DISPUTED BILL

Jaquish said a $34,000 bill from Verizon to install those lines is in dispute.

"We did get a quote from Verizon. They installed a much more expensive circuit. I think, with negotiation, we might be able to do something."

County Attorney Daniel Manning III said he's negotiating with Verizon.

"We're working to try to whittle Verizon down on the bill. They basically charged us double (the quote) plus mileage. It's not our fault they decided to put something else in. Verizon should honor what we agreed on."

The county approved the installation of the leased lines in August 2007, at a cost not to exceed $41,400.

LONG LAKE DISPATCH

Long Lake officials have not signed a contract for dispatching yet, Manning said.

Supervisor Roby Politi (R-North Elba) said a contract with Long Lake should have been signed before the work was done.

"I don't know if Long Lake can even afford to pay for it," Preston said. "Is there any way we can transfer the (Long Lake) dispatch back to their own people?"

The calls couldn't be transferred back and maintain Enhanced 911 services, Jaquish said.

"Long Lake had no idea about this," Manning said. "I believe Long Lake will agree to shoulder some of the costs for this up to what they can afford to pay."

Supervisor Joyce Morency (R-St. Armand) said she wants to know why the overages weren't caught by someone.

"I can't believe the auditor wouldn't pick up on this stuff. They question a bag of doughnuts."

lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com