NETN agencies voice concern over 911 surcharge veto

Governor Bill Lee vetoed legislation late last week, the Senate Joint Resolution 48, which would have raised the 911 surcharge. A 911 surcharge is a monthly fee added to phone bills to help fund local emergency communications and many NETN agencies say it’s a necessity. That extra money would have helped to hire new employees, and upgrade aging and dated equipment. Some officials say this may lead to a property tax increase for residents and could also make for increased call times. The Governors office said in it’s reasoning for the veto, that the substantial reserves of the TN Emergency Communications fund does not warrant an increase at this time.