Hawkins County Emergency Communications to begin charging cities fees

Hawkins County Emergency Communication has answered emergency calls and dispatched responders for the county for ears, But Director Lynn Campbell says they are running out of money. Campbell said “the reserve fund is being used for salaries, wages and benefits.” The organization relies on 911 surcharges collected on phone bills by the state. Campbell says for their department, what they receive is not enough. So, they’re tapping into reserve funds. He proposed an ordinance that will require cities utilizing Hawkins County 911 to pay a fee based on their population size. The resolution passed by a 7-1 vote and the new ordinance will go into effect on July 1.