On Thursday, May 4, the Clay County Auditor’s Office released an audit on proportionate contributions for the metropolitan 911 first responder system. The Auditor’s Office found shortages in funding for increasing 911 costs for landlines.

Voters approved a 2% fee in 1982, but the County supplements the gap with about $1 million every year. It makes up this shortfall with money from general revenue. Revenue the Auditor’s office says could go to other needs.

“This transfer from the General Fund in turn creates a tradeoff for funding other priorities in the County; such as law enforcement, highways, and parks,” states the Auditor’s press release.

The Auditor’s Office reviewed and proposed two options to help the Emergency Communications Fund’s status. One option is to apply a sales tax for centralized dispatch. Another option is to implement a subscriber fee of up to $1 per month on all mobile devices capable of calling 911. Either option requires voter approval.

At this time, it is not known what the County will do as a next step. The full report can be found on the County Auditor’s website.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story