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PI board sets 911 surcharge increase rate

ROGERS CITY — The Presque Isle County 911 surcharge increase rate was set by the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners.

“It was approved by the voters last fall,” Clerk Anne Marie Main said. “One thing necessary for the change, because it’s a voter approval change increase, is a resolution. I got the language from the state 911 and another country that did it.”

The increase changes from 42 cents to $2. It will take into effect in July. The State of Michigan approved a 911 Service Act in 2008 to help support emergency services. The act allows counties to create a county-based 911 surcharge on all communications service providers that can access 911.

Main said the voters approved the increase to go up to $2.

“We didn’t actually establish it … we can establish at whatever rate we wish, not to exceed $2,” Chairman Carl Altman said.

The language of the resolution reads: “The citizens of Presque Isle County during an election on Aug. 2, 2016, approved the surcharge to be up to $2 and the Board of Commissioners by resolution established the monthly rate at $2 which remains in effect until changed by resolution and or law.”

The commissioners approved the change of language in the resolution to omit the word “up” from “up to $2.”

Vice Chair Bob Schell, said he would like to see the rate lowered in a couple of years once new equipment is paid for.

“I think it’s necessary at this time to put the full charge, because of the over one million spent on 911 (equipment),” Schell said.

Jordan Spence can be reached via email at jspence@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.

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