CAMBRIDGE, Md. - Dorchester County residents may soon see their 911 emergency service fee more than double as county leaders consider another increase.
The fee, previously set at $1.50 per phone line, was raised to $2 last month. Now, officials are discussing a potential hike to $4.25 to help cover costs for the county’s emergency services. This includes landlines and cell phones.
At first, the proposed increase drew strong reactions from residents.
"Nobody wants to see anything go up right now, especially in this economy. So I'm not too happy with the going up," said Shara Smith, a Cambridge resident.
"I think it's ridiculous. I think they should come up with some sort of solution," said Lester Sessoms, another Cambridge resident.
"The state of things the way they are now, any increase in any money? You know, it seems to be a little scary. I have to pay more on anything right now," said Troy Tyler, also of Cambridge.
Dorchester County Councilmember Mike Detmer said the county is facing a budget shortfall and that the increase would help fund the 911 center, which operates with a nearly $2 million budget.
"We would have had a balanced budget this year. But unfortunately, again, due to those things being forced down from the state, we're going to have to look for money in other places. The fee, if it goes through, is going to go to fund the 911 center, which currently is just under $2 million. And so it would be less than that, but it would fund the majority of it," Detmer said.
After learning more about the reasoning behind the increase, some residents reconsidered their stance.
"I can handle $2 more," said Tyler.
"I'm still 50-50. We need the 911 call center. Yes, I understand we need to keep that. But I also understand I need funding as well," said Smith.
Residents now face a balancing act between ensuring emergency services remain funded and managing their personal finances. The Dorchester County Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed fee increase on April 15.