ROSEBUD – Directors of the Gasconade County Enhanced-911 program are considering changing it primary banking facility, which would mark the first time the agency changed it home bank since its inception.

The 911 program has had Maries County Bank as its primary banking partner since the agency became independent of county government many years ago, although it does business regularly with other area banks on specific accounts such as Certificates of Deposit.

But during its regular monthly session Wednesday morning, the 911 Board of Directors was presented with a proposal from First State Community Bank to serve as the agency’s primary banking facility. The proposed interest rate is better than the agency now receives. The proposal calls for a 5-year contract between the bank and the agency. It was outlined to the board by 911 Executive Director Mike Lockhart.

“I think moving all of our banking to First State is the correct thing” to do, Lockhart said, adding that moving the various accounts to a new home bank could be done by the end of the year.

But Treasurer John Adams, who has been on the board since the agency became independent with its own funding source, said he wanted a close review of First State Community Banks’ proposal.

“I’d like to review all that on paper” before casting a vote to make a change, he said.

When asked by one of the newer board members why the 911 Program had been with Maries County Bank for so long, Adams explained that it’s because Marie County Bank was the only one really interested in doing business with the start-up agency. The directors will review First State Community Bank’s proposal and possibly take action at the August session.

Meanwhile, regarding finances, Adams reported that the program’s sales tax revenue is running $23,000 ahead of what was received during the first six months of last year.

“That’s always a nice thing,” said President Mike Mueller.

Adams noted that through the first six months of the fiscal year, the agency has used 51 percent of the funds budgeted for expenses.

Lockhart advised the board that it would see slightly higher spending for wages in the August report as some employees who are leaving will be paid for accumulated time. At the same time, he noted the agency’s mid-year financial review shows about $28,000 to $29,000 less paid out in wages than at this time last year because of retirements and departures.

A three-member panel of Mueller, Vice President Clyde Zelch and Director Josh Krull will meet Aug. 3 to review an insurance renewal plan. For the current employee insurance plan, the agency pays $113,000 for health coverage and $11,000 for dental.

Last year, the employees’ health insurance was renewed at a 12-percent increase from the previous year. The renewal plan now being considered carries a 14-percent increase. The ad hoc committee studying the proposal will report to the full board at the Aug. 12 session.