OTTAWA — A dispute could be looming between the city of Ottawa and Franklin County over who pays for the 911 dispatch center. Now, the city and county split the costs of the salaries of the 911 dispatchers. City Commissioner Jeff Richards calls that a case of double taxation for city taxpayers, paying city taxes and then county taxes for the 911 center. According to county administrator Lisa Johnson, the city pays approximately $180,000 for the 911 center. The entire cost of the 911 center should be paid by the county, Richards said. In return, the city would pick up part of the cost of the Franklin County Historical Society, which operates the Old Depot Museum, which is in Ottawa. However, Monday, most county commissioners said they’re not willing to have the county to pick up the entire tab. County commissioners say they pick up the other costs of maintaining and operating the center. Half of the calls to the 911 center involve emergencies and situations inside the city boundaries, they said. However, they offered to change the agreement with the city that eliminates the city’s share of liability for the 911 center. In the original contract between the city and county, the city agreed to share liability as well as costs for the emergency center. The commissioners’ offer is in light of a situation that occurred when TT and T Towing considered suing the county over how emergency calls are distributed among towing companies. The county’s insurance company noticed the liability clause in the original contract and is now suing the city in attempt to get the city to pay part of the legal costs.
Wednesday, March 13, 6 a.m.
