Oakland County Commissioners Review 9 1 1 Charge Rate and Future Funding Needs

The Oakland County Finance Committee convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss the continuation of the county's 911 charge rate, which has remained steady at 42 cents per billable device for several years. Pat Coates, the retiring 911 coordinator, presented the resolution, emphasizing that this fee is crucial for funding the public safety radio system used by local police and fire departments.

Coates noted that the fee structure has not changed since 2019, when legislation allowed the county to avoid annual resolutions if the fee remained the same. He highlighted the importance of refreshing the resolution's dates to comply with state requirements, even though the fee itself will not increase.

Commissioner Spitz raised concerns about the potential need to increase the fee, suggesting that inflation and changes in technology could warrant a review. Coates agreed, mentioning that while the current maximum is 42 cents, there is room for adjustment through future legislative efforts. He proposed that a slight increase to 45 or 50 cents could significantly benefit the county, especially as funding from billable devices has decreased due to shifts in consumer behavior towards internet-based services.

The committee unanimously approved the continuation of the 911 charge rate, ensuring that essential funding for public safety remains intact. The discussion also hinted at future legislative changes that could impact the fee structure, reflecting ongoing concerns about funding adequacy in the face of evolving technology and service demands.