Proposal for dispatch funding getting attention

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Associated Press

Story Created: Wed Aug 1, 2012 11:11 AM

Story Updated: Wed Aug 1, 2012 11:11 AM

COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) - A proposal to fund emergency dispatch service in northern Kentucky by putting a fee on electric bills is getting attention across the state.
   
Shellie Hampton, director of governmental relations for the Kentucky Association of Counties, told The Kentucky Enquirer that the organization is closely watching the debate because all of its members are dealing with a decrease in funding for 911 services.
   
The Kenton County Fiscal Court deadlocked on the measure last week, but Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus says he'll likely recommend that magistrates reconsider the ordinance at their Aug. 14 meeting.
   
Attorneys for Duke Energy are fighting the proposal, saying the county doesn't have the authority to impose the fee.
   
Dispatch services are funded mainly through fees on landlines, which have been steadily decreasing.

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