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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) The Barnes County Commission took a step to move the Public Service Answering Point Dispatch Center by approving a plan to remodel space in the courthouse basement during a special meeting Thursday.

On a 3 to one vote the commission approved appropriating slightly more than $20,000 to build an office for the 9-1-1 coordinator, install a bathroom as well as an air conditioning and heating system.

After the meeting local reporters asked Commission President Eldred Knutson if the county would have enough dispatchers once the take-over is complete being 2 of the four dispatchers will not transfer over to county control.

Knutson said if everything goes according to plan the dispatch center could be operational in the basement of the courthouse by this August.

The commission is still waiting on an electrical wiring estimate before making a final decision on the remodeling cost, possibly as early as their next regular meeting on May 21.