Dorchester County Government hosts public hearing on increased emergency 911 fee tonight

DORCHESTER COUNTY, Md. – The Dorchester County Government could be implementing a new fee for county residents. It would be an increase to the emergency 911 fee. Changing costs from $2 to $4 and 25 cents monthly.

The fee would cover operational costs for the 911 operations dispatch center. Council members proposed the idea to help meet the rising costs amid Maryland’s budget crisis.

Council President Lenny Pfeffer believes this move makes the most sense. “We realized we need to raise extra revenue after the major push downs from the general assembly and the Governor’s budgets.”

If passed, the bill would go into effect in 60 days on June 14th.

Pfeffer encourages community residents to take interest in the public hearing tonight.

“We hope the public gives their opinions on this. If they find other ways to raise revenue to help cover the costs pushed down on us by the state.
We certainly want to hear what they have to say.”

The public hearing is set for the County Government Building at 6 p.m. in room 110, located at 501 Court Lane in Cambridge.