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(Des Moines, IA) -- The legislature passed a new bill that would allow the state to charge 911 call centers every month. But police, sheriffs, and emergency managers say it's not clear how much, or what it's for.
"They already take a large percentage, and they are going to take whatever they need. They did not put a cap on it, they did not put any rules on it—they can take what they feel is reasonable costs," said Polk County Sheriff Kevin Schneider.
Law enforcement and emergency management workers held a press conference Monday, May 19, to express their concerns about the legislation.
Schneider says the unknown additional charges will affect 911 budgets around the state. Many others expressed concerns about how the fees could harm local emergency response teams and strain local budgets.
"Senate File 659 raises significant concerns about the future funding and financial stability of Iowa’s joint 911 service boards," said Keith Davis, Linn County Sheriff and President of the Iowa Sheriffs and Deputies Association.
Senate File 659 is a broad appropriations bill that covers other funding issues such as school board adjustments and medical residency funding. The bill has been passed by the legislature but has not yet been signed by Governor Reynolds.