COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County 911 Communications Board decided on Wednesday to seek ARPA money from County Commissioners after it was recently found there was a shortfall of funds from a voter approved phone surcharge for upgrades to the 911 system.
It was learned last month the surcharge is not bringing in enough money to pay off 2021 bonds. Branch County 911 Director Bob Swick says not everyone in Branch County is paying the surcharge.
Sheriff John Pollack felt the situation can be dealt with.
After further discussion, the 911 Board voted to pursue up to $1 million in ARPA funds through the County Commissioners. Board Chair and Coldwater City Manager Keith Baker went over the motion with the board.
Swick reported last month the shortfall over the last couple of years was just short of $2 million as the county had collected just over $1-point-5 million from the surcharges.
The monthly surcharge of up to $2.52 per phone device was scheduled to raise about $2-point-4 million annually and after starting in July of 2021, it would go no longer than six years.
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