COMANCHE CO., Okla_ Comanche County residents will continue to pay a 3%
tax for their 911 services.
Monday, the
Comanche County Commissioners voted to keep the tax going for another three
years. Eastern District Commissioner Gail Turner says it costs the county a
little over $440,000 per year to keep the service going.
He said last
year, the 3% tax generated over $80,000 to help offset the cost. He said the
tax is a necessity.
"911 costs
‘X' amount of dollars," Turner said. "So, whatever money isn't generated by
this tariff has to be put up by the county general fund to offset the cost of
running 911 for the safety of the people."
Turner said the
tax is based on resident's landlines, and there is a 50 cent monthly tax on
cell phones, as well. He said that's needed because landline usage has
decreased over the years. Many residents rely primarily on cell phones.
The county pays
20% of the portion to keep the 911 service going. The City of Lawton pays 80%.
