4,986 Residents Choose Flat 911 Fee

After the city of Ventura (S. Calif.) passed a month $1.49 911 surcharge fee, they immediately received 4,986 requests to opt out of the fee and instead pay $17.88 per-call when they dial 911. City officials say they are still receiving opt-out requests, both from an on-line form and printed requests that were mailed in. So far, however, the opt-out requests cover only about 3% of the city’s total phone lines. Ventura is the first city in southern California to impose a 911 surcharge, and will begin collecting it in May. Ironically, the city has enough money to fund their comm center operation, but intends to use the surcharge funds to free up other money to increase police and fire department staffing. Read a Q&A about the fee here.