Presenter says 911 costs rose sharply; commissioners urged to note legislated line fees

Star told commissioners her agency’s board approved its budget and that the primary change was a 3% cost-of-living adjustment. She said the largest pressure across the joint board was a roughly 25% increase in 911 costs that must be divided among participating counties; Star also highlighted a $7,000 software line for 911 system costs.

A commissioner clarified the revenue source for 911: it comes from a statutorily-set charge on telephone lines (about $2 per line with roughly 50¢ for administration), which is effectively the dedicated revenue source for 911 operations in the county’s model. Commissioners noted the unusual size of the 911 increase and accepted that some redistribution of costs among counties was required.