Oakland County board reaffirms 9‑1‑1 fee at 42¢ per device, discusses future increases and sunset

Pat Coates, the county’s retiring 9‑1‑1 coordinator, told commissioners the county has assessed the 9‑1‑1 fee at 42¢ per billable device for years and that the fee “can be assessed by the Board of Commissioners up to an amount of 42¢ per billable device within Oakland County.” He said the fee historically funded the countywide radio system that police and fire departments use and noted the state law was changed in 2019 so a full yearly resolution is not required when the fee amount does not change.

Coates described operational concerns raised during Lansing testimony by communications directors: staffing constraints, how paid sick‑leave policy language might affect 9‑1‑1 center staffing, and the need to preserve internal operational policies to avoid unintended staffing absences. He told the committee the county routinely seeks a sunset clause in legislative renewals because technology and funding needs change.

Commissioners asked whether the fee could be raised; Coates said the board can raise up to 42¢ by resolution and may increase beyond that (up to $3) only by a public vote. He suggested that even a small increase “a few pennies” in a populous county like Oakland would provide significant additional revenue, and he said the state sunset in the statute is set for 2027. Coates said the county’s share of 9‑1‑1 revenue is declining because users increasingly purchase internet‑based services where the state, not the county, collects fees.

Commissioner Spitz asked whether the maximum might increase; Coates said he recommends an inflationary increase be considered in the next rewrite of state law. The committee voted to continue the fee at the existing level; the clerk recorded seven ayes and zero nays.

Coates said he has been asked to remain on a statewide rewrite committee after retirement to assist with legislation.