KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — The campaign to convince voters to approve a new phone surcharge to fund 9-1-1 consolidation in Kalamazoo County has been launched. The vote will be May 2nd.
The proposal is to increase the current surcharge from 43 cents to $2.30 on each phone line a person uses. They feel that is the fairest way to pay for the upgrades because it’s a user fee.
Consolidated Dispatch Director Jeff Troyer says citizens will get a system that provides faster response times to emergencies and will save money in the long run.
Troyer plans to visit a number of local governmental meetings to explain the proposal.A separate campaign committee has been formed that will be promoting a “yes” vote.
Troyer says Kalamazoo is one of only a handful of Michigan Counties that have not consolidated 9-1-1 and most pay for it with a surcharge.
