911 phone surcharge on track to meet revenue expectations

(The Center Square) — The tax increase on cell phones to support Pennsylvania’s 911 system is on track to hit its expected revenues. 

The tax, passed in 2023 to raise the monthly surcharge from $1.65 to $1.95, brought in more than $97 million in the second quarter of 2024, a $5 million haul above initial estimates. The money supports 61 911 call centers across the commonwealth.

“The dedicated staff who answer the call 24 hours a day are the backbone of the public safety network in Pennsylvania,” PEMA Director Randy Padfield said in a press release. “This revenue increase affirms the Shapiro Administration commitment to supporting their long-term, sustainable growth as we continue to build out cutting-edge Next Generation 911 technology.”

By March 2025, officials expect the surcharge to bring in $370 million for call center operations. Without the surcharge, the funding burden would fall on county property taxes. And vacancy rates at some centers have exceeded 20%.

The 911 system has been going through an upgrade for next generation 911, which allows text-to-911 communications along with better caller location data.

“Both the callers who need assistance and the first responders who will provide the help they need are benefiting from this funding,” PEMA Deputy Director for 911 Greg Kline said. “It is our mission to make sure they have the best information, tools, and resources they need to do their jobs to keep residents and visitors safe across Pennsylvania.”

PEMA noted that many counties still face staffing shortages and are hiring; the state has 2,500 telecommunicators who answer more than 15 million calls annually.