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AUTHORIZING THE KANE COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN THE STATEWIDE 9-1-1 SURCHARGE
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WHEREAS, the current statewide 9-1-1 surcharge in the State of Illinois no longer meets the growing demands of today's emergency communications systems; and
WHEREAS, since its last adjustment in 2017, the costs of technology, training, staffing, cybersecurity, and daily operations have continued to rise due to inflation, placing significant financial pressure on local governments and 9-1-1 centers across Illinois; and
WHEREAS, as the real value of the surcharge has declined, the resulting funding shortfall is increasingly absorbed by local municipal and county budgets; and
WHEREAS, expectations for 9-1-1 services continue to expand, including implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems, enhanced cybersecurity protections, and improved interoperability among public safety agencies as well as increased cost for hiring, training and retention for 9-1-1 Telecommunicators; and
WHEREAS, without a sustainable funding increase, 9-1-1 centers across Illinois will face increased difficulty maintaining reliable, resilient, and technologically advanced emergency response services for the public; and
WHEREAS, legislation pending before the Illinois General Assembly, including Illinois House Bill 4066 and Senate Bill 2670, proposes to increase the statewide monthly 9-1-1 surcharge by $1.00, raising it from $1.50 to $2.50; and
WHEREAS, raising the statewide surcharge to $2.50 is consistent with the base 9-1-1 surcharge rate currently in place in the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, a surcharge increase to $2.50 will provide essential funding for technological advancements, including NG9-1-1 systems; support recruitment, retention, and training of highly skilled 9-1-1 telecommunicators, sustain 24/7 operations to ensure rapid and effective emergency respon...
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