KALAMAZOO (WKZO) — Beginning with the start of the new month, anyone in Kalamazoo County with a phone number that can be used to dial 9-1-1 will have a 42-cent surcharge added to their monthly bill.
The revenue the surcharge generates will be used to help fund start up efforts for a consolidated and enhanced dispatch system in Kalamazoo County.
Undersheriff Pauli Matyas says a consolidated dispatch will save lives and save money.
42-cents was the most the County could impose by law. If they need more money to actually operate the new facility, it would take a vote to raise the surcharge any farther.
Several area counties already fund their 9-1-1 dispatch operations this way.
