Clay County to Vote on 911 Funding Change

Clay County to Vote on 911 Funding Change

September 10, 2023 – The upcoming November 7, 2023, election in Clay County, Missouri, holds a significant decision for residents regarding the funding of 911 services and its implications for the city of Excelsior Springs.

A Glimpse into 911 History in Excelsior Springs

In 1983, Excelsior Springs introduced 911 emergency services. However, due to its location outside the metropolitan calling exchange, it was excluded from Clay County’s 911 system. This meant residents had to make long-distance calls to Liberty when dialing 911. Excelsior Springs covered the cost of this service without a dedicated fee until 1998, with some initial financial assistance from the county. In 1998, Excelsior Springs residents voted in favor of implementing a local 911 fee specifically for landline phones, authorized by state statute authority, 190.300-190.320. Over time, the revenue generated from landline fees began to decline due to the growing popularity of cell phones. In recent years, the revenue has fallen short of covering Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) expenses, leading to an annual deficit of approximately $20,000. Notably, while Clay County covers 911 costs for all entities within the county, except Excelsior Springs, it still contributes about one-third of the city’s 911 expenses.

The Upcoming Decision on 911 Funding

On November 7, 2023, Clay County voters will decide whether to introduce a new $1 monthly fee on wireless devices capable of making 911 calls. This fee aims to provide stable funding for the regional 911 system.

For many years, 911 funding relied heavily on taxes imposed on landline phones. However, as landline usage steadily declined, Clay County had to allocate funds from various sources to cover the rising costs of maintaining the 911 system. This year, the county is projected to spend over $1.1 million for its share of the regional emergency communications system, managed by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). Nevertheless, revenue generated from landline taxes will only contribute around $218,000, and an additional $40,000 comes from state assistance. This results in a substantial deficit of approximately $850,000, which county leaders anticipate will increase annually.

To address this funding gap, the County Commission has approved a ballot question for the November 7 election, seeking approval from voters to introduce a $1 monthly fee on wireless devices capable of making 911 calls. This fee will appear on monthly phone bills and is designed to cover current 911 system costs while also enabling the implementation of next-generation 911 features.

Anticipated enhancements include improved software for precise location tracking of 911 callers, the ability to send videos and images to dispatch centers, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and more. In 2022, a staggering 80% of all 911 calls in Clay County originated from wireless devices, with an additional 9% coming from Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, using broadband internet. Surprisingly, neither of these device types currently incurs a fee or tax for 911 services, despite constituting the majority of 911 calls. If the proposed wireless fee is approved, the existing surcharge on landlines will be discontinued.

The regional 911 service in the Kansas City area serves 11 counties, with each county’s costs proportionate to its population share. Clay County represents 11.4% of this population and continues to experience growth. Since the 1993 law authorizing landline fees for 911 funding, Clay County’s population has increased by 65%, exceeding 100,000 people. In contrast, the number of landlines in the county has remained relatively stable since 2006.

The November 7 vote will shape the funding structure for 911 services and the future of emergency response capabilities in Clay County. Excelsior Springs, as an integral part of this community, stands to benefit from improved access to emergency services and advanced features if the proposed wireless fee receives voter approval. In anticipation of the upcoming vote, the Excelsior Springs City Council approved an ordinance at their August 28, 2023, meeting, which will terminate the local 911 tax if voters approve a device fee. Citizens are encouraged to participate in this critical decision that impacts the safety and well-being of the entire region.