Tama County Supervisors set a public hearing on the proposed $26.9 million 2019-20 county budget for Monday, March 11, at 10 a.m. in the supervisors meeting room in the Administration Building, 104 West State St., Toledo. Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, Feb. 19, because of Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday. The budget is up just over 21.7 percent from the current $22,085,189 re-estimated budget. Two main factors are spiking the increase: a proposed new law enforcement and emergency radio system which is reflected in capital projects at $7,534,228 compared to the current $3,140,691 and an increase in debt service payments from $569.8365 currently to $965,819. “It’s vital, (the system) is failing at an alarming rate,”Tama County Emergency Management / E911 Coordinator Mindy Benson has said in calling for replacement of the 20-some year radio equipment. The E911 Board has recommended new equipment and radio towers at a cost not to exceed $6.75 million. The supervisors have not yet approved the issuance of bonds to pay for the equipment. They did meet in a work session with RACOM representatives, the preferred E911 Board supplier, in a work session on Feb. 11. On Tuesday supervisors approved hiring Steve Kenkel, Toledo attorney, to represent county interests in the upcoming 911 – communications project. The debt service hike includes about $390,000 in payment on the new radio system. It also is reflected as the result of Iowa legislative action which changed the tax increment financing system. This resulted in the county being responsible for more of the cost of a road improvement program which is based on property tax payments received from the Vienna Wind Turbine project. In other action on Tuesday the supervisors: •set a budget amendment hearing for March 18 at 10 a.m. for added expenses for radio communication towers. •approved weekly claims totaling $232,354.