Washoe County Considers Raising 911 Surcharge to Fund Technology Upgrades and Staffing

NEVADA – Washoe County is mulling over a proposal to increase the 911 surcharge to fund upgrades in technology and staffing. Regional Technology Services Manager, Quinn Korbulic, presented the plan to the public during a meeting held on Tuesday at the county complex on East Ninth Street.

According to Korbulic, the proposed plan will increase the monthly surcharge rate for cell phone users from 85 cents to one dollar per month, while trunk line users will be charged ten dollars per month. The current surcharge generates $5.8 million for the county, and this increase is expected to raise an additional one million dollars.

Korbulic explained that the Advisory Response Committee recommended the increase to fund several projects, including the upgrade of the computer response system. He also mentioned that if the surcharge is not approved, budget cuts will have to be made, and this will likely affect the body-worn camera programs used by Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County.

The proposal is set to go before the county commission on April 18th. If approved, the new rates could take effect on July 1.

Credits: KOLOTV