Members of the Franklin County Joint Emergency Telephone System Board listened intently as Kim Meyer presented agreed-upon procedures during Tuesday's lengthy meeting.

"We have performed the procedures solely to assist you with reviewing the status of compliance," she said.

"This was a voluntary procedure. Nothing in the Illinois Commerce Commission mandates that you have to have this report pertaining to agreed-upon procedures.

"A 911 policy has been developed for expenses, a detailed chart of expenses has been developed, a bank reconciliation process has been developed, and competitive bidding policies have been adopted," Meyer said. "You have also developed a 20-point checklist for independent contractors." Meyer is a certified public accountant with Powless Meyer & Hudgens LLC.

Meyer commended Director Rick Basso and his staff. "Everyone has done a good job to accomplish these goals in a year," she said. "This was a lot of work. This will decrease the risk of fraud and theft with the policies in place. Rick has played a huge role in moving things forward. He and his staff have done an exemplary job."

Vice-chairman Mickey Marshall and treasurer Ken Hungate credited Basso and assistant coordinator Cathy Lamont, saying the office "has come a long way".

Basso received approval to purchase fixed asset software, for a one-time license fee of $1,350.

He said the Board would be assessed a $155 annual update after the software has been installed. Marshall said he used similar software to inventory fixed assets in the Benton Fire Department.

"I think this would be money well spent," Marshall said.

Basso said he had been tracking and combining inventory lists and presented a draft of the document to board members.

In other business, Basso said he had made modifications to the dollar threshold policy.

"I have included definitions of parts and supplies," he said. "The threshold amount of $200 will be documented. Office supplies such as printer cartridges will be documented but not inventoried. Consumable and fixed assets will be inventoried and will have Franklin County 911 stickers attached to them. That includes the 10 fax machines that will be housed in the fire departments and fire protection districts."

Following executive session, members approved a motion to reengage Basso in negotiations with Government Capital Corporation on a lease-purchase agreement. He gave a recap of the Nov. 3 meeting, saying members had voted to suspend the lease agreement. "I have been working to negotiate the agreement to lease recording equipment being installed in the three PSAP locations," he said.

"Although the board had voted to suspend the leasing process due to extraordinary delays in completing the transaction, the leasing company has presented a new proposal.

"The nationwide credit crisis impacted the ability of the leasing company to meet our time frame requirements and the board had to take action to avoid further delays," Basso said. "We told them we were finished but they did not give up on making the lease work for us. The equipment is being installed. I expect the lease will be completed before the end of the month."

Board members also approved a motion to move the office to another location. Basso said the move would provide additional office and much needed secure storage space. "I should have a lease agreement available for review during the Dec. 16 meeting," he said.

Members also approved annual pay increases for the 911 staff, effective in December. Basso said Lamont would receive a $1,200 increase and field support assistant Keasha Trogolo would receive a $900 increase.

"Mike Carpenter, our part-time road sign technician, will receive a $1 per hour pay increase," Basso said.

"These are good people who have worked hard for the citizens of our county. I am grateful to the board for recognizing their contributions."