Delaware County to vote on 911 levy

Delaware County residents will decide on Nov. 3 whether to pay slightly more in property taxes for 911 service and emergency communication upgrades.

County commissioners approved on Monday a levy that would renew the existing 0.63-mill levy and add 0.05 mill for a total 0.68 mills. The 0.05-mill increase would add $1.75 in additional property tax per $100,000 of property value annually, bringing the new annual total to $19.38.

The current levy, which costs taxpayers $17.63 per $100,000, expires at the end of 2021. The new levy would begin collecting in 2022 and generate $4.5 million annually, according to the Delaware County Auditor’s office.

The 911 board, comprised of law enforcement and public officials, had considered other financing options to mantain service levels, said Patrick Brandt, director of Delaware County’s Emergency Communications Department. “This modest increase allows us to replace equipment as needed, but also accounts for a softer economy due to COVID-19.”

Commissioner Gary Merrell, who also serves on the 911 board, praised the professionalism and management of the emergency service, which he called “best in the state.”

Last year, the county’s 911 call center processed 40,794 emergency calls and 65,956 administrative calls. There were 3,151 alarm calls which were handled electronically, and 58 were texts to 911.

The center also runs the communications system for first responders in Delaware County and maintains their radio equipment. Last year, the radio system processed 6,659,414 “request to communicate” interactions from first responders. dnarciso@dispatch.com @Deannarcso