(KNZA)--The City of Hiawatha has offered to pay Brown County $125,000 annually for continued dispatch services.

City Administrator Brad Scott met with county commissioners Tuesday to discuss the proposal. The county has provided dispatch services for Hiawatha since 1990.

Until 2017, the city paid the county $40,000 per year for those services. That payment was suspended by a previous commission, with the city instead providing in-kind services and directing savings toward law enforcement needs.

Earlier this year, Brown County asked Hiawatha to resume contributing to the cost of dispatch operations. Since then, both sides have been negotiating a new agreement.

Scott told commissioners the city is prepared to offer $125,000 per year, paid quarterly, beginning in 2027. He said the amount fits within the city’s financial plan, noting the city’s 2027 budget discussions focused on avoiding property tax increases.

County Commissioner Richard Tesoriero said the county would prefer the agreement take effect within the current fiscal year. He thanked Scott for the proposal and said commissioners will review and get back with the city.