New Funding Source Considered for Kentucky 911 Center

A western Kentucky mayor is proposing a new way to fund the area’s emergency dispatch center.

The Gleaner reports that Henderson Mayor Steve Austin made a recommendation on Wednesday of placing a surcharge on water bills instead of phone bills.

He says the major problem with the current funding method is that the center receives $2.50 a month on landline phones and but only 40 cents on cellphones. He says many people are switching to cellphone service, which means the center is getting less money at a time when it needs upgrades.

Austin said putting a surcharge on water bills would mean more funding for the center and ensure everyone pays an equal share for service.