Sheriff begins talks with dispatch

Lincoln County has nowhere near the money it needs to operate in the capacity it is currently designed. Even before the county realized that a quarter of its tax revenue from the last three years was drawn in error and actually belongs to the taxpayers, county commissioners were making tough decisions in an effort to cut one-fifth of the county budget as they prepare for shrinking federal funding.

Commissioners face the unenviable task of prescribing austerity measures they have no choice but to hope will lead to financial catharsis. While the controversial removal of North Lincoln County’s justice of the peace is tied up in a legal challenge, another consolidation effort may receive wider approval.

During a feasibility assessment presentation to commissioners Wednesday, Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe said Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch already provides most of the services Troy Area Dispatch offers. Troy Dispatch, recently remodeled and flush with cash following years of countywide tax miscalculations, became a 24-hour service in 2000. However, rather than operate on the 20 mills voters approved, Troy Dispatch board members say they need somewhere between 28 and 35 mills. Troy Dispatch’s operational budget is $250,350 this year.

Bowe estimates his dispatch center could handle Troy-area calls at a cost of $10,000 a year to the Troy Police Department. While the difference in price speaks for itself, there would be a few hurdles. First, county taxpayers would pay an estimated $318,860 for a two-step communications upgrade.

The first phase of the project would install a communication tower at the Troy Landfill which, at 150 feet above the valley floor, would provide strong coverage. The project would establish enhanced communication systems for Troy police, fire and ambulance services. The second phase would establish a microwave system and include the construction of an 80-foot tower on King Mountain.

Lincoln County Undersheriff Brent Faulkner said Lincoln County Dispatch would be able to handle all emergency calls from the Troy area as soon as the first phase is complete. A timetable for the proposed project is uncertain.

Another hurdle is the Troy community accepting the loss of a small-town staple and six jobs that will not be replaced in Libby.

“There is no intent to staff up,” Faulkner said.

It all comes down to what Troy Area Dispatch District taxpayers want. Montana law says a special district can be dissolved if “the purpose for creating the special district has been fulfilled and the special district is not needed in perpetuity.” If Troy-area residents think the move will save them money in the long run, county commissioners hold the authority to dissolve the district.

Faulkner stressed the sheriff’s office conducted the feasibility assessment following numerous requests from citizens and public officials alike.

“This is by no means a power grab,” Faulkner said.