The Erie County Legislature voted unanimously in favor of a resolution pushing New York State to keep funds generated by 911 fees in Erie County and other local municipalities.

New York State collects a $1.20 surcharge per month for cell phone usage, which is intended to provide funding to local municipalities to upgrade 911 systems. However, of the $190 million collected annually by New York State, less than $10 million was shared with local governments.  The FCC found that Governor Cuomo diverted approximately 41% of fees that are collected from consumers on their phone bills to the state’s General Fund.

“By not using these funds to support our first responders, New York State is putting public safety at risk,” said Legislator Ed Rath. “When you place a 911 call, every second counts. We need to make sure dispatchers have the most up-to-date technology to communicate and respond quickly. I am pleased to have the support of my colleagues in pressuring New York State to push this critical funding back to the counties where it belongs.”

The full resolution can be viewed here.