The county approved a two-year contract for a new 911 service at this morning’s Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting.

The fee for Smart 911 is $3,000 up front with a two-year contract of $12,000 a year.

Smart 911 was first proposed at the last commissioner’s meeting, however, the board wanted to obtain more information before making a final decision. The service gives 911 dispatchers more information than current 911 calls, such as medical information, said David Rosenberry, director of Kosciusko Communications Center. The public is asked to provide information, then entered into a database.

Ed Rock, emergency management director, said the new service is very helpful, especially for those with special needs. No word yet on when the new service will be launched.

Two of the commissioners were hesitant at first to approve the new service. However, Commissioner Ron Truex said, “It can be a huge asset. I think for the amount of money, it’s a great provider of service to the county.”

Porter County uses the service, he said, and has seen it as a huge asset to the community. Porter County had 50 calls in one month that helped assist people, thanks to Smart 911.

Instead of a five-year contract, commissioners voted to approve a two-year contract instead, with the option of extending it to five years. “I think it’s the right thing to do,” said Truex.

In other news, commissioners approved a contract with SRI Incorporated, the company that takes care of the county’s tax sales. The service decreased to $70 per parcel.

The county is also looking at a resolution to have SRI do the county’s certificate tax sales. County treasurer Sue Ann Mitchell sees it as helpful, especially with so many properties that have tax sales repeatedly, with fees as high as $495. The matter will be discussed at a future meeting.

Commissioners also discussed re-establishing cumulative capital development tax funds to help maintain the county’s roads. While no action was taken at Tuesday’s meeting, a notice will be published in area newspapers, said county attorney Chad Miner. At the next meeting, commissioners will vote on the proposed ordinance. The county’s financial advisor, H.J. Umbaugh and Associates, suggested the ordinance be presented at Tuesday’s commissioners meeting.

The county council will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, to discuss a proposed wheel tax, another possible source of revenue for maintaining roads.