State's Financial Difficulties About to Impact 911

The prolonged budget debate in Springfield could soon affect 911 systems across the state.

The Effingham County 911 Board Monday heard that as of September 1, 911 systems will not get their checks for wireless charges incurred across the state, since thsoe are generated and monitored statewide. System Administrator Jodi Moomaw said Effingham County and other counties will still get the fees incurred on landlines since those are locally generated.

Looking longterm, though, that could even change. As of January 1, 2016, a new statewide 911 network is to be in place, meaning that all fees will be collected and distributed by the State.

The 911 Board heard from a representative of Pals Electric, who has made an offer to maintain the generators designed to keep 911 in operation in the event of a power failure. The representative indicated that when they tried to fire up the generator to run a test, it wouldn't start. That led Effingham County Sheriff Dave Mahon to suggest the maintenance agreement for the city and county 911 generators. Exact costs weren't available, so the matter will be revisited next month.

Moomaw reported that work to install new consoles in the 911 dispatching centers is moving ahead. Work has been concentrated on the city dispatching point, but will now shift to the county center. It's hoped the work will be completed at both dispatching points in September.