Kingfisher County 911 has reached a critical stage in its need for upgrades and other improvements, say those in charge.

Those leaders are looking to the county’s biggest population bases that it serves - the City of Kingfi sher and the towns of Hennessey and Okarche - to aid in that process.

Before they make a move, however, Kingfisher city commissioners said they wanted to gather more information and also balked at a lack of oversight by the city in exchange for the money it might provide.

Commissioners took part in a 30-plus minute discussion with County 911 Director Ryan Deatherage and Board of County Commissioners Chairman Heath Dobrovolny during their regular meeting on Feb. 13.

The BOCC took over the operations of Kingfisher County 911 about two years ago. Dobrovolny and fellow commissioners Jeff Moss and Ray Shimanek also serve as the board for Kingfisher County 911.

Deatherage was hired to his role last year and shortly after resigned his position on the city commission.

“The system as it stands…is only just now - after we’ve had it for roughly two years - starting to see improvements in what I’m going to say is the right direction,” Dobrovolny told city commissioners.

However, he said, there remains a huge gap in the funding Kingfisher County 911 receives and the amount it needs to operate as well as make necessary upgrades to the system that are long overdue.

That gap is about $300,000 of which Kingfi sher County commissioners have committed to pay $141,740.30.

It’s asking the three municipalities with the largest populations to cover the rest with the amount based on those populations: Kingfi sher at $95,217.06; Hennessey at $41,394.54; and Okarche at $21,648.10. (Ed. note: Cashion uses the service through Logan County. The smaller towns of Loyal and Dover are not being asked to provide funding.)

Hennessey’s board of trustees have already voted to pay the requested amount.

Okarche’s board votes this week.

Dobrovolny said he merely wanted to answer questions and provide information at Kingfisher’s meeting and the agenda item didn’t call for any action, only discussion.

“We are not asking this body to make a decision tonight,” he said. “This is simply information that we need you to digest and then come back and see if we can’t work out something here.”

One of the major issues raised by city commissioners was oversight.

The BOCC, said Dobrovolny, is not seeking to add any oversight from the communities that provide funding.

Prior to the county commissioners taking over the 911 service, county municipalities were asked to provide funding and the board reflected those communities.

“I attended some of those meetings,” Dobrovolny said. “It was clear to me that some changes needed to be made. That’s no slight to anyone on the board at that time. This is not a personal attack on any of those folks.”

That board eventually dissolved and Dobrovolny said the way the board has operated in the last two years has been much more productive than a “community board.”

“I’m going to be perfectly blunt. As it stands right now, having been down that road for eight-anda- half years, having seen the function, having seen the outcomes, the board of county commissioners is not interested in having another community board at this time,” he said when asked about the City of Kingfisher’s input.

“As a board over a county 911 system, we feel better having our hand on it,” Dobrovolny later added. “We had 8 1/2 years of the other way. The overall success and the final product is not what we’d expect as taxpayers.”

That includes upgrades to the system, many of which he said are long overdue.

“As soon as Ryan got in there, he hit the ground running. One of the first things he found out was that the system has not been updated for years…years!,” Dobrovolny said.

“Part of the problem now is we have an antiquated system that is not upgradeable. Part of the money we’re talking about is for that.”

Dobrovolny and Deatherage said the 911 board also plans to supplement the payroll, pay for continued training and handle other operating expenses, including dispatching.

City commissioner Kyle Mecklenburg put out the disclaimer that he was playing “devil’s advocate” when he asked why the city should pay $15,000 more per year for the services than it did before, but have no oversight.

“There was a time when every municipality was paying for a portion of the service and I think you guys would attest one of the reasons you pulled out was because you didn’t feel like you were getting your money’s worth,” Dobrovolny said.

Dave Slezickey, who was serving his final meeting at city manager, pointed out that Kingfisher turned out to be the only county municipality paying toward the service.

“You were paying $80,000 a year, yes. But that was a decision the community county board made, not this board,” Dobrovolny said.

“We’re asking the biggest municipalities to share in the burden.”

Mecklenburg again asked about paying even more money now, but having less of a say in how it’s being used.

“It just didn’t function right. Again, no slight to anyone who was on the board. You’re talking about several years worth of my community vs. your community,” Dobrovolny said.

“To address your concern, Kyle, directly: I’m not an authoritarian. I want community involvement. And if you come to a board meeting, I’m going to listen to what you have to say and I’ll take it under serious advisement. This is not something that I’m trying to railroad you, believe me.”

Although the funds being sought would be recurring annually, Deatherage pointed out that municipalities have the decision to opt out.

“The other side of it is, you’re basically agreeing to a one-year term,” Deatherage said. “If you don’t like it, you can go spend $2 million and start your own center. That’s what you’re looking at.”

Kingfisher Fire Department Chief Tony Stewart was among those at the meeting.

“I do know Heath will do a fantastic job,” he said. “Every time I deal with Heath, he’s top notch.”

Dobrovolny added the 911 system will move forward regardless of the city’s decision.

“I’ll put it to you this way: I’m committed to seeing this done. Whether the City of Kingfisher gets on board or not, it’s going to get done,” he said.

“I would like for you guys to join and be a part of the solution, but if you don’t feel like that’s appropriate, that’s fine. Either way, it’s going to get done. My resolve on this deal is as high as it can be.”

He later told the Times & Free Press that the county isn’t trying to raise fear.

“I’m not trying to cause panic in the public,” he said. “We will provide 911 service.”

However, he said, the funding the county currently collects is “only for taking and transferring a call.”

“That’s it,” he said. “When you call 911 and you need Kingfisher EMS, with the actual basic services, we transfer that call to a designated number with the City of Kingfisher.

“What we’re trying to cover is the increased cost in actual dispatching,” he said, noting that was part of the operational costs they are trying to recoup.

However, he added, the most prevalent issue is updating the obsolete system currently in place.

“It is critical,” Dobrovolny said. “It’s very critical that we get this system up to date.”

Acting City Manager Brittney Hladik said the issue will be revisited at a future city commission meeting.

Kingfisher’s next regular city commission meeting is March 20. The commission usually meets the second Monday of each month, but pushed the March meeting back a week due to Spring Break.