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Senate committee backs TECB increase of the 911 surcharge to $1.86, citing inflation, technology and consolidation goals
Summary
The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee ratified the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board's decision to increase the uniform 911 fee from $1.50 to $1.86, citing inflation, rising technology costs and an effort to encourage consolidation and enterprise solutions; committee vote 6‑4 to recommend passage.
The Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee voted to recommend Senate Joint Resolution 48, a resolution ratifying the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board’s (TECB) action to raise the uniform 911 surcharge from $1.50 to $1.86. The committee recorded a 6‑4 recommendation to the calendar committee.
Sponsor Senator Massey described the rate change as a response to inflation and increased costs since the prior adjustment in 2020 and said the TECB’s package included three policy elements: a compressed distribution to increase funding for rural and lower‑population districts, a technology fund to sponsor statewide enterprise solutions and incentives for consolidation where districts elect to combine services.
TECB representatives said districts are reporting operating “in the red” and that equipment and software costs — and the need to retain telecommunicators — had grown. “We are trying to increase that amount again,” TECB Chairman and Knox County 911 Executive Director Brad Anders told the committee, adding that the board also planned to incentivize co‑location of call centers and enterprise procurement to lower long‑term local costs.
Committee members pressing opposing views questioned the pace and frequency of fee increases and noted the board vote was narrow. Senator Wally asked about consolidation interest and whether districts would act on incentives; TECB said there was interest but no firm commitments yet. Senator Hensley asked about the comptroller’s representative’s concerns; witnesses said one board appointee from the comptroller’s office voted against the increase and that the objection reflected a preference for more front‑end consultation.
TECB staff provided fiscal context during a recess. Fiscal Review cited an average reserve level for the board around $30 million and estimated the increase would address equipment lifecycles, staffing needs and enterprise technology investments. Proponents emphasized this would fund modernization and address vulnerabilities revealed by recent large incidents in the state.
After discussion the clerk recorded the committee’s recommendation: 6 ayes, 4 noes. The committee forwarded the ratification resolution to the calendar committee as recommended.
