Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the creation of the Central Texas Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District.
Summary
DATE: September 7, 2021
FROM: Kent Cagle, City Manager
SUBJECT: Regional 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The CTCOG Board of Directors is comprised of elected and appointed officials from entities served by the CTCOG 9-1-1 program. Citizens and businesses are charged 50 cents on their phone bills to pay for 9-1-1 services. The money is remitted to and held by the state until the legislature appropriates all or part of the funds collected to the Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC). CSEC then allocates these funds to Councils of Governments. The Legislature does not always appropriate all funds collected. Some of the funds are retained to show a balanced state budget.
In the legislative session, the Health and Safety Code was amended to permit Councils of Governments/Regional Planning Commissions to establish Regional Emergency Communications Districts (ECD). The creation of an ECD would remit the 50 cents collected in their entirety to this district.
The major benefit to the creation of an ECD would be the ability to adopt a long-range strategic plan outlining future capital improvements and replacements for the dispatch centers based on a known and reliable stream of revenue.
Another benefit would be the local control of our district. Policy and budgetary matters would be decided by a Board of Directors consisting of local elected officials.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Authorize the creation of a Regional Emergency Communications District to allow monies collected for 9-1-1 services to be remitted in their entirety to the district.
2. Deny the request to create the Regional Emergency Communications District and allow partial funds to remain with the state.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Creating a Regional Emergency Communications District is recommended to allow all monies collected to be remitted to the district.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
Conforms to city policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends authorizing the creation of a Regional Emergency Communications District to allow monies collected for 9-1-1 services to be remitted in their entirety to the district.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
CTCOG Letter
Resolution