Gogebic County 911 to Request $1.65 Phone Surcharge In May

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, February 20, 2009 - The Gogebic County Enhanced 911 Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at 1:00 PM in Conference Room B, on the ground floor of the Grand View Hospital in Ironwood. The purpose of the meeting was to finalize language for an increased 911 surcharge proposal to appear on the May 5th Election Ballot.

Currently, due to a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) ruling, a surcharge of 30¢ per month appears on cell, landline, and VOIP (voice over internet protocol) phone bills sent to Gogebic County users. The thirty cent surcharge set by the MPSC can be increased by resolution of the 911 Committee to as much as 42¢ per line/month. The problem is that 42¢ per month per line simply not enough to maintain 911 service to the county, no matter who provides the service.

During the meeting there was considerable discussion about creating a new Gogebic County Emergency Dispatch Center and discontinuing the use of existing service provided out of Negaunee  by the Michigan State Police.

Chairman Weimeri explained to the Committee that the issue before them was nothing more than to approve or deny the ballot language that is necessary in order for place the proposed surcharge increase on the May Election Ballot. In order for Gogebic County to receive the increase by 2009, a ballot proposal would have to appear on the May 5th School Election ballot. The ballot language must be turned into the County Clerk no later than February 24th to appear on the May ballot. The county board would need to adopt a resolution to place a 911 ballot proposal on the May ballot by February 25th. County Clerk Gerry Pelissero said that language would need to be drafted and a proposal would need to be submitted to him as soon as possible. The Committee could request as much as $3.00 per unit, but the voters have the right to accept or reject any ballot initiative.

The 911 Committee currently has only enough money to continue 911 service through the end of the year. If the ballot initiative fails, 911 services could be at risk. The requested $1.65 surcharge would allow the County to continue enhanced 911 service through Negaunee Dispatch and it would allow the County to replace antiquated equipment. According to Brian McEachern of the Negaunee Dispatch, whether Gogebic County leaves the Michigan State Police staffed 911 system in Negaunee or not, it will need to replace equipment that is quickly becoming obsolete.

In the end, the Committee approved a revised version of the proposal placed before them. A surcharge of $1.65 was agreed upon as the amount that would allow Gogebic County to continue to offer quality 911 service to the area.