VIENNA — Maries County officials began outlining the next steps for establishing the county’s new 911 board following voter approval of the one-percent sales tax earlier this month. During the Nov. 24 commission meeting, consultant Scott Penman from Penman Group and Sarah Newell, secretary for the Missouri 911 Service Board and Polk County Central Dispatch Director, walked commissioners through the legal requirements, timelines and practical considerations the county must meet in the coming months.

Newell was asked to attend the meeting so she could clarify questions that were raised by commissioners last week concerning the appointment and election process.

Commissioners asked when the new sales tax begins collection and were told it will take two quarters before the county sees any revenue, which means June. Newell said collection should begin by early summer, with the first distribution arriving roughly a quarter later. She also advised the county to ensure the existing landline surcharge phases out correctly.

Newell said she would provide a draft letter the county could send to telephone carriers to help avoid problems during the transition.

Under state law, the new 911 district must begin with a seven-member appointed board, chosen by the county commission. After this initial phase, the seats will convert to elected positions on staggered terms.

“You all will appoint that seven-man board to start out with,” Penman said. “Then it becomes an election. You’ll have three members from the east side of the county, three from the west, and a chairman elected countywide.”

Elections are expected to take place in April, which both Newell and Penman said is the most common month counties use because the cost is shared with other local races already on that ballot.

Commissioners asked who should be selected for the initial board. Newell explained that state statute requires representation from public safety sectors.

“You need folks that represent the fire protection districts, the ambulance districts, the sheriff’s department and municipalities, plus members of the general public,” Newell said. “Those are the people who already work closely with 911 and understand its needs.”

Even after the board is appointed, it will not have revenue until mid-year. In the meantime, it must complete organizational tasks such as obtaining a federal EIN, setting up a bank account, selecting officers, establishing bylaws and determining who will serve as authorized signers.

Newell said that is normal.

“They can organize and get bylaws in place, but that’s about all they can do until the revenue comes in,” she said.

Until the new funding arrives, the county will continue paying for dispatch services through the sheriff’s office out of the county’s general fund. Commissioners discussed whether the new district may later reimburse the county for that period, Newell said that varies by county and is up to local government.

Sheriff Mark Morgan told the commission he expects dispatch will initially remain housed in its current location within the sheriff’s office.

“I don’t really see how they’re going to be able to move it right away,” he said.

Newell said there is no legal requirement to relocate immediately. The new dispatch may continue operating out of the same space as long as the county and board adopt a simple lease agreement that clarifies insurance coverage, responsibility for equipment and access.

Commissioners also discussed which assets, such as towers, repeaters and the approximately $700,000 in upgraded equipment purchased in recent years, would transfer to the new district. Newell recommended documenting the transfer so future boards do not run into conflicts.

Newell and Penman referenced sections 190.339 and 190.335, which outline board structure, qualifications and officer requirements. Once elected, board members will select a vice chair, treasurer and secretary. Officers must be bonded, and members cannot have relatives within the fourth degree employed by the board.

They also clarified that candidates running for the April election must file with the 911 center, not with the county clerk, which Newell described as “not my favorite part” of the statute but required.

Commissioners asked about filing fees, and Penman confirmed that individual candidates do not pay to run. Only the political subdivision, the new 911 district, pays the cost of placing the issue on the ballot.

Newell assured commissioners that while the transition is complicated, more than 50 similar 911 districts operate in Missouri, and most are willing to share bylaws, policies and templates.

Newell said. “We’ve got documents and resources we can send. Once you get it off the ground, it’s not so bad. The first one is just a little tricky.”

Commissioners said they will begin contacting potential appointees immediately so the board can be formed as soon as possible.