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Battery backup fails on 911 phone system years ago

Employee receives notable pay increase

Staff reporter

A glitch in a battery backup caused Marion County 911 dispatch to malfunction Sunday evening, causing the 911 phone line to be out of order for 30 minutes.

Michele Abbott-Becker, county communications director, reported Monday to Marion County Commission that the backup worked fine Friday evening when a storm hit the area.

A vehicle struck and broke a pole on 190th Road early Sunday evening, and caused an electrical outage in Marion. When the outage occurred, a battery backup for the 911 telephone system did not activate.

"I'm not aware of any missed 911 calls," said Abbott-Becker.

In other business:

— Following numerous, consecutive executive sessions for a total of 20 minutes, the commission approved a nearly 15 percent pay increase for Steve Hudson, road supervisor. Hudson will be paid $34,000 per year, beginning June 21. Currently he is paid $29,800.

— County clerk Carol Maggard asked the commission for direction for department heads regarding the county's budget.

Beginning July 1, the county will not receive any new revenue for newly purchased business equipment and machinery which will significantly impact the current budget.

Commission chairman Dan Holub suggested department heads be "conservative to the point of painful."

Commissioner Bob Hein said any department with fuel expenses will experience increases.

— A price break for not-for-profit housing, owned and operated by public housing authorities, is still being considered by the commission.

When a resolution is approved, consultant Jim Kaup recommended specific wording be included in the minutes to reflect the commission's thought process in changing the solid waste fee structure.

The commission will review changes Monday, the next commission meeting.

— The commission also approved an annual contract for radios, towers, repeaters, and backup equipment with K-Com Inc. for $284 per month, an additional contract of $100 per month for service on the radios and equipment after hours, a chemical bid from Markley Service for $38.50 per gallon for 60 gallons of Banvil pesticide, and pay increases for county employees who have worked six months and a year. Employees receive a $50 per month increase after six months and $100 per month after one year.

— Rollin Schmidt, county noxious weed director, reported letters have been sent to landowners regarding musk thistle. A total of nine warnings and seven legals have been issued. Legals require action from a landowner to avoid fines.

— Schmidt also reported he has hired Mark Pagenkopf to work full-time in the transfer station. Pagenkopf will begin June 28.

— Abbott-Becker requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel. After the 10-minute session, the commission went into a second 10-minute session. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.

The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.

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