Kane County 9‑1‑1 chief says $1 surcharge hike would shore up NG9‑1‑1 operations

KANE COUNTY — Kane County’s 9‑1‑1 director urged the Judicial and Public Safety Committee on July 16 to support a modest surcharge increase on wireless bills to fund technology and staff needs for next‑generation 9‑1‑1.

Michelle Guthrie told the committee that call volumes and technology demands have increased and that the county’s emergency telecommunicator center needs sustained funding for equipment, training and staffing. She said the current per‑line surcharge is $1.50 for 9‑1‑1, that the community has asked Congress and the state for additional funding, and that the county has asked for an additional $1 per line — raising the effective local allocation toward $2.50.

"We did ask as a 9‑1‑1 community for just $1 more to increase that to $2.50," Guthrie said, adding that Chicago’s per‑line rate is $5 and that jurisdictions vary widely. Committee members said lobbyists and legislative sponsors have engaged with county staff and that the surcharge proposal looks promising for the veto session timeline, though exact timing for revenue flowing to the county depends on signature and effective dates.

Guthrie described ongoing hiring and testing for telecommunicators, noted overtime pressures and said Kingcom will continue seeking both state and local revenue sources. Committee members asked how much additional revenue would come directly to Kingcom if the surcharge passes; Guthrie said she would provide a precise estimate to the committee.

Members also discussed how to present the case to the full board and the public and asked for follow‑up numbers and timing once the legislation advances.

No vote was taken on the surcharge at the committee meeting; staff said they will provide requested revenue estimates and update the committee when the legislation advances.