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Voters Approve 911 Tax for Cell Phones

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 December 2005, 21:00 CST

By Greg Elwell, The Daily Oklahoman, The Daily Oklahoman

Dec. 14--Positive results trickled in Tuesday as counties across the state decided the fate of an enhanced 911 for cell phones tax. Two counties gave it a resounding yes, with more than 90 percent of voters for the tax in Harmon County and about 80 percent saying "yes" in Beckham County.

Twenty-eight counties, including six in the Oklahoma City metro area, voted on the monthly tax to pay for the service. Cell phone users in counties that approve the tax will pay 50 cents per cell phone each month to fund the equipment, installation and use of the service, which directs 911 calls from cell phones to dispatchers and tells them the location where the call is originating.

Currently, cell phone calls to 911 can be misrouted, and without help from callers, it is impossible for dispatchers to direct emergency aid.

The service should be in place within 18 months in approving counties, but billing of the tax likely will begin within the next three months, said Jane Sutter, Intergovernmental Services director for the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments.

"The wireless companies have 90 days to get it into their billing systems," she said. "We expect it will be April or May before the money comes through to communities."

Those without cell phones won't pay the tax, and the service will not be available in counties that did not approve it, association Director Zach Taylor said.

Group opposed tax

The tax was fought by the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, whose members said they support the service, but not the means by which to pay for it.

"I don't believe that cities can't find the money to pay for this without asking for a new tax," Richard Prawdzienski, former Libertarian Party state chairman who ran for the state House of Representatives in 2004, said.Existing tax money should go toward these essential services rather than arts programs and services that don't fall under their jurisdiction, he said.

"Why doesn't Edmond take the money it spends on the trolleys no one rides to pay for this?" he said.

Taylor said enhanced 911 service for cell phones is too important to wait any longer.

Voters in Mayes, McIntosh, Stephens, Tillman, Atoka and Jackson counties have turned down the tax in recent years. After failing in 2002, the tax passed in Pawnee County in 2004. It also passed in Washita and Payne counties.

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Copyright (c) 2005, The Daily Oklahoman

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Source: The Daily Oklahoman

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