After some discussion, Holland village council approved a payment of $63,000 for the 9-1-1 regional dispatch service for 2023.
At the October 18 meeting, Councilman Scott Brown said Lucas County is paying 50 percent of the bill which is $127,270. In the subsequent year, the county will reduce its percentage further to 25 percent and the year after that, Holland will be required to pay 100 percent.
Mayor Lee Irons explained that 26 entities in the county share the dispatch service, each paying its own proportionate share. Holland’s share is 0.85 percent, and Toledo’s is 65 percent, he noted.
The mayor expressed concern over the amount entities pay. “We know it is a very important service, but it has grown in cost for this coming year.”
He pointed out “we are very fortunate in Holland to be able to pay the bill, but some townships would have to drop all other services to pay their portion of the bill. It’s [cost] just gotten out of hand, really, really quickly.”
Councilman Ryan Spangler believes entities are trying to work out a solution. “They are exploring alternate methods of funding,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Heard from Mayor Irons that details are still being worked out with Republic Services for refuse pickup. “They would like recycling every other week, but we want it weekly,” he said.
•Learned from Councilman Brown that several openings for the police department have yet to be filled.
•Paid bills totaling $55,673.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 1 in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
~Jane Maiolo
