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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 03-078 RESOLUTION NO. 03-078 WHEREAS, the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC)was charged with developing and implementing a regional 9-1-1 system in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties; and, WHEREAS, SETRPC has administered and maintained the regional 9-1-1 system since beginning service in 1992; and, WHEREAS,the SETRPC regional 9-1-1 system operates under Chapter 771 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, which authorized the Commission on State Emergency Communications(CSEC)to establish a funding structure forthe operation of regional 9-1-1 systems; and, WHEREAS, the funding structure places a monthly service fee of $0.50 per telephone access line and an equalization surcharge applied against intrastate long distance calls on citizens telephone bills; and, WHEREAS, in 1997 the legislature authorized the Commission to impose a $0.50 monthly fee on each wireless phone line; and, WHEREAS, officials and residents in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties had the understanding that the funds generated from the $0.50 monthly service fee were intended for 9-1-1 services only; and, WHEREAS, officials and residents in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties had the understanding that funds generated from the $0.50 monthly service fee would be returned to SETRPC for administration of the regional 9-1-1 system; and, WHEREAS, SETRPC is not receiving full reimbursement of funding for regional 9-1-1 services, portions of service fee funds are being held in a dedicated fund by the State, and service demands continue to increase; and, WHEREAS, 9-1-1 plays a crucial role in public safety as it provides citizens with a vital link to emergency assistance during any man-made or natural disaster; and, WHEREAS, the City of Beaumont does not desire to see its citizens suffer from diminished 9-1-1 service or the lack of new technologies necessary for the protection of its citizens; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT: THAT the City Council agrees to: 1. Work with legislative representatives in support of protecting all funds generated for 9-1-1 service; and, 2. Promote the full return of funding generated from 9-1-1 service fees to the region; and, 3. Support SETRPC and CSEC in funding requests for FY 2004/2005 for planning, capital equipment improvements, wireless location technologies, development, provision and enhancement of 9-1-1 services. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the 15th day of April, 2003. A - Mayor Evelyn M. Lord -