By MaryHelen Swanson

On Oct. 27, the county commissioners unanimously agreed to join the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board.

The Metropolitan Emergency Services Board was established by Joint Powers Agreement for the purpose of overseeing the 911 system in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

The Board consists of commissioners from the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington and a council person from the city of Minneapolis.

And now Chisago County.

The decision didnít come without discussion, however, and some concerns.

Sheriff Todd Rivard felt it was important to be a part of this group.

Commissioner Bob Gustafson has been sitting in on the meetings since March as the county considered formal membership.

Noting that Chisago County will have only 1 vote as opposed to other counties who have 2, Commissioner Lynn Schultz was concerned about the value. At least weíre at the table, Gustafson said.

Commissioner Rick Olseen was concerned about costs, other than the fees, which will be about $17,000 in 2007, if Chisago becomes a part of the board.

Will the county be obligated to go on the 800 megahertz system? Youíre not obligated, Nancy Pollock, of the MESB said. If we join, Olseen asked, will there be financial help to get on the system?

Thatís not an easy question, Pollock said, but an important one. All other members have done their systems on their own, some with grants.

Commissioner Ben Montzka was concerned with joining a joint powers board where the vote is based on population.

If the MESB enters into a big dollar project, Montzka said, would Chisago County be responsible too? Thereís no history in 30 years of existence of anything like that, Pollock said.

Board chairman Mike Robinson asked about leaving the joint powers. There is a provision for it in the agreement, but it would take unanimous approval by the other counties.

Pollock said she doesnít think that would ever be a problem.

Mission: The Metropolitan Emergency Services Board supports public safety by maintaining and enhancing 911 service and interoperable regional radio system and facilitating coordination of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This coordinated, regional approach to 911, interoperable radio communications and EMS ensures the integrity and accuracy of the Metro 911 system and an integrated public safety communications system for response to emergencies while reducing costs.

Check out www.MN-MESB.org for more information on the MESB.

Also last week, the board approved hiring two bailiffs for court security and two new deputies to handle contract police services to cities in the county. Shafer is the latest city to contract for deputy service.