Pennsylvania Counties Seek 911 Surcharge Increase

County leaders are lobbying the General Assembly to raise phone bill fees to offset rising costs for emergency dispatch operations.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Planning

Isometric editorial illustration of geometric metallic conduits and pillars, representing the structural funding of emergency dispatch communication networks. — Pennsylvania county commissioners are lobbying the General Assembly for a 25-cent increase to the state's 911 phone surcharge to support emergency dispatch. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your state government increase phone surcharges to fully fund local 911 emergency centers?

The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania is pushing for a 25-cent increase to the state's 911 phone surcharge. The proposal aims to bridge a growing funding gap that currently forces counties to subsidize emergency dispatch services with millions in local taxpayer funds.

Why it matters

Rising operational costs, including aging technology transitions and personnel salary growth, have outpaced current revenue levels. Without this adjustment, counties may be forced to raise local property taxes to maintain 911 service standards.

In 2025, the 911 surcharge generated $385 million, yet counties were required to contribute an additional $112 million from local funds. Personnel costs have continued to climb by 3% annually alongside the transition to digital communication systems.

The players

County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania

This professional organization represents the state's county commissioners and advocates for policy changes at the Harrisburg statehouse.

Pennsylvania General Assembly

This state legislative body maintains the authority to regulate and modify the state's 911 fee structure.

The details

Commissioners highlighted the funding struggle during a recent public policy hearing held at the Berks County Services Center. They argue that the current surcharge has failed to keep pace with inflation and the increasingly high-stress requirements of the workforce.

1990: Legislation established the original 911 funding system.
2023: The General Assembly last authorized an increase to the surcharge.
2025: Counties provided $112 million in local funding for 911 services.
October 30, 2026: Commissioners convened a policy hearing in Berks County.
2027: The General Assembly is expected to consider the new fee request.

Market Dynamics

This proposal reflects a shift in the fiscal sustainability of Pennsylvania's 911 surcharge funding legislation. It highlights a departure from historical funding levels as counties increasingly struggle to manage the transition to modern digital communication systems.

Residents should anticipate that failure to secure this surcharge increase may lead to higher local property tax levies to cover municipal budget deficits. Conversely, an approved fee change will represent a minor monthly adjustment to individual household phone bills.

The takeaway

Maintaining 911 services is becoming increasingly expensive due to rapid technological upgrades and necessary competitive wages for emergency staff. Residents can monitor local council meetings for updates on how these infrastructure costs might influence future property tax rates.