JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – During the November 6th General Election, Stutsman County voters narrowly approved an increase in the 911 fee that would go on to support the upkeep and maintenance of all emergency system equipment for the county.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist told NewsDakota in October that today, more people have moved away from using landlines and use cell phones instead, which has cut into the revenues. He stated they now only receive around $234,397 to upkeep services, which means they are relying more on general funding.

It currently costs approximately $650,000 to operate the Stutsman County Communications Center.

During the county commission meeting on Tuesday, Bergquist pointed out that it was now up to the commission to set the new fee.

Bergquist recommended the $1.50 fee as that was the one that has been advertised on the ballot. The official canvassed vote for the measure was 4,855 yes, 4,480 no.

Bergquist says the upkeep used to be a 50/50 split between general funding and the fee, but since landline use has decreased, the split has become more substantial and the service has relied more on general funding.

Bergquist says the increase would add approximately $130,000 in revenue to assist the entire operation. He says the increase will also lighten the burden on property tax payers in the county.

Once the resolution is finalized, residents in Stutsman County will experience a $1.50 fee on both landlines and cell phone plans.