Paducah and McCracken both approve 911 agreement

During Tuesday's meetings, the McCracken County Fiscal Court and the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved the interlocal agreement on the 911 project.

There are still some loose ends to tie up, including drafting and adopting ordinances to provide funding for the 911 operational budget. User fees, parcel fees, fees on wireless services, and grants are all sources that could be used for funding. McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer says the Fiscal Court will take that up at the next meeting.

According to the agreement, Paducah Police will continue to manage the Paducah-McCracken County 911 Service and all staff will be employed by the City of Paducah. A new five-person citizen board will be created through the agreement, as well. That body will be responsible for drafting a budget for the service and presenting it to the City and the County annually. It is also specified that those board members cannot be employees of the City or County.

A user committee of stakeholders will also be created as part of the agreement. Representatives from Paducah Police, Paducah Fire, the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, Emergency Management, the five county fire departments, and another 911 customer will be a part of that board. 

The initial interlocal agreement is for five years and it will automatically renew unless either the City or County opts out.