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Calhoun County 911 district warns of large budget gap as NextGen upgrades arrive
Summary
The county's emergency communications district told commissioners NextGen 911 technology and cybersecurity needs are driving a structural budget gap; the district recommended considering fee increases and legislative advocacy for sustained funding.
A representative of the Emergency Communications District (S1) presented a technology and budget briefing that warned of an upcoming structural gap between projected revenue and operating costs as NextGen 911 and cybersecurity needs advance.
"Our revenue is only going to be $219,373; expenses $537,618.63," the presenter said, noting the district planned to use about $318,245.63 from capital reserves to cover the difference in the near term. The presenter added the district expects an SBA grant draw in 2026 but that recurring operating funding is insufficient under current fee levels.
The presenter also outlined technology investments previously made (recording systems, CAD upgrades, text‑to‑911, RapidSOS integrations) and said the district needs an additional managed cybersecurity service estimated at about $60,000 annually. Commissioners and staff discussed options, including raising per‑device fees (currently 50¢ since 1997) and lobbying state legislators for a change to fee formulas that recognize tourist loads and modern device usage.
