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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Dickinson County is asking the Federal Communications Commission to expand its definition of the allowable use of 911 surcharge fees.
A resolution adopted by the county board Monday comes in response to federal legislation enacted in December to prevent states and local jurisdictions from diverting 911 fees for non-911 purposes.
The Federal Communications Commission, at the direction of the Don't Break Up the T-Band Act of 2020, is proposing rules that define the 911 fee uses that are acceptable.
The county's objection is that the proposed rules allow only costs associated with dispatch centers, and nothing "outside the walls," said Brian Bousley, controller.
According to the resolution, the FCC's proposed rules would exclude radio systems, in-car computer systems and location service devices for first responders as well as tower infrastructure and handheld radios.
"These systems are critical for effective communication between 911 centers and first responders," the resolution states.
The board voted unanimously to ask the FCC to include communication systems and communication infrastructure as allowable expenses. The Michigan Sheriff's Association has taken a similar position in opposition to the proposed FCC rule, Sheriff Scott Rutter said.
In other action, the board:
-- Approved a temporary personnel policy allowing for up to 40 hours of COVID-19 paid time off until June 30. The leave is for employees who are either experiencing symptoms and seeking diagnosis, are under quarantine, or are caring for someone under quarantine.
-- Appointed Gene Carollo to fill an unexpired term on Dickinson County Planning Commission ending Feb. 28, 2023. A vacancy on the panel remains.
-- Authorized County Clerk-Register of Deeds Carol Bronzyk to fill a circuit court clerk vacancy.
-- Approved a 2021 operating agreement with International Air Charters Inc. of Rapid City, S.D., for its air ambulance service and on demand air charter service at Ford Airport, carrying a land lease fee of $1,170 as well as an electrical charge and landing/ramp fees. A similar agreement was approved for Classic Aero Maintenance LLC for its aircraft repair and maintenance service at the airport.
-- Approved an updating of the Dickinson County Remonumentation Committee, with Jeremy Pipp as county representative and Shannon Juneau as grant administrator.
-- Allocated $350 to the Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council to support 2021 operations. The council is a non-profit corporation that promotes both the conservation of natural resources and the implementation of economic development activities.
Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-3500 ext. 226 or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.