costs.

“The rural people are paying $124.57 per person, compared to significantly less in urban areas like Oskaloosa,” Wanders reported, revealing a growing financial inequity among taxpayers.

Calls for Collaboration

Almond advocated for open dialogue and transparency. “We need to have a service. We need to get in a room and figure this out,” she urged, suggesting a series of workshops to explore sustainable solutions.

Despite past failed negotiations and lawsuits, Almond stressed the importance of collaboration. “If we don’t give this a good shot, we’ll never get to a solution.”

Future Discussions Planned

The board agreed to hold another work session with local mayors on December 18. Discussions will focus on police protection and refining the 911 service framework, which many agree needs a fundamental overhaul.

Supervisor Wanders emphasized the urgency of action, noting that budget planning for 2025 will soon begin. “We can’t afford to delay. This impacts every resident in the county,” he said.

Additional Agenda Highlights

Recount Request: The board approved a request from Christina Bohannan for a recount in the U.S. Representative District 1 election. A recount board will be assembled, with representatives from both parties and a neutral third member.
Pioneer Cemetery Commission: John Bandstra was reappointed to the commission.
Compensation Commission: Michelle Purdum was added to the condemnation commission as the county seeks more members.