WINNEMUCCA — Sheriff Ed Kilgore was before the Humboldt County Commissioners once again to discuss the 911 surcharge ordinance he first proposed in October. Kilgore addressed the commissioners at their regular meeting on Monday (Dec. 19).

A 911 surcharge of $.25/month per landline and cell phone would offset some of the cost of contracting for Enhanced 911, which gives dispatchers additional information on each 911 call – to include the address of the call.

Currently the sheriff’s office is billed 1800/month for 911 services through AT&T; E911 would cost $8,550/month.

The county is limited to $.25/month for the 911 surcharge.  With an estimated 6,200 landlines and 4,600 cell phones the sheriff estimates the revenue raised as a result of the surcharge would be about $2,700/month.  However, the exact number of cell phones is unknown.  If there are more cell phones than estimated the revenue raised may be higher; though, it’s unlikely the surcharge will cover the entirety of the E911 bill.

Kilgore will be working with the Humboldt County DA’s Office to create a draft ordinance. Public hearings will be held before an ordinance is passed.

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Sheriff before county commission on enhanced 911