Ballot Issue Nov. 7: $1 monthly fee wireless devices to fund 911
Clay County voters will decide on Nov. 7 whether to implement a $1 monthly fee on any wireless device capable of calling 911 to fund the regional 911 system. Since 1993, the funding mechanism for 911 has been a tax on landline phones. As the number of landlines in Clay County dwindles, the County is having to pull funds from other places to cover the costs. This year, the County will pay more than $1.1 million for its portion of the metro area’s regional emergency communications system, which is managed by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). The fees from landlines will cover only about $218,000. The County receives an additional $40,000 from state assistance, but that still leaves a deficit of about $850,000. County leaders expect that deficit to grow annually. The Clay County, Missouri Government Commission has approved a ballot question for Nov. 7 that will ask voters to approve a $1 monthly fee on any wireless device capable of calling 911. The fee would appear on your monthly phone bill. That fee will cover the existing costs of the 911 system and allow the implementation of next-generation 911 features.