NCJ Number
70039
Date Published
1980
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The report explores alternatives for financing capital installation and recurring costs of the 911 system in Maricopa County, Ariz., and recommends the use of the Mountain States Bell overcharge fund.
Abstract
The Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council has recommended implementation of a 911 emergency telephone number system with electronic selective routing and automatic number and automatic location identification features. The estimated installation cost of the call delivery network is $1,307,220. The estimated recurring cost of the system recommended is $1,189,500, assuming an average annual tariff increase of 3 percent for network costs and 5 percent for public safety answering point (PSAP) equipment costs. Financing alternatives which were studied include Federal Government grants, ad valorem property tax, bonds, requiring the telephone company to add 911 installation costs to its investment base, and use of the Mountain States Bell overcharge fund. For recurring costs, studies were made of county property tax levy, user community fees, and excise tax on telecommunications, and recovery of costs from the charge for basic telephone service. The committee continues to recommend the use of the Overcharge Fund's residual. If this cannot be achieved, the capital cost of installation should be added to Mountain Bell's investment base. Recurring costs should be financed through the rate structure for basic and business telephone service. The contracting agent will continue to be responsible for contracting for the system, system acceptance, collecting funds for prorated or special service costs not covered by outside financing and coordination of review and implementation of proposed changes. Two appendixes present the 911 system cost estimates and PSAP cost estimates.