According to The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, 911 centers will soon receive increased funding, which officials hope will address some of the issues these centers face nationwide.
The Shapiro Administration has announced that funding for the Commonwealth is expected to meet or exceed the projections set for April 1st to March 31st. Thanks to Act 34, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in 2023, funding for 911 centers is on track to reach or surpass the $370 million projection by March 2025.
As of March 1st this year, the monthly phone surcharge for 911 services increased from $1.65 to $1.95. “The 911 fee is a primary funding source for our 911 system,” said Jeff Boyle, Executive Deputy Director for PEMA. “The fee increase is expected to generate about $370 million annually, covering 70% of a county's cost to provide 911 services.”
Boyle emphasized that the 911 fee covers personnel costs and technology to support daily 911 operations. “This fee increase will help alleviate some of the burden on counties' general funds,” he added.
The second quarter of this year was projected to generate $92.5 million in revenue but surpassed expectations with $97.1 million, marking a significant success.
“We're transitioning from an analog 911 system to a digital one,” Boyle explained. “Next-generation 911 will enable functionalities like text, video, and social media integration, which are currently incompatible with today’s 911 system. This fee increase supports that transition.”
At the Luzerne County 911 center in Hanover Township, the phrase “Heroes behind the headsets” is a guiding principle. Staffing levels are improving, and while the center has not yet received the funds, an influx is expected this funding quarter.
“That’s going to go towards salaries and help cover rising costs like electricity and water,” said William Ives, Deputy Director at Luzerne County 911 Center. “It will help us maintain and potentially improve our services, keeping us afloat.”
The Luzerne County 911 center plans to start a new training class for applicants in September.
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