The Yakima County, (Wash.) E911 Administrative Board has filed comments with the FCC opposing the diversion of 911 surcharges and fees for other purposes.  In comments filed in PS docket 09-14, the board said “that the diversion and withholding of funds from the intended specific purposes hinders the enhancement of the 9-1-1 and NG911 communication systems in which these taxes were enacted to exclusively support.

“Furthermore, the diversion of funds also erodes the credibility and trust of the local elected officials and creates greater skepticism of the public when it becomes necessary for elected officials to gamer future public support of future public safety communication systems,” the county added.

The county filed comments in response to a report released by the FCC recently that found that six states, including Washington state, and Puerto Rico diverted nearly $183.3 million in 911 fees and surcharges for non-911 purposes in 2013 (TRDaily, Jan. 23). – Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily