Financial problems again the focus of Central Dispatch meeting

The West Franklin County Central Dispatch board met in regular session Wednesday nigh and again much of the meeting was spent updating the situation caused by the financial difficulties of the entity.

Central Dispatch, the agency dispatching first responders for western Franklin county, has been hit with a series of IRS and other actions regarding their finances.  Efforts were made by representatives of the communities, attorneys, tax agents and others to ascertain the true financial condition of Central Dispatch.

In the recent months, payments, above the normal day-to-day operating expenses for the dispatch center were paid by some members of the participating communities.. These recent payments have centered on what the Internal Revenue Service claimed was owed in unpaid taxes over the past years. Other bills overdue that have been paid include health insurance for workers and a large telephone bill. Inquiries have been made as to the reason for all the unpaid bills, and where the money itself actually went.

Not all of the communities receiving Central Dispatch service have participated in the repayment program. Royalton has made some of their share of payments,and are actively involved in becoming current for their share of the expenses. However, Sesser remains behind in their payments, according to the Central Dispatch board. The city of Sesser is taking an opposite stance, in claiming that they do not owe the money being sought. At the previous board meeting, a lawsuit from the board, against the city of Sesser, was approved.

Wednesday’s meeting saw the board review the current situation. Attorney Rebecca Whittington, representing West Franklin Central Dispatch, reported that FOIA information had been received from Sesser, hand delivered by Police Chief Rob Barrett.  There had been some issues with the material, but Whittington reported, along with attorney Jeff Trout, that the material was reviewed.  Whittington told board members that,” They can not deny they owe the money. Their own records show it.” Whittington reported that the lawsuit document should be completed by next month. At that time, the scope of the suit would have been decided,and what individuals could also be included.

Information is now being sought by the city of Sesser through their attorney, Robert Wilson, of Harrisburg.  Whittington said some of the material sought through the FOIA request was not applicable to record-keeping and could not be produced but said other materials will be produced.

Christopher Mayor Gary Bartolotti was unhappy with the large amount requested, and sought alternatives.

“I would be working people around the clock looking into city records,”  Bartolotti said.

It is still hoped that some type of agreement can be reached between Central Dispatch and Sesser before the suit is filed.

“The key to Central Dispatch is to keep the members intact,” Bartolotti said.

It is expected that filing of the lawsuit could be discussed at the December meeting.