But if that happens, there would be a substantial loss for all 67 county 911 emergency centers. A loss of some $300 million collected by the surcharge on our bills would disappear, the that $300 million hole would have to be filled by the counties, and guess where that money will come from? Yes, more tax increases for all 67 counties. Gov. Shapiro has proposed an increase in the surcharge, which would be a lot less than any increase in property taxes to keep 911 emergency systems working. The initial tax on cellphone bills has not increased since 2015, which has not kept up with the rising costs of these centers. County commissioners across Pennsylvania are urging the legislature to act now, before the surcharge expires at the end of January.
