911 Committee Agrees On Initial Surcharge Amount

BESSEMER, MI - Saturday, May 09, 2009 - A special meeting of the Gogebic County Enhanced 911 Committee was held yesterday afternoon mostly to establish a telephone surcharge amount. In Tuesday's election, Gogebic County voters approved a surcharge of up to $1.65.  In order for Gogebic County to continue enhanced 911 service of any kind, the ridiculously low surcharge of 30¢ had to be increased. Back in July, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) reduced Gogebic County's surcharge from 52¢ to 30¢. Without a ballot resolution, the most the 911 Committee could charge would be 42¢.

While a 42¢ surcharge would be sufficient to provide 911 dispatch either through Negaunee or Iron County Michigan, it wouldn't be enough for the County to make necessary upgrades or to purchase needed equipment that will become obsolete in 2013. By 2013 all emergency radios will be required to be narrow band. Older radios will simply become inoperable.

Additionally, most communities agreed to approve the increased surcharge only if Gogebic County would establish their own stand-alone 911 system -- bringing jobs back to the county. Now, thanks to the County voters, Gogebic County has the right to establish a surcharge fee not to exceed $1.65. After much debate, the majority of the Committee agreed to initially assess the full $1.65 allowing the County to make needed upgrades and to purchase the needed equipment for an enhanced Gogebic County Dispatch Center. It was reasoned that the surcharge could be lowered once a local dispatch was in full operation and all of the needed upfront expenses were paid. The Gogebic County Enhanced 911 Committee has a proven track record of being frugal and responsible with the allotted revenues.

Besides regular business, like approving prior minutes and the agenda, the following actions were taken by the Committee:

Jim Loeper provided the Committee with budget information. Currently the Committee has $22,966.70 on hand.

Loeper also provided the Committee with election results listed by community. The following chart shows how the voting went on Tuesday:

Jurisdiction	Registered	Voted	Yes	No
Bessemer Township	1101	73	41	32
Erwin Township	613	80	45	35
Ironwood Charter Township	1990	535	311	224
Marenisco Township	560	120	73	47
Wakefield Township	278	69	38	31
Watersmeet Township	1424	242	143	99
City of Bessemer	1830	181	101	80
City of Ironwood, Precinct 1	2280	394	227	167
City of Ironwood, Precinct 2	2270	544	299	245
City of Wakefield	1471	263	171	92
TOTALS	13520	2501	1449	1052

The Committee unanimously voted to accept two new members: Bob Frederickson, representing Ironwood Charter Township and Scott Erickson, representing the City of Ironwood.

Loeper told the Committee that the necessary paperwork to allow the surcharge will be brought before the County Board, and will then be passed along to the State.

Prior to adjourning the meeting, Loeper told the Committee that the next meeting will be announced. Scott Erickson asked if the agenda could be emailed to the members PRIOR to the meeting so that they could prepare to address issues contained within. Loeper agreed.