MUSKEGON, Mich. - On the Nov. 6 ballot, residents of Muskegon County will be asked to increase the current 911 surcharge for radio equipment and technology upgrades needed to improve public safety communications.
Officials held a town hall meeting Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m., and they will be holding another one on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Muskegon Fire Department Central Station at 770 Terrace Street to discuss the plan with community members.
At its July 17 meeting, the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners approved ballot language to increase the current surcharge from $0.42 – one of the lowest in the state – up to $2.75 per month to improve vital public safety communication infrastructure.
According to officials at Muskegon Central Dispatch, which handles 911 calls and emergency dispatch for the entire County, current funding can no longer keep pace with the demands of technology, call volumes, Next Generation 911 requirements and growth. Currently, the Dispatch Center and 28 public safety agencies operate on equipment that will be difficult to repair by the end of the year.
The majority of Michigan counties – 74 out of 83 – have migrated or are in the process of migrating to the statewide 800 MHz radio network. Muskegon County is one of the last remaining counties in Michigan using a legacy system.
“Without addressing this aging radio infrastructure, our public safety teams will be an island, making communication with other public safety responders from outside the County difficult,” said Whitehall Police Chief Roger Squiers, who also chairs the Muskegon County COPS Board. “Reliable communication is crucial to delivering effective and efficient emergency response service to our citizens, businesses and visitors – and ensuring the safety of our first responders.
“In an emergency, when seconds count, having less reliable equipment that is not repairable could mean the difference between life and death.”
Right now, all landlines, mobile phones and other devices subscribed to a Muskegon County address capable of placing 911 call are assessed a monthly charge of $0.42, which is used to fund emergency 9-1-1 services.
If approved this fall, the surcharge will increase to up to $2.75 per month for subscribed devices. Pre-paid wireless devices pay a state surcharge of 5 percent. For multiple line users, such as businesses, the surcharge is only assessed on the first 10 lines individually and then prorated for additional lines.
Local surcharge funds collected can only be used for the specific propose of constructing, operating and maintaining 911 systems. If passed, the increased surcharge will be used to fund a number of projects, including:
- Radio: Transitioning to 800 MHz radios, which is the same system used by 74 out of 83 counties, in the state, including the Michigan State Police.
- Mobile data computers: The current mobile data computers used by public safety responders are out warranty and replacement parts are not available. MDCs are instrumental in the day-to-day operations and updating 9-1-1 calls, and access to important data for responders.
- Building infrastructure: There will be building infrastructure costs as the current leased space in downtown Muskegon is not sufficient to house the new 800 MHz equipment, a radio tower and NG9-1-1 equipment.
- Revolving capital replacement fund: A capital fund to cover replacement costs for radios, computers, data storage, off-site backup equipment, phones, software and NG9-1-1 technology.
- Fiber Optic Backup: Securing a fiber optic backup will provide the necessary redundancy for the fiber optic network utilized used by all public safety entities within the county.
If approved, collections could start beginning July 1, 2019, with full collections beginning Oct. 1, 2019.
For more information on the Muskegon Central Dispatch 911 surcharge, visit mcd911.net/.
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