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BOOK Jag pg - <br />Chairman Macht believed this to be a verycomplex issue and suggested the Board ask <br />County Attorney Vitunac to gather the salient facts and background, talk to all parties, and <br />bring the matter back to be more fully discussed with more information available. <br />In response to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Hiebert stated that most of his <br />calls come through road service club dispatchers. Before he bought a house and started his <br />business, he investigated the feasibility of opening a locksmith business in the county. When <br />he came to the area, none of the other locksmiths were doing emergency roadside services <br />for any of the motor clubs because the reimbursement rate was too low. It was after his <br />business was established that he learned of the volunteer program. <br />Vice Chairman Adams suggested staff investigate what is done in the surrounding <br />counties so the Board can address the matter with more information. She assured Mr. <br />Hiebert that the Commissioners heard and understood his concerns. <br />County Attorney Vitunac thought that no matter what the findings are, the decision <br />as to whether or not to continue the program ultimately lies with the Sheriff's Department. <br />Vice Chairman Adams understood the program was started in order to provide <br />emergency unlocking services in situations such as children or animals locked in cars and the <br />service has just, out of the goodness of their hearts, expanded. <br />There was CONSENSUS to direct the County Attorney to get together with all parties, <br />gather the facts, and bring it back to the Board. <br />Vinnie Palladino, who has spent over 9 years with the Sheriff's volunteer program, <br />vigorously defended the unlocking program as a service for which they get only "thank <br />you's". If a person wants to make a donation, they are advised to send it to the Sheriff's <br />Office and those donations are used toward tools. He claimed there was no cost to the <br />County for the "lock out service" and advised of rumors of over -charging by local <br />locksmiths. <br />Vice Chairman Adams cautioned Mr. Palladino about rumors and Chairman Macht <br />informed him that the Commission had directed the County Attorney to look into the matter <br />and report back. <br />MAY 259 1999 <br />38 <br />